Futaroh Yamada’s classic 1961 novel, Kunoichi Ninpōchō, is inspiring a new manga adaptation by Atsushi Mizushima. The series is set to launch in the September issue of LEED Publishing’s Comic Ran magazine on August 27.
A New Chapter for a Ninja Classic
The upcoming manga marks another adaptation for Futaroh Yamada’s extensive “Ninpōchō” novel series, known for its various works inspiring films, anime, and manga over the years. Yamada, whose real name was Seiya Yamada, was a prolific Japanese author celebrated for his ninja and mystery stories. His works, including Kunoichi Ninpōchō, have frequently been adapted into other media since their original publication.
The Story of Kunoichi Ninpōchō
The novel Kunoichi Ninpōchō centers on five female ninja, known as kunoichi, each of whom carries a child of Toyotomi Hideyori. Under the command of Toyotomi clan vassal Sanada Yukimura, these kunoichi utilize their ninja skills to escape the Siege of Osaka and evade the wrath of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the clandestine world of female ninjas in feudal Japan.
Futaroh Yamada’s Legacy in Adaptations
Futaroh Yamada’s literary impact is undeniable, with many of his “Ninpōchō” novels having transcended their original book format.
Notable Adaptations from the “Ninpōchō” Series
- Kōga Ninpōchō (The Kouga Ninja Scrolls): Perhaps one of Yamada’s most famous works, Kōga Ninpōchō (1959) depicts a bitter rivalry between the Kouga and Iga ninja clans. This novel has seen multiple manga adaptations, including Masaki Segawa’s Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, which later inspired a popular 2005 anime television series and a live-action film. A sequel novel, Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls by Masaki Yamada, also received both manga and anime adaptations.
- Makai Tenshō (Ninja Resurrection): Serialized as Oboro Ninpōchō, this classic novel from 1964-1965 was the basis for the 1998 original video anime Ninja Resurrection. It also inspired Masaki Segawa’s manga Jū ~Ninpō Makai Tenshō~, which ran from 2012 to 2018.
- Kunoichi Ninpōchō (Previous Film): The Kunoichi Ninpōchō novel itself was previously adapted into a live-action film by Sadao Nakajima in 1964, and again in 1991.
Atsushi Mizushima: The New Manga Artist
Atsushi Mizushima is the artist tasked with bringing Kunoichi Ninpōchō to life in its latest manga iteration. While specific details about Mizushima’s previous works are not extensively detailed in initial announcements, their involvement signifies a fresh artistic interpretation for Yamada’s enduring narrative. The choice of artist is crucial for capturing the unique blend of historical detail, action, and human drama that defines Yamada’s ninja stories.
The manga adaptation is highly anticipated by fans of Futaroh Yamada’s works and those interested in historical ninja fiction. Its debut in Comic Ran‘s September issue on August 27 will introduce a new generation of readers to the thrilling world of the kunoichi of the Toyotomi clan.
