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{{Era|Occupations}}{{WP-REAL}} | {{Era|Occupations}}{{WP-REAL}} | ||
[[File:ACM-Hattori Hanzo.png|thumb|210px|Hattori Hanzō in his ninja attire]] | |||
[[File:ACM-Hattori Hanzo.png|thumb| | A '''ninja''' (忍者) or '''shinobi''' (忍び) was a covert agent in feudal [[Japan]]. The skills of a ninja included espionage, deception, and surprise attacks. Ninja originated from the [[Iga]] and [[Kōga]] provinces. They used the covert methods of irregular warfare to accomplish tasks, much to the disgust of the [[samurai]]. Despite this, some ninja were samurai that undertook special missions for their vassals. The ninja proper made their appearance in the 15th century as specially trained spies or [[Mercenary|mercenaries]].<ref name="WP">{{WP|Ninja}}</ref> Female ninja were also known as ''{{wiki|Kunoichi|kunoichi}}''.<ref>{{WP|Kunoichi}}</ref> | ||
A '''ninja''' (忍者) or '''shinobi''' (忍び) was a covert agent in feudal [[Japan]]. The skills of a ninja included espionage, deception, and surprise attacks. Ninja originated from the | |||
==History== | ==History== | ||
During the [[Sengoku period]], the ninja were caught up in the [[Assassin-Templar War|ancient conflict]] between the [[Assassins]] and the [[Templars]] when they arrived in Japan through [[Portugal|Portuguese]] traders amidst the turmoil. While some, such as [[Hattori Hanzō]], aligned themselves with the Brotherhood, others chose the Templars, most notably [[Mochizuki Chiyome]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]</ref> | ===Sengoku period=== | ||
During the [[Sengoku period]], the ninja were caught up in the [[Assassin-Templar War|ancient conflict]] between the [[Assassins]] and the [[Templars]] when they arrived in Japan through [[Portugal|Portuguese]] traders amidst the turmoil. While some, such as [[Hattori Hanzō]], aligned themselves with the Brotherhood, others chose the Templars, most notably [[Mochizuki Chiyome]].<ref name="ACM">''[[Assassin's Creed: Memories]]</ref> | |||
[[ | The province of Iga was particularly renowned for its military confederation of ninja known as the [[Iga ikki|Iga ''ikki'']]. An independent league formed in the aftermath of the [[Ōnin War]], the Iga ''ikki'' did not recognize any ''[[daimyō]]''{{'}}s hegemony and lived by their own code of honor. The ''ikki'' was particularly long-lived, existing for over a century, during which it fought to maintain its independence, successfully fending off any invaders using {{Wiki|Guerrilla warfare|guerrilla tactics}}. However, this came to an end in 1581, when Iga was [[Tenshō Iga War|conquered]] by the ''daimyō'' [[Oda Nobunaga]] and the ''ikki'' was decimated,<ref name="Echoes Shadows 06">''[[Echoes of History]] – Shadows'' – Episode 6: The Tensho Iga War</ref> although some of its members were spared and continued to operate throughout Japan, primarily in the service of [[Tokugawa Ieyasu]].<ref>{{WP|Iga ikki|Iga ''ikki''}}</ref> | ||
The '' | The Assassin [[Fujibayashi Naoe]] was one notable survivor of the Iga ''ikki'', having been trained by both the league's leader [[Momochi Sandayu]] and her father [[Fujibayashi Nagato]].<ref name="Mind and Body">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[Mind and Body]]</ref><ref name="A True Igan">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' – [[A True Igan]]</ref> During her quest to eliminate the [[Shinbakufu]] and rebuild the [[Japanese Brotherhood of Assassins|Japanese Brotherhood]], Naoe used many of the skills learned during her ''shinobi'' training, particularly in deception and infiltration.<ref name="ACSH">''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]''</ref> | ||
By the 21st century, ninja had entered into the imagination of popular culture. In 2020, the Assassin [[Layla Hassan]] modified her [[Animus]] while reliving the [[ | ===Edo period=== | ||
[[File:ACFT - Japanese ninja deserting.png|left|thumb|250px|The two factions of Shimazu ninja in Macau]] | |||
In 1725, ninja were employed by the [[Shimazu clan]] to serve under the [[Japanese Rite of the Templar Order|Japanese Templar]] [[Shimazu Saito]] in [[Macau]]. On her orders, they hunted the [[British Brotherhood of Assassins|British Assassin]] [[Edward Kenway]] in pursuit of a [[Hendrik's sea log|sea log]] containing information on the lost [[Khmer Empire|Khmer]] city of [[Angkor]], believed to be an [[Isu]] [[Temple (Isu)|site]].<ref name="FT 11">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 11|Episode 11]]</ref> In addition to Japanese ninja, Saito also employed mixed-blood ninja not native to the mainland; however, this infuriated the Japanese ninja, who were already displeased with having to obey Saito due to her mixed heritage, and they soon deserted.<ref name="FT 20">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 20|Episode 20]]</ref> | |||
