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The Book of Ninja: The Bansenshukai - Japan's Premier Ninja Manual
The first complete translation of the ultimate Ninja manual—a comprehensive guide to the arts of the ninja, including espionage, warfare, assassination, and more
In 1676, a ninja named Fujibayashi collected and combined information from the ninja clans of Iga—regarded to be the homeland of the ninja—and compiled it into an authoritative book. Known as The Bansenhukai , Fujibayashi's book has now been translated into English by the Historical Ninjutsu Research Team and is widely considered to be the ‘bible’ of ninjutsu, the arts of the ninja.
The Book of Ninja begins with an in-depth introduction to the history of Fujibayashi's scripture. The teachings themselves, appealingly rendered in this translation, then take us into the secrets of guerrilla warfare and espionage. We learn how to become the ultimate spy, whether through a network of spies or by hiding in plain sight. Through the stealth and concealment tactics of night-time infiltration, through weapon and tool building skills, and through mission planning, we can learn much both about warfare and about adopting the right mindset for tackling our own inner and outer enemies. Adding to the mix for the spycraft lover, there are sections on capturing criminals, performing night raids, making secret codes and signs, and even techniques for predicting the weather, and using an esoteric Buddhist system of divination. An exciting and engaging tome of lost knowledge, The Book of Ninja is the final say in the world of the ninja and the ultimate classic for samurai and ninja enthusiasts alike.
In 1676, a ninja named Fujibayashi collected and combined information from the ninja clans of Iga—regarded to be the homeland of the ninja—and compiled it into an authoritative book. Known as The Bansenhukai , Fujibayashi's book has now been translated into English by the Historical Ninjutsu Research Team and is widely considered to be the ‘bible’ of ninjutsu, the arts of the ninja.
The Book of Ninja begins with an in-depth introduction to the history of Fujibayashi's scripture. The teachings themselves, appealingly rendered in this translation, then take us into the secrets of guerrilla warfare and espionage. We learn how to become the ultimate spy, whether through a network of spies or by hiding in plain sight. Through the stealth and concealment tactics of night-time infiltration, through weapon and tool building skills, and through mission planning, we can learn much both about warfare and about adopting the right mindset for tackling our own inner and outer enemies. Adding to the mix for the spycraft lover, there are sections on capturing criminals, performing night raids, making secret codes and signs, and even techniques for predicting the weather, and using an esoteric Buddhist system of divination. An exciting and engaging tome of lost knowledge, The Book of Ninja is the final say in the world of the ninja and the ultimate classic for samurai and ninja enthusiasts alike.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published October 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 25, 2015
The Bansenshukai is a 17th century manual of ninja tradecraft and fieldcraft compiled by Fujibayashi Sabuji. If you’re doing related research or are a geek about historic warriors and / or spies, you’ll likely find this book intriguing--and parts of it even fascinating. However, it’s important to note that this translation’s title The Book of Ninja may conjure up expectations of stories of derring-do and assassinations set in medieval Japan. This isn’t that book. This book contains an extensive discussion of morals, guidance as to how commanders should employ ninja, how to don a disguise and impersonate your way into enemy territory, technical discussion of how to infiltrate long-obsolete fortifications, insight into how to pick medieval Japanese locks, and instructions for how to make torches and rope ladders. This book won’t teach you how to be a ninja. (a.) I suspect no book could do that, b.) This one holds back a lot of secrets, and c.) Most of the information is obsolete from a practical stand point. (However, it’s likely to have many ideas of a strategic or philosophic nature that one might find thought-provoking.)
Why is this book important and interesting (though--as I’ve suggested--some of its content seems patently boring)? We live in an era of information overload, and it’s difficult to fathom how little is truly known about the ninja of medieval Japan. We live during a time in which even the most secretive agencies document everything always (even if they sometimes manage to shred or burn that information.) In their heyday, the ninja weren’t big on writing down true and interesting information for fear it would fall into the wrong hands. Lack of documentation and false documentation were key elements of security. There are only a few manuals like this one in existence, and the Bansenshukai is considered by many to be chief among them by virtue of being the most extensive. (FYI- The other well-known manuals are the Shoninki and the Ninpiden, both of which also have English language translations available. Beyond these manuals, there are some surviving familial scrolls.) It should be noted that these manuals were written after the warring states period (though before the Meiji Restoration) when there was a fear that this information might be lost precisely because it was historically conveyed via word of mouth. And, it should be noted, throughout the work there are frequent statements to the effect of “there is an oral transmission”—meaning that key parts haven’t been written down and are only to be taught in person by hands-on instruction.
