Ninja: The Covert Agents of Feudal Japan
Ninja are one of the most fascinating and mysterious aspects of Japanese culture and history. They were skilled warriors, spies, and assassins who operated in the shadows of feudal Japan, using stealth, deception, and unconventional weapons to accomplish their missions. In this article, we will explore some of the facts and myths about ninja, their origins, their skills, their weapons, and their legacy in popular culture.
ninja
What is a Ninja?
A ninja (忍者) or shinobi (忍び) 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.
The word "ninja" is derived from the Chinese reading of the two kanji characters that mean "one who endures" or "one who hides". The word "shinobi" means "to steal away" or "to forbear", hence its association with stealth and invisibility.
Historically, the word ninja was not in common use, and a variety of regional terms 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").
Where did Ninja Come From?
It is difficult to pin down the exact origin of ninja, as they were often secretive and elusive. However, some sources suggest that the antecedents of ninja may have existed as early as the 12th century.
The first recorded use of espionage and sabotage in Japan dates back to the 8th century, when Prince Shotoku employed a spy named Otomono Sahito to gather information on his enemies.
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The first formalization of ninjutsu, the art of stealth and unconventional warfare, is attributed to Daisuke Togakure and Kain Doshi in the 12th century. Daisuke was a samurai who lost his lands and title in a battle and fled to the mountains of southwest Honshu. There he met Kain Doshi, a Chinese warrior-monk who taught him the secrets of ninjutsu. Together they founded the Togakure-ryu school of ninjutsu.
In the 15th century, during the turbulent Sengoku period (1467-1603), ninja became more prominent and organized. Two regions in central Japan, Iga and Koga, became known for producing the most professional and skilled ninja. They formed clans and schools of ninjutsu that specialized in various aspects of espionage and warfare. They also sold their services as mercenaries and spies to various warlords and factions.
What Skills did Ninja Have?
Ninja were trained in a variety of skills that enabled them to perform their missions effectively. Some of these skills include:
Taijutsu: Unarmed combat techniques that involve striking, grappling, throwing, locking, and escaping.
Kenjutsu: Sword techniques that involve drawing, cutting, parrying, and thrusting.
Bojutsu: Staff fighting techniques that involve swinging, striking, blocking, and thrusting.
Shurikenjutsu: Throwing blade techniques that involve throwing various types of blades such as stars, spikes, darts, knives, or needles.
Yarijutsu: Spear fighting techniques that involve thrusting, slashing, hooking, and throwing.
Naginatajutsu: Polearm fighting techniques that involve slashing, stabbing, sweeping, hooking, and throwing.
Kusarigamajutsu: Chain and sickle weapon techniques that involve swinging, wrapping, entangling, and choking.
Kyujutsu: Archery techniques that involve shooting, aiming, and reloading.
Kayakujutsu: Fire and explosives techniques that involve creating, using, and concealing various types of bombs, grenades, mines, rockets, and fireworks.
Hensojutsu: Disguise and impersonation techniques that involve changing one's appearance, voice, mannerisms, and identity to blend in with different environments and people.
Shinobi-iri: Stealth and infiltration techniques that involve moving silently, hiding, climbing, swimming, and bypassing traps and obstacles.
Choho: Espionage techniques that involve gathering, analyzing, and transmitting information.
Intonjutsu: Escape and concealment techniques that involve using smoke, fog, darkness, camouflage, decoys, and diversions to evade detection and pursuit.
Zanshin: Awareness and intuition techniques that involve sensing danger, reading the situation, and adapting to changes.
Seishin-teki kyoyo: Spiritual refinement techniques that involve meditation, breathing, visualization, and mental discipline.
What Weapons did Ninja Use?
Ninja were known for using a variety of weapons that were either adapted from existing tools or weapons or specially designed for their purposes. Some of the most common weapons used by ninja include:
Weapon
Description
Katana
A long curved sword with a single edge that was the main weapon of the samurai. Ninja often used shorter versions of the katana or disguised them as other objects.
Wakizashi
A short sword with a single edge that was worn as a sidearm by the samurai. Ninja often used it as a backup weapon or for close combat.
