I've been saying for a while that in a close-quarters situation a sword is a -very- effective weapon. Sure, guns are great. But pull a sword in a crowded room and it'll instantly become an UN-crowded room. :-)
It's too bad all he had was the stupid Zelda toy sword. If he actually had to strike anything with it, it would probably come apart in his hands. There are plenty of good serviceable and -real- swords out there, to fit any budget.
The article doesn't say, but he may have had a +2 Hammer of Smiting as well. The reporters never get these things right.
The Japanese made the wakizashi for indoor use. Practical folks.