Ninja are hugely popular around the world through movies, anime, manga, novels, and games. A new Japanese-English bilingual illustrated guide to them, NINJA, goes on sale on October 15, 2026, from Natsume-sha, a publisher of practical books, children's books, and educational books.
Uncovering the Secrets of the Ninja in Japanese and English
The book summarizes the history and culture of the ninja in an easy-to-follow way. Designed as a visual guide in Japanese and English for readers from overseas, it uses engaging illustrations to introduce both the real ninja and the ninja image that lives in the hearts of the Japanese people.
The Little-Known Roles of the Ninja
Together with plenty of illustrations, the book explains missions such as gathering information and infiltration, as well as weapons and tools, costumes, ninjutsu, and the thinking and daily life that supported the ninja.
A Compact Size
The book comes in bunko (pocket paperback) size (A6 format). It also makes a fitting souvenir to take abroad, and may appeal to anyone who loves Japanese culture.
Table of Contents
- Part 1: Ninja Attire
- Part 2: Ninja Tools and Weapons
- Part 3: Ninjutsu Using the Body and Tools
- Part 4: Ninjutsu Using the Mind and Mysterious Powers
- Part 5: Ninja Houses
- Part 6: Daily Life of the Ninja
About the Supervisor
Yuji Yamada (Yamada Yuji)
Professor in the Faculty of Humanities at Mie University, Deputy Director of the International Ninja Research Center at Mie University, and president of 国際忍者学会. His specialty is the history of medieval Japanese belief. He began researching ninja in 2012 and has surveyed ninja-related historical materials across Japan. He has given many lectures in Japan and abroad, and has supervised ninja programs for film and television as well as ninja exhibitions at museums. His books include 忍者の歴史 (KADOKAWA), 忍者の精神 (KADOKAWA), and 忍者はすごかった (Gentosha).
Book Information
NINJA
- Supervisor: Yuji Yamada (Yamada Yuji)
- Publisher: Natsume-sha
- Price: ¥1,650 (tax included)
- Specifications: A6 format / 160 pages / full color
- Release Date: October 15, 2026
Amazon: https://amzn.asia/d/02JbcrHj
