How to Tie a Fusahimo

When a samurai carried his katana over a long distance but did not want to show an aggressive intent by wearing the sword in his belt, he would put the sword in a special travel bag. This bag, most often made of silk or cotton, would wrap around the sheathed sword and was tied shut with a silk cord called a fusahimo. Tying the fusahimo properly exhibits respect for tradition and keeps the sword secure in the bag.

Things You'll Need

  • Katana with sheath
  • Sword bag
  • Tassel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the bag and sheath flat on a horizontal surface, edge toward you and hilt pointed left. The seam of the bag should be pointed away from you as well.

    • 2

      Slide the sword into the bag, keeping the same orientation from Step 1. Place two fingers on the seam at the end of the bag where the tip of the sheath will make contact. Never let the sheath press against this seam; over time, the seam will deteriorate and you could break the bag and damage your sword.

    • 3

      Straighten the wrinkles of the bag and fold the extra portion over the hilt. Wrap both cords of the fusahimo over the hilt portion three times in the same direction.

    • 4

      Wrap the fusahimo around and pull the adjacent section of cord through the previous loop of the fusahimo. You should have two small bows protruding downward from the loop.

    • 5

      Place the tassels pointing downward along the hilt; the two bows you just made should fan to either side.

    • 6

      Loop the farther bow backward over the tassels toward you. Loop the other bow over this one and pass it back through the loop formed by folding over the tassels. Pull the bows and tassels tight to complete the knot.