The Japanese spear widely used by samurai and ashigaru was called a yari. A yari consists of a pointed blade mounted on a shaft, and its design varied from short, straight spearheads to specialized forms with unusual shapes.
Spears became increasingly important in Japan’s medieval and Sengoku armies. Their reach made them effective in formations, while ashigaru infantry could use them with coordinated tactics against cavalry and armored opponents. Samurai also used yari, especially in large battles where individual swordsmanship was less important than disciplined group action.
The yari should not be confused with the naginata, a pole weapon with a curved blade. Japanese spearheads could be forged with considerable craftsmanship, and some were preserved as valuable weapons. Although popular stories often center on the katana, battlefield evidence and military records show that polearms and projectile weapons were essential parts of samurai warfare.