Japan: Aichi Prefecture in Search of Six Ninjas
In what could be one of the most awesome moves ever made by the Japanese people, the Japanese prefecture Aichi is in search of six secret spies who will join its team of warriors.
According to CNN, Aichi is specifically in need of six fit and young ninjas who want to perform on stage and are fond of talking. While the final requirement is unusual since ninjas are known to be silent and mysterious beings, Aichi has a very good explanation for the confusing pre-requisite.
The recruitment campaign is seeking to boost the interest of people in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and those who believe they have what it takes to become a ninja, it is recommended to grab the opportunity right away as there are limited slots.
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The Telegraph further explains that the government wants acrobatic and lively spies who can pose in photos with visitors and tourists visiting the region. This means the campaign isn't only targeting interest for the upcoming Olympics festivities but it is also a stint to further promote the region's ninja heritage which has started to decline over the past decades.
Anyone qualified and aged between 18 to 30 will be given 180,000 Yen ($1,585) per month once they are officially hired. An advertisement posted online reportedly sees ideal applicants with multiple talents - from dancing and back-flipping, to mastery of handling ninja weaponry.
Just last month, a farmer in Koka, Shiga prefecture was certified as a descendant from the famous Koka-ryu ninja clan. While Sukeo Ban said that he did not know his lineage and its ninja connections initially, documents from a special investigation team headed by the local government proved that the 73-year-old came from a ninja clan.
According to Asahi News, Ban was given a certificate in honor of his clan that reportedly was a dominating ninja family during the feudal era.
As part of Japan's continued efforts in reminding the world and its people that ninjas were once renowned and respected, the six spies who will be chosen will be given a one-year contract for the full-time ninja slots. Deadline of application is on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, and training for the ninja job begins on April.
