14th-16th century
-
Katana
The curved, single-edged Japanese long sword carried by Wokou raiders who terrorized the coasts of China and Korea from the 14th through 16th centuries. Chinese Ming dynasty accounts describe Wokou swords as markedly superior in quality to standard Chinese military blades, prompting Ming general Qi Jiguang to study and adapt their design. The katana’s quality…
-
Wakizashi
A shorter companion sword to the katana, carried as a backup close-combat weapon by Japanese swordsmen, including Wokou raiders active along the East Asian coast. Its shorter length made it useful in the confined spaces of a ship or narrow alley during a raid. It was typically worn paired with the katana.
-
Naginata
A Japanese pole weapon combining a curved blade on a long shaft, giving reach advantages in open combat on beaches and decks. Wokou raiding parties are recorded using naginata alongside swords during coastal raids on Ming China and Korea. Its sweeping cuts could disable multiple opponents in the open melee of a raid.
-
Yari (Japanese Spear)
A straight-bladed Japanese spear used for thrusting, standard equipment for many Japanese fighters of the period, including Wokou raiding parties operating along the Chinese and Korean coasts. Its reach made it effective for both landing-party combat and repelling counterattacks. It was among the most common weapons of Japanese warfare generally.