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Shuriken

October 25, 2023

A shuriken (Japanese: 手裏剣; literally: "hand-hidden blade") is a Japanese concealed weapon that was used as a hidden dagger or metsubushi to distract or misdirect.[1][2]

Five types of shuriken
Edo period shuriken in Odawara Castle Museum, Japan

They are also known as throwing stars, or ninja stars, although they were originally designed in many different shapes. The major varieties of shuriken are the bō shuriken (棒手裏剣, stick shuriken) and the hira shuriken (平手裏剣, flat shuriken) or shaken (車剣, wheel shuriken, also read as kurumaken).

Shuriken were supplementary weapons to the sword or other weapons in a samurai's arsenal, although they often had an important tactical effect in battle.[3][4][5][better source needed] The art of wielding the shuriken is known as shurikenjutsu[5] and was taught as a minor part of the martial arts curriculum of many famous schools, such as Yagyū Shinkage-ryū, Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, Ittō-ryū, Kukishin-ryū, and Togakure-ryū.[2][6][7]

Bo-shuriken Edit

A bo-shuriken is a throwing weapon consisting of a straight iron or steel spike, usually four-sided but sometimes round or octagonal in section. Some examples have points on both ends. The length ranges from 12 to 21 cm (5–8.5 in) and the average weight from 35 to 150 grams (1.2–5.4 ounces).[8] They should not be confused with the kunai, which is a thrusting and stabbing implement that is sometimes thrown.

Bo-shuriken were constructed from a wide variety of everyday items, and as such came in many shapes and sizes. Some derived their names from the materials of which they were made, such as kugi-gata (nail form), hari-gata (needle form) and tantō-gata (knife form); some were named after an object of similar appearance, such as hoko-gata (spear form), matsuba-gata (pine-needle form); while others have names that are purely descriptive, such as kankyuto (piercing tool form), kunai-gata (utility tool form), or teppan (plate metal) and biao (pin).[8]

The bo-shuriken is thrown in a number of ways, such as overhead, underarm, sideways and rearwards, but in each case the throw involves the blade sliding out of the hand through the fingers in a smooth, controlled flight. The major throwing methods are the jiki da-ho (direct-hit method), and the han-ten da-ho (turning-hit method). These two are technically different, in that the former does not allow the blade to spin before it hits the target, while the latter requires that the blade spin.

 
Four antique forged Japanese bo shuriken (iron throwing darts with linen flights)

Other items such as hairpins, kogata (utility knife), and chopsticks were thrown in the same way as bo-shuriken, although they were not associated with any particular school of shurikenjutsu.

The origins of the bo-shuriken in Japan are still unclear, despite continuing research. This is partly because shurikenjutsu was a secret art and also due to the fact that throughout early Japanese history there were many independent exponents of the skill of throwing long, thin objects. The earliest-known reference to a school teaching shurikenjutsu is Ganritsu Ryu, active during the 17th century. This school utilized a long, thin implement with a bulbous head, thought to be derived from the arrow. Surviving examples of blades used by this school appear to combine an arrow's shape with that of a needle traditionally used in Japanese leatherwork and armor manufacture.[8]

There are earlier mentions in written records,[clarification needed] such as the Osaka Gunki (大阪軍記, the military records of Osaka), of the standard knife and short sword being thrown in battle. Miyamoto Musashi is said to have won a duel by throwing his short sword at his opponent, killing him.

Hira shuriken/shaken Edit

 
Various types of shuriken at the Iga-ryū Ninja Museum

Hira-shuriken generally resemble the popular conception of shuriken. They are constructed from thin, flat plates of metal derived from a variety of sources including hishi-gane (coins), kugi-nuki (carpentry tools), spools, and senban (nail removers).

