NINJA TRUTH — Season 1, Episode 20: Ninja Tools of Clay and Stone

Episode synopsis

Ninja tools of clay and stone were unearthed at sixteenth-century archaeological sites. They were clay makibishi and stone tsubute. However, iron-working techniques were already well established by this time. So why did the ninja use these materials? Iwata Akihiro from Saitama Prefectural Ranzan Historical Museum believes the ninja used them as a last resort. In this episode, we explore how these ninja tools came about and recreate clay makibishi to see if they'll stand up to the test.

About NINJA TRUTH

Ninja are now seen in popular media around the world. But as their profile rises, their reality gets muddied amid legends and fantasies. The truth about authentic ninja lies unknown, shrouded in mystery. This program carefully examines the fighting skills and tools used by actual ninja, and conducts experiments to determine the "Ninja Truth".

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Episode 1
• E2Episode 2
• E3Shuriken
• E4Ninja Yashiki
• E5Ninja Fire Arts
• E6Concealed Weapons and Hyorogan
• E7In Search of the Kunoichi, the Female Ninja
• E8Extraordinary Ninja Tools: Kunai and Ikibukuro
• E9Shinobi Rokugu: The Six Essential Tools of the Ninja
• E10Poison and Medicine: The Ninja's Double-Sided Coin
• E11Innin and Yonin: The Yin and Yang of the Ninja
• E12Physical Abilities of the Ninja