Japanese Sword Glossary - 350+ Terms Explained

Japanese Sword Glossary

The most comprehensive English glossary of Japanese sword terminology. Master the vocabulary used by collectors, martial artists, and sword enthusiasts worldwide.

598
Terms Defined
21
Categories

A

Aikuchi
A tanto (dagger) without a tsuba (guard). This mounting style features the handle fitting directly against the scabbard, commonly used for concealed carry by samurai.
Aizu
A sword-making tradition from the Aizu province, known for producing durable, practical blades.
Akasaka
A school of tsuba makers based in Edo, known for elegant iron guards with sukashi designs.
Aoi
Hollyhock design, commonly used as a Mon (family crest). The Tokugawa clan famously used the triple hollyhock crest.
Aoi-gata
A hollyhock-shaped tsuba design, associated with the Tokugawa clan.
Ara-nie
Coarse or large nie crystals visible in the hamon. These bright, distinct particles of martensite indicate specific tempering characteristics.
Arato
Rough stones used in the initial stages of sword polishing.
Ashi
Literally 'legs' - vertical lines of nioi extending downward from the hamon toward the edge. These features help prevent chips from traveling along the blade.
Ato-mei
A signature added to a blade after its original creation, often to attribute it to a famous smith.
Atobori
Horimono (carvings) added to a blade at a later date, not by the original smith.
Awase
The joining of different types of steel in blade construction.
Awasedo
Natural finishing stones used in the final polishing stages.
Ayasugi
A distinctive large, wavy hada (grain pattern) resembling ocean waves, characteristic of the Gassan school.

B

Bakufu
The military government of the Shogun, literally meaning 'tent government.' The term refers to the samurai-led feudal governments of Japan.
Banzashi
A sword rack designed to hold multiple swords.
Bizen
One of the Gokaden traditions and most prolific sword-making region, known for choji hamon and utsuri.
Bo-hi
A wide, deep groove carved into the blade, also called a fuller. Reduces weight without sacrificing strength and creates the distinctive sound when swung.
Bo-utsuri
A faint or weak utsuri (reflection pattern) visible in the ji of the blade.
Bokken
A wooden sword used for kata practice and training. Essential for learning sword techniques safely before using a real blade.
Bonji
Sanskrit characters engraved on the blade, often representing Buddhist deities. Common horimono on religious or ceremonial swords.
Boshi
The temper line pattern in the kissaki (point) of the blade. The shape of the boshi is crucial for blade identification and school attribution.
Bu
A traditional Japanese unit of measurement equal to approximately 0.1 inch or 3.03mm.
Buke
The military class, referring to samurai and warrior families.
Buke-zukuri
Standard samurai sword mountings developed during the Edo period.
Bungo
A sword-making tradition from Bungo province in Kyushu.
Bushido
The 'Way of the Warrior' - the moral code followed by samurai, emphasizing loyalty, honor, martial arts mastery, and death before dishonor.
Byakudan
Sandalwood, sometimes used in scabbard construction for fragrance.

C

Chiisai-katana
Another term for a short katana, similar in length to wakizashi.
Chikei
Dark, curved lines that appear in the ji (blade surface), caused by concentrations of carbon during forging.
Chirimen
A crepe-like textured pattern sometimes seen in hada.
Chisa-katana
A short katana, typically between wakizashi and standard katana length, around 20-24 inches.
Choji
A hamon pattern resembling clove buds, characteristic of the Bizen tradition. One of the most valued hamon styles.
Choji Oil
Traditional oil used for sword maintenance, made from clove oil. Prevents rust and preserves the blade's polish.
Choji-midare
An irregular choji hamon with varying heights and patterns of the clove-shaped temper line.
Chokuto
Prehistoric straight swords from Japan's early periods, before the development of the curved katana.
Chu
Medium or middle-sized, used to describe various sword features.
Chu-kissaki
A medium-sized point (kissaki) on a blade, the most common proportion.
Chu-suguha
A straight temper line (hamon) of medium width.

D

Dai
Large or wide, used as a prefix for various sword terms.
Dai-mei
A signature made by a student smith using their master's name, with the master's permission.
Daimyo
A feudal lord who ruled large territories under the Shogun. Daimyo employed samurai and commissioned fine swords.
Daisho
A matched pair of swords - the katana (long sword) and wakizashi (short sword) - worn together by samurai as a symbol of their status.
Daisho-kake
A stand specifically designed to display a matched pair of swords.
Daito
A long sword with blade length over 24 inches (2 shaku), including katana and tachi.
Denguri
A somersault-style sword drawing technique.
Do
The trunk or body section of samurai armor protecting the torso.
Dote
Embankment-like raised areas on tsuba.

E

Echizen
A sword-making tradition from Echizen province, known for quality steel.
Eguchi
The opening or mouth of a sword carry bag.
Engo
Supporting metalwork on sword fittings.
Etchu
A sword-making tradition from Etchu province.

