Ninjato

The Ninjatō: Sword of the Ninja

The Ninjatō is a Japanese sword with a straight blade, typically around 50 cm in length, crafted specifically to suit the needs of the ninja (shinobi). Designed for easy movement and combat in confined spaces, the Ninjatō’s shorter, straight blade offered agility and manoeuvrability that the Katana, with its longer curved design, could not provide for stealth missions.

Unlike the Katana—revered by samurai as a symbol of honour and spiritual connection—the Ninjatō evolved in both form and function as a practical tool. For ninjas, this sword was valued primarily for its utility, rather than as an object of reverence, emphasizing the distinct philosophies between the ninja and samurai.