About Ninja
About Ninja
Spies of Japan’s Warring States Period, Clandestine Maneuvers from the Shadows of History
Members of a professional organization active from theKamakura(1192–1333) to theEdo(1603–1868) periods, they were hired bydaimyos(feudal lords) andsamuraithroughout the land to penetrate enemy territory, where they collected information, carried out assassinations, and performed subversive activities.
Ninjaunderwent long training, and possessed extraordinary physical abilities. They were able to leap three meters high, conceal themselves when required, and put fire and water to all kinds of use with “ninpo,” the art ofninja.
Even when surrounded by enemies and severely outnumbered, they managed to escape.
Preferring lightweight equipment, which allowed them to move swiftly, theninjawould disguise themselves in broad daylight. Masters of hypnotism, they threw the enemy’s territory into confusion with their infiltration tactics and ability to manipulate others, gathering intelligence on both the enemy’s fighting ability and the state of internal affairs within the territory.
They infiltrated, carried out their duties, and then made their escape, all without anyone being aware of it.
These were theninjawho secretly carried out their clandestine maneuvers from the shadows of the day.
