SHIGA - Around 90 self-proclaimed ninjas from across Japan gathered in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, for the 43rd All-Japan Ninja Championship, competing in traditional ninja-inspired challenges including shuriken throwing, castle wall climbing, and running across water to claim the title of Japan's top ninja.
Koka, widely known as one of Japan's historic ninja strongholds, hosted the annual competition, which drew participants eager to demonstrate their agility, balance, and endurance.
The event began with an enthusiastic battle cry as contestants shouted "Let's head into battle!" before taking on five different challenges designed to test their ninja skills. Competitors were judged on their times and scores, with each event requiring a combination of speed, precision, and physical ability.
Among the most demanding challenges was water running, in which participants attempted to race across floating boards placed on a pond without falling into the water.
Many contestants lost their balance and plunged into the pond, drawing laughter and cheers from spectators. Despite repeated falls, competitors continued trying to reach the finish line, encouraged by the crowd.
One female participant described the difficulty of the challenge, saying, "I kept falling right from the beginning. Once you fall in, it's hard to climb back onto dry land, so it was really difficult."
A male contestant, taking part for the first time, admitted that he had underestimated the competition. "I thought it would be easier. This was my first time, but it was incredibly difficult," he said.
The championship celebrates Koka's centuries-old association with ninja traditions while giving participants an opportunity to experience activities inspired by the stealth, agility, and survival skills historically associated with ninjas.
The overall winner received a scroll certifying mastery of ninja skills, known as a menkyo kaiden, along with a trip to Australia.
Source: YOMIURI
