Detailed Explanation of Ninja History and Experience

　Contents

1. What is a Ninja?
2. The History of Ninja
3. Ninja Equipment
4. Places to Experience and Feel Ninja

1. 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.

2. The History of Ninjas 

　1. The Origins and Founders of Ninjutsu
The origins of ninjutsu (or ninja) are quite ambiguous, making it difficult to attribute them to a specific person or time. The theory that "Otomo no Hosohito" was an early ninja is not widely accepted. The origins of ninja can be traced back to the Heian period (late 8th century to 12th century). More specifically, it was during the Nanbokucho period (14th century) to the Sengoku period (late 15th century to early 17th century) that ninja activities became more prominent.

　2. The Historical Background of Ninja Activities

From the Muromachi period (1336–1573) through the Sengoku period, ninjas were widely employed as mercenaries by daimyo such as the Ashikaga, Oda, and Tokugawa clans. During this time, ninjas primarily engaged in espionage, reconnaissance, and sabotage.

　3. The Role of Ninja in the Edo Period

After Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo in 1590, ninjas served in the roles of guarding Edo Castle and gathering intelligence. However, as the Edo period was a time of peace, the role of ninja gradually diminished. Some ninjas took on responsibilities related to maintaining order and gathering information, while many others transitioned into different professions.

　4. The Evolution of the Ninja Image

The portrayal of ninjas in novels and entertainment began during the Edo period. It was during this time that the modern image of the ninja—dressed in black, wielding shuriken—was formed. This image was particularly popularized through kabuki theater and ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), leading to the widespread perception of a fictionalized ninja.

3. Ninja Equipment 

Ninjas utilized various weapons and tools:

　・Kashin-ken:

The Kasha-ken was a special shuriken used by ninjas, consisting of a cross-shaped throwing star with matchlock rope wrapped around it, with gunpowder hidden in its center. When the fuse was lit and the Kasha-ken was thrown, it would ignite in mid-flight, serving purposes such as illumination or arson. This weapon was said to cause confusion among enemies and assist in covert operations.

There are few historical documents or records that describe the actual use of the Kasha-ken, and it is mainly mentioned in later creations and legends. Therefore, the extent to which it was used in reality remains unclear, and it is not firmly established as a historical fact.

　・Kusarigama:

The Kusarigama was a weapon allegedly used by ninjas and warriors during the Sengoku period. This weapon consists of a sickle attached to one end of a chain, with a weight at the other. The typical tactic involved entangling the enemy’s weapon or limbs with the chain to immobilize them, followed by an attack with the sickle. The length of the chain and the weight allowed the user to pull the enemy’s weapon away or strike them down.

While Kusarigama was used by some ninjas and samurai, its use required a high level of skill. Additionally, because the Kusarigama could be used for both offense and defense, it was an extremely effective weapon in the hands of a skilled practitioner.

　・Shinobigama:

The Shinobigama was a weapon disguised as a farming sickle, used by ninjas for stealth operations and surprise attacks. Although it appeared to be an ordinary agricultural tool, it was actually designed for combat. By attaching a chain, it could also be used as a Kusarigama, allowing the user to attack from a distance or disarm enemies.

The Shinobigama was especially useful for nighttime operations or infiltration missions, allowing ninjas to approach undetected and launch surprise attacks. As a versatile ninja weapon, its design was ingenious, serving both as a seemingly ordinary tool and a lethal weapon.

　・Manrikigusari:

The Manrikigusari is a weapon made of a chain with weights on both ends, used to attack or defend by utilizing centrifugal force. This weapon was primarily used for defensive purposes, where the user would swing the weights around to deflect an opponent's attack or ensnare their weapon to neutralize it.

The Manrikigusari was particularly used in martial arts and ninjutsu, requiring advanced skills to handle. The force of the strikes and the effectiveness of immobilizing the enemy varied depending on the weight of the ends and the length of the chain, making it a versatile tool for both defense and offense.

　・Makibishi:

Makibishi were tools used by ninjas to disrupt and slow down their enemies by scattering them on the ground. Made of sharp objects fashioned from metal or bamboo, Makibishi were designed so that whichever side landed on the ground, a sharp point would always be facing upward. This would cause pain and restrict movement if stepped on.

Makibishi were often used when evading pursuit or escaping from enemies. Their simple yet effective design made them a staple in a ninja’s arsenal. They were particularly suited for night-time activities or use in dark areas, effectively halting the advance of enemies.

　・Kakushi:

Kakushi was a close-combat weapon used by ninjas, resembling a modern brass knuckle. The Kakushi was worn on the fingers like a ring, with spikes attached to enhance the impact of punches. This allowed the ninja to inflict damage that would not be possible with bare fists.

The Kakushi was often used for self-defense when encountering enemies during covert operations. Its compact and portable design made it ideal for ninja activities, allowing for quick and discreet equipping, which was particularly useful in surprise attacks or sudden close-quarters combat.

　・Hoirakuhoya:

The Hōroku-biya was a small bomb used by ninjas, made by filling a small earthenware vessel known as a hōroku with gunpowder. This weapon was used for attacking enemy fortifications or creating chaos among enemy ranks. It could be thrown or fired as an incendiary arrow, causing an explosion upon impact and serving as a very effective destructive device.

The Hōroku-biya was especially utilized for setting fire to enemy buildings or encampments, serving to demoralize the enemy by causing fires. Its power and destructive capability made it a crucial weapon in a ninja’s offensive arsenal.

　・Tekkōkagi:

Tekko-kagi was a claw-shaped weapon used by ninjas, primarily for both offensive and defensive purposes. It consisted of a hand-covering guard (tekko) with attached claws (kagi), and was used in combat, assassination, or as a defensive tool. The Tekko-kagi could entangle and disarm an opponent’s weapon or be used to rake across the enemy, making it highly versatile.

This weapon was particularly effective in close-quarters combat and was well-suited for the ninja’s stealth and surprise attacks. The design of the Tekko-kagi was intimidating, often causing psychological pressure on the enemy.

　・Kunai:

Kunai was an iron tool used by ninjas for a wide variety of purposes. The Kunai could be used for attacking, climbing walls, digging, and other functions. This tool could be thrown like a shuriken or used as a handheld weapon. The Kunai was short and sturdy, making it an essential tool for covert operations.

The Kunai was used not only to stab or slash enemies in combat but also to drive into walls to create footholds, or as a hook for moving objects. Due to its versatility, it was considered one of the most important tools in a ninja’s arsenal.

　・Shuriken:

Shuriken are small, blade-like weapons used to diminish the combat effectiveness of an enemy. Shuriken were thrown at the enemy to inflict damage and reduce their ability to fight. These weapons were easily concealable, making them a popular choice for ninjas during combat or ambushes.

Shuriken came in various shapes, including cross-shaped, needle-shaped, and star-shaped, each suited to different throwing techniques and attack methods. Additionally, shuriken were used as distractions, and their small size and versatility made them invaluable to ninjas.

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

4. 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.