Turn into a samurai or a ninja while in Osaka! Practice Sword-fighting in the world of Rurouni Kenshin and Naruto!

Maido! Hello!
I’m Betty and I love having silly fun!
Everyone knows Japan is proud of its amazing manga and anime culture!
And this part of Japanese culture isn’t reserved only for children. Adults can get in on the fun too.
But it’s actually pretty tough to experience life in the worlds where anime stories are usually set, especially the worlds of samurai and ninja…
But I have news for you!
There’s a place in Osaka where you can try out what it’s like being a samurai or ninja!
Check out the article below to see what I’m talking about♪

The Japan Tatedo Association brings SAMURAI culture to the world!

The Japan Tatedo Association uses the special techniques of sword-fighting—which are considered special skills in the world of theater—to convey etiquette, expressiveness, imagination, and traditional culture to the general public.
And one of the things they offer are samurai and ninja experiences!
They’re drawing attention from Japanese people as well as overseas tourists, who want to try stepping into this fantasy world.
Plus the group puts on shows in various locations to spread SAMURAI culture to the world.
They even performed a sword fight during the G7!

Funny story, when they tried to bring swords into the G7 venue, they were surrounded by dozens of security guards. Of course the swords weren’t real swords and they were only there because they were invited in the first place.

The dojo is in Shinsaibashi! Samurai are waiting for you near Osaka’s famous Amemura area!

The Japan Tatedo Association’s dojo is located in Minami, one of Osaka’s most popular districts.
The nearest station is Yotsubashi Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line.

Yotsubashi Station is a little bit confusing in that it’s actually connected to both Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Line and the Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line through an underground passageway.
It’s a busy area within walking distance of Amemura, Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street, and Dotonbori!
The dojo is on the 3rd floor of Imai Building, which is only about a 30-second walk from Yotsubashi Station.

Let’s take a look inside.
When you enter the building, take the elevator up to the 3rd floor. Then you’ll pass through the doors of the Japan Sword Fighting Association…

OMG, it’s a samurai!

Right in front of me!! And he has a sword!!!
How cool is that?
Looking around the dojo, you can see swords, armor, and helmets hanging on the walls. Just being in this space is so exciting!
As I was admiring the decorations, I heard a voice say “Welcome! We hope you enjoy your day with us.” And when I turned around there was another samurai and ninja standing there. This is like a dream come true… It might be better than Disney!

Turning into a samurai or ninja and learn about the Japanese spirit

Today’s guests are my new friends Yoon from Korea and Hinata who lives in Osaka.

Today they’ll be experiencing “tate” fighting scenes that you see on stage, in movies and TV!
However, there is no way we can do everything in one day, so first we learned the necessary bows, gestures, and how to handle a sword for samurai. Then I decided to sign up for the open-class to learn about sword-fighting.
The open-class is a 60-minute session.
First we changed into a kimono, then practiced sitting and bowing, then how to use a sword, basic sword fighting styles and movements, and finally fighting.
Here’s what it looks like
In the beginning you get to choose your costume.

There are pictures of each costume, which makes it easier to decide which one to wear.

Even if you’ve never worn a kimono before, don’t worry, the staff are very helpful!
Although you can wear a kimono over your clothes, it’s best to be in clothing that will let you to move around easily.
After Yoon and Hinata finished changing it was time to start practicing bows and how to sit correctly.

This etiquette has been passed down since ancient times in Japan.
Understanding the etiquette is very important in order to experience the mindset of the samurai and ninja!
These may seem like simple gestures, but you’d be surprised how difficult it is to bow while keeping your back absolutely straight.
Also, I’ve heard a lot of people who aren’t used to sitting in a seiza (kneeling) position complain that their legs hurt. And it isn’t easy to kneel on wood, so I can imagine how hard it is for first-timers to sit in seiza position.
These two learned how to place their hands together and memorized beautiful gestures.
The next step is learning how to stand back up.

Now it’s time to get your Japanese sword! Let’s learn Rurouni Kenshin’s style!

Samurai and ninja are taught to stand by putting weight on your toes and bending your knees slightly forward.
Hinata said she’s so used to putting her weight on her heels that when she stood like this her legs started to tremble.
Once you are able to maintain a correct posture, you can move on to learning how to hold the sword.
Following her teacher’s instructions, Hinata put her left hand on the scabbard and used her thumb to push against the guard. This movement is called Koiguchi-kiri and it’s the basic move for quickly drawing a sword.

