Comics / Comics News

'Ninja Attack!' tells the true story of ninja in history

By The Editor
August 5, 2010 - 07:35

For years, intrepid ninja have dominated many anime and manga series, from "Naruto," "Kamui Den" (The Legend of Kamui) and "Ninja Scroll" to "Nintama Rantaro."

Quite a few ninja-centered works have been translated into other languages for export outside Japan because ninja is one of the most-recognized aspects of Japanese culture around the world.

But often the ninja described in manga and anime are purely imaginary creations of the author. These ninja exist only in their own world, and they are very different from their real counterparts who existed in the annals of Japanese history.

To illustrate the real world of ninja, publisher Kodansha International Ltd. has released "Ninja Attack! True Tales of Assassins, Samurai, and Outlaws."

The book was co-authored by Hiroko Yoda and Matt Alt, who have previously written works together on Japanese culture.

The English-language book introduces the history and culture of the ninja who had operated in Japan for at least 1,200 years, from the time of Prince Shotoku (574-622) through to the arrival of a fleet of "black ships" led by Commodore Matthew C. Perry in 1853.

The book profiles 30 historical figures to show the real lives of the ninja who served as assassins and operatives and even manipulated feudal lords. In addition, everything related to ninja, including fight techniques, costumes, weapons and houses, is covered.

The presentation is easy to understand with full-color illustrations by Yutaka Kondo. Kondo provided illustrations for "Kuso Kagaku Dokuhon" (Dream Science Guide) and "Kuso Kagaku Eiga Dokuhon" (Dream Science Movie Guide). Kondo built a reputation for historical authenticity in his work in the anime production teams of "Ninja Scroll: The Series" and "Oh! Edo Rocket."

Yoda and Alt previously co-wrote "Yokai Attack! The Japanese Monster Survival Guide," which hit stores in 2008. "Ninja Attack!" serves as the sequel. "Yokai Attack!" is also selling well in the United States and Europe.

The 192-page "Ninja Attack!" was released in July in Japan, priced at 1,680 yen ($19.30), including tax. It will be available in the United States and Europe this fall.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12