Historical question

[katonk66]

Hello again. For those that are "in the know" with Japanese history, I have two questions:

 

1)This is very subjective, as it was told to me by my late Nisei Grandmother. (With complete respect, but she was "grain of salt" at times) She stated that in Japan, there was a "family" nihontou, but it had to be relinquished to the Japanese government/authorities to aid in the WW2 efforts (lack of metal)? Is this true?

 

2)IF indeed we had a family nihontou, she stated it was a naginata. Was that primarily use by Ashigaru, and female warriors?

 

Thank you

 

Henry

[Bruce Pennington]

  On 2/15/2024 at 5:08 PM, katonk66 said:

 

1)This is very subjective, as it was told to me by my late Nisei Grandmother. (With complete respect, but she was "grain of salt" at times) She stated that in Japan, there was a "family" nihontou, but it had to be relinquished to the Japanese government/authorities to aid in the WW2 efforts (lack of metal)? Is this true?

Expand  

I am not aware of any mandatory programs to give up swords.  You can read about the government's efforts to get families to donate or sell their swords for the war effort here:

 

https://www.warrelic...blades-gunto-688110/

 

Now, as we are all aware, official documents don't always tell the whole story when it comes to local politics and power elites.  Maybe she lived in an area where families faced public shame if they didn't join everyone else donating swords.  That could be a cultural aspect of her recollection.  

 

Someone else will have to answer your naganita question.

[oli]

About 2. : Naginata was used both, from men and women. It depends on the Naginata, the heavy one more for men. I think men used it on the battelfield, and women to protect home. Sorry but must research for source, if its needed. 

 

example of existing schools:

 

[Rivkin]

1) Yes, generally the blades which "had no historical value", especially yari and naginata had to be surrendered for smelting. Long blades were not targeted as much since they were seen as potentially important; one could donate them to be mounted as officer swords or held in reserves. There were volunteer groups which could appraise the blades and decide what could potentially be done with them, but generally they did not bother with yari which were by default considered "peasant stock" and smelted.

 

2. There is a connection between naginata and women in Japanese tradition and also between naginata and sohei, but actual historical documents tend to be sceptical on both.

Female bushi were not too uncommon until the Mongol invasion, during which it was realized they generally just held the land rights while sending male relatives to fight in their stand, so the practice of female bushi head of the clan was severely restricted afterwards. There was still a notion of a female bushi being the last defender, for which purpose they did practice with naginata but such hard distinction as seen today in Japanese schools, i.e. females practice with naginata instead of katana, did not exist. Woman could practice with a sword and not all women had naginata skills.

[Scogg]

1. During the war, the government requested that families donate their swords for the war effort (assuming the particular blade was not culturally significant to Japan). Many families donated swords to be used in WW2. These swords were refitted with military issue fittings to a greater or lesser extent. Also, after the war, Japan was "disarmed" and a lot of swords and weapons were taken by allied forces - and many others were tragically destroyed. 

2. There are great stories about Naginata being used by women. Although, who's to say exactly how yours was used and when. There's a very interesting and brutal story about a Naginata wielding woman named "Nakano Takeko"... If you are interested, it's absolutely worth reading or finding a podcast about her. 

Looking forward to the discussion here,
Cheers,
-Sam

[Matsunoki]

Horrible….but naginata were used on battlefields to attack horses legs (amongst other things)

Not an easy weapon to use on horseback so yes….mostly foot soldiers

Also a favourite item for use in Daimyo parade journeys etc

[oli]

About Point2. Naginata was also used in Showa to train young girls to increase the war spirit. Boys trained Kendo, Judo, Karate and qirls Naginata-do. 

[Mikaveli]

Does anyone know (or are there any good references) how the usage of the Naginata changed over time?

 

For example pre, during and post the Sengoku period - and likewise after the Meiji restoration. When did the school gender separation begin etc?

[Toryu2020]

I would look up "Japanese Polearms" by Knutson