Source: National Diet Library "NDL Image Bank"
Ninja Feature: A Living Shadow Between Legend and History
The following series is a masterpiece of ukiyo-e and Nishiki-e that captures the appearance of the "Shadow Warriors of the Warring States Period". We will also introduce the historical background and current utilization ideas.
Ninja depicted in an entertainment work (Nishiki-e)
In ukiyo-e and Nishiki-e, "ninjas" that appear in entertainment works such as Jiraiya, Yuri Tanba, and Goemon Ishikawa were vividly depicted. In particular, Nishiki-e is staged for festivals and plays, emphasizing flashy costumes and action: contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
The true face of a real ninja
The shinobi who were active in Iga and Koka were secret units specializing in espionage, infiltration, and sabotage activities. They were known for their authentic sources, documented in literature and ninjutsu books such as Mankawa Shukai, and were heavily involved in the tactics of the Sengoku period: contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Changes in the image of ninjas seen in ukiyo-e
During the stable period of the Edo period, the number of actual ninjas decreased, but in ukiyo-e prints, they were associated with yokai and magic, and were sometimes depicted in superhuman forms. It was expressed as if it were a half-human, half-spirit being, and fantasy was added to the play and picture scrolls: contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Related theme: Iga-ryu, Hattori Hanzo
The famous ninja Hattori Hanzo is a legendary figure who contributed to Tokugawa Ieyasu's support for the government despite being born in Iga. He led a group of shinobi and played an active role in the tactic of searching for enemy information, and has been passed down to later generations as a "symbol of ninja": contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Utilization Ideas
- Historical material poster: Backdrop of ukiyo-e visuals as an exhibition material to convey ninja culture.
- Digital design: References to ninja shadow puppets and compositions as themes for web banners and game UI.
- POD miscellaneous goods: A humorous and mysterious design material that can be used for stickers and phone cases.
"Ninjas" are real warriors who worked behind the scenes of history, and at the same time they became fantasy heroes through theater and painting. Learn about the meaning behind classic works and apply them to modern designs and materials.
