25 little-known and fascinating facts about Japanese ninjas

Ninja: myths and legends.

There are many myths and legends about Japanese ninja. Today they are seen as a clan of assassins who were brought up in special secret ways and fought their perennial rivals samurai. But the modern image of the ancient ninja is based on 20th-century comics and fantasy literature. In our review of little-known facts about the real ninja story.

1. Shinobi Mono

Ninja was actually called completely different.

According to preserved documents, the correct name is “sinobi-no mono.” The word “ninja” is a Chinese reading of a Japanese ideogram that became popular in the 20th century.

2. The first mention of ninja

Saboteurs.

The ninja was first reported from the military chronicle “Taiheiki,” written in 1375. It told us that the ninja entered the enemy city at night and set fire to the buildings.

3. The Golden Age of Ninja