A shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed star-shaped weapon used by ninjas and samurai. Typically made of metal, shuriken come in various shapes and sizes, with the most common being flat and star-like. They were designed for distraction or to injure an opponent from a distance. Shuriken were often used in stealth tactics, allowing the user to throw them quickly and silently. While they are not primarily lethal weapons, they can cause significant harm. Today, shuriken are often associated with popular culture, appearing in movies, video games, and martial arts demonstrations.