Wakizashi
Videos
The wakizashi is one of the traditionally made Japanese swords worn by the samurai in feudal Japan. Its name refers to the practice of wearing it inserted through one's obi or sash at one's side, wher
Blade and mounting for a wakizashi. The blade was made by Soshu Fusamune. Blade, late 15th–early 16th century; mounting, 18th century. There were many different makers for the katana. The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Antique Japanese daishō, the traditional pairing of two Japanese swords which were the symbol of the samurai, showing the traditional Japanese sword cases (koshirae) and the difference in size between the katana (bottom) and the smaller wakizashi (top).
Although the number of forged swords decreased in the Meiji period, many artistically excellent mountings were made. A wakizashi forged by Soshu Akihiro. Nanboku-chō period (top). Wakizashi mounting, Early Meiji period (bottom).
Wakizashi Ishida Sadamune made by Sadamune. Nanboku-chō period. Important Cultural Property. Tokyo National Museum.
On 12 October 1960, Inejirō Asanuma, chairman of the Japan Socialist Party, was assassinated at Hibiya Public Hall in Tokyo. During a televised debate, 17-year-old Otoya Yamaguchi, an extreme anti-com
Wakizashi
…encountering bandits. During a speech at Hibiya Public Hall in Tokyo on 12 October 1960, Inejiro Asanuma, the chairman of the Japan Socialist Party, was assassinated by 17 year old Otoya Yamaguchi, who used a wakizashi. Japanese sword mountings…
Yasushi Nagao's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of Yamaguchi attempting to stab Asanuma for a second time
Asanuma delivering his last speech before being assassinated
Kyoko, widow of Asanuma (left) observes a moment of silence and her eldest daughter Kinue sheds tears, 13 October 1960
On 13 October 1960, more than 25,000 people took to the streets to demonstrate after the assassination of Asanuma