The
conspicuous covert warriors known as Ninja (忍者) specialized in unconventional warfare. Otherwise
known referred to as shinobi (meaning those who act in stealth) had been around
as early as the eleventh century. This was around the age of the samurai
venturing through and well beyond the sixteenth century. Unlike the Samurai the
Ninja were not given an honourable image because of their mercenary class skill
level and expertise in said warfare. Samurai warlords often would seek the
assistance of the Ninja hidden in the remote villages of Iga and Koka. Now
these villages serve as museums in which original buildings and training
grounds still exist.
Ninja
specialized in infiltration, sabotage, and assassination of samurai feudal
lords. Ninjutsu is an art form referring to the many attributes of the ninja
such as stealth, combat skills, vast knowledge of poisons and weapons control. Military strategy,
meteorology and geometry were a part of their expert tracking and sense of
direction. Female ninja were amongst the most prominent, especially when it
came down to infiltration during the night
There is little factual information
about ninja and thus many rumours and mysteries remain unanswered. So much so
that anime and manga utilize these as a fun way of interpretation through shows
such as Naruto. Ninja remained active until the beginning of the Edo Period when
social order was restored. Jinichi Kawakami is the 21st head of the
Ban clan and he says the ninja way will die with him as ninja do not fit in
with modern day japan.
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| Jinichi Kawakami - 21st head of the Ban clan |
Read
more at these great sites to paint a clear mental picture of the truly skilled
Ninja:
- http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2295.html
- http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/history/q4.html
- http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2316547/Japans-ninja-Jinichi-Kawakami-63-hear-needle-drop-room-kill-20-paces.html
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