F

Fuchi
The collar or ferrule at the base of the sword handle, fitting against the tsuba.
Fuchi-kashira
The matched set of fuchi (collar) and kashira (pommel) on a sword handle, often decorated with coordinated designs.
Fudo
Fudo Myoo, a Buddhist deity often depicted in horimono carvings holding a sword.
Fukiura
The underside or back of a tsuba.
Fukura
The curve of the cutting edge (ha) within the kissaki (point) area.
Fukure
A forging defect appearing as a blister or bubble in the steel, caused by impurities or folding errors.
Fukurin
A metal rim or cover around the edge of a tsuba.
Fumbari
The taper of the blade from base to tip, alternative spelling of funbari.
Funagata
A nakago (tang) shape resembling the bottom of a boat.
Funbari
The taper of the blade from the machi (notches) to the kissaki (point), indicating how much the blade widens at the base.
Furisode
A nakago shape resembling the sleeve of a kimono.
Futatsu-bi
Double grooves running parallel along the blade.

G

Gaijin
Foreigner, sometimes used to describe non-Japanese sword collectors.
Gaku
A frame or picture, sometimes referring to framed sword displays.
Gaku-mei
An original signature preserved by inlaying it into a shortened tang (o-suriage nakago).
Gedan
Lower position, referring to a sword stance with the tip pointing downward.
Gendaito
Modern traditionally-forged swords made by contemporary smiths using traditional methods, as opposed to machine-made replicas.
Gimei
A false or forged signature on a blade, often imitating famous smiths.
Gin
Silver, often used in sword fittings and decorative inlays.
Gokaden
The five main sword-making traditions of the Koto period: Yamashiro, Yamato, Bizen, Soshu, and Mino.
Gomabashi
Parallel grooves carved into a blade, resembling chopsticks.
Gotoba
Emperor Go-Toba, famous for forging swords himself and patronizing smiths.
Gunome
A regular, wave-like hamon pattern with rounded peaks.
Gunome-midare
An irregular wave pattern in the hamon with varying heights and shapes.
Gunto
Military sword mountings used by the Japanese army, particularly during WWII.
Gyaku
Reversed or angular, referring to specific blade or tang features.

H

Ha
The cutting edge of the blade, hardened through differential tempering.
Ha-agari
The upward curve of the cutting edge.
Ha-machi
Alternative spelling of hamachi, the notch at the edge start.
Habaki
The blade collar - a wedge-shaped metal piece that fits at the base of the blade, securing it in the scabbard.
Habuchi
The boundary line of the hamon, where the hardened edge meets the softer body of the blade.
Habuchi-nie
Nie crystals concentrated along the hamon boundary.
Hada
The grain pattern of the steel, visible on the blade surface, created by the folding process during forging.
Hagane
Steel, specifically referring to the high-carbon steel used for the blade's edge.
Hagire
A crack running along the hamon - a fatal flaw that can cause the blade to break.
Haitsuki
The angle of the blade edge.
Haki-omote
The side of the blade facing outward when worn.
Hakikake
A broom-swept pattern in the boshi area, resembling brush strokes.
Hako-ba
A box-shaped hamon pattern with square, angular peaks.
Hako-midare
An irregular box-shaped hamon pattern.
Hako-mune
A square or box-shaped blade spine.
Hamachi
The notch at the beginning of the cutting edge, marking the transition from tang to blade.
Hamidashi
A tanto or dagger with a very small guard (tsuba).
Hamon
The visible temper line along the blade's edge, created by differential hardening. The hamon pattern is unique to each blade and helps identify the smith and school.
Handachi
A mounting style combining elements of tachi and katana fittings.
Handachi-goshirae
A hybrid mounting style combining tachi and katana elements.
Hankei
A semicircular or arched design element.
Hanko
A seal or stamp, sometimes found on sword fittings.
Hanya
A demon mask design often used on menuki and other fittings.
Hara-ate
A belly guard worn under armor.
Hassun
Eight sun (inches), a common blade length designation.
Hataraki
Activities or visual effects within the hamon, including nie, nioi, and other crystalline structures.
Hayago
A quick-draw sword technique.
Hazuya
Finger stones used in the final polishing stages to enhance the hamon and hada visibility.
Hi
Grooves carved into the blade, reducing weight and creating the whistling sound when swung.
Hibiki
Resonance or sound, referring to the sound made by a sword.
Higo
A school of sword fittings from Higo province, known for iron work.
Hikae-kisaki
A restrained or smaller kissaki style.
Himo
Cord or string used on sword mountings.
Hineri
A twisted or spiral pattern in decorative work.
Hira-mune
A flat blade spine without a ridge.
Hira-zukuri
A blade construction without a shinogi (ridge line), creating a flat-sided blade. Common in tanto and some wakizashi.
Hirazukuri
Alternative form of hira-zukuri, flat blade construction.
Hiro-suguha
A wide, straight temper line (hamon).
Hishu
A secret tradition or technique passed within a school.
Hitatsura
A fully tempered hamon covering most of the blade surface, characteristic of the Soshu tradition.
Hitsu
A small hole in the tsuba, alternative term for hitsu-ana.
Hitsu-ana
Holes in the tsuba for the kozuka and kogai accessories.
Hitsu-ana-kiri
The act of cutting holes in a tsuba for accessories.
Hizen
A sword-making tradition from Hizen province, famous for the Tadayoshi line.
Ho
The blade portion of a kozuka (utility knife).
Hojo
A sword-polishing tradition or school.
Honami
The famous family of sword appraisers who served the Shogunate for generations.
Honji
The original or main form of a Buddhist deity.
Honju
The main or original owner of a sword.
Horimono
Carvings or engravings on sword blades, often depicting dragons, deities, or Buddhist symbols.
Hoso-suguha
A thin, straight hamon pattern.
Hossu
A Buddhist whisk, sometimes depicted in horimono.
Hotsure
Stray lines of the hamon that wander into the ji (blade surface).

