What are the Differences Between Katana & Tachi? About Naginata, Tanto, Wakizashi, ＆ Odachi

[@serpnta1267]

Came for the katanas, stayed for the culture. Beautiful channel!

[@yharim180]

This channel is perfect. I’m a rather huge history nerd and a huge sword nerd, so this is perfect for me. I’m more of a tanto person myself though, but its amazing regardless

[@Vsack9yolo09]

Katana is the culture

[@riorodriguez1896]

Me too

[@Funsoft77]

Same here 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@ddraigdraco3743]

In my opinion Viking culture was far better then those of the same time Women were treated like they were supposed to be and people were loyal to their family and friends

[@sludge0ftheswamp90]

there is no way anyone could ever dislike shogo, such an energetic soul who sounds so happy to explain Japanese culture to us.

[@shawermus]

There is two ways: being a brain dead and pressing dislike on accident

[@acheron16]

It's interesting how the yari was used later in Japanese history, since in most other cultures the spear was the earliest type of weapon used in warfare.

[@raidenxt8737]

i doubt this is true. the yari is a specific type of spear that was invented later, but other kinds of spears would've been used before, especially because the spear is a universally efficient design. given that high quality iron is more rare in japanese lands, the spear most definitely wouldve been widely used for how little iron it would require. and of course, primitive japanese peoples 20,000 + years ago would've had stone spears and clubs

[@theginganinja08]

@@raidenxt8737 Right, even spears made of stone spearheads. It was one of the earliest tools used by humankind. The Yari was just a more efficient and durable spear that came later.

[@TheUlquiorraCifer]

In the Bronze Age, swords and axes were more common. Although, chariots and slings dominated the battlefield.

[@Steir12]

@@TheUlquiorraCifer Throwing spears and darts were quite popular in bronze age. But first dedicated spears for melee use only was macedonian sarissa i belive.

[@echezonaobianwa2618]

@@raidenxt8737 so you're saying the reason why it's the last listed here is because it became an "official" weapon later but was probably already used before the others?

[@Serenity_Dee]

fun trivia: uchigatana blades are, and always were, forged straight; the curve is acquired in the quench after the differential heating. There are some videos floating around on here where you can see this happening in real time (because the swordsmith used an aquarium or something like that for a quench tank) and it's both incredibly cool and kinda eerie.

[@airwatching2]

super interesting, thank you !

[@MrFelblood]

The differential tempering is also what allows them to have a hard edge, but a tough flexible spine, even though the composite metals have been folded the other way across.

[@kommiekoathanger1418]

Katanas will always be my favourite swords because the sciences behind their creation is just so interesting

[@handel1111]

not all, there are uchigatanas that have pre made curvature, those that are older have very pronounced curves but as time progresses and warfare styles changed, uchigatanas have less and less curves

[@stuartli16610]

It's because before the heat-treatment to harden the sword, the sword is covered in clay, with only a very thin layer on the edge, and a very thick layer on the spine of the sword. This caused the sword to cool at different speeds which gives the uchikatana its curve. Also the beautiful wavy hamon.

[@erichusayn]

Wish more modern production companies would make tachi. Only a few on the market.

[@Serenity_Dee]

take it up with the law that restricts Japanese swordsmiths from making more than two nihonto per month.

[@erichusayn]

@@Serenity_Dee those are waaaaaaay out of my price range anyway. I was talking about the production companies like hanwei, dragon King, dynasty forge, etc...

[@CalacaRoja]

You can get a blacksmith with skill to do that. Of course it won't be recognized by the Japanese, but it could still be fancy. I know that the Japanese Embassy grants special permits only to a few skilled blacksmiths, but if you get one to work for you, I'm pretty sure it won't be cheap

[@fransthefox9682]

And none of them are historically accurate.

[@ryanakaike109]

katana is m odern

[@TaínoN8iv]

Man, as Deaf myself, I mostly enjoying reading the text as Closed Caption/Subtitles and understood the Japanese history and culture, thank you very much!

