The Life of a Shinobi aka ‘Ninja’ in Ancient Japan
The Samurais hired Ninjas for their dirty work.
Modern pop culture has imprinted in our minds what ninjas were like — stealthy, precise, and, most importantly, deadly. Films, comics, and cartoons portray them as ghost-like creatures who can and will use any means necessary to accomplish their secret missions, be it tiptoeing over rooftops or wielding unusual weapons to take out their enemies.
But how much of what is shown in media is the truth? Were ninjas truly black-hooded & highly skilled assassins, or would it be an understatement to say they were mere thugs living dangerous lives? Today I’ll go into the historical world of Ancient Japan to find out the truth about ninjas, also referred to as shinobi in that period.
They were perfect for irregular missions
Ancient Japan was ruled based on a caste system since the establishment of the Kamakura period, which lasted for around two centuries from 1192 to 1333, during which the basis of feudalism was firmly established.
Hence, a structure was set up where feudal lords called daimyo, leaders of strong warrior bands, assumed political rule over most of Japan at the time. Leading into the Sengoku period, which lasted between the 14th and 16th centuries…
