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{{short description|Japanese straight-headed spear}}
{{other uses|Yari (disambiguation)}}
{{other uses}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2010}}
{{Italic title|reason=]}}
]
{{Infobox weapon
{{nihongo|'''Yari'''|槍}} is the term for one of the traditionally made Japanese blades ] in the form of a ], or more specifically, the straight-headed spear.<ref name="WBAR">{{cite book | last = Ratti| first = Oscar | authorlink = | coauthors =Adele Westbrook| title = Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan| publisher = Tuttle Publishing| year = 1991| location = | pages = 484| isbn = 978-0804816847 }}</ref> The ] of wielding the yari is called ''']'''.
| name = {{Nihongo|Yari|槍}}
| image = File:槍と笹穂槍と十文字槍, Yari, sasaho yari and jumoji yari 1.jpg
| caption = {{transliteration|ja|Yari}} forged by Echizen Kanenori, 17th century, ] (left), {{transliteration|ja|sasaho yari}} forged by Tachibana no Terumasa, 1686, Edo period (middle), and {{transliteration|ja|jūmonji yari}} forged by Kanabo Hyoeno jo Masasada, 16th century, ] (right)
| type = ]
<!-- Type selection -->| sheath_type = ]
| head_type =
| haft_type =
| image_size = 280
| origin = Japan
| is_bladed = yes
<!-- Production history -->| production_date = Nara period (710–794) for ],<br>Muromachi period (1333–1568) for Yari, since 1334<ref name="Friday"/>
<!-- General specifications -->| weight = {{convert|1.27|kg|abbr=on}}
| part_length = {{convert|15-60|cm|abbr=on}}
| length = {{convert|1-6|m|abbr=on}}
<!-- Bladed weapon specifications -->| blade_type = multiple blade shapes
| hilt_type = Wood, horn, lacquer
}}
]
{{nihongo||槍|'''Yari'''}} is the term for a traditionally-made Japanese blade (日本刀; ])<ref>, Volume 91 of Linguistic Insights. Studies in Language and Communication, Author Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani, Publisher Peter Lang, 2008, {{ISBN|3-03911-711-4}}, {{ISBN|978-3-03911-711-6}} P.150</ref><ref>, Complete Idiot's Guides, Authors Evans Lansing Smith, Nathan Robert Brown, Publisher Penguin, 2008, {{ISBN|1-59257-764-4}}, {{ISBN|978-1-59257-764-4}} P.144</ref> in the form of a ], or more specifically, the straight-headed spear.<ref name="WBAR">{{cite book | last = Ratti| first = Oscar |author2=Adele Westbrook | title = Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan| publisher = Tuttle Publishing| year = 1991| pages = 484| isbn = 978-0-8048-1684-7 }}</ref> The ] of wielding the {{transliteration|ja|yari}} is called {{transliteration|ja|]}}.

==History== ==History==
The forerunner of the {{transliteration|ja|yari}} is thought to be a {{transliteration|ja|]}} derived from a ]. These {{transliteration|ja|hoko yari}} are thought to be from the ] (710–794).<ref>, Frank Brinkley, T. C. & E. C. Jack, 1903 p.156</ref><ref>, Kōkan Nagayama, Kodansha International, p.49</ref>
] print of a samurai general holding a yari in his right hand]]


Yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese spears, these '']'' are thought to be from the ] (710-794).<ref></ref><ref></ref>, and while they were present in early Japan's history, the term ''yari'' appeared for the first time in written sources in 1334 but this type of spear did not become popular until the late 1400s.<ref name="Friday">{{cite book | last = Friday| first = Karl | authorlink = | title = Samurai, Warfare and The State in Early Medieval Japan| publisher = Routledge| year = 2004| location = | page = 87| isbn = 0-415-32962-0 }}</ref> The original warfare of the ] was not a thing for "commoners"; it was a ritualized combat usually between two warriors who would challenge each other via horseback archery and sword duels.<ref name= "Deal">{{cite book| last = Deal| first = William E | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan| publisher = Oxford University Press | pages = 432|year = 2007| isbn = 978-0195331264 }}</ref> However, the attempted Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 changed Japanese weaponry and warfare. The Mongol-employed Chinese and Korean footmen wielded long pikes, fought in tight formation, and moved in large units to stave off cavalry.<ref name= "Deal"/> Polearms (including ] and yari) were of much greater military use than swords, due to their much greater range, their lesser weight per unit length (though overall a polearm would be fairly hefty), and their great piercing ability.<ref name= "Deal"/> Swords in a full battle situation were therefore relegated to emergency sidearm status from the ] through the ] periods.<ref name= "Deal"/> Around the latter half of the sixteenth century, ] holding pikes (nagae yari) with length of 4.5 to 6.5 m (15 to 22 feet) or sometimes 10 m became the main forces in armies. They formed lines, combined with ]iers and short spearmen. Pikemen formed two or three row of line, and were forced to move up and down their pikes in unison under the command. The term {{transliteration|ja|'yari'}} appeared for the first time in written sources in 1334, but this type of spear did not become popular until the late 15th century.<ref name="Friday">{{cite book |author1-link=Karl Friday | last = Friday| first = Karl | title = Samurai, Warfare and The State in Early Medieval Japan| publisher = Routledge| year = 2004| page = 87| isbn = 0-415-32962-0 }}</ref> The original warfare of the {{transliteration|ja|]}} was not a thing for commoners; it was a ritualized combat usually between two warriors who would challenge each other via horseback archery.<ref name= "Deal">{{cite book| last = Deal| first = William E | title = Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan| publisher = Oxford University Press | pages = 432|year = 2007| isbn = 978-0-19-533126-4 }}</ref> In the late Heian period, battles on foot began to increase and {{transliteration|ja|]}}, a bladed polearm, became a main weapon along with a ].<ref name = "toukennagi"> Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum, Touken World</ref>


