IGA NINJA
The Tensho Iga War – Ninja vs Samurai
Iga Ninja Live Show: The Tensho Iga War (1579–1581). Based on the historical conflict in which Oda forces invaded Iga, a region known as the home of the ninja.
A non-verbal samurai sword performance.
A original 12-minute stage performance featuring 5 performers.
What is Iga Ninja
The Iga ninja were a self-governing, armed group made up of local samurai from the Iga region. They did not serve a specific lord and operated independently. In peacetime, they worked as farmers, but in times of conflict, they took on roles in combat and intelligence.
They specialized in ambushes, infiltration, and information warfare, and typically avoided direct, head-on battles. During the Tensho Iga War, they were defeated by Oda Nobunaga and largely destroyed. Some survivors later served Tokugawa Ieyasu and continued their activities.
A well-known figure is Hattori Hanzo. Their role can be compared to that of a special forces unit on the battlefield.
Iga-ryū (伊賀流; “the Iga School”) is an umbrella term for ninjutsu traditions that come from the Iga region, according to Japanese legend. It became one of the two most well-known ninja traditions in Japan. The Iga-ryū traditions originated in the Iga Province in the area around the towns of Iga, Ueno, and Nabari (modern Iga City and Nabari City in Mie Prefecture). Iga-mono is a synonym for Iga ninja.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iga-ryū
Historical Background
During the Sengoku period, a time when warlords across Japan fought to unify the country, the Tensho Iga War was a conflict in which Oda Nobunaga invaded the autonomous region of Iga.
Iga was an independent community of local samurai. In peacetime, they lived as farmers, but in times of conflict, they acted as fighters and intelligence agents. Because they did not submit to his rule, they were seen as a threat by Nobunaga, who was trying to centralize power.
In 1579, the first invasion was repelled by the Iga forces using their knowledge of the terrain and guerrilla tactics. However, in 1581, Nobunaga launched a second invasion with a much larger army. Overwhelmed by the difference in numbers, Iga was destroyed.
The surviving ninja scattered across Japan. Some later served Tokugawa Ieyasu, preserving their skills and traditions.
Story
A stage performance based on the Tensho Iga War (the second invasion), depicting the conflict between ninja and samurai. The ninja overwhelm the samurai with their individual, extraordinary abilities, but in the end, they are driven into defeat by the organized power of the samurai. Even in death, they are portrayed as leaving a lasting impression.
- Created by KATANAYA ICHI.
Character Introduction
The Iga Ninja
Ninja
A symbol of extraordinary ability. Starting empty-handed, they dominate the mid-to-late game by overwhelming foes with a fusion of ninjutsu and lethal hand-to-hand combat.
Oda Army Samurai Boss
Oda army
The pillar of the organization, possessing heavy, powerful swordsmanship and overwhelming majesty.
Veteran Samurai
Oda army
The Boss’s right-hand man. He is tenacious and persistent, having experienced the Boss’s overwhelming power more closely than anyone else.
Rookie Samurai A
Oda army
A symbol of discipline. In the middle of the story, he falls victim to the ninja’s arts and is forced to turn on his own allies.
Rookie Samurai B
Oda army
A symbol of discipline. In the middle of the story, he falls victim to the ninja’s arts and is forced to turn on his own allies.
Performance Schedule
2026
| Country | City | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | Barcelona | May 16–17 | MATSURI |
| Spain | Vigo | July 4–5 | Kokoro Japan Expo |
For booking inquiries, please contact us.
Samurai Show
The Ninja and Samurai performance group ‘KATANAYA ICHI’ will captivate the audience with their original show!
Senhime
The heroine of a political marriage
Oiran
Forbidden Love with a Samurai
Keiji Maeda
A legendary samurai
Goemon
The Outlaw Ninja from Iga
Musashi
Fight My Own Weakness and Pride