[@christopherjohnferrer3771]

For Honor player here, I'm Kensei main, and I love Nodachi sword. Wish I can comeback to the game again someday :)

[@Real_British]

Ah yes, happily says "BANZAI!" while charging

[@DanielRodriguez-dt9rt]

It’s still garbage

[@theginganinja08]

As an Orochi main, I feel you 😌

[@siphax399]

Orochi main but For Honor sucks now

[@francescoagnelli4791]

I was an aramusha main many time ago

[@SertalisMusic1993]

I would’ve mentioned the Kodachi as well, especially since they’re commonly mistaken for Wakizashi. The two main differences were that Kodachi are meant to be a specific length (Being 60 cm long which is shorter than 2 shaku) while Wakizashi is made to fit its wielder as with every type of katana weapon used. The second difference is that Kodachi were used in the Kamakura Era while the Wakizashi were used during the Muromachi Era as stated in the video.

[@YukiXK]

Was just about to ask about kodachi!

[@shinryokai]

Kodachi is a small tachi (ko+tachi). It was even decorated like a tachi. But it was shorter in length. And it was worn with the sharp edge down.

[@AngryMarine-il6ej]

I did some reading and it was stated that samurai carried 2 swords at all times when they first made their appearance around 1185. The kodachi being the second and any one larger, i.e., tachi, uchi-katana or odachi. Guess I would have to go back to Japan and get the word firsthand.

[@GladstnJones]

I'm actually not super into katanas, but I'm always interested to learn more about different cultures and their weapons.

[@Nooby_2D]

This was very informative! I have a character that uses a Katana so I researched for just the right weapon to be accurate. Found this video and now I'm glad to discover this channel. Thanks, mate.

[@leeroy4014]

Same

[@raymondsosnowski9717]

Nicely done! However, in the "omake" talk, a missing aspect was the actual use of the o-dachi. The "choken" of the Kage Ryu Batto-jutsu from Akizuki Han (modern Fukuoka Prefecture) is still practiced today. These choken were from 2.8 to 4 shaku in length. I have used bokuto 3.5 shaku long - it is a rather interesting experience. I also train with a 2.81 shaku iaito as well.

[@ToteRatte]

6:06 Accidentally german? ("Lang = long" in german)

[@youngimperialistmkii]

Indeed

[@baihou8893]

Jawohl

[@floppa1819]

Well still what he said, he meant to said long.

[@lennarthoekveen9339]

Dutch too. Greetings from NL :)

[@emreboz638]

Och komm, wollte ich auch gerade sagen…

[@geromyre]

First of all, congratulations for already passing 100k subscribers! I love how candid and yet informative your videos are. Also: hell yeah! Bowgunners unite!

[@boogaloo_weed]

✌️✌️bowgun bros stick together

[@itloaf]

does my light bowgun count haha

[@Ziggygh]

My respect for Shogo has gone up even more knowing he uses a Heavy Bowgun in MH. Keep up the great videos!

[@eldorta]

I did Kyudo for a couple of years, and practice Shodo. Would love you to dedicate a video, or videos, to these two beautiful forms of art. Love your videos.

[@BobaVett]

I can’t get enough of this channel. Plain and simple. What I wouldn’t do to experience just a small taste of such a beautiful culture.

[@dunklerwanderer3681]

A really cool video As a veteran of medieval european martial arts, i'm very interested in these things. short info: naginata is known in Germany as Stab-Schwert translated staff-sword

[@guyblew1733]

Love Japanese history. Thanks for this history lesson.

[@kgnsc]

Leaving a comment for the algorithm.

[@Ni999]

Replying to establish further engagement for the same reason, because great channel, informative and entertaining!

[@nowthenzen]

Great stuff, Shogo! Curved swords are also easier to withdraw from a target after a hit bc of the leverage of the curved blade. I have also heard that a curved blade assists in edge alignment so that a strike is more likely to land with the blade at 90 degree angle to the target.

[@fanninagy4724]

I already liked the video when I started watching because I know it will be a great video 😃

[@Timbo6669]

I haven’t been watching for “lang” but I’m loving your content. Great work!