The attempted ] in 1274 and 1281 was one of the factors that changed Japanese weaponry and warfare. The Mongols employed Chinese and Korean footmen wielding long pikes and fought in tight formations. They moved in large units to stave off cavalry.<ref name= "Deal"/> Polearms (including {{transliteration|ja|naginata}} and {{transliteration|ja|yari}}) were of much greater military use than swords, due to their significantly longer reach, lighter weight per unit length (though overall a polearm would be fairly hefty), and their great piercing ability.<ref name= "Deal"/>
] in a demonstration of combat techniques]]
] (approx. 1 foot) in length]]
]
]


In the ], battles on foot by groups became the mainstream and the importance of {{transliteration|ja|naginata}} further increased, but {{transliteration|ja|yari}} were not yet the main weapon. However, after the ] in 15th century in the ], large-scale group battles started in which mobilized {{transliteration|ja|]}} (foot peasant troops) fought on foot and in close quarters, and ''yari'', {{transliteration|ja|]}} (longbow) and {{transliteration|ja|]}} (Japanese matchlock) became the main weapons. This made {{transliteration|ja|naginata}} and {{transliteration|ja|]}} obsolete on the battlefield, and they were often replaced with {{transliteration|ja|]}} and short, lightweight {{transliteration|ja|]}}.<ref name = "toukennagi"/><ref name = "toukenssw"> Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum, Touken World</ref><ref name ="en20p42">Kazuhiko Inada (2020), ''Encyclopedia of the Japanese Swords''. p42. {{ISBN|978-4651200408}}</ref><ref name="rekishi200940">''歴史人'' September 2020. pp.40–41. {{ASIN|B08DGRWN98}}</ref>
''Yari'' eventually became more popular than the '']'' (bow) as a weapon for the samurai, and foot troops ('']'') used them extensively as well.<ref name= "Deal"/> But by the Edo period the yari had fallen into disuse: with the greater emphasis on small-scale close quarters combat and the convenience of swords (as opposed to long battlefield weapons), polearms and archery lost their practical value. During the peaceful Edo era, yari were still produced, sometimes even by good sword smiths, they existed as a ceremonial weapon and a samurai police weapon for most of this era.


]. Forged in 1967 by ] ] and engraved with a '']'' by Sensyū Kokeguchi.]]
==Construction==
Around the latter half of the 16th century, {{transliteration|ja|ashigaru}} holding pikes ({{transliteration|ja|nagae yari}}) with length of {{convert|4.5|to|6.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} became the main forces in armies. They formed lines, combined with soldiers bearing firearms ''tanegashima'' and short spears. Pikemen formed a two- or three-row line, and were trained to move their pikes in unison under command. Not only {{transliteration|ja|ashigaru}} but also ] fought on the battlefield with ''yari'' as one of their main weapons. For example, ] was famous as a master of one of ], the '']'' (蜻蛉切). One of The Three Great Spears of Japan, the ''Nihongō'' (]) was treasured as a gift, and its ownership changed to ], ] ], ], ], ], and so on, and has been handed down to the present day.<ref name="rekishi128">''歴史人'' September 2020. pp.128–135. {{ASIN|B08DGRWN98}}</ref><ref> Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum, Touken World.</ref>
Yari were characterized by a straight ] that could be anywhere from several centimeters, to 3 feet or more in length.<ref name="WBAR"/> The blades were made of the same steel (''tamahagane'') that traditional ] and ] were forged with, and were very durable.<ref name="WBAR"/> Throughout history many variations of the straight yari blade were produced, often with protrusions on a central blade. Yari blades (points) often had an extremely long ] (]); typically the ''nagako'' would be longer than the sharpened portion of the blade. The ''nakago'' protruded into a re-enforced hollow portion of the handle ] resulting in a very stiff shaft making it nearly impossible for the blade to fall or break off.<ref name="WBAR"/>


With the coming of the ] the {{transliteration|ja|yari}} had fallen into disuse. Greater emphasis was placed on small-scale, close quarters combat, so the convenience of swords led to their dominance, and polearms and archery lost their practical value. During the peaceful Edo period, {{transliteration|ja|yari}} were still produced (sometimes even by renowned swordsmiths), although they existed mostly as either a ceremonial weapon or as a police weapon.<ref name="rekishi128"/>
The shaft ] came in many different lengths, widths and shapes; made of hardwood and covered in lacquered ] strips, these came in oval, round, or polygonal cross section. These in turn were often wrapped in metal rings or wire ], and affixed with a metal pommel ] on the butt end. Yari shafts were often decorated with inlays of metal or semiprecious materials such as brass pins, lacquer, or flakes of pearl. A sheath ] was also part of a complete yari.<ref name="WBAR"/>


