The katana, a design originally conceived in the ancient Earth national state of Japan, was used as a ceremonial weapon on the planet Grayson. Also, the office of the Protector was commonly referred to as "the Sword" in very much the same way other monarchs were referred to as "the Crown". (HH5) Considered by many to be one of the most prestigious weapons ever devised by man, the sword served as the name-giver of the Sword class, a type of heavy cruiser used by the People's Navy. (HH7)