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Yari are believed to have been derived from Chinese
spears, and while they were present in early Japan's history they did
not become popular until the 13th century. Originally warfare was a
matter of ritual combat between the bushi; commoners were excluded. Two
warriors would challenge each other via horseback archery and sword
duels. However, Japanese ideas of warfare had to be radically rethought
following the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281. The Mongols employed
Chinese and Korean pikemen and spearmen who fought in tight formations,
and who moved as one in large units. Polearms (including naginata and
yari) subsequently became far more popular because of their
greater range and piercing ability.
Yari overtook the popularity of the daikyu for the
samurai, and were extensively used by foot troops (ashigaru).
Swords were relegated to the role an of emergency sidearm. During the
first part of the Muromachi Era (1336-1573), yari became the main
weapon used in the guerrilla warfare of the period. During the second
half of the Muromachi era Japan experienced a century of chaos and
warfare following the Onin war. Military tactics shifted from cavalry
to infantry, and thus placed even more emphasis on yari.
By the Edo period the yari had fallen into disuse.
The greater emphasis on small-scale close quarters combat, and the
convenience of swords (as opposed to long battlefield weapons), meant
that polearms and archery lost their practical value. Yari were still
produced during the Edo era, sometimes even by good swordsmiths; they
were however mostly ceremonial weapons, with some serving as household defence weapons.
The following yari are currently available. Click on an image for more information:
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