The Bansenshukai is organized into 22 volumes. The first volume is background and introductory information. The second and third volumes are more philosophical, dealing with achieving the “correct mind,” the former dealing with morality and the latter offering perspective on life and death.
The fourth through seventh volumes are designed to educate military commanders about how they might get the best use of ninja.
The next group of volumes (8 – 10) cover Yo-nin, which is the act of infiltrating enemy territory in the open through use of disguise and deception. The Japanese term yo is the same as the Chinese term yang, or sunny side—as opposed to yin (in in Japanese) which means the shady side. So these volumes offer advice for operating out in the open—in the light of day, so to speak. The previous volumes are contrasted with the next set of volumes (11-15), the In-Nin, which deals with covertly breaking into enemy houses and castles. Together the Yo-nin and In-nin chapters are likely to be the most interesting to the general reader--excepting the last of these (vol. 15, which deals with lock picking.) While I said that this book isn’t full of stories of legendary exploits, I don’t mean to suggest Fujibayashi didn’t use vignettes to reinforce his points (there are plenty of them)—just that these stories aren’t told to entertain but to educate.
The next two volumes are entitled Tenji I and Tenji II, and they discuss what the author considered the opportunities bestowed by heaven. The first of these chapters is mostly Chinese astrological hokum in painful detail. The second is a primitive primer on meteorology—which I suspect is a mix of good and bad advice based on the science of that time and place. (These people were exceptionally observant but the product of superstitious times, and so one can imagine fact and fiction being muddled together.) At any rate, I found the second chapter to have some quite interesting information of which I’d like to know more about the veracity.
The final set of volumes are on ninja tools (i.e. ninki.) These include chapters on climbing tools like rope ladders, water crossing devices like inflatable seats, breaking and entering tools, and many recipes for incendiary and explosive materials. Like the chapter on locks and lock picking, these chapters will mostly be of value to individuals with a heavy interest in the history of technology—with a particular focus on Japan and / or East Asia. In many ways the ninja were by necessity technologically advanced by the standards of that time in Japan’s history (keeping in mind that because of literally centuries of war, Japan wasn’t at the cutting edge of a spectrum of technology in the 17th century as they are today—though they made swords that at least rivaled if not surpassed those anywhere else in the world, but swords were on the way out or passé by that time in many places.)
There’s an additional text on strategy that forms an appendix to The Bansenshukai. To the front, there’s an explanation of Japanese locks of the time, written by a historian of such minutiae. There’s also front matter by the translator, providing valuable background material. Each chapter is heavily endnoted. These endnotes are generally explanatory in nature. While the text is quite readable given its era, there’s much that requires further explanation. Sometimes the notes elaborate on a statement in the text and sometimes they suggest that an explanation is unknown—either way that information can be quite beneficial. The graphics are simple drawings (I believe they come from the original text), and in some cases they wouldn’t be useful without the explanation of the text.
One will note a heavy Chinese influence in The Bansenshukai. There are frequent references to Sun Tzu and many of the vignettes use to illustrate points involve tales from China—though there are also many that feature Japanese warriors as well—e.g. Kusunoki Masashige, a samurai famous as a paragon of loyalty but who was also known for his use of ninjutsu and unconventional tactics, features prominently throughout the work—though it’s unknown how many of these tales are fact and how many legend.
If you’re still curious about the contents of this book after hearing what it is and isn’t, I’d highly recommend it. There’s a lot of thought-provoking information in the book, and if you’re doing research on the subject this book is essential reading. I should also point out that while I’ve suggested that much of the information is obsolete in the modern era, it’s not all so. There are some interesting perspectives on strategy, tactics, philosophy, and ethics in this book. [Plus, if you want to be the office ninja, it’s a must-read along with Machiavelli’s The Prince.]
Why is this book important and interesting (though--as I’ve suggested--some of its content seems patently boring)? We live in an era of information overload, and it’s difficult to fathom how little is truly known about the ninja of medieval Japan. We live during a time in which even the most secretive agencies document everything always (even if they sometimes manage to shred or burn that information.) In their heyday, the ninja weren’t big on writing down true and interesting information for fear it would fall into the wrong hands. Lack of documentation and false documentation were key elements of security. There are only a few manuals like this one in existence, and the Bansenshukai is considered by many to be chief among them by virtue of being the most extensive. (FYI- The other well-known manuals are the Shoninki and the Ninpiden, both of which also have English language translations available. Beyond these manuals, there are some surviving familial scrolls.) It should be noted that these manuals were written after the warring states period (though before the Meiji Restoration) when there was a fear that this information might be lost precisely because it was historically conveyed via word of mouth. And, it should be noted, throughout the work there are frequent statements to the effect of “there is an oral transmission”—meaning that key parts haven’t been written down and are only to be taught in person by hands-on instruction.
