Katanagatari

{{main|List of Katanagatari characters}}

Katanagatari is the story of Yasuri Shichika, a swordsman who fights without a sword, and Togame, an ambitious young strategist who seeks to collect 12 legendary swords for the shogunate. Shichika is the son of an exiled war hero and the seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school of fighting who lives on the isolated Fushou Island with his elder sister, Nanami. Togame seeks him out because his bare-handed fighting style means that he will not be corrupted by the power of the swords. Togame, who has been betrayed before, convinces Shichika to accompany her on a mission to locate the Deviant Blades. They embark on a journey together across Edo-era Japan to collect the Deviant Blades, all wielded by formidable opponents.

: The main focus of the story is the gathering of twelve distinct weapons that were crafted by Kiki Shikizaki, a reclusive swordsmith. His bladework had been widely popular during the last war, but now twelve of the one thousand swords he made have been named "Deviant" because they are rumored to have been specially crafted via alchemy, the occult, and other mystical means. Although they are supposedly "katana", not all of them are swords, but they do have a distinctive feature or ability and different forms, such as a suit of armor, a dagger, and a pair of guns. It is also rumored that the people wielding them are prone to their "poison" and will do anything to keep the weapon to themselves. Later it is revealed that Shikizaki was seeking to create the ultimate Deviant Blade which becomes in fact the Yasuri family's bare-handed Kyotōryū fighting style, and is fulfilled during Shichika's journey.

;{{Nihongo|Kanna|絶刀「鉋」|Zettō Kanna|[Absolute sword, Plane]}}

: The first blade retrieved by Shichika and Togame from Koumori Maniwa. The blade is straight unlike most katanas, and it is the hardest blade with the ability to never break or bend. The hilt is neatly decorated with plum flower designs. This blade is strongly based on the real life Dōtanuki.

;{{Nihongo|Namakura|斬刀「鈍」|Zantō Namakura|[Beheading sword, Blunt]}}

: The second blade recovered was in the possession of Ginkaku Uneri. It is the sharpest blade with the ability to cut through anything, in sharp contrast to its ironic name, meaning "blunt". It was also made specifically for unsheathing at incredible speeds. The katana has triangular patterns around its hilt guard and a black sheath.

;{{Nihongo|Tsurugi|千刀「剣」|Sentō Tsurugi|[Thousand sword, Sword]}}

: Considered to be one sword, it actually comprises 1000 swords, with the last 999 being copies of the first. All 1000 of them are in the possession of Meisai Tsuruga. It has the ability to overwhelm its enemy with its sheer numbers. What makes them stand out is their red sheaths. However, despite their identical appearances, Shichika is able to identify the original sword.

;{{Nihongo|Hari|薄刀「針」|Hakutō Hari|[Thin sword, Needle]}}

: An extremely thin blade as per its namesake, meaning "needle", it is in the possession of Hakuhei Sabi. It is the brittlest blade as the blade itself is made of glass, which gives it its light weight, and is rather fragile if used incorrectly. The sheath and hilt are white and decorated with floral patterns.

;{{Nihongo|Yoroi|賊刀「鎧」|Zokutō Yoroi|[Bandit sword, Armor]}}

: A massive full set of armor, it is in the possession of Kanara Azekure. It is the most defense-oriented blade with the ability to protect the user from any damage, especially against attacks that have armor-piercing properties. Its design was based on Western armor, and it has numerous blades around it. The armor is decorated with many references to the ocean, such as shells and a helmet that's based on a whale.

;{{Nihongo|Kanazuchi|双刀「鎚」|Sōtō Kanazuchi|[Double sword, Hammer]}}

: A large, blunt-looking, stone sword, it comes into the possession of Konayuki Itezora. It is extremely heavy, capable of leaving a crater even when it is simply dropped. Only Konayuki is capable of wielding it with extreme ease and it can crush the enemy with its weight. The sword can also be held by its tip, and used as a hammer instead, hence its "double" title.

