Katana

A Katana (かたな in Japanese) is an ancient form of traditional Japanese sword, often used by samurai (and other warriors through history) between the years of 1185 and 1945. After Japans defeat in World War II, it was rare that anyone used a katana for anything other than a family heirloom.

In modern day, many people in Japan (especially Tokyo) see katanas as legitimate weapons, once again. This is mainly due to their use by the infamous crime organization known as the Yakuza.

Katanas are very expensive, and very hard to master. Those that train in ancient Japanese martial arts often keep katanas; whether they use them or not.