The Bansenshukai is organized into 22 volumes. The first volume is background and introductory information. The second and third volumes are more philosophical, dealing with achieving the “correct mind,” the former dealing with morality and the latter offering perspective on life and death.
The fourth through seventh volumes are designed to educate military commanders about how they might get the best use of ninja.
The next group of volumes (8 – 10) cover Yo-nin, which is the act of infiltrating enemy territory in the open through use of disguise and deception. The Japanese term yo is the same as the Chinese term yang, or sunny side—as opposed to yin (in in Japanese) which means the shady side. So these volumes offer advice for operating out in the open—in the light of day, so to speak. The previous volumes are contrasted with the next set of volumes (11-15), the In-Nin, which deals with covertly breaking into enemy houses and castles. Together the Yo-nin and In-nin chapters are likely to be the most interesting to the general reader--excepting the last of these (vol. 15, which deals with lock picking.) While I said that this book isn’t full of stories of legendary exploits, I don’t mean to suggest Fujibayashi didn’t use vignettes to reinforce his points (there are plenty of them)—just that these stories aren’t told to entertain but to educate.
The next two volumes are entitled Tenji I and Tenji II, and they discuss what the author considered the opportunities bestowed by heaven. The first of these chapters is mostly Chinese astrological hokum in painful detail. The second is a primitive primer on meteorology—which I suspect is a mix of good and bad advice based on the science of that time and place. (These people were exceptionally observant but the product of superstitious times, and so one can imagine fact and fiction being muddled together.) At any rate, I found the second chapter to have some quite interesting information of which I’d like to know more about the veracity.
The final set of volumes are on ninja tools (i.e. ninki.) These include chapters on climbing tools like rope ladders, water crossing devices like inflatable seats, breaking and entering tools, and many recipes for incendiary and explosive materials. Like the chapter on locks and lock picking, these chapters will mostly be of value to individuals with a heavy interest in the history of technology—with a particular focus on Japan and / or East Asia. In many ways the ninja were by necessity technologically advanced by the standards of that time in Japan’s history (keeping in mind that because of literally centuries of war, Japan wasn’t at the cutting edge of a spectrum of technology in the 17th century as they are today—though they made swords that at least rivaled if not surpassed those anywhere else in the world, but swords were on the way out or passé by that time in many places.)
There’s an additional text on strategy that forms an appendix to The Bansenshukai. To the front, there’s an explanation of Japanese locks of the time, written by a historian of such minutiae. There’s also front matter by the translator, providing valuable background material. Each chapter is heavily endnoted. These endnotes are generally explanatory in nature. While the text is quite readable given its era, there’s much that requires further explanation. Sometimes the notes elaborate on a statement in the text and sometimes they suggest that an explanation is unknown—either way that information can be quite beneficial. The graphics are simple drawings (I believe they come from the original text), and in some cases they wouldn’t be useful without the explanation of the text.
One will note a heavy Chinese influence in The Bansenshukai. There are frequent references to Sun Tzu and many of the vignettes use to illustrate points involve tales from China—though there are also many that feature Japanese warriors as well—e.g. Kusunoki Masashige, a samurai famous as a paragon of loyalty but who was also known for his use of ninjutsu and unconventional tactics, features prominently throughout the work—though it’s unknown how many of these tales are fact and how many legend.
If you’re still curious about the contents of this book after hearing what it is and isn’t, I’d highly recommend it. There’s a lot of thought-provoking information in the book, and if you’re doing research on the subject this book is essential reading. I should also point out that while I’ve suggested that much of the information is obsolete in the modern era, it’s not all so. There are some interesting perspectives on strategy, tactics, philosophy, and ethics in this book. [Plus, if you want to be the office ninja, it’s a must-read along with Machiavelli’s The Prince.]
May 31, 2020
The first time I heard of the Bansenshukai was probably in 1997. It might have been quite a bit earlier, but I can be pretty sure that in 1997 I have seen some pictures of the manual, and descriptions in a book. I was fascinated.
Around 2000, as the Internet was getting more readily available in Romania, I have managed to retrieve a pdf scan of the Bansenshukai. This is available even now on the net. I have went to a Japanese teacher (native Japanese) and asked her if she can translate it and how much it would cost. She told me that it is impossible and that nowadays, Japanese people cannot read it, without special training.
Fast forward, and this particular translation appeared. Like all things, it is complex. On one side, it is the first translation of Bansenshukai that has appeared. Anthony Cummings has made a lot of effort so I think that he should have some praise for it. Having him named as an author of the book is a bit disingenious and I don't agree with a lot of what he has done. However, despite that, I think that this is a huge effort. Of course, the effort of Yoshie Minami I think is to be recognized as well.