They often have a hole in the center and possess a fairly thin blade sharpened mainly at the tip. The holes derive from their source in items that had holes—old coins, washers, and nail-removing tools. This proved convenient for the shuriken user as the weapons could be strung on a string or dowel in the belt for transport, and the hole also had aerodynamic and weighting effects that aided the flight of the blade.[8]

There are a wide variety of forms of hira-shuriken, and they are now usually identified by the number of points the blades possess. As with bo-shuriken, the various shapes of hira-shuriken were usually representative of a particular school (ryū) or region that preferred the use of such shapes, and it is therefore possible to identify the school by the type of blade used.[8]

Usage Edit

Shuriken targets were primarily the more exposed parts of the body: the eyes, face, hands, or feet.[3][7][better source needed] Shuriken, despite low mass, were capable of dealing lethal blows at short ranges. In some cases, shuriken were capable of partially disemboweling targets.[9]

Shuriken, especially hira-shuriken, were also used in novel ways—they could be embedded in the ground, injuring those who stepped on them (similar to a caltrop), wrapped in a fuse to be lit and thrown to cause fire, or wrapped in a cloth soaked in poison and lit to cover an area with a cloud of poisonous smoke.[10] They could also be used as a handheld weapon in close combat.[11][better source needed]

There are reports of shuriken being coated with poison, intended either as a throwing weapon or to be left in a conspicuous place for a victim to pick up.[12][7][better source needed] Other reports indicate that shuriken may have been buried in dirt or animal feces and allowed to harbor the bacterium Clostridium tetani—if the point penetrated a victim deeply enough, the bacteria transferred into the wound could cause a then-incurable tetanus infection.[7]

Shuriken are simple weapons, but their historical value has increased.[6][7] Unlike the katana and other bladed weapons, antique shuriken are not often well preserved, largely due to their expendable nature.[13]

Legality Edit

Modern commercially available shuriken, which are sold in Europe and North America, are often made of stainless steel. However, in many countries and jurisdictions, they are illegal to possess or carry, such as in Belgium, the Netherlands, Canada,[14] Germany,[15] and the United Kingdom (manufacture, sale, distribution and import).[16] In the United States, they are prohibited in some states such as California,[17] Indiana,[18] and New York.[19] In some cases they may be allowed, but are still subject to specific local legislation. Owners may be required to possess a certificate for possession.

See also Edit

References Edit

  1. ^ Fletcher, Daniel (21 August 2012). Japanese Throwing Weapons: Mastering Shuriken Throwing Techniques (Downloadable Media Included). Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0985-8.
  2. ^ a b Mol, Serge (2003). Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts. Kodansha International. ISBN 978-4-7700-2941-6.
  3. ^ a b Malmstrom, Bud (1984). "How To Make a Throwing Star". Black Belt. Active Interest Media. 22 (10): 61–64.
  4. ^ Gruzanski, Charles (17 January 2012). Ninja Weapons: Chain and Shuriken. Tuttle Publishing. ISBN 978-1-4629-0322-1.
  5. ^ a b Toda, Katsumi (1984). The Ninja Star: Art of Shuriken Jutsu. Dragon Books. ISBN 978-0-946062-10-2.
  6. ^ a b Musashi, Miyamoto; Seiko, Fujita (September 2020). Miyamoto Musashi & Shuriken. Eric Michael Shahan. ISBN 978-1-950959-29-7.
  7. ^ a b c d e Seiko, Fujita (July 2020). Shuriken. Amazon Digital Services LLC - KDP Print US. ISBN 978-1-950959-22-8.
  8. ^ a b c d e Mol, Serge (2003). Classical weaponry of Japan: special weapons and tactics of the martial arts. Tokyo: Kodansha International. pp. 159–160. ISBN 978-4-7700-2941-6.
  9. ^ Kettner, M.; Gade, G.; Ramsthaler, F.; Shah, S.; Pape, A.; Theisen, A.; Schmidt, P. (2010). "Experimental studies on the wounding capacity of recently developed shuriken/Throwing stars and their legal categorization--an interdisciplinary view". Archiv für Kriminologie. 225 (5–6): 167–180. PMID 20642255.
  10. ^ Draeger, Donn F. (2008). Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility. Tokyo: Tuttle martial arts. pp. 72–73. ISBN 978-0-8048-3937-2.
  11. ^ Adams, Andy (1985). "The Battle for Ninja Supremacy". Black Belt. Active Interest Media. 23 (12): 21–24.
  12. ^ Steele, David (1981). "Japanese Daggers". Black Belt. Black Belt, Inc. 19 (2): 55–60.
  13. ^ Gruzanski, Charles V. (1991). Ninja Weapons: Chain and Shuriken. Tokyo: Tuttle martial arts. pp. 91–92. ISBN 978-0-8048-1705-9.
  14. ^ "Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted, SOR/98-462". www.canlii.org.
  15. ^ "Point 1.3.3". www.gesetze-im-internet.de. 17 May 2022.
  16. ^ "Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988", legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives, SI 1988/2019
  17. ^ "California Penal Code Section 22410". www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.
  18. ^ "Chapter 5. Prohibited Instruments of Violence IC 35–47–5–12" (PDF). www.in.gov.
  19. ^ "New York Penal Law". www.law.onecle.com. § 265.01 – Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree

Literature Edit

  • Nawa, Yumio (1962) Kakushi Buki Soran (An Overview of Hidden Weapons)
  • Seiko Fujita (June 1964) Zukai Shurikenjutsu / 図 解 手 裏 剣 術 (An Overview of Shuriken-jutsu)
  • Finn, Michael (1983) Art of Shuriken Jutsu
  • Hammond, Billy (1985) Shuriken jutsu: The Japanese Art of Projectile Throwing A.E.L.S
  • Shirakami, Eizo (1985) Shurikendo: My Study of the Way of Shuriken
  • Iwai, Kohaku (1999) Hibuki no Subete ga Wakaru Hon (Hidden Weapons) BAB, Japan
  • Kono, Yoshinori (1996) Toru Shirai: Founder of Tenshin Shirai Ryu in Aikido Journal #108
  • Saito, Satoshi in Skoss, Diane ed. (1999) Sword & Spirit: Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan Vol. 2 Koryu Books
  • Mol, Serge (2003). Classical Weaponry of Japan: Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts. Kodansha. pp. 1–217. ISBN 4-7700-2941-1.

External links Edit

  •   Media related to Shuriken at Wikimedia Commons

October 25, 2023
shuriken, shuriken, japanese, 手裏剣, literally, hand, hidden, blade, japanese, concealed, weapon, that, used, hidden, dagger, metsubushi, distract, misdirect, five, types, shurikenedo, period, shuriken, odawara, castle, museum, japanthey, also, known, throwing, . A shuriken Japanese 手裏剣 literally hand hidden blade is a Japanese concealed weapon that was used as a hidden dagger or metsubushi to distract or misdirect 1 2 Five types of shurikenEdo period shuriken in Odawara Castle Museum JapanThey are also known as throwing stars or ninja stars although they were originally designed in many different shapes The major varieties of shuriken are the bō shuriken 棒手裏剣 stick shuriken and the hira shuriken 平手裏剣 flat shuriken or shaken 車剣 wheel shuriken also read as kurumaken Shuriken were supplementary weapons to the sword or other weapons in a samurai s arsenal although they often had an important tactical effect in battle 3 4 5 better source needed The art of wielding the shuriken is known as shurikenjutsu 5 and was taught as a minor part of the martial arts curriculum of many famous schools such as Yagyu Shinkage ryu Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō ryu Ittō ryu Kukishin ryu and Togakure ryu 2 6 7 Contents 1 Bo shuriken 2 Hira shuriken shaken 3 Usage 4 Legality 5 See also 6 References 7 Literature 8 External linksBo shuriken EditA bo shuriken is a throwing weapon consisting of a straight iron or steel spike usually four sided but sometimes round or octagonal in section Some examples have points on both ends The length ranges from 12 to 21 cm 5 8 5 in and the average weight from 35 to 150 grams 1 2 5 4 ounces 8 They should not be confused with the kunai which is a thrusting and stabbing implement that is sometimes thrown Bo shuriken were constructed from a wide variety of everyday items and as such came in many shapes and sizes Some derived their names from the materials of which they were made such as kugi gata nail form hari gata needle form and tantō gata knife form some were named after an object of similar appearance such as hoko gata spear form matsuba gata pine needle form while others have names that are purely descriptive such as kankyuto piercing tool form kunai gata utility tool form or teppan plate metal and biao pin 8 The bo shuriken is thrown in a number of ways such as overhead underarm sideways and rearwards but in each case the throw involves the blade sliding out of the hand through the fingers in a smooth controlled flight The major throwing methods are the jiki da ho direct hit method and the han ten da ho turning hit method These two are technically different in that the former does not allow the blade to spin before it hits the target while the latter requires that the blade spin nbsp Four antique forged Japanese bo shuriken iron throwing darts with linen flights Other