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(Top)

1Etymology

2History

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2.1Predecessors

2.2Early history

2.3Iga and Kōga clans

2.4Shimabara rebellion

2.5Edo period

2.5.1Oniwaban

2.5.2Ninja stereotypes in theatre

2.6Contemporary

3Roles

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3.1Espionage

3.2Sabotage

3.3Assassination

3.4Psychological warfare

3.5Countermeasures

4Training

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4.1Tactics

4.2Disguises

5Equipment

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5.1Outerwear

5.2Tools

5.3Weaponry

6Legendary abilities

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6.1Kuji-kiri

7Foreign ninja

8Famous people

9In popular culture

10Gallery

11See also

12References

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12.1Citations

12.2Sources

12.3Further reading

13External links

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Ninja

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Covert agent, mercenary, or guerrilla warrior in feudal Japan

Several terms redirect here. For other uses, see Ninja (disambiguation) and Shinobi (disambiguation).

Drawing of the archetypical ninja from a series of sketches by Hokusai. Woodblock print on paper. Volume six, 1817.

A ninja (Japanese: 忍者, lit. 'one who is invisible'; [ɲiꜜɲdʑa]) or shinobi (Japanese: 忍び, lit. 'one who sneaks'; [ɕinobi]) was a covert agent, mercenary, or guerrilla warfare expert in feudal Japan. The functions of a ninja included siege and infiltration, ambush, reconnaissance, espionage, deception, and later bodyguarding and their fighting skills in martial arts, including ninjutsu.[1] Their covert methods of waging irregular warfare were deemed dishonorable and beneath the honor of the samurai.[2] Though shinobi proper, as specially trained warriors, spies, and mercenaries, appeared in the 15th century during the Sengoku period,[3] antecedents may have existed as early as the 12th century.[4][5]

In the unrest of the Sengoku period, jizamurai families, that is, elite peasant-warriors, in Iga Province and the adjacent Kōka District formed ikki - "revolts" or "leagues" - as a means of self-defense. They became known for their military activities in the nearby regions and sold their services as mercenaries and spies. It is from these areas that much of the knowledge regarding the ninja is drawn. Following the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate in the 17th century, the ninja faded into obscurity.[6] A number of shinobi manuals, often based on Chinese military philosophy, were written in the 17th and 18th centuries, most notably the Bansenshūkai (1676).[7]

By the time of the Meiji Restoration (1868), shinobi had become a topic of popular imagination and mystery in Japan. Ninja figured prominently in legend and folklore, where they were associated with legendary abilities such as invisibility, walking on water, and control over natural elements. Much of their perception in popular culture is based on such legends and folklore, as opposed to the covert actors of the Sengoku period.

Etymology

The word "ninja" in kanji script

Ninja is the on'yomi (Early Middle Chinese–influenced) reading of the two kanji "忍者". In the native kun'yomi reading, it is pronounced shinobi, a shortened form of shinobi-no-mono (忍びの者).[8]

The word shinobi appears in the written record as far back as the late 8th century in poems in the Man'yōshū.[9][10] The underlying connotation of shinobi (忍) means "to steal away; to hide" and—by extension—"to forbear", hence its association with stealth and invisibility. Mono (者) means "a person".

Historically, the word ninja was not in common use, and a variety of regional colloquialisms evolved to describe what would later be dubbed ninja. Along with shinobi, these include monomi ("one who sees"), nokizaru ("macaque on the roof"), rappa ("ruffian"), kusa ("grass") and Iga-mono ("one from Iga").[6] In historical documents, shinobi is almost always used.

Kunoichi (くノ一) is, originally, an argot which means "woman";[11]: p168 it supposedly comes from the characters くノ一 (respectively hiragana ku, katakana no and kanji ichi), which make up the three strokes that form the kanji for "woman" (女).[11]: p168 In fiction written in the modern era kunoichi means "female ninja".[11]: p167

In the Western world, the word ninja became more prevalent than shinobi in the post–World War II culture, possibly because it was more comfortable for Western speakers.[12] In English, the plural of ninja can be either unchanged as ninja, reflecting the Japanese language's lack of grammatical number, or the regular English plural ninjas.[13]

History

See also: Ninjutsu

In Sakura doki onna gyoretsu, this onnagata is attended by three kuroko.In Nise Murasaki Inaka Genji, Ashikaga Mitsuuji is approached unknowingly by a ninja.Two prints depicting kabuki plays. In Japanese theatre, ninja are often dressed as kuroko, stagehands in black suits, to make their attacks seem more surprising. This practice gave rise to their stereotypical black outfits.[14]

Despite many popular folktales, historical accounts of the ninja are scarce. Historian Stephen Turnbull asserts that the ninja were mostly recruited from the lower class, and therefore little literary interest was taken in them.[15] The social origin of the ninja is seen as the reason they agree to operate in secret, trading their service for money without honor and glory.[16] The scarcity of historical accounts is also demonstrated in war epics such as The Tale of Hōgen (Hōgen Monogatari) and The Tale of the Heike (Heike Monogatari), which focus mainly on the aristocratic samurai, whose deeds were apparently more appealing to the audience.[12]

Historian Kiyoshi Watatani states that the ninja were trained to be particularly secretive about their actions and existence:

So-called ninjutsu techniques, in short are the skills of shinobi-no-jutsu and shinobijutsu, which have the aims of ensuring that one's opponent does not know of one's existence, and for which there was special training.[17]

However, some ninjutsu books described specifically what tactics ninja should use to fight, and the scenarios a ninja might find themselves can be deduced from those tactics. For example, in the manuscript of volume 2 of Kanrin Seiyō (間林清陽) which is the original book of Bansenshūkai (万川集海), there are 48 points of ninja's fighting techniques, such as how to make makibishi from bamboo, how to make footwear that makes no sound, fighting techniques when surrounded by many enemies, precautions when using swords at night, how to listen to small sounds, kuji-kiri that prevents guard dogs from barking, and so on.[18][19]

Predecessors

Yamato Takeru dressed as a maidservant, preparing to kill the Kumaso leaders. Woodblock print on paper. Yoshitoshi, 1886.

The title ninja has sometimes been attributed retrospectively to the semi-legendary 2nd-century prince Yamato Takeru.[20] In the Kojiki, the young Yamato Takeru disguised himself as a charming maiden and assassinated two chiefs of the Kumaso people.[21] However, these records take place at a very early stage of Japanese history, and they are unlikely to be connected to the shinobi of later accounts. The first recorded use of espionage was under the employment of Prince Shōtoku in the 6th century.[22] Such tactics were considered unsavory even in early times, when, according to the 10th-century Shōmonki, the boy spy Hasetsukabe no Koharumaru was killed for spying against the insurgent Taira no Masakado.[23] Later, the 14th-century war chronicle Taiheiki contained many references to shinobi[20] and credited the destruction of a castle by fire to an unnamed but "highly skilled shinobi".[24]

Early history

It was not until the 15th century that spies were specially trained for their purpose.[15] It was around this time that the word shinobi appeared to define and clearly identify ninja as a secretive group of agents. Evidence for this can be seen in historical documents, which began to refer to stealthy soldiers as shinobi during the Sengoku period.[25] Later manuals regarding espionage are often grounded in Chinese military strategy, quoting works such as The Art of War by Sun Tzu.[26]

The ninja emerged as mercenaries in the 15th century, where they were recruited as spies, raiders, arsonists and even terrorists. Amongst the samurai, a sense of ritual and decorum was observed, where one was expected to fight or duel openly. Combined with the unrest of the Sengoku period, these factors created a demand for men willing to commit deeds considered disreputable for conventional warriors.[22][2] By the Sengoku period, the shinobi had several roles, including spy (kanchō), scout (teisatsu), surprise attacker (kishu), and agitator (konran).[25] The ninja families were organized into larger guilds, each with their own territories.[27] A system of rank existed. A jōnin ("upper person") was the highest rank, representing the group and hiring out mercenaries. This is followed by the chūnin ("middle person"), assistants to the jōnin. At the bottom was the genin ("lower person"), field agents drawn from the lower class and assigned to carry out actual missions.[28]

Iga and Kōga clans

Main articles: Iga ikki, Kōka ikki, and Iga–Kōka alliance

The plains of Iga, nested in secluded mountains, gave rise to villages specialized in the training of ninja.

The Iga and Kōga "clans" were jizamurai families living in the province of Iga (modern Mie Prefecture) and the adjacent region of Kōka (later written as Kōga), named after a village in what is now Shiga Prefecture. From these regions, villages devoted to the training of ninja first appeared.[29] The remoteness and inaccessibility of the surrounding mountains in Iga may have had a role in the ninja's secretive development.[28] Historical documents regarding the ninja's origins in these mountainous regions are considered generally correct.[30] The chronicle Go Kagami Furoku writes, of the two clans' origins:

There was a retainer of the family of Kawai Aki-no-kami of Iga, of pre-eminent skill in shinobi, and consequently for generations the name of people from Iga became established. Another tradition grew in Kōga.[30]

Likewise, a supplement to the Nochi Kagami, a record of the Ashikaga shogunate, confirms the same Iga origin:

Inside the camp at Magari of the shōgun [Ashikaga] Yoshihisa there were shinobi whose names were famous throughout the land. When Yoshihisa attacked Rokkaku Takayori, the family of Kawai Aki-no-kami of Iga, who served him at Magari, earned considerable merit as shinobi in front of the great army of the shōgun. Since then successive generations of Iga men have been admired. This is the origin of the fame of the men of Iga.[31]

A distinction is to be made between the ninja from these areas, and commoners or samurai hired as spies or mercenaries. Unlike their counterparts, the Iga and Kōga clans were professionals, specifically trained for their roles.[25] These professional ninja were actively hired by daimyōs between 1485 and 1581.[25] Specifically, the Iga professionals were sought after for their skill at siege warfare, or "shirotori", which included night attacks and ambush.[32] By the 1460s, the leading families in the regions had established de facto independence from their shugo. The Kōka ikki persisted until 1574, when it was forced to become a vassal of Oda Nobunaga. The Iga ikki continued until 1581, when Nobunaga invaded Iga Province and wiped out the organized clans.[33] Survivors were forced to flee, some to the mountains of Kii, but others arrived before Tokugawa Ieyasu, where they were well treated.[34] Some former Iga clan members, including Hattori Hanzō, would later serve as Tokugawa's bodyguards.[35] Prior to the conquest of Kōka in 1574, the two confederacies worked in alliance together from at least 1487.

Following the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, Tokugawa employed a group of eighty Kōga ninja, led by Tomo Sukesada. They were tasked to raid an outpost of the Imagawa clan. The account of this assault is given in the Mikawa Go Fudoki, where it was written that Kōga ninja infiltrated the castle, set fire to its towers, and killed the castellan along with two hundred of the garrison.[36] The Kōga ninja are said to have played a role in the later Battle of Sekigahara (1600), where several hundred Kōga assisted soldiers under Torii Mototada in the defence of Fushimi Castle.[37] After Tokugawa's victory at Sekigahara, the Iga acted as guards for the inner compounds of Edo Castle, while the Kōga acted as a police force and assisted in guarding the outer gate.[35] In 1614, the initial "winter campaign" at the Siege of Osaka saw the ninja in use once again. Miura Yoemon, a ninja in Tokugawa's service, recruited shinobi from the Iga region, and sent 10 ninja into Osaka Castle in an effort to foster antagonism between enemy commanders.[38] During the later "summer campaign", these hired ninja fought alongside regular troops at the Battle of Tennōji.[38]

Shimabara rebellion

Ninja historic illustration, Meiwa era, circa 1770

A final but detailed record of ninja employed in open warfare occurred during the Shimabara Rebellion (1637–1638).[39] The Kōga ninja were recruited by shōgun Tokugawa Iemitsu against Christian rebels led by Amakusa Shirō, who made a final stand at Hara Castle, in Hizen Province. A diary kept by a member of the Matsudaira clan, the Amakusa Gunki, relates: "Men from Kōga in Ōmi Province who concealed their appearance would steal up to the castle every night and go inside as they pleased."[40]

The Ukai diary, written by a descendant of Ukai Kanemon, has several entries describing the reconnaissance actions taken by the Kōga.

