Sephiroth's iconic sword, the Masamune, is a notable element of his character design in the Final Fantasy series. Designer Tetsuya Nomura reflects on the decision to name the sword after the famous blacksmith, explaining its role as a powerful symbol for Sephiroth. Unlike other swords in the series, the Masamune is distinguished by its length and design, offering a dialogue with Cloud's buster sword and representing the rivalry between the characters. The sword's unique aesthetic characteristics serve not only as a design choice but also as part of the narrative thrust in the franchise.
The Masamune has appeared throughout the Final Fantasy series as the strongest sword. When thinking about equipping Sephiroth with a sword that is a worthy match for him, I figured there was no better option than Masamune.
Each time Cloud went through a tweak in design, the accompanying buster sword seemed to grow larger. Reason being, I thought the juxtaposition between Cloud wielding a giant 'sword' and Sephiroth, who is far more powerful, wielding a skinny 'katana' would be quite interesting.
The ostentatious appearance of Sephiroth's sword has always fascinated me. Its impractical design raises questions about how it fits into the character's narrative.
In honor of Cool Sword Day, Tetsuya Nomura explains the sword's backstory, its surprisingly variable length, and the creative decisions behind its iconic design.
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