items such as hairpins kogata utility knife and chopsticks were thrown in the same way as bo shuriken although they were not associated with any particular school of shurikenjutsu The origins of the bo shuriken in Japan are still unclear despite continuing research This is partly because shurikenjutsu was a secret art and also due to the fact that throughout early Japanese history there were many independent exponents of the skill of throwing long thin objects The earliest known reference to a school teaching shurikenjutsu is Ganritsu Ryu active during the 17th century This school utilized a long thin implement with a bulbous head thought to be derived from the arrow Surviving examples of blades used by this school appear to combine an arrow s shape with that of a needle traditionally used in Japanese leatherwork and armor manufacture 8 There are earlier mentions in written records clarification needed such as the Osaka Gunki 大阪軍記 the military records of Osaka of the standard knife and short sword being thrown in battle Miyamoto Musashi is said to have won a duel by throwing his short sword at his opponent killing him Hira shuriken shaken Edit nbsp Various types of shuriken at the Iga ryu Ninja MuseumHira shuriken generally resemble the popular conception of shuriken They are constructed from thin flat plates of metal derived from a variety of sources including hishi gane coins kugi nuki carpentry tools spools and senban nail removers They often have a hole in the center and possess a fairly thin blade sharpened mainly at the tip The holes derive from their source in items that had holes old coins washers and nail removing tools This proved convenient for the shuriken user as the weapons could be strung on a string or dowel in the belt for transport and the hole also had aerodynamic and weighting effects that aided the flight of the blade 8 There are a wide variety of forms of hira shuriken and they are now usually identified by the number of points the blades possess As with bo shuriken the various shapes of hira shuriken were usually representative of a particular school ryu or region that preferred the use of such shapes and it is therefore possible to identify the school by the type of blade used 8 Usage EditShuriken targets were primarily the more exposed parts of the body the eyes face hands or feet 3 7 better source needed Shuriken despite low mass were capable of dealing lethal blows at short ranges In some cases shuriken were capable of partially disemboweling targets 9 Shuriken especially hira shuriken were also used in novel ways they could be embedded in the ground injuring those who stepped on them similar to a caltrop wrapped in a fuse to be lit and thrown to cause fire or wrapped in a cloth soaked in poison and lit to cover an area with a cloud of poisonous smoke 10 They could also be used as a handheld weapon in close combat 11 better source needed There are reports of shuriken being coated with poison intended either as a throwing weapon or to be left in a conspicuous place for a victim to pick up 12 7 better source needed Other reports indicate that shuriken may have been buried in dirt or animal feces and allowed to harbor the bacterium Clostridium tetani if the point penetrated a victim deeply enough the bacteria transferred into the wound could cause a then incurable tetanus infection 7 Shuriken are simple weapons but their historical value has increased 6 7 Unlike the katana and other bladed weapons antique shuriken are not often well preserved largely due to their expendable nature 13 Legality EditModern commercially available shuriken which are sold in Europe and North America are often made of stainless steel However in many countries and jurisdictions they are illegal to possess or carry such as in Belgium the