History of the Jumonji

Jumonji are a type of spear used by samurai in the 1500’s. Also known as the Jumonji-Yari- these spears are three-pronged and were actually quite impractical. They were used as more of a weapon to take away other weapons like that of a longer spear, such as the Naginata, or by close range swords. Despite being impractical, these spears were produced by blacksmiths, and well known swordsmiths even marked them with their own special marks to distinguish them. 

They were primarily used by samurai on foot, and less utilized by samurai on horseback. These spears were not only used as weapons, but they became very popular due to their unique shape. Their shape is now often used in shows as props, and used in parades to represent many samurai weapons. The pikes can be 15-21 feet long, and were treasured as gifts in certain samurai families.