[@windows9764]

There is aa game called Elden Ring, where one of the starting classes is a samurai and they give an uchi-katana (uchigatana in game), and they did put it the blade pointing upwards, i respect those small details

[@WerewolfMaster]

In Poland we have a saying: "Potrzeba matką wynalazków" (which means: The need is a mother of inventions)

[@chatchalitaklatalumbon9542]

As a Touken Ranbu player, I'm appreciating this video even more!

[@Big.Catto512]

I main every/all 12/14 weapons in MH games, and I like them all, have an usage of over 1000 times for each weapons as I switch between weapons from quests to quests 😄

[@Vincent2096]

I appreciate your warm smiles at the end of every video. Really shows how happy you are in imparting your knowledge to the viewers. Thank you for this informative video.

[@silvers6793]

What about the Bisento, when was that implemented and where does it fit into the development of weapons? Also a real life swordsman using the Heavy Bowgun is just a beautiful thing to know

[@Dastankbeets9486]

thank you for this great video! I've always loved overly-cool and exaggerated katanas in anime and videogames, but it's great to learn about some of the real life background and applications

[@rolandgdean]

6:05 "Lang" : contraction meaning "long handle". lolirl...dude, you are so awesome.

[@nickfloydngoho1686]

I really love Japanese swords because of it's sharp and beautifully made curve blades and I also really love Japan and it's culture. I'm from Philippines 🇵🇭❤️🇯🇵

[@jayaniee]

Thank you for this informative video!

[@xeno1976]

Hi! MonHun fan here, I’ve been using Long sword (aka yes, its called the Tachi in Japanese monhun) for as long as i can remember, back when i was playing Monster hunter portable 2nd G (or monster hunter freedom unite in the west), I’ve have been encapsulated by the magnificence of the long sword, its simple move set yet fluid motion and moderate damage, along with the addition of the spirit gauge, makes it one of the most used weapons of my all time favorites. The Longsword in Monhun derives directly from the latter of an in real life Tachi, as if seen carrying on a hunter when it is sheathed, the blade side faces towards the ground. This can be further proof in Monster Hunter world: Iceborne, one of longsword’s added moves during the g-rank expansion is called the special sheathe, but it is conveniently just an Iai sheathe (deriving from Iai-do in Japanese swordsmanshipI). Again when Iai sheathing, the blade faces towards the ground, which unlike in real life Uchikatana sheathing, as Shogo-san described, further proofing its Tachi inspirations. It is very likely that Capcom brought the concepts of in real life katana and tachi and merge them together into the what we see now in MonHun. It is a amazing concept that is most likely brought to MonHun as a tribute to Japanese swordsmanship culture. Very much appreciated Shogo-San’s depiction and the thorough explanation between the difference of Katana and tachi, along with the addition of Naginata, Tanto, Wakizashi and Odachi to the topic. I’ll be extremely honored if Shogo San ever decides to show up in my hunting party (especially now MonHun Rise Sunbreak is out already) XD

[@yens1609]

So that would mean you have an uchi-katana and wakizashi in the background if I understood correctly 👀

[@CodyLundberg]

Yes that is very traditional. A (uchi) katana and wakizashi carried together through the belt was a badge of being a samurai during the Edo period. The pairing is called a daishō. I believe it was a high crime during non-samurai to wear a daishō.

[@Meatwad.Baggins]

I am a fan of naginatas and was glad to see them mentioned here

[@JackIronwood]

Quickie question for Shojo: Weren't Bujin primarily mounted bow-men, with the Tachi being the auxillary weapon once the battle lines closed ranks?

[@ProfPyro]

Thank you for teaching me something new in every video! I've always wondered about the nomenclature of Japanese swords.

[@DiscoDachiff]

Interesting video! This brings a question though, is the nagamaki considered a katana too? I have seen very little on them so it might be an oversight on my part

[@cloudstrife3485]

Thank you for this video I found it the most educational lesson on the Tachi i have yet seen and i lived it...I have 3 based of characters I love...but I have also fractured the handle on one and rebuilt it all by myself and still use it today...i prefer to passionately use my Odachi in the hardest fashion category BUT still main to draw it from the hip...I'm tall so I used this to train my wrist strength! Thank you for your passion for your work...thank you for your work and dedication! I believe your knowledge really helps build bridges and shapes the world positively

[@joedredd1168]

I have to admit I find myself rather liking the Tachi more than the Uchikatana. The extra curvature and longer blade just give it a more sleek design and pleasant design.

