The Shōninki (正 忍 記) is the final shinobi scroll from Kishū-ryu. Written by Natori Masatake in 1681, it describes the espionage strategies of the shinobi from Kishū ryu. Together with the Bansenshukai and Shinobi Hiden it is one of three major writings of the shinobi. An original copy of the Shōninki is in the State Library of Tokyo.
Contents[]
The Shōninki is divided into Preface (Jo), three scrolls (Shomaki, Chumaki, Gemaki) and an epilogue (Okusho). In the preface, the author discusses the different types of spies and the principles of espionage. He also criticizes other shinobi schools for being schools of thievery and claims that he has transmitted the true arts of the shinobi in his scroll. The first scroll addresses basic skills, such as disguise and concealment, house-breaking and information gathering. The second part deals with defense against enemy spies, human nature, physiognomy, recognizing and eliciting the true intentions of people, obtaining information on a person's financial situation and laying false trails and clues. The final scroll is concerned with one's own emotional states as well as those of other people.