Pop Japan

Naginata is a type of Japanese blade, called the nihonto, is like a pole or a long piece of wood with a short blade at the end. It was originally used by the samurais during feudal Japan. But they are not the only ones to use such weapon. The ashigaru or the foot soldiers, and the sohei or the warrior monks have also adapted the use of the naginata. 

There are two kinds of Naginata, the o-naginata which are used by men, and the ko-naginata which are used by women.

Because the naginata consists of a wooden or metal pole, it is considered heavier than the traditional Japanese swords. 

Tags: tradition, naginata, japanese blades, nihonto, samurai, feudal japan, ashigaru, foot soldiers, sohei, war monks, o-naginata, ko-naginata