nagi-nata

Updated: May 23, 2025

Young girls therefore, were trained to repress their feelings, to indurate their nerves, to manipulate weapons, especially the long-handled sword called nagi-nata, so as to be able to hold their own against unexpected odds. Yet the primary motive for exercises of this martial character was not for use in the field; it was twofold personal and domestic.

Inazo Nitobe - Bushido, the Soul of Japan