The word Fuma is made up of two kanji characters 風 which means “wind” and 魔 which means “demon or evil spirit.” Even their name of “Wind Demon” was meant to intimidate and instill fear.
The Warring States period (approximately 1467 to 1615) in Japan was an era of relentless conflict and intrigue when various regional warlords throughout Japan called Daimyo vied for influence, territory, and control. It was also a time when ninja clans such as the Fuma Ninja Clan rose to prominence. This was the romanticized time for samurai, Japanese castles, and ninja. The role of the ninja was primarily to gather information and intelligence on neighboring clans and rivals to make better strategic decisions in politics and war. This was a time when travel was severely restricted. Renowned for their guerrilla warfare, espionage, and unorthodox tactics, the Fuma Clan served the Hojo Clan of Odawara and became one of the most storied clans in all of history. One notable quality about the Fuma was their loyalty to the Hojo Clan during a time when many ninja clans could be hired as mercenaries.
Below are some of the most famous stories and exploits attributed to the Fuma Ninja Clan during this tumultuous period of civil war.
Sabotage. Espionage, and Counterintelligence at the Siege of Odawara
During the Siege of Odawara (1590) and one of the most defining moments in the history of the Fuma Clan was their involvement in defending Odawara Castle during Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s siege in 1590. Hideyoshi is considered the second of the three great unifiers in Japanese history and the Hojo were one of the most powerful clans who were unwilling to capitulate to his ascendance or rule. After the Hojo clan spurred a number of requests from Hideyoshi, the Battle of Odawara was set. Odawara was the stronghold of the Hojo Clan and Hideyoshi’s forces vastly outnumbered the defenders. Because of the strength of the Hojo forces and castle a siege was decided that would last three months. During this time the Fuma Ninja were active. The Fuma Clan infiltrated Hideyoshi’s camps to gather intelligence and spread misinformation, attempting to create confusion and disrupt his strategies. During the evenings they conducted stealth raids on supply lines and camps, sowing chaos among Hideyoshi’s troops. These attacks, while not enough to turn the tide of the siege, were instrumental in prolonging the resistance of the Hojo. Despite their valiant efforts, the siege ended with the fall of Odawara Castle in 1590, marking the decline of the Hojo Clan and the Fuma’s formal role as their protectors.
The Fire Trap in the Valley
One of the most infamous tactics attributed to the Fuma Clan involves their ingenious use of fire and ambush. According to legend, the clan leader named Fuma Kotaro lured a pursuing enemy force into a narrow valley under the guise of retreat. The Fuma clan prepared the terrain by planting explosives and creating brush piles soaked in oil. Once the enemy was in position the Fuma set the area ablaze, trapping the soldiers in a fiery inferno. And at the same time they launched a surprise attack with arrows and explosives, annihilating the trapped force. This tactic showcased the clan’s mastery of psychological warfare and terrain manipulation, leaving an enduring legacy of their cunning and ruthlessness.
Naval Raids and Piracy Along Sagami Bay
The Fuma Clan was unique among ninja groups for their expertise in maritime operations. Odawara City is located on Sagami Bay which opens up into the Pacific Ocean. Even now the beach is just a short walk from either Odawara Castle or Station. The Fuma Ninja were skilled sailors and conducted daring naval raids along Sagami Bay to protect Hojo territory and disrupt enemy supply lines.The Fuma used small, agile boats to attack merchant ships and enemy fleets. They often struck at night, using their knowledge of the coastline to evade capture and to confuse their opponents, the Fuma would deploy decoy ships and false signal fires, drawing enemy vessels into ambushes or dangerous waters. These maritime exploits not only weakened the Hojos enemies but also solidified the Fuma’s reputation as versatile and innovative warriors.
The Rivalry with Hattori Hanzo
The Fuma Clan is often portrayed in folklore as rivals to the Iga Ninja Clan, led by the legendary Hattori Hanzo, who served Tokugawa Ieyasu. While the historical accuracy of this rivalry is debated, it has become a staple of ninja lore. There are a number of stories including tne popular tale recounts how Fuma Kotaro and Hattori Hanzo engaged in a dramatic confrontation. According to the legend, Kotaro used deceptive tactics, such as smoke bombs and traps, to disorient Hanzo. However, Hanzo’s superior swordsmanship eventually forced Kotaro to retreat.
Another story describes how Hanzod pursued Kotaro through the marshes and forests of Sagami. Using his intimate knowledge of the terrain, Kotaro evaded capture and led Hanzo’s forces into several ambushes, showcasing the Fuma’s tactical ingenuity and creativity. While these tales may be more myth than fact, they highlight the Fuma’s fearsome reputation and creativity while out in the field.
After the fall of the Hojo Clan, the Fuma Ninja Clan’s activities took a darker turn. Without a lord to serve, some members of the clan reportedly became bandits and pirates, preying on travelers and merchant ships along the Tokaido highway which was one of Japan’s main roads and also cut through Odawara. They were also to have been rumoured to have taken to the seas to pirate the shipping lanes off the coast of Odawara in Sagami Bay.
Fuma Kotaro is sometimes depicted as a leader of a criminal syndicate using his ninja skills to terrorize the region after the fall of the Hojo Clan. It is said the the name “Fuma Kotaro” was given to the head of the clan and may have been adopted by many different people over the decades of existence of the Fuma Clan. Eventually, the Tokugawa shogunate cracked down on banditry in the early 1600’s, leading to the clan’s ultimate decline after weathering the impact of the fall of the Hojo Clan to Toyotomi HIdeyoshi in 1590. Fuma Kotaro is said to have been captured and executed, bringing an end to the clan’s infamous activities.
The Fuma Clan was notorious for their use of psychological warfare to intimidate and demoralize their enemies. They employed ghostly tactics, such as disguising themselves as yokai (supernatural beings) to frighten enemy troops. They were also known for striking at night with minimal visibility, using noise and fire to create the illusion of a much larger force. Circulating rumors of their supernatural powers to sow fear and paranoia among enemy ranks was also a technique they were known for. These methods were highly effective in undermining the morale of larger, more conventional armies.
Legacy and Cultural Impact of the Fuma
The Fuma Ninja Clan remains a symbol of cunning and adaptability in Japanese history and folklore. The image of Fuma Kotaro as a ruthless yet brilliant leader has inspired countless stories, plays, and modern media portrayals of ninja. Statues and monuments in Kanagawa commemorate the clan, ensuring their legacy endures.
The Fuma Ninja Ninja Clan’s exploits during the Warring States period illustrate the critical role of unconventional warfare and intelligence gathering in shaping the course of Japanese history. From their daring sabotage missions and naval raids to their psychological tactics and legendary duels, the Fuma left an indelible mark on the Sengoku era with their skill, ingenuity, creativity, and ability. While their historical records are often blurred with myth and legen, their legacy as masters of guerrilla warfare and espionage continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide. The Fuma Ninja are referenced in popular manga like Naruto and have influence on hit shows on Netflix, House of Ninja.
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