After viewing many movies, historical pictures, etc, people must have this impression -- Japanese iconic weapon was not Arisaka rifle, not Nambu pistol, not Type 11 Machine gun, but was a sword. It was not only for parade decoration or posing in front of a camera -- it's very common to see Japanese waving this type of sword in battle fields and yelling "sha-ji-gei-gei" (at least, in movies
, probably means forward and kill, God knows) or more common scenes... murdering of their victims. Putting the war crime aside, the tool itself,, was impressive.
Acquired such a showato from Amoskeag last week. It's very well made and it's in excellent condition. Made by a commissioned swordsmith of that era.