Projection Mapping
This project mapping display is a visual representation of the story of the Koka ninja, inspired by some of the motifs and events that defined their history.
1. The Crest of the Rokkaku Clan
The Rokkaku were an influential family who oversaw the area that is the present-day city of Koka, in the southern part of ancient Omi Province (present-day Shiga Prefecture). In 1487, the shogun Ashikaga Yoshihisa (1465–1489) attacked Omi, intending to crush the Rokkaku, who had defied his orders. However, some families among the Koka ninja joined forces with the Rokkaku, using their skills in night raids and surprise attacks to successfully repel the shogun’s army. News of this great achievement spread, bringing the prowess of the Koka ninja to wide attention for the first time.
2. Ninja Families of Koka
Members of some of the Koka families that participated in the rebellion against Yoshihisa went on to develop the Koka ninjutsu (ninja arts). Fifty-three families of Koka are the origins of the Koka ninja, and 21 of those were especially revered for their daring exploits in the 1487 battle.
Over time, the Koka ninja became very knowledgeable in various fields, including science, astronomy, and herbal medicine. During the Sengoku period (1467–1568), the power of the daimyo was weak in Koka, so the local community formed groups based on blood and territorial ties, and practiced autonomous local governance. In the later years of the Sengoku period, these groups established a self-governing organization called the Koka Gunchuso, where all matters concerning the district were decided by majority vote
3. Crest of Oda Nobunaga
The Koka ninja were loyal to warlord Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582), who was instrumental in the unification of Japan. In what became known as the Honnoji Incident in June 1582, Nobunaga was unexpectedly betrayed by his general Akechi Mitsuhide (1528–1582) and died at Honnoji Temple in Kyoto.
4. The Crest of Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616) was also among Nobunaga’s retainers. Following Nobunaga’s death, Mitsuhide’s forces tried to prevent Ieyasu from returning to his base in Okazaki (part of present-day Aichi Prefecture). The Tarao family, one of the Koka families, offered Ieyasu sanctuary when he passed through Koka, leading to a strong relationship between the Tokugawa family and the Koka ninja. Nobunaga’s death was avenged two weeks later when Mitsuhide was defeated, paving the way for Ieyasu to eventually become shogun and unify Japan.
5. Legacy of the Koka Ninja
The sasayuri (bamboo lily), the official flower of Koka, once flourished in the area. Today, citizens are making efforts to bring it back. Much like a flower blooming in the shadows, the Koka ninja did not seek the spotlight but instead focused on protecting their way of life, using their skills and logic to navigate the challenges of changing times. As the turbulent Sengoku period drew to a close and the country was unified under the Tokugawa shogunate, the demand for the services of ninja declined. However, the ninja’s extensive knowledge of medicinal herbs laid the groundwork for the establishment of numerous pharmaceutical companies in the Koka region, and these continue to thrive today.
