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Origin myths -

Identifying the first ninja, or shinobi, is challenging, as spies and assassins have been used across the globe throughout history. Japanese folklore claims ninjas descended from a half-man, half-crow demon, but it's more likely they evolved as a counterforce to the samurai in early feudal Japan.

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The meaning behind the mask -

We can unravel the ninja's concept through the English translations of their name. "Ninja" means "one who is invisible," and "shinobi" refers to "one who sneaks." These terms described members of a covert organization that thrived in feudal Japan. As their names imply, ninjas' activities and identities were cloaked in secrecy and deception.

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Ninjutsu's early roots -

Most sources suggest that ninjutsu, the ninja's stealth art, started developing between 600 and 900. Prince Shotoku (574-622) is said to have employed Otomono Sahito as a shinobi spy. By 907, the fall of China's Tang Dynasty led to 50 years of chaos, forcing Tang generals to flee to Japan, bringing new battle tactics and war philosophies.

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Chinese influence on early ninja clans -

In the 1020s, Chinese monks arrived in Japan bringing new medicines and fighting philosophies. These ideas, originating in India and traveling through Tibet and China, reached Japan and were taught to Japan's warrior monks, or yamabushi, and the first ninja clans.

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Ninjutsu formalized -

For over a century, the fusion of Chinese and native tactics that evolved into ninjutsu developed as a rule-free counter-culture. It was first formalized by Daisuke Togakure and Kain Doshi in the 12th century. 

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From samurai to ninja -

Daisuke, once a samurai, lost a regional battle and was forced to forfeit his lands and title. Typically, a samurai might commit seppuku (suicide) in such a situation, but Daisuke chose a different path.

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Daisuke's new path -

In 1162, Daisuke wandered the mountains of southwest Honshu and met Kain Doshi, a Chinese warrior-monk. Daisuke renounced his bushido code, and together they developed a new guerrilla warfare theory called ninjutsu. Daisuke's descendants founded the first ninja school, Togakureryu.

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Jonin and the common ninjas -

Some ninja leaders, known as jonin, were disgraced samurai like Daisuke Togakure who had lost in battle or were renounced by their daimyo and chose to flee rather than commit ritual suicide. However, most ordinary ninjas came from non-noble backgrounds.

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The origins of low-ranking ninjas -

Low-ranking ninjas were often villagers and farmers who learned to fight for their self-preservation, using stealth and poison for assassinations. Consequently, the most famous ninja strongholds were the Iga and Koga Provinces, known for their rural farmlands and quiet villages.

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Tracing the ninja's activity -

In fact, much of what we know about ninja activity comes from preserved scrolls of the Sengoku Period (1467-1600). Although historians have found references to ninja activity as early as the 12th century, it was in the Sengoku period that their use became more widely known, with the rise of the major ninja clans: Iga and Koga.

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The birth of ninja clans -

As mentioned previously, ninjas were typically lower-class commoners with minimal training, hired by powerful samurai to perform dishonorable tasks. Eventually, Iga Province and the neighboring village of Koga established themselves as centers for teaching Ninjutsu, producing professional ninjas specifically trained for their roles.

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The women of ninja warfare -

Women also played a crucial role in ninja combat. Female ninjas, or kunoichi, infiltrated enemy castles disguised as dancers, concubines, or servants. They were highly successful spies and sometimes even acted as assassins.

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From shadows to specialists -

Both male and female shinobi were categorized based on their roles: teisatsu (scout), konran (agitator), kancho (spy), and kishu (ambusher), each with a distinct specialty in the art of stealth and strategy.

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The name origin -

Contrary to popular belief, the word "ninja" wasn't widely used during their active period. The common term was "Shinobi no mono," or simply "Shinobi." "Ninja" is a different reading of the same Chinese characters (忍者), translating to "He who perseveres."

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Folklore and the Taiheiki chronicle -

Japanese folklore suggests the true origin of ninjas is rooted in the 'Taiheiki,' known in English as 'The Chronicle of Great Peace.' This medieval military chronicle details the war between the Fujiwara family and the imperial court. Fujiwara is said to have summoned four "Oni" (demons) to infiltrate and distress the imperial army, and many believe these "demons" were the first ninjas.

