What is a ninjato?

A ninjato — also known as ninjaken or shinobigatana — is a Japanese straight-blade sword associated with the shinobi (ninja) tradition. Unlike the curved katana carried by samurai, the ninjato features a straight blade typically under 60 cm, a square tsuba, and a simple, functional design. While its historical origins are debated among scholars, the ninjato has become one of the most iconic swords in Japanese culture through film, martial arts, and collector communities.