Yamanaka Clan

Known Members: Ino Yamanaka, Inoichi Yamanaka

The Yamanaka clan runs a flower shop and specializes in manipulating the minds of their opponents. The name "Yamanaka" means "in the middle of the mountain". Their techniques range from transfering consciousness to communicating telepathicaly. Blonde hair and blue eyes are also associated with Yamanakas.

The Yamanaka clan seems to have a special relationship with the Nara clan and Akimichi clan. For at least two generations, members of these three families have formed an "Ino-Shika-Cho trio," named after the first part of the names of the members. The Akimichi members are the Cho in the trio, while Shika represents the Nara family. It's possible that because of the trio, the Nara, Akimichi and Yamanaka clan named their kids like they did. This trio has special combo attacks, for instance the capturing combo (no official name). In this combo, Shikamaru catches the enemy first with his technique, then, to prevent strong foes from breaking the techniqe, Chouji uses his double weight technique with his arms and holds the enemy down. When this is done, and their enemy can't move, it is time for Ino to transfer her mind into the enemy. "Ino," "Shika" and "Cho" are the names of three cards needed for a highly prized trick of "Inoshikacho" in the Hanafuda.

Trivia

 * Lake Yamanaka is a Japanese lake that is located at the base of Mount Fuji.