==Description==
==Variations of yari blades==
]
Various types of yari points or blades existed. The most common blade was a straight, flat, design that resembles a straight-bladed double edged ].<ref name="WBAR"/> This type of blade could cut as well as stab and was sharpened like a razor edge. Though yari is a catchall for spear, it is usually distinguished between ''kama yari'', which have additional horizontal blades, and simple ''su yari'' (''choku-sō'') or straight spears. Yari can also be distinguished by the types of blade cross section: the triangular sections were called ''sankaku yari'' and the diamond sections were called ].<ref name="WBAR"/>
{{transliteration|ja|Yari}} were characterized by a straight ] that could be anywhere from several centimeters to {{convert|3|ft}} or more in length.<ref name="WBAR"/> The blades were made of the same steel ({{transliteration|ja|]}}) from which traditional ]s and arrowheads were forged, and were very durable.<ref name="WBAR"/> Throughout history many variations of the straight {{transliteration|ja|yari}} blade were produced, often with protrusions on a central blade. {{transliteration|ja|Yari}} blades often had an extremely long ] ({{transliteration|ja|nakago}}; 中心); typically it would be longer than the sharpened portion of the blade. The tang protruded into a reinforced hollow portion of the handle ({{transliteration|ja|tachiuchi}} or {{transliteration|ja|tachiuke}}) resulting in a very stiff shaft making it nearly impossible for the blade to fall or break off.<ref name="WBAR"/>


The shaft ({{transliteration|ja|nagaye}} or {{transliteration|ja|ebu}}) came in many different lengths, widths, and shapes; made of hardwood and covered in lacquered ] strips, these came in oval, round, or polygonal cross section. These in turn were often wrapped in metal rings or wire ({{transliteration|ja|dogane}}), and affixed with a metal pommel ({{transliteration|ja|ishizuki}}; 石突) on the butt end. {{transliteration|ja|Yari}} shafts were often decorated with inlays of metal or semiprecious materials such as brass pins, lacquer, or flakes of pearl. A sheath ({{transliteration|ja|saya}}; 鞘) was also part of a complete {{transliteration|ja|yari}}.<ref name="WBAR"/>
*] (三角槍, triangle spear) have a point that resembles a narrow spike with a triangular cross-section. A sankaku yari therefore had no cutting edge, only a sharp point at the end. The sankaku yari was therefore best suited for penetrating armor, even armor made of metal, which a standard yari was not as suited to.<ref name="WBAR"/> There are two types of ''sankaku yari'', ] are yari blades that have a triangular cross section with three equal sides as in an ''equilateral'' triangle, and ] which have a triangular cross section with two equal sides like an ''isosceles'' triangle.


==Variations of {{transliteration|ja|yari}} blades==
*], a blade with a diamond shaped cross section.
{{more citations needed section|date=December 2022}}
]}} (approx. {{convert|30|cm|abbr=on}} in length).]]


