Dani Trio Maki-e Ninjas Pen Collection

A Ninja was a Samurai without name and shadow. Ninjas were extremely courageous and unselfish fighters in Japanese history. They were selected from skillful, brave Samurai and then strictly trained to perform as scouts infiltrating behind enemy lines. They served their lords without rewards of fame or fortune, yet their missions were often the most dangerous and important. They were especially adept at the art of stealth.

The most well known Ninja in Japanese history was Hattori Hanzou, who resecures Tokugawa Ieyasu during the disturbance of Honno-ji in 1582. He commanded more than 200 Ninjas serving the Tokugawa Clan in Edo until his death. Today, a gate at the Tokyo Japanese Imperial Palace is called the Gate of Hanzou, and the Tokyo metro line "Hanzou Line" is also named in his remembrance.