By KAZUSHIGE KOBAYASHI/ Staff Writer
January 14, 2023 at 18:16 JST
The mock sword used in Sassen emits seven colors depending on how it is used. (Kazushige Kobayashi)
The next big thing could be a game that combines information technology with “chanbara” sword fighting. It is slowly gaining attention, not just in Tokyo but across the country.
Players of Sassen wield mock swords, not unlike the lightsabers in the “Star Wars” movies, that are fitted with sensors and emit various colors depending on the situation to hand.
When the sword is idle, it glows green. But tapping on it twice brings out a rainbow of hues. A blue ray is emitted when the sword is swung and turns red on contact with an opponent.
Competitions and trial use of the special swords are held weekly in a building in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, a center of Japanese popular culture in Chiyoda Ward that is also famed for its stores selling the latest in digital gadgets.
Among those who gather for the events are fans of battle manga as well as kendo enthusiasts.
Mamina Miyakawa, 34, who works for an information technology company, began Sassen about two years ago because of its slogan of integrating IT with chanbara.
Despite having no martial arts experience, Miyakawa said: “Battles using lightsabers are really cool. Contests are not decided only by one’s physical or arm strength. You can find a way to win if you better understand the equipment.”
Around 80 people from around Japan took part in the first national tournament last October.
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