;{{Nihongo|Bita|悪刀「鐚」|Akutō Bita|[Evil sword, Worthless]}}

: A small yellow kunai-like weapon, it comes into the possession of Nanami Yasuri. It holds electricity within it and was designed with the appearance of a lightning bolt. It is the most evil blade with the ability to rejuvenate the user's body.

;{{Nihongo|Kanzashi|微刀「簪」|Bitō Kanzashi|[Delicate sword, Hairpin]}}

: A four-armed, four-legged, solar powered clockwork mechanical doll that seems to function on its own. It has the ability to think by itself and adapt to any situation. It wears a kimono and tall black shoes. Each of its arms hold a sword, and an extra one is hidden in its mouth. Its appearance, made in the image of the woman its creator loved, changes according to the situation, becoming more menacing.

;{{Nihongo|Nokogiri|王刀「鋸」|Ōtō Nokogiri|[King sword, Saw]}}

: A wooden sword that sharply contrasts its title as "King of Swords", it is in the possession of Zanki Kiguchi. Unlike the other Deviant Blades, it doesn't have any of the poison found in Shikizaki's blades. It is the purest blade with the ability to cure the poison the other swords have on their owners. A small floral mark and yellowish streak on the sword identifies it as Nokogiri.

;{{Nihongo|Hakari|誠刀「銓」|Seitō Hakari|[True sword, Scales]}}

: A sword with no blade, it is in the possession of Rinne Higaki. The blade itself is not meant to "cut" anyone other than its owner. The hilt (tsuka) is black and decorated with orange floral patterns, and a wreath of flowers circle as the guard (tsuba). It is the most trustworthy blade with the ability to weigh the user's heart.

;{{Nihongo|Mekki|毒刀「鍍」|Dokutō Mekki|[Poison sword, Gilded]}}

: A black, jagged katana decorated with iridescent designs, obtained by Houou Maniwa. The blade also gives off a dark cloudy aura. This blade originally has no owner as it was found inside of a crystal-like spire in a cave, preserving it. It is the most poisonous blade with the ability to corrupt the user. The blade itself contains a part of the spirit of Shikizaki within it.

;{{Nihongo|Jū|炎刀「銃」|Entō Jū|[Flame sword, Gun]}}

: A pair of handguns, one a blue six-chambered revolver and the other a red semi-automatic that holds eleven bullets, both are in the possession of Princess Hitei and used by her retainer, Emonzaemon. Each is decorated with a long flowing mane with a bead on its end. The guns appear to fire an unlimited amount of ammunition, as Emonzaemon is not seen reloading them even after firing dozens of rounds.

;{{Nihongo|Yasuri|虚刀「鑢」|Kyotō Yasuri|[Empty Sword, Rasp]}}

: The Kyotōryu style itself, as a bare-handed style founded by Shichika's ancestor, Kazune Yasuri, along with Shikizaki. In contrast with the other twelve swords, which are labeled as "Perfected Deviant Blades," Kyotōryu is called by Shikizaki a "Completed Deviant Blade," as Shichika had "forged" it himself throughout his journeys, as was Shikizaki's intent with its creation. Due to the nature of Kyotōryu, this "sword" is by nature antithetical to the other twelve.

Katanagatari was released one volume a month throughout 2007. A spin-off novel, Maniwagatari, was released a year later.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-11-29/nisioisin-katanagatari-light-novels-to-be-animated |title=NisiOisin's Katanagatari Light Novels to Be Animated |last=Loo |first=Egan |date=November 29, 2018 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=October 7, 2018 }} During their panel at Anime Boston on March 30, 2018, English light novel publisher Vertical announced that they had licensed the series. They released it as four 3-in-1 omnibus volumes from November 2018 to August 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-03-30/vertical-licenses-katanagatari-dark-maidens-serial-killer-detective-novels/.129752 |title=Vertical Licenses Katanagatari, Dark Maidens, Serial Killer Detective Novels |last=Ressler |first=Karen |date=March 30, 2018 |website=Anime News Network |access-date=October 7, 2018 }}

