Iga: Keeping the Ninja Tradition Alive

Overview

Iga, in the northwest of Mie Prefecture, is famous as a place where many ninjas lived, especially in the late 15th to 16th centuries. At that time, the Iga ninjas worked as mercenaries for feudal lords in the surrounding areas. They used their secret techniques in performing acts of espionage and clandestine attacks. There are still many sites in Iga that evoke those days, such as the Ninja Museum and the site of the fortress where they fought a huge army. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Jennifer Julien visits Iga and meets modern-day ninjas who are keeping the ancient tradition alive.