What to know

  • Momiji returns as a playable character in Ninja Gaiden 4’s campaign and challenge modes.
  • She continues her role as the Dragon Shrine Maiden and Ryu Hayabusa’s student.
  • Her combat style blends speed, grace, and ranged versatility through naginata techniques.
  • Momiji’s story arc deepens her bond with Ryu and explores her spiritual role in the Hayabusa Clan.

Momiji has long been a cornerstone of the Ninja Gaiden mythos—poised between elegance and deadly precision. In Ninja Gaiden 4, she reappears amid Tokyo’s demonic chaos, balancing her calling as a shrine maiden with her duty as a warrior.

Who is Momiji in Ninja Gaiden

Momiji is a kunoichi from Hayabusa Village, trained directly under Ryu Hayabusa after the death of her sister, Kureha. As the last Dragon Shrine Maiden, she maintains a connection to spiritual forces within the clan, wielding sacred powers along with physical mastery. Her personality remains centered on composure and compassion—a contrast to the darker tone of the Ninja Gaiden.

Her combat abilities and style

Momiji has mastered both ninjutsu and sacred arts. Her primary weapon is the naginata, emphasizing wide sweeps, aerial juggling, and area control. In previous entries and leaked training data for Ninja Gaiden 4, she uses “Spirit Feather” and “Dragon Flame Kick” techniques alongside elemental Ninpo attacks reminiscent of the Fire Wheels and Wind Blades. Her agility sets her apart from Ryu’s heavier, more precise strikes, making her an ideal speed-based combat option if added via DLC or Challenge Mode.​

Momiji is awesome!!!
by u/rcdeathsagent in ninjagaiden

Her connection with Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa

While Yakumo represents the Raven Clan—a blood-manipulating ninja sect—Momiji symbolizes spiritual purity and the old order. She acts as the moral anchor for both Yakumo and Ryu during their conflicting missions. Ryu’s mentorship of both characters creates emotional tension rooted in duty versus legacy, one of the central themes of Ninja Gaiden 4.​

Potential for future playability

Though only Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa are playable at launch, Team Ninja and PlatinumGames are known for expanding rosters post-release. Developer notes and community discussions suggest that Momiji, Kasumi, and Rachel may join in future challenge updates or DLC, similar to Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge.

Why she remains a fan favorite

Momiji embodies the ideal blend of elegance and ferocity. As one of the few characters balancing divine duty with martial prowess, she enriches Ninja Gaiden’s lore and aesthetic continuity. Fans appreciate her calm personality, philosophical dialogue, and deep bond with Ryu—traits that make her an emotional heartbeat of the saga.​

MOMIJI
by u/JetstreamSAM-I-M in ninjagaiden

Looking ahead for Momiji’s return

With Ninja Gaiden 4’s cyberpunk setting and dual-protagonist formula, Momiji’s blend of tradition and mysticism likely plays a more symbolic role before a possible full return. Whether as DLC or a secret unlock, her appearance would tie together old fans and new players through the spirit of the Dragon Shrine.