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|VolumeNumber=01

|RelDate=January 10, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208730 |script-title=ja:刀語 第一話 絶刀・鉋 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283611-1

|LicensedRelDate=November 27, 2018{{cite web |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/577096/katanagatari-1-by-nisioisin/ |title=KATANAGATARI, 1 |website=Penguin Random House |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-32-8

|LicensedTitle=Book One: Zetto the Leveler

|OriginalTitle=第一話　絶刀・鉋

|TranslitTitle=Daiichi-wa Zettō Kanna

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Haphazard Island|不承島|Fushōshima}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Enter the Maniwa|真庭忍軍|Maniwa Ningun}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|The Schemer|奇策士|Kisaku-shi}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=02

|RelDate=February 2, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208724 |script-title=ja:刀語 第二話 斬刀・鈍 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283604-3

|LicensedRelDate=November 27, 2018

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-32-8

|LicensedTitle=Book Two: Zanto the Razor

|OriginalTitle=第二話　斬刀・鈍

|TranslitTitle=Daini-wa Zantō Namakura

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Inaba Desert|因幡砂漠|Inaba Sabaku}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Ginkaku Uneri|宇練銀閣|Uneri Ginkaku}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Rakka Rozeki|落花狼藉|Rakka Rōzeki}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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{{Graphic novel list

|VolumeNumber=03

|RelDate=March 2, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208736 |script-title=ja:刀語 第三話 千刀・ツルギ |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283619-7

|LicensedRelDate=November 27, 2018

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-32-8

|LicensedTitle=Book Three: Sento the Legion

|OriginalTitle=刀語　第三話　千刀・ツルギ

|TranslitTitle=Daisan-wa Sentō Tsurugi

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Triad Shrine|三途神社|Sanzu Jinja}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Meisai Tsuruya|敦賀迷彩|Tsuruga Meisai}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Kuizame Maniwa|真庭喰鮫|Maniwa Kuizame}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|The Sentoryu|千刀流|Sentoryū}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=04

|RelDate=April 3, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208739 |script-title=ja:刀語 第四話 薄刀・針 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283623-4

|LicensedRelDate=May 28, 2019{{cite web |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/600327/katanagatari-2-by-nisioisin/ |title=KATANAGATARI, 2 |website=Penguin Random House |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-56-4

|LicensedTitle=Book Four: Hakuto the Whisper

|OriginalTitle=第四話　薄刀・針

|TranslitTitle=Daiyon-wa Hakutō Hari

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Bug Unit Maniwa|真庭虫組|Maniwa Mushi-gumi}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Torture Time|拷問時間|Gōmon Jikan}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Watch and Learn|見稽古|Mi Keiko}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|A Billion Maladies|病魔一億|Byōma Ichi Oku}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=05

|RelDate=May 8, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208744 |script-title=ja:刀語 第五話 賊刀・鎧 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283628-9

|LicensedRelDate=May 28, 2019

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-56-4

|LicensedTitle=Book Five: Zokuto the Armor

|OriginalTitle=第五話　賊刀・鎧

|TranslitTitle=Daigo-wa Zokutō Yoroi

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|The Armored Pirates|鎧海賊団|Yoroi Kaizoku-dan}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Kanara Azekura|校倉必|Azekura Kanara}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Hohoh Maniwa|真庭鳳凰|Maniwa Hōō}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Ryuryoku Kako|柳緑花紅|Ryuryoku Kakō}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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{{Graphic novel list

|VolumeNumber=06

|RelDate=June 5, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208747 |script-title=ja:刀語 第六話 双刀・鎚 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283631-9

|LicensedRelDate=May 28, 2019

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-56-4

|LicensedTitle=Book Six: Soto the Twin

|OriginalTitle=第六話　双刀・鎚

|TranslitTitle=Dairoku-wa Sōtō Kanadzuchi

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|The Absolute Tundra|絶対凍土|Zettai Tōdo}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|The House of Itezora|凍空一族|Itezora Ichizoku}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Princess Negative|否定姫|Hitei Hime}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Kyoken Maniwa|真庭狂犬|Maniwa Kyōken}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Hika Rakuyo|飛花落葉|Hika Rakuyō}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=07

|RelDate=July 3, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208750 |script-title=ja:刀語 第七話 悪刀・鐚 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283634-0

|LicensedRelDate=November 26, 2019{{cite web |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/609223/katanagatari-3-by-nisioisin/ |title=KATANAGATARI, 3 |website=Penguin Random House |access-date=September 21, 2019 }}

