THE SWORD KYU-GUNTO IN JAPANESE HISTORY AND CULTURE (1875–1934)

Abstract

The article describes some reasons for the appearance of the sword Kyu-Gunto in the Japanese army in 1875, the main characteristics of the sword, the elements of European influence, and causes of transition to a new model in 1934. We consider special features of the sword KyuGunto depending on officer’s rank and branch of the armed forces. The importance of this problem is determined not only by the fighting qualities and purpose of the sword, but also by its ritual and even mystical meaning in Japanese society. Therefore, the evolution of the sword should be studied not only in terms of weapon’s history, but also in the context of cultural history. Sometimes the power of tradition impedes military and technological progress, but it also was a source of strength and resistance of Japanese forces in situations which their opponents considered as hopeless. The problem of comparative efficiency of bladed weapons of Japan and its opponents remains unexplored. On the eve of the World War II, the sword was not only a fighting weapon, it had a status value for the officers – it remained in service not only in infantry, but even in the navy and air forces, where it was impossible to use a sword in a battle.