‘Sasumata’ in high demand after thwarted jewelry store robbery in Tokyo
Two 18-year-olds have surrendered to police after attempting to rob a jewelry store in Tokyo. The incident took place in the Ueno district of the capital on Sunday. Footage taken by a bystander showing an employee chasing three suspects away is creating a buzz in Japan. What many viewers are interested in is the unusual tool the employee used — a traditional Japanese weapon called sasumataa long forked polearm.
Now, an auto parts manufacturer that produces sasumata has become pending with orders and inquiries.
What is sasumata?
Sasumata is a protective weapon in the form of a forked polearm. Its history dates back to the Edo period (17th-19th century) when it was used to capture criminals. Today, police and various institutions and businesses are trained in the use of defensive weapons. Many schools in Japan are also equipped with them.
The footage is causing a buzz
Footage taken on Sunday by a bystander shows a suspender-wearing employee chasing the three assailants out of the store. They then flee on foot. The employees are also filmed hitting their motorbikes.
Two of the suspects voluntarily surrendered to police on the following day, and are admitting to carrying out the