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-91-5

|LicensedTitle=Book Seven: Akuto the Eel

|OriginalTitle=第七話　悪刀・鐚

|TranslitTitle=Dainana-wa Akutō Bita

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Gokenji Temple|護剣寺|Gokenji Tera}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Emonzaemon Soda|左右田右衛門左衛門|Sōda Emonzaemon}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Shichika Hachiretsu|七花八裂}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Nanami Yasuri|鑢七実|Yasuri Nanami}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Shichika Hachiretsu Redux|七花八裂（改）|Shichika Hachiretsu (Kai)}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=08

|RelDate=August 2, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208752 |script-title=ja:刀語 第八話 微刀・釵 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283636-4

|LicensedRelDate=November 26, 2019

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-91-5

|LicensedTitle=Book Eight: Bito the Sundial

|OriginalTitle=第八話　微刀・釵

|TranslitTitle=Daihachi-wa Bitō Kanzashi

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Schemer Mansion|奇策屋敷|Kisaku Yashiki}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Mansion Negative|否定屋敷|Hitei Yashiki}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Umigame Maniwa|真庭海亀|Maniwa Umigame}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Skytron|日和号|Hiyorigō}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Lake Fuyo|不要湖|Fuyō Mizuumi}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=09

|RelDate=September 4, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208755 |script-title=ja:刀語 第九話 王刀・鋸 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283639-5

|LicensedRelDate=November 26, 2019

|LicensedISBN=978-1-947194-91-5

|LicensedTitle=Book Nine: Oto the Cured

|OriginalTitle=第九話　王刀・鋸

|TranslitTitle=Daikyū-wa Ōtō Nokogiri

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|The Heartland School|心王一鞘流|Kokoro-ō Ichi Sayaryū}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Zanki Kiguchi|汽口慚愧|Kiguchi Zanki}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|The Follower|門下生|Monkasei}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Oshidori Maniwa|真庭鴛鴦|Maniwa Oshidori}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Shangri-Oto|王刀楽土|Ōgatana Rakudo}}
• 6. {{Nihongo|Blind Shogi|目隠将棋|Mekaku Shōgi}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=10

|RelDate=October 2, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208758 |script-title=ja:刀語 第十話 誠刀・銓 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283643-2

|LicensedRelDate=August 25, 2020{{cite web |url=https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/616935/katanagatari-4-by-nisioisin/ |title=KATANAGATARI, 4 |website=Penguin Random House |access-date=April 10, 2020 }}

|LicensedISBN=978-1-949980-23-3

|LicensedTitle=Book Ten: Seito the Garland

|OriginalTitle=第十話　誠刀・銓

|TranslitTitle=Daijū-wa Seitō Hakari

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Zanki Kiguchi (Reprise)|汽口慚愧（回想）|Kiguchi Zanki (Kaisō)}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Hyakkeijo|百刑場|Hyaku Keijō}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Pengin Maniwa|真庭人鳥|Maniwa Pengin}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Rinne Higaki|彼我木輪廻|Higaki Rinne}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Self-Awareness|誠刀防衛|Seitō Bōei}}
• 6. {{Nihongo|Takahito Hida|飛騨鷹比等|Hida Takahitō}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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{{Graphic novel list

|VolumeNumber=11

|RelDate=November 2, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208763 |script-title=ja:刀語 第十一話 毒刀・鍍 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283648-7

