Part 2/8:
The misconceptions about ninjas and their food sources are often exacerbated by popular media. In fact, the notion of what constitutes a "ninja" is more nuanced than the black-clad assassins of modern films. The historical texts known as the Ninja Scrolls, particularly the Rodanshu, serve as crucial resources for understanding the secrets of ninjutsu, especially regarding diet.
Originating from the 16th century strategist Yamamoto Kansuke, the Rodanshu was compiled in 1846, nearly three centuries after Kansuke’s passing. The recipes found within, including those for hyorugan, have undergone numerous translations and reinterpretations, leading to variations and a degree of ambiguity regarding their true nature.