Various types of {{transliteration|ja|yari}} points or blades existed. The most common blade was a straight, flat design that resembles a straight-bladed double edged ].<ref name="WBAR"/> This type of blade could cut as well as stab and was sharpened like a razor edge. Though {{transliteration|ja|'yari'}} is a catchall term for 'spear', it is usually distinguished between {{transliteration|ja|'kama yari'}}, which have additional horizontal blades, and simple {{transliteration|ja|'su yari'}} ({{transliteration|ja|choku-sō}}) or straight spears. {{transliteration|ja|Yari}} can also be distinguished by the types of blade cross section: the triangular sections were called {{transliteration|ja|'sankaku yari'}} and the diamond sections were called {{transliteration|ja|'ryō-shinogi yari'}}.<ref name="WBAR"/>
*] (袋槍, bag spear or socket spear) were mounted to a shaft (''nagaye or ebu'') by means of a metal socket instead of a ''nakago'' (tang). The fukuro yari was forged as a single piece of both socket and blade.
* {{nihongo3|"triangle spear"|三角槍|'''Sankaku yari'''}} have a point that resembles a narrow spike with a triangular cross-section. A {{transliteration|ja|sankaku yari}} therefore had no cutting edge, only a sharp point at the end. The {{transliteration|ja|sankaku yari}} was therefore best suited for penetrating armor, even armor made of metal, which a standard yari was not as suited to.<ref name="WBAR"/> There are two types of {{transliteration|ja|sankaku yari}}: {{transliteration|ja|sei sankaku yari}}, {{transliteration|ja|yari}} blades with a triangular, equilateral cross section, and {{transliteration|ja|hira sankaku yari}}, {{transliteration|ja|yari}} with a triangular, isosceles-shaped cross section.
* {{transliteration|ja|'''Ryō-shinogi yari'''}}, a blade with a diamond shaped cross section.
* {{nihongo3|"bag" or "socket spear"|袋槍|'''Fukuro yari'''}} were mounted to a shaft by means of a metal socket instead of a tang. The socket and blade are forged from a single piece.
* {{nihongo3|"spear of Kikuchi"|菊池槍|'''Kikuchi yari'''}} were one of the rarest types of {{transliteration|ja|yari}}, possessing only a single edge. This created a weapon that could be used for hacking and closely resembled a {{transliteration|ja|]}}. {{transliteration|ja|Kikuchi yari}} are the only {{transliteration|ja|yari}} which use a {{transliteration|ja|habaki}}.
* {{nihongo3|"spade-shaped spear"|鏃形槍|'''Yajiri nari yari'''}} had a very broad, "spade-shaped" head. {{transliteration|ja|Yajiri nari yari}} often had a pair of holes centering the two ovoid halves.
]
* {{nihongo3|"cross-shaped spear"|十文字槍|'''Jūmonji yari'''}}, also called {{nihongo3|"curved spear"|曲槍|magari yari}}, looked something similar to a ] or ], and brandishing two curved side blades pointing upward. It is occasionally referred to as {{transliteration|ja|'maga yari'}} in modern weaponry texts.
** {{transliteration|ja|'''Jogekama yari'''}}, a {{transliteration|ja|jūmonji yari}} with one side blade pointing downward and one side blade pointing upward.
** {{transliteration|ja|'''Karigata yari'''}}, a {{transliteration|ja|jūmonji yari}} with the two side blades pointing downward.
** {{transliteration|ja|'''Gyaku yari'''}}, a {{transliteration|ja|jūmonji yari}} with the two side blades resembling a pair of buffalo horns.
* {{nihongo3|"sickle spear"|鎌槍|''']'''}} gets its name from a peasant weapon or tool called {{transliteration|ja|]}} (lit. "sickle" or "scythe").
]. ], 16th century, Tokyo National Museum]]
* {{nihongo3|"single-sided sickle spear"|片鎌槍|'''Kata kamayari'''}} had a weapon design sporting a blade that was two-pronged. Instead of being constructed like a ], a straight blade (as in {{transliteration|ja|su yari}}) was intersected just below its midsection by a perpendicular blade. This blade was slightly shorter than the primary, had curved tips making a parallelogram, and was set off center so that only 1/6 of its length extended on the other side. This formed a rough 'L' shape.
* {{nihongo3|"moon-shaped spear"|月形槍|'''Tsuki nari yari'''}} barely looked like a spear at all. A polearm that had a crescent blade for a spearhead, which could be used for slashing and hooking.
* {{nihongo3|"hook spear"|鉤槍|'''Kagi yari'''}} was a key-shaped spear with a long blade with a side hook much like that found on a ]. This could be used to catch another weapon, or even dismount a rider mounted on horseback.
* {{nihongo3||毘沙門槍|'''Bishamon yari'''}} possessed some of the most ornate designs for any spear. Running parallel to the long central blade were two 'crescent moon' shaped blades facing outwards. They were attached in two locations by short cross bars, making the head look somewhat like a ].
* {{transliteration|ja|''']'''}}, an old form of {{transliteration|ja|yari}} possibly from the Nara period (710–794),<ref>, Tamio Tsuchiko, Kenji Mishina, Kodansha International, 2002 p.15</ref> a guard's spear with {{convert|6|ft|abbr=on}} pole and {{convert|8|in|abbr=on}} blade either leaf-shaped or waved (like ]); a sickle-shaped horn projected on one or both sides at the joint of blade.<ref>, Volume 15 Encyclopedia Americana Corp., 1919 p.745</ref> The {{transliteration|ja|hoko yari}} had a hollow socket like the later period {{transliteration|ja|fukuro yari}} for the pole to fit into rather than a long tang.<ref> Kanzan Satō, Kodansha International, 1983 P.63</ref>
* {{nihongo3||笹穂槍|'''Sasaho yari'''}}, a broad {{transliteration|ja|yari}} described as being "leaf shaped" or "bamboo leaf shaped".<ref>, Kōkan Nagayama, Kodansha International, 1998 p.49</ref>
* {{nihongo3|"simple spear"|素槍|'''Su yari'''}} (alao known as {{transliteration|ja|sugu yari}}), a straight double edged blade.<ref name="books.google.com">, Kōkan Nagayama, Kodansha International, 1998, P.49</ref>
* {{transliteration|ja|'''Omi no yari'''}} ({{transliteration|ja|omi yari}}), an extra long {{transliteration|ja|su yari}} blade.<ref name="books.google.com"/>
* {{nihongo3|"pillow spear"|枕槍|'''Makura-yari'''}}
* {{nihongo3|straight spear"|直槍|'''Choku-yari'''}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Armstrong |first1=Hunter B. |title=The Sliding Yari of the Owari Kan Ryu |url=https://www.koryu.com/library/harmstrong1.html |website=www.koryu.com |access-date=29 October 2020}}</ref>


==Variations of {{transliteration|ja|yari}} shafts==
*] (菊池槍, spear of Kikuchi) were one of the rarest designs, possessing only a single edge. This created a weapon that could be used for hacking and closely resembled a ]. ''kikuchi yari'' are the only yari which use a ] .
A {{transliteration|ja|yari}} shaft can range in length from {{convert|1|-|6|m}}, with some in excess of 6 metres.


