Daisho - samurai equipment

Daisho is the Japanese term for the two swords that a samurai wore as part of his outfit. The first sword is the katana, a long sword with a single-edged blade used as a primary weapon. The second sword is the wakizashi, a shorter sword with a single-edged blade used as a secondary weapon. The katana and wakizashi set was considered the basic equipment of a samurai and was a symbol of his social status.

The term "daišo" is composed of two words: "dai" meaning "large" and "sho" meaning "small". The term therefore refers to a large and a small sword, i.e. the katana and the wakizashi.

Daisho was worn behind a high belt, called a kaku-obi, on the left side of the body. This method of carrying was characteristic of the samurai and was one of the many elements of their traditional dress.