In Japanese folklore, a ninja was a warrior specially trained in a variety of unorthodox arts of war, summarized by the term ninjutsu ("art of stealth"). These include assassination, illusion, and espionage.
The exact origin of the ninja is a matter of debate. Ninja supposedly appeared in 14th century Japan and remained active from the Kamakura to the Edo period. The role of the ninja may have included sabotage, espionage, and scouting. Such actions may have taken place at the service of a feudal lord (daimyo, shogun), or other entity waging guerilla warfare.
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