Ninja Certification Exam in Japan Attracts Participants from Several Countries
The Ninja Certification Exam in Japan has once again attracted attention after bringing together 131 participants in the city of Koka, located in Shiga Prefecture. The event attracted candidates from different regions of Japan as well as visitors from abroad, including people from Singapore and Hong Kong.
Known as the Koka-ryu Ninja Certification, the test is held to preserve the history and traditions of the ninjas from the region, which is considered by many to be one of the birthplaces of Japanese ninjutsu.
How Does the Ninja Certification Exam Work?
Participants were divided into three categories: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. This year, 93 people took part in the beginner level, 28 in the intermediate level, and 10 in the advanced level. The ages of the candidates ranged from 9 to 76 years old.
The exam includes a written test for all levels. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge about ninja history, their traditions, and the cultural heritage of the Koka region.
At the beginner level, participants also received extra points for attending dressed in ninja costumes. In addition, they took a shuriken throwing test, one of the weapons most associated with the shadow warriors.
Intermediate-level candidates faced more detailed questions about the history and practices of the Koka-ryu school.
Advanced-level participants had to go beyond the traditional exam. In addition to the written test, they were also required to submit a special report related to the ninja theme.
The organizers did not reveal details about the format of the report submission, but the goal is to evaluate the candidates’ in-depth knowledge of the ninja tradition of the region.
Many participants stated that they decided to take the test because they admire the history of ninjas and consider Koka an important place for the development of ninjutsu.
More than 500 years ago, the Koga clan that lived in the region became known for its strategic skills and special techniques, becoming a historical reference when it comes to Japanese ninjas.
The results showed a high pass rate among participants:
- Beginner level: 90% pass rate
- Intermediate level: 70% pass rate
- Advanced level: 55% pass rate
Who here would try to take this ninja exam?