[@jonathonhartley6931]

Jesus!!!, over 11 foot long?? that's insanely awesome!!! that sword, despite it basically being an ornament, is twice the size of most human beings!!!! there's the reason i really like Japanese weapons, especially ones from the older eras, great video man!!, can't wait to check out more of your content!!!

[@shikigranbell7608]

The 10 dislikes are from people who cant tell the difference between a katana and a tachi.

[@lightningandodinify]

Uchigatana*

[@raidenthememer4360]

Katana is less curve and shorter than tachi. tachi is well curve and abit longger than the katana

[@kelpu3849]

@@lightningandodinify uchi-katana*

[@lightningandodinify]

@@kelpu3849 that's fine too but not any more or less correct. The k vs g distinction is just a phonetic rule in the language based on the placement of the sound in a word.

[@crapsound]

This is amazing. I learned a lot. Thanks! I'll just come back to this when I forget. And I tend to forget sometimes. Yay internet!

[@jackmcslay]

So, Sephiroth's sword is real. Sweet!

[@anasevi9456]

I am surprised that the Tachi is not more popular with Otaku and western Weebs; given their more ancient status and that they remained the sword of Nobility; upper crust of the Samurai. Worn by Daimyo well after the Sengoku Jidai. At least when getting their portraits done which says more than enough of the mystic around the older style. Though their certainly is an appeal to larping as a penniless Ronin whom has a more personal but loose relationship with his sword, though Katana were hardly merely a sword of the impoverished samurai. Thank you for the informative video.

[@rasacon1]

Excellent video, at this rate you will reach 100,000 subscribers in two or three more months.

[@Razor773_YT]

It’s actually cool because I read a textbook about Samurai warfare by Professor Karl Friday who studied in Japan. I always love to hear about this part of history

[@shard_the_sage1320]

In Final Fantasy 7 is Sepiroth actually wielding a Tachi?

[@FlameMasterInfernape888]

Sephiroth uses a Nodachi

[@kuronoch.1441]

​@@FlameMasterInfernape888Yes, and unfortunately for him, he was not the first to wield a 7-foot long one. A certain man in the Sengoku period beat him to the punch.

[@santiagonavesgomez8332]

You very knowledgeable

[@jedimasteroforder8222]

I love how he explains this like you would to a child but not in a condescending tone like just genuinely being chill about it

[@kirbymarchbarcena]

I would really love to own an authentic katana with my name engraved on it.

[@johntitor308]

Dude mentions monster hunter, katanas and anime You got me hooked immidiately

[@mongemachiro4786]

1:07 Shogo make game review when

[@lalatrish2462]

I just discovered your channel and im living for this content 🥰 Thank you for this!

[@christophg.6339]

I hope you get your subscribers!

[@canarddefer3574]

Great video, as always. Worth noting, too, that in later periods uchigatana were worn by armoured samurai, edge downwards, carried in a specially designed holster. As regards the odachi, there also prevails a school of thought that they were predominately used by infantry, giving them more reach and power when attacking mounted samurai and/or their horses.

[@debishvebishwish4839]

Me playing Touken Ranbu: Ah finally a topic that I really love!

[@ghoulchan7525]

ha ha yeah same here.

[@NanaViveirosKimie]

I loved this video!! I waited so much for it ❤️ I really had this curiosity!!

[@APenguinsLullaby]

It's interesting that Japanese weapons developed in a similar way to European weapons. I also love how basically all culture's ultimate weapon form is long stick with spike, which makes sense.

[@LadyLuck-rd5vi]

The Stick with a Sharp Thing is a venerated weapon in all cultures, praise and love the Sharp Thing on a Stick

[@Red-jl7jj]

well i mean technically the sword outlasted the spear...

