Whether you’ve been interested in ninjas from the hit anime “Naruto” or the cartoon “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” we’re here to tell you that it’s possible to live your ninja dreams…kind of.
The first thing you’ll have to do? Make your way to Mie University‘s International Ninja Research Centre to begin your ninja studies.
Only offered at Mie University, Japan
Mie University is located in the city of Iga within Japan’s Mie Prefecture. This mountainous region 350 kilometres away from Tokyo was once home to ancient ninjas.
The university offered a two-year master’s degree in ninja studies at the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences back in 2018. It is the first programme of its kind in the world.
On top of that, you’ll be getting an insider’s look into Mie University’s International Ninja Research Centre — the world’s first research centre devoted to the ninja that was established in 2017.
This centre is a global authority for ninja studies and research. Its findings are communicated inside and outside of Japan. At the same time, it is particularly important to revitalise the Iga region.
According to Yuji Yamada, a professor of Japanese history at the Mie University, the course has around three students every year.
A ninja takes part in the Shingen-ko event during the Grand Matsuri Festival dedicated to Japanese culture in Paris 2018. Source: Lionel Bonaventure/AFP
More about ninja studies, less about becoming one
In this course, you will study the history, traditions, and techniques of the elusive ninja — but Professor Yamada feels a disclaimer is necessary.
“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,” he said.
Expect a deep dive into historical documents and courses to help you hone the fighting and survival skills so synonymous with the ninja lifestyle. Additionally, you will also learn to traverse mountainous areas stealthily.
Genichi Mitsuhashi is the first graduate of the master’s programme in ninja studies. Source: AFP
Its first graduate is a survivalist
Genichi Mitsuhashi, 45, became the first graduate student in the course in March 2020. Professor Yamada called him a “role model” for ninja students.
Coming from an undergraduate background in rural development, Mitsuhashi grows his own rice and vegetables to be self-sufficient. Though they are known for espionage and guerilla warfare, ninjas were also independent farmers.
“It has been a fulfilling two years because I lived in a mountainous farming village in Iga to study ninja and pursued my research in my own way,” Mitsuhashi said.
At the same time, he opened an inn to earn a living and a dojo to teach ninja skills. He is well-versed in kung fu and a Japanese martial art known as Shorinji Kempo.
In 2023, Mitsuhashi earned his PhD and became the first doctorate holder among those who had completed the graduate school’s special course on ninja studies earlier.
His doctoral thesis focused on the 1854 Iga-Ueno earthquake, which is perhaps more uncommonly known for the relief provided by the descendants of ninjas (known as “musokunin” country samurai without stipend). They played an important role in informing the then-feudal domain officials of how the quake had affected farm villages and worked to distribute emergency rice stocks, said Mitsuhashi.
There are certain things you can only see in Japan, like Buddhist monks taking part in the “Hi-watari”, or fire walking festival at the Takaosan Yakuoin temple in Hachioji city, in the western suburbs of Tokyo. Source: AFP
Other ways to pursue ninja studies
If you think a degree in ninjas studies won’t help you with your future prospects, don’t worry — we’ve compiled some different programmes that’ll still allow you to learn about ninjas…just not the way you think.
Immerse yourself in the culture through Japanese studies
Teikyo University’s Department of Global Japanese Studies offers international students a chance to build their understanding of Japan’s position in the world and issues affecting the larger community.
Here, you’ll find the opportunity to study at a Japanese national university outside of Tokyo, either at Shimane University in Matsue City or Shiga University in Hikone City, to experience the full spectrum of Japan’s offerings outside of its glimmering capital.
Another place to learn about all things Japan in English is Akita International University (AIU). Their Japan Studies Programme covers Japanese culture, history, religion, cinema, society, and more.
A benefit of studying at AIU? Aside from being away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities and surrounded by the natural beauty of Akita, you’ll be going on plenty of hands-on field trips to see and experience a different side of Japan.
“After all, why limit your study of, say, Japanese religion only to a classroom environment when you can instead come here and learn seated meditation techniques at a Buddhist temple directly from a monk?” writes AIU on their website. “Why restrict your engagement with ancient Japan to books when you can visit a fascinating reconstruction of a village that flourished over 2000 years ago, or even participate in a genuine archeological dig?”
Each country has it own unique work culture experience, and Japan is no different. Source: AFP
Lastly, there’s Tenri University‘s Japanese Studies programme.
With its focus on the Japanese language, Japanese society and culture, and Naralogy (Nara Studies in the Age of Globalisation), the programme supports you thoroughly in improving your Japanese language skills, learning about Nara, and even finding a job related to Japan post-graduation.
It’s a slightly different approach to Teikyo University and AIU, but no less interesting.
Alternatively, if you really just want to be a ninja — then might we suggest looking in working on your athleticism, learning the martial arts techniques, or hardening your mental fortitude like one through checking out the best sport schools, best martial arts to learn, and the hardest degrees in the world, respectively.
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on April 15, 2025.
