A university in central Japan has awarded its first ninja studies degree to a student who admired the Asian country's feudal tradition. "I read that the ninjas worked as farmers in the mornings and in the afternoons they trained in martial arts," says Genichi Mitsuhashi, a 45-year-old man who has spent the last two years training to become a full-fledged heir to the 21st century. former mercenaries.
The academic program of Mie University, in the city of Iga (350 kilometers southwest of Tokyo), has included training in martial arts such as Kung-fu and Shorinji Kempo, studies of tradition and analysis of historical texts linked to Japanese tradition, but also the cultivation of land, rice and vegetables. "With this combination [of studies] I thought I could get to know the real ninjas," Mitsuhashi told the Japan Times. The man ran a small hotel and taught martial arts and some ninja skills while studying his master.
One of his teachers, Yuji Yamada, who gave Mitsuhashi the subject of History, was surprised by his student's dedication to homework: "We offer history classes and courses in ninja skills, but we did not expect him to commit to this point. "like a real ninja.
To be part of the program, students have to pass an exam in country history and a test to read historical texts related to ninjas. "About three students enroll each year," says Yamada. "We receive many requests from abroad, but I have to point out that this is a course to learn about ninjas, not to become one."
Known for their secret activity and great abilities, ninjas were agents, often undercover, in wars. They have been engaged in espionage, sabotage, murder, and guerrilla warfare since at least the 14th century, but, as Mitsuhashi points out, they were also independent farmers.
Now, the student wants to get a doctorate in ninja studies. "Living independently, for your own survival and prosperity, is important to modern Japan," he told CNN. "For each of us, the world is not global, but local. The era of globalization is now over."
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