Ask John: Why Two Swords?

Question:
Okay, if you watch the Samurai X OVAs you will notice something interesting: all the guys have two swords with them. In the TV series, one sword is enough to handle. Why do they change the amount of swords? One sword is enough to keep someone at bay. But two swords, geez you can slice your mama with your other hand.

Answer:
One or two swords is a symbol of samurai rank. A pair of swords, a long katana and a short wakizashi is known as “daito” or “daisho.” Only high ranking samurai of the feudal era were permitted to wear and carry two swords. Carrying or displaying a “daito,” then would be both a way to show ones own importance, and a method of warning others that one is a respected and talented swordsman, not to be trifled with. There were several practical purposes for carrying two swords as well. Naturally the katana would be the formal battle sword. When entering a home or residence, a samurai would often leave his katana with the servants, but keep his short sword at his side at all times, just in case. The wakizashi could also be used after battle, to take a head as a trophy, and, of course, it would serve as a back-up or secondary weapon in a fight or duel.

In regards to Rurouni Kenshin, the change between carrying one sword and two is a subtle but significant trait used to show the passage of time. Since the OAV series is set when Himura is a child, the samurai were still somewhat commonplace, as would be “daito.” During the TV series, which is set several years after the OAV series, the Japanese government has outlawed the wearing of swords, and the samurai are in decline. Thus “daito” are much less common in the time period of the Rurouni Kenshin TV series.