|LicensedRelDate=August 25, 2020

|LicensedISBN=978-1-949980-23-3

|LicensedTitle=Book Eleven: Dokuto the Basilisk

|OriginalTitle=第十一話　毒刀・鍍

|TranslitTitle=Daijūichi-wa Dokutō Mekki

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|The Recap|粗筋|Arasuji}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Decapitation Cycle|断罪円|Danzai En}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|The Tokaido Highway|東海道|Tōkaidō}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|Lucky Pucks|柔球術|Jūkyū-jutsu}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Kiki Shikizaki|四季崎記紀|Shikizaki Kiki}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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{{Graphic novel list

|VolumeNumber=12

|RelDate=December 4, 2007{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208767 |script-title=ja:刀語 第十二話 炎刀・銃 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283652-4

|LicensedRelDate=August 25, 2020

|LicensedISBN=978-1-949980-23-3

|LicensedTitle=Book Twelve: Ento the Bead

|OriginalTitle=第十二話　炎刀・銃

|TranslitTitle=Daijūni-wa Entō Jū

|ChapterList=

• {{Nihongo|Prologue|序章|Joshō}}
• 1. {{Nihongo|Parting Ways|別離|Betsuri}}
• 2. {{Nihongo|Masatsuna Yanari|家鳴匡綱|Yanari Masatsuna}}
• 3. {{Nihongo|Besieging the Castle|城攻|Shiroze}}
• 4. {{Nihongo|The Eleven Guardians of the Yanari Shogunate|家鳴将軍家御側人十一人衆|Yanari Shōgunke Gogawajin Jūichi-nin Shū}}
• 5. {{Nihongo|Shichika Yasuri|鑢七花|Yasuri Shichika}}
• {{Nihongo|Epilogue|終章|Shūshō}}

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|VolumeNumber=Ex

|RelDate=December 2, 2008{{cite web |url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000208802 |script-title=ja:真庭語 初代真庭蝙蝠 初代真庭喰鮫 初代真庭蝶々 初代真庭白鷺 |website=Kodansha |language=ja |access-date=September 11, 2018 }}

|ISBN=978-4-06-283687-6

|LicensedRelDate=-

|LicensedISBN=

|Title=Maniwagatari: Maniwa Kōmori I, Maniwa Kuizame I, Maniwa Chōchō I, Maniwa Shirasagi I

|OriginalTitle=真庭語　初代真庭蝙蝠　初代真庭喰鮫　初代真庭蝶々　初代真庭白鷺

|TranslitTitle=

|ChapterList=

• 1. {{Nihongo||初代　真庭蝙蝠|Shodai Maniwa Koumori}}
• 2. {{Nihongo||初代　真庭喰鮫|Shodai Maniwa Kuizame}}
• 3. {{Nihongo||初代　真庭蝶々|Shodai Maniwa Chōchō}}
• 4. {{Nihongo||初代　真庭白鷺|Shodai Maniwa Shirasagi}}

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The anime is composed of a dozen 50-minute episodes and follows the two main characters while they are searching for the katanas, except for one episode that is centered on Nanami Yasuri. In each episode, Shichika and Togame collect a katana or a new one will be introduced. The length of the episodes is unusual since most anime have 24-minute episodes and run weekly instead of monthly. A new episode would be released every month, beginning on January 26, 2010, and finishing on December 11, 2010. The series was re-aired on Fuji TV's noitamina from April 11 to June 27, 2013 as the block's first rerun.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-12-21/katanagatari-to-rerun-in-noitamina-block-in-april|title=Katanagatari to Rerun in Noitamina Block in April|publisher= Anime News Network|date=2012-11-21}}

For the first half of the series (episodes 1–7), the opening theme is Meiya Kadenrō (冥夜花伝廊) by Minami Kuribayashi while the second half of the series (episode 8–12) is Katana to Saya (刀と鞘) by ALI PROJECT. However, the ending theme changes for each episode. For the noitamina rerun, the new opening theme song was Hakushukassai Utaawase by supercell, and Piko performed the new ending theme song Kotonoha.

A Drama CD in twelve chapters, titled Episode 0: Kyotō Yasuri and written by Nisio Isin, was released with the DVD/BDs of the series. It is set during the rebellion twenty years before the events of the series. Each chapter has a character from the series narrating the episode.

