忍者历史Ninja History

忍者历史Ninja History

以下是大瀬平七郎所著《忍术 其历史与忍者》一书中关于忍者历史的节选翻译：

古代忍术（600-700 年）

忍术的起源：中国根源

忍术并非起源于日本。公元 6 至 7 世纪，中国的军事战略知识，尤其是孙子《孙子兵法》中的 “用间术”（间谍之术）传入日本。这成为 “忍术的种子”，并在多个世纪后，于战国时代（15 至 16 世纪）演变为日本独特的 “忍术”，区别于军事战略（兵法）和武术（武艺）。因此，本节自然聚焦于追溯这一 “忍术的种子”—— 源自《孙子》的用间术 —— 何时、由何人、以何种方式传入日本并投入实际应用。本节的五章均围绕这一核心主题展开。

忍者历史

奈良时代的忍术（710-794 年）

奈良时代（公元 710–794 年）是日本古代本土文化（神道教文化）与新传入的中国文化（佛教文化）交融并开始整合的时期。由于宗教冲突的需要，从前代继承的中国间谍军事战略（用间）被修验道行者（山岳修行者）进一步发展为 “山伏兵法”（山伏军事战略）。这一发展是忍术形成过程中的重要事件，必须深入探讨。此外，对这一过程产生强烈影响的密宗佛教（密教）的传入和佛教教义的传播（布教），是山伏兵法形成中不可忽视的要素。本章重点追溯《孙子兵法》军事战略（间谍术）的历史继承者，考察修验道传统及其创始人役小角，并探讨密宗佛教、古代神道教和孙子的军事战略如何在山伏修行者手中融合，演变为新的事物。

平安时代的忍术（794-1185 年）

忍者历史 —— 山伏

被称为 “山伏兵法” 的 “忍术种子”，在平安时代（公元 794–1185 年）吸收阴阳哲学（阴阳道），并随着全国密宗寺庙的建造，伴随密宗佛教（密教）的发展而传播。随着这些寺庙开始雇佣武僧（僧兵）保护和开发其庄园，山伏兵法从山伏传至武僧。随着时间的推移，武僧与武士（武士阶层）之间的互动出现，导致山伏兵法的技术传授给武士阶层。这一现象不仅限于特定地区，而是成为全国性趋势。值得注意的是，崛起的源平氏族 —— 尤其是源氏（源氏家族）—— 与山伏兵法建立了特殊关系。本节聚焦于这些历史发展，考察阴阳师、源氏武士、藤原千方、甲贺三郎、服部氏族和平安时代的盗贼等人物如何掌握山伏兵法，成为这些技术的早期继承者。读者应特别注意伊贺和甲贺人物在这些现象中的频繁出现，因为这凸显了他们在忍术早期发展中的重要作用。

源平时代的忍术（1180-1185 年）

到平安时代末期（公元 794–1185 年），随着全国动荡的迹象显现，山伏兵法（山伏军事战略）达到了完善阶段。这以鞍马八流为例，该体系中军事战略（兵法）、武术（武艺）和忍术（忍术）仍被视为一个统一的整体，尚未完全独立，但内部开始向专业领域分化。通过源义经和伊势三郎义盛的努力，第一部被称为 “义经流忍术” 的 “忍术手册” 得以撰写。尽管其内容尚未完全脱离军事战略，但忍术从鞍马八流的基础中以一种独特的（尽管不完整的）形式出现这一事实值得注意。这个时代的另一个重要发展是伊贺明确出现了忍者氏族。成熟的山伏兵法被传授给伊贺和甲贺的地方武士家族（地侍或土豪，地方首领）。从这一时期起，山伏兵法开始逐渐转变为后来被认可的 “忍术”。

镰仓时代的忍术（1185-1333 年）

在镰仓时代（公元 1185–1333 年），禅宗佛教的传入在武士阶层中迅速传播，对忍术的后期发展产生了重大影响 —— 这一点值得注意。在伊贺和甲贺，内部崛起的武士团体虽然在不同的环境中运作，但对外部势力采取了严格的孤立主义立场。在内部，他们开始通过地方首领（土豪）联盟推进治理，对外部敌人采取直接军事抵抗政策（通过武士团结），内部采取共存策略（派系间权力平衡）。值得注意的是，他们在混乱的战国时期采用的方法此时已经扎根。此外，有两个关键发展影响了伊贺和甲贺忍术的后期演变：伊贺忍者氏族首领服部（和百地）氏族与新到来的（来自河内的）大江氏族和解，将其影响力扩展到大和和河内；甲贺忍者氏族则由省守护者佐佐木氏族控制，建立了通往京都（京洛）的通信路线。