[@APenguinsLullaby]

@@Red-jl7jj I mean, no. Just look at the zulu wars. The people of the Zulu used polearms and long-handled clubs. And hey, bayonets are basically gun spears. The only way they outlasted the spear is in sport because of the technical nature of the weapon, which, unlike spears, required lots of skill to be effective due to things like edge alignment. Even in the crusade era, swords were a last resort, for when you were without a long pointy stick. Always remember, long range = less likely to be killed.

[@LadyLuck-rd5vi]

@@Red-jl7jj Bayonets are the spears natural evolution. A stick that shoots sharp things with a sharp thing on the end of it

[@zenogias01]

@@APenguinsLullaby The Zulu were actually pretty interesting weapon and tactics-wise because they basically reinvented the Roman legion. The Assegai, their short spear, was more like a short sword and used as such in close combat. Generally, a Zulu warrior carried a couple of throwing spears that would be used in volleys at the beginning of the fight to soften up their enemy, after which they would advance in a shield block to destroy their enemy in close combat. The classic Roman legions fought the same way.

[@dreamseeker2346]

Thank you for the video, I've been curious about these variations for some time and appreciate you sharing this knowledge.

[@the_hiroman]

Great video, just wished it mentioned the nagamaki (sword with large handle) and the kodachi (practically a short tachi). How about talking about Kojiro Sasaki and his Monohoshizao nodachi in a future video?

[@GreasyTheGreat]

I'm not sure if you have already but could you do a video on visiting Japan for a westerner? I have always loved learning about feudal Era Japan and the warring clans and shogun etc.. I have read books on bushido and Japanese culture but me and my wife plan on visiting in the next couple of years. I would love to know how to avoid disrespecting the culture as western culture isuch more loud and eccentric. I would love to know some unique places where we can really experience the culture and the proper etiquette. Love your channel keep up the hard work

[@L8BG]

Why did I read the word Itachi?

[@earlcheatham9152]

One word..FASCINATING!!

[@haukkru]

If I remember correctly the tan-to and wakizashi were used for most in doors close combat, because a normal katana could be a bit difficult to swing while in small hallways and buildings 🤔

[@DioBrando_Sama]

This channel is gold.

[@stixforone]

only legends heard itachi

[@JobBoyy]

Excellent video, me and a friend of mine liked a lot

[@ElDrHouse2010]

The Yari can't be newer than the Chokuto. Yari literally just means spear. You won't be telling me that the spear didnt exist before for wild pig hunters? Spears are the easiest and most effective weapons to manufacture I'm sure the Japanese had them since forever.

[@stefanoshiroi9078]

Definitely! IMHO i think he meant spear as a Samurai weapon specifically. In fact the japanese spear before the Yari was the Hoko, described in the preface of the Kojiki (700 AD) as were produced as early as the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 AD) ;)

[@zenogias01]

The spear was a weapon used by foot soldiers who were primarily raised up during times of wore and given cheap, mass-produced equipment. Samurai fought with bows on horseback. They picked up the spear again when professional armies of peasant foot soldiers took over the battlefield during the Sengoku era and samurai-style horse archery was no longer effective.

[@mikloskallo9046]

Excellent explanations - especially the reason why tachis and uchi-katanas are displayed differently. I really like the way blunders are sometimes left in the videos. (A bit too many cartoon figures popping up here and there, but that's a matter of personal taste.)

[@C0ntPiece0fMisery]

B E A Utiful!

[@dwayneelizondomountaindewh6073]

You do a good video you kept me entertained while educated.

[@emrysthefirst7778]

lang is the german word for long btw

[@user-fd1ds9oi4x]

your videos are incredibly fun to watch and very informative, thank you!

[@virgiliosimudlan4923]

First veiw first comment

[@JOEBLACK1979]

Awesome chanel bro! Greetings from Budapest!

