yari

Yari is a Japanese polearm consisting of a straight shaft with a spearhead attached at the end. It was a common infantry weapon in feudal Japan and existed in a variety of forms. The yari’s primarily thrusting design allowed soldiers to engage at mid-range while remaining relatively compact and easier to manufacture than swords, making it well suited for massed infantry use.

History and usage: The yari appeared and evolved during the late medieval period and remained a dominant weapon into the early modern era. It was used by foot soldiers, including ashigaru, and by samurai in battlefield formations. Variants of the blade and shaft accommodated different tactical needs, with some designs emphasizing straight thrusting blades and others incorporating hooks or additional edges for pulling riders from horseback or catching an opponent’s weapon. Cavalry versions, sometimes called jinba-yari, were longer and lighter to be effective when used from horseback.

Technique and training: Yari techniques emphasized thrusting and length management in formation fighting. Martial arts schools throughout Japanese history taught yari-related techniques as part of sojutsu or yari-jutsu curricula. Training emphasized precision, timing, and maintaining distance while using the spear’s reach.

Modern context: In contemporary times, the yari is studied in traditional Japanese martial arts, particularly those preserving koryu bujutsu lineages, and is demonstrated in historical reenactments and museums. Modern replicas and wooden practice spears are used for training and demonstration purposes. The term yari may also appear in non-weapon contexts as a proper noun in other languages or regions.