Collection Replicas from the films of Zatoichi Blind Swordsman

Zatoichi is one of Japan's most famous fictional characters and has appeared in almost thirty movies (both mainstream and anime), a television series and a stage show. Originally created by novelist Kan Shimozawa, Zatoichi Blind Swordsman was portrayed by Shintaro Katsu on the big screen and the character's popularity has spanned almost fifty years.

Zatoichi Blind Swordsman and his Walking Cane

Zatoichi's adventures take place in the Edo Period, when swords were outlawed. To compensate, he has chosen not to carry the traditional katana but rather a disguised Shikome-Zue cane sword as forged by a master bladesmith. Cane swords were designed to be concealed in a cane-like mounting so as to resemble a cane or a walking stick and this is the perfect weapon for a man like Zatoichi Blind Swordsman, who also always conceals his true nature. Zatoichi, who is blind, wanders Japan in the guise of a masseur, musician and gambler and lives off the money he wins from playing the dice game, Cho-han. He has taken it upon himself to protect people from warring Yakuza gangs, as well as from injustice in general, and is skilled in many different styles of sword fighting, including the difficult Nito Ichi style.

A replica of Zatoichi's Shikome-Zue cane sword is available but is not recommended for amateur collectors as it has a sharpened blade and is fully functional. The blade is made from carbon steel and close inspection will reveal the hamon blade pattern created during the steel's hardening period. The sword has an overall length of 39", which includes a handle length of 11", and the red-lacquered handle is grooved to facilitate blade orientation. It comes with a matching red-lacquered saya scabbard and the full package also includes a fabric sword bag as well as a custom-made wooden sword box. No Zatoichi collection would be complete without this amazing blade.