The Hollywood Ninja Myth
One of the most common stereotypes in Hollywood movies is the portrayal of ninjas as stealthy assassins who wear black outfits and use exotic weapons. However, this image is far from the historical reality of ninjas, who were actually spies and agents of feudal lords in medieval Japan. Hollywood has perpetuated the myth of ninjas. Although entertaining, it is problematic for the representation of Japanese culture and history.
The origin of the Hollywood ninja myth can be traced back to the 1960s, when a series of novels by Eric Van Lustbader and movies by James Clavell popularized the idea of ninjas as mysterious and mystical warriors who had supernatural abilities and followed a strict code of honor. These works were influenced by the writings of Japanese authors such as Yoshikawa Eiji and Yamada Futaro, who romanticized the ninjas as heroes of resistance against the oppressive shogunate. However, these authors also took many liberties with the historical facts and mixed them with legends and folklore.
The Hollywood ninja myth was further reinforced by the 1980s, when a wave of martial arts films and TV shows featuring ninjas as protagonists or antagonists emerged. These works often depicted ninjas as skilled fighters who could perform incredible feats such as disappearing in a puff of smoke, walking on water, or throwing shurikens with deadly accuracy. They also portrayed ninjas as loyal to their clans or masters, who often had a personal vendetta or a secret mission to accomplish. Some examples of these works are The Octagon (1980), Enter the Ninja (1981), Revenge of the Ninja (1983), American Ninja (1985), and The Last Samurai (2003).
One of the most memorable scenes in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice is when James Bond, played by Sean Connery, infiltrates a secret volcano base disguised as a ninja. The ninja costume was part of Bond’s cover as a member of the Japanese Secret Service, led by his ally Tiger Tanaka, played by Tetsuro Tamba. The ninjas were trained in various martial arts and weapons, such as shuriken, nunchaku, and smoke bombs. They also had rocket guns that could fire explosive projectiles at their enemies. The ninjas played a crucial role in helping Bond stop the villainous Ernst Stavro Blofeld from starting a nuclear war between the US and the Soviet Union. The film was praised for its exotic locations, spectacular action sequences, and colorful characters, including the ninjas.
The problem with the Hollywood ninja myth is that it distorts and oversimplifies the complex and diverse history of ninjas, who were not a unified group but rather a loose network of individuals who worked for different lords and factions. Ninjas did not have a uniform dress code or a standard set of weapons, but rather adapted to their environment and used whatever tools were available. Ninjas did not have a specific martial art style or a rigid code of ethics, but rather relied on their intelligence, creativity, and pragmatism to achieve their goals. Ninjas did not have supernatural powers or mystical secrets, but rather used science, technology, and psychology to deceive and manipulate their enemies.
By perpetuating the myth of ninjas, Hollywood not only misrepresents the historical reality of ninjas, but also reinforces the Orientalist view of Japan as a mysterious and exotic land that is stuck in the past and full of strange customs and traditions. This view denies the diversity and dynamism of Japanese culture and history, and reduces it to a set of stereotypes and clichés. Furthermore, by portraying ninjas as either heroes or villains who are detached from the social and political context of their time, Hollywood ignores the complex and nuanced role that ninjas played in the development of Japan as a nation.
Modern Day Ninjutsu
Modern day ninjutsu, also known as ninpo, is a martial art that combines the ancient techniques of the ninja with the contemporary challenges of the urban environment. ninjutsu practitioners learn how to use stealth, agility, weapons, and psychology to overcome any adversary or obstacle. ninjutsu is not a sport, but a way of life that cultivates physical, mental, and spiritual strength. ninjutsu is also a system of self-defense that teaches how to avoid conflict, escape danger, and survive in any situation.
The validity of modern ninjutsu schools tracing history back to ancient Japan is a controversial topic among martial arts historians and practitioners. Some claim that ninjutsu, the art of stealth and espionage, was practiced by a secretive group of warriors called ninja, who served as spies, assassins, and saboteurs for feudal lords. They argue that these skills and traditions have been preserved and transmitted by a few authentic lineages that can trace their origins to the ninja clans. Others contend that ninjutsu is a modern invention, based on myths, legends, and popular culture, and that there is no historical evidence of a coherent system of ninja arts. They assert that the modern ninjutsu schools are either derived from other martial arts or fabricated by self-proclaimed masters who exploit the fascination with ninja in the media. The debate over the validity of modern ninjutsu schools is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, as both sides have their own sources, arguments, and agendas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ninja were not just stealthy assassins, but also skilled spies, saboteurs, and agents of psychological warfare. They played a crucial role in the turbulent history of feudal Japan, serving various lords and factions with their unique abilities and tactics. The ninja have left a lasting legacy in popular culture, inspiring countless books, movies, games, and comics. However, behind the myths and legends, there is a fascinating and complex story of a group of people who adapted to the changing times and circumstances with remarkable ingenuity and resilience.
Part 1 of the article covers the real ninja.