Yes, spears were indeed used by samurai in feudal Japan. Spears, also known as yari, were common weapons on the battlefield and played an important role in samurai warfare.

The yari was a long polearm with a blade attached to one end. It provided samurai with reach and versatility in combat, allowing them to engage opponents from a distance while maintaining a defensive advantage. The length of the yari varied, but it typically ranged from six to nine feet.

Samurai used yari in formation-based warfare, employing disciplined and coordinated movements on the battlefield. They could thrust, strike, and even hook or parry with the yari, making it effective against cavalry charges and foot soldiers.

The yari was a versatile weapon, capable of piercing through armor and offering an advantage in both offensive and defensive tactics. It was also often combined with other weapons, such as the katana or wakizashi, allowing samurai to transition from long-range to close-quarters combat.

While the katana is often seen as the quintessential samurai weapon, it's important to recognize that samurai employed a range of weapons based on the situation and their specific role on the battlefield. Spears, like the yari, were an integral part of a samurai's arsenal and played a significant role in shaping their strategies and tactics in warfare.