Sasumata

The sasumata is a Japanese mancatcher and firefighting tool. Historically, it was usually around 2 meters in length, with a U-shaped head. This head looks similar to a //koto// bridge, so it is sometimes called a //kotojibō//. The pole is often sturdy wood, reinforced with iron. Small spikes or other sharp protrusions can often be found along the pole, similar to the //tsukubō// and //sodegarami//. Together with those other implements it is part of the //sandōgu// used for both firefighting and by police. Today, a modern version of the sasumata is still occasionally used by the police and as a self-defense tool. These modern sasumata are often made of aluminum, without the sharpened blades and spikes found on their medieval counterparts. They have been marketed to schools due to a growing fear of classroom invasions, according to Japanese newspapers such as the Mainichi Shinbun.



Sodegarami (sleeve catcher), Sasumata (mancatcher), and Tsukubō (thrusting pole).