What Exactly is a Ninja Sword?
Shinobu
In Japanese history, ninja are famous for their mysterious existence.
One of their favorite weapons were the ninja sword.
The ninja sword has various alterations to suit the unique roles and tactics of the ninja.
Today, we will introduce the history of the ninja sword, its features and differences from the normal Japanese sword.
Contents
- What is a Ninja Sword? (and its history)
- Differences Between Ninja and Samurai, Ninja Sword and Japanese Sword
- Various Uses of Ninja Swords / Ninjutsu Using Ninja Swords
- Ninja Swords in the Present Day
- Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Ninja Sword
- Summary
1. What is a Ninja Sword? (and its history)
The ninja sword (忍者刀: ninja-tou) is a special type of sword used by the ninja, whose design and use are closely related to the role of the ninja.
The origin of the ninja sword dates back to the Warring States period (1467-1603) in Japan.
During this period, the ninja were responsible for gathering intelligence, assassination, and sabotage, which required a particularly stealthy approach.
The ninja sword is a weapon that evolved into a form suitable for such missions.
Let us now explore the secrets of the ninja sword in more detail.
2. Differences Between Ninja and Samurai, Ninja Sword and Japanese Sword
There are several major differences between a ninja sword and a samurai's common Japanese sword.
Differences in size / shape
Japanese swords used by the samurai were generally longer and had a curved blade, making them excellent for cutting objects with little force.
In contrast, ninja swords have a blade of about 40 cm and are straight with no warp, making them suitable for close combat and stabbing.
There is also a difference in the cord attached to the scabbard, called the “sageo” which is longer on the ninja sword than on the blade.
Differences in use / appearance
Japanese swords are sometimes decorated as prominent weapons.
Samurai carried their swords without concealment and used them on the battlefield and in public.
This reflects the samurai spirit of playing fair and square for the sake of honor.
On the other hand, ninja swords are small, plain, and unadorned.
The sheath and handle are black and matted, another characteristic of ninja swords.
The reflection of light was eliminated as much as possible so that the ninja would not stand out when acting in the darkness.
In addition, ninja often kept their swords hidden in their clothing.
For this reason, there were ninja swords that were small and foldable.
The ninja sword evolved in its own unique way so that it would not be found by the enemy and so that it would not hinder movement.
3. Various Uses of Ninja Swords / Ninjutsu Using Ninja Swords
Let's take a closer look at the various uses of ninja swords and ninjutsu using ninja swords.
Combat
As aforementioned, because ninja sword is a straight sword with no warp, it is not very suitable for cutting anything.
Instead, because it is small and easy to handle, it was used for stabbing attacks aimed at the enemy's vital points or at narrow gaps.
Due to the nature of the ninja's confidential work, they are often used for assassination by stabbing in surprise attacks.
For this reason, it is said that a ninja would lose in a head-on single combat with a samurai who handled a sword.
In addition, since the ninja also engage in espionage activities, they must not be captured by the enemy and be forced to reveal confidential information.
In such cases, ninja swords were also used as a means of ending their lives in such emergencies.
Watch the following video to see a professional ninja explain and demonstrate the uses of ninja sword.
Hiding in the water - the art of water-escape
Ninja swords were also used to escape pursuit from enemies by using it to hide underwater.
By removing the bottom tip of the scabbard, the scabbard could be used as a snorkel.
This enabled them to hide underwater for long periods of time and to deceive the enemy's eyes.
This is the famous “suiton no jutsu” or the art of water-escape.
Sageonana-jutsu
The sheaths attached to ninja swords were used in a variety of ways when escaping or camping out.
The seven most representative ninjutsu are collectively referred to as the seven sageonana-jutsu.
Let us see what they are one by one.
1. Traveling pillow
Two swords, one large and one small, are tied together with a lower cord, and the lower cord is passed under the body when sleeping.
In this way, if either of the swords is about to be stolen, the movement of the lower cord will alert the ninja of the thief.
Also, even in the dark, you can quickly pick up the swords and deal with the enemy by reeling in the undercoat.
2. Sitting Search
This technique is used to find enemies, obstacles, and traps at night or in dark rooms.
You search with the scabbard pulled out to the very tip of the sword and the lower cord in your mouth to prevent the scabbard from falling out.
