A cord of Samurai (8) 2015/07/14
Japanese sword is the sword made by distinguished technique of Japanese swordsmith. It is called “katana” or “tsurugi” in Japanese and originated in late Heian era when Samurai class was newly born.
Japanese swords were exceptionally sharper and stronger in comparison with western or Chinese swords. It is because of predominant metal refining skill and high technology of swordsmith.
By the way, a gun was introduced to Japan by Portuguese in 1543. Only a couple of decades later, Japan could have produced far more precise and safe guns than original western guns. It was believed because of Japanese sword high technology of swordsmith could have improved quality of guns dramatically.
After the Age of worriers was over, Toyotomi Hideyoshi banned for ordinary people to hold swords and hunt swords from farmers in 1588. Swords could be held only by Samurai hereafter. Then, the Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated Toyotomi regime and opened new Shogunate which brought in a peaceful and ordered society. However Samurai lost a chance to get honor through battles and it became seldom for a sword to be used as a weapon in a battle.
Through these incidents, swords became status symbol for Samurai and symbolical holly precious thing for Samurai spirit itself.
Samurai were severely disciplined to be always with a sword from morning till night and kept a sword alongside a sleeping mat even when they went asleep.
Even today, swordsmith always ware holly dress when they make swords and all equipments and manufacturing building are also decorated with spiritual white papers. Swordsmith never make a sword as a mere weapon but as a special holly thing which protects Samurai’s soul and fate from evil spirits. They make swords with the utmost care and sincerity.
Swords are not only strong and sharp but also astonishingly beautiful. Nowadays Japanese swords are considered as precious art objects.