They [the Kōga] were ordered to reconnoitre the plan of construction of Hara Castle, and surveyed the distance from the defensive moat to the ni-no-maru (second bailey), the depth of the moat, the conditions of roads, the height of the wall, and the shape of the loopholes.[40]— Entry: 6th day of the 1st month

The ruins of Hara Castle

Suspecting that the castle's supplies might be running low, the siege commander Matsudaira Nobutsuna ordered a raid on the castle's provisions. Here, the Kōga captured bags of enemy provisions, and infiltrated the castle by night, obtaining secret passwords.[41] Days later, Nobutsuna ordered an intelligence gathering mission to determine the castle's supplies. Several Kōga ninja—some apparently descended from those involved in the 1562 assault on an Imagawa clan castle—volunteered despite being warned that chances of survival were slim.[42] A volley of shots was fired into the sky, causing the defenders to extinguish the castle lights in preparation. Under the cloak of darkness, ninja disguised as defenders infiltrated the castle, capturing a banner of the Christian cross.[42] The Ukai diary writes,

We dispersed spies who were prepared to die inside Hara castle. ... those who went on the reconnaissance in force captured an enemy flag; both Arakawa Shichirobei and Mochizuki Yo'emon met extreme resistance and suffered from their serious wounds for 40 days.[42]— Entry: 27th day of the 1st month

As the siege went on, the extreme shortage of food later reduced the defenders to eating moss and grass.[43] This desperation would mount to futile charges by the rebels, where they were eventually defeated by the shogunate army. The Kōga would later take part in conquering the castle:

More and more general raids were begun, the Kōga ninja band under the direct control of Matsudaira Nobutsuna captured the ni-no-maru and the san-no-maru (outer bailey) ...[44]— Entry: 24th day of the 2nd month

With the fall of Hara Castle, the Shimabara Rebellion came to an end, and Christianity in Japan was forced underground.[45] These written accounts are the last mention of ninja in war.[46]

Edo period

After the Shimabara Rebellion, there were almost no major wars or battles until the bakumatsu era. To earn a living, ninja had to be employed by the governments of their Han (domain), or change their profession. Many lords still hired ninja, not for battle but as bodyguards or spies. Their duties included spying on other domains, guarding the daimyō, and fire patrol.[47] A few domains like Tsu, Hirosaki and Saga continued to employ their own ninja into the bakumatsu era, although their precise numbers are unknown.[48][49]

Many former ninja were employed as security guards by the Tokugawa shogunate, though the role of espionage was transferred to newly created organizations like the onmitsu and the oniwaban.[50] Others used their ninjutsu knowledge to become doctors, medicine sellers, merchants, martial artists, and fireworks manufacturers.[51] Some unemployed ninja were reduced to banditry, such as Fūma Kotarō and Ishikawa Goemon.[52]

Ninja employed in each domain, Edo period[53]

Han (domain)

Number of ninja

Kishū Domain

200+

Kishiwada Domain

Kawagoe Domain

Matsue Domain

Hirosaki Domain

Fukui Domain

Hikone Domain

Okayama Domain

Akō Domain

Oniwaban

Main article: Oniwaban

In the early 18th century, shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune founded the oniwaban ("garden keepers"), an intelligence agency and secret service. Members of the oniwaban were agents involved in collecting information on daimyō and government officials.[54] The secretive nature of the oniwaban—along with the earlier tradition of using Iga and Kōga clan members as palace guards—have led some sources to define the oniwabanshū as "ninja".[55] This portrayal is also common in later novels and jidaigeki. However, there is no written link between the earlier shinobi and the later oniwaban.

Ninja stereotypes in theatre

Many ubiquitous stereotypes about ninja were developed within Edo theatre. These include their black clothing, which was supposed to imitate the outfits worn by kuroko, stagehands meant to be ignored by the audience; and their use of shuriken, which was meant to contrast with the use of swords by onstage samurai. In kabuki theatre, ninja were "dishonorable and often sorcerous counterparts" to samurai, and possessed "almost, if not outright, magical means of camouflage."[14]

Contemporary

A copy of the legendary 40-page book called "Kanrinseiyo" made in 1748

Between 1960 and 2010 artifacts dating to the Siege of Odawara (1590) were uncovered which experts say are ninja weapons.[56] Ninja were spies and saboteurs and likely participated in the siege.[56] The Hojo clan failed to save the castle from Toyotomi Hideyoshi forces.[56] The uncovered flat throwing stones are likely predecessors of the shuriken.[56] The clay caltrops preceded makibishi caltrops.[56] Archeologist Iwata Akihiro of Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore said the flat throwing stones "were used to stop the movement of the enemy who was going to attack [a soldier] at any moment, and while the enemy freezed the soldier escaped,".[56] The clay caltrops could "stop the movement of the enemy who invaded the castle," These weapons were hastily constructed yet effective and used by a "battle group which can move into action as ninjas".[56]

In 2012, Jinichi Kawakami, the last authentic heir of ninjutsu, decided against passing on his teaching to any student, stating that the art of ninjutsu has no place in modern times.[57] Instead, Kawakami serves as the honorary director of the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and researches ninjutsu as a specially appointed professor at Mie University.[58][59]

Mie University founded the world's first research centre devoted to the ninja in 2017. A graduate master course opened in 2018. It is located in Iga (now Mie Prefecture). There are approximately 3 student enrollments per year. Students must pass an admission test about Japanese history and be able to read historical ninja documents.[60] Scientific researchers and scholars of different disciplines study ancient documents and how it can be used in the modern world.[61]

In 2020, the 45-year-old Genichi Mitsuhashi was the first student to graduate from the master course of ninja studies at Mie University. For 2 years he studied historical records and the traditions of the martial art. Similar to the original ninja, by day he was a farmer and grew vegetables while he did ninja studies and trained martial arts in the afternoon.[60]

On June 19, 2022, Kōka city in Shiga Prefecture announced that a written copy of "Kanrinseiyo", which is the original source of a famous book on the art of ninja called "Bansenshukai" (1676) from the Edo period was discovered in a warehouse of Kazuraki Shrine.[62] The handwritten reproduction was produced in 1748.[63] The book describes 48 types of ninjutsu.[62] It has information about specific methods such as attaching layers of cotton to the bottom of straw sandals to prevent noise when sneaking around, attacking to the right when surrounded by a large number of enemies, throwing charred owl and turtle powder when trying to hide, and casting spells.[62] It also clarified methods and how to manufacture and use ninjutsu tools, such as cane swords and "makibishi" (Japanese caltrop).[62]

Roles

The ninja were stealth soldiers and mercenaries hired mostly by daimyōs.[64] Their primary roles were those of espionage and sabotage, although assassinations were also attributed to ninja. Although they were considered the anti-samurai and were disdained by those belonging to the samurai class, they were necessary for warfare and were even employed by the samurai themselves to carry out operations that were forbidden by bushidō.[16] A page from the Shōninki (1681), detailing a list of possible disguises

In his Buke Myōmokushō, military historian Hanawa Hokinoichi writes of the ninja:

They travelled in disguise to other territories to judge the situation of the enemy, they would inveigle their way into the midst of the enemy to discover gaps, and enter enemy castles to set them on fire, and carried out assassinations, arriving in secret.[65]

Espionage

Espionage was the chief role of the ninja. With the aid of disguises, the ninja gathered information on enemy terrain and building specifications, as well as obtaining passwords and communiques. The aforementioned supplement to the Nochi Kagami briefly describes the ninja's role in espionage:

Concerning ninja, they were said to be from Iga and Kōga, and went freely into enemy castles in secret. They observed hidden things, and were taken as being friends.[31]

Later in history, the Kōga ninja would become regarded as agents of the Tokugawa bakufu, at a time when the bakufu used the ninja in an intelligence network to monitor regional daimyōs as well as the Imperial court.[27]

Sabotage

Arson was the primary form of sabotage practiced by the ninja, who targeted castles and camps.

The Tamon-in Nikki (16th century)—a diary written by abbot Eishun of Kōfuku-ji temple—describes an arson attack on a castle by men of the Iga clans.

This morning, the sixth day of the 11th month of Tenbun 10 [1541], the Iga-shu entered Kasagi castle in secret and set fire to a few of the priests' quarters. They also set fire to outbuildings in various places inside the San-no-maru. They captured the ichi-no-maru (inner bailey) and the ni-no-maru (second bailey).[66]

In 1558, Rokkaku Yoshikata employed a team of ninja to set fire to Sawayama Castle. A chūnin captain led a force of 48 ninja into the castle by means of deception. In a technique dubbed bakemono-jutsu ("ghost technique"), his men stole a lantern bearing the enemy's family crest (mon), and proceeded to make replicas with the same mon. By wielding these lanterns, they were allowed to enter the castle without a fight. Once inside, the ninja set fire to the castle, and Yoshitaka's army would later emerge victorious.[67] The mercenary nature of the shinobi is demonstrated in another arson attack soon after the burning of Sawayama Castle. In 1561, commanders acting under Kizawa Nagamasa hired three Iga ninja of genin rank to assist the conquest of a fortress in Maibara. Rokkaku Yoshitaka, the same man who had hired Iga ninja just years earlier, was the fortress holder—and target of attack. The Asai Sandaiki writes of their plans: "We employed shinobi-no-mono of Iga... They were contracted to set fire to the castle".[68] However, the mercenary shinobi were unwilling to take commands. When the fire attack did not begin as scheduled, the Iga men told the commanders, who were not from the region, that they could not possibly understand the tactics of the shinobi. They then threatened to abandon the operation if they were not allowed to act on their own strategy. The fire was eventually set, allowing Nagamasa's army to capture the fortress in a chaotic rush.[68]

Assassination

Portrait of Oda Nobunaga, circa 1583

The best-known cases of assassination attempts involve famous historical figures. Deaths of famous persons have sometimes been attributed to assassination by ninja, but the secretive natures of these scenarios have made them difficult to prove.[15] Assassins were often identified as ninja later on, but there is no evidence to prove whether some were specially trained for the task or simply a hired thug.

The warlord Oda Nobunaga's notorious reputation led to several attempts on his life. In 1571, a Kōga ninja and sharpshooter by the name of Sugitani Zenjubō was hired to assassinate Nobunaga. Using two arquebuses, he fired two consecutive shots at Nobunaga, but was unable to inflict mortal injury through Nobunaga's armor.[69] Sugitani managed to escape, but was caught four years later and put to death by torture.[69] In 1573, Manabe Rokurō, a vassal of daimyō Hatano Hideharu, attempted to infiltrate Azuchi Castle and assassinate the sleeping Nobunaga. However, this also ended in failure, and Manabe was forced to commit suicide, after which his body was openly displayed in public.[69] According to a document, the Iranki, when Nobunaga was inspecting Iga province—which his army had devastated—a group of three ninja shot at him with large-caliber firearms. The shots flew wide of Nobunaga, however, and instead killed seven of his surrounding companions.[70]

The ninja Hachisuka Tenzō was sent by Nobunaga to assassinate the powerful daimyō Takeda Shingen, but ultimately failed in his attempts. Hiding in the shadow of a tree, he avoided being seen under the moonlight, and later concealed himself in a hole he had prepared beforehand, thus escaping capture.[71]

An assassination attempt on Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also thwarted. A ninja named Kirigakure Saizō (possibly Kirigakure Shikaemon) thrust a spear through the floorboards to kill Hideyoshi, but was unsuccessful. He was "smoked out" of his hiding place by another ninja working for Hideyoshi, who apparently used a sort of primitive "flamethrower".[72] Unfortunately, the veracity of this account has been clouded by later fictional publications depicting Saizō as one of the legendary Sanada Ten Braves.

Uesugi Kenshin, the famous daimyō of Echigo Province, was rumored to have been killed by a ninja. The legend credits his death to an assassin who is said to have hidden in Kenshin's lavatory, and fatally injured Kenshin by thrusting a blade or spear into his anus.[73] While historical records showed that Kenshin suffered abdominal problems, modern historians have generally attributed his death to stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, or cerebrovascular disease.[74]

Psychological warfare

In battle, the ninja were also used to cause confusion amongst the enemy.[75] A degree of psychological warfare in the capturing of enemy banners can be seen illustrated in the Ōu Eikei Gunki, composed between the 16th and 17th centuries:

Within Hataya castle there was a glorious shinobi whose skill was renowned, and one night he entered the enemy camp secretly. He took the flag from Naoe Kanetsugu's guard ... and returned and stood it on a high place on the front gate of the castle.[76]

Countermeasures

A variety of countermeasures were taken to prevent the activities of the ninja. Precautions were often taken against assassinations, such as weapons concealed in the lavatory, or under a removable floorboard.[77] Buildings were constructed with traps and trip wires attached to alarm bells.[78]

Japanese castles were designed to be difficult to navigate, with winding routes leading to the inner compound. Blind spots and holes in walls provided constant surveillance of these labyrinthine paths, as exemplified in Himeji Castle. Nijō Castle in Kyoto is constructed with long "nightingale" floors, which rested on metal hinges (uguisu-bari) specifically designed to squeak loudly when walked over.[79] Grounds covered with gravel also provided early notice of unwanted intruders, and segregated buildings allowed fires to be better contained.[80]

Training

The skills required of the ninja have come to be known in modern times as ninjutsu (忍術), but it is unlikely they were previously named under a single discipline, rather distributed among a variety of espionage and survival skills. Some view ninjutsu as evidence that ninja were not simple mercenaries because texts contained not only information on combat training, but also information about daily needs, which even included mining techniques.[81] The guidance provided for daily work also included elements that enable the ninja to understand the martial qualities of even the most menial task.[81] These factors show how the ninjutsu established among the ninja class the fundamental principle of adaptation.[81]

This diagram from the Bansenshūkai uses divination and esoteric cosmology (onmyōdō) to instruct on the ideal time for taking certain actions.

