Chronology of Japanese Sword Types by Period.
| Period | Popular sword styles |
|---|---|
| Kofun (250-538) | Sabres imported from China and Central Asia |
| Asuka (538-710) | Short, narrow swords, "chokuto |
| Nara (710-794) | Sabres longer and wider than the previous ones |
| Heian (794-1185) | Tachi (long, heavy sword for mounted samurai), uchigatana (short sword for foot combat) |
| Kamakura (1185-1333) | Katana, wakizashi. During this period, Tanto gained in popularity. |
| Muromachi (1336-1573) | Katana, wakizashi, emergence of uchi-gatana and shinogi-zukuri wakizashi. |
| Azuchi-Momoyama (1573-1603) | Katana, wakizashi. The popularity of the one-handed uchi-gatana is growing. |
| Edo (1603-1867) |
Katana, wakizashi (Daisho). Nanbukucho period with blades that have large kissaki and less important curvatures. |
| Meiji (1868-1912) | Katana, wakizashi (made mainly for cultural and historical reasons). Return of the Tachi from the Kamakura period. |
| Taishō (1912-1926) | Katana, wakizashi (made mainly for cultural and historical reasons) |
| Shōwa (1926-1989) | Katana, wakizashi (made mainly for cultural and historical reasons). Large production of Gunto swords (Japanese army swords). |
| Heisei (1989-2019) | Katana, wakizashi (made mainly for cultural and historical reasons) |
| Reiwa (Depuis 2019) | Katana, wakizashi (made mainly for cultural and historical reasons) |
Additional information depending on the period:
Kofun period (250-538) :
The first Japanese swords were imported from China and Central Asia. They were used mainly for religious and funeral ceremonies.
Asuka period (538-710) :
Japanese swords began to be made locally. Swords from this period are often short and narrow, called "chokuto".
Nara period (710-794) :
Japanese swords continue to be made locally and are used for warfare. The swords of this period are longer and wider than those of the previous period.
Heian period (794-1185):
Japanese swords were increasingly used for warfare. Popular sword styles of this period include the "tachi", a long, heavy sword used by samurai on horseback, and the "uchigatana", a shorter sword used for foot combat.
Kamakura period (1185-1333):
Japanese swords were increasingly used for foot combat. Popular sword styles of this period include the "katana", a longer and heavier sword than the uchigatana, and the "wakizashi", a shorter sword used as a backup weapon.
Muromachi period (1336-1573) :
Japanese swords were increasingly used for foot combat. Popular sword styles of this period include the "katana" and the "wakizashi". Sword forging and polishing techniques were improved.
Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1603) :
Japanese swords were increasingly used for foot combat. Popular sword styles of this period include the "katana" and the "wakizashi". The techniques of forging and polishing swords were further improved.
Edo Period (1603-1867) :
Japanese swords were increasingly used for foot combat. Popular sword styles of this period include the "katana" and the "wakizashi". The techniques of forging and polishing swords were further improved. Samurai began to wear the katana and wakizashi together, the famous "daisho" appeared.
Meiji period (1868-1912) :
The end of the samurai era and the modernisation of Japan led to a decline in the use of Japanese swords. Japanese swords were still made, but mainly for cultural and historical reasons rather than practical ones.
Taishō period (1912-1926):
In a period of transition, Japanese swords are used less and less in combat, but continue to be made for cultural and historical reasons
Shōwa period (1926-1989):
Japanese swords continue to be made for cultural and historical reasons, but they are no longer used as weapons.
Heisei period (1989-2019) :
Japanese swords continue to be made for cultural and historical reasons, but they are no longer used as weapons. Their manufacture remains a traditional art and they are often used for martial practice or as collector's items.
Reiwa period (From 2019) :
Japanese swords continue to be made for cultural and historical reasons, but they are no longer used as weapons. Their manufacture remains a traditional art and they are often used for martial practice or as collector's items.