The conflict between the Japanese ninja, led by [[Fuma Sukuna]], and Saito's faction escalated into a [[Shimazu clan civil war|civil war]], with members from both groups frequently clashing on the streets of Macau.<ref name="FT 30">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 30|Episode 30]]</ref> This civil war eventually culminated in the deaths of all of Saito's subordinates,<ref name="FT 37">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 37|Episode 37]]</ref> and the Templar forming a truce with Edward Kenway and joining his organization, the [[Zhawang Corporation|Zhang Wei Union]].<ref name="FT 39">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 39|Episode 39]]</ref> Saito later managed to exact revenge on Sukuna when she killed him and all of his ninja followers during a confrontation in the [[Philippines]].<ref name="FT 85">''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' – [[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple Episode 85|Episode 85]]</ref> | |||
The ''shinobi'' arts remained integral to the Japanese Brotherhood into the 19th century. For instance, the noblewoman [[Shiba Atsuko]] was trained as a ''shinobi'' by the Japanese Assassins. During the [[Boshin War]], the ninja and Assassin [[Issa]] was assigned a mission to [[Assassination|assassinate]] the [[United Kingdom|British]] Consul [[Harry Parkes]], but he was killed by the [[British Rite of the Templar Order|British Templar]] [[William Lloyd]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Fragments – The Blade of Aizu]]'' – {{Cite|18 Jan 2022}}</ref> | |||
===Modern times=== | |||
By the 21st century, ninja had entered into the imagination of popular culture. In 2020, the Assassin [[Layla Hassan]] [[Animus mod|modified]] her [[Animus]] while reliving the [[Vikings|Viking]] [[Eivor Varinsdottir]]'s [[Genetic memory|genetic memories]] to include a digital model of an [[Shinobi Pack|armor pack]] stylized after ninja attire and weaponry.<ref name="ACV">''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]''</ref> | |||
==Gallery== | |||
<gallery captionalign="center" position="center" widths="180"> | |||
ACFT - Shimazu Clan.png|Shimazu Saito with her ninja followers | |||
ACFT - Shimazu ninja 1.png|18th-century Shimazu ninja | |||
ACFT - Shimazu ninja 2.png|A group of Shimazu ninja | |||
ACFT - Fuma Sukuna commanding the ninja.png|Fuma Sukuna leading his ninja followers | |||
ACV Shinobi Pack Promo Image.png|The Shinobi Pack in ''Assassin's Creed: Valhalla'' | |||
</gallery> | |||
==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
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*''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' {{c|Helix Armor Pack}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Valhalla]]'' {{c|Helix Armor Pack}} | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple]]'' | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Visionaries]]'' {{Nc}} | |||
*''[[Echoes of History]]'' {{Mo}} | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows]]'' | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga]]'' | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game]]'' | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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{{ACF}} | {{ACF}} | ||
{{ACFT}} | {{ACFT}} | ||
{{ | {{ACSH}} | ||
{{ACSHInM}} | |||
[[zh:忍者]] | [[zh:忍者]] | ||
[[Category:Ninja | [[Category:Ninja]] | ||
[[Category:Occupations]] | [[Category:Occupations]] | ||
[[Category:Japan]] | [[Category:Japan]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:06, 9 November 2025
A ninja (忍者) or shinobi (忍び) was a covert agent in feudal Japan. The skills of a ninja included espionage, deception, and surprise attacks. Ninja originated from the Iga and Kōga provinces. They used the covert methods of irregular warfare to accomplish tasks, much to the disgust of the samurai. Despite this, some ninja were samurai that undertook special missions for their vassals. The ninja proper made their appearance in the 15th century as specially trained spies or mercenaries.[1] Female ninja were also known as kunoichi.[2]
History[edit | edit source]
Sengoku period[edit | edit source]
During the Sengoku period, the ninja were caught up in the ancient conflict between the Assassins and the Templars when they arrived in Japan through Portuguese traders amidst the turmoil. While some, such as Hattori Hanzō, aligned themselves with the Brotherhood, others chose the Templars, most notably Mochizuki Chiyome.[3]
