The hoko yari was thought to be a guard's spear used in the defense of palisades and gates. One source describes hoko yari as being mounted on a two meter pole and with an 20 cm blade, either in a leaf shape or with a wavy edge similar to the Malay kris.
The hoko yari was considered a guard's spear used for defensive purposes, such as protecting walls and gates. It is described as being mounted on a two-meter pole with a 20-centimeter blade, similar to the Malay kris in shape.