So despite his other flaws, I am happy that this book was translated.
------------
A little bit about the feeling that I have concerning this book. The story of the book is in my opinion quite touching. Apparently, a ninja family tried to write this book as a kind of exposition of their art. They tried to gain employment in the service of a daimyo. It is already a testament that while this book was written, the kind of skills described in this book were already less in demand. 50-100 years before the publication date, they would have been state secrets.
The family failed to obtain employment. However, the book gained some popularity within the remaining ninja families. In a scroll that I have previously seen, it was written that one who tries to use these skills (ninjutsu) for personal gain, fame or money will not succeed. It is sad, but it is more or less what happened here.
------------
Now on to the book itself. It is generally quite pragmatical, and it contains the state of the art in technology of the 17th century. Of course, this means that a lot of it is outdated.
Yet, the general principles in a way have not changed that much. As such, at least a general framework of thinking about these things can be learned. The rest of the ideas are generally only useful for anthropological and historical research.
I will try to do a freestyle description of the contents, in order to better enable one to understand what seems useful and can be adapted, what seems obsolete, and what is simply missing from the text.
-------------
The first two volumes are named Seishin - Correct Mind.
These volumes describe a moral code of the shinobi. A lot of emphasis is done on typical Confucian and Buddhist virtues that were common at that time. In a way this is used to also counteract the image that shinobi were having as similar to the thieves and bandits. The second volume is more focused on having no fear of death. It uses a lot of Chinese medicine and philosophy to explain that death shouldn't be something to be afraid.
Generally, the core virtues described in this volumes are essential even today. However, no imapct could be made on today's operative by telling them about various Chinese scholars. And of course, most of the Chinese philosophical theory would not have any effect on the morale of the troops today.
It is however interesting to read, although in English it is a bit more prosaic sounding, and the rhythm is somewhat lacking. I have the feeling that this chapter was created solely for creating a favourable opinion from the lord.
----------
The next five volumes are named Shochi - Guideline for Commanders
It explains how shinobi's should be recruited and used. It explains various ways of controlling them, and their proper usage. There is also description of communicating with them, and coordinating actions of the troops with the actions of the shinobi no mono. This section also describes how to guard against enemy shinobi and how to use enemy shinobis against the enemy (double agents).
The very last volume describes the organization of the camps, guard duty, identification marks and passwords, etc.
The psychological aspects in the first four volumes are generally quite useful. Some of the tactics however would not be permissible in today's world, although I am quite sure that they have been used at times. The passwords, identifications and so on are not useful anymore in today's world. The last volume is again, mostly obsolete. Nevertheless, while obsolete, there are similar concepts in today's military science that have the same purpose and usage.
-----------
The science of ninjutsu properly is described in the rest of the book. Fujibayashi's school splits the whole of ninjutsu in two: In-nin and Yo-nin (in and yo mean yin and yang).
Yo-nin includes every action which is not black ops type of action. This includes, but is not limited to scouting, survey, disguise, and undercover operation. This is the topic of volumes 8-10
The In-nin includes methods of infiltrating similar to black-ops. This describe methods of infiltrating a castle, a house, bypassing various obstacles, camouflage, evasion, acting within the enemies compound, night attacks, medieval lockpicking and door-jamming etc. This is the topic of volumes 11-14.
An important point is done to explain that the methods in and yo are to be combined and they should be used together and mixed.
A lot of the stratagems are somewhat obsolete but still useful and applicable. Sometimes though, details are missing and they cannot be applied exactly as they are described. The lockpicking and door jamming is very difficult to understand without intricate knowledge of Japanese medieval doors and locks. Most of this is useless nowadays
The rest of the book contains details that are useful for the main strategies described above. Namely: Two volumes on "Tenji" and five volumes on shinobi tools. These are generally what people look for and they are at the very end!!!
-----------
The first volume on tenji discusses various divination methods. They are originally Chinese and based on the Chinese horoscope, usually imported via onmyodo.
A very interesting thing is that the author doesn't believe in these methods. He presents them though because they can raise the morale of the troops.
The second volume contains primitive meteorology. Most of it is useless in the modern world, and there are easier ways to find out the weather. I don't really think they worked that well in 17th century but YMMV.
Both of these volumes are generally useless and I cannot really see how they can be applied. The reading is quite boring as there are lists and lists.