The first specialized training began in the mid-15th century, when certain samurai families started to focus on covert warfare, including espionage and assassination.[82] Like the samurai, ninja were born into the profession, where traditions were kept in, and passed down through the family.[27][83] According to Turnbull, the ninja was trained from childhood, as was also common in samurai families.

Outside the expected martial art disciplines, a youth studied survival and scouting techniques, as well as information regarding poisons and explosives.[84] Physical training was also important, which involved long-distance runs, climbing, stealth methods of walking[85] and swimming.[86] A certain degree of knowledge regarding common professions was also required if one was expected to take their form in disguise.[84] Some evidence of medical training can be derived from one account, where an Iga ninja provided first-aid to Ii Naomasa, who was injured by gunfire in the Battle of Sekigahara. Here the ninja reportedly gave Naomasa a "black medicine" meant to stop bleeding.[87]

With the fall of the Iga and Kōga clans, daimyōs could no longer recruit professional ninja, and were forced to train their own shinobi. The shinobi was considered a real profession, as demonstrated in the 1649 bakufu law on military service, which declared that only daimyōs with an income of over 10,000 koku were allowed to retain shinobi.[88] In the two centuries that followed, a number of ninjutsu manuals were written by descendants of Hattori Hanzō as well as members of the Fujibayashi clan, an offshoot of the Hattori. Major examples include the Ninpiden (1655), the Bansenshūkai (1675), and the Shōninki (1681).[7]

Modern schools that claim to train ninjutsu arose from the 1970s, including that of Masaaki Hatsumi (Bujinkan), Stephen K. Hayes (To-Shin Do), and Jinichi Kawakami (Banke Shinobinoden). The lineage and authenticity of these schools are a matter of controversy.[89]

Tactics

The ninja did not always work alone. Teamwork techniques exist: For example, in order to scale a wall, a group of ninja may carry each other on their backs, or provide a human platform to assist an individual in reaching greater heights.[90] The Mikawa Go Fudoki gives an account where a coordinated team of attackers used passwords to communicate. The account also gives a case of deception, where the attackers dressed in the same clothes as the defenders, causing much confusion.[36] When a retreat was needed during the Siege of Osaka, ninja were commanded to fire upon friendly troops from behind, causing the troops to charge backwards to attack a perceived enemy. This tactic was used again later on as a method of crowd dispersal.[38]

Most ninjutsu techniques recorded in scrolls and manuals revolve around ways to avoid detection, and methods of escape.[7] These techniques were loosely grouped under corresponding natural elements. Some examples are:

Hitsuke: The practice of distracting guards by starting a fire away from the ninja's planned point of entry. Falls under "fire techniques" (katon-no-jutsu).[91]

Tanuki-gakure: The practice of climbing a tree and camouflaging oneself within the foliage. Falls under "wood techniques" (mokuton-no-jutsu).[91]

Ukigusa-gakure: The practice of throwing duckweed over water to conceal underwater movement. Falls under "water techniques" (suiton-no-jutsu).[91]

Uzura-gakure: The practice of curling into a ball and remaining motionless to appear like a stone. Falls under "earth techniques" (doton-no-jutsu).[91]

Disguises

The use of disguises is common and well documented. Disguises came in the form of priests, entertainers, fortune tellers, merchants, rōnin, and monks.[92] The Buke Myōmokushō states,

Shinobi-monomi were people used in secret ways, and their duties were to go into the mountains and disguise themselves as firewood gatherers to discover and acquire the news about an enemy's territory... they were particularly expert at travelling in disguise.[31]

A komusō monk is one of many possible disguises.

A mountain ascetic (yamabushi) attire facilitated travel, as they were common and could travel freely between political boundaries. The loose robes of Buddhist priests also allowed concealed weapons, such as the tantō.[93] Minstrel or sarugaku outfits could have allowed the ninja to spy in enemy buildings without rousing suspicion. Disguises as a komusō, a mendicant monk known for playing the shakuhachi, were also effective, as the large "basket" hats traditionally worn by them concealed the head completely.[94]

Equipment

Ninja used a large variety of tools and weaponry, some of which were commonly known, but others were more specialized. Most were tools used in the infiltration of castles. A wide range of specialized equipment is described and illustrated in the 17th-century Bansenshūkai,[95] including climbing equipment, extending spears,[87] rocket-propelled arrows,[96] and small collapsible boats.[97]

Outerwear

Kuro shozoku ninja costume and waraji (sandals). The image of the ninja costume being black is strong. However, in reality, ninjas wore navy blue-dyed farmers' working clothes, which were also believed to repel vipers.[citation needed]

Antique Japanese gappa (travel cape) and cloth zukin (hood) with kusari (chain armour) concealed underneath

While the image of a ninja clad in black garb (shinobi shōzoku) is prevalent in popular media, there is no hard evidence for such attire.[98] It is theorized that, instead, it was much more common for the ninja to be disguised as civilians. The popular notion of black clothing may be rooted in artistic convention; early drawings of ninja showed them dressed in black to portray a sense of invisibility.[65] This convention may have been borrowed from the puppet handlers of bunraku theater, who dressed in total black in an effort to simulate props moving independently of their controls.[99] However, it has been put forward by some authorities that black robes, perhaps slightly tainted with red to hide bloodstains, was indeed the sensible garment of choice for infiltration.[65]

Clothing used was similar to that of the samurai, but loose garments (such as leggings) were tucked into trousers or secured with belts. The tenugui, a piece of cloth also used in martial arts, had many functions. It could be used to cover the face, form a belt, or assist in climbing.

The historicity of armor specifically made for ninja cannot be ascertained. While pieces of light armor purportedly worn by ninja exist and date to the right time, there is no hard evidence of their use in ninja operations. Depictions of famous persons later deemed ninja often show them in samurai armor. There were lightweight concealable types of armour made with kusari (chain armour) and small armor plates such as karuta that could have been worn by ninja including katabira (jackets) made with armour hidden between layers of cloth. Shin and arm guards, along with metal-reinforced hoods are also speculated to make up the ninja's armor.[65]

Tools

A page from the Ninpiden, showing a tool for breaking locks

Tools used for infiltration and espionage are some of the most abundant artifacts related to the ninja. Ropes and grappling hooks were common, and were tied to the belt.[95] A collapsible ladder is illustrated in the Bansenshukai, featuring spikes at both ends to anchor the ladder.[100] Spiked or hooked climbing gear worn on the hands and feet also doubled as weapons.[101] Other implements include chisels, hammers, drills, picks, and so forth.

The kunai was a heavy pointed tool, possibly derived from the Japanese masonry trowel, which it closely resembles. Although it is often portrayed in popular culture as a weapon, the kunai was primarily used for gouging holes in walls.[102] Knives and small saws (hamagari) were also used to create holes in buildings, where they served as a foothold or a passage of entry.[103] A portable listening device (saoto hikigane) was used to eavesdrop on conversations and detect sounds.[104]

A line reel device known as a Toihikinawa (間引縄 / probing pulling rope) was used in pitch dark for finding the distance and route of entry.

The mizugumo was a set of wooden shoes supposedly allowing the ninja to walk on water.[97] They were meant to work by distributing the wearer's weight over the shoes' wide bottom surface. The word mizugumo is derived from the native name for the Japanese water spider (Argyroneta aquatica japonica). The mizugumo was featured on the show MythBusters, where it was demonstrated unfit for walking on water. The ukidari, a similar footwear for walking on water, also existed in the form of a flat round bucket, but was probably quite unstable.[105] Inflatable skins and breathing tubes allowed the ninja to stay underwater for longer periods of time.[106]

Goshiki-mai (go, five; shiki, color; mai, rice) colored (red, blue, yellow, black, purple)[107] rice grains were used in a code system,[108][109] and to make trails that could be followed later.[110][111][112]

Despite the large array of tools available to the ninja, the Bansenshukai warns one not to be overburdened with equipment, stating "a successful ninja is one who uses but one tool for multiple tasks".[113]

Weaponry

Although shorter swords and daggers were used, the katana was probably the ninja's weapon of choice, and was sometimes carried on the back.[94] The katana had several uses beyond normal combat. In dark places, the scabbard could be extended out of the sword, and used as a long probing device.[114] The sword could also be laid against the wall, where the ninja could use the sword guard (tsuba) to gain a higher foothold.[115] The katana could even be used as a device to stun enemies before attacking them, by putting a combination of red pepper, dirt or dust, and iron filings into the area near the top of the scabbard, so that as the sword was drawn the concoction would fly into the enemy's eyes, stunning him until a lethal blow could be made. While straight swords were used before the invention of the katana,[116] there's no known historical information about the straight ninjatō pre-20th century. The first photograph of a ninjatō appeared in a booklet by Heishichirō Okuse in 1956.[117][118] A replica of a ninjatō is on display at the Ninja Museum of Igaryu.

A pair of kusarigama, on display in Iwakuni Castle

An array of darts, spikes, knives, and sharp, star-shaped discs were known collectively as shuriken. While not exclusive to the ninja,[119] they were an important part of the arsenal, where they could be thrown in any direction.[120] Bows were used for sharpshooting, and some ninjas' bows were intentionally made smaller than the traditional yumi (longbow).[121] The chain and sickle (kusarigama) was also used by the ninja.[122] This weapon consisted of a weight on one end of a chain, and a sickle (kama) on the other. The weight was swung to injure or disable an opponent, and the sickle used to kill at close range.

Explosives introduced from China were known in Japan by the time of the Mongol Invasions in the 13th century.[123] Later, explosives such as hand-held bombs and grenades were adopted by the ninja.[106] Soft-cased bombs were designed to release smoke or poison gas, along with fragmentation explosives packed with iron or ceramic shrapnel.[90]

Along with common weapons, a large assortment of miscellaneous arms were associated with the ninja. Some examples include poison,[95] makibishi (caltrops),[124] shikomizue (cane swords),[125] land mines,[126] fukiya (blowguns), poisoned darts, acid-spurting tubes, and firearms.[106] The happō, a small eggshell filled with metsubushi (blinding powder), was also used to facilitate escape.[127]

Legendary abilities

Superhuman or supernatural powers were often associated with the ninja with a style of Japanese martial arts in ninjutsu. Some legends include flight, invisibility, shapeshifting, teleportation, the ability to "split" into multiple bodies (bunshin), the summoning of animals (kuchiyose), and control over the five classical elements. These fabulous notions have stemmed from popular imagination regarding the ninja's mysterious status, as well as romantic ideas found in later Japanese art of the Edo period. Magical powers were rooted in the ninja's own misinformation efforts to disseminate fanciful information. For example, Nakagawa Shoshunjin, the 17th-century founder of Nakagawa-ryū, claimed in his own writings (Okufuji Monogatari) that he had the ability to transform into birds and animals.[88]

Perceived control over the elements may be grounded in real tactics, which were categorized by association with forces of nature. For example, the practice of starting fires to cover a ninja's trail falls under katon-no-jutsu ("fire techniques").[124] By dressing in identical clothing, a coordinated team of ninjas could instill the perception of a single assailant being in multiple locations.

Actor portraying Nikki Danjō, a villain from the kabuki play Sendai Hagi. Shown with hands in a kuji-in seal, which allows him to transform into a giant rat. Woodblock print on paper. Kunisada, 1857.

