Japan has a rich military history that spans for centuries and has evolved over the course of time. Early Japanese military were in place for defense of the country, as well as acquisition of new land. Primary weapons were bows and arrows until the country entered the feudal state. Swords began to be used as military weapons starting the 8th century AD. The noble warriors of the time were called samurai, who also followed strict codes of teaching. The weapons used in Japan evolved as the military grew and the country changed both politically and economically.
Shin-Gunto Swords
The shin-gunto sword was developed in Japan in the 1930s as a standard uniform weapon, worn by officers in the Imperial Japanese Army. This type of sword was long with a curved blade. Its handle consisted of a grip as a place to hold the sword, a guard to protect the hand, and a pommel to act as a counterweight at the end of the handle. The Japanese shin-gunto swords were decorated with cherry blossoms on the handle. Their scabbards were brown and made of metal. Army officers wore these swords as part of their uniform. There was a similar style of shin-gunto sword fashioned for the Japanese Navy officers shortly thereafter.
- Japanese Military History Timeline: A representation of the history of Japan’s military.
- Japan’s About Face: A timeline of Japanese military history from PBS.
- Shin-Gunto Samurai Sword: Photographs and information about the sword.
- Military Swords: A brief description about the use of Japanese military swords.
NCO Shin-Gunto
These swords were worn by non-commissioned officers (NCO) in the Imperial Army of Japan, and were similar to the shin-gunto worn by officers. The NCO shin-gunto also had a long, curved blade that had deep grooves and a brass handle with a guard and pommel. Their scabbards were also made of brass. These swords later changed: the handles were made of iron and the scabbards of wood. Non commissioned officers were usually more numerous than officers in the Army. These swords were designed to be mass-produced to supply the many NCOs serving in the Japanese Army.
- Non-Commissioned Officers Gunto: A photograph and description of the sword, noted in English and Japanese.
- Types of Japanese Military Swords: An explanation of sword types with distinctly close-up photographs.
- About a Gunto: Pictures and descriptions of types of Japanese swords.
Kyu-Gunto Swords
Before the use of the shin-gunto sword, there was the kyu-gunto. Officers in both the Japanese Army and Navy used these swords. The kyu-gunto sword had a metal scabbard with a handle made of wood that was sometimes covered with brass. These swords were mass produced for the large numbers of military. There were also many that were hand made and consequently were of better quality, usually containing mekugi, or a peg that held the sword blade and handle together. The use of kyu-gunto swords began in the late 19th century by the Japanese in the Russo-Japanese War, and lasted until the 1930s when they were replaced by the shin-gunto.
- Anatomy of Samurai Swords: Definitions of the different parts of military swords.
- The Mountings of the Japanese Sword: An extensive description of sword mountings, with Japanese terminology defined.
- The Japanese Sword: The timeline of the evolution of Japanese swords.
Colonial Occupation Swords
Japan occupied the country of Korea for 35 years, from 1910 until 1945. The officers were issued swords that resembled the kyu-gunto in structure, with metal scabbards and brass or wood handles. Most swords also had a symbol etched on it to signify what colony or area the officer was occupying. Different swords were then seen in various parts of the country. The occupation of Korea ended with the close of World War II.
- Japanese Military Swords: Photographs and information about various swords, including the colonial occupation swords.
- Japanese Sword Construction: An explanation of the different parts of Japanese swords.
- Japanese Military Antiques: Pictures and information about blades and handles.
- Japanese Swords: A report of the history of Japanese swords.
Kai-Gunto Swords
Japanese officers in the Navy primarily used kai-gunto swords. These swords were long with a curved blade. Their scabbards were made of metal and were sometimes covered with enamel of blue or black. The handle was wrapped with a covering called rayskin, which allowed for better gripping. Some of these swords also had ito, which is a type of rope specifically wrapped around the handle. These ito were also colored black or blue. The blades were made of stainless steel. These swords were mass-produced for the Naval officers of Japan.
- Japanese Military Swords: Brief descriptions with pictures of sword types, including the kai-gunto.
- Japanese Sword Visual Glossary: Pictures of the major parts of the Japanese sword blade.
- The Japanese Blade: The technology and construction of Japanese swords.
- Secrets of the Samurai Sword: Description and pictures of the process of making a Japanese sword.
Sword Tassels and Knots
Many shin-gunto swords had tassels on the handle or the pommel, which indicated rank. Particular colors were used for various ranks. For example, blue and brown tassels signified captains, and red and brown signified colonels and majors. All other officers had tassels of red and gold. Knots of various colors were seen on NCO shin-gunto swords.
- The Art of Japanese Sword Restoration: Details about the specific parts and wrappings of swords.
- Sword Tassel Grades: Examples of different colored sword tassels.
The Japanese have a proud military history, and their fighting expertise is noted in their swordsmanship. As their military has changed, their swords evolved for use in various conflicts. Japanese swords remain a part of military history that Japan is proud of.
Written by Michael S. Atwood