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.
They were also polite folks. The katana was their main battle weapon, as far as swords went. It was neither polite nor respectful to pay a social call on a neighbor (or superior) all tricked-out in full battle-rattle. Not a good way to show your proper samurai training in the finer points of culture and good taste, or show respect to your host's duty to provide reasonable security to honored guests.
I was brought up to only bring a discreet handgun and backup blade to most social events. The new resin-reinforced "hard" laminated Class III ballistic armor is thin and light enough to provide decent protection from handgun-type rounds without making me look like the Michelin Tire Man. :)