Katana(刀)

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about swords and weapons with romaji pronunciation:

**Sword Parts (nihontō no buhin 日本刀の部品):**

* **Katana (刀かたな katana):** Long, curved sword.

* **Tachi (太刀たち tachi):** Curved sword similar to katana, but more curved, for horseback riding.

* **Wakizashi (脇差わきざし wakizashi):** Shorter sword worn with the katana.

* **Tanto (短刀たんとう tantō):** Dagger.

* **Tsuka (柄つか tsuba):** Grip.

* **Saya (鞘さや saya):** Scabbard (sheath).

* **Tsuba (鍔つば tsuba):** Handguard.

* **Kissaki (切っ先きっさき kissaki):** Tip of the blade.

* **Ha (刃は ha):** Blade (cutting edge).

* **Mune (棟むね mune):** Back of the blade (unsharpened side).

**General Weaponry (bushi no budogu 武士の武器):**

* **Yumi (弓ゆみ yumi):** Bow.

* Yumiya (弓矢ゆみ矢 yumiya): Bow and arrow.

* Yari (槍やり yari): Spear.

* Jitte (十手じって jitte): Short truncheon with a prong used for disarming.

* Bushido (武士道ぶしどう bushidō): The way of the samurai warrior.

2. Today's topic

Katana(刀)

A Japanese sword, also called a nihontō, is a traditionally made sword from Japan. There are actually several types, but the most well-known is the katana.

Here's a breakdown of Japanese swords:

* **History:**  

  - Bronze blades were around as early as 1000 BC, but the curved swords most people imagine date back to the Heian period (794–1185) and are still made today.

* **Types:**  

  - The most famous is the **katana**, a curved, single-edged longsword traditionally worn by samurai from the 15th century onwards. 

  - Other types include the **tachi** (similar to katana but with more curvature, worn for horseback riding), the **wakizashi** (shorter sword worn with the katana), and the **tanto** (dagger).

* **Crafting:** 

  - Japanese swords are renowned for their quality and distinctive forging process. 

  - They are known for their beautiful curved blades made from differentially hardened steel, resulting in a sharp edge and a strong core.

* **More than a weapon:**  

  - Beyond their deadliness, katana are considered works of art and hold cultural significance.  

  - Owning and caring for a katana was a tradition for samurai.

Here's a comparison of Japanese swords ( katana) with European swords (e.g., longsword):

**Blade:**

* **Katana:** Curved, single-edged blade, optimized for slashing. Made from differentially hardened steel for a sharp cutting edge and a strong core.

* **Longsword:** Straight, double-edged blade, versatile for slashing and thrusting. Had a strong core with a softer, more flexible edge.

**Handling:**

* **Katana:** Two-handed grip, wielded with two hands for maximum power in cutting strokes.

* **Longsword:** Can be wielded with one or two hands, depending on the situation. One-handed use offered more control for thrusting, while two-handed use provided more power for cutting.

**Overall Design:**

* **Katana:** Lighter and more agile than longswords, reflecting the samurai focus on swift, decisive attacks.

* **Longsword:** Heavier and more robust than katanas, designed for battlefield clashes involving armor.

3- Today’s news

Stunning collection of Japanese swords sees light of day

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15174130

Aesthetic beauty of samurai swords on show in Yamanashi

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/13961528