A university in Japan has awarded the first degree for studies on "ninjas".
Master's student Genichi Mitsuhashi, 45, has spent two years examining historical documents on the true nature of these skilled warriors, and perfecting his martial arts skills.
He also bought a wooden house in Iga province, the birthplace of the "ninja", where he cultivated rice and vegetables, reports KOHA.
"I read that 'ninjas' worked as farmers in the morning and trained in martial arts in the afternoon," he said.
Mitsuhashi was one of three students who enrolled in master's studies at the International Ninja Research Center at Mie University in the spring of 2018.
After graduating in March, Mitsuhashi has continued with a doctoral program and hopes to connect visitors to the region with the local community.
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The school in Japan separates the student from the others because he braided his hair
His professor, Yuji Yamada, described him as "an excellent example for students studying 'ninja'" with the way he blended into the local community.
However, Professor Yamada warned prospective students that this major was aimed at studying 'ninjas', "not becoming a 'ninja'".
It is believed that 'ninjas' originated in the 14th century where feudal lords employed mercenary spies to infiltrate castles and obtain information.
