International Ninja Day
December 5, Friday
History of the holiday
The holiday was created in 2003 by the company Ninja Burger — a humorous project dedicated to ninjas, pop culture, and parody storylines. Initially, it was a joke, but the date quickly became popular online and later in offline events.
Who are ninjas
Ninjas (or shinobi) were secret agents in feudal Japan. They engaged in reconnaissance, espionage, covert operations, strategy, and camouflage. Today, their image has become part of global pop culture: comics, movies, games, and anime have made ninjas recognizable worldwide.
How International Ninja Day is celebrated
* people dress up as ninjas or use themed accessories
* flash mobs, challenges, and costume events take place
* schools and clubs hold martial arts classes
* fans rewatch ninja-themed movies and animations
* brands release special promotions and themed merchandise
Interesting facts
* despite myths, real ninjas rarely wore all-black clothing — they often disguised themselves as ordinary people
* some modern martial arts schools claim links to ancient ninja clans, although historians debate the continuity
* ninjas often used psychological tricks and disinformation, making their reputation part of their arsenal
Significance of the holiday
International Ninja Day is a way to remember Japan’s rich history and also an opportunity to have fun, feel the spirit of mystery, and look at cultural images in a new way, which have become an integral part of world art and pop culture.
International Ninja Day in other years
- 2021 December 5, Sunday
- 2022 December 5, Monday
- 2023 December 5, Tuesday
- 2024 December 5, Thursday
- 2026 December 5, Saturday
International Ninja Day in other countries
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