Fuma Kotaro
Fuma Kotaro
Ninja Chief Who Led the Shadow Army of the Later Hojo
?-1603? · 享年 1603歳
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Three Surprising Facts
The Monstrous Ninja Chief of 7 Shaku 2 Sun
The 'Hojo Godaiki' describes the fifth Fuma Kotaro in vivid detail: 'Standing 7 shaku 2 sun (about 216 cm), with rough muscles and lumps, wide eyes and mouth, bristling black beard, four fangs protruding outward, and a head like Fukurokuju with a high nose'—a monstrous giant resembling an oni. The 200 members of the Fuma clan under his command were similarly rough characters, infiltrating enemy camps to commit arson, sabotage, and assassination, terrorizing Takeda forces. In the 1580 night raid at the Kise River, they reportedly threw Takeda Katsuyori's camp into total chaos. While few historical sources fully verify his existence, this vivid description profoundly influenced later portrayals of ninja.
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Full Biography
From birth to death
Birth year unknown. The fifth-generation head of the Fuma ninja clan, he led the rappa (ninja) force that served the Later Hojo clan for generations. Active during the time of Hojo Ujimasa and Ujinao, he specialized in guerrilla warfare and night raids. According to the 'Hojo Godaiki,' he was described as a monstrous giant standing over 7 shaku 2 sun (about 216 cm) tall, heavily muscled, with four fangs protruding from his mouth. He commanded 200 subordinates, achieving significant results in night-raid operations against Takeda Shingen's forces. When the Hojo fell in the Siege of Odawara (1590), the Fuma clan lost their masters and reportedly turned to banditry around Edo. He was eventually captured through the betrayal of a former Koshu ninja (a Takeda spy) and executed—most likely in 1603. Few historical documents conclusively prove his existence, but he remains an iconic figure symbolizing the Later Hojo's use of ninja warfare.
Personality
A mysterious ninja chief shrouded in legend. Despite his terrifying appearance, he possessed genius-level command of guerrilla tactics and the cunning to systematically deploy a 200-strong ninja force. A man of tenacity who fought to survive even after his lord's downfall.
Historical Significance
As the figure symbolizing the Later Hojo's ninja operations, he is one of the most famous characters in Japanese ninja culture. He appears in countless manga, games, and novels, often portrayed as the 'strongest ninja.' Odawara, where the Fuma clan was based, promotes ninja culture to this day.
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