Dr. Kacem Zoughari’s Perspective

The study of Japan’s ninja is a subject shrouded in mystery, with historical texts such as the Bansenshukai and Shoninki forming the cornerstone of modern interpretations of ninjutsu. However, Dr. Kacem Zoughari, a renowned scholar of Japanese martial arts, raises serious doubts about the reliability and practicality of these texts in the YouTube documentary Kako, Genzai, Mirai, posted by Hirameki Dojo. His insights challenge widely accepted views on the ninja’s methods, prompting deeper investigation into their historical reality.

The Bansenshukai: A Closer Look

Compiled in 1676 by Fujibayashi Yasutake, the Bansenshukai is a comprehensive manual on ninjutsu, purportedly preserving the knowledge of ninja clans from Iga and Kōga. Written during the early years of the Tokugawa shogunate, it aimed to document the skills developed over nearly 150 years of military conflict, from the Ōnin War to the Siege of Osaka. The book covers an array of subjects including philosophy, leadership, disguise, infiltration, astrology, and ninja tools.

English translations by Don Roley and Antony Cummins have made the text accessible to a wider audience, yet its content remains a topic of debate among scholars and martial artists.

The Problems with the Bansenshukai

Dr. Zoughari argues that many aspects of the Bansenshukai do not hold up under scrutiny. He questions the real-world application of the techniques and tools described, pointing out that certain weapons and gadgets would be impractical to carry and use in a genuine espionage scenario. Furthermore, the book was written at a time when the ninja were no longer actively engaged in their traditional roles, raising concerns about whether the text reflects genuine historical practice or is a retrospective compilation.

Context, according to Zoughari, is crucial when assessing historical ninja manuals. He emphasizes that much of the information contained within the Bansenshukai lacks traceable transmission, leaving scholars in the dark about who originally practiced and passed down the techniques. The inherent secrecy of ninja culture only exacerbates this challenge, as these operatives were trained to obscure their methods and leave behind minimal records.

In his critique, Dr. Zoughari states that "90% of the things don’t work in the real world." He further explains, "If you are a professional spy or professional killer, you understand that a lot of things inside [the book] cannot be applied."

Supporting this perspective, historian Paul O’Brien also questions the authenticity of the Bansenshukai. With a degree in Classical Civilisations and a background in archaeology, O’Brien highlights that the text was compiled over 70 years after the events it describes, making it a secondary rather than a contemporary source. He also notes that the original handwritten manuscript has been lost, meaning modern copies are Edo-period reproductions. In his view, the Bansenshukai was likely "a propaganda piece designed to encourage political favor."

Hope for the Future

Despite the doubts surrounding the Bansenshukai, the discovery of other historical texts offers hope for a clearer understanding of Japan’s ninja. In 2022, researchers uncovered the Kanrinseiyo in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture. This Edo-period ninjutsu manual contains 48 articles detailing practical ninja techniques, including how to craft bamboo makibishi caltrops, fight multiple enemies, detect faint sounds, and make silent footwear.

The discovery of such texts indicates that valuable information about the ninja may still be waiting to be found. While skepticism about the Bansenshukai remains, ongoing research and new findings could bring us closer to uncovering the true history of Japan’s legendary shadow warriors.