• Chapter 1
• Read by Togame ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Yukari Tamura){{Cite web|title=刀語 第一巻 / 絶刀・鉋|trans-title=Katanagatari vol. 1 / Plane, the Absolute|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=1398|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 2
• Read by Uneri Ginkaku ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actor}}: Mitsuru Miyamoto){{Cite web|title=刀語 第二巻 / 斬刀・鈍|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 2 / Blunt, the Decapitator|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=1397|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 3
• Read by Tsuruga Meisai ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Atsuko Yuya){{Cite web|title=刀語 第三巻 / 千刀・ツルギ|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 3 / Blade, the Thousand|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2116|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 4
• Read by Sabi Hakuhei ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actor}}: Hikaru Midorikawa){{Cite web|title=刀語 第四巻 / 薄刀・針|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 4 / Needle, the Fine|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2117|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 5
• Read by Kanara Azekura ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Tsuyoshi Koyama){{Cite web|title=刀語 第五巻 / 賊刀・鎧|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 5 / Aegis, the Resentment|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2118|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 6
• Read by Princess Hitei ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Tomatsu Haruka){{Cite web|title=刀語 第六巻 / 双刀・鎚|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 6 / Hammer, the Dual-Edge|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2119|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 7
• Read by Nanami Yasuri ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Mai Nakahara){{Cite web|title=刀語 第七巻 / 悪刀・鐚|trans-title=The Sword Story Vol. 7 / Destitute, the Vile|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2120|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 8
• Read by Emonzaemon Sōda ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actor}}: Rikiya Koyama){{Cite web|title=刀語 第八巻 / 微刀・釵|trans-title=SAI-word Vol. 8 / Sai, the Minute|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2121|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 9
• Read by Kiguchi Zanki ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Shizuka Itō){{Cite web|title=刀語 第九巻 / 王刀・鋸|trans-title=The Story of the Sword Volume 9 / Saw, the Imperator|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2122|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 10
• Read by Rinne Higaki ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actress}}: Miyako Itō){{Cite web|title=刀語 第十巻 / 誠刀・銓|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 10 / Scales, the Sincere|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2123|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 11
• Read by Hōō Maniwa ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actor}}: Ryōtarō Okiayu){{Cite web|title=刀語 第十一巻 / 毒刀・鍍|trans-title=The Story of the Sword Vol. 11 / Gilt, the Venomous|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2124|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}
• Chapter 12
• Read by Shichika Yasuri ({{abbr|VA|Voice Actor}}: Yoshimasa Hosoya){{Cite web|title=刀語 第十二巻 / 炎刀・銃|trans-title=Katanagatari Vol. 12 / Gun, the Firearm|url=https://www.aniplex.co.jp/sp/lineup/anime/katanagatari/bluray_dvd/detail.html?mid=2125|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=Aniplex|language=ja}}

In 2019, Polygon named Katanagatari as one of the best anime of the 2010s.{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/11/6/20948241/best-new-anime-of-the-decade-2010s|title=The best anime of the decade|website=Polygon|date=November 6, 2019|access-date=November 10, 2019}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.katanagatari.com/|Official Katanagatari anime website}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Official website|https://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/katanagatari/|Fuji TV Katanagatari webpage}} {{in lang|ja}}
• {{Anime News Network|anime|10765}}
• [https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/katanagatari/sub.dvd/blu-ray-1 ANN vol 1 review]
• [https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/katanagatari/sub.dvd/blu-ray-volume-2 ANN vol 2 review]

{{Nisio Isin}}

{{White Fox}}

{{Noitamina}}

Category:2007 Japanese novels

Category:Action anime and manga

Category:Anime and manga based on light novels

Category:Kodansha books

Category:Light novels

Category:Nisio Isin

Category:Noitamina

Category:Romance anime and manga

Category:Samurai in anime and manga

Category:Television shows written by Makoto Uezu

Category:Vertical (publisher) titles

Category:White Fox