For many, Hattori Hanzō is a name recognized by his mention in Kill Bill, however, he is a key historical figure in the unification of Japan , that combines the best of two worlds that before and after it seem seemingly incompatible: the of the loyal warriors samurai of firm principles and that of the skillful invisible and lethal ninjas.
His legacy lives on not only in books and temples, but also in movies, comics, video games, and in the imaginations of millions of fans.
From military strategy to cinematic aesthetics, Hanzō represents the perfect warrior , able to move in the shadows, protect the innocent, and remain loyal to his ideals.
I invite you to learn more about this particular warrior to whom Tarantino wanted to pay tribute in a subtle way .
Hattori Hanzō: Japan's only known samurai ninja
Hattori Hanzō , also known as Hattori Masanari, was born in 1542 in Mikawa Province, Japan. He was a loyal samurai and unsurpassed ninja, serving the Tokugawa clan during the Sengoku period, an era of conflict and civil war in Japan.
His father, Hattori Yasunaga, was a renowned warrior and Hanzō inherited both military knowledge and espionage techniques and the art of stealth from the Iga clan, legendary ninjas from the village where he was born .
From a young age, he demonstrated exceptional skills in hand-to-hand combat and the use of the katana. He was a great explorer, adept at unconventional tactics and infiltration strategies. Thanks to his cunning and bravery, he was nicknamed "Oni no Hanzō " ( Demon Hanzō ). by his enemies, who feared his nocturnal raids and his ability to appear and disappear like a ghost.
Although he is remembered as a ninja, he was also a skilled military commander. His loyalty to the future shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, whom he served faithfully as a samurai, was instrumental in consolidating the power of the Tokugawa clan, which would rule Japan for over 250 years.
In addition to his battlefield skills, he mastered techniques such as kawarimi no jutsu (substitution technique) and the use of poisons , disguises, and traps to confuse his enemy. His combat style combined surprise and cunning, taking the ninja art to the highest level.
His ability to carry out infiltration and sabotage missions was so remarkable that his name generated not only fear, but also respect among his enemies.
Chronicles mention his leadership as one of the key factors that enabled the Tokugawa clan to consolidate its rule in a still fragmented Japan.
The exploits of Hattori Hanzō serving the Tokugawa Clan
One of the most notable achievements was his loyalty to Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan's most influential feudal lords, who would eventually become shogun and unify the country. Hanzō not only protected Ieyasu in numerous battles, but also helped him escape from extremely dangerous situations.
Among his notable achievements was the time he escorted Ieyasu's son through enemy territory , traversing dangerous routes in complete stealth. Thanks to his knowledge of the terrain and his network of Iga clan ninjas, he managed to bring him to safety, cementing his reputation as a loyal protector.
He also helped rescue Lord Tokugawa's family after Oda Nobunaga's betrayal. These actions earned him a privileged position as a bodyguard and strategist.
Even today in Tokyo, the Hanzō Gate (Hanzōmon) at the Imperial Palace and the Hanzōmon Line subway line bear his name, paying tribute to his legacy.
Important historical battles of feudal Japan in which Hattori Hanzō participated
Hanzō participated in several decisive battles during the Sengoku period, including:
· The Battle of Mikatagahara (1572): where he used guerrilla tactics to harass the army of Takeda Shingen, a powerful daimyō of eastern Japan.
· The Fushimi Castle Incident (1582): His actions helped ensure the safe retreat of Tokugawa Ieyasu following the assassination of Oda Nobunaga.
· The defense of the Tokugawa clan: During the process of unification of Japan, Hanzō played a decisive role as the clan's security chief, organizing secret routes and a network of spies.
· The Battle of Komaki and Nagakute (1584): where he collaborated with the Tokugawa clan generals in key defensive and offensive maneuvers.
· The Battle of Sekigahara (1600): His strategic expertise and network of ninjas was essential in intercepting enemy messages and securing safe routes for Ieyasu's army.
The sword of Hattori Hanzō
Like every great warrior of feudal Japan, he possessed a sword worthy of his status.
He was passionate about Japanese swords made in Mino Province (present-day Gifu Prefecture). One of his most prized swords is said to have been forged by Naoe Shizu, a master swordsmith of the Nanboku-chō period. This katana, characterized by its wide blade, its great curvature, and its forging pattern combining itame and nagarehada, was as beautiful as it was lethal. In a gesture reflecting his nobility, he gave it to Kaji Kinpei Katsutada, a vassal of Honda Tadakatsu, another of Tokugawa's great generals. This act demonstrates both his generosity and his central place in the network of loyalties and alliances that defined samurai politics.
His legacy in samurai history and pop culture
Hanzō's legacy was so significant that his name appears on the famous Hanging Scroll of the Sixteen Heavenly Generals of Tokugawa (Tokugawa Juroku Shinsho). This group comprised the most loyal and powerful vassals who served Tokugawa Ieyasu during the unification of Japan. Many of them, like Hanzō, had served Ieyasu since the pacification of Mikawa Province.
His portraits appear in temples and ceremonially arranged scrolls, representing the shogun's trusted hierarchy. His place on this list is a testament to his contribution not only as a warrior, but also as a strategic figure within the new order. He was one of its silent pillars, operating from the shadows as effectively as his colleagues did on the front lines.
Hattori Hanzō's legacy lives on in both Japanese history and pop culture, where his name remains synonymous with honor, stealth, and loyalty.
