Yamada Shinryukan was a semi-famous swordsman following the Edo period of the 17th century of Japan. Shinryukan was a noted teacher of the kusarigama (Which consists of a kama with a long chain with a weight at one end attached to it.) who killed many rival swordsmen with his superb skills. Shinryukan was finally defeated when he fought against the semi-famous swordsman, Araki Mataemon. During their battle Mataemon lured Shinryukan into a bamboo grove. The thick bamboo did not give Shinryukan room to swing the chain and entangle his opponent, and Mataemon seized the chance to cut him down.