This article will introduce and detail, and dissect for the reader, what exactly it is that sets apart these two styles of ninja arts. Mostly between the Kamakura and Edo periods, the ninja served the samurai class in covert operations such as intelligence and espionage.
Since ancient times in Japanese history, the ninja have continued to serve from the shadows. The first person said to have commanded ninjas as we know them now, is Prince Shotoku of the Asuka Period. He is thought to have monitored the internal movements of the imperial court, using his covert operatives. At the time, ninjas were referred to as "shinobi", and the one that served Prince Shotoku is said to have been named Otomo-no-Hosohito. A long time after being referred to as "shinobi" in the Asuka period, the term "ninja" was actually only popularized recently in the Taisho period - Until then, a great deal of regional and temporal variation existed in how these covert agents were referred to.
Speaking in terms of eras, the ninja were called "kanja" in the Warring States Period, and "onmitsu" in the Edo period. Looking by the region, they were also called "suppa" in Kyoto and Nara Prefectures, and "shinobi" in Fukui Prefecture pronounced the same as the Asuka period's "shinobi", but written in different characters.
Many people are likely eager to ask this question: do real ninjas still exist in Japan? It was in the Meiji period that Japan properly established a national police force and army, and that ninjas thus lost their practical function. In the period following that, the number of real ninjas gradually decreased. That being said, the ninja's inherent purpose is to not be seen.
They may be continuing their shadowy works to this day, in places that we can hardly see or imagine. Ninjas often lived in groups all over Japan, all teaching different styles of ninja arts. Their true number is debated, but it is said that 71 distinct schools of ninja arts existed nationwide, and each had characteristics depending on their regional traditions and ruling lords.
Among them, the Iga-ryu school of Mie prefecture and the Koka-ryu school of Shiga prefecture are especially famous lineages of ninja arts. The aforementioned Otomo-no-Hosohito, Japan's oldest known ninja who served Prince Shotoku, was a ninja of the Koka-ryu school.
The Iga-ryu school of ninjutsu originated in Mie prefecture, where the current cities of Iga and Nabari locate. The development of a ninja community in this region is thought to result from two major factors: its mountain-locked geography, and location in a major hub of transportation.
The Iga-ryu school of ninjutsu holds its roots in the Hattori clan. Ninja of the Iga-ryu school were characterized by high levels of proficiency in combat and ninja arts, and used their strengths to contribute to a great number of battles. Their connection to their lords was purely based on monetary contract, and they were known to not form any deeper relationships than that.
In the cities of Iga and Nabari in Mie prefecture, there are many ninja-related landmarks. There are even some places where you can experience what it was like to be a ninja! Iga-ryu Ninja Museum. Step 3- tie sleeves over the lower face and adjust so that only the eyes are visible. Step 4- make like a ninja! Destiny 2. What is the difference between Iga ninja and Koga ninja? What happened to the Iga ninja?
When Ieyasu became shogun in , he employed the Iga ninja as guards for Edo Castle now part of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as well as to supply him with intelligence like modern-day spies. It offers visitors a glimpse into the life of ninja and a peek at some of their skills. You can watch a live ninja show, check out a real ninja house complete with revolving walls, fake hallways, hidden compartments and trap doors, admire the ingenuity of ninja weaponry, and even walk on water with the clever use of foot rafts.
Rivaling the Iga ninja were the Koga clan in Shiga Prefecture. Although not as well known, they were said to have used both stealth and deception to mask their true size and power.
The Koka region the ninja tend to be rendered in English as Koga, while the region is Koka was strategically important, situated on the ancient Tokaido Road, the main route from Kyoto to Edo modern-day Tokyo.
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