南北朝时代的忍术（1336-1392 年）

在镰仓时代后期（公元 1185–1333 年），随着北条政权垮台的动荡，军事天才楠木正成崭露头角。正成成为非常规战术（奇变术）的大师，这是忍术的基础，完成了源平时代源义经开创的攻防非常规战略框架。此外，他建立了独立的间谍和战略组织，主张在和平时期军事科学（兵学）中情报和秘密行动的必要性 —— 他称之为 “抱括人”（政治忍术）。通过正成的调解，伊贺和甲贺的忍者与山伏一起成为支持南朝的派系。

战国时代的忍术（1467-1615 年）

战国时代（公元 1467–1615 年）是忍术完全成熟的时代。只有在这个时期，我们才能最终遇到 “完整的” 忍术。在此期间，全国各地区出现了 “类似忍术” 的实践，但除了伊贺和甲贺的忍术外，没有其他形式可被视为真正完整的。从这个意义上说，伊贺和甲贺忍术代表了日本忍术的巅峰，在复杂性方面远远超过其他地区仓促发展、自然形成的忍术。这正是为什么伊贺（和甲贺）忍者在这个时期如此受重视。毫不夸张地说，在最善用忍术的军事指挥官中，德川家康是最伟大和最重要的。忍术和忍者组织在他崛起掌权过程中的影响不可忽视。另一个值得注意的事实是，火药的引入对这一时期的伊贺（和甲贺）忍术产生了重大影响。此外，这个时代的一个关键特征是军事科学（兵学）、武术（武艺）和忍术（忍术）中不同流派（流派）的出现，这些学科在高度专业化（工匠化）的同时也实现了职业化。

织田 - 丰臣时代的忍术（1568-1615 年）

织田 - 丰臣时代（大致公元 1568–1615 年，涵盖织田信长和丰臣秀吉的统治时期）是战国时代完善的忍术最蓬勃发展的时代。如前所述，日本最大、最强大的忍术组织 —— 伊贺流和甲贺流 —— 在这个时期几乎完全由德川家康控制。因此，这一时期的忍术历史无法脱离家康的政策和行动来考察。这个时代忍者的活动直接关系到德川政权的建立。本节探讨伊贺和甲贺忍者与织田信长和丰臣秀吉之间的对抗关系，重点关注作为这种敌对关系主要原因的天正伊贺之乱（公元 1579–1581 年）事件。它还考察了这一时期伊贺和甲贺忍者的动向、他们在全国的分散、德川幕府内伊贺同心（忍者部队）的起源和演变，以及幕府在伊贺的忍者管理制度的历史。

德川时代的忍术（1603-1868 年）

忍术衰落概述

直到德川时代早期，忍术达到了顶峰，但随着时代需求的转变，它迅速进入了衰落期。忍术的技术和组织开始迅速瓦解，从政治间谍活动转向司法间谍活动。正是在这个时候，忍术的秘密手册开始公开出现 —— 这是时代变迁的自然现象。随着司法间谍时代的开始，像大冈越前守（大冈忠相）这样的天才人物崛起成为城镇 magistrate，标志着纪州流忍者进入秘密特工行列。《岛原叛乱纪事》（Shimabararanki）是一份宝贵的记录，为忍术与最后的忍者一起消亡的时期提供了微弱的光芒。

关于作者

大瀬平七郎（奥瀬 平七郎，1911 年 11 月 13 日－1997 年 4 月 10 日），日本小说家、研究者、政治家，生于日本上野。毕业于早稻田大学，师从著名作家井伏鳟二。他对忍术（隐秘与间谍之术）产生了浓厚兴趣，致力于其研究与保护。职业上曾任职于满洲电信电话公司。除文学与研究外，大瀬于 1969 年至 1977 年担任上野市长。其多元职业生涯体现了对日本传统武术与公共事务的深度参与。

Excerpt about Ninja History from the book Ninjutsu Sono Rekishi To Ninja by Heishichirō Okuse.

Ancient Ninjutsu (600-700)

The Beginnings of Ninjutsu: A Chinese Origin. Ninjutsu did not originate in Japan. Between the 6th and 7th centuries, the knowledge of Chinese military strategy, specifically the “Art of Espionage” (Yōkan-jutsu) from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War (Sunzi), was imported into Japan. This became the “seed of ninjutsu,” which, over many centuries, evolved during the Warring States period (15th–16th centuries) into Japan’s unique “ninjutsu,” distinct from military strategy (Heihō) and martial arts (Bujutsu).

This section, therefore, naturally focuses on tracing when, by whom, and how this “seed of ninjutsu”—the Yōkan-jutsu from Sunzi—was brought to Japan and put into practical use. The five chapters of this section all address this central theme.

