The Kusarigama (鎖鎌) is a traditional Japanese weapon, consisting of a kama (the Japanese equivalent of a sickle) attached to a long chain with a metal weight at the other end, typically a kusari-fundo. Despite the Kusarigama's origins tracing back to a farmer's sickle, it is crucial to note that the farmers during Japan's feudal era did not use this weapon. Its intention as a weapon was quite evident; unlike a sickle, it couldn't be carried openly. The art of wielding the Kusarigama is known as kusarigamajutsu.
The term 'Kusarigama' is composed of two kanji characters: 'kusari' (鎖) meaning 'chain', and 'kama' (鎌) meaning 'sickle'.
Kusarigama Method of Use
A typical attack using this weapon involves swinging the chain with the weight in a large overhead circle before whipping it forward to ensnare the opponent's spear, sword, or even immobilize their arms or legs. This allows the Kusarigama user to advance and strike with the sickle easily. A user could also directly attack with the iron weight, inflicting severe, potentially fatal, injuries while remaining out of the opponent's sword or spear range.
The Kusarigama was also employed as an anti-siege weapon, with the chain allowing the weapon to be retrieved after being thrown against the attacking force.
In many fictional tales, Kusarigama fighters are shown swinging the sickle with the chain, instead of the iron weight. Though entertaining, this is not typically the correct use of the weapon, as throwing the sickle is unlikely to cause significant damage to the target. An exception to this is the Houten Ryu discipline of Kusarigama.
Kusarigama Historical Accounts
Historical accounts suggest the Kusarigama is well-suited against swords and spears. Records show that the Kusarigama was highly popular in feudal Japan, with numerous schools teaching its usage from the 12th to the 17th century. The use of the Kusarigama is taught in Kohga Ha Kurokawa-Ryu.
One notable example of the weapon's use is the story of the renowned 17th century Kusarigama master, Yamada Shinryukan. Shinryukan was reputed to have slain many swordsmen with his weapon until he was lured into a bamboo grove by Araki Mataemon. In this terrain, Shinryukan could not swing his chain and evade Mataemon's sword, resulting in his demise.
Perhaps one of the most famous historical users of the Kusarigama is Shishido Baiken. A highly skilled swordsman, he was proficient with the Kusarigama but met his end at the hands of legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi threw a knife beyond the reach of Shishido's chain, striking him, then finished the duel with a swift sword strike.