What does katana mean it means Japanese sword?

Pronounced [katana], the kun’yomi (Japanese reading) of the kanji 刀, originally meaning single edged blade (of any length) in Chinese, the word has been adopted as a loanword by the Portuguese. In Portuguese the designation (spelled catana) means “large knife” or machete.

Why are katanas illegal in Japan?

But the famous Japanese swords have actually been banned in public since 1876, when the Meiji restoration abolished the warrior class. Even today, katanas are covered by the Swords and Firearms Possession Control Law, which forbids carrying them out in the open.

What is so special about katanas?

Katana is easily the most famous Samurai sword. In fact, many refer to Katana as a “Samurai Sword”. It is characterized by its distinctive appearance—a curved, single-edged blade with a long grip to accommodate two hands. Though there is no fixed size for a Katana, most of them have a length between 60 cm to 80 cm.

How does the samurai sword represent Japanese identity?

Early samurai warriors carried swords of different lengths. Warriors became very attached to their swords, often bestowing them with names as a sign of respect. Swords came to be known as the soul of the warrior and were treated with the same respect.

Is it illegal to have a katana?

Owning a katana is illegal for the ordinary Japanese citizen. Fact: Ordinary citizens in Japan have the right to own Japanese-made blades that are registered with the Nihon Token Kai (Japanese Sword Association). These swords must exhibit historical or cultural significance.

Are katanas legal in US?

North America (USA and Canada) Legally Katana are lumped in the same category as knives and governed by state rather than federal laws, though as with knives, a collector must be over 18 years old OR have their parents implicit permission to buy or own a Katana.

Is it legal to own katana in Japan?

Owning a katana is illegal for the ordinary Japanese citizen. Fact: Ordinary citizens in Japan have the right to own Japanese-made blades that are registered with the Nihon Token Kai (Japanese Sword Association). In Japan, sword smiths are allowed to produce only two swords a month as cultural artifacts.

Why did samurai use katanas?

Their main weapon, the katana, was thought to be an extension of their soul. The katana was such a crucial part of a samurai’s life that when a young warrior was on the verge of entering this world, the sword he would use as a protector was brought into the delivery room as if to greet the young one.

What does the katana symbolize?

As a tattoo design, the samurai symbolizes all the highest ideals of Bushido, honour, loyalty and duty. It expresses the wearer’s understanding and appreciation of the importance of living in the moment, of taking not one second of existence for granted.

What is the symbolism of katanas in Japanese culture?

The name katana derives from two old Japanese written characters or symbols: kata, meaning’side,’ and na, or ‘edge.’ Thus a katana is a single-edged sword that has had few rivals in the annals of war, either in the East or the West. The wakizashi, on the other hand, was even closer to a samurai’s soul than his katana.

What is the difference between a katana and a samurai sword?

However, basing from the descriptions of the swords told in stories, the main difference between a ninja and a Samurai sword is the quality. Ninja swords are inferior to the Japanese Katana swords in terms of sharpness and cutting ability not to mention its beauty.

Is Katana a good sword?

One of the strong points of the katana is its popularity and air of mysticism surrounding it. It is a well-respected sword that has a deep meaning – In WW2, the Japanese soldiers brought swords on the battlefield to strengthen their courage.