Did ninjas serve the Emperor?

Question

I'm just wondering. My mum says yes, but I don't know. If you can answer it, great!

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

Wow!  Reading these other answers made me cringe.

Ninjas came into existence during the feudal era in Japan (15th-16th Centuries).  At this time, the Japanese Emperor was really nothing more than a figurehead residing in the Imperial Capital of Kyoto.  Imperial power did not reach beyond the capital city however, as Japan was divided between various feudal and clan factions.  

These powerful families competed for territory and power, and as result, wars were constant throughout the country.  Ninja were mostly hired to carry out assassinations and espionage by these competing families.  

The Emperor didn't bother himself with the feudal politics outside of Kyoto, as he was kept far to busy with ceremonial roles and occupations.

Hope that helps,

Peace!

Answer 2

Yeah, and they were f***ing sweet!

Answer 3

no

they are hired assassins. way below the dignity of an Emperor to use such services.

Especially that an Emperor would only have to hint at his displeasure to eliminate anyone- which is exactly why the Emperor did his best to stay out of direct politics

Answer 4

  What the pokemon answerer said. The Emperor through most of Japanese history was little more than a figurehead. Ninjas were the tools of the noble families, though exactly how much of a role they played is open to debate. Their primary duties would almost certainly would have been spycraft, though an assasination now and then is possible.

   But because of the emperor's carefully constructed gilded cage, he hadn't the means to contact or contract with the ninjas that did exist. On the plus side, he probably didn't worry unduly about assassination by ninjas either. He was too useful as a symbol to whichever faction could control him and the court. And any assassinations of the royal family members that might be deemed nessacary would more likely be carried out by a courtier or servant using some method that would not attract suspicion. Like poison. No need tor risking a hired killer being caught in such cases.

Answer 5

i'm pretty sure they did. they were hired assassins. so the emperor probably hired them for stealth/infiltration missions and what-not

Answer 6

Ninja's were usually sent to assassinate people and carry out dirty work.

so the emperor might have hired them for it

Answer 7

No. The Emperor would not stoop to the level of hiring out assassins. He was the supreme, revered authority, and had no need for hired assassins.

Ninjas were mercenaries, most probably hired out by shoguns who needed to have their rivals killed without the murder being traced back to themselves.