Ninja History

Ninjutsu in the Nara Period (710-794)

The Nara period (710–794 CE) was a time when Japan’s ancient indigenous culture (Shinto culture) and the newly imported Chinese culture (Buddhist culture) intermingled and began to integrate.

Due to the necessities of religious conflicts, the Chinese military strategy of espionage (Yōkan), inherited from previous eras, was further developed by Shugendō practitioners (mountain ascetics) into what became known as Yamabushi Heihō (Yamabushi Military Strategy). This development is a significant event in the formation of ninjutsu and must be thoroughly explored.

Additionally, the introduction of esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō) and the propagation of Buddhist teachings (Fukyō), which strongly influenced this process, are indispensable elements in the formation of Yamabushi Heihō that cannot be overlooked.

This chapter focuses on tracing the historical successors of The Art of War (Sunzi)’s military strategy (espionage), examining the Shugendō tradition and its founder, En no Gyōja, and exploring how esoteric Buddhism, ancient Shinto, and Sunzi’s military strategies were blended in the hands of Yamabushi ascetics, evolving into something new.

Ninjutsu in the Heian Period (794-1185)

Ninja History - Yamabushi

The “seed of ninjutsu,” known as Yamabushi Heihō (Yamabushi Military Strategy), spread across Japan during the Heian period (794–1185 CE) as it absorbed Yin-Yang philosophy (Onmyōdō) and expanded alongside the growth of esoteric Buddhism (Mikkyō), marked by the construction of Mikkyō temples nationwide. As these temples began employing warrior monks (Sōhei) to protect and develop their estates, Yamabushi Heihō spread from the Yamabushi to the warrior monks. Over time, interactions between warrior monks and samurai (Bushi) emerged, resulting in the transmission of Yamabushi Heihō techniques to the samurai class. This phenomenon was not limited to specific regions but became a nationwide trend. Notably, the rising Genpei clans—particularly the Genji (Minamoto clan)—developed a special relationship with Yamabushi Heihō.

This section focuses on these historical developments, examining how figures such as Yin-Yang masters (Onmyōji), Genji warriors, Fujiwara Chikata, Kōga Saburō, the Hattori clan, and Heian-period bandits mastered Yamabushi Heihō, emerging as early inheritors of these techniques. Readers should pay particular attention to the frequent appearance of individuals from Iga and Kōga in these phenomena, as this highlights their significant role in the early development of ninjutsu.

Ninjutsu in the Genpei Period (1180-1185)

By the end of the Heian period (794–1185 CE), with signs of nationwide turmoil emerging, Yamabushi Heihō (Yamabushi Military Strategy) reached a stage of completion. This is exemplified by the Kurama Eight Styles (Kurama Hachiryū), a system in which military strategy (Heihō), martial arts (Bujutsu), and ninjutsu (Ninjutsu) were still grasped as a unified whole, not fully independent, but internally beginning to diverge into specialized fields.

Through the efforts of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Ise Saburō Yoshimori, the first “ninjutsu manual” known as Yoshitsune-ryū Ninjutsu was written. While its contents are not yet fully separated from military strategy, the fact that ninjutsu emerged in a distinct, albeit incomplete, form from its foundation in the Kurama Eight Styles is noteworthy.

Another significant development of this era is the clear emergence of ninja clans in Iga. The fully developed form of Yamabushi Heihō was being passed down to the local warrior families (Jizamurai or Dogō, local chieftains) of Iga and Kōga. From this period onward, Yamabushi Heihō began to gradually transform into what would be recognized as “ninjutsu.”

Ninjutsu in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333)

During the Kamakura period (1185–1333 CE), the introduction of Zen Buddhism, which rapidly spread among the samurai class, had a significant impact on the later development of ninjutsu—a point worth noting.

In Iga and Kōga, the samurai groups that emerged internally, while operating in different environments, adopted a strict isolationist stance toward external forces. Internally, they began to advance their governance through a coalition of local chieftains (Dogō), employing a policy of direct military resistance against external enemies (through samurai unity) and a strategy of coexistence internally (balancing power among factions). It’s notable that the methods they adopted during the chaotic Sengoku period were already taking root at this time.

Additionally, two key developments influenced the later evolution of Iga and Kōga ninjutsu: the Iga ninja clan leaders, the Hattori (and Momochi) clans, reconciled with the newly arrived Ōe clan (from Kawachi), extending their influence into Yamato and Kawachi; and the Kōga ninja clans came under the control of the Sasaki clan, the provincial protectors, establishing a communication route to Kyoto (Kyōraku).

