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Kunai

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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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  • Shao Jun's collection of throwing weapons, including several kunai
    Shao Jun's collection of throwing weapons, including several kunai
  • Naoe aiming a kunai
    Naoe aiming a kunai
  • Saito's retractable kunai
    Saito's retractable kunai
  • Saito attempting to impale Fuma Sukuna with her kunai
    Saito attempting to impale Fuma Sukuna with her kunai
  • Sei wielding a kunai
    Sei wielding a kunai

Appearances[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Kunai on Wikipedia
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Database: Kunai
  3. ↑ Assassin's Creed Chronicles: China
  4. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows
  5. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 41
  6. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 85
  7. ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 98

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zh:苦无

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