There are two types of long sword on display in this exhibition. They are displayed in the same way as they were worn.

Tachi are blades that are over 60.6 cm (2 shaku) in length. They were mainly used from the end of the Heian period (794-1185) through to the early part of the Muromachi period (1392-1573) when cavalry warfare was popular. Tachi were worn suspended from the belt with the cutting edge down so that the end of the sword pointed upwards so as to avoid contact with the rear of the horse.

Katana are blades of 60.6 cm (2 shaku) and over in length. They are worn thrust through the sash with the cutting edge upper-most. This style of sword was popular from the early Muromachi period through to the Edo period (1600-1867). Katana are generally shorter and have less curvature than tachi as a result of the shift from cavalry warfare to large infantry battles.

However, many tachi were adapted into katana after warfare methods changed. Therefore, some former tachi that were

adapted may be displayed as katana.