The ninja's adaption of kites in espionage and warfare is another subject of legends. Accounts exist of ninja being lifted into the air by kites, where they flew over hostile terrain and descended into, or dropped bombs on enemy territory.[97] Kites were indeed used in Japanese warfare, but mostly for the purpose of sending messages and relaying signals.[128] Turnbull suggests that kites lifting a man into midair might have been technically feasible, but states that the use of kites to form a human "hang glider" falls squarely in the realm of fantasy.[129]

Kuji-kiri

Kuji-kiri is an esoteric practice which, when performed with an array of hand "seals" (kuji-in), was meant to allow the ninja to enact superhuman feats.

The kuji ("nine characters") is a concept originating from Taoism, where it was a string of nine words used in charms and incantations.[130] In China, this tradition mixed with Buddhist beliefs, assigning each of the nine words to a Buddhist deity. The kuji may have arrived in Japan via Buddhism,[131] where it flourished within Shugendō.[132] Here too, each word in the kuji was associated with Buddhist deities, animals from Taoist mythology, and later, Shinto kami.[133] The mudrā, a series of hand symbols representing different Buddhas, was applied to the kuji by Buddhists, possibly through the esoteric Mikkyō teachings.[134] The yamabushi ascetics of Shugendō adopted this practice, using the hand gestures in spiritual, healing, and exorcism rituals.[135] Later, the use of kuji passed onto certain bujutsu (martial arts) and ninjutsu schools, where it was said to have many purposes.[136] The application of kuji to produce a desired effect was called "cutting" (kiri) the kuji. Intended effects range from physical and mental concentration, to more incredible claims about rendering an opponent immobile, or even the casting of magical spells.[137] These legends were captured in popular culture, which interpreted the kuji-kiri as a precursor to magical acts.

Foreign ninja

On February 25, 2018, Yamada Yūji, the professor of Mie University and historian Nakanishi Gō announced that they had identified three people who were successful in early modern Ureshino, including the ninja Benkei Musō (弁慶夢想).[49][138] Musō is thought to be the same person as Denrinbō Raikei (伝林坊頼慶), the Chinese disciple of Marume Nagayoshi.[138] It came as a shock when the existence of a foreign samurai was verified by authorities.

Famous people

Many famous people in Japanese history have been associated or identified as ninja, but their status as ninja is difficult to prove and may be the product of later imagination. Rumors surrounding famous warriors, such as Kusunoki Masashige or Minamoto no Yoshitsune sometimes describe them as ninja, but there is little evidence for these claims.

Some well known examples include:

Kumawakamaru escapes his pursuers by swinging across the moat on a bamboo.[139] Woodblock print on paper. Kuniyoshi, 1842–1843.

Kumawakamaru (13th–14th centuries): a youth whose exiled father was ordered to death by the monk Homma Saburō. Kumakawa took his revenge by sneaking into Homma's room while he was asleep, and assassinating him with his own sword.[140] He was son of a high counselor to Emperor Go-Daigo, not ninja. The yamabushi Daizenboh who helped Kumawakamaru's revenge was Suppa, a kind of ninja.[141][142]

Kumawaka (the 16th century): a suppa (ninja) who served Obu Toramasa (1504– 1565), a vassal of Takeda Shingen.[143]

Yagyū Munetoshi (1529–1606): a renowned swordsman of the Shinkage-ryū school. Muneyoshi's grandson, Jubei Muneyoshi, told tales of his grandfather's status as a ninja.[64]

Hattori Hanzō (1542–1596): a samurai serving under Tokugawa Ieyasu. His ancestry in Iga province, along with ninjutsu manuals published by his descendants have led some sources to define him as a ninja.[144] This depiction is also common in popular culture.

Ishikawa Goemon (1558–1594): Goemon reputedly tried to drip poison from a thread into Oda Nobunaga's mouth through a hiding spot in the ceiling,[145] but many fanciful tales exist about Goemon, and this story cannot be confirmed.

Fūma Kotarō (d. 1603): a ninja rumored to have killed Hattori Hanzō, with whom he was supposedly rivals. The fictional weapon Fūma shuriken is named after him.

Mochizuki Chiyome (16th century): the wife of Mochizuke Moritoki. Chiyome created a school for girls, which taught skills required of geisha, as well as espionage skills.[146]

Momochi Sandayū (16th century): a leader of the Iga ninja clans, who supposedly perished during Oda Nobunaga's attack on Iga province. There is some belief that he escaped death and lived as a farmer in Kii Province.[147] Momochi is also a branch of the Hattori clan.

Fujibayashi Nagato (16th century): considered to be one of three "greatest" Iga jōnin, the other two being Hattori Hanzō and Momochi Sandayū. Fujibayashi's descendants wrote and edited the Bansenshukai.

Katō Danzō (1503–1569): a famed 16th-century ninja master during the Sengoku period who was also known as "Flying Katō".

Tateoka Doshun (16th century): a purported Iga ninja during the Sengoku period.

Karasawa Genba (16th century): a samurai of the Sengoku period, in the 16th century of the common era, who served as an important retainer of the Sanada clan.

Wada Koremasa (1536–1571): a powerful Kōka samurai ninja who in 1568 allied with the Ashikaga shogunate and Oda Nobunaga, at which point he relocated to Settsu Province.

Shimotsuge no Kizaru (16th century): an influential Iga ninja who in 1560 successfully led an attack on Tōichi Castle.

Takino Jurobei (16th century): The commander of some of the final resistance against Oda Nobunaga in his invasion of Iga. Momochi Sandayu, Fujibayashi Nagato no Kami, and Hattori Hanzō served as his officers.

In popular culture

Main article: Ninjas in popular culture

Jiraiya battles a giant python with the help of his summoned toad. Woodblock print on paper. Kuniyoshi, c. 1843.

The image of the ninja entered popular culture in the Edo period, when folktales and plays about ninja were conceived. Stories about the ninja are usually based on historical figures. For instance, many similar tales exist about a daimyō challenging a ninja to prove his worth, usually by stealing his pillow or weapon while he slept.[148] Novels were written about the ninja, such as Jiraiya Gōketsu Monogatari, which was also made into a kabuki play. Fictional figures such as Sarutobi Sasuke would eventually make their way into comics and television, where they have come to enjoy a culture hero status outside their original mediums.

Ninja appear in many forms of Japanese and Western popular media, including books (Kōga Ninpōchō), movies (Enter the Ninja, Revenge of the Ninja, Ninja Assassin), television (Akakage, The Master, Ninja Warrior), video games (Shinobi, Ninja Gaiden, Tenchu, Sekiro, Ghost of Tsushima), anime (Naruto, Ninja Scroll, Gatchaman), manga (Basilisk, Ninja Hattori-kun, Azumi), Western animation (Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu) and American comic books (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). From ancient Japan to the modern world media, popular depictions range from the realistic to the fantastically exaggerated, both fundamentally and aesthetically.

Gallery

Tekko-kagi, hand claws

Ashiko, iron climbing cleats

Kaginawa, iron climbing hook

Shikomizue, a cane sword

Makibishi, iron caltrops

Bo-shuriken, throwing darts

Bo-shuriken, with linen flights

Chigiriki, chain and weight weapons

Kusarigama, a chain and sickle

Kusari-fundo, a chain weapon

Various concealable weapons

Chain mail shirt (Kusari katabira)

Shinobi Life 2 Codes (March 2024) - Updated Daily! [Shindo Life]

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Shinobi Life 2 Codes (March 2024) – Updated Daily! [Shindo Life]

Check out the newest Shindo Life codes!

Jean-Pierre van Wyk

Published: Mar 12, 2024 02:22 am

Updated: March 12, 2024 We searched for new codes! Recommended Videos Shindo Life is one of my favorite Roblox games, and the main reason for that is the hit anime series Naruto the game is based on. In Shinobi Life 2 (previously called Shindo Life), you can collect rare cosmetics, features, buff your character stats, and change their appearance via the game's gacha system. Using Shinobi Life 2 codes made scoring top-tier prizes in the game much easier. Shinobi Life 2 uses Spins as currency for players to try their luck at getting rare rewards. As such, the best way to increase your chances of getting those powerful and elusive abilities and Bloodlines is to get as many Spins as possible. We also offer the latest codes for XP and RELL Coins rewards if you want to unlock their full potential. If you like the Shindo experience, check out Roblox Shindo Life Mask codes.

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Launch Shinobi Life 2 on Roblox. Select the Edit option in the Game Mode Select screen. Enter exactly as it appears above in the text box in the top-right corner that says [YouTube Code]. If you enter it correctly, it will automatically apply the reward! Is there a way to get more Shinobi Life 2 codes? Join the developer's RELL World Discord server to get more Shinobi Life 2 codes. Although you'll find more information about other RELL World projects, there is a channel dedicated to Shinobi Life 2, and the developers frequently announce updates and new codes. You can also follow the RELL Games Twitter @RELLGames and the RellGames YouTube for gameplay updates and new Shinobi Life 2 codes for free RELL Coins and Spins.

Why my Shinobi Life 2 codes don't work? There are a couple of reasons why the codes for Shinobi Life 2 codes might not work, such as their expiration date or a possible typing error. It's important to redeem the codes promptly, as they tend to expire quickly. To avoid any mistakes, simply copy and paste the codes from the working codes list into the redeem text box. How to get more Spins in Shinobi Life 2 Codes are not the only way to get Spins in Shinobi Life 2! If you have used all our codes, you can obtain more Spins and RELL Coins by playing Shinobi Life 2 as intended. You can get more spins by completing daily quests and by leveling up your character. Make sure you also claim your Shinobi Life 2 daily reward logins. And lastly, you can get more Spins for Shindo Life by purchasing them with Robux.

How to use Spins in Shinobi Life 2 To use Spins in Shinobi Life 2 is pretty straightforward. Use them by going to the Edit menu. When you're there, press either Elements or Bloodlines. Then press the Spin button underneath to try your luck! Not saving your Spins is recommended, as this doesn't serve any purpose for the player. Plus, you have a maximum of only holding 500 Spins before you cannot hold anymore. This can be increased by purchasing the Shinobi Life 2 Spin Storage Gamepass.

But you do not want to lose any Spins, so use them as much as you can to ensure you get the best traits in Shinobi Life 2. What is Shinobi Life 2? In Shinobi Life 2, you aim to explore the world and take on any challenger that attempts to stop you from reaching your full potential. Make your Bloodline proud by proving skill and fighting prowess in multiple combat-centered game modes. With the wisdom of your mentors, the immense power and abilities of the Elements, and your Bloodline at your disposal, can you prove that nothing can stop you?

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Shinobi: Japan’s Legendary Assassins (Fact vs. Fiction)

obi: Japan’s Legendary Assassins (Fact vs. Fiction)Popular TopicsMedieval HistoryAncient HistoryHistoryMedievalAmericanLatin & South AmericanEuropeanWorldView AllArt & ArtistsRenaissance17-19th CenturyModern & ContemporaryArtistsView AllPhilosophyMoreReligionTravelAnswersStoriesCollectingFilmNewsWrite for usAbout UsCorrectionsContact UsPopular TopicsMedieval HistoryAncient HistoryHistoryMedievalAmericanLatin & South AmericanEuropeanWorldView AllArt & ArtistsRenaissance17-19th CenturyModern & ContemporaryArtistsView AllPhilosophyMoreReligionTravelAnswersStoriesCollectingFilmNewsWrite for UsMedia RelationsAdvertise with UsCorrectionsContact UsAbout UsAuthorsStaffTerms & ConditionsPrivacyHomeStoriesShinobi: Japan’s Legendary Assassins (Fact vs. Fiction)Shinobi: Japan’s Legendary Assassins (Fact vs. Fiction)Countless stories feature shinobi, the saboteurs, spies, and assassins of ancient Japan. They embellished their own legends, so let’s separate fact from fiction.May 15, 2023 • By Michael Smathers, BA HIstory w/ focus on Medieval Periods

In the dead of night, a black-clad man crawls along the roof of a Japanese castle. In the courtyard below, two samurai walk their patrol routes. The figure inches to the edge of the roof, and deadly shuriken soon bury themselves in the guards’ necks. They die almost instantly without making a sound. Our figure drops to the ground, hiding his victims in a nearby bush before sliding the nearby shoji door open, drawing a dagger as he approaches his sleeping victim…

…and then comes the director’s voice: “Cut!” As gripping as that little scene might have been, the reality of Japan’s shinobi was quite different from the pop culture version.

