In modern times, the most well-known type of Japanese sword is the Katana, a single-edged and typically curved long sword that was traditionally worn by samurai from the 15th century onwards.

The Kama like many of the other Okinawan weapons, started as a simple farm implement — the sickle or mini scythe. This explains the similarity to the Grim Reaper’s weapon, the scythe which is simply a long-handled, longer-bladed version of the kama.

Following a ban on the use of weapons in Okinawa where it was now illegal to own a sword, the people turned to their simple farming tools as new methods of defense.