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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{Era|Weapons|Culture}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''{{PAGENAME}}''}}{{Era|Weapons|Culture}}{{WP-REAL}}
{{Spoilerhd|20 June 2025|[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]}}
[[File:ACSH DB Kunai.png|thumb|230px|A ''kunai'']]
[[File:ACSH DB Kunai.png|thumb|230px|A ''kunai'']]
The '''''kunai''''' (苦無) is a [[Japan]]ese tool believed to be originally derived from the {{Wiki|masonry}} {{Wiki|trowel}}. Although a basic tool, the ''kunai'' can be used as a throwing weapon, similarly to a [[throwing knife]], and has been commonly associated with [[ninja]], who in folklore used them to climb walls.<ref name="Wiki">{{WP|Kunai}}</ref><ref name="DB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Database: Kunai]]</ref>
The '''''kunai''''' (苦無) is a [[Japan]]ese tool believed to be originally derived from the {{Wiki|masonry}} {{Wiki|trowel}}. Although a basic tool, the ''kunai'' can be used as a throwing weapon, similarly to a [[throwing knife]], and has been commonly associated with [[ninja]], who in folklore used them to climb walls.<ref name="Wiki">{{WP|Kunai}}</ref><ref name="DB">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Database: Kunai]]</ref>

Revision as of 22:51, 21 June 2025

A kunai

The kunai (苦無) is a Japanese tool believed to be originally derived from the masonry trowel. Although a basic tool, the kunai can be used as a throwing weapon, similarly to a throwing knife, and has been commonly associated with ninja, who in folklore used them to climb walls.[1][2]

Description

A kunai normally has a leaf-shaped wrought blade ranging from 20 and 30 cm (7.9 and 11.8 in) in length, and a handle with a ring on the pommel for attaching a rope. The attached rope allows the kunai's handle to be wrapped to function as a grip, or to be strapped to a stick as a makeshift spear; alternatively, it allows the kunai to be thrown at a target and then pulled back, functioning similarly to the Chinese rope dart.[1]

Contrary to popular belief, the kunai did not originate as a throwing weapon; instead, it was an oridinary tool, believed to be used as a kind of field-working spade.[2] There are multiple variations of kunai, the two most common of which are the short kunai (小苦無 shō-kunai) and the long kunai (大苦無 dai-kunai).[1]

History

In the early 16th century, the Chinese Assassin Shao Jun carried a number of throwing weapons, including several kunai, using them for assassinations, distractions, cutting ropes, and removing obstructions.[3] During the late Sengoku period, the Japanese Assassin and shinobi Fujibayashi Naoe also wielded kunai as part of her arsenal, in a manner similar to Shao Jun.[4]

In 1725, the samurai and Japanese Templar Shimazu Saito carried a kunai. After joining the Zhang Wei Union, its engineer Yun Pyeong-Gyu created a retractable mechanism for Saito's left wrist bracer, allowing her to store her kunai in a hidden compartment and take it out at will.[5] Saito notably utilized her kunai to kill her former mentor Fuma Sukuna, stabbing him in the throat during a fight between the Zhang Wei Union and the Shimazu clan.[6]

In 2023, Saito's descendant Shimazu Sei, who relived her genetic memories in the Animus, became proficient with the kunai thanks to the Bleeding Effect, and began carrying one with her for self-defense.[7]

Behind the scenes

The kunai appears as a usable weapon in the 2025 video game Assassin's Creed: Shadows, replacing the throwing knives featured in previous installments of the series.

Gallery

Appearances

References

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