The History and Types of Naginata: The Deep Bond Between Women Warriors and the Japanese Polearm

What is the Naginata? — A Japanese Long-hafted Weapon Composed of Blade and Haft

The naginata is a traditional Japanese long-hafted weapon that combines a curved blade (edge) and a long haft. According to statistics from the All Japan Naginata Federation, there are currently approximately 50,000 competitors, making it one of the more popular competition martial arts in Japan.

The blade is forged using the same techniques as the Japanese sword (tachi or katana), making it a sister weapon to the nihonto. However, due to its different purpose and form, it is legally distinguished as a "naginata" rather than a "sword."

Origins of the Naginata — When It Emerged

A Heian-Period Weapon Against Mounted Warriors

The origins of the naginata are said to trace back to the Heian period (794–1185). The name derives from the verb "nagu" (to sweep), referring to the motion of sweeping horizontally to fell an enemy.

Heian-period battles centered on mounted archery combat, but long-hafted weapons proved effective for infantry opposing mounted warriors. The naginata was particularly suited for targeting a horse's legs and served as a primary weapon in anti-cavalry tactics for unhorsing mounted warriors.

As a Weapon of Sohei (Warrior Monks)

From the late Heian period through the Kamakura period, records show that sohei (armed Buddhist monks) from major temples such as Enryaku-ji (on Mount Hiei) and Kofuku-ji favored the naginata. The image of a fierce priest wielding a large naginata became a standard description when discussing sohei of that era.

The naginata's specialization in sweeping-leg techniques may also reflect its suitability for sohei wearing long-hemmed robes to attack near ground level.

Historical Development of the Naginata — Changes in Role Across Eras

Kamakura to Nanboku-Chō Period: Peak Era as a Battle Weapon

From the Kamakura through the Nanboku-Chō period (14th century), the naginata enjoyed its greatest prominence as a primary battle weapon. The "tachi and naginata" stood as the two major close-combat weapons of the samurai.

During the Nanboku-Chō period, the importance of infantry (kachi) increased, and scenes of naginata-wielding foot soldiers clashing with mounted warriors became more common. Naginata of this era were often large, with long hafts exceeding 1.5 to 2 meters.

Late Muromachi to Sengoku Period: Shift to Katana and Spear

From the mid-Muromachi period onward, the nature of combat changed. As heavily armored mounted warriors declined and foot-soldier (ashigaru) centered group combat became dominant, the yari (spear) began to replace the naginata as the primary long-hafted weapon.

The spear was more specialized for thrusting attacks than the naginata and was better suited for use in dense infantry formations. Moreover, it was simpler to handle and could be deployed with minimal training.

In this transition, the naginata gradually lost its status as a primary battle weapon and evolved into a tool for personal martial arts practice and self-defense.

Edo Period: Symbol of Women's Martial Arts

In the peaceful society of the Edo period (1603–1868), the naginata became established as a martial art for samurai women. The notion that "men carry swords, women carry naginata" spread throughout samurai society, and it became customary for samurai daughters to bring a naginata with them upon marriage.

The naginata of this era was not for combat but rather positioned as a tool for martial arts practice, etiquette, and spiritual cultivation. Various schools of naginata technique emerged, establishing the foundation for naginata-do that continues today.

Many naginata of the Edo period were actually "naginata-naoshi" — swords remade by shortening former combat naginata — used as wedding furnishings or for self-defense.

Principal Types and Morphological Characteristics of the Naginata

Ō-naginata (Large Naginata)

The oldest form used in battles from the Heian through Kamakura periods. It features a long blade (60 cm or more) and a long haft (1.5 meters or more). While few survive today, their form can be verified from museum displays and emakimono scrolls.

Ko-naginata (Small Naginata)

A smaller naginata developed for samurai women in the Edo period. The blade is approximately 40–60 cm, with a shorter haft. It was better suited for portability, indoor self-defense, and martial arts training than combat.

Chōtō (Long Sword / Naginata)

The term "chōtō" (long sword) is sometimes used interchangeably with naginata, but strictly speaking, the naginata and the chōtō (a katana with an unusually long blade) are distinct. Care must be taken to avoid conflating the terms.

Tomoe-gata Naginata and Kama-gata Naginata

Unusual naginata shapes include those with blades curved in a tomoe (comma or spiral) pattern or kama (sickle) pattern, which can be found in weapons museums. These were specialized pieces that prioritized aesthetic decoration over practical utility.

The Naginata and the Nihonto — Transformation Through Naginata-Naoshi

The naginata and nihonto share a close relationship. From the Muromachi period onward, naginata-naoshi was practiced — the process of shortening a naginata blade and creating a new nakago to repurpose it as a katana or wakizashi.

Blades created through naginata-naoshi often retain morphological characteristics derived from the naginata, such as pronounced forward curve (sakizori) and a significant difference in width between hilt and point (taper). Modern sword authentication can identify naginata-naoshi based on these morphological features.

A famous example of naginata-naoshi is the "Kotegiri Gō" made by Gō Yoshihiro, a swordsmith from Etchū and one of the Ten Great Disciples of Masamune. Gō's works include many naginata-naoshi, and he is known among enthusiasts as "Gō of the naginata-naoshi."

Modern Naginata-dō — A Continuing Martial Way

Modern naginata-dō is carried forward in both competitive and artistic forms under the All Japan Naginata Federation.

Competitive Naginata: Practiced as a competitive sport with protective gear and formal matches. High school and university club activities are the center of its promotion.

Enbu and Kata: A form of demonstration in classical martial arts, showcasing traditional naginata technique. Various schools (Chokushin Kage-ryū, Masaki-ryū, etc.) maintain their own traditions.

Position as Women's Martial Way: Many schools adopt the naginata for female students' martial arts education, and the image of naginata as a "women's martial way" continues today.

Conclusion — The Naginata Speaks to the Depth of Japanese Martial Culture

The naginata emerged as a Heian-period anti-cavalry weapon, reached its peak in the Nanboku-Chō period, evolved into a symbol of women's martial arts in the Edo period, and continues today as a martial way and sport.

This long historical evolution reveals that the naginata is far more than a mere "weapon" — it is a mirror reflecting changes in Japanese samurai society, women's culture, and martial spirit. Understanding the history of the naginata, the sister weapon of the nihonto, provides an indispensable perspective for deeply appreciating the Japanese sword.