I

Iaido
The art of drawing and cutting with a sword in one motion.
Iaito
An unsharpened practice sword used for iaido training.
Ichimai
Single-piece construction, referring to a blade forged from one piece of steel.
Ichimai-boshi
A kissaki (point) area that is fully tempered.
Ichimonji
A famous Bizen school known for brilliant choji hamon.
Ihori-mune
A peaked or ridged blade spine.
Ikeda
A school of sword appraisers.
Ikkansai
A studio name used by some modern swordsmiths.
Ikubi
Literally 'boar's neck' - a short, wide kissaki shape.
Inazuma
Lightning-bolt patterns in the blade, usually appearing as bright lines in the hamon.
Iriba
An undulating hamon element with pointed peaks.
Ise
A sword-making and fitting tradition from Ise province.
Ishidoro
Stone lantern design often seen on fittings.
Ishime
A stone-like textured surface on tsuba.
Itame
A wood-grain pattern in the hada, resembling the grain of a wooden board.
Ito
The wrapping material on the handle, traditionally silk or cotton cord.
Itomaki
The wrapped section of a tachi handle.
Iwami
A sword-making tradition from Iwami province.

J

Ji
The flat surface of the blade between the shinogi and the hamon.
Ji-gane
The surface steel of the blade, showing the hada pattern.
Ji-nie
Islands or clusters of nie appearing in the ji area of the blade.
Jidai
Period or era, used to date swords chronologically.
Jigane
Alternative spelling of ji-gane, the surface steel.
Jinbaori
A samurai surcoat worn over armor.
Jingasa
A simple helmet worn by lower-ranking samurai.
Jitte
A truncheon weapon used by police to catch and break swords.
Jizo-boshi
A boshi shaped like the head of Jizo, a Buddhist deity.
Jodan
High guard position with the sword raised overhead.
Jomon
Prehistoric Japanese period, before sword-making traditions developed.
Josun
A ten-sun blade, approximately 12 inches long.
Juka
Tree design, common decorative motif on fittings.
Juken
A bayonet, developed in modern military contexts.
Jumonji-yari
A cross-bladed spear with perpendicular blades.
Juyo Token
Important sword designation by NBTHK, indicating exceptional quality and historical significance.
Juzu
A hamon pattern resembling Buddhist rosary beads.

