A shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed star-shaped weapon used by ninja and samurai. Typically made of metal, shuriken come in various shapes and sizes, with the most common being flat and pointed. 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 seen in popular culture, including movies and video games, where they symbolize the skills of ninja.