In the Late 19th Century Imperial Japanese military adopted a modified European pattern sword which they called Kyu-gunto swords, in 1883 by Army and Navy officers, non commissioned officers and cavalry troopers.

These swords generally are comparable to the same pieces used in Europe at the time and were machine made with chromed metal blades, lacquered wood and brass furniture in either leather or metal sheaths unlike the lacquered wood sheaths of the old Samurai swords.