🕓 2025/3/8
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Detailed explanation of the history and experiences of ninjas
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table of contents
1. What is a ninja?
Ninjas are warriors with special skills who played an active role in Japanese history. They were not just warriors, but mainly specialized in intelligence gathering (espionage), infiltration and reconnaissance, surprise attacks, and psychological warfare. In modern times, it’s similar to a role like a spy or special forces.
Ninjas were most active during the Sengoku period (15th to 16th centuries), when they were hired by feudal lords to spy on enemy movements and carry out secret operations. When we think of ninjas, we often have images of them wearing black costumes and throwing shuriken, but in reality ninjas are thought to have often disguised themselves as ordinary farmers or merchants and operated inconspicuously.
They are also called “ranha”, “suba”, “kusa”, and “surakuchi”, and their activities are similar to modern spies and special forces.Although its origin is not clear, its existence has been confirmed from the end of the Heian period to the Kamakura period (around the 12th century). In particular, from the Muromachi period to the Sengoku period (14th to 16th century), as wars continued, the need for espionage and surprise attacks increased, and ninja activities became more active.
■ Major schools and regions
The most famous of the ninjas are the Iga-ryu and the Koga-ryu. The Iga-ryu was based in the current Iga region of Mie Prefecture, and the Koga-ryu was active mainly in the Koka region of Shiga Prefecture. These regions were mountainous and difficult to invade from outside, so they developed their own unique culture and technology. There was also a group of ninjas called “Nokizaru” who served Uesugi Kenshin, and they were skilled at espionage in mountainous areas.
■ Ninja class organization
Ninja had ranks based on their roles and skills. Jonin were in charge of strategy planning and command, Chunin carried out missions under the Jonin’s instructions, and Genin were responsible for front-line missions such as actual infiltration and battles. This organizational system enabled efficient and effective activities.
Due to the secrecy of ninjas, many legends and stories have been created. Even in modern times, ninjas are a symbol of Japanese culture and are attracting a lot of attention both domestically and internationally. Ninjas are deeply rooted in Japanese history and culture, and their real-life images and legends continue to attract people’s interest.
2. History of Ninja
1. Origin and origin of ninjutsu (~14th century)
Ninja (ninja) has no clear origin or founder, and was gradually formed from ancient Japan to the Middle Ages. Its roots are thought to be a fusion of the espionage techniques of the Chinese martial art book Sun Tzu, the knowledge of mountain ascetics, and the techniques of secret agents.
Especially in the mountainous regions of Iga and Koka, ninjutsu developed as a unique means of self-defense. Ninja first appeared in historical records in the Taiheiki in the mid-14th century, where Ko Moronao used the word “shinobi.”
Ninjutsu was systematized as a document during the Edo period, and the representative “Mansen Shukai” (1676) is a detailed summary of the ninjutsu knowledge and techniques of the time, and is an important document that conveys the image of ninjas to the present day.
2. Historical background of ninja activities (14th century to 17th century)
As wars occurred one after another from the Muromachi period to the Sengoku period, ninjas began to serve the feudal lords and conduct espionage and surprise attacks. Particularly in Iga and Koka, powerful ninja groups formed autonomous organizations, refusing outside interference and maintaining their independence, but were hired by local daimyo as needed.
Ninja’s missions ranged from reconnaissance to infiltrate enemy territory in disguise, dissemination of false information, infiltration of castles at night, arson, assassination, and kidnapping. Ninjas during the Sengoku period used unique tactics and tools, such as skillfully using kodachi, kusarigama, blowguns, and gunpowder balls, climbing castle walls using rope ladders and claws, and scattering makibishi to thwart enemies.
3. Ninja of the Edo period (17th to 19th century)
Peace came during the Edo period, and the role of ninjas changed to focus on intelligence and security. Tokugawa Ieyasu employed ninja from Iga and Koka to the shogunate, and Hattori Hanzo and others were in charge of guarding Edo Castle and monitoring daimyo. Afterwards, ninjas gathered information as secret organizations under the direct control of the shogunate, such as the Oniwaban, but many of them began to lead ordinary lives as samurai and government officials.
From around the end of the 18th century, ninjas were depicted in Kabuki plays and novels, and they became widely known as legendary heroes such as Goemon Ishikawa and Sarutobi Sasuke.
