Deadly and beautiful weapons from the ninja arsenal

In 15th-century feudal Japan, secret mercenaries were spies, scouts, and assassins. They were called ninjas, and they needed special weapons for defense (and sometimes offense). And this is what their arsenal was.

Katana.

The katana was the mainstay of any ninja's arsenal. This special sword was made from several types of steel of varying strengths, which were then hammered together, removing all the rough edges and making the sword incredibly strong and durable.

Fukia

Fukia are tubes from which poisonous darts were shot. A typical fukiya ninja was only 50 cm in length, so they had to shoot from quite close range, and it was very difficult to aim. In modern Japan, fukiya shooting is a sport akin to archery.

Kusari fundo

This combination of chain (kusari) and sinker (fundo) helped the ninja defend himself in cases where the use of a katana was impossible. The ninja twirled the kusari fundo in front of him or threw the heavy tip forward, holding the weapon by the chain.

Kusarigama

The kusarigama incorporated the best parts of the kusari fundo, but also had a sharp braid at the end. During the battle, the ninja blocked his enemies' attacks with a chain and sinker, and then counterattacked with a scythe.

Tekko-kagi

The Tekko-kagi was a very versatile weapon that could be used for both offense and defense. It was possible to fight with metal claws placed on the hands. A skilled ninja could use tekko-kagi to catch an opponent's katana and disarm him.

Shuriken

One of the most famous ninja weapons. These throwing stars come in many different shapes, but they all serve the same purpose. The name "shuriken" translates as "knife hidden in the hand."

Kunai

Many ancient weapons are adapted farming tools, and the kunai is no exception. It was originally used as a scoop, and ninjas used it to make holes in walls. A rope could be tied to a ring on the handle to return the kunai to oneself - this made it easier to climb the walls.

Makibishi

Makibishi are the ninja version of spikes. They always land with the pointy side up. An ideal means of stopping horses or foot troops. Makibishi easily pierced the feet through the light rope sandals worn in feudal Japan.

Metsubushi

This is a blinding powder that was stored in special containers, such as walnuts (above) or eggs (below). Metsubushi could be made from any irritant, such as ash, ground pepper, dirt, or even finely ground glass.

Kakute

These are rings that were usually worn on the middle finger with the spikes facing inward so that the ninja could use the weapon unexpectedly for the enemy. Sometimes the tips of the thorns were moistened with poison. Kakute also helped ninjas stay closer to the enemy during an attack.