The Battle of Norada is a striking example of a clash during the Sengoku Jidai period, when numerical superiority did not always guarantee victory, even in open battle.
Sojutsu is a traditional Japanese martial art dedicated to the mastery of the yari spear. It is considered the second most important martial art of medieval Japan after swordsmanship.
Yari is one of the traditional Japanese cold weapons (nihonto), which is a spear with a straight tip. The art of wielding a yari is known as sojutsu, a spear fighting technique.
In the history of Japanese edged weapons there are objects that border between the concepts of “sword” and “knife”. This is especially true of the wakizashi, a short sword traditionally carried by samurai along with the katana, and the tanto, a combat knife popular among a wide range of social classes. Both items were worn behind the belt, had a short blade, and were used in close combat. However, there is a fundamental difference between the two, and it goes far beyond simple blade length.
Situated in the vibrant district of Shinjuku, the museum showcases an extensive collection of samurai armor, weapons, and cultural artifacts spanning from the Kamakura to the Edo period. The exhibits aim to convey the samurai's unwavering commitment to honor and discipline, reflecting how their spirit continues to influence modern Japanese culture.
When Westerners think of Japanese swords, they often picture the iconic curved blades like the katana. However, in terms of historical precedence and prestige, it would be more accurate to reverse this image—the tachi predates the katana and traditionally held a higher status.
