"Ninja Year One Declaration" ~ Envisioning Ninja in 2030 ~

Vice Chairman Hiroshi Mizohata, who took the stage in ninja attire while performing, stated in his address, "We want to convey Japan's appeal to the world through ninjas – a symbolic element that represents Japanese DNA and Japanese culture – thereby promoting regional economic development and spreading Japanese culture."

He further highlighted examples like the Musashi clan's ancient martial arts and stage combat training sessions in Tokyo, an Osaka event featuring robot ninjas, and the popular ninja cuisine specialty restaurant in Iga City, Mie Prefecture. and the opening of a capsule hotel themed around "SHINOBI" in Yokohama. He reported that various regions were buzzing with ninja excitement leading up to February 22nd, designated "Ninja Day" based on the pun "nin (2) nin (2) nin (2)" (two ninjas).

Following this, Vice Chairman Mizobata read aloud the declaration: "Gather, ninjas of Japan. Now is the time to unleash ninja power upon the world. Ninja Nippon Project!" He powerfully proclaimed the "Ninja Year One Declaration."

Joining him on stage for a talk session were Professor Yuji Yamada from Mie University's Faculty of Humanities, who researches ninjas and ninjutsu; Danny Choo, founder of the Culture Japan brand and a member of the Cabinet Secretariat's Cool Japan Public-Private Partnership Platform; and actress Mika Hijii, who played the heroine in the Hollywood film "NINJA."

Professor Yamada commented on the global attention ninjas are receiving: "When I hold lectures in Iga, about 100 people gather each time. Media coverage is also increasing, and I feel the interest in ninjas is growing tremendously." He also lectured on ninjas, explaining that the term "ninja" became established around 1955 (Showa 30) and discussed why ninjas vanish without a trace.

The panel discussion covered themes like "The Appeal of Ninjas" and "How to Make Ninjas More Known Worldwide." Responding to the prompt "This Person is the Modern Ninja!", Vice Chairman Mizobata answered "Ichiro Suzuki," Ms. Hiji said "Yuzuru Hanyu," Danny-san named "(their company character) Mirai Suenaga," and Professor Yamada chose "(Japanese) Artisans."

Finally, Vice Chairman Mizobata announced that the council will actively promote ninjas going forward through initiatives like launching the ninja information portal site "Odaiba NINJA TOWN," the "NIN Party" event in June, and the special exhibition "The NINJA: What on Earth is a Ninja!?" opening at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation on July 2nd.