Source: Aichi prefecture
Given that job hopping is now considered “the new normal” for Millennials, and young people are constantly warned that they’ll probably have a number of different careers over the course of their working lives, it’s always good to have a backup job or seven in mind these days. And, thanks to a recent wanted ad from Japan, there’s an exciting new gig to add to that list of potential alternate livings: professional ninja.
According to the BBC, the Aichi prefecture, located in central Honshu Island, recently announced that they were on the hunt for six good ninjas for full time employment in their developing “warrior tourism” industry. Hoping to drum up interest in the area in the years leading up to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, and inspired by the success of the Ninja museum in nearby Iga city (which now promotes itself as the ”home town” of ninja), the prefecture released one of the most amazing help wanted ads of all time.
A portion of the Aichi prefecture job ad
Unlike the original ninjas of feudal Japan or the teenage mutant variety of the past few decades, Aichi’s will be less concerned with covert operations or saving the world from the Foot Clan than promotional mastery. Physical fitness and acrobatic skill are important qualities for a candidate to have, because the job involves stage performances, but, as the BBC reports, “combat experience as a ninja is not required and a track record of killing people for money would not help your application.”
PR skills are a must, as interviews will be a major component of this new ninja life. As Satoshi Adachi of the prefecture’s tourism unit told the AFP, the ideal ninja should have a passion for both tourism and history and should “enjoy being under the spotlight even though he or she is a secretive ninja.” Much of their time in said spotlight will involve English language interviews, so while Japanese language skills are still preferred, they are not a deal breaker for the right candidate. Martial arts backgrounds are also somewhat negotiable as the successful hires will receive intensive on-the-job training. Satoshi Adachi did add that ninjas would “have to be able to do backward handsprings and some dance moves,” though.
The application deadline for these postings was March 22, and the six successful candidates will begin instruction in sword play and backflipping in the coming weeks. The full time ninjas will be paid $1600 USD per month for their service.
Although the window for this particular opportunity has closed, we’re not ready to give up on the ninjutsu as a legitimate career goal just yet. Aichi’s call for warriors earned them worldwide attention and could well be the start of a new era in martial arts-related employment.
If you want to be ready for the next ninja call, don’t forget to check out Asian World of Martial Arts’ extensive collection of ninja products. Our books, weapons, training accessories, and clothing have been helping aspiring amateur ninjas realize their dreams for decades, and we’d be happy to help foster the next generation of professionals.
A vintage AWMA ninja ad
We’ve even put together the following list of essentials to help get you started:
1. A Suit
ProForce® 100% Cotton Ninja Uniform
Any good professional ninja job should provide its own uniform. But most career experts will tell you to dress for the job you want, so why not start with this 100% Cotton Ninja Uniform from ProForce?
2. Proper Footwear
Ninja Low Tabi Boots
A pair of Tabi boots is a necessity for any ninja. This low boot should provide more mobility for the dance component that comes with the modern ninja job, but high boots are also available for those who want a little more support.
3. Research Material
The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art by Stephen K. Hayes
A passion for history was a requirement for the Aichi job and will likely be equally important in future opportunities. A book like Stephen K. Hayes’s The Ninja and Their Secret Fighting Art, an extensive look at the background and technique of the ninja, will help give you the knowledge you need to impress your future boss/master.
4. Practice Weapons
4 in. Ninja Soft Foam Rubber Star
Develop and refine your non-combat weapon-wielding skills with a set of practice nunchaku and ninja soft foam rubber stars.
5. Climbing Equipment
Ninja Grappling Hook
With acrobatic and athletic feats still being a big part of the modern ninja job, a background in some of the stealth climbing skills the feudal ninjas employed could come in handy. Work on yours with a ninja grappling hook and a pair of hand claws.
