Last Ninja Announces The End Of Ninjitsu

Jinichi Kawakama is a 63 year old former engineer, and the head of the centuries old Ban-Ninja Clan. He has said in a recent interview with the New York Daily News that he will also be the last true Ninja. Kawakama says there is no longer a need for ninjas in the modern world, and that he will not be accepting an apprentice to carry on the rich oral tradition of the ways of his clan. Granted there are scrolls, but most information about training, and supposedly other vital information are stored within the mind of Kawakama himself. A quick search of the internet revealed to me that although he is famous around the world for his title, there is a good deal of criticism of Kawakama and his supposed ninja skills. 

My question is, is the disappointment more the fault of Kawakama, or the audience in which he is performing for? The true orgin of ninja, believe it or not, is not the crazy over the top nonsense we geeks see in movies like Ninja Assassin or Naruto. These misconceptions about the magic, skill, and in some cases even the stealth involved in being a ninja were greatly exaggerated from legends revamped in 18th century Japan. The true history of ninjas is more accurately described as a cross of spy mercenaries... but that story is for another day.

Being the last of his clan, Kawakama was born in a time where stealth, espionage, and assasination were not necessary or even practiced outside of theory and entertainment. He was required to undergo training as a child for survival skills, and suffered greatly to earn his title. While his battle tactics may not be on par with a western world who has had a very sensationalistic view of the actual history of Ninja, he is still a strong man with survival skills proven at an age that current special ops agents undergo. While some of us may never live out our dream of running away and joining a ninja school, the true crime is the loss of a truly interesting piece of world culture.

It is my hope that if nothing else, Kawakama at least decides to write a book of the rituals of his clan, so that others can have a look into the true life of ninja training. Letting this information die off would be a sad way to end such a rich and private part of history.

Email Me: MickJoest@Geektyrant.com Twitter: @MickJoest