During World War II, traditional samurai swords were not actively used as primary weapons by the Japanese military. However, ceremonial swords, such as the guntō, were issued to Japanese officers as a symbol of rank and authority.

The guntō, or military sword, was a standardized sword introduced by the Imperial Japanese Army during the late 19th century and used through World War II. These swords were typically mass-produced and had a more utilitarian design compared to the traditional handcrafted samurai swords.

While the guntō resembled traditional Japanese swords in terms of their overall appearance, they were not of the same quality or craftsmanship as the traditional swords of the samurai. The guntō had straighter blades, simplified fittings, and were often made with machine manufacturing methods to meet the demands of the military.

It's important to note that although traditional samurai swords were not used as primary weapons during World War II, some family heirlooms or older swords from previous periods may have been carried by individual officers or soldiers as a personal sidearm or symbol of heritage. However, these instances were not widespread or official practice.

Overall, the guntō was the standardized military sword used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II, while traditional samurai swords held more historical and cultural significance and were not actively utilized as primary weapons during that time.