What is the Short Katana Called? Understanding Wakizashi and Kodachi

The Mystery Behind the “Short Katana”

When people think of samurai, they often envision the iconic katana — a long, curved blade symbolizing honor, skill, and deadly precision. But there’s another lesser-known yet equally significant sword that accompanied the katana: the short katana, better known as the wakizashi or sometimes the kodachi.

These shorter blades were not just backups — they were status symbols, practical sidearms, and tools of survival for samurai, shinobi, and even modern martial artists. In this article, we’ll uncover the real names and uses of these blades, and clarify the often-confused terms wakizashi and kodachi.

What is the Short Katana Called?

The proper term for a short katana is wakizashi — a traditional Japanese sword with a blade length typically between 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm). However, there is also the kodachi, which often causes confusion due to its similar appearance and size.

Both the wakizashi and kodachi are often described as “short Japanese swords,” but they serve different purposes and have distinct origins.

Wakizashi: The Samurai’s Companion Sword

What is a Wakizashi?

The wakizashi (脇差), meaning “side-inserted sword,” was a short sword carried by samurai alongside the katana. This combination of long and short sword is known as a daisho pairing — “dai” meaning long, “sho” meaning short.

Wakizashi were usually custom-made to match the katana in aesthetics and theme, though not always crafted by the same swordsmith.

Blade Length and Design

Typical length: 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)
Curvature: Slightly curved, like a katana
Mounting: Similar to katana in design and materials

Function and Use

While the katana was used for open battle, the wakizashi had several functions:

• Indoor fighting where a full-length katana would be too cumbersome
  
  
• Backup weapon in case the primary blade was lost or broken
  
  
• Ritual suicide (seppuku) — wakizashi were often used in the ceremony of honorable death
  
  
• Guarding the sword bearer during sleep or surprise attacks
  
  
• Status symbol — merchants and other classes could carry a wakizashi, even if not allowed a katana
  
  

Cultural Significance

The wakizashi wasn’t just a tool — it was part of a samurai’s soul. Even when entering buildings where katana had to be left at the door, samurai would keep their wakizashi with them, signaling trust, vigilance, and honor.

Kodachi: The “Short Tachi”

What is a Kodachi?

The kodachi (小太刀), literally meaning “small tachi,” is often confused with the wakizashi, but it's a different weapon entirely. The tachi was a sword that predated the katana, worn edge-down and often used on horseback.

The kodachi follows that same tradition but is much shorter in length, typically around 60 cm or less, like the wakizashi.

Key Differences from Wakizashi

Uses of Kodachi

• Used by younger or lower-ranked warriors
  
  
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  
  
• Sometimes wielded by shinobi for stealth operations
  
  
• Less common in battlefields, but still held ceremonial value
  
  

Wakizashi vs. Kodachi: Which One is the “True” Short Katana?

So what’s the verdict? If you’re asking “what is the short katana called?”, the answer is almost always wakizashi.

The wakizashi was:

• Worn with the katana (as part of the daisho)
  
  
• Custom-made to complement the longer blade
  
  
• Widely used by samurai across centuries
  
  

The kodachi, while technically a short sword, was not typically used in the same context as a katana and lacked the cultural pairing that defined the daisho.

Conclusion: If you're referring to a secondary, shorter blade worn by a samurai, wakizashi is the accurate and historically grounded term.

Modern Influence of the Wakizashi and Kodachi

In Martial Arts

Many Japanese martial arts today, like Iaido, Kenjutsu, and Kendo, incorporate techniques for both long and short swords. The wakizashi, in particular, is favored for its versatility and speed in close quarters.

In Anime and Pop Culture

The short katana is often seen in anime, manga, and video games. Characters wielding dual swords or a katana-wakizashi combo are inspired by the samurai’s daisho style. Some examples include:

• Roronoa Zoro (One Piece): Known for his three-sword style
  
  
• Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin): Uses a reversed-blade katana, but often uses short swords in close combat
  
  
• Aoi Todo (Jujutsu Kaisen): Wields close-combat cursed tools similar in scale to wakizashi
  
  

Collectors and Historical Enthusiasts

Sword collectors often seek wakizashi blades for their:

• Craftsmanship
  
  
• Historical connection to the samurai era
  
  
• Artistic value in matching katana sets
  
  

Genuine Edo-period wakizashi blades can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the condition, signature (mei), and provenance.

Daisho: The Art of Dual Sword Mastery

To fully appreciate the wakizashi, one must understand the daisho tradition. Samurai who practiced Niten Ichi-ryu, like the legendary Miyamoto Musashi, became masters of using both the katana and wakizashi simultaneously.

This technique allowed:

• Off-hand parries and counters
  
  
• Adaptation to different fighting ranges
  
  
• A deadly balance of offense and defense
  
  

Today, the daisho remains one of the most recognizable and iconic symbols of samurai combat.

Final Thoughts: Why the Short Katana Matters

The short katana — better known as the wakizashi — is more than just a smaller sword. It represents honor, adaptability, and the complexity of samurai culture. Whether compared to the kodachi or the full-length katana, the wakizashi stands on its own as a blade with purpose and pride.

If you’ve ever seen a samurai drawing a short blade from their hip or wondered about the purpose of the second sword in a daisho set, now you know: that’s the wakizashi — the true short katana of feudal Japan.