-----------
The five volumes on ninja tools, are broadly addressing the various tools used in In-Nin operations:
- Climbing tools - most of them given without explanation, but they can be somewhat inferred. Some of the most interesting ones however are not at all obvious how to use (gumo-bashiro)
- Water crossing tools - very intricate explanations. Because of this, they are somewhat difficult to understand. The mizugumo is here. As expected, it is more a life buoy used single and not in pair. Various rafts, boats and other devices are described.
- Opening tools - these are used for infiltration. Mostly carpenter like tools, but made pliable and smaller. Also some nice sandals for walking silently
- Fire tools - 2 volumes on incendiary recipes and devices, torches, special gun usage and various uses of fire. Most of them are very innovative and inventive.
The climbing tools and the water crossing tools do give some interesting ideas for the improvisations and they could be adapted somehow. The opening tools are generally obsolete today. The fire tools are very interesting, but probably more trouble than are worth it. A few of them contain ingredients not readily available nowadays.
------------
The book has a volume added later, Bansenshukai Gunyo-hiki which is a rather eclectical collection of strategies. These don't necessarily relate to ninjutsu or shinobi no mono. It contains similar details as in the last Shochi volume, only a bit less organized, but more pragmatical. It is like a collection of tricks, strategies and tactics. Some of them are useful for the army as a whole: ways of setting and defending a camp, military formations, etc. . Others, are more like survival tips and tricks, medicine, etc. A lot of them are obsolete, but extremely interesting. Even more so than most of the other volumes.
------------
All in all read the thing if you are interested in history. Don't expect to be some super duper ninja. Even if you were to be back in the 17th century, some of these things would need further explanations and training. Some of the things here require skills that need to be trained and are not described in this book.
Gingetsu Itou seems to have had a clear view as to the essence of ninjutsu and how it has evolved and had to evolved to be of use. It also describes the conditioning needed in part. I find his ideas to be in the same vein of thought as those of Fujibayashi (author of Bansenshukai). Interestingly, I don't think Fujita Seiko had the same outlook or he didn't come of the same school of thought.
However, a lot can be learned and I find such things interesting to study in and of themselves. The strategies in themselves are useful, and some new ideas can be had even from older tools. Often better substitutes are available.
I actually have quite a lot more to say on these topics, but I think the review is getting quite long and I believe that it is enough for now. So 5 stars for finally getting this in print. Normally I would subtract at least 1 star for various other reasons, but I believe that the fact that this was translated and printed is good enough to make me forgo those reasons.
Around 2000, as the Internet was getting more readily available in Romania, I have managed to retrieve a pdf scan of the Bansenshukai. This is available even now on the net. I have went to a Japanese teacher (native Japanese) and asked her if she can translate it and how much it would cost. She told me that it is impossible and that nowadays, Japanese people cannot read it, without special training.
Fast forward, and this particular translation appeared. Like all things, it is complex. On one side, it is the first translation of Bansenshukai that has appeared. Anthony Cummings has made a lot of effort so I think that he should have some praise for it. Having him named as an author of the book is a bit disingenious and I don't agree with a lot of what he has done. However, despite that, I think that this is a huge effort. Of course, the effort of Yoshie Minami I think is to be recognized as well.
So despite his other flaws, I am happy that this book was translated.
------------
A little bit about the feeling that I have concerning this book. The story of the book is in my opinion quite touching. Apparently, a ninja family tried to write this book as a kind of exposition of their art. They tried to gain employment in the service of a daimyo. It is already a testament that while this book was written, the kind of skills described in this book were already less in demand. 50-100 years before the publication date, they would have been state secrets.
The family failed to obtain employment. However, the book gained some popularity within the remaining ninja families. In a scroll that I have previously seen, it was written that one who tries to use these skills (ninjutsu) for personal gain, fame or money will not succeed. It is sad, but it is more or less what happened here.
------------
Now on to the book itself. It is generally quite pragmatical, and it contains the state of the art in technology of the 17th century. Of course, this means that a lot of it is outdated.
Yet, the general principles in a way have not changed that much. As such, at least a general framework of thinking about these things can be learned. The rest of the ideas are generally only useful for anthropological and historical research.
I will try to do a freestyle description of the contents, in order to better enable one to understand what seems useful and can be adapted, what seems obsolete, and what is simply missing from the text.
-------------
The first two volumes are named Seishin - Correct Mind.
These volumes describe a moral code of the shinobi. A lot of emphasis is done on typical Confucian and Buddhist virtues that were common at that time. In a way this is used to also counteract the image that shinobi were having as similar to the thieves and bandits. The second volume is more focused on having no fear of death. It uses a lot of Chinese medicine and philosophy to explain that death shouldn't be something to be afraid.