4. Changes in the image of ninja since modern times (19th century and beyond)
When the samurai system was abolished during the Meiji Restoration (1868), ninjas lost their public role and declined. However, at the end of the Meiji period, it regained attention in popular novels, and fictional ninjas such as Sarutobi Sasuke and Kirigakure Saizo became popular. Since the Taisho period, ninjas have been depicted in movies, and characteristic performances such as “disappearing in a puff of smoke” have become widespread.
In the 1950s and 1960s after World War II, ninja novels such as Futaro Yamada’s “Koga Ninpocho” were huge hits, and movies and TV programs based on them were produced one after another. Since then, manga and anime such as “Kamui Gaiden” and “NARUTO” have gained popularity both domestically and internationally, and the image that “ninjas = cool Japanese culture” has taken hold.
In modern times, research on ninja arts has progressed, and the world’s first ninja research organization was established at Mie University, and the history and techniques of ninjas are widely introduced at facilities such as the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. The image of ninjas has become established overseas through movies and games, and ninjas have become symbols of Japanese culture that are loved all over the world.
3. Ninja equipment
Ninjas used a variety of weapons and tools. The main equipment includes:
・Kasha sword
Kashaken is a special type of shuriken said to have been used by ninjas, and was a cross-shaped shuriken with a matchlock wrapped around it and gunpowder charged in the center. When the fuse was lit and thrown, the Kashaken would ignite in flight and was used for lighting and arson purposes. It is said that this weapon was used not only to cause confusion for the enemy, but also to support covert operations.
There are few documents or records about the actual use of Kashaken, and it is mainly mentioned in later creations and legends. For this reason, there are many unknowns about the extent to which Kashaken was actually used, and it has not been established as a reliable historical fact.
・Kusarigama
Kusarigama is a weapon said to have been used by ninjas and warriors during the Sengoku period. This weapon consists of a chain with a sickle on one end and a weight on the other. The tactic of Kusarigama was to first tie a weighted chain around the enemy’s weapon or limbs to immobilize them, and then attack with the sickle. Depending on the length of the chain and the weight of the weight, it was possible to pull the enemy’s weapon or slam it down to defeat the enemy.
Kusarigama is said to have been used by ninjas and some samurai, but its use required a high degree of skill. Additionally, the Kusarigama could be used both offensively and defensively, making it an extremely effective weapon for skilled users.
・Ninja sickle
A shinobi sickle is a weapon disguised as a sickle for agricultural work, and is said to have been used by ninjas for covert operations and surprise attacks on enemies. At first glance, the sickle looks like an ordinary agricultural tool, but it could also be used as a weapon suitable for combat. It was also used as a “kusarigama” by attaching a chain to it, and was used for long-distance attacks and stealing enemy weapons.
Shinobi sickles were especially useful in night operations and infiltration operations, and were said to be used to approach the enemy without being noticed and launch a surprise attack. As a versatile ninja weapon, its design was ingenious and disguised as a mundane agricultural tool, while actually functioning as a combat tool.
・Vise chain
A manrikikusari is a weapon with weights attached to both ends of the chain, and was used for attacks and self-defense by utilizing centrifugal force. This weapon was primarily used for defensive purposes, swinging a weight using centrifugal force to prevent enemy attacks, which could either hit the opponent or entangle the enemy’s weapon and incapacitate it.
Manriki chains were especially used as part of taijutsu and ninjutsu, and their use required a high degree of skill. Depending on the weight of the weight and the length of the chain, the force with which it struck the enemy varied, making it possible to effectively subdue the enemy. This weapon is said to have been used by ninjas and some samurai, and its versatility made it useful for self-defense and attack.
・Rolling diamond
Makihishi was a tool used by ninjas to thwart their enemies, and was used to scatter them on the ground to slow down the enemy’s movement or prevent them from taking action. A makihishi is a sharp device made of metal or bamboo, and is designed so that the sharp part sticks out no matter which side is facing upwards. This will cause the enemy you step on to feel pain in their legs and have limited movement.
The makihishi is often used to track down enemies or escape from pursuers, and is known as one of the ninja’s signature equipment due to its simple and effective design. It was especially suitable for nighttime operations and use in dark places, and was extremely effective in stopping the enemy.
・horn finger
The Kakufinger is a close combat weapon used by ninjas, and has a shape similar to the modern merikensack. The horn finger was worn on the finger like a ring and was used to increase striking power. This allows you to inflict damage on the enemy that cannot be done with your bare hands.
