NINJA TRUTH — Season 1, Episode 21: The Koka Ninja - Their Light and Shadow

Episode synopsis

Along with Iga, the Koka region is synonymous with ninja. The Koka Ninja are often depicted in anime and movies as the arch rivals of the Iga Ninja or as villains. But what were they really like? In this episode, we explore the Koka region with Professor Yuji Yamada of Mie University, learning about the turbulent history of the Koka Ninja, from their stunning success at the battle of "Magari-no-Jin" to the disaster that culminated in the "Koka Yure." Their democratic practices and deep bonds to each other as well as their homeland reveal a rather different side, and bring us ever closer to the ninja truth.

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