Real Swords

  Anime swords are typically long, flat blades that can be used for slashing. These weapons are often depicted as slender and flexible, with a simple design. These swords, which vary widely in length and size, were historically used by samurai in feudal Japan. These swords first began appearing in the late 19th century during Japan’s Meiji Era.  Though they appear to be thin and sharp from an outsider’s perspective, they actually have a lengthy history of being designed with various styles of weight distribution that allow them to perform different types of footwork so they can deflect or block sword blows (Eisner). The first step is difficult: actually watching the fight.  If it had been known only five years ago, fighting scenes in Japanese cartoons would never have been considered a topic worthy of discussion. But in 1998, a specific type of fighting scene was introduced to the world that has universal appeal: anime sword fighting. It is characterised by very fast, ag...

  The word cosplay comes from the English words "costume" and "play". Cosplay is growing in popularity around the world and this has given rise to many groups dedicated specifically to cosplay such as Cosplay.com (which is built by gamers, for gamers). Cosplay is a shortened term for "costume play", which is short for dressing up and pretending to be someone else. The word also refers to the wearing of costumes and clothing on a regular basis as part of a hobby or outside events, such as a competition, Halloween party, or charity fundraiser. What is cosplay?  Cosplay is the art of dressing up and acting like someone else while being photographed in character. Cosplayers are often seen wearing costumes from movies, TV shows, comic books, or even video games. They might spend hours sewing elaborate outfits with intricate details that go all the way down to their shoes or gloves. They might spend hours in the make-up chair to get that perfect look. Cosplayers...

  Samurai swords are a type of curved sword originating from Japan. The term "samurai" is derived from the Japanese word for "to serve". Originally, these swords were called "katana" and were traditionally made by hand, but as technology has evolved, so too have these weapons. There are currently three main types of samurai swords : katana (the traditional sword), wakizashi (the shorter version), and tanto (the dagger).  These swords are typically characterized by their signature curved blade, although there are exceptions to this rule. These weapons have lasted centuries because they're incredibly sturdy and powerful. Although these swords weren't as widespread in the West as other types of military swords, these swords were prominent in the cultures of Europe and Asia.  The most iconic presence of a Japanese sword can be found in the "Guarding of Edo," a masterpiece by Hiroshige depicting a great deal of Japanese architecture. These swo...