Tanto
A dagger with a single edge that was used for stabbing or slashing. Ninja often concealed it in their clothing or boots.
Shuriken
A throwing blade that came in various shapes and sizes such as stars, spikes, darts, knives, or needles. Ninja used them to distract, wound, or kill their enemies from a distance.
Kunai
A multipurpose tool that had a pointed tip and a flat blade. Ninja used it as a knife, a digging tool, a climbing hook, or a throwing weapon.
Nunchaku
A weapon consisting of two sticks connected by a chain or rope. Ninja used it to strike, block, choke, or entangle their enemies.
Kusarigama
A weapon consisting of a sickle and a chain with a weight at the end. Ninja used it to slash, hook, swing, or throw at their enemies.
Tekko-kagi
A weapon consisting of metal claws worn on the hands. Ninja used it to scratch, pierce, or parry their enemies.
Makibishi
A weapon consisting of sharp metal spikes scattered on the ground. Ninja used it to slow down or injure their pursuers.
Fukiya
A weapon consisting of a blowgun and poisoned darts. Ninja used it to silently incapacitate or kill their enemies from a distance.
Kakute
A weapon consisting of a ring with a hidden spike worn on the finger. Ninja used it to stab or poison their enemies.
Kusari-fundo
A weapon consisting of a chain with a weight at each end. Ninja used it to strike, wrap, or throw at their enemies.
Metsubushi
A weapon consisting of a container filled with blinding powder or liquids. Ninja used it to escape or distract their enemies by throwing it at their eyes.
How did Ninja Influence Popular Culture?
Ninja have become a popular and influential element in various forms of media and entertainment, especially in the 20th and 21st centuries. Some of the ways that ninja have influenced popular culture include:
Movies and TV Shows
Ninja have appeared in many movies and TV shows, both in Japan and abroad, as protagonists, antagonists, or supporting characters. Some of the most famous examples are:
The James Bond franchise: The British spy series features several ninja characters and scenes, such as Tiger Tanaka and his ninja army in You Only Live Twice (1967), the female ninjas in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), and the ninja training camp in Octopussy (1983).
Enter the Ninja (1981): The first of a trilogy of American movies that popularized the ninja genre in the West, starring Franco Nero as a Westerner who becomes a ninja master.
Ninja Scroll (1993): A critically acclaimed anime movie that depicts a bloody and violent story of a wandering swordsman who fights against demonic ninjas and a corrupt shogun.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1984-present): A comic book series that spawned several animated and live-action adaptations, featuring four anthropomorphic turtles who are trained in ninjutsu by a rat sensei and fight against crime and evil forces.
Naruto (1999-present): A manga and anime series that follows the adventures of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village and has a powerful demon fox sealed inside him.
Ninja Assassin (2009): A Hollywood movie that stars Korean pop star Rain as a rogue ninja who seeks revenge against his former clan.
Video Games
Ninja have also been featured in many video games, either as playable characters, enemies, or allies. Some of the most popular examples are:
Shinobi (1987-present): A series of arcade and console games that star Joe Musashi, a ninja who fights against various villains and organizations using his shuriken, sword, and magic.
Ninja Gaiden (1988-present): A series of console and handheld games that star Ryu Hayabusa, a ninja who battles against evil forces using his Dragon Sword, ninpo, and various weapons.
Mortal Kombat (1992-present): A series of fighting games that feature several ninja characters, such as Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Reptile, Smoke, Noob Saibot, and Ermac, each with their own abilities and fatalities.
Tenchu (1998-present): A series of stealth games that follow the exploits of Rikimaru and Ayame, two ninja who serve the lord of feudal Japan and carry out assassinations and espionage missions.
Onimusha (2001-2006): A series of action-adventure games that combine elements of Japanese history and mythology, featuring several ninja characters, such as Kaede, Kotaro, and Jubei.
Nioh (2017-2020): A series of action role-playing games that are set in the Sengoku period and feature historical and fictional ninja characters, such as Hattori Hanzo, Fuma Kotaro, and William Adams.