History of the Shinobi

Kabuki Ninja, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1830s, via Ukiyo-e.org

Like many concepts in Japanese, there are two different names for the shinobi; you might also know them as “ninjas”. Basically, they’re the same thing, just two different words. Ninja is the Chinese word, whereas shinobi-no-mono (lit. “one who endures/hides”), or shinobi for short, is the native Japanese word. In any case, the earliest that the shinobi seem to have existed in the form that we recognize is from the 15th century, during the onset of the Sengoku Period. Of course, the idea of subterfuge is far older than that. After all, as Sun Tzu put it, “All warfare is based on deception.”

The earliest known allusions to what could possibly have been shinobi occur in the Taiheiki, or Chronicle of Great Peace, written in the 14th century. This document mentions the various war strategies that occurred during the Nanbokucho War between the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts in the 1330s. Shinobi were employed by both sides.

Get the latest articles delivered to your inbox Sign up to our Free Weekly NewsletterJoin!Please check your inbox to activate your subscriptionThank you!A common origin belief is that shinobi arose from oppressed peasants who needed a way to strike back against their better-armed samurai overlords. However, although shinobi could be recruited from the peasantry and trained from childhood, they were often samurai who undertook special training and were willing to do things others might deem dishonorable. Hattori Hanzo, arguably one of the most well-known shinobi, was actually a samurai himself and known to work alongside Tokugawa Ieyasu. Most shinobi came from the Iga and Koga regions of Japan just outside Kyoto.

The Shinobi Role in War and Peace

Prince Genji with Ninja, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1853, via Ukiyo-e.org

The most recognizable (according to Hollywood) role of the shinobi was committing assassinations. However, more often, they acted as spies, arsonists, and saboteurs, and they committed many other acts of subterfuge against their enemies. They could provide information on troop movements, the state of a fortress, or various goings-on in a castle or encampment. All this occurred during the Sengoku Period. The famous Uesugi Kenshin was supposedly killed by a shinobi hidden in his latrine. At least that’s the legend; more likely it was esophageal or stomach cancer.

They did not participate in open fighting; the role of a shinobi was to be secretive, and getting in a fight ran contrary to that purpose. So all the legends about ninjas having superhuman levels of fighting prowess are almost entirely fabricated. After the fighting died down in Japan, the shinobi switched to a peacekeeping role. They would be hired as secret observers to quell any mounting unrest by dealing with agitators and reporting possible plots to the daimyo.

Tools and Weapons

Wooden Kunai and Shuriken Replicas, via Pxhere

When asked to name ninja weapons, the straight-bladed ninjato, kunai, and shuriken are the first that come to mind. The shinobi, if they carried a sword at all on a mission, would more likely use a wakizashi because it was something anyone could conceivably own. Kunai, those daggers you sometimes see used as melee weapons in anime, were actually used more as climbing aids or as distractions. Shuriken, the ubiquitous throwing stars, were also used as distractions or as an emergency close combat weapon. Other bladed implements included caltrops and climbing claws to name just a couple.

Another reason shinobi did not usually carry weapons is that most weapons are bulky and hard to conceal. Imagine trying to scale a castle wall with, say, a bow and quiver of arrows on your back and you’ll see it would definitely not be feasible. If one was disguised as an enemy soldier to infiltrate a camp, they would carry weapons as appropriate to maintain a convincing disguise.

Outside of weaponry, more utilitarian tools helped shinobi traverse environments, provide distractions, or gain access to places otherwise unreachable. So-called “fire tools” such as firecrackers, specialized lanterns and fire-starting devices provided light sources. “Water tools” included snowshoe-like objects, woven rafts, and other items to help traverse or hide under water. For getting over walls, they would have used grappling claws and various kinds of portable ladders. However, shinobi were also expected to be able to use the environment to their advantage and find whatever was available.

Clothing

Ninja Gauntlet and Leg Armor, via Wikimedia Commons

The stereotypical black catsuit isn’t something a shinobi would wear. Black is not a good color for stealth or camouflage because black creates a silhouette even at night. It also does not occur often in nature. Their colors would have been navy blue or dark gray because those blend in better. The look of the outfit itself would also have drawn suspicion, so they only wore it when doing nighttime missions when they weren’t expected to interact with anyone.

The black outfit you know actually came from kabuki. Stagehands in these performances wore all black and openly moved on the stage. The audience was expected to pretend they weren’t in the scene, but if a play called for the sudden, unexplained death of a character, the killer would be dressed in this garb so it looked like the victim dropped dead from an invisible attacker.

When performing missions in daylight, shinobi hid in plain sight. A good shinobi would study the clothing, hairstyles, accent, and dialect of people in the area the shinobi intended to infiltrate so as to accurately mimic a resident. They would keep forged travel passes and other documents to support their false identity and also learn the skills of whatever the disguise warranted. If they expected to encounter unavoidable resistance, they would wear light, easily-concealed armor such as the items shown in the image above.

Covert Skills

Priest Leaning Against Tree, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi, 1845, via Ukiyo-e

The covert skills of the shinobi can be grouped into two categories: in-nin and yo-nin. In and yo are the Japanese words for the yin and yang of Chinese Taoist belief. In represents moonlight, darkness, femininity, and passivity, among other things. Yo represents the opposite: sunlight, light, masculinity, and agency. Neither is considered inherently good or evil, just part of a larger whole.

In-nin skills represent the stereotypical nighttime cloak-and-dagger work that shinobi did. Hiding out of sight of enemies, sneaking into fortifications, committing arson, assassination, and the like were part of in-nin skills. Knowing the best points at which to sneak into a castle, knowing how to determine whether someone was truly asleep or only pretending to be, and knowing when was the best time to gain entrance to a castle were also part of this set of skills. But, as mentioned, this is only half the picture, and if the Bansenshukai manual compilation is to be believed, it was the less-desirable part.

Yo-nin, meanwhile, was more about acting openly in such a way that no one would suspect the true intentions of a shinobi. This is where things like disguises (such as dressing like a priest as in the image above), spying, bribes, persuasion, and the like come into play. Many of these strategies are adopted from Sun Tzu’s suggestions. For example, a shinobi might survey an area and learn about peoples’ relationships with their daimyo or whoever the relevant party was. Part of yo-nin skills involved knowing when and where to seek an inside agent, as well as the means by which to secure their allegiance.

What About the Shinobi’s “Supernatural” Powers?

Wu Xing Diagram, by Parnassus, 2013, via Wikimedia Commons

The shinobi were said to have outright supernatural powers such as turning invisible, teleportation, manipulation of the elements, walking on water, and shapeshifting. Of course, these things fall squarely within the realm of fantasy, but the clever use of ninja tools and guerilla tactics helped to create the illusion of supernatural abilities. Shinobi, being masters of misdirection, had it in their best interest to allow such stories to propagate.

Mention is made in some of the older chronicles about the use of mudras, or hand seals, along with mantras, or chants to create magical effects. These were mostly intended for a psychological boost, i.e. to trigger a certain mental state accessed through meditation but they were referred to as outright magic in the manuals as a form of misdirection. Believing that a shinobi actually possessed supernatural powers was a way to increase the mystique behind these figures. It also goes back to the idea of disguise: one disguise a shinobi could undertake was that of a yamabushi. These wilderness-dwelling monks were said to practice an esoteric branch of Buddhism known as Shingon, which made use of hand signs and the like as meditative aids.

Other lore in the shinobi manuals references Wu Xing, the classical Chinese elemental system: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element had certain character traits associated with it, a different direction, time of day, parts of the body, etc. The different elements also interacted with one another via a nourishing and overcoming cycle, as demonstrated in the diagram above. Shinobi were encouraged, even if they did not fully believe in such things, to learn these associations to better gauge how a given target who did adhere to them might act and exploit certain weaknesses.

Cite this ArticleREAD NEXT:The Sengoku Jidai: An Era of Constant UnrestShareTweetShareShareShareCopyEmail By Michael SmathersBA HIstory w/ focus on Medieval PeriodsI am an avid student of history with a focus on medieval periods, specifically the Kamakura period of Japan. I am four years into a BA in history at the University of West Georgia. I also study various martial arts disciplines and have an interest in ancient mythologies.Read more by Michael SmathersKunst des Fechtens: The Medieval Art of Longsword CombatBy Michael Smathers, in Medieval HistoryHEMA: The Modern Study of Historical European Martial ArtsBy Michael Smathers, in HistoryPopular Articles in StoriesWhat Happened When a Hollywood Star Stole a Tlingit Native American Totem PoleBy Olivia Land, in StoriesHouses of Horror: Native American Children at Residential SchoolsBy Marietta Korfiati, in Native AmericanFrequently Read TogetherThe Sengoku Jidai: An Era of Constant UnrestSun Tzu: The Man Who Defined Chinese WarfareFrequently Read TogetherBushido: The Samurai Code of HonorBeyond the Katana: 9 Lesser-Known Japanese Weapons 102-7575 Trans-Canada HighwayMontreal, QC H4T 1V6Canadahello@thecollector.comFOLLOW USTOPICSAncient HistoryArtArtistsPhilosophyStoriesAnswersCollectingNewsABOUTAbout Us AuthorsStaffCONTACTWrite for Us Media Relations Advertise with UsCorrectionsContact UsTerms & Conditions | Privacy | Copyright © 2024 TheCollectorPage generated less than a minute ago on today at 5:49 PM . Write for usAbout usAuthorsStaffadvertiseCorrectionsContact ushello@thecollector.comFOLLOW US102-7575 Trans-Canada Highway, Montreal, QC H4T 1V6, CanadaTerms & Conditions | Privacy | Copyright © 2024 TheCollec

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Who Are Shinobi? The Truth Behind the Real Ninjas blog article February 27, 2019 Ninjas are frequently depicted in movies, TV shows, comic books and other forms of movies. Normally, they are portrayed as a stealthy warriors who conceal themselves in dark clothing while carrying weapons such as throwing stars and a sword. While most people have heard of ninjas before, few know the true story behind them. Shinobi: Origins of the Modern-Day Ninja The origins of the modern-day ninja can be traced back to feudal Japan, during which covert warriors known as shinobi would perform similar infiltration, sabotage and over covert operations on behalf of their daimyo. As powerful ruling lords, daimyo would hire shinobi -- many of whom served as mercenaries -- to attack their secretively attack opposing daimyo. Shinobi didn't carry out these tasks directly on an open battlefield. Rather, they used stealth to sneak behind enemy lines undetected. Prior to the rise of shinobi, attacks were performed in the open. As daimyos built up their defenses and grew the size of their armies, though, these open attacks became less effective. Therefore, some daimyos would hire highly trained and skilled merceneries to secretively attack opposing daimyos. Documents show that the word "shinobi" was first used in Japanese literature around the end of the 8th century. Back then, it was used to describe the act of "hiding." Eventually, the word "shinobi" would become synonymous with ninjas who perform covert operations. Shinobi and Ninjutsu Shinobi would often train extensively in swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat and stealth so that they could carry out their duties more effectively. This led to the development of a new style of Japanese martial art focusing specifically on skills used by shinobi. Known as ninjutsu, it teaches practitioners essential skills used by shinobi, including guerrilla warfare, espionage and infiltration. Several martial arts schools in Japan have taught ninjutsu, including Togakure-ryu. These schools were often considered critical in becoming a true shinobi. And by enrolling in a ninjutsu school, shinobi could make themselves more appealing to prospective daimyos when selling their services. Today, most people recognize the stealthy assassins depicted in movies, TV shows and other forms of media as ninjas. However, they were originally called shinobi -- and they played an important role in Japan's history by carrying out duties on behalf of their daimyos. Neither daimyos nor true mercenary shinobi are still around, though there are schools that continue to teach the martial art of ninjutsu. Also in Articles The 4 Key Elements of a High-Quality Traditional Japanese Sword March 07, 2019 blog article Read More Kodachi vs Wakizashi: What's the Difference? March 04, 2019 blog article Read More Traditional vs Modern Differential Hardening for Swords March 01, 2019 blog article Read More Subscribe Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more … Categories blog article store news News & Updates Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more … Footer Wholesale Accounts Frequently Asked Questions About Us Return Policy Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions Terms of Service Refund policy

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Updated on July 23, 2019

In feudal Japan, two types of warriors emerged: the samurai, nobles who ruled the country in the name of the Emperor; and ninjas, often from the lower classes, who carried out espionage and assassination missions.

Because the ninja (or shinobi) was supposed to be a secretive, stealthy agent who fought only when absolutely necessary, their names and deeds have made much less of a mark on the historical record than those of the samurai. However, it's known that their largest clans were based in the Iga and Koga domains.

