Ninjatō (忍者刀) "The Stealth", ninja sword (忍者)

Ninja (忍者) and ninjatō (忍者刀)

A ninja (忍者) is a spy or mercenary who existed until the Edo period (XVIIᵗʰ century). Its traditional name was shinobi (忍び, "to sneak"). Not subject to the samurai code of honor, the Bushidō (武士道), the ninja was entrusted with missions such as espionage, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and guerrilla warfare. For the sake of efficiency, he often dressed like his enemies. Since the middle of the XXᵗʰ century, the film industry has largely contributed to the image of the character dressed entirely in black, carrying one or two sabers on his back to ensure freedom of movement. However, this vision has no real historical value.

The ninjatō (忍者刀), a straight sword attributed to the ninja, is also largely inherited from films, manga and video games. The majority of weapons used by ninjas were modified agrarian tools. They could also use katanas with shortened blades to gain time in drawing the sword and surprise a samurai.

Ninjutsu (忍術), a martial art practiced today, is inspired by ninja techniques. As their main mission was intelligence, it was imperative that they return alive. Ninjutsu training thus combines defense and dodging techniques, so as to evade the enemy.

A magnificent museum dedicated to ninjas exists in Japan, the Iga Ninja Museum.