To qualify as an ōdachi, the sword in question would have a blade length of around 3 shaku (90.9 cm (35.8 in)). However, as with most terms in Japanese sword arts, there is no exact definition of the size of an ōdachi. The character for ō (大) means "big" or "great"; no (野) means "field".

Mar 18, 2019 · The odachi (written as 大太刀 in kanji, and translated as ‘large / great sword’), sometimes referred to as nodachi (written in kanji as 野太刀, and translated as ‘field sword’) is a type of long bladed Japanese sword.

Apr 26, 2023 · The Odachi, with its origins steeped in feudal Japan, is a sword that stands out due to its formidable length—often over three feet in blade length alone. Originally developed for military use, the Odachi was wielded by samurai warriors on the battlefield, its large size making it a fearsome weapon against cavalry and infantry alike.

The Norimitsu Odachi, a colossal sword forged during Japan's feudal era, has long fascinated historians and enthusiasts alike. Its immense size—over 12 feet in length and weighing around 14.5 kilograms—raises intriguing questions about its practicality and use in combat.

Mar 22, 2019 · What makes the Norimitsu Odachi especially interesting is that this is no mythical sword. It is a real weapon from the 15 th century that can be admired at the Kibitsu Shrine in the Okayama Prefecture in the southern part of Japan’s Honshu island.

Dec 6, 2023 · The Norimitsu Odachi sword from Japan is so large that it was said to have been wielded by a giant. Apart from the basic knowledge of it being forged in the 15th century AD, this impressive...

Sep 28, 2024 · The odachi, also known as nodachi, is a large Japanese sword with a blade typically exceeding 3 shaku (about 90 cm or 35 inches). It was a weapon primarily wielded by samurai during Japan’s feudal era, particularly in the Nanboku-chō period (1336–1392).

Typically, to qualify as an odachi sword, the blade of the weapon would have to exceed 35 inches - whereas a typical katana has a blade between 24 and 30 inches. With that said, there is no hard definition or qualifying length for an odachi sword - if it’s a big katana, it’s an odachi.

Jun 15, 2024 · The terms "Ōdachi" (大太刀) and "Nodachi" (野太刀) refer to large traditional Japanese swords that are often used interchangeably. However, there are subtle distinctions in their use and connotations. Translation: The term "Ōdachi" translates to "large/great sword."

Jan 11, 2019 · The Norimitsu Odachi is a huge Japanese sword, probably the largest ever forged on Japanese soil. Its dimensions are so impressive that they suggested the imaginative hypothesis that it belonged to a giant.