There were a hundred or more movies and TV shows delivering a consistent, almost branded, ninja idiom in Japan during their 60s craze. Entering 2026, we have access to more of that astounding vintage media than ever before, and posterity … Continued
We’ve been basking in a Golden Age of 1960s-era Japanese ninja media becoming available for the first time in English, and this awesome run continues with a bang as AnimEigo is now shipping the 3-disc blu of Shirato Sanpei‘s 1968 … Continued
While I’ve had all sorts of cool-ass ninjering going on in the shadows, I still can’t reveal anything, and its been too long without a post. So here’s some superlative vids that have come along lately, some of which I’ve … Continued
So where have I been? True story… on my way to posting new features I was attacked by ninjas and they ate my homework! But seriously, in the ‘good problem to have’ vein, occasionally you don’t have time to write … Continued
If you lived through the 1980s ninja craze, an un-welcomed bi-product of all that wicked awesomeness was the negative media attention it often attracted, including critical malcontents from within. How many times did you read or hear some sentiment along … Continued
Around 15 years ago I scored some souvenir movie programs and marketing flyers from Japan, mostly to get ahold of a Ninja III: The Domination piece. While it didn’t present any sort of new imagery or info, I was fascinated … Continued
Here’s an obscure little ditty from a 1964 issue of Newsweek magazine — a mini-spotlight on Japan’s ninja boom as part of the international round-up section of the issue. Presented here in it’s entirety for your reading pleasure: Note the … Continued
Sarutobi Sasuke is a character that emerged from the mists of ancient lore and historical inspiration to Kodan narrative storytelling and since adapted into every popular medium that followed — kamishibai, kabuki, manga, silent film, anime, TV, video games and … Continued
I was honored to do a guest spot on the HEROES THREE Podcast this week. These seven year vets covering all things martial arts cinema and Hong Kong action took a step out of their usual comfort zone this summer … Continued
Since this site started I’ve collected every instance of knock-offs and rip-offs of the iconic Sho Kosugi jump kick from the Enter the Ninja marketing I can find. Been a while since I’ve dumped them on here though, so here’s … Continued