Generally, the core virtues described in this volumes are essential even today. However, no imapct could be made on today's operative by telling them about various Chinese scholars. And of course, most of the Chinese philosophical theory would not have any effect on the morale of the troops today.
It is however interesting to read, although in English it is a bit more prosaic sounding, and the rhythm is somewhat lacking. I have the feeling that this chapter was created solely for creating a favourable opinion from the lord.
----------
The next five volumes are named Shochi - Guideline for Commanders
It explains how shinobi's should be recruited and used. It explains various ways of controlling them, and their proper usage. There is also description of communicating with them, and coordinating actions of the troops with the actions of the shinobi no mono. This section also describes how to guard against enemy shinobi and how to use enemy shinobis against the enemy (double agents).
The very last volume describes the organization of the camps, guard duty, identification marks and passwords, etc.
The psychological aspects in the first four volumes are generally quite useful. Some of the tactics however would not be permissible in today's world, although I am quite sure that they have been used at times. The passwords, identifications and so on are not useful anymore in today's world. The last volume is again, mostly obsolete. Nevertheless, while obsolete, there are similar concepts in today's military science that have the same purpose and usage.
-----------
The science of ninjutsu properly is described in the rest of the book. Fujibayashi's school splits the whole of ninjutsu in two: In-nin and Yo-nin (in and yo mean yin and yang).
Yo-nin includes every action which is not black ops type of action. This includes, but is not limited to scouting, survey, disguise, and undercover operation. This is the topic of volumes 8-10
The In-nin includes methods of infiltrating similar to black-ops. This describe methods of infiltrating a castle, a house, bypassing various obstacles, camouflage, evasion, acting within the enemies compound, night attacks, medieval lockpicking and door-jamming etc. This is the topic of volumes 11-14.
An important point is done to explain that the methods in and yo are to be combined and they should be used together and mixed.
A lot of the stratagems are somewhat obsolete but still useful and applicable. Sometimes though, details are missing and they cannot be applied exactly as they are described. The lockpicking and door jamming is very difficult to understand without intricate knowledge of Japanese medieval doors and locks. Most of this is useless nowadays
The rest of the book contains details that are useful for the main strategies described above. Namely: Two volumes on "Tenji" and five volumes on shinobi tools. These are generally what people look for and they are at the very end!!!
-----------
The first volume on tenji discusses various divination methods. They are originally Chinese and based on the Chinese horoscope, usually imported via onmyodo.
A very interesting thing is that the author doesn't believe in these methods. He presents them though because they can raise the morale of the troops.
The second volume contains primitive meteorology. Most of it is useless in the modern world, and there are easier ways to find out the weather. I don't really think they worked that well in 17th century but YMMV.
Both of these volumes are generally useless and I cannot really see how they can be applied. The reading is quite boring as there are lists and lists.
-----------
The five volumes on ninja tools, are broadly addressing the various tools used in In-Nin operations:
- Climbing tools - most of them given without explanation, but they can be somewhat inferred. Some of the most interesting ones however are not at all obvious how to use (gumo-bashiro)
- Water crossing tools - very intricate explanations. Because of this, they are somewhat difficult to understand. The mizugumo is here. As expected, it is more a life buoy used single and not in pair. Various rafts, boats and other devices are described.
- Opening tools - these are used for infiltration. Mostly carpenter like tools, but made pliable and smaller. Also some nice sandals for walking silently
- Fire tools - 2 volumes on incendiary recipes and devices, torches, special gun usage and various uses of fire. Most of them are very innovative and inventive.
The climbing tools and the water crossing tools do give some interesting ideas for the improvisations and they could be adapted somehow. The opening tools are generally obsolete today. The fire tools are very interesting, but probably more trouble than are worth it. A few of them contain ingredients not readily available nowadays.
------------
The book has a volume added later, Bansenshukai Gunyo-hiki which is a rather eclectical collection of strategies. These don't necessarily relate to ninjutsu or shinobi no mono. It contains similar details as in the last Shochi volume, only a bit less organized, but more pragmatical. It is like a collection of tricks, strategies and tactics. Some of them are useful for the army as a whole: ways of setting and defending a camp, military formations, etc. . Others, are more like survival tips and tricks, medicine, etc. A lot of them are obsolete, but extremely interesting. Even more so than most of the other volumes.
------------
All in all read the thing if you are interested in history. Don't expect to be some super duper ninja. Even if you were to be back in the 17th century, some of these things would need further explanations and training. Some of the things here require skills that need to be trained and are not described in this book.
Gingetsu Itou seems to have had a clear view as to the essence of ninjutsu and how it has evolved and had to evolved to be of use. It also describes the conditioning needed in part. I find his ideas to be in the same vein of thought as those of Fujibayashi (author of Bansenshukai). Interestingly, I don't think Fujita Seiko had the same outlook or he didn't come of the same school of thought.
