The wakizashi (脇差 or 脇指) is a traditional Japanese short sword with a length ranging from 30 to 60 centimeters. In the case of the shorter ones, they would almost be considered tantō, a type of Japanese knife.
Its shape is similar to that of the katana, although the blade is generally thinner, making it capable of inflicting more severe injuries on an unprotected target. Samurai warriors often carried both swords together, referring to them as daishō, which literally means "the long and the short."
The wakizashi was originally used as a defensive weapon for samurai when they did not have access to their katana. In this aspect, it replaced the aforementioned tantō, which was used primarily during civil wars.
When a samurai entered a building, they would leave their katana on a stand near the entrance. However, they could carry the wakizashi with them at all times, even keeping it close while sleeping to repel any aggression.
Due to its shorter and more manageable size, it was better suited for defense in confined spaces where a katana's attack or guard would likely be obstructed by beams, ceilings, or furniture.
The wakizashi served a function similar to pistols in modern armed forces, being more effective in civilian or paramilitary environments than in open combat.
The wakizashi was also used for fighting in temples, which often had low ceilings, as well as for combat in a seiza posture (kneeling posture with extended feet).
Due to its size, it was also used by ninjas as a substitute for the ninjatō, which falls between the katana and the wakizashi or kodachi in terms of length.
Thanks to its smaller length, it was easier to draw and wield the wakizashi.
Daisho
The daishō (大小, "large and small") refers to the pair of traditional swords carried by samurai, the katana and the wakizashi, which are worn together. The etymology of this word becomes clearer when using the terms daitō (long sword) and shōtō (short sword); daitō + shōtō = daishō. The katana was used on the battlefield and for most purposes, while the wakizashi was considered a close-quarters weapon of lower rank.
Although the ideal image of this sword pairing consists of a katana and wakizashi, the concept of daisho refers to any combination of a long blade and a shorter one, including the uchigatana, tachi, and tantō.
These sets of weapons often belonged to a samurai's family ancestors, as it would increase the honor of their house and offer protection from their forebears.