What Is a Gunbai? — Samurai War Fans: Gunbai, Saihai, and Tessen Compared

Japanese Warlords Did Not Fight with the Sword Alone

While the image of Sengoku warlords conjures "sword and armor," the actual equipment of warlords was diverse. In particular, there were unique weapons serving a dual purpose of "command and self-defense": the gunbai (war fan), tessem (iron fan), and saihai (command baton).

While these are not bladed weapons, they frequently appear in the context of blade collections and weapons research, embodying two functions of Japanese samurai culture: "blades and command."

Gunbai (War Fan)—Symbol of the General's Wisdom

What Is a Gunbai?

The gunbai is a fan-shaped tool used by Sengoku warlords and feudal lords for tactical command. It is the same type as the "gunbai uchiwa" carried by modern sumo referees and was made from wood, metal, ox horn, and other materials.

Etymology: "Gunbai" derives from "directing (arranging) the positioning of troops."

Types and Materials of Gunbai

Practical Combat Functions of the Gunbai

The gunbai was not merely a "command rod" but had multiple practical combat functions:

1. Unit Command: Used like flags and command batons to signal advance, retreat, and lateral evasion

2. Arrow Deflection: Iron gunbai functioned as defensive equipment to ward off incoming arrows and thrown stones

3. Self-Defense: Use as a striking weapon in close combat (the striking force of iron gunbai should not be underestimated)

4. Mystical Function: Under the influence of yin-yang Daoism, gunbai also carried mystical significance. There was a belief that "raising the gunbai brings victory"

Famous Gunbai Episodes

Uesugi Kenshin's Gunbai: Uesugi Kenshin is known as the "God of War," and his gunbai is still preserved at Uesugi Shrine.

Battle of Kawanakajima (1561): In the scene of direct confrontation between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, a legend remains that Kenshin attacked Shingen from horseback, and Shingen "defended with his gunbai." This anecdote demonstrates that the gunbai functioned as an actual weapon.

Iron Fan (Tessem)—Concealed Weapon

What Is an Iron Fan?

An iron fan is a weapon with the same shape as a normal folding fan, but with bones (the skeletal framework of the fan) made of iron or steel. As the name suggests—"iron fan"—it has exactly that structure.

Types of Structure

Iron Bones Only: The fan's bones are made of iron, while the fan face is normal paper or silk. Externally, it appears as a normal folding fan. This "disguised type" is suited for self-defense and concealment.

Entirely Metal: A complete weapon with even the fan face made of metal plate. The most typical form of "iron fan."

Reinforced Main Rib Type: A practical form with only the "main ribs" (the two outer ribs) of a normal fan made of metal.

Practical Combat Usage of the Iron Fan

The methods of using the iron fan are systematized as "fan techniques (sensujutsu)":

• Striking: Used as a rod when closed, delivering powerful blows with the weight of metal

• Thrusting: Piercing with an iron fan whose tip (the end of the main rib) is sharpened

• Blocking: Defensive techniques using "V-shaped blocks (catching between the two main ribs)" or blocking with the surface

• Blinding Flash: Opening the iron fan toward the opponent's face and spreading it to obstruct their vision

Iron Fans and the "Status of Portable Weapons" for Samurai

During the Edo period, weapons shorter than the wakizashi could be carried even by those of lower social rank. In a situation where farmers, craftspeople, and merchants faced "swords prohibited, folding fans allowed," iron fans spread as "substitute protective weapons for swords." Merchants, samurai wives, and those associated with pleasure quarters also carried iron fans as protective weapons.

Saihai (Command Baton)—White Feathered Command Rod

What Is a Saihai?

The saihai is a command rod used by Sengoku warlords, with a bundle of white paper, wood fibers, bird feathers, and other materials at the end of the handle. Along with the gunbai, it functioned as a "symbol of command and authority."

Etymology: "Saihai" is said to derive from "sai" (selecting from various things) and "hai" (arranging), or from "saihai" (distributing colors).

"Saihai wo Furu" (Wielding the Saihai) as Modern Language

In modern Japanese, the idiom "saihai wo furu" (to give directions and command matters) comes from this saihai.

Combination with Bladed Weapons—The Warlord's "Full Set"

Typical portable equipment of a Sengoku warlord:

This integrated "warlord's attire (equipment)" is depicted in detail in Sengoku picture scrolls and folding screens.

Modern Possession—Legal Treatment

Gunbai and Saihai

Gunbai and saihai fall outside the scope of current sword and knife laws. They can be freely possessed and displayed as collectibles.

Iron Fan

The legal treatment of iron fans sometimes varies in judgment:

• Iron fans as traditional crafts or artworks: Generally permissible to possess

• Forms that may fall under blade categories (such as sharp tips): May fall under sword and knife law blade regulations (blade length 6cm or longer)

• "Carrying without legitimate reason" may constitute a violation of the minor offense law

Practical Guidance: Storing at home for artistic and collection purposes is generally not problematic, but it is prudent to avoid carrying in public.

Conclusion—The World of Samurai Culture Extending Beyond the Sword

While bladed weapons are the center of samurai culture, gunbai, iron fans, and saihai were important "supporting roles" that complemented functions that blades could not perform—command, self-defense, and ceremony.

In Japanese sword collections and weapons research, turning attention to these ancillary weapons provides a more three-dimensional view of the full picture of samurai culture. For sword enthusiasts, gunbai and iron fans are adjacent fields worth knowing about.