Q 01/05

The word 'katana' first appears in which Japanese chronicle of 720?

A) the Nihon Shoki

B) the Kojiki

C) the Tale of Genji

D) the Man'yōshū

Answer · why

A) the Nihon Shoki

It combines kata ('one side') and na ('blade'), in contrast to the double-edged tsurugi.

Q 02/05

A katana is defined by a blade length of more than two shaku, which is roughly how long?

A) 75 cm

B) 60 cm

C) 90 cm

D) 100 cm

Answer · why

B) 60 cm

Anything shorter is a wakizashi or tantō; a shaku is a traditional Japanese foot.

Q 03/05

Unlike the older tachi, the katana was worn through the sash with the edge facing which way?

A) down

B) outward

C) up

D) backward

Answer · why

C) up

The idea was that a samurai could draw and strike in a single motion.

Q 04/05

A signed katana is told from a tachi by the position of its signature (mei) on which part?

A) the guard

B) the scabbard

C) the tip

D) the tang

Answer · why

D) the tang

The mei is cut on the side that faces outward when worn, and the two swords hang edge-up and edge-down respectively.

Q 05/05

The katana's circular or squared hand guard is called what?

A) tsuba

B) saya

C) tsuka

D) habaki

Answer · why

A) tsuba

The saya is the scabbard, the tsuka the hilt and the habaki the blade collar.