The Mie University in Iga, Japan has awarded its first degree in ninja studies earlier this week. Every year, only three students enroll in the program.
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According to the Japan Times, the degree was awarded to 45-year-old Genichi Mitsuhashi after he spends two years studying martial arts and the historical context of the ninja’s traditions and legacy. Mitsuhashi said he also worked as a farmer in the morning and practiced martial arts in the evening since that was the daily lifestyle for ninjas during the feudal era. He states, “With this combination, I thought I could learn about the real ninja,”
The now-graduate student added that ninjas had “comprehensive survival skills” and he also teaches Shorinji Kempo at his local dojo while pursuing his doctorate degree.
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The program was first initiated in 2017 after the university launched a research center dedicated to ninja studies. Professor Yuji Yamada said in a statement that three students enroll in the program every year. Prospective students are expected to take an exam on Japanese history and a reading test on historical documents.
“We provide historical classes and courses on ninja skills. But I didn’t expect him to engage to this extent. About three students enroll every year. I think there’s demand, We get many inquiries from overseas but I have to say one thing: This is a course to learn about the ninja, not to become one.”