* {{nihongo3|"long shafted spear"||'''Nagae yari'''}}: {{convert|16.4|to|19.7|ft|m|abbr=on}} long, a type of pike used by {{transliteration|ja|ashigaru}}.<ref>, Authors Michael E. Haskew, Christer Joregensen, Eric Niderost, Chris McNab, Publisher Macmillan, 2008, {{ISBN|0-312-38696-6}}, {{ISBN|978-0-312-38696-2}} P.44</ref><ref>, Stephen Turnbull, Howard Gerrard, Osprey Publishing, 2001, P.19</ref> It was especially used by ] {{transliteration|ja|ashigaru}} beginning from the reign of ]; samurai tradition of the time held that the soldiers of the rural province of ] were among the weakest in Japan. ] was a chaotic place; ] was home to the ], and the ], ], ], and ] clans, as well as pirate raiders from ]. Additionally, Kyushu was home of one of the most warmongering clans in Japan, the ]. Because of this, Nobunaga armed his underperforming {{transliteration|ja|ashigaru}} soldiers extra-long pikes in order for them to be more effective against armoured opponents and cavalry, and fighting in groups and formations.
*'''Yajiri nari yari''' (鏃形槍, spade-shaped spear) had a very broad "spade-shaped" head. It often had a pair of holes centering the two ovoid halves.
* {{nihongo3|"hand spear"|持ち槍|'''Mochi yari'''}}, a long spear used by {{transliteration|ja|ashigaru}} and samurai.<ref>, Authors Stephen Turnbull, Howard Gerrard, Illustrated by Howard Gerrard, Publisher Osprey Publishing, 2001, {{ISBN|1-84176-149-4}}, {{ISBN|978-1-84176-149-7}} P.23</ref>
* {{nihongo3|"tube spear"|管槍|'''Kuda yari'''}}. The shaft goes through a hollow metal tube that allowed the spear to be twisted during thrusting. This style of {{transliteration|ja|sojutsu}} is typified in the school {{transliteration|ja|Owari Kan Ryū}}.
* {{nihongo3|"pillow spear"|枕槍|'''Makura yari'''}}. A {{transliteration|ja|yari}} with a short simple shaft that was kept by the bedside for home protection.<ref>, Author Clive Sinclaire, Publisher Globe Pequot, 2004, {{ISBN|1-59228-720-4}}, {{ISBN|978-1-59228-720-8}} P.119</ref>
* {{nihongo3|"hand spear"|手槍|'''Te yari'''}}. A {{transliteration|ja|yari}} with a short shaft that was used by samurai and police to help capture criminals.<ref>, Author, Don Cunningham, Publisher Tuttle Publishing, 2004, {{ISBN|0-8048-3536-5}}, {{ISBN|978-0-8048-3536-7}} P.44</ref>


*] (十文字槍), cross-shaped spear, also called '''magari yari''' (曲槍, curved spear), looked something similar to a ] or ] and brandished a pair of curved blades around its central lance. Occasionally called ''maga yari'' in modern weaponry texts.

*''']''' (鎌槍, sickle spear) gets its name from a peasant weapon called ] (lit. sickle or scythe). However, a kama isn't a scythe as most Westerners think of it, a giant, curved blade connected at right angles to a two-meter-long wooden handle, but rather a much smaller version, with a less dramatically curved blade and a straight wooden handle approximately two feet long.<ref name="WBAR"/>

*'''Kata kama yari''' (片鎌槍, single-sided sickle spear) had a radical weapon design sporting a blade that was two-pronged. Instead of being constructed like a ], a straight blade (as in ''su yari'') was intersected just below its midsection by a perpendicular blade. This blade was slightly shorter than the primary, had curved tips making a parallelogram, and was set off center so that only 1/6 of its length extended on the other side. This formed a kind of messy 'L' shape.

*'''Tsuki nari yari''' (月形槍, moon-shaped spear) barely looked like a 'spear' at all. A polearm that had a crescent blade for a head, this could be used for slashing and hooking.

*'''Kagi yari''' (鉤槍, hook spear) had a long blade with a side hook much like that found on a ]. This could be used to catch another weapon, or even dismount a rider on horseback.

*'''Bishamon yari''' possessed some of the most ornate designs for any spear. Running parallel to the long central blade were two 'crescent moon' shaped blades facing outwards. They were attached in two locations by short cross bars, making the head look somewhat like a ].

*''']''' An old form of yari possibly from the '']'' (710-794),<ref></ref> a guard's spear with six-foot pole and eight inch blade either leaf-shape or waved (like the Malay kris) ; a sickle-shaped horn projected on one or both sides at the joint of blade.
<ref></ref> The hoko yari had a hollow socket like the later period ''fukuro yari'' for the pole to fit into rather than a long tang.
<ref></ref>

*] A broad yari that is described as being "leaf shaped" or "bamboo leaf shaped".<ref></ref>

*], a straight double edged blade.<ref></ref>

*], an extra long ''su yari'' blade.<ref></ref>
==Variations of yari shafts (''nagaye or ebu'')==
A yari shaft can range in length from one meter to upwards of six meters (3.3 to 20 feet). The longer versions were called ''nagae yari''<ref></ref> while shorter ones were known as ''mochi yari'' or ''tae yari''. The longest versions were carried by foot troops ('']''), while ] usually carried a shorter ''yari''.

*'''Kuda yari''' (管槍, tube spear). The shaft (''nagaye or ebu'') of the ''kuda yari'' goes through a hollow metal tube that allowed the ''kuda yari'' to be twisted while being thrust. This style of sojutsu is typified in the school ''Owari Kan Ryū''.

