The existence of a specific sword known as the "ninjato" is a subject of debate among historians and scholars. The term "ninjato" refers to a sword that is often associated with the ninja, a historical and legendary group of covert operatives in feudal Japan.

The depiction of a distinct and unique ninjato as a weapon specifically used by ninja is largely a product of popular culture, including movies, novels, and video games. In these fictional portrayals, the ninjato is typically depicted as a straight-bladed, shorter sword with a square guard.

However, in historical records and surviving artifacts, there is limited evidence to support the existence of a specialized sword called the "ninjato" that was exclusively associated with the ninja. It is important to note that ninja were known for their ability to adapt and utilize a wide range of weapons, including conventional swords like the katana, tanto (a dagger), or other tools that could be concealed or modified for their purposes.

Historically, the ninja were known for their skills in espionage, infiltration, and unconventional warfare, rather than for their specific weaponry. They employed various tactics, techniques, and tools to accomplish their missions, and their choice of weapons would have depended on the circumstances and the resources available to them.

While it is difficult to definitively state the exact nature of a "ninjato," it is important to separate the historical reality from the fictionalized depictions that have become popularized in modern media. The portrayal of a distinct ninjato as a primary weapon of the ninja is largely a product of creative interpretation and artistic license.