Fans of historical ninja tales, take note—Futaroh Yamada’s iconic novel Kunoichi Ninpōchō (The Kunoichi Ninja Scrolls) is getting a brand-new manga adaptation. With roots in the same literary legacy that spawned Basilisk, this upcoming manga promises a dramatic return to Yamada’s deadly, seductive, and politically charged world of kunoichi warfare.
Story Synopsis
Monthly Sunday GX magazine announced that a manga adaptation of Kunoichi Ninpōchō, initially written by legendary author Futaroh Yamada, will debut in its October issue, which hits shelves on September 19, 2025. The manga will be illustrated by Masaki Segawa, known for his adaptation of Yamada’s Basilisk, and will be titled Kunoichi Ninpōchō Yagyū.
The original novel, published in 1969, follows a secret order of female ninja (kunoichi) entangled in the brutal political machinations of feudal Japan. Known for their beauty, deception, and lethal techniques, the kunoichi are deployed on high-stakes missions where love, loyalty, and death intertwine.
Legacy of Futaroh Yamada’s Ninpōchō Series
Futaroh Yamada’s Ninpōchō saga is a foundational work in ninja fiction, blending eroticism, historical intrigue, and fantastical martial arts. His stories inspired several anime, manga, and live-action adaptations, most notably Basilisk, which adapted The Kouga Ninja Scrolls.
Bringing Kunoichi Ninpōchō into the manga format continues this legacy, offering a modern visual reinterpretation of Yamada’s dark, poetic narrative style. With Segawa at the helm once again, readers can expect lush artwork, brutal action, and faithful homage to the original prose.
Character Preview
Yagyū Munenori
A central political figure in the novel, Yagyū Munenori serves as both a strategist and manipulator behind the scenes. His use of kunoichi as tools for espionage is key to the story’s themes of control, sacrifice, and ambition.
Kisaragi
One of the standout kunoichi characters, Kisaragi embodies the duality of sensuality and violence. Torn between her missions and personal desires, she represents the cost of being a weapon in a man’s war.
Did You Know?
- Futaroh Yamada (1922–2001) wrote over 100 novels, many of which blend real history with speculative fiction.
- Kunoichi Ninpōchō has been adapted into live-action films, but this will be its first official manga version.
- Masaki Segawa’s art is known for its intricate panel work, sensual character design, and moody inkwork that suits Yamada’s tone perfectly.
With a legacy steeped in mystery, politics, and swordplay, Kunoichi Ninpōchō’s manga debut is one of the most anticipated revivals of 2025. Fans of Basilisk, historical drama, and dark ninja fiction should circle September 19 on their calendars.