*'''Makura Yari''' A yari with a short shaft (''nagaye or ebu'') that was used as a javelin.
==Gallery== ==Gallery==
<Gallery> <gallery>
File:Kikuchi yari 99.jpg|{{transliteration|ja|Kikuchi yari}}
Image:Omi yari.jpg|Antique Japanese (samurai) ''omi'' yari, an extra long type of yari. 35.5 inches long with a 19 inch long blade and a 16.5 inch tang ''nakago''.
File:Sasaho tsukuri hira sankaku yari.jpg|{{transliteration|ja|Sasaho yari}}
Image:Jumonji yari.JPG| Antique Japanese (samurai) 3 bladed yari or Jumonji yari. This is a ''fukuro'' yari as it has a socket instead of a tang.
File:Sansaku yari 9.jpg|{{transliteration|ja|Sankaku yari}}
Image:Kikuchi yari..JPG|Antique Japanese (samurai) Edo period kikuchi yari.
File:Ryo shinogi fukuro yari.jpg|{{transliteration|ja|Ryo shinogi fukuro yari}}
Image:Sasaho yari.jpg|Antique Japanese (samurai) ].
File:Yari tachiuchi or tachiuke.JPG|{{transliteration|ja|Tachiuchi}} or {{transliteration|ja|tachiuke}}, the reinforced upper part of the shaft
</Gallery>
File:Estampe-p1000685.jpg|] print of a samurai general holding a {{transliteration|ja|yari}} in his right hand
</gallery>


==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
* ]
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{{Pole weapons}}

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Latest revision as of 23:12, 17 December 2024

Japanese straight-headed spear For other uses, see Yari (disambiguation).

Yari (槍)
Yari forged by Echizen Kanenori, 17th century, Edo period (left), sasaho yari forged by Tachibana no Terumasa, 1686, Edo period (middle), and jūmonji yari forged by Kanabo Hyoeno jo Masasada, 16th century, Muromachi period (right)
TypeSpear
Place of originJapan
Production history
ProducedNara period (710–794) for Hoko yari,
Muromachi period (1333–1568) for Yari, since 1334
Specifications
Mass1.27 kg (2.8 lb)
Length1–6 m (3 ft 3 in – 19 ft 8 in)
Blade length15–60 cm (5.9–23.6 in)
Blade typemultiple blade shapes
Hilt typeWood, horn, lacquer
Scabbard/sheathLacquered wood
Three yari (Kagi yari, omi yari, and su yari) mounted in koshirae, including one with an asymmetrical crossbar (hadome)

Yari (槍) is the term for a traditionally-made Japanese blade (日本刀; nihontō) in the form of a spear, or more specifically, the straight-headed spear. The martial art of wielding the yari is called sōjutsu.

History

The forerunner of the yari is thought to be a hoko yari derived from a Chinese spear. These hoko yari are thought to be from the Nara period (710–794).

The term 'yari' appeared for the first time in written sources in 1334, but this type of spear did not become popular until the late 15th century. The original warfare of the bushi was not a thing for commoners; it was a ritualized combat usually between two warriors who would challenge each other via horseback archery. In the late Heian period, battles on foot began to increase and naginata, a bladed polearm, became a main weapon along with a yumi (longbow).

The attempted Mongol invasions of Japan in 1274 and 1281 was one of the factors that changed Japanese weaponry and warfare. The Mongols employed Chinese and Korean footmen wielding long pikes and fought in tight formations. They moved in large units to stave off cavalry. Polearms (including naginata and yari) were of much greater military use than swords, due to their significantly longer reach, lighter weight per unit length (though overall a polearm would be fairly hefty), and their great piercing ability.

In the Nanbokuchō period, battles on foot by groups became the mainstream and the importance of naginata further increased, but yari were not yet the main weapon. However, after the Onin War in 15th century in the Muromachi period, large-scale group battles started in which mobilized ashigaru (foot peasant troops) fought on foot and in close quarters, and yari, yumi (longbow) and tanegashima (Japanese matchlock) became the main weapons. This made naginata and tachi obsolete on the battlefield, and they were often replaced with nagamaki and short, lightweight katana.

A reproduction of the Nihon-go, one of the Three Great Spears of Japan. Forged in 1967 by Living National Treasure Masamine Sumitani and engraved with a horimono by Sensyū Kokeguchi.

Around the latter half of the 16th century, ashigaru holding pikes (nagae yari) with length of 4.5 to 6.5 m (15 to 21 ft) became the main forces in armies. They formed lines, combined with soldiers bearing firearms tanegashima and short spears. Pikemen formed a two- or three-row line, and were trained to move their pikes in unison under command. Not only ashigaru but also samurai fought on the battlefield with yari as one of their main weapons. For example, Honda Tadakatsu was famous as a master of one of The Three Great Spears of Japan, the Tonbokiri (蜻蛉切). One of The Three Great Spears of Japan, the Nihongō (ja:日本号) was treasured as a gift, and its ownership changed to Emperor Ogimachi, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshiaki, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Fukushima Masanori, and so on, and has been handed down to the present day.

With the coming of the Edo period the yari had fallen into disuse. Greater emphasis was placed on small-scale, close quarters combat, so the convenience of swords led to their dominance, and polearms and archery lost their practical value. During the peaceful Edo period, yari were still produced (sometimes even by renowned swordsmiths), although they existed mostly as either a ceremonial weapon or as a police weapon.

Description

Omi yari (large spear), Tokyo national museum

Yari were characterized by a straight blade that could be anywhere from several centimeters to 3 feet (0.91 m) or more in length. The blades were made of the same steel (tamahagane) from which traditional Japanese swords and arrowheads were forged, and were very durable. Throughout history many variations of the straight yari blade were produced, often with protrusions on a central blade. Yari blades often had an extremely long tang (nakago; 中心); typically it would be longer than the sharpened portion of the blade. The tang protruded into a reinforced hollow portion of the handle (tachiuchi or tachiuke) resulting in a very stiff shaft making it nearly impossible for the blade to fall or break off.

