Tokyo City Grapples with a Ninja Wardrobe Issue
In a twist of fate, a Japanese town found itself in the headlines for a reason that shouldn’t exist—floods of people wanting to become ninjas. The confusion sparked after a viral NPR report suggested Iga, known for its ancient ninja lore, was looking to hire “assassins.”
What the Story Really Said (and How It Got Out of Hand)
- The NPR piece highlighted Iga’s plan to a new ninja museum and its aim to recruit performers to bring the myth to life.
- It mentioned that Japanese ninjas could earn roughly $23,000–$85,000 per year, equivalent to about S$31,000–115,000.
- Some internet sites turned the headline into “Get an $85,000 salary to train as a Ninja,” which instantly attracted a swarm of hopefuls.
The Unexpected Influx
By Wednesday, 115 people from 14 countries had reached out—asking if they could become part of Iga’s “Ninja Patrol.” The city’s officials were taken aback, confessing that there was no such job opening.
City’s Reaction
The Iga city council posted a statement in four languages exhorting, “Be careful about fake news.” Chairman Motoyoshi Shimai told AFP that, “We’re quite perplexed”, and that no plans exist to recruit ninjas—yet.
Could the Mix‑Up Be an Unexpected Blessing?
Despite the confusion, there’s probably a silver lining. Even though no ninja hiring is happening, the buzz may bring extra tourists eager to feel their inner spider‑shark while visiting:
- An existing ninja museum with secret ladders and hidden doorways.
- Live ninja performances and the chance to rent authentic ninja costumes.
- A one‑day ninja training course—just keep your hopes for a job on the back burner.
Bottom Line
While Iga may not be paying out ninja salaries, the unexpected traffic of potential “assassin” candidates could turn into a boon, drawing thrill‑seekers who love a good story about feudal fighters. The city’s mayor admitted the surprise at the word “ninja” making such a huge impact—proof that old legends still have a powerful spin in the digital age.
