# Design-Conscious Weaponry Aikuchi Swords Fuse Traditional and Modern Design Sensibilities By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-03-21 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aikuchi References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/marc-newson-aikuchi-sword-wow-03-20-2014/) & [w0w.co.jp](http://www.w0w.co.jp/en/news/) The Aikuchi is a small, short-handled sword that is considered the epitome of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Tokyo-based design studio WOW is collaborating with Australian designer Marc Newson to produce a collection of ten Aikuchi swords that combine traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with innovative design approaches. The project came about due to studio WOW's desire to incorporate a modern design and a global appeal to a traditional symbol of Japanese culture. The Aikuchi does not incorporate a lower guard and is therefore considered to be more of a lucky charm or decorative piece than an actual weapon. The term 'aikuchi' implies tight coupling between the sword's blade, handle and scabbard. The swords will be created entirely in the town of Tohoku, Japan. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/marc-newson-aikuchi-sword-wow-03-20-2014/), [w0w.co.jp](http://www.w0w.co.jp/en/news/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 1% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Design-conscious Weaponry:** An emerging trend of fusing traditional craftsmanship with innovative design approaches in the weapon industry. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Japanese Craftsmanship:** An opportunity for Japanese craft studios to collaborate with international designers in creating unique and globally appealing products. - **Decorative Weaponry:** A growing market for decorative weaponry as lucky charms and aesthetic pieces rather than functional weapons. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Forged Sword-Like Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shirasagi-knife.md) - [Miniature EDC Sword Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-katana.md) - [Minimalist Handmade Katana-Style Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-square-tube-knife.md) - [Flavor Maintenance Kitchen Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/deluxe-oishii-knife.md) - [Purposeful Knife Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tojiro-knife-gallery.md) - [Precise Artfully Intricate Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yin-mo-star-kui.md) - [Specialized Knife Campaiggns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/musashi-japan.md) - [Elegant Everyday Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/damascus.md) - [Dynamic Movement Pocket Knives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craighill-sidewinder-knife.md)