The shaft (nagaye or ebu) came in many different lengths, widths, and shapes; made of hardwood and covered in lacquered bamboo strips, these came in oval, round, or polygonal cross section. These in turn were often wrapped in metal rings or wire (dogane), and affixed with a metal pommel (ishizuki; 石突) on the butt end. Yari shafts were often decorated with inlays of metal or semiprecious materials such as brass pins, lacquer, or flakes of pearl. A sheath (saya; 鞘) was also part of a complete yari.

Variations of yari blades

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Straight yari (su yari), detail view. Blade is about 1 shaku (approx. 30 cm (12 in) in length).

Various types of yari points or blades existed. The most common blade was a straight, flat design that resembles a straight-bladed double edged dagger. This type of blade could cut as well as stab and was sharpened like a razor edge. Though 'yari' is a catchall term for 'spear', it is usually distinguished between 'kama yari', which have additional horizontal blades, and simple 'su yari' (choku-sō) or straight spears. Yari can also be distinguished by the types of blade cross section: the triangular sections were called 'sankaku yari' and the diamond sections were called 'ryō-shinogi yari'.

  • Sankaku yari (三角槍, "triangle spear") have a point that resembles a narrow spike with a triangular cross-section. A sankaku yari therefore had no cutting edge, only a sharp point at the end. The sankaku yari was therefore best suited for penetrating armor, even armor made of metal, which a standard yari was not as suited to. There are two types of sankaku yari: sei sankaku yari, yari blades with a triangular, equilateral cross section, and hira sankaku yari, yari with a triangular, isosceles-shaped cross section.
  • Ryō-shinogi yari, a blade with a diamond shaped cross section.
  • Fukuro yari (袋槍, "bag" or "socket spear") were mounted to a shaft by means of a metal socket instead of a tang. The socket and blade are forged from a single piece.
  • Kikuchi yari (菊池槍, "spear of Kikuchi") were one of the rarest types of yari, possessing only a single edge. This created a weapon that could be used for hacking and closely resembled a tantō. Kikuchi yari are the only yari which use a habaki.
  • Yajiri nari yari (鏃形槍, "spade-shaped spear") had a very broad, "spade-shaped" head. Yajiri nari yari often had a pair of holes centering the two ovoid halves.
Jumonji yari spearhead with metal collar; note the long tang, approximately equal to the blade-length
  • Jūmonji yari (十文字槍, "cross-shaped spear"), also called magari yari (曲槍, "curved spear"), looked something similar to a trident or partisan, and brandishing two curved side blades pointing upward. It is occasionally referred to as 'maga yari' in modern weaponry texts.
    • Jogekama yari, a jūmonji yari with one side blade pointing downward and one side blade pointing upward.
    • Karigata yari, a jūmonji yari with the two side blades pointing downward.
    • Gyaku yari, a jūmonji yari with the two side blades resembling a pair of buffalo horns.
  • Kama-yari (鎌槍, "sickle spear") gets its name from a peasant weapon or tool called kama (lit. "sickle" or "scythe").
Katakama yari spearhead owned by Kato Kiyomasa. Muromachi period, 16th century, Tokyo National Museum
  • Kata kamayari (片鎌槍, "single-sided sickle spear") had a weapon design sporting a blade that was two-pronged. Instead of being constructed like a military fork, a straight blade (as in su yari) was intersected just below its midsection by a perpendicular blade. This blade was slightly shorter than the primary, had curved tips making a parallelogram, and was set off center so that only 1/6 of its length extended on the other side. This formed a rough 'L' shape.
  • Tsuki nari yari (月形槍, "moon-shaped spear") barely looked like a spear at all. A polearm that had a crescent blade for a spearhead, which could be used for slashing and hooking.
  • Kagi yari (鉤槍, "hook spear") was a key-shaped spear with a long blade with a side hook much like that found on a fauchard. This could be used to catch another weapon, or even dismount a rider mounted on horseback.
  • Bishamon yari (毘沙門槍) possessed some of the most ornate designs for any spear. Running parallel to the long central blade were two 'crescent moon' shaped blades facing outwards. They were attached in two locations by short cross bars, making the head look somewhat like a fleur-de-lis.
  • Hoko yari, an old form of yari possibly from the Nara period (710–794), a guard's spear with 6 ft (1.8 m) pole and 8 in (200 mm) blade either leaf-shaped or waved (like keris); a sickle-shaped horn projected on one or both sides at the joint of blade. The hoko yari had a hollow socket like the later period fukuro yari for the pole to fit into rather than a long tang.
  • Sasaho yari (笹穂槍), a broad yari described as being "leaf shaped" or "bamboo leaf shaped".
  • Su yari (素槍, "simple spear") (alao known as sugu yari), a straight double edged blade.
  • Omi no yari (omi yari), an extra long su yari blade.
  • Makura-yari (枕槍, "pillow spear")
  • Choku-yari (直槍, straight spear")

Variations of yari shafts

A yari shaft can range in length from 1–6 metres (3 ft 3 in – 19 ft 8 in), with some in excess of 6 metres.