Famous Ninjas

Yet even in the shadowy world of the ninja, a few people stand out as exemplars of the ninja craft, those whose legacy lives on in Japanese culture, inspiring works of art and literature that last through the ages.

Fujibayashi Nagato

Fujibayashi Nagato was a leader of the Iga ninjas during the 16th century, with his followers often serving the daimyo of Oomi domain in his battles against Oda Nobunaga.

This support for his opponents would later prompt Nobunaga to invade Iga and Koga and try to stamp out the ninja clans for good, but many of them went into hiding to preserve the culture.

Fujibayashi's family took steps to ensure that ninja lore and techniques would not die out. His descendant, Fujibayashi Yastake, compiled the Bansenshukai (the Ninja Encyclopedia).

Momochi Sandayu

Momochi Sandayu was the leader of the Iga ninjas in the second half of the 16th century, and most believe he died during Oda Nobunaga's invasion of Iga.

However, legend holds that he escaped and lived out his days as a farmer in Kii Province — retiring his life of violence for a pastoral existence far from conflict.

Momochi is famous for teaching that ninjutsu should only be used as a last resort and could only legitimately be used to save a ninja's life, to aid his or her domain, or to serve the ninja's lord.

Ishikawa Goemon

In folk tales, Ishikawa Goemon is a Japanese Robin Hood, but he likely was a real historical figure and a thief from a samurai family that served the Miyoshi clan of Iga and supposedly trained as a ninja under Momochi Sandayu.

Goemon likely fled Iga after Nobunaga's invasion, although a spicier version of the story states that he was having an affair with Momochi's mistress and had to flee from the master's wrath. In that telling, Goemon stole Momochi's favorite sword before he went.

The runaway ninja then spent about 15 years robbing daimyo, wealthy merchants, and rich temples. He may or may not have really shared the spoils with impoverished peasants, Robin Hood-style.

In 1594, Goemon tried to assassinate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, allegedly to avenge his wife, and was executed by being boiled alive in a cauldron at the gate of the Nanzenji Temple in Kyoto.

In some versions of the story, his five-year-old son was also thrown into the cauldron, but Goemon managed to hold the child above his head until Hideyoshi took pity and had the boy rescued.

Hattori Hanzo

Hattori Hanzo's family was of the samurai class from Iga Domain, but he lived in Mikawa Domain and served as a ninja during Japan's Sengoku period. Like Fujibayashi and Momchi, he commanded the Iga ninjas.

His most famous act was smuggling Tokugawa Ieyasu, the future founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, to safety after Oda Nobunaga's death in 1582.

Hattori led Tokugawa across Iga and Koga, assisted by the survivors of the local ninja clans. Hattori also may have helped to recover Ieyasu's family, who was captured by a rival clan.

Hattori died in 1596 around age 55, but his legend lives on. His image actually features in numerous manga and movies, with his character often wielding magical powers, such as the ability to disappear and reappear, predict the future, and move objects with his mind.

Mochizuki Chiyome

Mochizuki Chiyome was the wife of samurai Mochizuki Nobumasa of Shinano domain, who died in the Battle of Nagashino in 1575. Chiyome herself was from the Koga clan, so she had ninja roots.

After her husband's death, Chiyome stayed with his uncle, the Shinano daimyo Takeda Shingen. Takeda asked Chiyome to create a band of kunoichi, or female ninja operatives, who could act as spies, messengers, and assassins.

Chiyome recruited girls who were orphans, refugees, or had been sold into prostitution, and trained them in the secrets of the ninja trade.

These kunoichis disguised themselves as wandering Shinto shamans to move from town to town. They might dress up as actresses, prostitutes, or geisha to infiltrate a castle or temple and find their targets.

At its peak, Chiyome's ninja band included between 200 and 300 women and gave the Takeda clan a decisive advantage in dealing with neighboring domains.

Fuma Kotaro

Fuma Kotaro was an army leader and ninja jonin (ninja leader) of the Hojo clan based in Sagami Province. Although he was not from Iga or Koga, he practiced many ninja-style tactics in his battles. His special forces troops used guerrilla warfare and espionage to fight against the Takeda clan.

The Hojo clan fell to Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590 after the siege of Odawara Castle, leaving Kotaro and his ninjas to turn to a life of banditry.

Legend holds that Kotaro caused the death of Hattori Hanzo, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu. Kotaro supposedly lured Hattori into a narrow seaway, waited for the tide to come in, poured oil on the water, and burned Hattori's boats and troops.

However the story went, Fuma Kotaro's life was put to an end in 1603 when the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu sentenced Kotaro to execution by beheading.

Jinichi Kawakami

Jinichi Kawakami of Iga is called the last ninja, although he readily admitted that "ninjas proper no longer exist."

Still, he began to study ninjutsu at the age of six and learned not only combat and espionage techniques but also chemical and medical knowledge handed down from the Sengoku period.

However, Kawakami has decided not to teach any apprentices the ancient ninja skills. He notes wistfully that even if modern people learn ninjutsu, they cannot practice much of that knowledge: "We can't try out murder or poisons."

Thus, he has chosen not to pass the information on to a new generation, and perhaps the sacred art has died with him, at least in the traditional sense.

Source

Nuwer, Rachel. "Meet Jinichi Kawakami, Japan’s Last Ninja." Smithsonian Institution, August 21, 2012.

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Martial arts discipline and tactics of the ninja

This article possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (February 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Ninjutsu(忍術)The kanji for "ninja"Also known asNinpō, Shinobi-jutsuCountry of originJapanParenthoodMilitary tactics

Ninjutsu (忍術), sometimes used interchangeably with the modern term ninpō (忍法),[1] is the martial art strategy and tactics of unconventional warfare, guerrilla warfare, insurgency tactics and espionage purportedly practised by the ninja.[2][page needed] Ninjutsu was a separate discipline in some traditional Japanese schools, which integrated study of more conventional martial arts (taijutsu) along with shurikenjutsu, kenjutsu, sōjutsu, bōjutsu and others.

While there is an international martial arts organization representing several modern styles of ninjutsu, the historical lineage of these styles is disputed. Some schools claim to be the only legitimate heir of the art, but ninjutsu is not centralized like modernized martial arts such as judo or karate. Togakure-ryū claims to be the oldest recorded form of ninjutsu, and claims to have survived past the 16th century.

History[edit]

Main article: Ninja

Spying in Japan dates as far back as Prince Shōtoku (572–622). According to Shōninki, the first open usage of ninjutsu during a military campaign was in the Genpei War, when Minamoto no Kuro Yoshitsune chose warriors to serve as shinobi(ninja) during a battle. This manuscript goes on to say that during the Kenmu era, Kusunoki Masashige frequently used ninjutsu. According to footnotes in this manuscript, the Genpei War lasted from 1180 to 1185, and the Kenmu Restoration occurred between 1333 and 1336.[3][page needed] Ninjutsu proper was most likely developed during the Nanboku-cho period, used by samurai fighting on both sides of the conflict, and was further refined after the Onin War and throughout the Sengoku period, where many rising samurai warlords used ninja to gather intelligence and commit secret raids on their enemies. In the chaos following the Onin War, jizamurai from the Kōka and the Iga Province began to engage in guerilla warfare in order to protect their lands from bandits, rogue yamabushi, and larger samurai forces. The jizamurai that lived in Kōka and Iga were self-sufficient and did not answer to the shugo governors of their lands, in which the local samurai of both regions operated as de facto independent confederacies – the Kōka and Iga ikki – and formed an alliance together which persisted until the conquest of Kōka by Oda Nobunaga in 1574 and the conquest of Iga in 1581.

Throughout history, the shinobi were assassins, scouts, and spies who were hired mostly by territorial lords known as daimyō. Despite being able to assassinate in stealth, the primary role was as spies and scouts. Shinobi are mainly noted for their use of stealth and deception. They would use this to avoid direct confrontation if possible, which enabled them to escape large groups of opposition.

Many different schools (ryū) have taught their unique versions of ninjutsu. An example of this is the Togakure-ryū, which claims to have been developed after a defeated samurai warrior called Daisuke Togakure escaped to the region of Iga. He later came in contact with the warrior-monk Kain Doshi, who taught him a new way of viewing life and the means of survival (ninjutsu).[2]: 18–21

Ninjutsu was developed as a collection of fundamental survivalist techniques in the warring state of feudal Japan. The ninja used their art to ensure their survival in a time of violent political turmoil. Ninjutsu included methods of gathering information and techniques of non-detection, avoidance, and misdirection. Ninjutsu involved training in disguise, escape, concealment, archery, and medicine. Skills relating to espionage and assassination were highly useful to warring factions in feudal Japan. At some point, the skills of espionage became known collectively as shinobi no jutsu, and the people who specialized in these tasks were called shinobi no mono.

Today, the last authentic heir of ninjutsu is Jinichi Kawakami, the 21st head of the Koga Ban family, honorary director of the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, and professor at Mie University, specializing in the research of ninjutsu.[4][5] In 2012, Kawakami chose to be the end of his line of ninjutsu, stating that the art has no practical place in the modern age.[6]

Ninja Japan – An introduction to Japan’s Mysterious Shinobi

Ninja Japan – An Introduction to Japan’s Mysterious Shinobi

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January 4 2024

Ninja Japan – An Introduction to Japan’s Mysterious Shinobi

by Asian Wanderlust

A ninja, or a shinobi, is an agent, mercenary, or soldier who existed between the 15th and 16th centuries. Although you may already know this, the main purpose of a ninja was to infiltrate, assassinate, and become involved in espionage and guerilla warfare on behalf of their employers. Before we start, let’s make it clear that it is a common practice to misunderstand ‘shinobi’ and ‘ninja’, however, they are basically interchangeable; ‘shinobi’ is what the Japanese people traditionally referred to them as, whereas ‘ninjas’ is the terminology westerners have adopted.

Ninjas are, and always have been, intrinsically linked with the long and multifaceted history of Japan. Whilst the world inherently understands ninjas as part of the culture of the past and a big part of pop-culture worldwide today, only extreme enthusiasts really delve into the background of the mysterious yet worshipped figures.

Ninja Japan – Credits: discovernikkei.org

The reality of ninjas is somewhat ‘warped’ when compared to what people know them as. What most people don’t realize is that at the very beginning of the inception of ninjas, they looked completely different to what they’re depicted as today. They were Japan’s answer to the language of assassination, and it was a long and windy road for them to achieve the level of mastery you see in Hollywood blockbusters today. Also, due to their trickery and use of irregular warfare methods, they were often considered as ‘below’ the samurai, to adhered to strict rules about honor in combat.

Ninja Japan – An introduction to Japan’s Mysterious Shinobi Credits: prweb.com

When speaking about ninjas, a lot of terminology may sound familiar, for example, ‘ninjutsu’, which means the strategy and tactics of unconventional warfare, guerilla warfare, and espionage practiced by the ninjas. It is also a highly used term in the popular anime ‘Naruto’ (which makes sense as the anime revolves around ninjas. Come to think of it, you might learn a lot from watching the anime. Give it a go! It’s popular worldwide for a reason).

Some of the questions you’d like answers to might include: What are ninjas? How did they come about? What did (or do) they do? Do they really wear all-black, full-body suits all the time?

We completely understand that curiosity! Ninjas are, at the baseline, very cool, so if there’s a part of you that wants to resonate with them, or you simply just want to learn more about Japanese culture, then please read on!

A bit of the unique history

Whilst one cannot be sure of how ninjas evolved exactly, some sources suggest that they came about as an opposing force to their upper-class contemporaries, the samurai, during early feudal Japan (the period of shoguns, between 1185-1603), but became especially prominent during the Sengoku period (1467-1568). There is little to scarce documented information on the early history of ninjas, but it is believed that they were mainly recruited from the lower class, hence why there is minimal literary evidence of them – they were simply not of a level of importance enough to keep detailed documentation.

It was during the 15th century that the water cleared up a little and more became known and documented about ninjas. Their roles became more defined, their training more purposeful, and their status more integrated. As civil unrest rose to prominence during that era, there was an equal rise in demand for trained agents who were willing to go above and beyond reputation to commit deeds often shunned by the honour code of samurais.

Two clans cleared the way for the proper developments of ninjas – Iga and Koga clans (today, Iga resides in the Mie Prefecture and Koga resides in the Shiga Prefecture). Due to their location remoteness and inaccessibility, ninjas were able to train secretly and without distraction. Thus, they eventually led the way for professional ninja development in Japan. Unlike many other areas who produced their own ninjas through under-developed training methods, the Iga and Koga clan invested heavily into their warriors through very specific training for their roles. These professional ninjas eventually become famous and skilled enough to be hired by ‘daimoyos’ (great lords).

