Throwing stars, as the name reflects, are throwing tools or weapons. They are shaped like stars. There are some edges on them, and the purposes of these edges is to injure someone.
These are deadly edges that can easily cause injuries. In fact, they work like blades. Today, you find these stars made of foam, but they were originally quite lethal.
Throwing stars come from feudal Japan. They were significantly used as warfare weapons in China and Japan. Here is a brief description of their history:
Throwing Stars - Ninja Warfare Weapons
Throwing stars were originally ninja warfare weapons. In ancient Japan, wars were mainly fought using swords. But, the warriors used several secondary weapons to their advantage as well.
Also, these secondary weapons were used by the ninja. They carried throwing stars as their secondary weapons to battle their enemies. They could throw them from a distance and injure their enemies.
Tactical Weapons for Maiming and Distraction
Ninja warriors used throwing stars as their weapons for maiming and causing distraction. Before even the war initiated, they started throwing these stars on their enemies to cause injuries on their heads.
This was a way to distract them and get an early advantage by attacking them, or taking advantage of the distraction. Also, they embedded these stars in the ground to inure the feet of their enemies.
Their edges were pointing upwards, so those who stepped on them suffered injuries on their feet.
Throwing Stars Today
Today, throwing stars are known as shuriken, and they are no more secondary fighting weapons. Rather, they are used for other purposes, such as cosplay and throwing sports.
You can find rubber stars today and the real purpose of these rubber stars is role play. They are nice collectibles as well for decor.
Also, throwing stars are used for playing throwing games where they are thrown on a wooden target.
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