K

Ka
Excellent or first class, a grade for sword quality.
Kabuto
A samurai helmet, often ornately decorated to indicate rank and clan.
Kabuto-gane
A helmet-shaped pommel cap used on tachi mountings.
Kabuto-wari
A helmet-breaker - a specialized weapon designed to crack or pierce armor.
Kaen
A flame-shaped boshi pattern.
Kaeri
The turn-back of the boshi at the mune (spine), indicating the end of the tempered area.
Kaga
A sword-making tradition from Kaga province.
Kago-hada
A basket-weave pattern in the hada.
Kai
Sea or navy, as in kai-gunto (naval sword).
Kai-gunto
Naval sword mountings used by the Japanese Navy.
Kaiken
A small dagger carried by women for self-defense.
Kaji
A swordsmith.
Kakihan
A monogram or stylized signature of a swordsmith or tsuba maker.
Kaku-mune
A square or angular blade spine.
Kakure-gane
Hidden or concealed metal fittings.
Kamakura
The period (1185-1333) considered the golden age of Japanese swords.
Kami
Spirit or deity, sometimes referenced in sword inscriptions.
Kamijo
A sword appraisal or polishing family.
Kamikaze
Divine wind - historically referring to typhoons that protected Japan from Mongol invasions.
Kamon
Family crest, often incorporated into sword fittings.
Kanagu
Metal fittings on sword mountings.
Kanji
Japanese characters derived from Chinese, used in sword signatures and inscriptions.
Kanmuri-otoshi
A back ridge that is beveled like a naginata.
Kantei
Sword appraisal or evaluation, determining authenticity, age, and maker.
Kanteisho
A certificate of appraisal for a Japanese sword.
Kao
A stylized monogram of the smith engraved on the nakago.
Karakuri
A mechanical or trick design, sometimes in sword fittings.
Kasa
An umbrella or hat shape used in design.
Kasane
The thickness of the blade, measured at the mune-machi.
Kashira
The pommel or butt cap at the end of the sword handle.
Katabori
High relief carving, as opposed to flat engraving.
Katakiri
A blade with one flat side without a shinogi.
Katakiriba
A single-bevel blade construction.
Katana
The iconic curved Japanese sword worn edge-up in the obi (belt), with blade length typically 24-30 inches. The samurai's primary weapon from the Muromachi period onward.
Katana-kake
A sword stand or rack for displaying katana.
Katana-mei
The side of the tang where the signature appears when the sword is worn edge-up.
Katchu
Armor in general, or the study of Japanese armor.
Katchu-shi
An armorer who makes samurai armor.
Kawa
Leather, sometimes used in sword handle wrapping.
Kawagane
The skin or surface steel of a blade.
Kawari
Variant or unusual, as in kawari-kabuto (unusual helmets).
Kazu-uchi-mono
Mass-produced swords made for foot soldiers, of lower quality than custom-forged blades.
Kebori
Fine line engraving on sword fittings.
Keijoba
An irregular or variant hamon pattern.
Keiun
Auspicious clouds, a decorative motif.
Kembujutsu
The martial art of Japanese swordsmanship.
Ken
A straight, double-edged sword, the predecessor to curved Japanese swords.
Kendo
The way of the sword, modern Japanese fencing using bamboo swords.
Kengyo
A triangular or pointed nakago-jiri (tang tip).
Kenukigata
Tweezers shape, often seen in tsuba designs.
Kera
The bloom of steel produced in the tatara furnace.
Kesho
Decorative or cosmetic, as in kesho-yasurime.
Kesho-yasurime
Decorative file marks on the tang, often seen on presentation swords.
Kijimata
A pheasant-thigh shaped nakago.
Kijimomo
Pheasant thigh, a nakago shape.
Kiku
Chrysanthemum - the imperial flower of Japan, often used as a decorative motif.
Kikuba
A chrysanthemum-shaped hamon pattern.
Kin
Gold, used in sword fittings and decorative inlays.
Kinko
Soft metal work, using gold, silver, and copper alloys.
Kinpun
Gold powder used in decorative lacquer work.
Kinsuji
Bright, golden-colored lines appearing in the hamon, caused by concentrations of nie.
Kinzogan
Gold inlay work on sword fittings.
Kiri
Paulownia flower design, often used as a mon (family crest).
Kiri-yasurime
Horizontal file marks on the tang.
Kirikomi
Battle cuts or nicks on a blade, evidence of combat use.
Kissaki
The point or tip of the blade, one of the most critical areas for both cutting ability and aesthetic evaluation.
Kiyomaro
A famous Shinshinto-era swordsmith.
Ko
Small, used as a prefix (ko-kissaki = small point).
Ko-kissaki
A small point on a blade.
Ko-maru
A small, rounded boshi pattern.
Ko-midare
A small, irregular hamon pattern.
Ko-mokume
A small wood-burl grain pattern in the hada.
Ko-nie
Small nie crystals in the hamon.
Kobuse
A blade construction method where hard steel is wrapped around a soft iron core.
Kobusedo
A natural polishing stone from Kyoto.
Kodachi
A small tachi, shorter than a standard long sword.
Kodogu
Small sword fittings including menuki, kogai, and kozuka.
Kogai
A skewer-like implement carried in the scabbard, used for hair arrangement or as a utility tool.
Kogake
Armored foot covering.
Kogarasu-maru
Little Crow, a famous early sword with unique construction.
Koiguchi
The mouth of the scabbard (saya) where the blade enters, literally 'carp mouth.'
Koji
A koji is a smith who adds horimono (carvings) to blades.
Kokaji
A legendary swordsmith said to have been aided by a fox spirit.
Koku
A measure of rice yield, used to measure samurai stipends.
Kokuho
National Treasure designation for the finest surviving Japanese swords.
Koma-yasurime
Fine file marks on the tang.
Koshimono
Things worn at the waist, including swords.
Koshirae
The complete sword mountings including tsuba, handle, and scabbard - everything except the blade.
Kote
Armored sleeves protecting the forearms and hands.
Koto
Old swords made before 1596, considered the classical period of Japanese sword making.
Kotoban
Old gold color, used to describe aged patina.
Kozando
A sword shop or dealer.
Kozuka
A small utility knife carried in a pocket on the scabbard.
Kuichigai
A hamon with uneven or misaligned elements.
Kumo
Cloud or spider design on fittings.
Kumo-gane
Cloud-like patterns in steel work.
Kuni
Province or country, often part of a swordsmith's name.
Kuni-yuki
A famous early Yamashiro school swordsmith.
Kura
A storehouse, where swords might be kept.
Kurigata-kiri
Cutting through the kurigata to create a handle pass-through.
Kurijiri
A chestnut-shaped nakago-jiri (tang tip).
Kurikata
The knob on the scabbard through which the sageo cord is threaded.
Kuro
Black, as in kuro-roiro (black lacquer finish).
Kusarigama
A sickle with attached chain and weight weapon.
Kuwagata
Antler-shaped helmet crest.

