Spear Type Classification: Sankaku, Katakama, Jumonji, and Kikuchi-yari Forms and Their Historical Development

Spears (yari)

A yari is a Japanese thrusting weapon consisting of a blade part called a hoko (穂) attached to the end of a long shaft. It became widely used from the late Kamakura period through the Nanboku-chō period (14th century), and during the Sengoku period (16th century) served as the main weapon of infantry units (ashigaru), significantly influencing the outcome of battles. Today, it is appreciated as a work of art, and "spear arts" are preserved as a branch of martial arts practice.

Classification by Hoko Shape

The classification of yari is based on the cross-sectional shape of the hoko and the presence or absence of side branches.

Flat Triangular Spear (hirasankakuyari)

The most basic form, with a triangular cross-section hoko.

• A shape designed exclusively for thrusting, unsuitable for slashing attacks from the side
• The hoko alone is approximately 30-45cm in length
• The shaft extends 3-6 meters in length, suited for use in densely packed infantry charges against enemy positions

Bamboo Leaf Spear (sashohoyari)

A spear with a diamond-shaped cross-section hoko resembling a bamboo leaf.

• With a wider blade than the hirasankakuyari, capable of handling slashing attacks
• The mainstream form of practical spears widely used from the Muromachi through Sengoku periods

Single Sickle Spear (katakamayari)

A spear with a side branch called a "kama" (sickle) on one side of the hoko.

• In addition to thrusting, composite attacks are possible using the side branch to hook or sweep
• Considered effective for sweeping the legs of mounted warriors' horses
• A form that developed from the practical needs of Sengoku-era warfare
• The katakamayari famous as the beloved spear of Katō Kiyomasa is held in the Tokyo National Museum. While the colloquial name "hebi-yari" (snake spear) is in circulation, its correct name is "katakamayari," and the hebi-yari designation is a misnomer. The museum's specimen bears an inscription reading "Brought at the time of the Venerable Yōrinjiin's wedding," confirming that it was passed down as a trousseau item when Kiyomasa's daughter, Yaoji-hime (Yōrinjiin), married into the Kii Tokugawa family.

Cross-shaped Spear (jūmonjiyari)

A spear with equally spaced side branches on both sides of the hoko, forming a "cross" shape when viewed from the side.

• Because sweeping and hooking are possible on both sides, it has high defensive capability
• Sanada Yukimura (Nobushige) is known as its representative user. The hoko of the "Great Thousand-Bird Cross Spear" said to have been wielded by Sanada Yukimura is still preserved today at Zenmeishōin (Sanada Hall) in Kudoyama, Wakayama Prefecture
• During the Edo period, it also served ceremonial purposes as a decorative spear indicating the status of warrior families

Kikuchi Spear (kikuchiyari)

A long-hafted weapon with a straight-sword form said to have been used by the Kikuchi clan (Higo Province) during the Nanboku-chō period.

• A single-edged straight spear said to have originated from attaching a short sword to bamboo, with thrusting as its primary use
• It differs from the naginata, which emphasizes slashing, in both blade shape and application

The Three Greatest Spears Under Heaven—Japan's Finest Spears

Three particularly renowned spears among Japanese yari are called the "Three Greatest Spears Under Heaven" (tenka sanmeisō).

Tonbokiri (Dragonfly Cutter): The beloved spear of Honda Tadakatsu, one of Tokugawa's Four Heavenly Kings. A sashohoyari with a blade length of 1 shaku 4 sun (approximately 43.7cm) and shaft length of 1 jō 3 sun (approximately 312cm), said to be the work of Fujiwara Masasane. Sanskrit characters and a three-pronged vajra are carved in the fuller (hi) of the blade; its name derives from the legend that a dragonfly alighting on the tip was split in two. It is currently held in custody and housed at the Sano Art Museum in Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is occasionally displayed at special exhibitions there.

Nihongō (Japan): A famous spear passed down in the Kuroda clan of Fukuoka Domain. A large spear with a blade length of 2 shaku 6 sun 1 bu 5 rin (approximately 79.2cm), overall length including shaft of 10 shaku 6 bu (approximately 321.5cm), and weight of 2.8kg, currently on permanent display at the Fukuoka City Museum. It is also famous for the anecdote that the retainer Mōri Taibei Tomonobu won it in a drinking contest against Fukushima Masanori (commemorated in the song "Kuroda Bushi").

Otegine (Hand-Held Spear): A large spear passed down from the Yūki clan to Yūki Hideyasu. Unfortunately, it was lost when the storage facility of the Matsudaira residence in Okubo, Tokyo was struck by incendiary bombs during the Tokyo Air Raids of March 10, 1945 (Shōwa 20), making it the only one of the Three Greatest Spears Under Heaven that no longer exists. A restoration version is currently being produced and displayed.

Historical Development of Spears

Modern Evaluation of Spears

Spears subject to authentication as works of art are evaluated by the NBTHK (Society for Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). In the authentication of hoko, in addition to ground steel (jigane), blade pattern (hamon), and forging technique, the form of the side branches and manufacturing precision are central to evaluation. Spears made by renowned swordsmiths have achieved high prices at auction, and spears with ownership provenance traced to Sengoku daimyō gain additional value as cultural artifacts.

Schools of Spear Arts and Their Transmission to the Modern Era

Sōjutsu (spear arts) is a martial art employing the spear, and numerous schools such as Hōzōin-ryū, Fūden-ryū, and Tsuranukiryū were established during the Sengoku through Edo periods. Hōzōin-ryū, a school that developed at Hōzōin, a subsidiary temple of Kōfukuji in Nara, is particularly renowned for its mastery of the jūmonjiyari. Although opportunities for actual combat were lost during the Edo period, each school preserved and transmitted spear arts through kata practice, continuing to the present day.

Signatures and Authentication of Hoko

Like swords, hoko may bear the signature (mei) of the swordsmith. Examples exist where the name of the swordsmith, date of manufacture, and owner's name are engraved on the nakago (tang) portion; authenticated hoko with reliable provenance become subjects of NBTHK authentication. In particular, hoko that possess documented ownership provenance from renowned daimyō and bear confirmed signatures are highly valued as cultural artifacts, and spears of the caliber of the Three Greatest Spears Under Heaven, such as Tonbokiri, occupy the highest rank. In the online sword market as well, the number of hoko offerings is small compared to bladed weapons overall, and well-preserved practical combat hoko hold considerable rarity value.