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The ninja's role in the Sengoku period -

When warlord Oda Nobunaga emerged as the strongest daimyo, reuniting Japan (1551–1582), he viewed the ninja strongholds at Iga and Koga as threats. While Nobunaga quickly defeated and co-opted the Koga ninja forces, he faced more challenges with Iga.

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The Iga revolt -

In what became known as the Iga Revolt or Iga No Run, Nobunaga attacked the ninjas of Iga with over 40,000 men. His lightning-quick assault forced the ninjas into open battles, leading to their defeat and scattering them to nearby provinces and the mountains of Kii.

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The ninja's resilience -

Despite the destruction of their base, the ninjas did not disappear immediately; some joined the service of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who became shogun in 1603. The diminished ninja forces continued to serve on both sides in various conflicts as assassins, saboteurs, and spies.

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Ninjas fade to shadows -

The decline of the ninja eventually came as feudal wars, their primary source of relevance, dwindled. After aiding Tokugawa Iemitsu, work for ninjas became scarce. Finally, in the 17th century, new groups like the onmitsu and oniwaban took over espionage tasks for the government and lords, marking the end of the ninja era.

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Ninjutsu explained -

Contrary to popular belief, ninjutsu was not a martial art. According to the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, "A person who uses Ninjutsu is a ninja. Ninjutsu is not a martial art. Ninjutsu is an independent art of warfare."

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The true focus of ninjutsu -

Ninjutsu primarily focused on espionage and stealth. While martial arts training was part of it, it wasn't the main focus. Ninjutsu trained ninjas in infiltration, code-breaking, spreading misinformation, and sabotage.

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Debunking the legends of ninjas -

The original ninja manuals make no mention of unarmed combat, which means that modern-day Ninjutsu martial arts schools aren't connected to the true practices of historical ninjas. Another widespread myth is that all ninjas were trained assassins, when in reality, their skills and roles were far more diverse and often less deadly.

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Spirituality and stealth -

The mountains around Iga Province held deep significance in Buddhist beliefs, and to this day, villages proudly display Buddha statues from the Heian period, proving that Tantric Buddhism once flourished here. Two of the most renowned ninja families were Shinto practitioners and worshipped at shrines that remain active today, blending spiritual reverence with their covert lifestyles.

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Unmasking ninja attire -

Ninjas aimed to blend in, leading scholars to believe they often disguised themselves as farmers, priests, or merchants. When operating at night, they likely wore regular clothing of the time, which was probably navy blue rather than black, as it proved more effective for remaining undetected.

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Ninja gear -

From throwing stars to the iconic katana, the real story behind these tools is often more practical than the myths. For example, shuriken (throwing stars) were typically used to distract or disarm enemies rather than for lethal purposes. The true essence of ninja weaponry was adaptability and resourcefulness, far from the exaggerated portrayals in movies and TV shows.

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Exploring ninja heritage -

Much like the samurai, shinobi have left a lasting mark on modern Japanese culture. Although they faded during the Edo period, their values, espionage techniques, and warfare methods survived. Today, the timeless legacy of ninjas lives on in literature, films, and festivals, captivating audiences and inspiring countless stories.

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Exploring ninja heritage -

If you're looking to dive into the world of ninjas in modern Japan, museums and historical sites are your best bet. Festivals like the Iga Ueno Ninja Festa also celebrate this fascinating culture. While films often stray into fiction, documentaries provide a more accurate depiction of ninja history.

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Exploring ninja heritage -

Most historical sites where visitors can delve into ninja lore are located in Iga (Mie Prefecture) and Koga (Shiga Prefecture). Other noteworthy destinations include Ninjadera ninja temple in Kanazawa, and the Samurai Ninja Museum in Tokyo. These sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of ninjas, showcasing authentic artifacts and tools.

Sources: (ThoughtCo) (Tokyo Creative) (Bokksu) 

See also: Unexpected ways spies have been caught

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