M

Machi
The notches at the base of the blade marking the transition between blade and tang.
Machi-okuri
When the machi have been moved up the blade, shortening the cutting edge.
Machiokuri
Alternative spelling of machi-okuri.
Magari
Curved or bent, describing certain blade features.
Maki-e
Sprinkled picture technique in lacquer work.
Mamorigatana
A charm sword, small blade kept for protection.
Manriki-gusari
A chain weapon with weights on both ends.
Martensite
The hard crystalline structure formed in steel during rapid cooling (quenching), creating the sharp edge.
Marumune
A rounded blade spine.
Masaki
True front, referring to proper blade orientation.
Masame
A straight grain pattern in the hada, running parallel to the blade's length.
Matsu
Pine tree design, common decorative motif.
Matsukawa-hada
Pine bark grain pattern in the hada.
Mei
The signature of the swordsmith inscribed on the tang.
Meibutsu
Famous or legendary swords with documented histories.
Meiji
The period (1868-1912) when samurai sword-carrying was banned.
Mekugi
The bamboo peg(s) that secure the blade to the handle by passing through the nakago-ana.
Mekugi-ana
The hole(s) in the tang through which the mekugi passes.
Mekugi-nuki
A tool for removing the mekugi peg.
Mempo
A face mask worn with samurai armor.
Menuki
Ornamental grip decorations placed under the handle wrapping for both aesthetics and grip improvement.
Midare
Irregular or varied pattern, usually referring to hamon styles.
Mihaba
The width of the blade at the hamachi.
Mino
One of the Gokaden (five traditions), known for practical, durable blades.
Mino-den
The Mino sword-making tradition.
Mitokoro-mono
The three-piece set of kodogu: menuki, kogai, and kozuka.
Mitsu-mune
A three-sided blade spine.
Mitsumata
Three-pronged, a type of sai-like weapon.
Mizukage
A shadow or haze effect in the blade near the machi, often indicating re-tempering.
Mizuno
A family of sword polishers.
Mizusashi
Water container used in sword polishing.
Mokko
A four-lobed shape, often used for tsuba designs.
Mokko-gata
Four-lobed shape for tsuba.
Mokume
A wood-burl grain pattern in the hada.
Momiji
Maple leaf design, common decorative motif.
Momoyama
The period (1573-1603) known for elaborate decorative arts.
Mon
A family crest, often incorporated into sword fittings.
Mono-uchi
The striking portion of the blade, typically the area 4-6 inches from the tip.
Monoyoshi
An excellent or high-quality piece.
Moro-ha
Double-edged, referring to blades with two cutting edges.
Morohazukuri
Double-edged blade construction.
Moto-kasane
The blade thickness at the machi.
Motohaba
The blade width at the machi (base).
Muji
Plain or without pattern.
Muku
Solid or single material construction.
Mumei
Unsigned - a blade without a mei (signature) on the tang.
Mune
The back or spine of the blade, opposite the cutting edge.
Mune-higaki
Decorative chevron file marks on the spine.
Mune-machi
The notch on the spine side at the base of the blade.
Munekiri
A cut to the mune (back) of a blade.
Muramasa
A famous Ise province smith, legendary for cursed blades.
Muromachi
The period (1336-1573) when the katana became dominant.
Musubi
Knot design or actual knot in cord work.
Myochin
A famous family of armorers.

N

Naga
Long, as in nagamaki (long-handled sword).
Nagako
The tang of the blade that fits inside the handle.
Nagamaki
A pole weapon with an extra-long handle and sword-like blade.
Nagasa
The length of the blade, measured from machi to kissaki.
Naginata
A polearm with a curved blade, traditionally used by warrior monks and samurai women.
Naka-kissaki
Medium-sized point, alternative term for chu-kissaki.
Nakago
The tang of the sword that fits inside the handle, often containing the smith's signature and date.
Nakago-ana
The hole in the tang for the mekugi peg.
Nakago-jiri
The tip or end of the tang.
Namazu
Catfish design, sometimes seen on fittings.
Namban
Foreign or southern barbarian - referring to non-Japanese influences.
Nambokucho
The period (1336-1392) known for long tachi.
Nanban-tetsu
Foreign iron imported from Southeast Asia.
Nari
Shape or form, suffix used in describing shapes.
Nashiji
Pear-skin texture lacquer finish.
NBTHK
Nihon Bijutsu Token Hozon Kyokai - the Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords, the main authentication organization.
Nengo
Era name, used to date sword inscriptions.
Nie
Visible bright crystals of martensite in the hamon, larger than nioi particles.
Nijuba
Double-edged, or double hamon line.
Niku
The flesh or meat of the blade - referring to the blade's cross-sectional shape.
Nikuoki
The amount of curvature in the blade cross-section.
Nimai
Two-piece blade construction.
Ninomiya
A family of sword polishers.
Nioi
A misty, cloud-like appearance in the hamon composed of very small martensite crystals.
Nioi-guchi
The boundary line of the nioi in the hamon.
Nioikuzure
Broken or scattered nioi appearance.
Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga, the famous warlord who began Japan's unification.
Nodachi
Field sword, an extra-long sword used by infantry.
Notare
A gentle, undulating wave pattern in the hamon.
Noto
The sheathed or stored position of a sword.
Nunome
A crosshatch texture on metal for better inlay adhesion.

