How Kirito’s Night Sky Sword Remains A Cosplay Favorite

Sword Art Online (SAO) reached the heights of popularity during the early to mid 2010s. For a comparison in terms of anime fame, it was as popular in its heyday as Demon Slayer is today and for good reason. While it didn’t invent the isekai genre, it kickstarted the mainstream popularity of an isekai variant: the video game isekai. Just as with any video game, Kirito acquires new weapons such as the famous Elucidator sword and, later on, the Night Sky Sword.

While the Night Sky sword isn’t as famous as Elucidator, it’s steadily gained popularity as the manga’s Alicization arc is steadily adapted. 

The Night Sky Sword Makes Its First Time Appearance In Sword Art Online: Alicization War of Underworld

The Night Sky sword, known as 夜空の剣 or yozora no ken in Japanese, is less popular versus the other swords used by Kirito as it only makes its first appearance in SAO Alicization. Nevertheless, it rose to being Kirito’s primary sword during the Alicization arc, largely because it is a Divine Object class weapon capable of outpacing the Blue Rose Sword used by Eugeo, Kirito’s close friend in this iteration of the story.

It was created by Sadore from a branch of the Gigas Cider, SAO’s equivalent of the Norse Yggdrasil to which all worlds connect. Its creation was so arduous that three rare whetstones broke in the process when they were expected to last for years. This strength would later prove useful as Kirito uses the sword against Fanatio Synthesis Two who wielded the powerful Heaven Piercing Sword.

That said, its creation is unconventional both in the real world and in the fictional SAO world since it is carved rather than forged. The process not only wastes material, but lacks the strong inner core that is naturally formed during the forging of a sword when metal is folded repeatedly into itself. 

Though this should make the blade weaker, its strongest ability is absorbing sacred resources. This means that the sword gradually grows stronger the more it is used.

Other Kirigaya Kazuto Swords

The Night Sky sword may be Kirito’s newer blade, but it is by no means the only one. Kirito makes use of the following swords throughout his quest to break free from the video game world and re-enter real life.

The Blue Rose Sword

The Blue Rose sword is a Divine Class object weapon just like the Night Sky sword. Originally used by Kirito’s friend Eugeo, it is meant to compliment the Night Sky sword hence their overlapping appearance. The only real difference is that it’s blue and has a rose motif. Its special ability is the Armament Full Control Act. When this is activated, the sword creates icy tendrils that freeze enemies in place, hence the name.

The Elucidator

The Elucidator is a rare boss drop weapon obtained by Kirito early in the show. It resembles a stylized longsword with a half crossguard and has a deep black metal blade. Its strength isn’t quite as legendary as the Night Sky Sword, but it was powerful enough to destroy a sword created by Lisbeth which is how Kirito came to have the following sword.

The Dark Repulser

Dark Repulser was created by Lisbeth specifically for Kirito. She initially offered him one of her existing swords, but Kirito broke it with Elucidator, showing her that it was not strong enough by his standards. She then made the Dark Repulser for him as a dual wielding blade meant to match the Elucidator.

Together with the Night Sky sword, SAO and Kirito spoil cosplayers for choice when it comes to what outfits and weapons to wear. 

What Makes A Sword A Good Cosplay Prop?

Cosplay props can be purchased as a ready-made product or handmade. Depending on your budget and how much time you have, either one can work though the upside to getting a ready-made prop is that there’s a standardized quality control that keeps swords looking the same across the board. Regardless of which one you choose, here are two things to keep in mind for picking a cosplay prop sword.

• Recognizability

Cosplayers dress up to look like their favorite characters and that’s why con goers go to events in the first place. However, not all iterations of a prop or costume are going to be as popular, which is why we recommend keeping some elements of your cosplay highly recognizable. 

For example, if you’re going as Kirito with his in-show attire, the Night Sky sword won’t be misidentified. However, if you go as Kirito in casual cosplay with it, you may get some confused looks compared to if you had brought the Elucidator. 

• Proportionate Size

Unless you’re going as Guts from Berserk or Cloud from Final Fantasy, you don’t need a super sized sword. These will not only be more expensive but will affect the recognizability of your cosplay. Cosplay swords like the Night Sky sword will come in adult and child sizes, though expect that the latter will have more child–appropriate materials such as foam. 

Conclusion

Since Kirito’s Night Sky sword appeared during the Alicization arc, it’s been the subject of cosplays from fans and replica swords from manufacturers. The sword’s use by the show’s main protagonist and its own power and aesthetics have helped to boost its popularity. When buying a Night Sky sword replica for cosplay, try to pay attention to the details in the sword’s design to make sure that it’s easily recognizable at a glance by your fellow fans.