Shuriken
- Other Names: bo shuriken; hira shuriken; shaken;
- In Redwall: Often used by otters; also other typically stronger
species
- Origin: Japan
- Time Period: 1600's
- Description: A metal knife or star. There
are two basic types of shuriken, bo shuriken, or long thin blades, and
hira shuriken (also called shaken), or flat, star-shaped or
lozenge-shaped blades. One type of shuriken, a throwing needle, was
about 10 cm long and weighed around 20 g. The shuriken of the Shirai Ryu
(see picture) is a metal rod 15cm to 25 cm in length and about 5-6mm in
diameter. It is sharpened at one end and rounded at the other.
- Use: The Shirai Ryu shuriken was held loosely
and gently in the hand by forming a guide with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers.
Depending upon the distance to be thrown, the blade is held with the point
outwards towards the target, or inwards to the palm. The shuriken was
worn in the obi, a wide Japanese belt, and was typically used by ninjas and
some samurai. They are deadly little weapons, easier to conceal than
many missile weapons and when used correctly, they are just as deadly as any
bow and arrow. There are many more types and methods of shuriken - see
the link for more information.
- Sites for Further Research