However, a lot can be learned and I find such things interesting to study in and of themselves. The strategies in themselves are useful, and some new ideas can be had even from older tools. Often better substitutes are available.
I actually have quite a lot more to say on these topics, but I think the review is getting quite long and I believe that it is enough for now. So 5 stars for finally getting this in print. Normally I would subtract at least 1 star for various other reasons, but I believe that the fact that this was translated and printed is good enough to make me forgo those reasons.
February 5, 2021
Most informative!
July 27, 2017
Anthony Cummins has done an amazing job here. He has translated an ancient text which explains a huge amount about the history, philosophy and methods of ninjutsu from the past. You must read the text in that context and you will gain a huge amount from this book. It's a historical document for the western world providing the translation of recordings from a massive collection of knowledge. It is detailed about intricate ancient methods that they used. The section on the 'The Correct Mind' is fascinating. The 'Guideline for Commanders' weaves in the teachings of Sun Tzu, which I particularly found insightful.
This is an incredible book and required immense dedication.
This is an incredible book and required immense dedication.
February 4, 2023
Nearly 200 omissions from the text's teachings due to them being 'oral transmission'. And I know that's not a book issue, but it's hilarious that every time my interest is heightened by a topic being discussed, I am cut off by those who aim to (rightfully) preserve their secrets.
This was really eye-opening in terms of what a ninja would have actually done in history as well as how weapons and war were thought about. As an academic exercise, it was highly interesting putting yourself in the shoes of someone so far gone in the past.
This was really eye-opening in terms of what a ninja would have actually done in history as well as how weapons and war were thought about. As an academic exercise, it was highly interesting putting yourself in the shoes of someone so far gone in the past.
August 13, 2023
Going into this book, I had some concerns. I worried that it would be too dry given that it was originally written in the late 1600's. Thankfully, it was easy enough to read and while some of the content can be dry at times for the modern reader, it was still interesting enough overall. One thing I did appreciate was the inclusion of kanji when necessary; as someone that studies Japanese, it's appreciated.
I gave the book 5 stars because it's informative, the translation is well done, and kanji are present when necessary.
I gave the book 5 stars because it's informative, the translation is well done, and kanji are present when necessary.
December 12, 2021
Assessing the trustworthiness of this particular English localization of the Bansenshukai (by the, um... Historical Ninjutsu Research Team) is a real humdinger if you can't recognize a sociopathic personality for the way they publish a constant ceaseless volume of ninja scrolls (accomplished despite lacking fluency or literacy in source material languages).
April 21, 2020
Great book. HAs good information
May 9, 2020
Informative read.
Read
April 30, 2021Idk
July 28, 2024
Authentic ninja history and methods recorded manual translated in to english very useful.
October 12, 2024
I am not allowed to say much about this book, but if you’re occulted and want to learn more, this one is full of Secrets.
March 19, 2018
It's the big famous Bansenshukai! And it has everything it promises. However what it promises and what you expect is likely two different things.
And the trouble about writing about the ninja or similar legends, is that the publisher and/or editor is likely to urge you to give it s fancy title. Seriously, out of all the ninja lore out there, this one could have simply been titled "Bansenshukai" and done great. But some want to make this seem like the Bible of ninjutsu, which it is not, and there really isn't any comparable thing.
What this is, is a jiten (事典), a sort of encyclopedic collection of ideas, knowledge and other miscellany. And this isn't a bad thing, but call it what it is. This is comprehensive, but it's not authoritative. It is a collection of knowledge, and in many cases theory, some from Chinese sources, most deeply influenced by the demands of the Japanese feudal era.
But if you are looking for practical know-how, you'll have to be picky here. And further more, as far as learning secrets are concerned, this isn't where they are. You'll have access to recipes for black powder, torches, and other pyrotechnics, but you won't learn how to mix the ingredients, or gather them. And needless to say, approaching this subject with knowledge of doing so, or at least a reasonably proportionate amount of caution is necessary in order to not cause some potentially serious bodily harm.
On a different note, if you are at all interested in the spiritual viewpoints that were somewhat standardized among the ninja of Iga and Koga provinces, the chapters on "Seishin" (精神) is a very good start, and really, the best available.
In conclusion, this book won't make you a ninja, but it will give you a notable insight into what the ninja considered and concerned themselves with in their lifestyle.
And the trouble about writing about the ninja or similar legends, is that the publisher and/or editor is likely to urge you to give it s fancy title. Seriously, out of all the ninja lore out there, this one could have simply been titled "Bansenshukai" and done great. But some want to make this seem like the Bible of ninjutsu, which it is not, and there really isn't any comparable thing.