[@LastGoatKnight]

Exactly what I wanted to watch. Thank you KZbin for the recommendation and Thank you for the video😄

[@stefanoshiroi9078]

Responding to many who have wondered how it's possible that the *spear* was not used before in Japan. IMHO i think he meant spear as a *Samurai* weapon specifically. In fact the japanese spear before the *Yari* was the *Hoko* , described in the preface of the *Kojiki* (700 AD) as were produced as early as the Yayoi period (300 BC to 300 AD) ;)

[@juliencero]

This channel is super cool! Thanks for your work

[@garrett4340]

The odachi was used when a samurai was knocked of his horse in a fight and his opponent was still mounted, therefore the extra length was needed to either slash at the opponent, or to stab through a rearing horse into the rider, this is why the handle is so long

[@IndriAndri340]

Using this as a way to better learn about touken ranbu! If yall haven't check it out. It's an anime about the personification of well-known Japanese swords that try to prevent history from changing

[@leftyfourguns]

The tachi blade and handle were curved at the optimal angles to line up squarely with the head of a person standing on the ground. From what I've read, the rider would couch the tachi in their hand and run down dismounted enemies in a similar fashion to using a lance.

[@SerpentStrik]

You explain the topic so clearly!

[@buzzsawgr81]

been running through ghost of tsushima again and youtube suggestions, doing the creepy mindreading stuff it does, started posting your videos on my feed and I'm really enjoying your weapons videos. I've always loved the katana (I have a rack of them myself though only 2 are good quality, the others are just the cheap display swords) and it's neat learning more about them.

[@zubakiano]

Wow, just watched this and you mention 100k subs, but ended up with over a 1M - congrats and well deserved, your content is awesome!

[@dennisrichardteng7170]

Thank you for sharing Sir. Very informative and clear!

[@lordofuwus7735]

Happy to see another monster hunter fan!

[@sheeparebillygoats7221]

Shogo, I have learned so so much from you.

[@MrAlexH1991]

If you’re ever wondering, Europeans had their own take on the Naginata too. In modern English, it’s called a glaive. In Mandarin, a Guandao. I just think it’s interesting to point out how, despite so many cultural differences between nations or even regions of the globe, certain elements of all our technology emerged and evolved *eerily* similarly.

[@CamusZekeSirius]

Although, it should be noted that Naginatas are actually not swords, but rather a pole weapon. It’s just that it has a sword-like blade

[@Zeke1460]

It’s a really Lang sword. Much appreciated. In all seriousness though, thanks for the video Shogo!

[@nathancoleman8948]

This is a great informative video. Lots of interesting knowledge on Japanese swords, but I have to say my favorite new word is now “lang”.

[@lunerlilly]

I've always wanted to know the differences thank you 😊.

[@Staufi82]

I like it when he uses Japanese words with its Japanese pronunciation. Thanks for the explanation and greetings from Germany.

[@LetsNerdOut]

This is actually helpful because I have been learning ninjutsu since you're video where you went to the dojo but I have started studying samurai here recently, and been looking for an uchi-katana for my studies. At least I'll be able to find an actual uchi-katana

[@ROMANTIKILLER2]

I find it so fascinating when there are elements and solutions adopted by Japanese people that were very similar to those used in Europe even though back in those days there was hardly any contact between those cultures. It seems to show that when faceed with the same kind of problems, people tend to come up with similar solutions despite of their differences.

[@House_Husband_Romeo]

I love this channel! I learn so much. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@mrj4719]

While I do think this is utterly brilliant, I seem to recall that there were 5 talents a samurai was expected to know: archery, horsemanship, swordplay, courtesanship and at least one other abstract artform, be it calligraphy, painting, music, Noh, poetry, tea, origami or flower-arranging, the samurai was expected to prove a basic art skill beyond normal. I'm wondering if videography counts. What would Lady Murasaki think?

[@mrj4719]

And yes, I do know that Lady Murasaki's era was a few centuries before the rise of the Samurai, but it was clearly her culture that most influenced the later ages in the arts. Read Tale of Genji and tell me it's not so. It's kinda like owning a classic car, you can't let it go. There is no sale price, only a constant cost...

[@danelamoreaux4166]

Congrats on the million plus subscribers. You definitely deserve it.

[@nolimendoza4588]

This was an awesome presentation. Thank you so much.

[@Omega_77711]

This representation is absolute ✨✨✨ keep it up bro!!!