You may have seen ninjas in movies and wondered if they actually wear all black clothing. Ninjas were agents during feudal Japan and they had many different missions.
Some of these included assassinations, infiltration, and spying in the hope of gathering important information.
They were a feared bunch, and for good reason too. You would not want a ninja after you!
However, the stereotype of a ninja is dressed in black in a particular style of clothing – but this would surely give away his whereabouts? The fact of the matter is, nobody really knows what ninjas wear.
In reality, a ninja likely wears the same clothes as everybody else. However, there was a 19th century drawing by an artist called Katsushika Hokusai which sparked off the idea that ninjas dress in all black clothing.
If you want to know more about what ninjas wore in feudal Japan, then read on!
What Is A Japanese Ninja?
During the samurai era of Japan, a ninja (which was also known as shinobi) was another warrior. The name means ‘those who act in stealth’, which is very fitting. They were slightly unconventional compared to the samurai warriors, however.
The ninja’s specialization was in assassination, infiltration and sabotage. They kept to the shadows and were unknown, unlike the samurai. The reason for this is because they often surprised their targets to take them out.
This included being skilled in forgery and deception. Their tactics were seen as unorthodox and went against the ‘way of the warrior (known as bushido). This means that they were never credited with honor in the same way as the samurai.
Why Did Ninjas Not Wear Black?
There is not much evidence to suggest that Japanese ninjas wore black. In fact, there aren’t really any facts to say they wore the clothes they are often depicted in.
The reason we believe that ninjas look the way they did is because of drawings. These are not facts – but are they not fiction either? It is difficult to know.
However, when it comes down to the reality of what ninjas wear, you really have to think about using common sense. A ninja’s job was to be stealth and hidden away. If they had a uniform, then their cover would be immediately blown.
For this reason, it is much better to fit in with those around you. This could be dressing as a peasant or as people who are higher up in the social classes.
And even at night a ninja likely would not wear all black. While they might wear something darker to keep in the shadows, they would again fit in with whatever mission they were doing at the time.
What Inspired The All Black Ninja?
There are two potential inspirations for what ninjas wear: Kabuki theaters and a Japanese artist. Let’s talk about the Kabuki theaters first.
Kabuki Theater
Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theater show that is still around today. It consists of dancing and dramatic performances, often with incredible costumes.
Ninjas have always been mysterious. For this reason, it is likely actors began wearing black to depict them as stealth and invisible.
Black is also known as being an invisible color in Kabuki theater. Kurokos’ wear all black and are often on hand to help actors in scenes and to change their clothing.
They are not a part of the main show, so the black is worn to make them fade into the background.
Katsushika Hokusai
In 1817, Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) created a drawing of what a Ninja looks like. It is difficult to know where his inspiration came from, but since then it has been the go-to reference for a ninja.
You may actually know one of Hokusai’s well-known pieces of art: The Great Wave. However, he specialized in Ukiyo-e art. He used particular techniques and styles to create wonderful Japanese landscapes.
What Does A Ninja Wear?
Today, ninjas are depicted wearing the shinobi shozoku. This is a modern name for the style of clothing many people believe the traditional ninjas of Japan wore.
It is obvious that the shozoku is inspired by keikogi. This is a generalized practice uniform for those who partake in martial arts. Ninja costumes within movies and art today are often wearing something like this.
So, let’s take a look at it!
Shinobi Shozoku
The shinobi shozoku is what many people believe the traditional ninjas of Japan wore. It is based on keikogi, which is a type of practice uniform for martial arts.
It is used in both modern and traditional depictions of ninjas.
Uwagi
The loose fitting Uwagi is the jacket worn by ninjas. It is another piece of clothing inspired by traditional martial arts. In fact, it is said to be inspired by judokas or karatekas.
It would be tied at the waist by a belt, and the sleeves would be short on purpose. This allows the ninja to perform all movements without the sleeves getting in the way.
Hakama
The hakama are the pants which are also inspired by martial arts uniforms. They are loose fitted which allow for a lot of movement. If the pants are too tight, then it will cause restrictions for the legs.
The ends of the pant legs are tied to stop them from getting caught on anything.
Kyahan
Also known as leg wraps, these fastened the bottom of the pants to keep them in place.
Tabi
Known as either boots or socks, tabi were worn by both ninjas and samurai. They are easy to recognize because the end of the footwear splits the toes apart in its design.
Tekoh
The gloves were used to keep the ninja’s hands warm, but also to hide the light colored skin during missions overnight.
Fukumen And Zukin
Lastly, the zukin (hood)and fukumen (mask) is what covers the head of the ninja. It is a two-piece, rather than an all-in-one.
It helps to keep the ninja completely anonymous which is said to not only protect them, but also their families.
Final Thoughts
While it is difficult to know what a ninja actually wore, there is a recognized uniform for ninjas that has been around for centuries.
There is no real evidence to suggest that they actually wore their own uniform, but then where did the ninja uniform come from?
Hi, I’m Jason Patrick, and for as long as I have been alive, I have been obsessed with Japanese culture. From the sights and sounds of Japan’s many cities to its culinary delights that have become famous worldwide, I simply cannot get enough of this wonderful nation!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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