Zanbatō

A Zanbato (斬馬刀, Zanbatō^?) is an especially large, curved type of Japanese sword, closely resembling the Nodachi or ōdachi, however it differs from the Nodachi by having a ricasso of approximately 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm). The historical use of the sword is disputed, but the name literally translates to "horse-slaying sword" or "horse-chopping saber". This lends more credence to the theory of the sword having a practical use in feudal Japan. The increased length of the blade, along with the extra grip, would give it dual use both as a sword and as a polearm for attacking advancing cavalry. This style of Zanbatō sword can be found for sale in rural tourist shops and stands in Kyoto and Nara prefectures of Japan. This sword may have been inspired by the Chinese zhan ma dao (see below), as both were said to have been used for killing the horse and rider in one swing.

Extremely long Zanbatō swords existed, but were solely used for ceremonial purposes. Experienced smiths often took it upon themselves to prove their talent by creating these so-called "Zanbatō" as a personal challenge. This led to the extremely long blades often seen in ancient depictions, some of which were so long (a dozen feet or more) that they could hardly be mistaken for anything other than display pieces.

Chinese zhǎn mǎ dāo

A Chinese anti-cavalry weapon of the Song Dynasty written also as 斬馬刀 (zhǎn mǎ dāo) is of similar proportion to a Zanbatō, although it differs in form. Surviving examples include a sword that might resemble a nagamaki in construction; it had a wrapped handle 37 cm (15 in) long, like the Zanbatō. However, the blade differed, having only a slight curve in the last half, whereas the Zanbatō's curve stretched the length of the blade and handle, similar to a katana.

Zanbato in modern fiction

The fictional interpretation of the weapon consists of a large, wide blade attached to an extended, pole-like hilt. The sword, and variations of it, are used by many characters in anime and video games. These interpretations often simply depict the weapon as an oversized sword or being imbued with magical properties. However, the weapon which most closely resembles such instances is the eku, or "wooden oar".

A few notable series featuring Zanbatō include

• The manga series Rurouni Kenshin, where major character Sagara Sanosuke uses a polearm he refers to as a Zanbatō as his signature weapon,^[1]
• In Naruto episode 137 - A Town of Outlaws, The Shadow of the Fuma Clan it is said that a Fuma's sword is one.
• In the anime series Bleach the main character's sword takes the form of an Butcher knife styled Zanbato.
• In the manga/anime Naruto four of the seven swords of the mist(Kubikiribōchō, Samehada, Hiramekarei, and Shibuki) are zanbatos.
• They are also used in popular RPG series Fire Emblem, where it is a weapon specialized against mounted units^[2]
• The game Super Scribblenauts also has a usable Zanbatō.
• In the online game Dungeon Fighter Online the sword wielding Slayer class can use and specialize in the Zanbatos.
• In Samurai Sentai Shinkenger/Power Rangers Samurai, a Zanbato-esque is wielded by ShinkenRed/Red Samurai Ranger. Also in Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger one of Shinken Gokaioh's weapons is a Zanbatō similar to Shinkenred's.

References