You can search up to the distance of two of your own swords.
The moment you feel the sheath hit the person, release the lower cord from your mouth, pull out the sword, and attack quickly.
3. Yaridome
This is a ninjutsu used when fighting enemies who use spears.
The ninja sword and sheath are held in each hand, tied together by the sheath's cord.
Quickly avoiding the opponent's thrusts, the ninja would wrap the sheath around the spear and seize the opponent's spear.
4. Climbing a fence
This is a ninjutsu technique of climbing a high wall using a ninja sword.
The ninja sword is placed against the wall and the sword guard is used as a springboard to climb over the wall.
By holding the sword in the mouth, the ninja can retrieve the sword by pulling the cord after climbing the wall.
This allows them to climb over high walls without losing their swords.
5. Nochu-no jinhari/Nochu-no maku
This is a ninjutsu to create a simple roof when camping out in the field.
The roof is made by tying a cord between two or three trees and covering it with cloth or paper.
This roof can protect against wind and rain to a certain extent.
6. The method used for binding / sashi-nawa
This is a ninjutsu to bind the enemy using a gauntlet when one does not have a rope.
7. Substitution of Obi
An obi is a long, thin piece of cloth that is tied around the waist over clothing and acts like a belt.
It has been used in Japan since ancient times.
In this jutsu, when the obi is cut off in battle with the enemy or cannot be found in the dark, the shitao is wrapped in place of the obi.
In this way, movement was not impeded by disarray in the garment.
These seven are the seven techniques of sageonanajutsu
However, there are various theories as to what they are, such as counting other jutsu as one of the seven, and the existence of various names for them.
For example, there is a theory that the “Yojin Nawa” technique is included in the seven techniques.
This is a ninjutsu mainly used when sleeping or resting in a room.
The rope is placed in front of the door of the room, so that when an enemy enters, his foot will be caught in the trap.
By placing a trap in this way, you can protect yourself from sudden attacks by enemies.
Have a look at this video that introduces the seven techniques of Sageonanajutsu.
It will surely deepen your understanding.
4. Ninja Swords in the Present Day
In this section, we will look at the treatment of ninja swords in the modern age.
Ninja swords as part of Japanese culture
Ninja swords have appeared in movies, manga, and video games as symbols of Japanese legend and culture.
Therefore, ninja swords are also recognized as a part of Japanese pop culture and have gained great popularity mainly among people outside of Japan.
Ninja Swords as Collections
Today, ninja swords are popular as collectors' items.
Many of them are imitation swords, beautifully made to look like the real thing.
It is difficult to actually use them as swords, so the main objective is to display them in one's room or to collect them as an item.
There are websites that sell replicas of the swords that has appeared in manga, so if you are interested, please check them out.
5. Things to Keep in Mind When Purchasing a Ninja Sword
The following is an introduction on how to purchase a ninja sword and what to look out for when buying it.
Find a reliable dealer
If you search for ninja swords, you will find a variety of dealers.
When purchasing a ninja sword, it is important to use a reliable specialty store or an online store that is certified by Japan.
This will guarantee quality and authenticity.
Ninja swords are not only expensive, but are also edged tools, so choose your store carefully when making your purchase.
Price and Quality
The price of a ninja sword depends on its quality and manufacturing techniques.
High-quality ninja swords are often expensive (several hundred to one thousand US dollars) so make sure ¥ you purchase one with the right balance between price and quality.
Legal restrictions
Depending on where you live, there may be regulations regarding the possession and purchase of weapons.
Before purchasing, you should check the laws and regulations in your area.
6. Summary
How was it?
In this article, we introduced various things about ninja swords, from their history and characteristics to ninjutsu (ninja techniques) using ninja swords and the differences between ninja swords and Japanese swords used by samurai.
If you would like to know more about ninja swords, we recommend that you come to our Ninja Cafe to experience the handling of a ninja sword, or actually purchase a ninja sword or watch a video about ninja swords on YouTube.
Have a look at our Ninja Blog article which explains what ninjas are : What's a Ninja? The Little Known Truth About Ninja
And this Ninja Blog article for an overview of various weapons used by ninjas: Shurikens, swords, and other weapons handled by Ninjas. Who is stronger,the ninja or the Samurai?
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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