Recognising their greatness, the ninjas were brought on and treated with respect as they went into battle for some of the biggest lords. In one famous recount, they assisted Tokugawa Ieyasu in succeeding in the Battle of Okehazama in 1560 (when they Koga ninjas infiltrated a castle, set fire to its towers, and killed off the enemy), and they also assisted during the Shimabara Rebellion (when once again they were called upon by Tokugawa Iemitsu to battle at the Hara Castle, in which case they succeeded through stealth, patience, and courage).

The Role Of Ninja In Society

Ninjas rose steeply to prominence, but their light also blew out quite quickly. By the time the Meiji Restoration period had rolled around, they had pretty much blinked out of existence. However, during their peak, ninjas indeed held important roles in society, especially in regards to warfare.

One of their biggest roles was an agent of espionage. Governments and warlords back then were constantly in battle, and required information on their enemies to proactively plan their moves and ultimate success. With the practiced stealth and skills that ninjas have been trained to hone, they were the perfect weapon of choice. As opposed to the full-black clad suits that are often depicted on ninjas in pop-culture today, they instead tried their hardest to blend in as civilians, physically and socially. With their disguises, they gathered information on the enemy’s turf (such as passwords, communication techniques, strategies, building structures), and reported It back home.

Ninjas were also involved in directly sabotaging enemy plans, mainly through the technique of arson. They targeted castles and camp bases and aimed to destroy everything there. As captured in a diary kept by a 16th century abbot, the ninjas used their stealth to sneak into a castle to set fire to some of the important quarters, and captured the most powerful sections of the guards. In another arson attack, they stole the lanterns bearing the enemy’s family crest, proceeded to make replicas, and used it to enter the castle without trouble. From there, they set fire to the castle and later emerged victorious.

Whilst it wasn’t their main role in society back in the 15th and 16th century, today’s depiction of ninjas somehow all to execute assassinations in style, ease and grace. However, during the time of ninjas, successful assassinations were few and far between, according to those who kept recounts of the events. Many ninjas were hired to assassinate powerful lords, but failures usually resulted. One of the more famous stories include the assassination attempts of the warlord Oda Nobunaga, who had a notorious reputation which proceeded him. One Koga ninja tried to shoot him and missed, another tried to assassinate him in his sleep and failed, and a group off three attempted to fire at him using large-calibre firearms but missed. Either he was really lucky, or the ninjas were not trained in ninjutsu!

As the roles of ninjas involved various dangerous forms of attack, there were many countermeasures taken by warlords and their armies to prevent a successful attack. Such things as weapons hidden within lavatories (there is a legend about how a famous daimyo of Echigo Province was killed by a ninja who hid in his lavatory and thrust a blade into his anus, but historical records have proven and disproven this so many times, it’s impossible to know whethr it’s true or not!), weapons hidden underneath removable floorboards, buildings constructed with traps and trip wires that are attached to alarm bells, castles purposely designed with mazes to be difficult to navigate, blind spots and holes in walks for secret surveillance, and covering grounds with gravel to alert insiders of incoming people.

The roles of ninjas were all dangerous, and pretty much required them to understand that once they went in, there’s a high chance that they wouldn’t come out, and many ninjas embraced this mentality wholeheartedly.

Training and Equipment

You’ve seen the flashy moves on TV, and you’ve probably tried a few of them at home, but do you really know all the training and equipment that expert ninjas go through and use during their endeavours? We’ve broken it down for you below so that next time you catch a familiar looking character on TV, you’ll be able to point out to your friends the ‘yumi’ that they’re about to use to piece the enemies heart.

Ninja Training

Ninjutsu is the modern-day term to describe the skills and techniques required to be a ninja. When official training began for ninjas, it involved a variety of espionage and survival skills which began when they were still in their childhood. Martial arts was a given during all ninja training, and survival and scouting skills were equally as important.

Classes were dedicated to understanding the difference and importance of poisons and explosives, and endurance and strength training were also given priority. As part and parcel of the role, many ninjas also had to learn about different common professions in order to slip into their disguises persuasively.

During training, the following popular techniques were practiced and used widely:

Hitsuke: the practice of lighting a fire to distract guards away from the planned point of entrance of a ninja into a castle or camp

Tanuki-gakure: climbing a tree and camouflaging oneself as vegetation

Ukigusa-gakure: maneuvering duckweed over water to hide underwater movement.

Uzura-gakure: curling into a ball and remaining motionless in order to appear like stone.

Ninja Equipments

There are an abundant of equipment and tools that ninjas use to achieve their goals, most of them quite dangerous and require lots of practice and training to be able to execute as quickly and stealthily as possible in high-danger situations.

Below is a list of a few that you’ll find quite interesting to know (and might find quite familiar from all the moves and animes you’ve seen!):

Shinobi Shozoku – the black suit in which ninjas are often portrayed in graphics and movies (however, according to many sources, ninjas were more likely dressed as civilians, and the black dress costume came about when they were being drawn and the artists seemed to think that black portrayed their ‘invisibility’).

Kusari Katabira – this is the term describing the chain armour top that ninjas wear underneath the black suit (or their outer layer wear) to protect themselves against swords or flying daggers. The chain material is meant to stop the blade from piercing onto the skin.

Yumi – the bow ninjas used.

Bo-hiya – the fire-arrows ninjas used (they were ignited by lighting a fuse made from incendiary waterproof rope, wrapped around a shaft).

Shuriken – the blades that ninjas threw (could have multiple spike points).

Tetsubishi – similar to shuriken, but usually with only three spike points.

Kusarigama – a sickle and chain weapon.

Katana – special Ninja sword.

Tekagi – hooks used by ninjas to scale walls and other surfaces.

Tekko-kagi – Claws used for fighting through the form of scratching.

Become a Ninaj Today!

Ninja Japan – Become a Ninaj Today!

So, you think you have the undiscovered stealth, moves, and skills to become a ninja? Want to be trained in the lucative art of ninjutsu? Whilst there is a very, very high chance you won’t be needing the skills to assassinate anyone soon, there are plenty of ninja training courses throughout Japan that take you through the basic measures of how to become a ninja.

If you’re visiting Japan, why not eat your own weight in ramen, visit incredibly stunning and famous castles, climb Mt. Fuji, indulge in the freshest sashimi daily and become a certified ninja? Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too…

We highly recommend signing up for this course located smack bang in Tokyo. You will hear and learn from the descendants of the Musashi (Shibata) clan, an ancient Samurai family who owned ninja retainers. The day will involve some stealth training, swordsmanship, meditation, and you can even dress up as a ninja and take some memorable photos!

Book it here: Be A Ninja: Learn Five Basic Techniques

There you have it folks! The greatest 101 on ninjas you’ll ever read. Some of you might come away saying “I knew all this from Naruto”, whilst others might be pleasantly surprised at learning some crazy new things about ninjas! Whatever your situation is, we’d love to hear from you if you have any further comments about ninjas, or have anymore questions you’d like answers! Just pop them into the comment section below and let’s chat.

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Asian Wanderlust

January 4 2024

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Ninja

Contents

Definition

by Mark Cartwright

published on 03 June 2019

Available in other languages: French, Spanish, Turkish

Ninja by HokusaiKatsushika Hokusai (Public Domain)

Ninja (aka Shinobi) were the specialised assassins, saboteurs, and secret agents of medieval Japanese warfare who were highly-trained proponents of the martial arts, especially what later became known as ninjutsu or 'the art of the ninja'. These special forces were adept at disguise, deception, and assaulting enemy positions and strongholds, usually at night when they moved like shadows in their traditional dark clothing. Employed from the 15th century CE onwards, ninjas, because of their lengthy secret training in specialised schools and mysterious anonymity, have acquired a perhaps exaggerated reputation for fantastic feats and weapons play, which makes them perfect characters for many modern comic books and computer games.

Martial Arts & Ninjutsu

In medieval Japan, there were no fewer than 18 individual martial arts (bugei or bujutsu). Besides the more familiar ones which are still practised today such as judo, jujutsu and kendo, there were those involving horsemanship and swimming. One of the 18 was the art of the ninja or ninjutsu, which developed during the Edo Period (1603-1868 CE). However, ninjas as military special forces had been in operation since the 15th century CE and the Warring States Period (aka Sengoku Jidai, 1467-1568 CE) when the factious infighting that beset Japan required reconnaissance, intelligence and spying in order to ascertain who exactly one's enemies were or might be in the near future.

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A ninja had two main roles: as an assassin & as a spy to gather intelligence.

A ninja, then, had two main roles: as an assassin and as a spy to gather intelligence on enemy movements and plans. For both, they employed disguises and learnt the art of deception. The real identity of successful ninjas was, of course, concealed to ensure their own safety and continued usefulness in future operations. Ninjas were also used as forward scouts and to generally cause as much disruption as possible behind enemy lines during nighttime commando raids.

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Besides organised bands of ninjas, there were many freelance ninjas who offered their services to the highest bidder in the unsettled times of 15th and 16th century CE Japan. Crafty leaders sometimes employed ninjas to infiltrate the ninja bands of the enemy. In order to make sure ninjas within a group were who they should be passwords were used at random. A ninja was supposed to stand whenever they heard the password and anyone left seated was thus exposed.

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Ninja ShurikenKaliostro (CC BY-SA)

The tactics of subterfuge, ambush and trickery, as well as their use of projectile weapons, meant that ninjas did not enjoy the high reputation that samurai warriors, perhaps not entirely fairly, acquired for being chivalrous and courageous. By the Edo Period and the peace which followed from the Tokugawa domination of Japan, ninjas were no longer required in such numbers and so the formal martial art of ninjutsu developed to continue their traditions. Illustrated manuals were written as guides for would-be practitioners, the most famous being the Bansen shukai, compiled by Fujibayashi Samuji in 1676 CE.

Training

The earliest approach to ninja training was taken by particular families of samurai warriors who passed on their skills from father or master (sensei) to son. These became the famous ninja families and explain why certain localities established long traditions of producing the specialised warriors. From childhood, a future ninja would learn to ride, swim, and handle weapons of all kinds. From the 15th century CE, ninjas were being trained in special camps which might involve entire villages. Some schools became especially famous such as the Iga and Koga schools. As leaders did not want rivals copying their tactics, all training was done orally lest written records fall into the wrong hands.

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A ninja was trained to be physically fit and nimbly athletic; jumping from heights and across moats and other obstacles was a particularly useful skill and is probably the origin of the legends involving flying ninjas. In addition, they were also trained to work in acrobat-like teams so that they could use each other to climb greater heights. Ninjas could also throw grappling hooks with precision, scale up and down ropes and collapsible ladders, and enter places closed to less-skilled operatives. Ninjas could create spyholes using pocket folding saws and gouging tools. They could impede pursuers by throwing down makibishi (caltrops - metal clusters of points). Ninjas were taught such useful skills as concealing oneself in various terrains, survival skills to live off the country, how to read topography and maps, understand indications of weather changes, use explosives, securely tie up captives, mix poisons, destroy a building by fire, and, for when things did not go well on a mission, the arts of escape and medicine.

Ninja HokodeWallslide (CC BY)

Ninja Costume

Although no medieval texts actually describe in detail a ninja's outfit, the most usual depiction in Japanese art from the early 19th century CE has them clad all in black. This would seem to be the most obvious colour choice because most of their work was done at night. It is also a convention of Japanese performance arts that a character wears black to show the audience that he or she is invisible. However, ninjas did sometimes wear chain mail or armour of metal plates sewn onto fabric and, as they were meant to blend into their surroundings, they sometimes wore camouflage, disguises (as beggars, monks or wandering musicians, for example) and even the costume of their enemies when required. The classic ninja outfit consists of trousers, gaiters, a jacket, a belt, a head cover and a face cover all in soft material that did not impede movement and which had no dangling parts that might catch on anything. Soft shoes were worn which were more like socks (tabi) with the big toe divided from the rest of the toes and a reinforced sole; simple knotted-rope sandals (waraji) might be worn over these to provide a better grip for climbing.

So as not to impede his movements a ninja typically wore his sword not at the belt but diagonally across his back.