Ninjutsu in the Nanbokuchō Period (1336-1392)

During the late Kamakura period (1185–1333 CE), amidst the turmoil surrounding the fall of the Hōjō regime, a military genius, Kusunoki Masashige, rose to prominence. Masashige emerged as a master of unconventional tactics (Kihenpō), the foundation of ninjutsu, completing the framework for both offensive and defensive unconventional strategies that had been initiated by Minamoto no Yoshitsune during the Genpei period. Additionally, he established an independent organization for espionage and stratagem, advocating for the necessity of intelligence and covert operations during peacetime—what he termed Dakkōnin (political ninjutsu)—within the field of military science (Heigaku).

The ninjas of Iga and Kōga, alongside the Yamabushi, became a faction supporting the Southern Court through Masashige’s mediation.

Ninjutsu in the Sengoku Period (1467-1615)

The Sengoku period (1467–1615 CE) marks the era in which ninjutsu reached its full maturity.

It is only in this period that we can finally encounter “complete” ninjutsu.

During this time, “ninjutsu-like” practices emerged in various regions across the country, but apart from the ninjutsu of Iga and Kōga, no other form can be considered truly complete.

In this sense, Iga and Kōga ninjutsu represents the pinnacle of Japanese ninjutsu, far surpassing the hastily developed, naturally occurring ninjutsu of other regions in terms of sophistication. This is precisely why Iga (and Kōga) ninjas were so highly valued during this period.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that among the military commanders who best utilized ninjutsu, Tokugawa Ieyasu stands as the greatest and most significant. The influence of ninjutsu and ninja organizations in his rise to dominance cannot be overlooked.

Another notable fact is the significant impact that the introduction of gunpowder had on Iga (and Kōga) ninjutsu during this period.

Additionally, a key characteristic of this era is the emergence of distinct schools (Ryūha) in military science (Heigaku), martial arts (Bujutsu), and ninjutsu (Ninjutsu), with these disciplines developing a high degree of artisan-like specialization (Artisan-sei) while also becoming professionalized.

Ninjutsu During the Oda-Toyotomi Period (1568-1615)

The Oda-Toyotomi period (roughly 1568–1615 CE, spanning the reigns of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi) was the era in which ninjutsu, perfected during the Sengoku period, flourished most vibrantly.

As mentioned previously, Japan’s largest and most formidable ninjutsu organizations—Iga-ryū and Kōga-ryū—were almost exclusively under the control of Tokugawa Ieyasu during this time.

Consequently, the history of ninjutsu in this period cannot be examined independently of Ieyasu’s policies and actions. The activities of ninjas during this era are directly tied to the establishment of the Tokugawa regime.

This section explores the adversarial relationship between Iga and Kōga ninjas and Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, focusing on the events surrounding the Tenshō Iga Rebellion (1579–1581 CE), which was a major cause of this enmity. It also examines the movements of Iga and Kōga ninjas during this period, their nationwide dispersal, the origins and evolution of the Iga Dōshin (a ninja unit) within the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the history of the shogunate’s ninja management system within Iga.

Ninjutsu During the Tokugawa Period (1603-1868)

Overview of Ninjutsu’s Decline. Up until the early Tokugawa period, ninjutsu reached its peak, but as the demands of the era shifted, it rapidly entered a period of decline. The techniques and organizations of ninjutsu began to disintegrate swiftly, transitioning from political espionage to judicial espionage. It was during this time that ninjutsu’s secret manuals started to emerge publicly—a natural phenomenon given the changing times.

As the era of judicial espionage began, the rise of talented figures like Ōoka Echizen-no-Kami (Ōoka Tadasuke), who became the town magistrate, marked the entry of Kishū-ryū ninjas into the ranks of covert operatives.

The Shimabara Rebellion Chronicle (Shimabararanki) serves as a valuable record, casting a faint light on ninjutsu during its extinction phase alongside the last of the ninjas.

Excerpt above about Ninjutsu History from the book Ninjutsu Sono Rekishi To Ninja by Heishichirō Okuse.

Heishichirō Okuse (奥瀬 平七郎, おくせ へいしちろう) was a Japanese novelist, researcher, and politician born on November 13, 1911, in Ueno, Japan. He passed away on April 10, 1997.

Okuse graduated from Waseda University and studied under the renowned author Masuji Ibuse. He developed a particular interest in ninjutsu (the art of stealth and espionage), contributing to its study and preservation. Professionally, he worked for the Manchurian Telephone & Telegraph Company.

In addition to his literary and research endeavors, Okuse served as the mayor of Ueno from 1969 to 1977. His multifaceted career reflects a deep engagement with both traditional Japanese martial arts and public service.

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