Ghost of Tsushima Story & Swordsmanship:Jin Sakai, Tengen Uzui, Itachi

What Makes Jin Sakai’s Swordsmanship in Ghost of Tsushima Unique Compared to Anime Masters?

Ghost of Tsushima length – how long is it? This article takes the historical context of the Battle of Tsushima as a starting point to explore Jin Sakai’s path as a warrior-ghost. At the same time, we draw comparisons with anime swordsmanship, revealing what fighting style Tengen Uzui uses and the legendary Itachi sword techniques. CoolKatana invites you to experience the allure of Japanese swords from realism to fantasy.

What is the story of Ghost of Tsushima?

Ghost of Tsushima tells the story set during the first Mongol invasion of Japan in the Kamakura period (13th century). The narrative unfolds on Tsushima Island in 1274, blending historical events with dramatized samurai legend.

Story Overview:

The protagonist is Tsushima samurai Jin Sakai. Under the command of the Mongol leader Khotun Khan, the invading army lands on Tsushima. At Komoda Beach, the island’s samurai face the Mongols but are nearly annihilated. Jin is gravely wounded and presumed dead.

After surviving, Jin gradually realizes that traditional samurai dueling and honorable combat cannot stand against the ruthless and cunning Mongol forces. To protect his home and people, he is forced to abandon some samurai principles and adopt unconventional tactics such as stealth, assassination, and poison. He becomes a feared yet legendary figure – the 'Ghost of Tsushima.'

Core Conflict and Themes:

Honor vs Survival: Uphold Bushido or do whatever it takes to protect the people
Tradition vs Change: Old codes collapsing under the reality of war
Identity Struggle: Balancing life as a samurai and a ghost
Sacrifice and Duty: The personal cost of defending one’s home

Although Jin eventually repels the Mongols and saves Tsushima, the Shogunate considers him a threat for breaking the samurai code. He loses his official samurai status but truly becomes a protector of the people – a legendary ghost. The story presents a tragic yet epic portrait of heroism and isolation.

Ghost of Tsushima is ultimately a tale of breaking faith under desperation, trading shadow and guilt for freedom and hope, a samurai legend carved in history.

On PlayStation, the exclusive Ghost of Tsushima captivates players with breathtaking visuals and meticulously crafted swordplay, earning a place in the hearts of samurai enthusiasts.

For newcomers exploring the crimson-leafed landscapes of Tsushima, beyond the question of game length, the rich historical narrative leaves an even deeper impression.

CoolKatana takes you back to 1274 Tsushima to analyze Jin Sakai’s legendary journey, while also comparing the game’s realistic swordplay to the anime aesthetics of Tengen Uzui and Itachi.

I. The Flood of History: The Battle of Tsushima and the Birth of the Ghost

Ghost of Tsushima is more than a game; it’s an interactive reenactment of one of 13th-century Japan’s darkest hours. Its story draws from the Mongol invasions of Japan, a historically brutal event.

1. The Real Historical Stage

The events take place in 1274 (Bun’ei 11). The Mongol Empire, sweeping across Eurasia, launches a massive invasion of Japan under the fictionalized cunning general Khotun Khan. The Battle of Tsushima / Komoda Beach marks the opening catastrophe.

Asymmetric Warfare: Historically, Tsushima’s defenders numbered only about 80 samurai under the local lord. They faced thousands of Mongol warriors and were ultimately annihilated. The game recreates this overwhelming sense of despair.

2. Defeat and Survival

Players control Jin Sakai, the last surviving heir of the Sakai clan. In the opening battle at Komoda Beach, Jin witnesses the traditional samurai, committed to honorable one-on-one combat, slaughtered by the Mongols’ advanced black powder weapons and coordinated group tactics. The burning battlefield symbolizes the collapse of old combat ideals.

3. The Struggle Between Honor and Survival

The story’s core conflict is philosophical, revolving around honor versus victory.

Uncle’s Teaching: Lord Shimura, Tsushima’s regional head, embodies the traditional Bushido Code – even in death, one must face the enemy boldly.
Awakening as the Ghost: Facing brutal invaders, Jin learns that strict adherence to honor risks the lives of his people. He must defy his uncle’s teachings, adopting assassination, poison, and terror tactics, transforming into a feared 'Ghost', despised by the samurai class yet revered as a protector.

II. Immersive Completionist Run

However, most players can easily get lost on this beautiful island. If you aim to be a completionist, exploring every corner of the map, the game length can easily reach 50–60 hours or more.

