The 42nd All-Japan Ninja Championship

PUBLISHED 12 OCT 2025

Spirit, Skill, and the Way of Shinobi

From the historic ninja heartland of Kōka in Shiga Prefecture, one hundred of Japan’s most dedicated shinobi gathered to test their mettle in the 42nd All-Japan Ninja Championship — a competition blending athleticism, agility, and traditional stealth techniques.

The contest, broadcast live by Ai-Com Kōka, featured five demanding disciplines that pushed competitors to their limits: the Stone Wall Time Trial, Shuriken Throw, Wall Leap, Water Run, and Water Spider Battle. Each event challenged a different aspect of ninjutsu mastery — speed, balance, precision, and composure under pressure.

Triumph Amidst the Rain

Despite the challenging weather, the event’s atmosphere was electric. After hours of fierce competition, Entry No. 29, Nekohira, emerged victorious in the “Jikara” (strength) division with a total score of 374 points, while Entry No. 5, Namu, claimed first place in the “City” division with 395 points.

Four finalists received honorary scrolls and grand trophies from the tournament office, along with invitations to overseas training experiences courtesy of Kōka Ninjutsu Village — a fitting reward for their exceptional performance.

By go.biwako - https://www.flickr.com/photos/gobiwako/6311369538/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27188546

“I Never Thought I’d Win” — The Voices of the Champions

Speaking on Ai-Com Kōka, overall winner Nekohira reflected on the victory with humility and gratitude:

“Everyone was incredibly strong this year. I honestly didn’t think I’d win,” Nekohira said. “This was my fourth time taking the title, and each time my training partner Wakame-dono has been there, I’ve won. It’s all thanks to that shared discipline. I’m truly grateful.”

For Namu, who topped the “City” division, the moment was deeply personal:

“I’m so happy to finally win,” they said on Ai-Com Kōka. “There were times I struggled and overthought things, but I remembered the ninja’s three principles — don’t overthink, don’t fear, and don’t underestimate. I stopped worrying about failure and focused on doing my best. That mindset carried me through.”

Meanwhile, Tamaru, who placed runner-up, shared a message of perseverance:

“This was my fifth time entering, but the first year I really trained hard,” Tamaru admitted. “I practised my shuriken and water runs at the village on my days off, and I realised that effort really pays off. I’ll keep training for next year’s championship.”

Image of Koga Ryu ninja house: z tanuki

Endurance, Resilience, and the Ninja Way

Another standout competitor, Maru, reflected on overcoming adversity:

“I injured myself early on and almost gave up,” Maru told Ai-Com Kōka. “But seeing everyone else fight so hard made me realise I couldn’t quit. I may not have surpassed last year’s self, but I’ll keep training and come back stronger.”

The event concluded with roaring applause and heartfelt congratulations for all participants. As the rain fell over Kōka Ninjutsu Village, the spirit of the shinobi shone brighter than ever — a testament to the endurance, humility, and courage at the core of the ninja way.

In the words of the host signing off the live broadcast:

“Thanks to everyone who trained and competed without letting the weather defeat them. We’ll see you again next year for another battle of skill and spirit. Until then — keep training, and stay stealthy.”