Ninja Tools and Weapons➂The Importance of Ninja Attire and Armor

忍者の装束と防具
Introduction: The Importance of Ninja Attire and Armor

"A ninja's attire and armor were essential to the success of their missions. Ninja clothing was designed to maximize mobility during stealth operations and combat, while their armor was lightweight yet capable of providing protection."

Ninja Attire (Shinobi Shozoku) – The Basic Gear of Ninjas

"First, we introduce the ninja attire. Ninjas wore clothing optimized for stealth missions. This included components such as the upper garment, collar, hood, gauntlets, hakama, and leggings."

Upper Garment & Collar:

"The ninja's upper garment was designed for ease of movement, with a simple design and a collar that covered the body. It was crucial to avoid exposing any skin and to remain unseen by enemies."

Hood:

"The ninja hood not only covered the face but also maintained visibility. It concealed the ninja’s identity while preventing light from reflecting off their skin."

Gauntlets:

"Gauntlets were used to protect the wrists. Lightweight and flexible, they provided defense without limiting hand movement, allowing for quick actions during combat or stealth missions."

Hakama & Leggings:

"Hakama, loose trousers, allowed unrestricted movement, while leggings protected the ankles and enabled silent movement, essential for stealth missions."

Armor – Lightweight Protection for Ninjas

"Ninjas chose lightweight armor that wouldn’t hinder movement. This included ninja armor, chainmail, breastplates, and concealed weapons like the shikomizue and hiuchi-gama."

Ninja Armor:

"Ninja armor was much lighter and more flexible than the armor worn by samurai. This allowed ninjas to stay mobile while also providing protection from enemy attacks."

Chainmail (Kusari Katabira):

"Chainmail was a lightweight, high-defense armor that protected against sharp weapons while remaining flexible enough for stealth missions."

Breastplate:

"The breastplate was designed to protect the upper body. Made from lightweight materials, it shielded vital organs while not hindering the ninja’s stealth operations."

.Special Weapons – Shikomizue and Hiuchi Gama

"Ninjas also used special weapons, such as the shikomizue and hiuchi-gama, which were concealed tools that provided a tactical advantage during combat and stealth operations."

Shikomizue (Concealed Cane Sword):

"The shikomizue appeared to be an ordinary cane but concealed a blade inside. Ninjas could carry it without arousing suspicion and draw the hidden blade when needed."


Hiuchi Gama (Fire-Striking Sickle):

"The hiuchi gama is a type of chain sickle used to entangle enemies and strike with the sickle. This weapon also featured a fire-striking mechanism, which allowed ninjas to create fire when needed."

Conclusion: The Role of Ninja Attire and Armor

"Ninja attire and armor were not just for protection; they were strategic tools that supported stealth and combat, designed to help ninjas move quickly and complete their missions."

【♪忍者の装束♪】
[Verse 1]
黒き装束、影に溶け込み
静かに進む、忍びの道よ
上衣まとい、風を切り
月明かりの下、心を隠す

[Chorus]
忍びの誇り、この身に宿し
防具と共に、影を生きる
任務のために、犠牲を払う
忍びの道は、孤独な旅路

[Verse 2]
頭巾をかぶり、顔を隠し
手甲で守る、戦の備え
袴と脚絆、速さを増し
音なき足跡、森を駆ける

[Chorus]
忍びの誇り、この身に宿し
防具と共に、影を生きる
命を懸けた、刃の舞い
忍びの魂、永遠に燃える

[Bridge]
軽き防具よ、鎖帷子
命を守る、胸当ての盾
仕込み杖には、隠された刃
火打ち鎌で、夜を照らす

[Chorus]
忍びの誇り、この身に宿し
防具と共に、影を生きる
任務のために、犠牲を払い
忍びの道は、永遠に続く

[Outro]
消えゆく影に、心を残し
再び現れる、その時まで
忍びの装備、命の道具
影に生きて、光を避ける

[Verse 1]
Clad in black, I melt into the shadows,
Silently walking the ninja’s path.
Wearing my cloak, I cut through the wind,
Hiding my heart beneath the moonlit sky.

[Chorus]
With pride of the shinobi deep within,
I live in the shadows, armored in stealth.
For the mission, I sacrifice my all,
The ninja’s way, a journey of solitude.

[Verse 2]
Hood pulled low, I conceal my face,
Protected by gauntlets, prepared for war.
Hakama and leggings increase my speed,
Silent footsteps as I race through the forest.

[Chorus]
With pride of the shinobi deep within,
I live in the shadows, armored in stealth.
With my life on the line, the blade’s swift dance,
The ninja’s soul burns eternally.

[Bridge]
Oh, light armor, my chainmail,
Shield that guards my life.
In the cane sword lies a hidden blade,
The fire-striking sickle lights up the night.

[Chorus]
With pride of the shinobi deep within,
I live in the shadows, armored in stealth.
For the mission, I dedicate my heart,
The ninja’s path continues eternally.

[Outro]
As the shadow fades, my heart remains,
To reappear once again, when the time comes.
Ninja gear, tools of life,
Living in the shadows, avoiding the light.

引用：伊賀流忍者観光推進協議会

#ninja #ninjutsu #history #shinobi #enka #nihon #japaneseculture #japan #忍者 #忍具
#studyjapanese #japanesekanji #ancientjapan
#samuraihistory #japanesehistory #ninjakami