A ninja can creep behind you like a thief in the night. He can get pass you unnoticed like a ghost passing by. By then, you would have to depend on your sixth sense to get a grasp on the unseen presence. The popular name “Naruto” puts the ninja character in spotlight. Other forms of media namely epic and historical Japanese dramas, Japanese animation or anime, video games and comic books or manga. A fixed figure in costume playing goes to ninja particularly in young boys. It is one of the most favored costumes of all times. It exudes the mysterious nature especially in the Japanese military function in the olden times.
The ninja functions in a different much more versatile ways as opposed to samurai warriors. The latter are strictly bounded to their reputable image and subjected to the bushido or samurai code of conduct. Samurai warriors are not expected to fight on the front lines in wars nor engaged in direct melee attacks. Ninjas battle in sheer flexibility in espionage, secret infiltration, mission sabotaging and assassinations. There may be certain instances that they would have to engage in open combat as well.
Where did ninjas come from?
The origins of ninja are rather vague and remote from observation. The reason for this is their growth was hidden away somewhere in the dark forest and secluded places with little contacts with the outside world. It was said, however, that the existence of these trained stealth warriors surmised around the 14th century, despite of little written account about them. The word shinobi did not exist to describe a ninja-like agent until the 15th century. During the said century, it was unlikely that spies and mercenaries were seen as a specialized group, namely secretive group of agents.
The rise of mercenaries and spies sprung forth during the unrest of Sengoku period or Warring States period (1467-1568) in the Iga and Koga regions of Japan. It is from these clans that added knowledge and use of ninja mercenaries expanded. Samurai warriors adhere to the rules of bushido while ninjas are more related to ninjutsu, described as ninja’s art and a wide variety of practices related to ninja.
Why is there the need for ninja?
The contrasting discipline of ninjas and samurai warriors provided the needed support of daimyo or Japanese lords. It all began during the Sengoku period when Japanese lords were fighting with each other over more power and lands to conquer. The samurai warriors were incapable of actions such as ambushing and stealth attack, seen as unrespectable war deeds especially for conventional warriors. Ninja soldiers were able to answer the said demand for unconventional ways of fighting. They were willing to commit on secret missions.
Get to know ninja warrriors more.
Immerse yourself to learn more of the character of ninja on manga series such as Naruto, Basilisk and Ninja Scroll. The concepts, story, and scenario reflect what ninja soldiers are. You can also watch several ninja movies namely Shinobi and The Ninja Dragon.