What this is, is a jiten (事典), a sort of encyclopedic collection of ideas, knowledge and other miscellany. And this isn't a bad thing, but call it what it is. This is comprehensive, but it's not authoritative. It is a collection of knowledge, and in many cases theory, some from Chinese sources, most deeply influenced by the demands of the Japanese feudal era.
But if you are looking for practical know-how, you'll have to be picky here. And further more, as far as learning secrets are concerned, this isn't where they are. You'll have access to recipes for black powder, torches, and other pyrotechnics, but you won't learn how to mix the ingredients, or gather them. And needless to say, approaching this subject with knowledge of doing so, or at least a reasonably proportionate amount of caution is necessary in order to not cause some potentially serious bodily harm.
On a different note, if you are at all interested in the spiritual viewpoints that were somewhat standardized among the ninja of Iga and Koga provinces, the chapters on "Seishin" (精神) is a very good start, and really, the best available.
In conclusion, this book won't make you a ninja, but it will give you a notable insight into what the ninja considered and concerned themselves with in their lifestyle.
October 10, 2015
Части от тази книга ще намерите във всяко сериозно написано нещо свързано с нинджите и нинджуцу. Преводът тук, от старояпонски на японски и после на английски е направен от два университетски екипа съответно японци и англичани.
Самата книга е военно ръководство на калана Ига, което писано 1676 от Фуджибаяши с цел да се запазят знанията на клана след настъпилия мир при обединяването на Япония от Токугава.
Книгата обхваща всеки един аспект от шпионското изкуство на нинджата. Психическа нагласа, физическа подготовка, видове инфилтриране във вражески лагери и крепости, инструменти, тактики, ориентиране...
Каквото се сетиш го има вътре. Информацията те залива от всяка страница, разрушавайки детските ти представи за нинджите, изградени от филмите. Подробностите помагат да си изградиш и чудесна представа, каква е била Япония в края на 16 и началото на 17 век.
Има и огромно илюстрирано ръководство за отваряне на всякакво видове ключалки, резета и катинари от 16 век.
Намен ми е от любимите. Не може да се опише, трябва поне да я погледнете.
Самата книга е военно ръководство на калана Ига, което писано 1676 от Фуджибаяши с цел да се запазят знанията на клана след настъпилия мир при обединяването на Япония от Токугава.
Книгата обхваща всеки един аспект от шпионското изкуство на нинджата. Психическа нагласа, физическа подготовка, видове инфилтриране във вражески лагери и крепости, инструменти, тактики, ориентиране...
Каквото се сетиш го има вътре. Информацията те залива от всяка страница, разрушавайки детските ти представи за нинджите, изградени от филмите. Подробностите помагат да си изградиш и чудесна представа, каква е била Япония в края на 16 и началото на 17 век.
Има и огромно илюстрирано ръководство за отваряне на всякакво видове ключалки, резета и катинари от 16 век.
Намен ми е от любимите. Не може да се опише, трябва поне да я погледнете.
March 28, 2016
So far this is an amazing read. I found the beginning chapters very intriguing, especially when the author elaborates on the principles of having the right mind. It also points out the importance of having a right mind and heart to avoid this lifestyle backfiring if misused. This is the kind of material that you don't just hand off to someone that may or may not take interest. This is for honest and open minds only. I applied these principles to my life and found them working immediately. It really makes you feel powerful and cunning. Even without applying the ninja lifestyle for whatever reason, this is good for carrying a better mind. I recommend for anyone who has anger or even some insecurities. If you are small minded, then stay away.
May 9, 2024
Read outside your comfort zone, and even read from those with whom you disagree. Antony Cummins holds opinions and practices with which, as a reader, I may not fully agree. This book is an exceptional example of his great talent as a skillful writer and thoughtful historian. His translation is the first English translation of what is largely believed to be the only historical document that conclusively proves the existence of shinobi no mono (ninja). Cummins' efforts are so necessary for demystifying studies of Eastern Culture, and I would consider this a superior example of his work. With this translation being produced with authorization and cooperation of the Japanese government, it is a crucial step forward in our shared human history.
November 28, 2025
I love the part that advises putting hawk feces in your bellybutton to keep you awake.… and the warning re: poor people stealing your decapitated heads. HAHA- wow. But imo, this book is fascinating and full of unexpected detail.
February 7, 2016
I don't know what I thought I'd find in this book. How to be a bad ass assassin? Interesting Japanese espionage secrets? Sort of interesting but not enough for me to finish it.
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