A kanabō
The kanabō (金棒; lit. 'metal club') is a type of large, two-handed club used in Japan from the 12th to 16th centuries. The rod is cut into the shape of a hexagonal or octagonal prism, and the sides are reinforced with metal plates or embedded with sharp spikes for greater lethality. Weighing between 3–5 kg,[1] it is a tremendously heavy weapon that is capable of immense destruction.[2]
History[]
The kanabō first appeared in the Genpei War (1180–1185) that established the military as Japan's governing institution. With the advent of samurai culture, it garnered prestige as a weapon signifying might and valour because only the physically strong could wield it.[1] It continued to see use into the conflicts of the Sengoku period,[1] where it was favoured by the African samurai Yasuke. His great strength allowed him to utilize it effectively in battle.[2]
Behind the scenes[]
The kanabō appears as a usable weapon in the 2025 video game Assassin's Creed: Shadows.[2] Due to its large size and weight, it can only be wielded by Yasuke.
The kanabo is a powerful anti-armor, anti-defense weapons. Yasuke can break his opponents' guards with regular attacks from this weapon, and can chain combinations to knock down and stun his enemies.
However, the kanabo is also the slowest of Yasuke's melee weapons, and can leave him vulnerable if he misses his attacks.
Gallery[]
Appearances[]
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows (first appearance)
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Ichikawa Sadaharu [市川定春]. (2023). "Bludgeons" [打擊]. In Dictionary of the Weapon [武器事典] (3rd ed.), translated by Lin Tsit-i [林哲逸] and Kao Yin-liang [高胤喨]. Taipei, Taiwan: Cite Publishing Ltd., pp. 167–202.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2
Assassin's Creed Shadows Explained – Samurai, Shinobi, and Feudal Japan on the Ubisoft YouTube channel