Ninja Weapons

The main weapon of a ninja was his sword or katana, perhaps a little shorter and less curved than those used by other warriors as a ninja might find himself in a restricted space like a narrow castle corridor. So as not to impede his movements a ninja typically wore his sword not at the belt but diagonally across his back. The handle guard (tsuba) was useful because if one leaned the sword against a wall it could be used as a step, and, by putting a foot through the customary cord of the scabbard, the sword could then be lifted up and not left behind.

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Besides being adept at using the more usual weapons of Japanese warfare - the sword, spear, halberd and bow - ninjas had their own particular and highly specialised weapons. Throwing knives were a common weapon in medieval Japan and ranged from daggers to curved blades, but the most frequently associated with the ninja is the multibladed steel throwing star or shuriken. The typical shuriken was 20 cm in diameter and had at least four points which made them useful, light weapons which did not impede movement. There were even ninja schools which specialised in the use of throwing stars such as those in the regions of Sendai, Aizu, and Mito.

Ninja KusarigamaSamuraiantiqueworld (CC BY-NC-SA)

Ninjas were especially associated with the kusarigama or crescent-shaped sickle. The sickle blade was attached to a wooden pole which had a 2-3 metre (6.5-10 ft) long chain with a weight at the other end. The ninja version, the shinobigama, had a much shorter pole and a smaller blade than usual, which was kept in a scabbard when not in use. The ninja would hold the end of the chain and swing it so that he could damage the weapon of his opponent or knock it from his hands or trip him up with the chain.

Another specialised weapon was small metal pins (fumibari or fukumibari) which a ninja placed in their mouth and spat at the enemy, aiming for their eyes. Some of the more personalised weapons included metal knuckledusters (tekagi) and hand claws (hokode) which could be useful for climbing, too.

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The bombs used by ninjas were of two main types - a paper- or wicker-covered package which could release smoke or poisonous gas when lit and a hard-cased bomb with an iron or ceramic cover. Both types used gunpowder and might include shrapnel; both were also small enough to be used as hand grenades. They were lit using cord fuses and a tinder box which was typically lacquered to make it waterproof.

When they did not have weapons, a ninja could resort to their formidable martial arts skills such as aikido which uses an opponent's momentum to throw and disable them by applying pressure at key weak points such as wrists and elbows. And they learnt kendo which uses a bamboo sword (although in ancient Japan it more often had a metal blade) so that even a wooden pole could become a deadly weapon in the skilled hands of a ninja.

Legacy

In the myths and legends which have been written about ninjas since the medieval period, these highly-trained professionals are often given extraordinary, even superhuman abilities. Some writers believed ninjas could fly or transform themselves into creatures like spiders and rats - significantly, those sorts of pests admired for their agility but not much-loved by anyone. They were credited with other incredible feats which ranged from removing the pillow from beneath a sleeping enemy or assassinating a warlord from below while he sat on his toilet. These stories are likely exaggerations, but it is true that many a careful warlord protected himself from any would-be assassin by providing their castle with anti-ninja devices like terribly creaking floorboards, confusing layouts, revolving walls, and hidden trapdoors.

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Ninjas remain a popular character element in films, comic books, and computer games in Japan, and the martial art of ninjutsu is still practised today. There are, too, many museums devoted entirely to the history of ninjas, particularly, of course, in Japan, and chief amongst these being the castle of Iga-Ueno in Mie Prefecture, one of the ancestral homes of the ninja warriors.

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Ninjas: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture Heroes | HISTORY

as: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture Heroes | HISTORYShowsThis Day In HistoryScheduleTopicsStoriesHistory ClassicsLive TVYour ProfileYour ProfileHistoryFind History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)Email UpdatesLive TVHistory ClassicsShowsThis Day In HistoryScheduleTopicsStoriesVideosHistory PodcastsHistory VaultShopHomeTopicsAsian HistoryNinjas: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture HeroesNinjas: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture HeroesNinjas were the ultimate espionage agents in Japan’s feudal skirmishes. Their air of mystery helped them infiltrate contemporary popular culture. By: Jeanhee KimUpdated: November 9, 2023 | Original: November 10, 2023copy page linkPrint PageHistory/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesThe silent, black-clad ninja who spies, sabotages and assassinates—without leaving a trace—remains a popular Japanese character in modern books and films. It has loosely inspired pop-culture phenomena ranging from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the American Ninja Warrior. But facts about ninja history can be just as elusive as the iconic fighters themselves.Ninja History Is Shrouded by MythologySome modern scholars question whether ninjas actually existed—or were merely a mythic invention. That skepticism stems, in part, from ninjas often being described as martial arts experts with supernatural abilities, or as sorcerers who can conjure fire at their fingertips and move wind and objects with hand signals. In many stories, they fly and even split themselves into multiple bodies to foil those in hot pursuit. Most scholars believe that historical accounts of ninjas, like those of many underworld characters, were wildly embellished, while retaining a grain of truth. “The usual approach, even among scholars, is simply to accept the original ninja myth as a genuine historical phenomenon that has for centuries been greatly romanticized and, more recently, highly commercialized,” writes Stephen Turnbull, a Japanese history expert and author of Ninja: Unmasking the Myth. Ninjas were active from the 14th century, when they were hired by daimyo, or feudal Japanese warlords, chiefly for intelligence and counterintelligence. But their intrinsically secretive nature left few mentions of them in the historical record. Much of what’s known comes from texts written in the 1600s and later, well after the shogun wars, when ninjas flourished.Samurai and BushidoNinjas Served Mostly as Spies What distinguished a ninja? Unlike Japan’s other famous warriors, the samurai, who were highly trained fighters from elite families, ninjas came from all levels of society. And unlike samurai, ninjas weren’t bound by a strict code of honor (bushido) that required face-to-face fighting. Warlords could employ ninjas to engage in the kind of guerrilla warfare that would dishonor a samurai.Since they served as mercenaries and spies, ninjas needed to be especially adept at disguise and subterfuge. And while popularly depicted as trained assassins, they were more likely to marshal skills of stealth, distraction and counterintelligence than to kill. Their ultimate responsibility was to covertly gather useful intelligence for their lord.The word “ninja” doesn’t appear in historical texts and testimonials before the 19th century. Rather, early texts referred to these fighters most commonly as “shinobi,” which shares a common character with ninja in Japanese kanji (writing). The Vocabulario da Lingoa de Iapam, a Japanese-Portuguese dictionary published by the Jesuit mission in Nagasaki in 1603, defines shinobi as “a spy who in times of war enters a castle by night or clandestinely, or infiltrates the enemy ranks to obtain intelligence.” That intelligence made shinobi exceedingly valuable to their patrons, says historian Yamada Yüji, vice president of the International Ninja Research Center at Japan’s Mie University and editor of a multidisciplinary anthology of ninja studies: “You need to know the topography of the enemy’s position, the condition of his food supplies, the structure of his castle. It was the job of the shinobi to obtain this kind of crucial information. They would infiltrate the enemy domain and ascertain the lay of the land…and create chaos through acts of sabotage and arson.”Origins of the Ninja ArtsAs mercenaries, ninja fought for warlords all over Japan. But according to the Gunpo Samurai Youshuu, a dictionary of samurai martial law, the best feudal-era shinobi came from the neighboring provinces of Iga and Koka, situated in the mountain region southeast of Japan’s then-capital, Kyoto. By the 14th century, about two dozen ninja schools had popped up throughout Japan. According to the 17th-century Bansenshukai, a 22-volume encyclopedia on the art of the ninja, the ninjutsu discipline found inspiration in the guerrilla tactics of the brilliant Chinese war strategist, Sun Tzu. The Bansenshukai describes the ninja arts as social skills, conversation techniques, mnemonics (memory aids), transmission techniques, medicine, astronomy and even sorcery. Ninjas were trained to use their intellect and vast knowledge to infiltrate any social setting, gain knowledge and escape safely to report their findings to their patron. Psychologically, a good ninja required intense self-discipline and purity of mind, says Yüji: “a mental state of absolute tranquility, in which a person will not flinch even if a bare blade is pressed against his chest.”As masters of disguise, ninjas would often infiltrate their target not under cover of night, but in broad daylight, disguised as a merchant or a Buddhist priest. They used many common tools, such as the sickle and sword, as weapons so they could blend in with peasants and farmers. But they also famously carried shuriken, the ninja star, because these pocket-sized, hand-held throwing blades could be easily hidden and used to disarm an opponent.HISTORY Vault: Forged in FireThe best bladed weapon-makers in the country go head-to-head.WATCH NOWDefining Moments in Ninja HistoryWhile their origins may reach back as far as the 12th century or before, shinobi were active when Japan was rife with territorial skirmishes between warlords. Shinobi played important roles in the Nanbokucho Wars (1336–1392) and the Warring States Period (1467-1568), among others. The Honno-ji Incident of 1582 shows how ninjas could even influence the course of Japanese history. After a samurai general assassinated Oda Nobunaga, one of three powerful shoguns who sought to unify Japan, at the Honno-ji Temple in Kyoto, he then set about to kill Nobunaga’s loyalists and allies. But his target, Tokugawa Ieyasu, another of Japan’s “great unifiers, ”was lucky to have as a friend and general the ninja Hattori Hanzo of Iga. A master swordsman, Hanzo (or possibly another, anonymous ninja) is believed to have smuggled Ieyasu out of enemy territory and brought him safely home. Had Ieyasu been killed, Japanese history might have veered in a substantially different direction. In 1603, the emperor Gō-Yozei elevated him to be a shogun. Ieyasu’s Tokugawa shogunate, the last in the shogun era, is credited with ushering in two centuries of peace and prosperity known as the Edo period.The transition to peace was messy, however, and marred by enormous wealth inequality. One ninja, Iga-born Ishikawa Goemon, is said to have attempted to make life more bearable for the peasants by using ninjutsu to steal gold from the rich and give it away to the needy. For some, Goemon represents a ninja gone rogue. Authorities such as the Japan Ninja Council, however, consider him a legendary outlaw hero likely to have sprung from someone’s imagination, and not a real historical figure. Whether real or fictional, Goemon’s story ends tragically. After he failed in his attempt to assassinate Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a powerful warlord, Hideyoshi’s men executed Goemon by boiling him alive. In depictions on many silkscreens and woodcuts, Goemon’s young son was also thrown into the tub, and the father heroically holds him above the boiling oil, saving his son’s life as he himself dies. Pop Culture ResurgencePhillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount PicturesPerformers in Ninja Turtle costumes attend screening of Paramount Pictures' "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem" at Paramount Pictures Studios on July 29, 2023, in Los Angeles, California.With such colorful stories, it’s not surprising that ninjas became such pop culture icons for Japan. A mayor of Iga, Okuse Heishichirō, played a large role in bringing ninjas to broader public consciousness in the 1950s by building the Ninjutsu Wonder Museum. A flood of books, articles and pulp fiction followed.A key popularizing moment came with the ninja scene in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice. Just as hundreds of ninja assassins abseiled, commando-style, from a shattered skylight into SPECTRE’s lair, throwing shuriken, the myth of the ninja had broken through and infiltrated mainstream pop culture. By the 1980s, ninjas had exploded into a huge business, appearing widely in movies, TV, video games, toys, comics and even product naming—from blenders to motorbikes to perfume. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles became a hit animated series, and its related toys became some of the best-selling action figures of all time. It’s the kind of widespread fame and attention that, ironically, the shinobi actively shunned.The Toys That Built AmericaNew episodes of The Toys That Built America premiere Sundays at 9/8c and stream the next dayWatch nowBy: Jeanhee KimJeanhee Kim is an editor and writer in New York City.

Citation InformationArticle TitleNinjas: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture HeroesAuthorJeanhee KimWebsite NameHISTORYURLhttps://www.history.com/news/ninja-history-shinobi-feudal-japanDate AccessedMarch 12, 2024PublisherA&E Television NetworksLast UpdatedNovember 9, 2023Original Published DateNovember 10, 2023Fact CheckWe strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.Print PageSign up for Inside HistoryGet HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.Sign UpBy submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact UsA+E NetworksOur Family of BrandsHistory EducationHistory VaultMobile/AppsNewsShopShare Your OpinionFollow Historydepm+BiographyCrime and InvestigationHistory en EspanolLRWMilitary HistoryAd ChoicesAdvertise With UsAccessibility SupportCopyright PolicyCorporate InformationEmployment OpportunitiesFAQ/Contact UsPrivacy NoticeCookie NoticeTerms Of UseTV Parental GuidelinesContact UsCopyright PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseAd ChoicesAccessibility Support© 2024, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserv

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Ninjas: How Japanese Spies Evolved into Pop Culture Heroes | HISTORY

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