The term "guntō" refers to a collective term for swords and blades used for military purposes. It includes weapons carried during combat and command, as well as ceremonial swords and daggers with non-sharpened blades used for formal attire, ceremonies, and military parades. Firearms and knives are not included in this category.
In this article, we will primarily focus on the guntō used in Japan.
Overview
After the Meiji Restoration, the establishment of a modern military force was pursued under the goal of strengthening the country. The Japanese military, under the guidance of European powers, embarked on a process of Westernization in terms of equipment, ranging from trumpets to artillery.
In 1875, the Imperial Japanese Army, taking inspiration from France, established the "military sword" (tachi) through a government proclamation, which became the standard sword worn by officers. Both the exterior and blade of the sword were modeled after the European saber.
However, due to the evaluation of the swordsmanship demonstrated by the Battōtai during the Satsuma Rebellion, as well as the recognition and handling techniques (double-handed grip) associated with traditional Japanese swords, it gradually became common for the military sword to be worn with a Japanese sword blade while retaining the standardized saber-style exterior.
Furthermore, around 1935, both the Army and Navy replaced the traditional saber-style exterior with an appearance inspired by the traditional Japanese tachi, reflecting the current situation and lessons learned from warfare.
Depending on the era and circumstances, military personnel eligible to wear the military sword included all officers (including naval special officers) and warrant officers of the Army and Navy, as well as non-commissioned officers, cadet officers of the Army (cavalry and transport soldiers), naval cadets (with a short sword), and infantry soldiers, including regiment and battalion headquarters staff and certain senior non-commissioned officers residing outside the barracks.
The military sword of non-commissioned officers and soldiers (designated to wear the sword) was generally issued by the government and treated as a military weapon.
However, the military sword of officers and warrant officers, since the aforementioned government proclamation in 1875 until the disbandment of the Army and Navy, was essentially a standard of the Army and Navy uniform regulations.
Therefore, it was not purely a weapon but rather a part of military attire. Like other military gear, officers had to personally procure a sword that corresponded to their rank.
Although the overall form of the military sword was standardized, various styles and blade types existed due to personal preferences, interests, and availability.
As mentioned earlier, while enlisted soldiers were generally issued government-provided military swords, there were cases where senior non-commissioned officers and those stationed overseas or in frontline areas privately procured and wore their own swords.
From the 20th century onwards, with the modernization of weaponry and the evolution of combat doctrines, along with the decline of cavalry, which was the prestigious branch of the Army that primarily used the military sword, there was a trend among many countries, starting from the interwar period, to abolish the use of the military sword not only in the field but also during regular duty.
By the time of World War II, the military sword remained a primary piece of equipment for Japanese military personnel, with officers and warrant officers wearing it as part of their uniforms at all times.
However, after the war, the military sword became purely ceremonial attire for the armed forces of various countries, including the Japan Self-Defense Forces.
Types of Guntō Military Swords
- Taishō's Guntō (Grand Marshal's Sword)
The Emperor of Japan, holding the position of the Grand Marshal of the Army or Navy, would wear the Taishō's Guntō (Grand Marshal's Sword) as part of their regalia. The scabbard of the sword had a suspension ring that could be hooked onto a sword belt or a shorter sword belt for walking, while on horseback, the ring would be detached, and the sword would be suspended by a strap. The strap for equestrians would typically have a metal chain (grommet).
The exterior design of the Taishō's Guntō followed the style of the military swords used by the Army or Navy. When the Emperor wore the ceremonial dress of the Army, the Army's sword was worn, and when wearing the ceremonial dress of the Navy, the Navy's sword was worn.
- Marshal's Sword
The Army or Navy Marshals, holding the rank of Marshal, would wear the Marshal's Sword. The Marshal's Sword had different exterior design, blade structure, and significance compared to the military swords of the Army or Navy mentioned earlier.
It should be noted that the standard Marshal's Sword has five pairs of chrysanthemum crests on the scabbard, but in the case of the Grand Marshal (Emperor), it has seven pairs.