O

O
Large or great, used as a prefix.
O-choji
Large clove-shaped hamon pattern.
O-dachi
An extra-long sword, typically over 3 feet in blade length.
O-gunome
Large wave pattern in the hamon.
O-kissaki
A large point (kissaki) on a blade.
O-midare
Large irregular hamon pattern.
O-suriage
A blade that has been significantly shortened, often removing the original signature.
Obi
The belt or sash in which swords are worn.
Obi-tori
Belt hook on tachi mountings.
Odori
Dancing or lively pattern in the hamon.
Oei
An era (1394-1428) known for quality Bizen swords.
Okibi
Wide groove placed in the shinogi-ji area.
Okina
Old man mask design on fittings.
Omori
A school of sword fitting makers.
Omote
The front or outside of the blade - the side facing outward when worn.
Oni
Demon or ogre, often depicted on fittings.
Ono
An axe, sometimes carried by samurai.
Origami
A certificate of authenticity and appraisal for a Japanese sword.
Orikaeshi-mei
A signature folded over during blade shortening.
Orikane
Metal corner fittings on scabbards.
Osafune
The most famous sword-making center in Bizen province.
Oshigata
A paper rubbing of a blade, used for documentation.
Otafuku
A happy face mask design.
Owari
A sword-making tradition from Owari province.

R

Raden
Mother-of-pearl inlay decoration.
Rai
A famous Yamashiro sword-making school.
Renge
Lotus flower design, Buddhist motif.
Rikio
A guardian deity often depicted in horimono.
Rinka
Wheel-shaped, as in flower petals.
Roiro
High-gloss black lacquer finish.
Rokubu
Pilgrim design on fittings.
Ronin
A masterless samurai, no longer serving a lord.
Ryo-wazamono
A superior cutting grade for swords.
Ryokai
Both sides of a blade.
Ryu
Dragon design, very common on sword fittings and horimono.
Ryuba
Dragon wave, a type of hamon pattern.

