The role of Ninja

Ninja played an active part vigourously in Sengoku period (1497-1590) when Sengoku Daimyo（Feudal lord) had been fighting each other in the nation.

They were trying to broaden the territory so the Ninja was important for them to acheive the main purpose.

Ninja were excellent mercenary and spy but on the other hand they had a normal life as a farmer or merchant.

Ninja carried out intelligence, plot and disturbance at the same time.

Although spy was in any country,Ninja was special at this point.NIinja has four main roles.

These are information gathering, plot,unconventional warfare and counteract sabotage.

For Daimyo it was necessary to know the information of enemies in details as much as possible.

If they know the political situation,climate,troop strength,stockpile situation of food,they could make a plan to avoid the fight or attack opponent's weak points.

So it was important to get back safely than to fight for Ninja.

The activities to protect their information from the other intelligence activities were also important role of Ninja.

Sometimes Ninja gave out false information to the enemy's side so that enemy's action became more predictable.

Plot means strategy that does not use force.

To make the enemy general ally was usual strategy for Ninja.

Breaking the news that enemy's subordinate was going to betray the general was another technique Ninja did.

Doubts beget doubts and it caused internal breakdown of opponent groups.

Ninja were good at guerrilla warfare.

Even if the scale of troops are large,they couldn't show their ability without formation.

Ninja showed their ability especially in the battle of the castle and mountainous area.

Ninja also did activities such as digging pitfalls and arson.

Ninja supported the Daimyo who hired them not only by intelligence activities but also as Special Forces.

http://www.auncle.com/