Ninja, Japanese warriors famous for stealth, deception and sabotage, were inspired by Chinese military philosophy. Join Josh and Chuck as they explore the origins, history, gear and popularity of the ninja in this episode.
AI Summary
Chuck and Josh dive into the fascinating world of ninjas, separating fact from fiction in these legendary Japanese warriors. They explore the true origins of ninja in feudal Japan, tracing their roots back to Chinese military philosophy and revealing how they operated as mercenaries-for-hire rather than the supernatural assassins of popular culture. The hosts also geek out over ninja gear, weapons, and their massive influence on Western pop culture from James Bond movies to G.I. Joe action figures.
Movies Discussed
American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs. Ninja
"American Ninja. Did you see that one? — Josh asks Chuck if he saw this ninja movie when discussing ninja films he watched as a kid."
— Josh
Enter the Ninja
"Movies like Enter the Ninja, maybe? — Josh mentions this as an example of ninja movies when discussing how ninjas are portrayed in films."
— Josh
G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
"Well, in the 1982 series, a little ninja was introduced, known as Snake Eyes. — Josh discusses the cartoon series and its ninja character Snake Eyes while explaining ninja representation in popular media."
— Josh
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
"I did see that new movie, though. The G.I. Joe movie? — Josh mentions seeing the G.I. Joe movie when discussing the franchise, though he says it wasn't very good."
— Josh
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? — Josh mentions this as another example of ninjas in popular culture, though both hosts say they never got into it."
— Josh
Tom and Jerry: Forbidden Compass
"See, I said the same thing about Tom and Jerry. — Chuck mentions this cartoon as having the same impact on his childhood that G.I. Joe had on Josh's."
— Chuck
You Only Live Twice
"The James Bond movie. Yes, sir. When the movie came out in 1967, Ninja just exploded in Western culture. — The hosts discuss how this James Bond film was credited as the first movie with a ninja and how it helped popularize ninjas in Western culture."
— Josh
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