This rare, Japanese-language volume is a highly specialized 1976 modern translation of the Ninki-hen (忍器篇)—the dedicated “ninja tools and gadgets” chapter of the legendary 1676 ninja codex, Bansenshukai. While the original Bansenshukai spans 22 scrolls covering philosophy, infiltration, and stealth, this specific pocket edition isolates and translates the secret blueprints, recipes, and operational tools of the historical shinobi. It covers climbing gear, water-crossing apparatus, lockpicks, explosives, and specialized espionage equipment.

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Rare & Unusual Facts

1. Published in the Actual Ninja Heartland

Unlike most commercial books published in Tokyo or Osaka, this book was intentionally published by Seishudo, a house located in Koka (Kōka-chō), Shiga Prefecture. This is the exact geographic birthplace and historical homeland of the Koka ninja clans, adding immense regional authenticity to the printing.

2. Sourced from a Secret “Imperial Ninja” Family Lineage

The original manuscript used for this translation is the highly prized “Ohara-Katsui Copy” (大原勝井本).

• The Katsui family is directly descended from the elite Ohara clan, one of the historic “53 Clans of Koka”.
• Crucially, the owner’s family were members of the Koka Imperial Loyal Corps (甲賀勤皇隊) during the Meiji Restoration. They were real-world descendants of ninja who transitioned into a paramilitary unit for the Emperor in the 1860s, keeping this specific scroll text hidden in family hands until the 20th century.

3. The Author Was a Real-Life Samurai Grandmaster

The translator, Yumio Nawa, was not just an academic; he was a legitimate samurai-lineage martial arts grandmaster (Soke). He was the head of:

• Masaki-ryu Manrikikusari-jutsu (the art of the hidden combat chain).
• Edo Machi-fang Jutte-jutsu (the law enforcement iron-baton and rope-binding techniques of old Tokyo).

4. The Author Was Japan’s Foremost Historical Torture Expert

In a bizarre twist of academic focus, Yumio Nawa was widely considered Japan’s leading historical authority on medieval interrogation and punishment. His most famous seminal work is Research into Torture and Penalties (拷問刑罰史). This deep, dark knowledge of feudal law enforcement gave him unparalleled insight into how ninja tools were designed to bypass or survive medieval security systems.

5. Highly Collectible Signature & Seal Variant

This specific copy features a hand-brushed presentation inscription (謹呈 – Kintei) personally dedicated by Yumio Nawa to Master Ansai Fujimoto (藤本鞍齊). It features Nawa’s personal signature calligraphy and is stamped with his authentic vermilion artist hanko seal, making it an exceptionally rare, one-of-a-kind association copy within martial arts historical circles.

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Who is Ansai Fujimoto

Key Facts About His Profile

• The Society Connection: Yumio Nawa is explicitly listed as a San-yo (Councilor) for the Armor Preservation Society on the biography page. As a director (directeur) of the same association, Ansai Fujimoto was one of the senior authorities responsible for evaluating, preserving, and archiving authentic samurai gear, swords, and ninja weaponry across Japan.
• International Reach: Fujimoto was highly respected internationally for his deep knowledge of feudal Japanese defense equipment. He regularly served as a lead consultant, organizer, and liaison for major global museum exhibitions, such as landmark curations displaying authentic daimyo armor and helmets in Europe.
• The Inscription Significance: The hand-brushed dedication in my copy (“Respectfully presented to Master Ansai Fujimoto”) indicates that Nawa gifted this first-edition volume directly to his fellow weapons expert as a token of mutual professional respect.