The province of Iga was particularly renowned for its military confederation of ninja known as the Iga ikki. An independent league formed in the aftermath of the Ōnin War, the Iga ikki did not recognize any daimyō's hegemony and lived by their own code of honor. The ikki was particularly long-lived, existing for over a century, during which it fought to maintain its independence, successfully fending off any invaders using guerrilla tactics. However, this came to an end in 1581, when Iga was conquered by the daimyō Oda Nobunaga and the ikki was decimated,[4] although some of its members were spared and continued to operate throughout Japan, primarily in the service of Tokugawa Ieyasu.[5]
The Assassin Fujibayashi Naoe was one notable survivor of the Iga ikki, having been trained by both the league's leader Momochi Sandayu and her father Fujibayashi Nagato.[6][7] During her quest to eliminate the Shinbakufu and rebuild the Japanese Brotherhood, Naoe used many of the skills learned during her shinobi training, particularly in deception and infiltration.[8]
Edo period[edit | edit source]
In 1725, ninja were employed by the Shimazu clan to serve under the Japanese Templar Shimazu Saito in Macau. On her orders, they hunted the British Assassin Edward Kenway in pursuit of a sea log containing information on the lost Khmer city of Angkor, believed to be an Isu site.[9] In addition to Japanese ninja, Saito also employed mixed-blood ninja not native to the mainland; however, this infuriated the Japanese ninja, who were already displeased with having to obey Saito due to her mixed heritage, and they soon deserted.[10]
The conflict between the Japanese ninja, led by Fuma Sukuna, and Saito's faction escalated into a civil war, with members from both groups frequently clashing on the streets of Macau.[11] This civil war eventually culminated in the deaths of all of Saito's subordinates,[12] and the Templar forming a truce with Edward Kenway and joining his organization, the Zhang Wei Union.[13] Saito later managed to exact revenge on Sukuna when she killed him and all of his ninja followers during a confrontation in the Philippines.[14]
The shinobi arts remained integral to the Japanese Brotherhood into the 19th century. For instance, the noblewoman Shiba Atsuko was trained as a shinobi by the Japanese Assassins. During the Boshin War, the ninja and Assassin Issa was assigned a mission to assassinate the British Consul Harry Parkes, but he was killed by the British Templar William Lloyd.[15]
Modern times[edit | edit source]
By the 21st century, ninja had entered into the imagination of popular culture. In 2020, the Assassin Layla Hassan modified her Animus while reliving the Viking Eivor Varinsdottir's genetic memories to include a digital model of an armor pack stylized after ninja attire and weaponry.[16]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
-
Shimazu Saito with her ninja followers -
18th-century Shimazu ninja -
A group of Shimazu ninja -
Fuma Sukuna leading his ninja followers -
The Shinobi Pack in Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
Appearances[edit | edit source]
- Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag (first mentioned)
- Assassin's Creed: Memories (first appearance)
- Assassin's Creed: Fragments – The Blade of Aizu
- Assassin's Creed: Valhalla (Helix Armor Pack)
- Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple
- Assassin's Creed: Visionaries (non-canon)
- Echoes of History (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows
- Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Tales of Iga
- Assassin's Creed Roleplaying Game
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑
Ninja on Wikipedia
- ↑ Kunoichi on Wikipedia
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Memories
- ↑ Echoes of History – Shadows – Episode 6: The Tensho Iga War
- ↑ Iga ikki on Wikipedia
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – Mind and Body
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows – A True Igan
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Shadows
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 11
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 20
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 30
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 37
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 39
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Forgotten Temple – Episode 85
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Fragments – The Blade of Aizu – [citation needed]
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Valhalla
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