S

Saga
A sword-making tradition from Saga province.
Sageo
The cord attached to the scabbard for securing the sword to the obi.
Sai
A trident-like weapon from Okinawa.
Saiba
Cutting ability or sharpness of a blade.
Saijo
Supreme quality, highest grade designation.
Saijowazamono
The highest cutting ability grade for swords.
Saka
Reversed or opposite, as in saka-choji (reversed clove pattern).
Sakabato
A reverse-edge sword with the edge on the back.
Sake-nomi
A sake cup, sometimes depicted on fittings.
Same
Rayskin used to cover the handle core, providing texture for grip.
Same-hada
Shark skin texture on tsuba.
Samidare
Early summer rain pattern in hamon.
Samurai
The warrior class of feudal Japan, who carried swords as symbols of their status.
Sanbonsugi
A hamon pattern of three cryptomeria tree shapes in succession.
Sankin-kotai
The system requiring daimyo to alternate residence in Edo.
Sanmai
Three-layer blade construction.
Sanmei
Three excellent qualities (cutting, appearance, preservation).
Sansaku
Three great works, referring to famous swords.
Sarute
Monkey's paw, a type of menuki design.
Sashikomi
A polishing technique that creates a subtle, muted appearance.
Sashikomi-migaki
A sword polishing technique creating subtle effects.
Sasuga
A small dagger hidden in fan or other objects.
Satsuma
A sword-making tradition from Satsuma province.
Sawari
The sound of sword fittings.
Saya
The scabbard or sheath that houses and protects the blade.
Sayagaki
Writing on a wooden storage scabbard (shirasaya) identifying the sword.
Sayashi
A scabbard maker.
Sazanami
Ripple pattern, small wave hamon.
Seigan
Middle guard position with sword pointed at opponent's eyes.
Seki
A city famous for sword and knife making.
Sengoku
The Warring States period (1467-1615) of constant warfare.
Sensuki
A thousand chisel marks texture.
Seppa
Spacers placed above and below the tsuba to ensure a snug fit.
Seppa-dai
The flat area on tsuba where seppa sit.
Seppuku
Ritual suicide by disembowelment, performed by samurai to preserve honor.
Shakkiri
A crisp, clear appearance in the hamon.
Shaku
A Japanese unit of measurement, approximately 11.93 inches or 30.3cm.
Shaku-do
Alternative spelling of shakudo.
Shakudo
A copper-gold alloy with distinctive blue-black patina.
Shidare
Drooping or weeping, as in weeping willow.
Shigeto
A famous tachi attributed to Osafune Shigeto.
Shiho-zume
Four-corner construction method.
Shikomizue
A sword cane, blade hidden in walking stick.
Shimaba
Stripe pattern in hamon.
Shimada
A famous school of swordsmiths.
Shimosaka
A sword-making school known for quality blades.
Shin
New or true, used as a prefix.
Shinbu
Divine martial arts, the spiritual aspect of swordsmanship.
Shingane
The core steel of a blade, softer than the edge steel.
Shingunto
New military sword mountings of the 1930s-40s.
Shinken
A real, sharp sword as opposed to a practice weapon.
Shinogi
The ridge line running along the blade, separating the flat and beveled surfaces.
Shinogi-ji
The flat surface between the shinogi and the mune (spine).
Shinogi-zukuri
The most common blade construction with a distinct shinogi ridge line.
Shinsa
Sword examination and authentication by NBTHK.
Shinshinto
New-new swords made from 1781-1876, showing revival of old traditions.
Shinto
New swords made from 1596-1780, the second major period of sword making.
Shippou
Seven treasures or cloisonne pattern.
Shira-sabi
White rust, a type of corrosion.
Shirasaya
A plain wooden storage mounting used to preserve blades when not in use.
Shirokawa
White leather used in some mountings.
Shishi
Lion or lion-dog design on fittings.
Shitodome
Metal fittings reinforcing the kurikata on the scabbard.
Shitotsu
Knot work, decorative cord tying.
Shizoku
The former samurai class after 1868.
Shoami
A family of tsuba makers.
Shogun
The military dictator of Japan, supreme commander of the samurai.
Showato
Machine-made swords from the Showa period (1926-1989).
Shu-mei
A signature written in red lacquer, often indicating appraisal attribution.
Sode
Shoulder guards on samurai armor.
Soe-hi
Companion groove, narrow groove beside the main hi.
Sori
The curvature of the blade, measured from the back to a straight line between machi and kissaki.
Sori-zuke
Adding curvature to a blade.
Soseki
Foundation stones, reference to basics.
Soshu
One of the Gokaden traditions, known for spectacular hamon with nie and dramatic effects.
Sue
Late or end period, as in Sue-Bizen.
Sugata
The shape or form of a blade, including curvature, width, and length proportions.
Suguha
A straight hamon pattern running parallel to the edge.
Sukashi
Pierced or cut-out design work, often seen in tsuba.
Sukashibori
Pierced work combined with carving.
Sumi-hada
A dark or blackish appearance in the hada.
Sun
A Japanese measurement equal to approximately 1.19 inches or 3.03cm.
Sunagashi
Sweeping lines of nie in the hamon, resembling windswept sand.
Sunobe
A blank bar of steel before shaping into a blade.
Suriage
A shortened blade, with the tang cut down.
Surihagi
Rubbed lacquer technique.
Suyari
A straight spear blade.

T

Tachi
A long sword worn edge-down suspended from the belt, predecessor to the katana.
Tachi-mei
The signature position for a tachi, appearing on the opposite side from katana-mei.
Tachi-ura
The back side of a tachi signature.
Tagane
Chisels used in sword making and horimono.
Taira
The Taira clan, prominent in early Japanese history.
Taito
Wearing a sword in the belt.
Taka-bori
High relief carving technique.
Take
Bamboo design, common decorative motif.
Tama
Ball or jewel design.
Tamahagane
The traditional Japanese steel made from iron sand, used for forging authentic swords.
Tameshi-giri
Alternative spelling of tameshigiri.
Tameshigiri
Test cutting to evaluate a blade's cutting ability, traditionally performed on condemned criminals or corpses.
Tankobu
A bump or raised area, possible flaw.
Tanto
A short blade or dagger, typically under 12 inches, carried as a secondary weapon.
Tatara
The traditional Japanese clay furnace used for smelting tamahagane.
Tate
Shield or vertical orientation.
Tatsu
Dragon, alternative reading of ryu.
Tegata
Hand shape or handprint design.
Tekkaku
The angle of the steel layers visible in hada.
Tekken
Iron fist, a type of knuckle weapon.
Tekkotsu
Dark spots or inclusions in the steel, considered minor flaws.
Temper
The process of differential hardening that creates the hamon.
Tenka-goken
The five greatest swords under heaven.
Tenka-sankan
Three greatest swords of the realm.
Tenmon
Astronomical patterns on fittings.
Tenran
Imperial exhibition or viewing.
Tessen
An iron fan used as a concealed weapon.
Tetsu
Iron, the base metal for Japanese swords.
Tobiyaki
Isolated islands of tempered steel appearing in the ji above the hamon.
Togari
Pointed or angular, referring to boshi or other features.
Togi
Polishing or polish.
Togidashi
Raised lacquer technique revealing underlying design.
Togishi
A professional sword polisher, requiring years of training.
Tokaido
The Eastern Sea Road, major highway in old Japan.
Tokubetsu
Special designation, as in Tokubetsu Juyo.
Tomobako
Original storage box, adds value to swords.
Tomoe
Comma-shaped swirl design, common mon element.
Tonbo
Dragonfly design, symbolizing victory.
Toran
Large, billowing wave patterns in the hamon.
Tori
Bird design on fittings.
Tori-zori
Alternative spelling of torii-zori.
Torii-zori
A blade curvature centered near the middle of the blade.
Tosogu
Sword mountings and fittings.
Tou
Sword, alternative reading of katana.
Tou-shin
The blade, as opposed to mountings.
Tsuba
The sword guard that protects the hand, often ornately decorated.
Tsubaki
Camellia flower design.
Tsubakurogata
Swallow tail nakago-jiri shape.
Tsuchime
Hammer mark texture on fittings.
Tsuchioki
Placement of clay for hamon creation.
Tsuka
The handle of the sword.
Tsuka-gashira
Alternative term for kashira.
Tsuka-ito
The wrapping material on the handle.
Tsukamaki
The art of handle wrapping.
Tsuki
Moon design, common decorative motif.
Tsume
Claw design on dragon fittings.
Tsunagi
A wooden blade used when mountings are displayed without the blade.
Tsurugi
A straight, double-edged sword.
Tsurumaki
A bow string holder worn at the waist.

