The Art of Enmaku: Japanese Escape by Smoke Screen
When most people imagine a Japanese ninja, a specific image springs to mind: a black-clad warrior cornered by enemies who suddenly throws a small sphere at the ground. With a loud poof, a cloud of thick smoke erupts, and by the time it clears, the warrior has vanished. This is the “Escape by Smoke Screen,” or Enmaku (煙幕). While often exaggerated in Hollywood movies and cartoons, this technique is rooted in genuine Japanese military history and deep mythological lore.
From the ancient chronicles of warrior princes to the secret manuals of the Iga and Koka clans, the art of using smoke and fire to escape danger is a quintessential element of Japanese cultural heritage.
Origins of the Smoke Screen
The concept of Enmaku falls under the umbrella of Tonjutsu, the art of escaping and evasion practiced by the shinobi (ninja). Unlike the honorable samurai, whose code (Bushido) often demanded facing an enemy head-on, the ninja’s primary goal was often information gathering and survival. To survive against superior numbers, deception was key.
Historically, the use of smoke screens became more sophisticated with the introduction of gunpowder to Japan. Ninjas developed Metsubushi (blinding powders) and specialized smoke bombs consisting of gunpowder, sulfur, charcoal, and sometimes irritants like pepper or ashes. These were stored in eggshells or paper spheres.
However, the spiritual origin of using the elements—fire and smoke—to overcome entrapment predates the ninja clans by centuries. It finds its roots in the Shinto myths of Japan’s formation, representing the triumph of wit and divine tools over brute force.
The Legend: Yamato Takeru and the Burning Field
While the ninja solidified the technique, the most famous mythological archetype of “escaping via fire and smoke” is found in the story of Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince of the Yamato dynasty.
According to the ancient chronicles, Yamato Takeru was sent on a campaign to the eastern lands. Upon reaching the province of Sagamu (modern-day Kanagawa/Shizuoka area), he was deceived by a local warlord. The warlord lured the prince into a vast, grassy plain under the pretense of hunting, then set fire to the perimeter. The prince was trapped in a ring of blazing fire, arguably the ultimate ancient “smoke screen” trap designed to kill rather than conceal.
Yamato Takeru did not panic. He possessed two divine gifts: the Holy Sword (which would be named Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, or “Grass-Cutting Sword”) and a seemingly mundane item given to him by his aunt, the high priestess Yamato-hime—a fire striker (flint and steel).
Realizing the wind direction, Yamato Takeru used the sword to mow down the grass around him, removing the fuel. Then, he used the fire striker to ignite a “counter-fire.” This new fire, carried by the wind, burned outward toward his enemies, creating a pathway of safety and turning the smoke and flames back onto the traitors. This legendary escape at Yaizu (literally “The Burning Port”) established the cultural hero’s mastery over the elements of fire and smoke to facilitate an escape.
Modern Culture and Representation
Today, the “Escape by Smoke Screen” has transcended its historical roots to become a global pop culture icon. It is a staple visual cue in anime and manga, symbolizing the mystical and elusive nature of the ninja.
In series like Naruto, smoke bombs are standard equipment, used not just for escape but for tactical repositioning. In video games like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice or the Tenchu series, the smoke bomb is a vital tool for the player to reset enemy aggression, adhering to the classic Tonjutsu philosophy.
Culturally, the phrase kemuri ni maku (to wrap in smoke) is still used in modern Japanese to describe someone who confuses or distracts others to hide the truth—a linguistic remnant of the physical smoke screen.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing the Smoke
For travelers interested in the history of ninjutsu and the legends of elemental escape, there are specific destinations in Japan that bring this history to life:
- Iga-ryu Ninja Museum (Mie Prefecture): This is arguably the best place to see the reality behind the myth. The museum features demonstrations of real ninja tools, including the gunpowder mixtures used to create smoke screens. You can watch trained performers demonstrate how Enmaku was actually deployed.
- Koka Ninja Village (Shiga Prefecture): The rival clan to the Iga, the Koka village offers a hands-on experience where you can learn about the survival tactics of these shadow warriors amidst a rustic, forested setting.
- Yaizu Shrine (Shizuoka Prefecture): To connect with the mythological roots, visit Yaizu. The city derives its name from the legend of Yamato Takeru burning the grass. The shrine is dedicated to the prince and the Kusanagi sword, marking the spot where the ultimate fire escape took place.
Sources & Further Reading
To understand the depth of these stories, one must look to Japan’s primary historical texts which detail the exploits of Yamato Takeru and the early use of subterfuge in warfare:
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters): Compiled in 712 AD, this text provides the oldest account of Yamato Takeru’s escape using the fire striker.
- The Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): Completed in 720 AD, this text offers a slightly more detailed historical perspective on the same events and the pacification of the eastern lands.
- Bansenshukai: A famous 17th-century collection of ninja knowledge that details the philosophy of escape (Tonjutsu) and the usage of fire and gunpowder tools.