脇差 Wakizashi

Wakizashi" is a Japanese sword with a blade length of 1 shaku (about 30 cm) or more but less than 2 shaku (about 60 cm).

There are various theories as to the origin of the name, but the most common theory is that the name "wakizashi" was derived from the fact that the sword was inserted at the side of the waist. Until the Edo period (1603-1867), wakizashi had different exteriors from the swords worn at the same time.