Ninja Certification Exam

On June 14th, 131 candidates from Japan and abroad sat for the ninja certification exam, in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.

The exam is divided into three levels - beginner, intermediate and advanced, and includes written questions, shuriken throwing, and ninja attire. This was the 18th year of this exam. There were 93 beginner level candidates, 28 intermediate, and 10 advanced. This year’s candidates ranged in age from 9 - 76. The beginner pass rate was 90%, intermediate 70% and advanced 55%. The test is given every year, so if you missed it this year, there will be another chance next year.

Ninja Museum

Close to the Iga Ueno Castle is the Ninja Museum.  It is probably a bustling place during the tourist holiday seasons, but it was pretty quiet in early January.

The first area was the ninja house where you could try out the ninja tricks. Some of it was a little hokey, but fun.

The  next area was a museum with a lot of interesting exhibits about ninjas.

I didn't put my eyes, nose, or hands near this.

Now I know a little more about the life of the ninja.