Spear Type Classification: Sankaku, Katakama, Jumonji, and Kikuchi-yari Forms and Their Historical Development
* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Table of Contents
Spear (Yari)
The spear is a Japanese thrusting weapon consisting of a blade portion called the ho, affixed to the end of a long shaft. It came into widespread use during the late Kamakura through Nanboku-chō periods (14th century), and during the Sengoku period (16th century) served as the primary weapon of infantry units (ashigaru), determining the course of battles. Today, spears are appreciated as works of martial art, and "spear technique" (sōjutsu) is preserved as a discipline within martial arts training.
Classification by Ho Shape
Spear classification is fundamentally based on the cross-sectional shape of the ho and the presence or absence of side branches.
Flat Triangular Spear (Hirasankaku Yari)
The most basic form, with a triangular cross-section ho.
- Designed solely for thrusting, unsuitable for lateral cutting attacks
- The ho itself measures approximately 30–45 cm in length
- The shaft extends 3–6 meters in length, suited for use by densely packed ashigaru charging enemy positions
Sasaho Spear (Bamboo Leaf Spear)
A spear with a rhomboidal cross-section ho resembling a bamboo leaf.
- Wider blade than the flat triangular spear, capable of cutting strikes as well
- The predominant form of practical spear widely used from the Muromachi through Sengoku periods
Single Sickle Spear (Katakama Yari)
A spear with a side branch called a "kama" (sickle) on one side of the ho.
- In addition to thrusting, capable of combined attacks using the side branch to hook or sweep
- Considered effective for sweeping the legs of mounted warriors and their horses
- A form developed in response to practical battlefield demands of the Sengoku period
Cross-Shaped Spear (Jumonnji Yari)
A spear with equal side branches on both sides of the ho, resembling the character "十" (cross) when viewed from the side.
- Capable of sweeping and hooking on both sides, providing superior defensive capability
- Katō Kiyomasa, active during the Bunroku and Keichō campaigns, is known as a representative user
- During the Edo period, it also served ceremonial purposes as a decorative spear demonstrating samurai rank
Kikuchi Spear
A long-shafted straight-blade weapon reportedly used by the Kikuchi clan (Higo Province) during the Nanboku-chō period.
- The ho shape resembles a tantō or wakizashi
- Some interpretations suggest it originally resembled a naginata form, occupying a boundary between spear and naginata
Historical Evolution of the Spear
| Period | Primary Forms | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Nanboku-chō Period | Sasaho spear, Kikuchi spear | Widespread in dense infantry tactics |
| Sengoku Period | Jumonnji spear, Katakama spear | Development of practical combined-attack forms |
| Edo Period | Ceremonial spear | Emphasis on decoration, decline of battlefield use |
Modern Appraisal of Spears
Spears that are subject to appraisal as works of martial art are evaluated by the NBTHK (Japan Sword and Art Sword Association). In evaluating spear ho, jigane (base steel), hamon (blade pattern), and tsukurikomi (forging) are assessed, and the form and manufacturing precision of the side branches constitute the core of evaluation. Spears made by renowned bladesmiths command high prices at auction, and spears with ownership provenance from Sengoku-period warlords carry added cultural-property value.
