These swords are among the classic styles of Japanese swords made in feudal Japan by the samurai class. Tanjiro swords are distinguished by their often curved blades lacking a proper cutting edge and their simple, open tsuba (handguard). 

As such, their intended use was not against human opponents, but rather as ceremonial weapons or for combating armor. They are also less useful for martial arts activities because they lack sharp edges, which are required to execute kendo or iaido techniques. In premodern Japan, bushi (samurai) of lower rank were usually the ones who wielded these swords. Their non-cutting qualities served mainly as a low-cost alternative to proper katana and wakizashi swords.

Depending on the area in which they were made, these anime swords' quality varied greatly. These swords resemble traditional katana swords in appearance. A katana is sharpened on both sides, whereas this sword is not sharpened at all and lacks a true edge. This is the primary distinction. Because of this, it isn't as sharp as a traditional Japanese blade.

The History of the Tanjiro Sword

A tanjiro sword is among the most significant weapons in Japanese history. It's a katana sword, one of the two swords that samurai use as weapons and status symbols. This sword has always belonged to its owner or heir and has been handed down through the generations from master to apprentice. The sword was taken in 2006 from a private collection close to Kyoto, Japan, but it was found 12 days later.

The sword was given the name tanjiro, which translates to "as you wish," merely as a name and not as an integral component. Swords are frequently named after their aesthetic appeal, which is crucial when the swords are meant for rituals or festivals. However, this particular sword's name does not refer to its beauty but rather to its owner's wish for good luck and fortune in battle.


The First Owner of the Sword

Yoshisada Nitta and his cousin Yoshisuke argued about their birthright in Tenmon 11 (1336). Both Yoshisada's grandfather and father had ruled over an area known as the Chiba Prefecture. Following the death of Yoshisada's father, Yoshisada and his uncle fought over the territory. Yoshisada was pursued by the uncle's troops in an attempt to kill him, but Tadayoshi Sakaiye rescued him. 

The young Yoshisada was raised by one of the samurai of the local lord Tadayoshi until he reached adulthood. After receiving his training from Yoshibumi Kato, Munekiyo Araki, a samurai, joined Tadayoshi's trusted group. Eventually, Munekiyo took control of a small area in Settsu Province. One day, Yoshihime, the first-born daughter of Munekiyo's father, was born into the family through Munekiyo's wife. 

After realizing how stunning his future daughter-in-law would be, Munekiyo made the decision that he wanted her to wed his friend. He made the decision to bargain with Yoshisada's uncle and force him to approve the marriage because, at the time, there was no formal way to marry someone without their parents fighting.

Specialties of Tanjiro Sword

Swordsmith Tanjiro has dedicated his life to making the best blades in Japan. Tanjiro continues the ancient sword-making tradition, which grants only those with a natural aptitude for forging and sharpening permission to continue practicing this holy craft. 


Tanjiro has unrivaled experience and produces work of the highest caliber. Japan's nobles have a high demand for their swords. In order for everyone to gain from his expertise, he has taken the time to put down some of his unique methods and pointers. The specific characteristics and abilities of this awesome sword are as follows:

  • A tanjiro sword's blade is very heavy because it is made of the purest iron.
  • While every swordsmith tempers their weapon with fire, Tanjiro thinks that this step by itself does not produce a better blade. In order to give it strength, he also pounds it with a hammer, repeats the process multiple times, and eventually lets it cool.
  • While most swordsmiths are happy to use just one tempering method at a time, Tanjiro thinks that combining the three methods—fire, water, and hammer-beating—into one last step yields the best results.
  • Tanjiro employs a variety of techniques to improve the sword's sharpness throughout the procedure. While the majority of swordsmiths shield their delicate hands with wooden guards, Tanjiro reaches into the fire with bare fingers and calls upon his own body to aid in conveying his masterwork.
  • Tanjiro's apprentices also contribute to this work, in addition to his own unique treatments. Young men who want to dedicate their lives to art receive years of instruction from their masters.
  • Tanjiro crafts exquisite fantasy swords that are also extraordinarily robust and long-lasting. A tanjiro's sword is not easy to swing hard enough to break, but if it did break, the damage would be small.
  • The best of these swords are composed of unique steel that resists rusting even after being exposed to rain for several days. A master weaponsmith is said to have taken three years to handcraft a blade of this kind, and it fell into an earthen pit some fifteen years ago, and now only rust remains of its once-stout iron body. Several thousand men have tried to create one like it; none have succeeded.

Uses and Applications of Tanjiro Sword

These are a particular kind of Japanese sword that is mostly employed in samurai battles. Due to their unparalleled ability to execute precise and quick thrusts, these swords are still used in battle on a regular basis. These weapons typically have a straight blade and were made of heat-treated steel. While there are numerous applications for these swords, samurai use them only for combat. These awesome swords have the following functions and uses:

  • Samurai were the main users of these swords in battle. In fact, there are times when a samurai fight uses only the Tanjiro sword as a weapon. When fighting with a samurai, it is best that you have one of these weapons because they are meant to be used with quick thrusting motions that are similar to the backstabs of the modern day.
  • This sword is a perfect tool for self-defense as well. This weapon is small enough to carry around with ease, and you can use it even if your attacker is right behind you or within close range. Additionally, the weapon is incredibly light, making it simple to sling in your sleeve or belt. This is always useful for throwing samurai swords or for self-defense.
  • Criminals were also subjected to punishment with the Tanjiro sword. This weapon is ideal for striking targets, and it can also be used to neutralize an attacker's weapon. Its unique quality, which lessens the possible harm, makes it an excellent option for punishing offenders when using this sword on criminals and even their family members because its smaller size and lighter weight make it easy to carry around and throw at them.
  • You can also use this sword as a stabbing tool. This sword's size, weight, and design make it ideal for stabbing an opponent when you are on the offensive. Since their heart is on their left side, it is preferable to stab your opponent in that location if you are right-handed.
  • The sharp edge of this sword can also be used for picking up items that are on the ground. You can use this weapon in your daily life to pick up small objects like pennies and paper clips from tiny tables and desks because its sharp tip can pick them up.

Also Read: Parts of a Sword


Why is the Tanjiro Sword Popular?

One of the most well-known manufacturers of samurai swords is Tanjiro. It's understandable why: expert sword fighters prefer them, and their swords may be personalized with the most exquisite patterns. 

When you combine that with their exquisite and robust design, you have a sword that is almost unrivaled at many price points. That being said, very few people are aware of Tanjiro swords' past. "Know your history, know your sword" is a proverb in Japan. Since Japan's Edo Period, a lot of samurai and swordsmiths have adopted this mindset.