Daisho Set: Everything You Need to Know About The Two Katana Set
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The katana is often called the soul of the samurai. Samurai carried their swords everywhere—they were always within reach, even while sleeping. You might have heard that samurai carried two swords, the daisho: one long and one short. This article will explain more about this tradition and the meaning behind the Daisho set.
Image source: Wikipedia
What Does Daisho Mean?
Daisho means "a pair of swords." Daisho in Japanese is 大小, which translate to "big and small."
Dai (大) refers to the daito (大刀), the big sword.
Sho (小) refers to the shoto (小刀), the small sword.
The big sword could be a tachi 太刀 or uchigatana 打刀, while the small sword might be a wakizashi 脇差 or tanto 短刀. However, during the Edo period, the uchigatana and wakizashi became the standard combination for the samurai class. These two swords, usually should be designed to match in theme and fittings (known as koshirae), formed the formal Daisho set. For high-end sets, even the blades were crafted as a matching pair.
History of Daisho
The exact origin of the Daisho tradition is unclear, but it dates back to the Heian period. During this time, samurai in military carried a tachi and a koshi-gatana (a shorter sword for close combat on foot). As warfare shifted from mounted combat to infantry-based combat, the uchigatana grew in popularity and replaced the tachi, the Daisho tradition became solidified. By the Edo period, the katana and wakizashi combination became a formal emblem of the samurai class.
Another theory is that during the Sengoku period, samurai need to collect enemy heads as proof of victory to claim rewards and gain honor. Using the uchigatana, their primary weapon, to sever heads risked damaging its edge. Instead, it was more practical to use the wakizashi for this task. Over time, this practice became a custom, eventually solidifying into the tradition of the Daisho set.
Who Could Carry a Daisho?
Image source: Ameba
Carrying a Daisho was a privilege reserved for the samurai. It was both a duty and a symbol of their status. Commoners were generally restricted to carrying only a wakizashi, with the blade length limited to under two shaku (approximately 60 cm / 23 inches ). And only with good reasons like during travel or nighttime outings for self-defense.
However, there were exceptions, in certain circumstances, commoners were permitted to carry a Daisho as a reward for exceptional service. Examples included serving as village officials for many years or making significant contributions to their daimyo. Such rewards granted the privilege of carrying a Daisho.
These privileges varied in scope—some were granted for a single lifetime, others extended to direct descendants, and rarely, they became permanent.
In Japanese movies, you can often tell someone's social status by observing whether they wear a Daisho, signaling whether they are a samurai or just a ronin.
The Correct Way to Wear a Daisho
The Daisho should always be worn on the left side of the waist. It is important that the swords are positioned for stability and security, allowing for easy and efficient drawing. At the same time, maintaining a refined and elegant appearance was equally important for the samurai.
Regarding the positioning of the two swords, there are actually several different styles:
Basic Style: Heijo-zashi (平常指 - Standard Placement)
The wakizashi (脇差) is nearly horizontal, while the uchigatana (打刀) is slightly angled. A balanced, practical style between formal and casual.
Variants:
Kannuki-zashi (閂指 - Latch Style)
The swords are positioned horizontally, creating a 90-degree angle between the uchigatana (打刀) and wakizashi (脇差). Named after the kannuki (閂), a latch bar used to secure gates. Popular among boastful or rough samurai.
Otoshi-zashi (落とし指 - Low-Slung Style)
The hilt (tsuka - 柄) is close to the chest, and the scabbard (saya - 鞘) end points downward. A casual and unassuming style, though considered somewhat lazy.
Favored by ronin (浪人).
Satsuma Young Samurai Style (薩摩の若侍指 - Satsuma Wakazamurai-zashi)
The sageo (下緒) is left hanging downward from the scabbard, allowing the sword and scabbard to be drawn in one swift motion. Designed for quick readiness in emergencies.
Tenshin-zashi (天神指 - Mounted Style)
When mounted on horseback, the uchigatana is worn edge-down like a tachi.
Prevents the kojiri (鐺 - end of the scabbard) from hitting the horse’s rear, especially with deeply curved blades.
Each style reflects the practicality, customs, and personality of the samurai who adopted it, balancing tradition with individual and situational needs.
