The Entire History of Katana / Samurai Swords

The weapon known as the "katana" is globally recognized as a symbol of Bushido. How exactly did the katana originate and evolve over time? The evolution of the katana has been influenced by numerous historical events. In this video, we explore the history of the katana, from its emergence as a sword in ancient Japan, through its evolution into the katana during the Sengoku period, and up to its status in the modern era.
▼Here are some wonderful books about Japanese swords and Ukiyo-e that I have handpicked. Please take a look.▼
A book by "Yoshihara Yoshindo", the greatest modern swordsmith.
Link: amzn.to/3sUN9GV
Link: amzn.to/3QUwM58
A collection of Ukiyo-e featuring warrior illustrations "Musha-e" with historical explanations.
Link: amzn.to/46GUGGZ
00:00 Opening
00:39 The Origin of the Katana
03:03 The Birth of the Samurai and Katana
05:19 The Golden Age of Katana
07:47 Sengoku Period and Katana
10:52 The Evolution of Katana as an Art Object
12:21 Katana in the Edo Period
15:10 Modern Katana
引用:JAPAN Forward,隠岐で新御番鍛冶　後鳥羽上皇に日本刀の存続誓う
japan-forward.com/japanese/90...
引用:利信酒井,日本刀奉納鍛錬
• 日本刀奉納鍛錬
引用:Wikipedia,三種の神器,
ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%B8%...
引用:兵左衛門百観音堂,日本刀展示状況
hyozaemon.jp/%E5%B1%95%E7%A4%...
引用:刀剣ワールド,刀身彫刻写真集
www.touken-world.jp/gallery/s...

[@elcap420]

Thanks for the overview. There are a few points to mention. I understand that to gain a larger viewing audience the theme was around the katana though the full history of japanese swords is far greater than that of the katana leading to over use of the term katana in discussion of other nihonto. The better global term would have been nihonto. Also a bit overlooked was the fact that some of the most important adaptations leading up to the creation of the katana came in the Nanbokucho period (following the Mongolian invasions). The elongation of the kissaki, shortening of the blade and shallower curvature (sori) for ground combat (less cavalry), and with widening of the mihaba while reducing blade thickness (Kasane). Also the shortening of the longer blades such as Tachi and Odachi to create katana played an important role in the evolution of the nihonto into the Katana and later the Wakizashi. I believe your video on the influence of the Mongolian invasions does cover these points in a bit more depth. Overall it was still a worthwhile watch. Thanks

[@shubhamlohakare7142]

Heart Touching Video🎉

[@artawhirler]

Excellent video! Thanks!

[@HistoryofKatana]

Thank you very much for your comment. It truly makes me happy to receive such comments!

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

i saw katana. at the bowers museum in santa ana ca. the one knife was like 1,200 years old. they were on loan from japan.

[@HistoryofKatana]

Thank you for your comment!

[@SenUchitana]

Thanks

[@wahidulislam4453]

I like Katana 👍🏻💐

[@HistoryofKatana]

Thank you for your comment. I will continue to make videos about swords, so please look forward to them✨

[@Happy_Porg]

❤

[@artawhirler]

I was wondering if any of Miyamoto Musashi's swords still exist?

[@HistoryofKatana]

Yes. I plan to make a video about him in the future!

[@notsans9995]

No, his swords were confiscated from a shrine and melted down at the end of WW2.

[@simonjackson7269]

How many historically significant Katana disappeared to America after WW2?

[@edwardmale9941]

Good question

[@HistoryofKatana]

According to one account, it is said that the swords confiscated by the GHQ amounted to over 3 million in total.

[@kuronoch.1441]

@@HistoryofKatana including the famous odachi Hotarumaru and the wakizashi that Hijikata Toshizo wielded on main.

[@Aeneiden]

​@@HistoryofKatana where are they now?

[@y11971alex]

Can’t believe you didn’t mention the seven pointed sword and the inariyama kofun sword 😅

[@dane0phelps]

Not used as weapons today? Nah… I think that Florida Man would disagree.

[@leonidas231]

Oda didnt defeat Shingen but his son i believe