Honed to a lethal edge, swords add a dangerous energy to any scene. A figure standing in silence, blade in hand, exudes quiet resolve, but the moment the blade is swung, it takes on a violent intensity as it slices through the air.

Stay sharp with this collection of illustrations featuring swords.

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Touken Ranbu is a browser game where players command sword spirits, known as Touken Danshi, to battle enemies who aim to alter history. Developed by DMM GAMES and Nitroplus, it was first released in 2015. Players take on the role of a Saniwa, who can awaken emotions in inanimate objects. Leading a team of anthropomorphized versions of famous swords, they must battle to protect history as we know it. With its captivating character designs and rich historical background, Touken Ranbu quickly gained widespread popularity and expanded beyond the game into anime, stage plays, musicals, and more.

In celebration of the game’s 10th anniversary, we’re featuring fan art of the five Starter Blades that players first receive—Kiyomitsu Kashuu, Kanesada Kasen, Kunihiro Yamambagiri, Kotetsu Hachisuka, and Yoshiyuki Mutsunokami—as well as Munechika Mikazuki, who serves as the face of the series.

Enjoy this tribute to the original swords that began this franchise’s incredible journey 10 years ago!

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What do they seek to destroy, and what do they hope to protect? Mastering the art of swordsmanship is no easy feat, and often, becoming a fully-fledged blademaster requires years of rigorous training, dedication, and sacrifice. The characters in today’s feature no doubt have a mission to fulfill; one needs only to look at their eyes to see that they’re burning with determination.

Enjoy today’s illustrations, and beware of the dangerous gleam in these girls’ eyes that are as sharp and lethal as the swords they wield.

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If you’ve ever watched people fighting with Japanese swords in movies, you’ll know that these blades can be incredibly deadly. To give an idea of just how sharp they are, a Japanese Iaido master set a Guinness World Record back in 2011 for the smallest object cut by sword when he sliced through a tennis ball at a speed of 708 km/h (440 mph). Pretty impressive, don’t you think?

Today, we have a series of illustrations featuring girls wielding Japanese swords. We hope you enjoy the sleekness of these glinting blades paired with the characters’ various dynamic poses!

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Once Japan’s highest social caste, samurai were the armed nobility known for their fierce fighting skills and strict moral code bushidō (武士道, lit. “the way of the warrior”), which emphasized loyalty, honor unto death, bravery, and more. Although they have long since been outlawed, samurai continue to be popular subjects of manga and anime. Whether in relaxed kimono-style robes or combat-ready armor, their proud and gallant demeanor never fails to command the viewer’s attention.

Stay on your toes and don’t blink, for those swords will be out and ready before you know it! Do you dare withstand the gaze of these magnificent warriors?

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Along with other hits from the 90s making a resurgence, Rurouni Kenshin is here to make us nostalgic for the past!

Rurouni Kenshin tells the story of Kenshin Himura, a former assassin known as the Hitokiri Battōsai, who has become a wandering swordsman and has vowed to never take another life. The story really kicks off after he meets Kaoru Kamiya, a young woman struggling to keep her family’s kendo school afloat after the students abandon her in the wake of a series of murders by someone claiming to be the Hitokiri Battōsai from her school.

As the story goes on, these two grow closer and meet an incredible cast of characters with their own unique personalities, hopes, and dreams in the new Meiji era, like Yahiko Myōjin, Sanosuke Sagara, Megumi Takani, Aoshi Shinomori, and Hajime Saitō.

Whether you’ve loved Rurouni Kenshin since the 90s or are just discovering it now, this illustration collection featuring the most iconic characters from this beloved series is for you!

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From the excitement that washes over once a sword is drawn from its sheath to the shine of the steel that's as hard as the warrior's will, everything about watching sword wielders take their place on the battlefield makes for a thrilling experience, don't you think?

Shinobu Kochou (from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba) elegance and power with her sword are befitting of her status as one of the mighty Hashira. 

How about we cut to the chase and enjoy some amazing illustrations featuring masters of the sword? 

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Those with an interest in Japanese culture will have heard of samurai, the legendary honor-bound warriors from the nation’s feudal era. Armed with their trusty blades and equally sharp minds, these men fought to protect their beliefs and those dear to them. Of course, as time marches on, the way a samurai is depicted may change slightly, but the spirit remains as hard and as strong as the steel they carry.

Which of the warriors below do you think is a cut above the rest?

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