Since they were popularized in 1970s pop media, ninja have been some of the most consistently popular characters in American fiction. A market for ninja gear and ninja weapons has recently emerged from the American interest in ninja. Though many of these weapons and objects have their roots in actual ninja tools, some bear the appearance of being thoroughly modernized.

Many people speculate that much of the ninja gear currently available in the U. S. may have more in common with ninja characters as they appear in legend (even feudal Japanese legend) than actual ninja. It is interesting to note that the dichotomy between actual ninja and ninja legend dates back to the beginning of ninja themselves. The secrecy of actual ninja clans, who in reality may have been more closely involved in espionage work than assassination work, fueled speculation and legend as early as the Heian period.

Ninja Gear

Traditional ninja gear, like the ninja gear of today, includes both objects and weapons that have the appearance of weapons and objects which appear much more mundane. Throwing stars, daggers, and sickles were popular with many incognito ninja--throwing stars because they could be easily concealed, and daggers and such because they could be used with many popular ninja disguises. In battle, hand claws (or shuko) and a large iron spike, or kunai, were also popular.

Tales revolving around the mysteries of the ninja were enhanced by the tricks that ninja often used to stun their enemies. They often employed smoke bombs and fireworks to screen quick getaways. Tales of ninja telepathy and other magical powers may have their roots in coded communication secrets, such as using colored rice as a way of passing messages back and forth.