The Tessen (Iron Fan) and Jitte — Edo-Period Self-Defense Weapons and Policing Tools

The jitte (十手) is an iron rod with a hook (kagi) attached that stops sword blades, and was a capture tool carried by yoriki, doshin, and okappiki during the Edo period. The tessen (鉄扇) is a fan-shaped weapon made of iron or metal-reinforced bone, used by samurai as a self-defense tool in situations where swords could not be brought. This article explains the structure, types, and history of these metal weapons and capture tools that complemented the Japanese sword, as well as their treatment under modern firearms and sword laws from the perspective of sword history.

"Bladed Weapons" Beyond the Sword — The Periphery of Japanese Sword Culture

The world of Japanese swords extends beyond tachi, uchigata, wakizashi, and tanto. Japan developed diverse metal weapons and capture tools that complemented the sword, each developing its own techniques and culture.

This article focuses particularly on the "jitte (十手)," "tessen (鉄扇)," and "other capture tools" that were deeply connected to samurai culture and law enforcement in the Edo period, explaining them from the perspective of sword history.

Jitte (十手) — Edo's "Police Weapon"

What is the Jitte?

The jitte (also called jutto) was a capture weapon used by yoriki, doshin, and okappiki (unofficial constables working for the shogunate or domain) during the Edo period. Yoriki and doshin were formally permitted to carry swords and kept them at all times, but okappiki were unofficial assistants and were generally prohibited from carrying swords; in actual practice, they were temporarily lent a jitte by doshin during arrests.

• Basic structure: A rod-shaped weapon made of iron or brass, roughly 30-60 cm in length. A hook (kagi) protrudes from the base of the handle, usually a single hook (though sometimes multiple).
• Function of the hook: This hook is the jitte's defining feature. It catches and entangles the blade of a sword or sword-like weapon, used in the "katanadorae" (blade-stopping) technique to subdue opponents.

History of the Jitte

• Heian to Kamakura period prototypes: Weapons that were precursors to the jitte are said to have existed in the Heian to Kamakura periods, but the form of the jitte as a "capture tool" that is known today was established in the Edo period.
• Edo period proliferation: The jitte was standardized as a "capture tool" during the 17th-18th centuries as the Edo shogunate's law enforcement infrastructure was developed.
• Official shogunate weapon: While formal yoriki and doshin were permitted to carry swords, okappiki (unofficial assistants) were generally prohibited from carrying swords. The jitte functioned as a weapon that these "semi-official" constables could legally carry.

Types of Jitte

• Hon-jitte (本十手): The basic type. A standard form with a single hook.
• Kagi-jitte (鉤十手): With multiple hooks (double hooks, etc.). Could handle more blade-stopping situations.
• Hoso-jitte (細十手): Thin and lightweight. Used by female constables or for covert operations.
• Soshoku-jitte (装飾十手): Fitted with a tassel (fusa: silk cord ornament). The color and shape of the tassel attached to the jitte indicated the status and position of the owner (for example, scarlet tassels were standard for both yoriki and doshin, while white tassels were used by some shrine and temple magistrates).

Jitte-jutsu (十手術)

The techniques for using the jitte have been systematized as "jitte-jutsu (also called capture techniques)." The main techniques are as follows.

• Katanadorae (刀留め): When an opponent swings a sword down, the hook catches and stops the blade or tsuba (handguard).
• Striking techniques: Direct strikes against the opponent as a staff. Includes vital point strikes (wrist, elbow, knee, etc.).
• Entanglement: Using the hook to entangle an opponent's arm or sword, throwing off their balance.

Today, "jitte-jutsu" and "jitte-do" are still transmitted by certain schools in the form of traditional martial arts.

Tessen (鉄扇) — Battlefield "Folding Weapon"

What is the Tessen?

The tessen is a metal weapon with the external appearance of a fan (ogi). Unlike ordinary fans made of washi paper and bamboo ribs, the tessen is made from "iron or metal ribs (senkostu)."

• Folding type: Like a regular fan, it can be folded. In transit it appears as an ordinary fan, but when opened it becomes a sturdy striking weapon.
• Non-folding type (kata-tessen, gunbai-ogi): Some are forged as solid pieces of iron in the shape of a closed fan, with no open-close mechanism. Being more durable as a result, they functioned as pure striking and defensive tools. Those fixed in the open position, such as the gunbai (military fan) style, were primarily used for command and signal-giving by generals.

Dimensions and Weight of the Tessen

Tessen from the Edo period and later typically have a front rib length of approximately 24-30 cm (eight sun to one shaku), and weigh several hundred grams. The essence of the tessen is the combination of portability in a fan-shaped form that fits in the bosom with striking power equivalent to an iron rod. The dimensions, weight, number of ribs, and decoration vary considerably among surviving examples.

