17th Century Ninja Explains How To Be A Ninja // The Bansenshūkai // Japanese Primary Source episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 22, 2026 · 4 MIN

17th Century Ninja Explains How To Be A Ninja // The Bansenshūkai // Japanese Primary Source

from History's Living Voices: The Past, Told by Those Who Lived It · host HLV

Straight from the pages of the ultimate Ninja manual - The 17th century Bansenshūkai (萬川集海 - translated as 'All Rivers Merge into the Sea'), here we have a passage of advice for lords on the ten key aspects they should search for when hiring a prospective Ninja/Shinobi. Compiled in 1676 by Fujibayashi Yasutake, The Bansenshūkai is an exhaustive guide to many of the key moral ideas that underpin the Ninja, as well as practical advice on how to execute various strategies - from castle infiltration to haircuts. Thanks to Antony Cummins for allowing us to use his excellent translation - https://www.amazon.com/Book-Ninja-Bansenshukai-Japans-Premier/dp/1780284934 It is a great read, as is his new illustrated version of the Art of War - https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Art-War-Step-Step/dp/1786782715/ How do we actually know about history? Voices of the Past is a channel dedicated to recreating the original accounts from the people who lived through events, or who lived far closer to them than we do today. We do this word for word, with an accompanying soundtrack of rousing music and images. — Thanks for watching! Don’t forget to subscribe for new videos every single week! & Let us know in the comments what you’d like to see covered in the future. — Don’t forget to subscribe to our other channel History Time, where we make full length historical documentaries:- https://www.youtube.com/historytime — Music courtesy of:- - Epidemic Sound — Voice actor & editor:- David Kelly We try to use copyright free images at all times. However if we have used any of your artwork or maps then please don't hesitate to contact me and we’ll be more than happy to give the appropriate credit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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17th Century Ninja Explains How To Be A Ninja // The Bansenshūkai // Japanese Primary Source

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