Futaroh Yamada’s masterful ninja tales continue to find new life across generations, and now one of his lesser-known but deeply intriguing novels, Kunoichi Ninpōchō, is stepping back into the spotlight — this time as a brand-new manga. LEED Publishing has confirmed that this exciting adaptation, brought to life by artist Atsushi Mizushima, will debut in the next issue of Comic Ran magazine, launching on August 27.
For fans of historical fiction, action-packed espionage, and kunoichi (female ninja) stories, this adaptation is a dream come true — and a powerful homage to one of Japan’s most influential genre writers.
A Ninja Tale Steeped in History
First published as part of Yamada’s famous Ninpōchō series, Kunoichi Ninpōchō is set in the tumultuous era following the Siege of Osaka (1614–1615), a critical moment in Japanese history that marked the downfall of the Toyotomi clan and the solidification of Tokugawa Ieyasu’s power.
The novel focuses on five kunoichi — female ninja — each of whom carries a child of Toyotomi Hideyori, the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and heir to a faltering legacy. Under the secret orders of Toyotomi loyalist Sanada Yukimura, these women must flee the crumbling stronghold of Osaka Castle and evade Ieyasu’s sweeping wrath. Using their unique skills in deception, disguise, and deadly combat, their mission is nothing short of impossible — to preserve the bloodline and defy the odds.
Now, more than half a century after the story first hit shelves, Mizushima’s manga adaptation aims to bring fresh energy and emotion to this gripping narrative.
From Novel to Manga: A New Generation of Shinobi Fans
Atsushi Mizushima, known for his sharp artwork and grounded storytelling, is tasked with adapting the action, drama, and historical nuance of Kunoichi Ninpōchō into manga form. While details of the artistic direction are still under wraps, fans can expect a respectful yet visually compelling take on Yamada’s tale of survival and sacrifice.
The manga’s upcoming serialization in Comic Ran, a magazine known for its focus on samurai-era and historical drama manga, is a perfect fit. This project continues the long tradition of adapting Yamada’s dense, character-rich stories for visual mediums. With his mix of tragedy, martial arts, and political intrigue, Kunoichi Ninpōchō is primed for a visual retelling that could captivate a new wave of manga enthusiasts.
Yamada’s Ninja Legacy Lives On
Futaroh Yamada (1922–2001) is a name that reverberates throughout Japan’s literary and entertainment worlds. Best known for Kōga Ninpōchō (The Kouga Ninja Scrolls), which served as the basis for the acclaimed Basilisk manga and anime, Yamada practically defined the modern “ninja novel” genre.
Kunoichi Ninpōchō isn’t new to adaptations. A live-action film based on the novel was released in 1964 by director Sadao Nakajima, and the story remains a beloved piece of the Ninpōchō collection. The series overall blends historical accuracy with thrilling fantasy, supernatural elements, and deep psychological themes, often pitting elite ninja clans against each other with stakes that span from political dominance to personal revenge.
This new manga adaptation is just the latest in a long lineage of Yamada works being reimagined. Other notable examples include Makai Tenshō, which inspired the cult anime Ninja Resurrection, and the 2018 Basilisk: The Ouka Ninja Scrolls, an anime sequel to the original Basilisk series, based on a continuation novel by Masaki Yamada (no relation).
Why Manga Fans Should Be Excited
For manga readers craving a balance of brutal action and historical storytelling, Kunoichi Ninpōchō promises to deliver on both fronts. At its core, the story centers on themes of loyalty, womanhood in warfare, and the resilience of the human spirit when faced with insurmountable odds. Add in plenty of kunoichi-centric martial arts sequences, stealthy missions, and emotional stakes, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a gripping serialized read.
Given the popularity of female-led action stories in recent years — from Jujutsu Kaisen’s Nobara to Demon Slayer’s Kanao — Kunoichi Ninpōchō feels well-timed to resonate with modern audiences while celebrating the roots of ninja fiction.
Mark Your Calendars
The manga adaptation of Kunoichi Ninpōchō launches in the September issue of Comic Ran, hitting shelves on August 27. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Futaroh Yamada’s works or a curious newcomer to ninja tales with historical depth, this adaptation is not one to miss.
Keep your eyes peeled for preview artwork, cover reveals, and early reviews — and get ready to cheer on five fierce kunoichi as they carve their destinies through one of Japan’s most dangerous periods.
