Ninja 1000 Years Of The Shadow Warrior

Q&A with John Man

It always fascinating to bring you unique topics specially on the Ninja. John Man is the author of “Ninja 1000 Years Of The Shadow Warrior A New History.” If you really would like to learn the history of the Ninja this is the way to go. I hope to give you a taste of the Ninja in this interview with the author himself. Bring your blades. Presenting.

I had written a book on the samurai, who were so overt and colorful and death-defying, and become interested in their opposites, the ninja – covert, secretive survivalists.

2. Would you share with us exactly how the Ninja profession came about origins wise?

Ninja activities – in brief, spying – have always been part of warfare in China, which is where Japanese culture found its inspiration. During times of almost continual warfare, in the Middle Ages, the ninja reached their peak in two small areas of Japan, Iga and Koka. They specialized in the defense of their village communities.

3. Can you share some thoughts on Ninjas as pop culture icons even to this day in the modern world?

I am interested in the real ninjas. The modern ninjas, so-called, are concerned with martial arts, which played hardly any role in the lives of the real ninjas.

4. Could you go into some of the legends that seem to haunt around Ninjas to this day? Like for example spell casting.

Those who claim to be ninjas and/or interested in their history are often happy to promote the ninjas as magicians, able to fly, or vanish. These myths are based on the traditional ninja skills in disguise and concealment. There are spells mentioned in the sources, but those who recorded ninja ways advise readers not to rely on them.

5. In your research what are some truths that you have separated from the myths of the Ninja?

Perhaps the most surprising discovery for me was that ninjas sought what they called ‘right thinking.’ By this they meant elements of spirituality and idealism, far removed from the agenda of vicious and amoral killers.

6. When it comes to Ninjas who exactly did they work for Shogun wise? If you could please share some history and were they like mercenaries for hire?

Having developed their skills as self-defense forces, they acquired a nation-wide reputation, and were often hired as mercenaries in other areas. But after Japan was unified in about 1600, they lost their purpose in life, and most went back to normal life as farmers, though a few were hired by the shogun as secret agents.

7. What can you tell us about the Nakano School origins wise and what their sole purpose was?

The Nakano Spy School was set up in the 1930s to train spies in ways that recalled ninja activities. The most remarkable thing about the school was its ninja-like high-mindedness, exactly the opposite of the attitudes that dominated the Japanese military after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

8. This story of the last ninja Hiroo Onoda is very interesting. Would love to know more about him.

Onoda was a prime example of the Nakano spy, totally imbued with the ideals of loyalty, generosity and survival at all costs. He spent 30 years in the jungle on a Philippine island, in absolute certainty that the war could not be over, until he received the news in person from a commanding officer. He returned, to huge publicity, and has spent much of his time on charity work. He’s still going strong at 90 plus.

9. What from the book would you like to share with our readers that we haven’t touched on yet that you find intriguing?

The ninjas used to train along with adepts of the religious sect known as Shugendo. It is still popular in Japan. Trainees still run mountain paths and harden themselves by sitting under waterfalls. Priests still conduct purification ceremonies. Ninjas were not interested in the extremes of spirituality, but if you want to get a feel for the ninja way of life, do some Shugendo training!

10. What are you up to in the future book wise? And I also see you have many other very interesting titles like Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan that I will have to look into. Any links you’d like to share or parting words? Thank you.

My core interest is in Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. This is a huge subject which I have covered in several books, but I’m currently compressing it into a single volume, because it is a unified narrative, running from Genghis Khan’s dream of world empire to his grandson Kublai’s discovery that the dream was pure fantasy.

This book is published by William Morrow

The first major pop history of the Japanese stealth assassins, John Man’s Ninja is a meticulously researched, entertaining blend of mythology, anthropology, travelogue, and history of the legendary shadow warriors.

Spies, assassins, saboteurs, and secret agents, Ninja have become the subject of countless legends that continue to enthrall us in modern movies, video games, and comics—and their arts are still practiced in our time by dedicated acolytes who study the ancient techniques.

Ninja: 1,000 Years of the Shadow Warrior, by British historian John Man, is as colorful and intriguing as the warriors it so vividly brings to life.