Books and Comics
Ninja have also inspired many books and comics, both fiction and non-fiction, that explore their history, culture, and legends. Some of the most notable examples are:
The Ninja (1980): A novel by Eric Van Lustbader that tells the story of Nicholas Linnear, a half-Japanese, half-Western man who is trained in ninjutsu and becomes involved in a deadly conflict with an ancient enemy.
Ninja: The True Story of Japan's Secret Warrior Cult (1991): A book by Stephen Turnbull that provides a comprehensive and factual account of the history, organization, skills, weapons, and missions of the ninja.
Usagi Yojimbo (1984-present): A comic book series by Stan Sakai that follows the adventures of Miyamoto Usagi, a rabbit ronin who encounters various ninja clans and characters in his travels across feudal Japan.
Batman: Nightwalker (2018): A novel by Marie Lu that is part of the DC Icons series and features a young Bruce Wayne who faces off against a group of ninja-like criminals called the Nightwalkers.
The Night Parade of One Hundred Demons (2021): A novel by Marie Brennan that is set in the same world as her Memoirs of Lady Trent series and features a young woman who joins a group of ninja-like spies called the Hidden Ones.
Conclusion
Ninja are more than just masked warriors in black outfits. They are a fascinating and complex part of Japanese history and culture that have influenced many aspects of media and entertainment. They represent a unique blend of martial arts, stealth, espionage, and mysticism that continues to captivate and intrigue people around the world.
FAQs
Are ninja still active today?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as ninja were always secretive and elusive. However, some sources suggest that there may be some descendants or practitioners of ninjutsu who still preserve some aspects of the ninja tradition. For example, Jinichi Kawakami claims to be the 21st head of the Ban clan, one of the oldest ninja clans in Japan. He runs the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum in Iga city and teaches ninjutsu to selected students.
What is the difference between ninja and samurai?
Ninja and samurai were both warriors in feudal Japan, but they had different roles, origins, and codes. Samurai were members of the noble class who served as military officers or retainers for their lords. They followed a strict code of honor called bushido that emphasized loyalty, courage, justice, and self-discipline. Ninja were mostly commoners who worked as mercenaries or spies for various warlords or factions. They followed a pragmatic code called ninjo that emphasized survival, adaptability, and efficiency.
What is the origin of the ninja outfit?
The stereotypical image of a ninja wearing a black hooded suit with a mask that covers the face except for the eyes is not historically accurate. It is a product of fiction and media that was influenced by the stage costumes of kabuki theater. In reality, ninja wore ordinary clothes that matched their environment and disguise. They often wore dark blue or brown colors that blended in with the night or the forest. They also wore hats, masks, or scarves to conceal their identity.
What are some of the myths and legends about ninja?
Ninja have been surrounded by many myths and legends that exaggerate or distort their abilities and feats. Some of these include:
Ninja could fly, walk on water, or disappear in a puff of smoke.
Ninja could control the elements, summon animals, or cast spells.
Ninja could kill with a single touch, a glance, or a word.
Ninja had supernatural senses, reflexes, or endurance.
Ninja were immortal, invincible, or undead.
While some of these myths may have some basis in reality, such as using tools, techniques, or tricks to create illusions or effects, most of them are exaggerated or fabricated by folklore, fiction, or propaganda.
How can I learn more about ninja?
If you are interested in learning more about ninja, there are many resources available online and offline. Some of the recommended ones are:
The Iga-ryu Ninja Museum: A museum in Iga city, Japan, that showcases the history, culture, and artifacts of the ninja. It also offers demonstrations, experiences, and courses on ninjutsu.
The Ninja: An Invented Tradition?: A book by Stephen Turnbull that examines the historical evidence and sources of the ninja and challenges some of the common misconceptions and myths about them.
Ninjutsu: The Art of Invisibility: A book by Donn Draeger that introduces the basic principles and techniques of ninjutsu and explains how they can be applied to modern self-defense and security.
Ninjastar: A website that provides information, news, and articles on various topics related to ninja and ninjutsu.
Ninja Warrior: A TV show that features contestants who compete in a series of obstacle courses inspired by ninja training.
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