ab： Can you tell us about the Shuriken Workshop and what kind of response have you received from the participants so far?

©︎NPO法人 FUKUOKA NINJA ASSOCIATION (ワーサル福岡校)
The Ninja workshop is offered by FUKUOKA NINJA ASSOCIATION(NPO), where I'm working as an adviser. After learning about "What's Shurikenjutsu?", "The Relationship Between Ninjas and Shuriken", "The History of Shuriken", participants can start learning the practical skill of throwing shuriken. We have many participants from teenagers to the 40s and most of them had never seen a bōshuriken before.

ab: It looks like a small sword! I'm surprised that this is a shuriken!

Bōshuriken is very difficult to throw, it's said that people usually aimed for the eyeball. However, it pierces deeper to the target and is more powerful than the kurumashuriken that spins around. It's said that kurumashuriken was applied with poison in order to raise the attack.

ab: How did they feel after learning how to throw bōshuriken?

©︎NPO法人 FUKUOKA NINJA ASSOCIATION (ワーサル福岡校)
Many of them found it hard to hit the target, but when they did it they felt extremely happy about it. Sometimes they'd compete with each other and you'd see the winners floating on air.

ab：Lastly, what would you like to say to the readers? Or do you have anything to share about the workshop?

©︎NPO法人 FUKUOKA NINJA ASSOCIATION (ワーサル福岡校)
Shurikejutsu and Shinobijyutsu is indeed one of the Japanese ancient martial arts, just like Kenjutsu and Sōjutsu. I wish there'd be more people get to know this martial art that has a history of more than 400 years, so I'd be delighted if you could enjoy Japanese culture by this experience!