The wakizashi (脇差 or 脇指:わきざし?), also known as shōtō (小刀?), is a traditional Japanese short sword. Its shape is similar to that of the katana, although the blade is generally thinner. Samurai warriors often carried both, referring to them collectively as daishō, literally 'the long and the short'.
The wakizashi was originally used as a defensive weapon for the samurai when the katana was not available. Being shorter and more manageable, it was more suitable for defense in enclosed spaces.
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