Detailed Explanation of Ninja History and Experience説

　Contents

• 1. What is a Ninja?
• 2. The History of Ninjas3. 忍者の装備
• 3. Ninja Equipment
• 4. Places to Experience and Feel Ninja

What is a Ninja?

Ninjas were special agents active in medieval to early modern Japan, undertaking various missions such as spying, sabotage, infiltration, and assassination. They possessed skills to disguise themselves as monks, acrobats, or farmers to infiltrate enemy territories, conducting eavesdropping and intelligence gathering. They also employed shuriken, needle techniques, and pyrotechnics for combat when necessary. Ninjas were reputed to be proficient in sorcery, illusion, and pharmacology.

In everyday life, ninjas often disguised themselves as farmers, conducting espionage while dressed as mountain ascetics or peddlers. Their primary job was to gather information while blending into people's lives, avoiding direct combat.

Famous ninja groups included the Iga and Koga ninjas, but various ninja groups existed throughout Japan. The Iga ninjas were famous for pyrotechnics and sorcery, especially the "Nine Characters Protection Method," while the Koga ninjas specialized in deceptive tactics using poisons and masquerading as medicine sellers.

Today, although there are no ninjas like those who existed historically, people who call themselves ninjas continue to teach ninjutsu and host ninja experience events, perpetuating ninja culture.

The History of Ninjas

The origin of ninjutsu has several theories, and its founding figure is not clear, though "Otomo no Hosohito" is said to be an early ninja. Historically, the existence of ninjas is confirmed from the Nanboku-cho period onward, with origins in the 13th century. During the Muromachi to the Sengoku period, ninjas served as mercenaries for feudal lords such as the Ashikaga, Oda, and Tokugawa families.

In 1590, with Tokugawa Ieyasu's entry into Edo, ninjas were engaged in security and intelligence gathering in Edo Castle. However, with the establishment of the Meiji government, ninjas concluded their roles, transitioning to other professions. In the Edo period, fictional ninjas were portrayed in novels and entertainment, popularizing the image of ninjas using fantastical techniques, as seen in stories like "Ishikawa Goemon." By the late Edo period, the modern image of ninjas, dressed in black and wielding shuriken, was formed through kabuki and ukiyo-e.

Ninja Equipment

Ninjas utilized various weapons and tools:

1. Kashin-ken: 

   A cross-shaped shuriken wrapped with a fuse and filled with gunpowder. Used for illumination and arson when thrown.。

   
   

2. Kusarigama: 

   A weapon with a weight attached to a chain, used to immobilize enemies before striking with a sickle.

   
   

3. Ninjigama:

   A disguised weapon resembling a farming sickle, also used as a kusarigama.

4. Manrikigusari:：

   A chain with weights at both ends, used for attack and defense.

   
   

5. Makibishi:

   Spikes scattered on the ground to immobilize enemies.

   
   

6. Kakushi:

   A ring-like weapon resembling brass knuckles.

   
   

7. Hoirakuhoya:：

   A small bomb-like device using ceramics filled with gunpowder.

8. Tekkōkagi:

    A bear claw-like weapon for assassination, used for offense and defense.

   
   

9. Kunai: 

   An iron double-edged tool used for attacking, climbing, and digging.。

10. Shuriken: 

    Small bladed weapons used to reduce the enemy's combat ability.

    

These equipment show the ninjas' high skill level and ingenuity, designed to complete missions unnoticed.

Places to Experience and Feel Ninja

・Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Hokkaido)::

A theme park replicating an Edo period town, offering ninja shows, shuriken, and archery experiences. Enjoy strolling and dining at restaurants.​​

・Yajin-ryu Ninjutsu 'Yanin' (Tokyo):

Learn practical ninjutsu useful in modern society in Tokyo's natural mountains. Experience not only ninja techniques but also the underlying "spirit of harmony."

・Ninjano Sato (Yamanashi Prefecture):

A ninja theme park at the foot of Mount Fuji, offering experiences like shuriken, archery, and blowguns. Popular for authentic ninja shows and photography with Japanese gardens as a backdrop.

・Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi-ryu Ninja Artifacts Museum (Nagano Prefecture):

This theme park, located in the village of Togakushi-ryu ninjas, features attractions such as the Ninpoken, a collection of ninja treasures, and a trick house. Children can also enjoy ninja training athletic experiences.​​

・Shuriken Dojo Shinjuku Ninja Karakuri Mansion (Tokyo):

This ninja entertainment spot in Shinjuku offers activities such as "Karakuri Search," where you find ninja contraptions, and a "Shuriken Experience" where you can try real iron throwing stars. Swordsmanship experiences and caltrop experiences are also available, allowing you to enjoy a ninja experience in the heart of the metropolis.