Japan Ninja Council PR activities at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan

The Japan Ninja Council held a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan (FCCJ) in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, on February 22nd, "Ninja Day," to outline the "NINJA NIPPON PROJECT."

The Council was established in 2015 through collaboration between ninjas nationwide and related municipalities, universities, tourism associations, and the national government. This project was launched with the aim of "promoting Japanese culture" both domestically and internationally and "boosting regional tourism" through ninjas.

At the outset, Vice Chairman Hiroshi Mizohata (former Commissioner-General of the Japan Tourism Agency) explained the council's activities, including academic research on ninjas, information gathering and dissemination, tourism and cultural promotion through ninjas, and revitalizing regional economies. He introduced the project's initiatives, including developing ninja tourism, establishing a Ninja Academy, and constructing a Ninja Museum. "International visitors to Japan exceeded 24 million in 2016. The government has set targets of 40 million by 2020 and 60 million by 2030. We believe utilizing ninjas can help convey the appeal of each region and contribute to regional revitalization," he stated.

He also commented on the council's first official product, the shuriken-shaped origami paper "NINJA SYURIKEN ORIGAMI," released the same day: "We hope it will become the next item after origami cranes as a tool for conveying feelings."
[Image Video] "Art of NINJA"

Advisor Jinichi Kawakami (21st Head of the Koga-ryu Bandō School and Director of the Iga-ryu Ninja Museum) stated, "Ninjutsu encompasses various fields like combat and survival techniques, addressing diverse needs through multiple approaches. By synthesizing these and sharing them from Japan, we want people worldwide to understand the true nature of ninjas."

Professor Yuji Yamada of Mie University's Faculty of Humanities stated, "People inheriting various traditions, including ninja heritage, exist not only throughout Japan but worldwide. We wish to collaborate on initiatives concerning ninja."

The performance by the Iga Ninja Special Corps "Ashura," active primarily in Mie Prefecture—considered the birthplace of Iga ninja—featured combat action using weapons like the kusarigama (chain sickle). The powerful performance drew keen interest from many foreign journalists.

Asura members also provided English explanations about ninja characteristics, weapons, and techniques for defeating enemies. They further demonstrated that "ninjas are also street performers," showcasing acrobatics like spinning sake cups and coins on a rotating Japanese umbrella, which drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.

Related Article:
・Local Governments with Ninja Connections Gather: "Japan Ninja Council" Launched; Ebizo Ichikawa Appointed as Supporter[2015.10.14]
・ "Ninja Year One Declaration" ~ Envisioning Ninjas in 2030 ~[February 25, 2016]

JNC Official Website:
https://ninja-official.com/