All-Japan Ninja Championship Held in the Birthplace of the Shinobi

Oct 14, 2025 | News On Japan

SHIGA, Oct 14, 2025 (News On Japan) - Dozens of self-proclaimed ninjas from across Japan gathered in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, known as one of the historic homes of the shinobi, to compete in a unique national championship testing their stealth, agility, and skill.

Around 100 participants dressed in a variety of ninja costumes took part in the All-Japan Ninja Championship, challenging themselves in five events that included scaling castle walls and throwing shuriken. Among the toughest was the “water run,” which required competitors to sprint across floating planks laid on a pond. Many lost their footing and ended up plunging into the water, soaking wet but undeterred.

“I sank straight away and my legs got caught. I was thinking about switching careers to become a ninja, but I think I’ll give up,” one participant joked after falling into the pond.

Although the weather turned unfavorable partway through the event, both the competitors and spectators continued to enjoy the lively contest, cheering loudly as each ninja attempted the challenging feats.

Source: KTV NEWS

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