The hoko yari (矛槍) is an ancient form of Japanese spear or yari that is said to be based on a Chinese spear. The hoko yari came into use between the Yayoi period and the Heian period, probably during the Nara period in the 8th century AD.
Appearance and Use
The hoko yari was believed to be a guard spear used in the defense of palisades and gates. One source describes the hoko yari as mounted on a six-shaku (approximately 180cm) pole with a 20cm leaf-shaped blade or a wavy-edged blade similar to the Malaysian kriss.
Like the later fukuro yari, the metal blade had a hole for inserting the pole, rather than an extended tang. The hoko yari might also have a second crescent-shaped point protruding slightly forward on one or both sides of the blade, indicating that this weapon was primarily used for repelling an enemy.