John Lindsey
23rd May 2000, 04:25
Source: The Sword and Same by Henri Joly 1913
1623- Tokugawa Iyetada prohibited commoners from wearing sword to avoid brawls (the tachi was called O Wakizashi at this time).
1640- Tokugawa Iyemitsu prohibited the attendants of Samurai from carrying tachi.
1670- Tokugawa Iyetsuna issued a regulation making the length of tachi 2’8”, and O Wakizashi 1’8”, and anyone carrying a longer sword was liable for punishment.
1683- Tokugawa Tsunayoshi reiterated the prohibition to common people to wear a long sword, but allowed them to carry a tanto; musicians and artists, even when of the Samurai class, were debarred from carrying a big sword.
1789- It was established that any sword exceeding 1’8” be termed Naga Wakizashi, and anyone carrying such a sword was liable to punishment. Later, the length was reduced to 1’5”.
1877- The Haitorei was issued prohibiting the wearing of all swords except for cases of military and police officials.
1623- Tokugawa Iyetada prohibited commoners from wearing sword to avoid brawls (the tachi was called O Wakizashi at this time).
1640- Tokugawa Iyemitsu prohibited the attendants of Samurai from carrying tachi.
1670- Tokugawa Iyetsuna issued a regulation making the length of tachi 2’8”, and O Wakizashi 1’8”, and anyone carrying a longer sword was liable for punishment.
1683- Tokugawa Tsunayoshi reiterated the prohibition to common people to wear a long sword, but allowed them to carry a tanto; musicians and artists, even when of the Samurai class, were debarred from carrying a big sword.
1789- It was established that any sword exceeding 1’8” be termed Naga Wakizashi, and anyone carrying such a sword was liable to punishment. Later, the length was reduced to 1’5”.
1877- The Haitorei was issued prohibiting the wearing of all swords except for cases of military and police officials.