Two cities in central Japan regarded as the birthplace of ninjas, or feudal era secret agents, have launched a council to attract more tourists from home and abroad.
The cultural assets related to ninjas in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture and in neighboring Iga City, Mie Prefecture, were designated as a Japan Heritage earlier this year.
The 2 municipalities have formed a council to enable the region to collectively promote tourism. Its first meeting on Tuesday was held at Aburahi Shrine, which is said to have been a gathering place of the ninjas.
The 2 mayors and the tourism association chairman of both cities and others wore ninja costumes for the occasion.
