I've read the article: "The Historical Classification of Wakizashi and the Taxonomy of Nihon by Dr. T"
And when for example it says: Tanto (Dagger) - to be 30 cm or shorter
Thus using the metric system does that mean he is referring to 30.48 cm = 12 inches or exactly 30 cm = 11.81 inches?
Hello Justin,
If your question is about interpretation of the article, then I'd say the precise quote:
Indicates exactly 30 cm in the metric system, approximately equal to 11.81" in English units. Note that Dr. T mentions that traditional units were abandoned, and since modern Japan uses the metric system and the new units are listed as cm, I would think it logical that he means "actual" metric cm. ;)
A small question on the precise meaning of a single word used in his article would probably have been better asked to Dr. T directly, as opposed to making a topic about it.
General discussion about Japanese sword classification by length is fine however. In that vein I'd like to add that, as Dr. T mentions in the section "VI. Legal vs. Academic: Coexistence of dual-classifications in Modern Japan," modern legal classification and current academic classification are two different things. The legal classification is to enforce laws regarding sword production (modern tosho are limited to 2 long swords or 3 short swords per month), possibly among other things (such as the paperwork of registration). Academic classification is usually concerned more with the overall identity of a blade rather than simplifying everything into three rigid length-based definitions.
If your question is about interpretation of the article, then I'd say the precise quote:
| Dr. Takeuchi wrote: |
| V. The Legal Classification of Nihon-to in Modern Japan.
...Also, since the official adoption of the metric system in 1891, the traditional length units of "shaku," "sun" and "bu" are no longer used; thus the legal designations of tanto, wakizashi, and katana by their length under today’s Japanese laws are as follows (Ogasawara, 1994a): ...(a) tanto - to be 30cm or shorter... |
Indicates exactly 30 cm in the metric system, approximately equal to 11.81" in English units. Note that Dr. T mentions that traditional units were abandoned, and since modern Japan uses the metric system and the new units are listed as cm, I would think it logical that he means "actual" metric cm. ;)
A small question on the precise meaning of a single word used in his article would probably have been better asked to Dr. T directly, as opposed to making a topic about it.
General discussion about Japanese sword classification by length is fine however. In that vein I'd like to add that, as Dr. T mentions in the section "VI. Legal vs. Academic: Coexistence of dual-classifications in Modern Japan," modern legal classification and current academic classification are two different things. The legal classification is to enforce laws regarding sword production (modern tosho are limited to 2 long swords or 3 short swords per month), possibly among other things (such as the paperwork of registration). Academic classification is usually concerned more with the overall identity of a blade rather than simplifying everything into three rigid length-based definitions.
Thanks again for your help, Gabriel. :)
In the future, I'll remember to ask Dr. T if I have any other questions.
In the future, I'll remember to ask Dr. T if I have any other questions.
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