The horn fingers were often used for self-defense when encountering enemies during stealth operations, and their small and portable design made them suitable for ninja activities. Additionally, since it could be equipped without the enemy noticing, it was effective in surprise attacks and sudden close combat.
・Hobori arrow
A ninja weapon used as a small bomb was made by filling a pottery called horoku with gunpowder. These fire arrows were used to attack enemy strongholds and cause chaos. It was a highly effective weapon of destruction, capable of explosive attacks by being thrown or fired as a flaming arrow.
Hobokuhi arrows were especially used to set enemy buildings and positions on fire, and served to demoralize the enemy by starting fires. Due to its power and destructive power, it became one of the important attack methods for ninjas.
・Gecko hook
A tekō hook is a pitchfork-shaped weapon used by ninjas, and was primarily used for attack and defense. This weapon had a hook attached to a gauntlet, a piece of armor that covered the hands and forearms, and was used in combat, assassination, and even as a defensive measure. Tekaku-bake was used to entangle the opponent’s weapon or to attack by hooking it onto the opponent, and its unique shape made it useful for many purposes.
This weapon was very effective in close combat, especially for assassinations and surprise attacks carried out by ninjas who approached their enemies. The design of the gecko hook was both visually powerful and said to have the effect of psychologically intimidating the enemy.
・No
Nai is a double-edged iron tool used by ninjas for many purposes. Not only was it used for attacks, but it was also used for various purposes such as climbing walls and digging holes. This tool could be thrown like a shuriken, or it could be used as a hand-held weapon. Its shape resembles a dagger, and its sturdiness made it useful in covert operations.
Not only were they used to stab or cut enemies during battle, but they were also used to drive them into walls to create footholds, and as hooks for moving objects. Due to its high versatility, it was considered one of the most important tools for ninjas.
・Shuriken
A shuriken is a weapon shaped like a small sword or needle, and was used to reduce the fighting power of the enemy. By throwing shuriken at the enemy, it had the ability to kill, and at the same time served to injure the opponent and reduce their fighting power. This weapon was easy to conceal and was often used by ninjas during battles and surprise attacks.
Shuriken come in a variety of shapes, including cross-shaped, needle-shaped, and star-shaped, and each shape was suitable for different throwing and attacking methods. Shuriken was also used as a tool to attract the attention of enemies, and despite its small size, shuriken was valued by ninjas for its versatility.
4. Places where you can experience/feel like a ninja
・Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura (Hokkaido):
This is a theme park that recreates the townscape of the Edo period, where you can experience the life of samurai and townspeople. A ninja show is held, and the highlight is the acrobatic performances. There are also plenty of activities where you can actually experience ninja skills, such as throwing shuriken, bow and arrow, and building a karakuri house. You can also enjoy Edo-style meals at restaurants within the park.
・Wild Ninjutsu “Ninja” (Tokyo):
A ninja experience held in the mountain village of Akiruno, Tokyo. You can learn actual ninjutsu, experience weapon techniques such as shuriken and blowguns, stealth operations, and survival techniques. Unlike traditional entertainment elements, it is known as a place to learn practical ninja techniques and spirituality.
・Oshino Shinobi no Sato (Yamanashi Prefecture):
A ninja theme park located at the foot of Mt. Fuji. In addition to the experience corner for shuriken, bow and arrow, and blowgun, there will be a full-fledged ninja show. There is a beautiful Japanese garden within the park, and you can even take pictures wearing a ninja costume. We have a wide range of ninja activities that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.
・Togakushi Folk Museum Togakushi Ninja Museum (Nagano Prefecture):
A museum where you can learn about the history of Togakushi-ryu ninja. The Ninja Museum has displays of ninja tools and secret books that were actually used, and the Karakuri House allows you to experience hidden doors and mechanisms. There is also a ninja training athletics for children, so you can enjoy the world of ninjas.
・Shuriken Dojo Shinjuku Ninja Karakuri House (Tokyo):
A ninja entertainment facility located in Shinjuku. You can enjoy “Karakuri Search” where you search for hidden ninja rooms and tricks, and “Shuriken Experience” where you throw a real iron shuriken. You can experience swordsmanship and tactics using makibishi, and it is a spot where you can casually practice ninja training in the city.