U

Uba
Wet nurse or old woman design.
Ubu
Original, unaltered - referring to a blade in its original length and condition.
Uchi-gatana
A sword worn edge-up thrust through the belt, the precursor to the katana.
Uchidashi
Hammered out design in metalwork.
Uchiko
Fine polishing powder used for blade maintenance.
Uchine
A throwing blade or short spear.
Uchiwa
Fan design, common decorative motif.
Ukibori
Floating or relief carving.
Uma
Horse design on fittings.
Umabari
A knife originally for veterinary use.
Umegane
Plug repairs to blade flaws.
Unokubi
Cormorant neck, a groove style.
Ura
Back or reverse side of the blade or tang.
Uranaga
The back side being longer.
Urushi
Japanese lacquer used on scabbards.
Usu
Thin or light, as in usu-midare.
Usumono
Thin blade, often referring to razor-thin construction.
Utsuri
A misty reflection effect in the ji that mirrors the hamon, highly prized in Bizen blades.
Uzumaki
Spiral or whirlpool design.

W

Waki
Side or secondary, as in wakizashi.
Wakizashi
The short sword of the daisho pair, typically 12-24 inches, worn as a backup weapon and for close combat.
Wanto
Japanese sword, general term.
Wari-bashi
Split chopstick pattern, parallel grooves in the blade.
Wari-kogai
Split kogai that separates into chopsticks.
Wazamono
A cutting ability grade for swords.

Y

Yaiba
Blade or edge, poetic term for sword.
Yaki-dashi
The beginning of the hamon at the hamachi.
Yaki-ire
The quenching process that creates the hamon.
Yaki-naoshi
Re-tempering of a blade.
Yakiba
The tempered edge of the blade.
Yakidashi
Alternative spelling of yaki-dashi.
Yakihaba
The width of the tempered edge.
Yakiotoshi
An untampered section at the base of the blade.
Yakizume
A boshi without turn-back.
Yama-shiro
Alternative spelling of Yamashiro.
Yamagata
Mountain shape, triangular design.
Yamashiro
One of the Gokaden traditions, centered in Kyoto, known for elegant, refined blades.
Yamato
One of the Gokaden traditions, known for practical, durable blades made for temples.
Yanagiba
Willow leaf blade shape.
Yari
A Japanese spear or lance.
Yari-yasurime
File marks radiating from the center.
Yasuki
Modern high-quality steel from Hitachi.
Yasuri-me
File marks on the tang, their pattern helps date and authenticate blades.
Yo
Leaf design.
Yogen
Sword with spiritual or supernatural properties.
Yoko
Horizontal or sideways.
Yokogiri
Horizontal file marks.
Yokote
The line separating the kissaki (point) from the main blade.
Yori
From, as in town of origin in signatures.
Yoroi
Samurai armor in general.
Yoroi-doshi
An armor-piercing tanto or knife.
Yoshino
Famous mountain area, referenced in inscriptions.
Yubashiri
Patches of nie extending into the ji from the hamon.
Yubi
Finger, as in fingerstones for polishing.
Yuki
Snow design, common decorative motif.

Z

Zaimei
With signature, a signed blade.
Zatoichi
The blind swordsman, fictional character using a shikomizue.
Zen
Meditation Buddhism, influencing samurai culture.
Zenjomono
Temple-made swords with Buddhist inscriptions.
Zogan
Inlay work on sword fittings, using gold, silver, or other metals pressed into the base metal.
Zukuri
The construction style or cross-sectional shape of a blade.

About This Glossary

This comprehensive glossary covers all aspects of Japanese sword craftsmanship, from blade construction and forging techniques to mounting components and historical terminology. Whether you're a collector evaluating a nihonto, a martial artist studying kenjutsu, or simply fascinated by samurai culture, this resource will deepen your understanding of these remarkable weapons.