History of Japan
Archaeological excavations dated the oldest sword in Japan from at least as early as second century B.C. The "Kojiki" (Record of Ancient Matters) and the "Nihon Shoki" (History of Japan), ancient texts on early Japanese history and myth that were compiled in the eighth century A.D., describe iron swords and swordsmanship that pre-date recorded history, attributed to the mythological age of the gods (kami).