Netherlands Canada 14 Germany 15 and the United Kingdom manufacture sale distribution and import 16 In the United States they are prohibited in some states such as California 17 Indiana 18 and New York 19 In some cases they may be allowed but are still subject to specific local legislation Owners may be required to possess a certificate for possession See also Edit nbsp Japan portalList of martial arts weapons Batarang Boomerang Chakram Kunai Makibishi Throwing knife Wind and fire wheelsReferences Edit Fletcher Daniel 21 August 2012 Japanese Throwing Weapons Mastering Shuriken Throwing Techniques Downloadable Media Included Tuttle Publishing ISBN 978 1 4629 0985 8 a b Mol Serge 2003 Classical Weaponry of Japan Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts Kodansha International ISBN 978 4 7700 2941 6 a b Malmstrom Bud 1984 How To Make a Throwing Star Black Belt Active Interest Media 22 10 61 64 Gruzanski Charles 17 January 2012 Ninja Weapons Chain and Shuriken Tuttle Publishing ISBN 978 1 4629 0322 1 a b Toda Katsumi 1984 The Ninja Star Art of Shuriken Jutsu Dragon Books ISBN 978 0 946062 10 2 a b Musashi Miyamoto Seiko Fujita September 2020 Miyamoto Musashi amp Shuriken Eric Michael Shahan ISBN 978 1 950959 29 7 a b c d e Seiko Fujita July 2020 Shuriken Amazon Digital Services LLC KDP Print US ISBN 978 1 950959 22 8 a b c d e Mol Serge 2003 Classical weaponry of Japan special weapons and tactics of the martial arts Tokyo Kodansha International pp 159 160 ISBN 978 4 7700 2941 6 Kettner M Gade G Ramsthaler F Shah S Pape A Theisen A Schmidt P 2010 Experimental studies on the wounding capacity of recently developed shuriken Throwing stars and their legal categorization an interdisciplinary view Archiv fur Kriminologie 225 5 6 167 180 PMID 20642255 Draeger Donn F 2008 Ninjutsu The Art of Invisibility Tokyo Tuttle martial arts pp 72 73 ISBN 978 0 8048 3937 2 Adams Andy 1985 The Battle for Ninja Supremacy Black Belt Active Interest Media 23 12 21 24 Steele David 1981 Japanese Daggers Black Belt Black Belt Inc 19 2 55 60 Gruzanski Charles V 1991 Ninja Weapons Chain and Shuriken Tokyo Tuttle martial arts pp 91 92 ISBN 978 0 8048 1705 9 Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and other Weapons Components and Parts of Weapons Accessories Cartridge Magazines Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted SOR 98 462 www canlii org Point 1 3 3 www gesetze im internet de 17 May 2022 Criminal Justice Act 1988 Offensive Weapons Order 1988 legislation gov uk The National Archives SI 1988 2019 California Penal Code Section 22410 www leginfo legislature ca gov Chapter 5 Prohibited Instruments of Violence IC 35 47 5 12 PDF www in gov New York Penal Law www law onecle com 265 01 Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth DegreeLiterature EditNawa Yumio 1962 Kakushi Buki Soran An Overview of Hidden Weapons Seiko Fujita June 1964 Zukai Shurikenjutsu 図 解 手 裏 剣 術 An Overview of Shuriken jutsu Finn Michael 1983 Art of Shuriken Jutsu Hammond Billy 1985 Shuriken jutsu The Japanese Art of Projectile Throwing A E L S Shirakami Eizo 1985 Shurikendo My Study of the Way of Shuriken Iwai Kohaku 1999 Hibuki no Subete ga Wakaru Hon Hidden Weapons BAB Japan Kono Yoshinori 1996 Toru Shirai Founder of Tenshin Shirai Ryu in Aikido Journal 108 Saito Satoshi in Skoss Diane ed 1999 Sword amp Spirit Classical Warrior Traditions of Japan Vol 2 Koryu Books Mol Serge 2003 Classical Weaponry of Japan Special Weapons and Tactics of the Martial Arts Kodansha pp 1 217 ISBN 4 7700 2941 1 External links Edit nbsp Media related to Shuriken at Wikimedia Commons Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Shuriken amp oldid 1181660414, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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