Japanese samurai warriors faced a disadvantage. In 1274, the Mongolian armies, led by Kublai Khan, embarked on a mission to conquer Japan. The Mongol Invasion Introduced the Katana In addition, the mei, or signature, faces away from the body. The tachi is worn by warriors slung through a cord from the waist, with the cutting edge facing downward. The tachi was the precursor to the katana. When the warriors returned from their next battle, none of the blades were broken. Yasutsuna and his son continued forging these new tachi swords, giving them to the warriors. At the end of those 31 days, they emerged with a single-edged curved sword known as the Tachi. They spent the next 31 days working on a new sword that would not break as easily. ![]() At the end of seven days, they collected the best iron sand ore. He and his son locked themselves away for seven days, praying to the Shinto gods. He knew the Emperor was not pleased and he vowed to make things right. Upon closer look, Yasutsuna noticed that most of the warriors returning carried broken and damaged swords. Contrary to normal recognition, the Emperor passed with no sign of approval. Yasutsuna and his son Amakura watched as the warriors returned. The story begins with the return of warriors from battle. Yasutsuna was the head swordsmith for the Emperor of Japan at the time. This is where we meet Amakuni Yasutsuna from the Yamato Province. The earliest origins of the katana design date back to the Heian period around 700A.D. The Legend of Amakuni Yasutsuna and the Tachi These are the earliest representation of swords in Japan and the base where the katana evolved from. These long, straight, double-edged swords sported blades ranging from 35-39 inches, with a traditional 8-inch handle. The Chinese Jian was a double-edged, straight, long sword and, once in Japan, influenced the Japanese Tsurugi design. Chinese and Korean Swordsmiths Influence the First Japanese Swordsīetween the 3 rd and 8 th centuries, Chinese and Korean swordsmiths came to Japan, bringing their sword design knowledge. Swordsmiths adapted as the type of combat changed, eventually leading to the katana style that is so well-known today. ![]() ![]() The shape, length, and blade design have all changed since Japan’s first sword, influenced by China and Korea. Swords have been an integral part of Japanese history for over 1,500 years. We would like to introduce you to the history of this iconic sword, walk you through the steps of traditional swordsmiths, and introduce some key terminology. But few understand its true origin, or the process of how traditional swordsmiths in Japan made these historic swords. Thanks to the big screen and rise of anime, most people recognize the katana and its connection to the samurai. We not only appreciate the katana’s long history but also its value as a beautiful work of art. The Japanese Katana is a popular and sought-after blade, and Kult of Athena’s “healthy” arguments about our favorite type of sword always include one.
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