Zatoichi Stick Swords

Probably the most well-known user of the zatoichi stick sword is its namesake, the fictional blind swordsman Zatoichi. The main character of one of the longest running film and television series in Japan, he makes a living as a gambler and masseur, traveling around the country to gamble, give massages, sing, play music, and perform acupuncture. His extraordinary sense of hearing allows him to be a very successful gambler, and he can catch loaded dice just by their sound. Despite his harmless appearance and occupation, Zatoichi is in fact a trained swordmaster who can wield two swords at the same time. He is experienced in sumo wrestling and iaido as well.

In his adventures, Zatoichi protects the innocent from yakuza gangs and constantly fights general injustice. He carries a cane sword instead of a katana, since blades were banned during the Edo period. Though swordsticks are typically inferior to katana, Zatoichi’s weapon was created by a highly skilled bladesmith.

The actual Japanese term for the zatoichi stick sword is shikomizue, literally “prepared cane”. Some models not only hide blades but also other things like chains, hooks, and blinding instruments known as metsubushi. Shikomizue have made appearances in anime and manga series like Bleach and Rurouni Kenshin.