  • Nagae yari ("long shafted spear"): 16.4 to 19.7 ft (5.0 to 6.0 m) long, a type of pike used by ashigaru. It was especially used by Oda clan ashigaru beginning from the reign of Oda Nobunaga; samurai tradition of the time held that the soldiers of the rural province of Owari were among the weakest in Japan. Kantō was a chaotic place; Kansai was home to the Shogunate, and the Uesugi, Takeda, Imagawa, and Hojo clans, as well as pirate raiders from Shikoku. Additionally, Kyushu was home of one of the most warmongering clans in Japan, the Shimazu clan. Because of this, Nobunaga armed his underperforming ashigaru soldiers extra-long pikes in order for them to be more effective against armoured opponents and cavalry, and fighting in groups and formations.
  • Mochi yari (持ち槍, "hand spear"), a long spear used by ashigaru and samurai.
  • Kuda yari (管槍, "tube spear"). The shaft goes through a hollow metal tube that allowed the spear to be twisted during thrusting. This style of sojutsu is typified in the school Owari Kan Ryū.
  • Makura yari (枕槍, "pillow spear"). A yari with a short simple shaft that was kept by the bedside for home protection.
  • Te yari (手槍, "hand spear"). A yari with a short shaft that was used by samurai and police to help capture criminals.

Gallery

  • Kikuchi yari Kikuchi yari
  • Sasaho yari Sasaho yari
  • Sankaku yari Sankaku yari
  • Ryo shinogi fukuro yari Ryo shinogi fukuro yari
  • Tachiuchi or tachiuke, the reinforced upper part of the shaft Tachiuchi or tachiuke, the reinforced upper part of the shaft
  • Ukiyo-e print of a samurai general holding a yari in his right hand Ukiyo-e print of a samurai general holding a yari in his right hand

See also

References

  1. ^ Friday, Karl (2004). Samurai, Warfare and The State in Early Medieval Japan. Routledge. p. 87. ISBN 0-415-32962-0.
  2. The Development of Controversies: From the Early Modern Period to Online Discussion Forums, Volume 91 of Linguistic Insights. Studies in Language and Communication, Author Manouchehr Moshtagh Khorasani, Publisher Peter Lang, 2008, ISBN 3-03911-711-4, ISBN 978-3-03911-711-6 P.150
  3. The Complete Idiot's Guide to World Mythology, Complete Idiot's Guides, Authors Evans Lansing Smith, Nathan Robert Brown, Publisher Penguin, 2008, ISBN 1-59257-764-4, ISBN 978-1-59257-764-4 P.144
  4. ^ Ratti, Oscar; Adele Westbrook (1991). Secrets of the Samurai: The Martial Arts of Feudal Japan. Tuttle Publishing. p. 484. ISBN 978-0-8048-1684-7.
  5. Japan and China: Japan, its history, arts, and literature, Frank Brinkley, T. C. & E. C. Jack, 1903 p.156
  6. The connoisseur's book of Japanese swords, Kōkan Nagayama, Kodansha International, p.49
  7. ^ Deal, William E (2007). Handbook to Life in Medieval and Early Modern Japan. Oxford University Press. p. 432. ISBN 978-0-19-533126-4.
  8. ^ Basic knowledge of naginata and nagamaki. Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum, Touken World
  9. Arms for battle – spears, swords, bows. Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum, Touken World
  10. Kazuhiko Inada (2020), Encyclopedia of the Japanese Swords. p42. ISBN 978-4651200408
  11. 歴史人 September 2020. pp.40–41. ASIN B08DGRWN98
  12. ^ 歴史人 September 2020. pp.128–135. ASIN B08DGRWN98
  13. Three Great Spears of Japan. Nagoya Japanese Sword Museum, Touken World.
  14. The new generation of Japanese swordsmiths, Tamio Tsuchiko, Kenji Mishina, Kodansha International, 2002 p.15
  15. The Encyclopedia Americana: a library of universal knowledge, Volume 15 Encyclopedia Americana Corp., 1919 p.745
  16. The Japanese sword Kanzan Satō, Kodansha International, 1983 P.63
  17. The connoisseur's book of Japanese swords, Kōkan Nagayama, Kodansha International, 1998 p.49
  18. ^ The connoisseur's book of Japanese swords, Kōkan Nagayama, Kodansha International, 1998, P.49
  19. Armstrong, Hunter B. "The Sliding Yari of the Owari Kan Ryu". www.koryu.com. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
  20. Fighting techniques of the Oriental world, AD 1200–1860: equipment, combat skills, and tactics, Authors Michael E. Haskew, Christer Joregensen, Eric Niderost, Chris McNab, Publisher Macmillan, 2008, ISBN 0-312-38696-6, ISBN 978-0-312-38696-2 P.44
  21. Ashigaru 1467–1649, Stephen Turnbull, Howard Gerrard, Osprey Publishing, 2001, P.19
  22. Ashigaru 1467–1649, Authors Stephen Turnbull, Howard Gerrard, Illustrated by Howard Gerrard, Publisher Osprey Publishing, 2001, ISBN 1-84176-149-4, ISBN 978-1-84176-149-7 P.23
  23. Samurai: The Weapons and Spirit of the Japanese Warrior, Author Clive Sinclaire, Publisher Globe Pequot, 2004, ISBN 1-59228-720-4, ISBN 978-1-59228-720-8 P.119
  24. Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Author, Don Cunningham, Publisher Tuttle Publishing, 2004, ISBN 0-8048-3536-5, ISBN 978-0-8048-3536-7 P.44

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