Yes, there is a shorter version of the katana called the wakizashi. The wakizashi is a traditional Japanese short sword that is typically paired with the katana as part of the samurai's daisho (big-small) set. While the katana is the longer sword, the wakizashi is the shorter counterpart.

The blade length of a wakizashi typically ranges from around 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches), making it shorter than the standard-sized katana. It shares many of the design characteristics of the katana, such as a curved, single-edged blade and a traditional handle (tsuka) wrapped with a grip material (tsuka-ito). The wakizashi was often used by samurai in situations where the longer katana was impractical or where a shorter, more maneuverable weapon was needed.

The wakizashi served various purposes, including close-quarters combat, indoor use, and as a symbol of the samurai's social status. It was also used as a backup weapon or for rituals and ceremonies. The wakizashi, together with the katana, represented the readiness and preparedness of the samurai for different combat situations.

So, while the standard katana is considered the primary sword, the wakizashi serves as the shorter companion sword in the samurai's daisho, providing a versatile and complementary weapon set.