Use of the Tessen — Self-Defense, Etiquette, Command

• Self-defense weapon: In samurai society, fans could be carried in situations where sword-carrying was prohibited (certain areas within castles, formal visits to court, etc.). The tessen functioned as a self-defense tool in such situations.
• Striking weapon: Used to defend against enemy attacks, deflect them, or strike opponents. It also had an aspect as a "non-lethal weapon" for subduing opponents without drawing the sword.
• Etiquette tool: For samurai and daimyo to carry a fan was part of proper etiquette. Ornately decorated tessen were also "symbols of authority."

Notable Tessen Users

• Kusunoki Masashige (楠木正成): There are several legends of this Nanboku-cho period general and samurai using the tessen.
• Uesugi Kenshin (上杉謙信): Stories are transmitted of Kenshin wielding the tessen on the battlefield.
• Tokugawa Iemitsu (徳川家光): The third shogun Iemitsu is also said to have favored the tessen.

Tessen in Modern Times

In modern Japan, the tessen is used as "training equipment for iaido and traditional martial arts," and some classical schools preserve tessen techniques. Many tessen are preserved and collected as antiques, and can be obtained at martial arts equipment shops and antique markets. The value is determined by the material of the ribs (iron, brass, etc.), the craftsmanship of the decoration, the period, and whether it bears a maker's mark.

Other Capture Tools

Manriki-kusari (万力鎖)

A weapon with weights attached to both ends of a chain. Swung to entangle an opponent's weapon or body. It works on the same principle as the kusarigama, which wraps a chain around a sword blade to subdue an opponent.

Tekko-kagi (手甲鉤)

An iron weapon shaped like claws, worn between the fingers. Used to grasp an opponent's sword or enhance striking power in unarmed combat.

Sasumata (刺股)

A long-handled capture tool with a Y-shaped tip. Hooks around a fleeing criminal's waist or shoulder to restrict movement. It is still used by police and schools in modern Japan as a safety device.

Tsukubo (突棒)

A staff with an iron hook or barb at the tip. Hooks onto an opponent's clothing or body to restrict movement.

Modern Evaluation and Collection of Jitte and Tessen

Value as Antiques

Tessen and jitte have their own distinct value in the antique market.

• Value points for tessen: The material of the ribs (iron, silver, etc.), the craftsmanship of the decoration, the period (early or late Edo), presence or absence of a maker's mark.
• Value points for jitte: Material (iron, brass, silver, etc.), the shape of the hook, condition of the tassel, presence or absence of a maker's mark, historical background (whether an official supply from a famous magistrate's office).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — Jitte, Tessen, and Firearms and Sword Laws

Is possessing a jitte a violation of firearms and sword laws?

Generally, no. The "swords and blades" that the firearms and sword law regulates are edged weapons such as swords, tachi, and spears with a blade length of 15 cm or more. The jitte, which has no edge, does not fall into this category. Possession and storage as an antique or martial arts equipment are permitted. However, carrying it in town without legitimate reason may violate Article 1, Section 2 of the Misdemeanor Law (the crime of carrying a dangerous weapon) or local nuisance prevention ordinances in various prefectures.

Can I carry a tessen for self-defense?

Possession (storage at home, transport to training facilities, etc.) is not a problem, but daily carrying for "self-defense purposes" is unlikely to be recognized as having legitimate reason, creating a risk under the Misdemeanor Law. It is safest to limit transport to cases with clear purpose, such as training or exhibition, and to carry it in a dedicated bag or case.

Is there meaning to the color of the jitte's tassel?

The color and presence or absence of the tassel indicated the status and affiliation of the owner. The scarlet tassel (red tassel) of yoriki and doshin is widely known, but the implementation varied by period and magistrate's office, and many jitte had no tassel at all, focusing purely on practicality.

What is the difference between the jitte and the sasumata?

The jitte is a short one-handed subduing weapon that catches and entangles a sword, bringing the user close for close-quarters combat. The sasumata is a long-handled capture tool with a tip that pins an opponent down while maintaining distance to restrict movement. In Edo-period arrests, they were used together with the tsukubo and sodegarami as "three tools."

Conclusion — "Around the Sword" and Japanese Weapons Culture

Japanese metal weapons culture, such as the jitte, tessen, and sasumata, that developed around the sword arose from the social demand of "how to conduct combat and restraint in situations where one cannot carry or is prohibited from carrying a sword."

The jitte, born from the Edo period's law enforcement system as a "weapon for constables who could not carry swords," and the tessen, which realized both samurai etiquette and self-defense — though they arose on the periphery of a weapons culture centered on the Japanese sword, they developed their own distinctive techniques, culture, and aesthetics. To deeply understand the world of Japanese swords, a perspective that includes these weapons beyond the sword is essential.