wakizashi may have become more popular than the tantō because it was more suited for indoor fighting. He mentions the custom of leaving the katana at the door of a castle or palace when entering while continuing to wear the wakizashi inside. Gallery See also Japanese sword mountings Ōdachi Kodachi Tachi Tsurugi Katana References External links Richard Stein's Japanese sword guide Wakizashi Japanese Sword Japanese sword types Japanese swords Samurai swords Samurai weapons and equipment