Daishōin

Daishōin is a traditional Japanese term referring to the pairing of two important weapons: the katana (long sword) and the wakizashi (short sword). Historically, these swords symbolized the status and honor of samurai warriors, who carried them as part of their attire. The katana was used for open combat, while the wakizashi served for close-quarters fighting and ritual purposes. Together, the daishōin represented the samurai's social identity, discipline, and readiness. Today, the term illustrates the cultural significance of these paired swords and their role in Japanese history and martial arts.