Shurikens

Shurikens are traditional Japanese handheld weapons. They are typically small, bladed projectiles often made of metal. The most common form is the star-shaped shuriken, but other shapes exist, including pointed rods or discs. Historically, shurikens were not intended as primary weapons for killing, but rather as secondary or supplemental tools. Their primary uses were to distract, wound, or disarm an opponent, or to be thrown to create an opening for a more decisive attack with a sword or other primary weapon. They were also sometimes used for intimidation or to disrupt an enemy's formation.

The construction of shurikens varied greatly. They could be made from various metals and were often sharpened on one or more edges. The designs were diverse, with some featuring multiple points and others having a single sharp edge. The throwing technique for shurikens was also specialized, with different methods employed depending on the shape of the weapon and the intended effect. While often depicted in popular culture as devastating throwing stars, their historical effectiveness and primary role in combat are subjects of ongoing debate among historians and martial artists. Today, shurikens are primarily known through martial arts practice and historical reenactment.