Fox Dens: Follow the cute Inari fox spirits to discover hidden shrines.
Haiku: Sit in front of breathtaking scenery, reflect on life, and compose short poems to earn unique headbands.
Hot Springs: Find secret baths to increase maximum health while listening to Jin’s inner monologues.
Mythic Tales: Complete these side quests to obtain legendary armor and techniques, such as Raiden Strike.

3. Iki Island Trials (Iki Island Expansion)

If you own the Director's Cut, you unlock the new Iki Island DLC.

Extra Length: Adds roughly 10–15 hours of gameplay.
Deep Story: Iki Island introduces stronger enemies (shamans) and delves into the painful past between Jin and his father, Kazumasa Sakai, providing key insights into the protagonist’s inner world.

III. From Realism to Fantasy: Swordsmanship Styles Showdown

Ghost of Tsushima pursues highly realistic kenjutsu, but Japanese pop culture presents a wide variety of sword styles. Many CoolKatana enthusiasts are also fascinated by the exaggerated anime techniques. Let’s make some interesting comparisons:

1. The Flashy Dual-Wield: Tengen Uzui

In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin wields a katana (and a short blade) but generally fights with a standard longsword. In contrast, in Demon Slayer, the style is far more extravagant.

User Query: Fans often ask, 'What fighting style does Tengen Uzui use?'
Answer: Tengen Uzui uses Sound Breathing, an extremely flashy, flamboyant style derived from Thunder Breathing.
Tengen Uzui Swords: Unlike Jin’s traditional katana, Tengen wields a pair of massive chained cleavers (Nichirin Cleavers). This design allows not only slashing but also explosive attacks, representing anime’s wild imagination of cold weapons.

2. Illusions and Divine Blades: Itachi Sword

In Naruto, Itachi Uchiha also wields swords but follows a mysterious route.

Itachi Sword: During his ANBU days, Itachi used a standard ninjato, but when activating Susanoo, he wields the legendary Totsuka Blade.
Comparison: Jin’s katana is crafted from ordinary steel, relying on skill; the Itachi sword is a spiritual weapon with sealing powers. This illustrates two extremes in Japanese culture: Technique (Waza) versus Art/Mystic Power (Jutsu).

IV. Jin Sakai’s Sword: Storm of the Sakai – Sakai Katana

In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin’s Sakai Katana is more than a weapon; it is the final testament to his family’s honor and a bridge connecting Jin to his father and uncle.

1. Design Aesthetics: The Storm of the Sakai

This sword is instantly recognizable, blending Kamakura-era simplicity with practical Sengoku-era functionality.

Storm Tsuba: The most striking detail is the tsuba, designed with geometric patterns resembling lightning and waves, symbolizing the Sakai family motto: 'Sweep away enemies like a storm.'
White Ray Skin & Gold Accents: The handle is wrapped in white ray skin (samehada) with gold menuki, expressing understated nobility.

2. Craftsmanship Tribute: From Tamahagane to Soul

Sucker Punch Studios demonstrates extreme care for Japanese sword culture.

Tamahagane: Players collect 'Tamahagane' to upgrade their katana, the real-world soul of Japanese swordmaking.
The Soul of the Samurai: Each time Jin draws or sheaths his sword, he performs a chiburi, shaking off blood—both a stylistic flourish and a gesture of respect for the katana as the samurai’s soul.

3. Dual-Wield Heritage: The Daisho Set

Jin wields not only a katana but also a short blade – the Sakai Tanto.

The Ghost’s Fang: In samurai mode, he duels with the katana; in ghost mode, the short blade is a stealth assassination tool.
Collector’s Tip: For perfectionist collectors, owning just the Sakai Katana isn’t enough. A full Sakai Clan Daisho set (katana + tanto) fully captures the 'Ghost' combat style and spirit.

Handmade Game Ghost Of Tsushima Katana Sword And Tanto Sword Set Hand Polished T10 Steel Blade Full Tang Clay Tempered

V. Conclusion: Choose Your Path of the Samurai

Whether you admire Jin Sakai’s realism and resilience in the Battle of Tsushima, Tengen Uzui’s flashy Sound Breathing, or Itachi’s mysterious divine power, swords remain extensions of these heroes’ souls.

At CoolKatana, we celebrate every kind of passion:

Combat-Ready Replicas: Faithfully reproduce Jin Sakai’s katana and tanto.
Anime Selections: Handcrafted Tengen Uzui swords and Itachi ANBU swords.

Draw your blade—whether to defend Tsushima or to stylishly slay demons, we have the legendary weapon you need.

Ghost of Tsushima Story & Swordsmanship:Jin Sakai, Tengen Uzui, Itachi