The name Ninja is of Japanese origin and is primarily gender-neutral. It means "Covert Agent of Feudal Japan." In pre-modern Japan, a ninja, also known as a shinobi, was a spy and infiltrator, specializing in siege and infiltration, ambush, reconnaissance, espionage, deception, and bodyguarding. They were associated with legendary abilities such as invisibility and control over natural elements in popular culture, although historical evidence suggests they were not assassins. The word "ninja" is the on'yomi reading of the kanji "忍者," while the native kun'yomi reading is "shinobi." The role of the ninja in Japanese history and folklore has made them a popular subject in various forms of media, including books, movies, television, video games, anime, manga, and Western animation.