After this movement, you place your right hand on the sheath.
Then, step forward with your right foot and pull the sword out in one swift motion.
If you’re a fan of Rurouni Kenshin, this is really exciting!
Come on Yoon! Come on Hinata! The teacher is showing you the techniques Kenshin Himura uses!

Actually, it’s pretty hard to get the sword out of the sheath. The teacher can pull his out in an instant.
According to Yoon it was more difficult than she’d imagined.
But after a few practice tries it does get easier! These two were improved their sword-fighting skills pretty quickly.

This isn’t exactly Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu, but the method of drawing of the sword is quite similar.
Then we learned how to sheath the sword and then moved on to how to hold the weapon.

The teacher instructed them about their center of gravity and the height of their elbows!
And afterwards, Yoon and Hinata’s movements gradually became smoother and more similar to the way you see samurai and ninja move.

The teachers impressed us with a powerful demonstration!

Next up was the practice sword fight, which involved adding a few lines of dialogue.
The teachers demonstrated first.

Para la~, para la la la la la, para la~♪
The theme song of Hissatsu Kogyobinto plays in the background and suddenly someone cries “Wait!”
And then:
“Who are you?”
“I’ll be taking your life.”
“I accept your challenge.”
After exchanging words swords are drawn and the battle commences.

Every time the swords meet, there is a loud sound-effect emulating the sound of metal clanking together. How cool!
Not only are their movements realistic but so are their facial expressions. And the sword fight that unfolds before your eyes is truly impressive!
Yoon and Hinata were completely entranced. And even after the sword fight was over, they kept watching.
Then the teacher called over, “OK, it’s your turn!” with a smile on his face.

Sword-fighting experience with a little ad-lib!

Next up, the teachers’ showed us how to do the same scene!
First they sent Yoon and Hinata to their positions.

They put on the Hissatsu Shobinin theme song.
Yoon appeared and demanded Hinata “wait!”

The decisive battle began.
And their acting was actually as good as their teachers’!
And Hinata, who has turned into a ninja resembling NARUTO, wins!

And so, unsatisfied with a simple win, Hinata tried to finish him off.
All of this improvisation was lots of fun!

The experience includes 4 courses. Adjust it to meet your travel plans!

We tried a special version where Hinata became a princess!

Don’t you think she looks better as a princess than as a ninja?
What kind of scenes would you do if you came here?
It’s also a good idea to bring friends or a significant other with you and decide roles for each person.
Families enjoy the experience too, especially those with children who were influenced by Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and their fathers who always want to play the main characters from historical TV dramas. And sometimes, the father becomes even more absorbed than the child. I can see how that would happen.
You can also practice throwing shuriken (ninja stars)as part of the experience.

At the end of the lesson you get to take a commemorative photo!

Recently, they’ve had many customers from overseas who are very into Japanese culture.
A lot of customers enjoy taking photos and videos with their to upload to Facebook and Instagram!
It’s such a precious experience to hold a sword in your hands and be taught how to use it. I understand why everyone wants to post this on their social media too!
I’m going to film my experience next time!
There are also quick courses that offer a lighter version of the experience and special courses that allow you to sit down to a meal with a samurai after the instructions are over.

Open class (60 minutes)
In this course, after the practice session, you will act out fight scene with background music and sound effects, allowing you to feel like a real samurai.
[Program]
1. Sitting & bowing
2. Sword explanation
3. Put on kimonos
4. Practice basic sword-fight styles and movements
5. Practice dialogue (in Japanese) and fight moves
6. Act out fight scene
7. Take a commemorative photo
Adults starting at ¥8,000
Children starting at ¥5,000
*This course may have other students in the class.

Quick course (30 minutes)
A 30-minute course where you can learn how to draw a sword, how to put it away, and an easy fight scene.
Recommended for those who cannot do a long experience, but would like to try it once. You may record the easy fight scene.
[Program]
1. Put on a Jinbaori (battle surcoat)
2. Learn basic postures
3. Take a commemorative photo
Price starts at ¥5,000 for both adults and children

Private course (60 minutes)
The course program is the same as the open class, however it is a private booking.
Adults start at ¥30,000
*This price includes up to 4 people

Special course (90 minutes)
In addition to the samurai experience, can enjoy a samurai performance.
[Program]
・Samurai show & experience
Experience becoming a samurai! Wear a kimono, ninja costume, or armor, and practice handling a sword. At the end, each person stars in a one-minute fight scene.
・Samurai bento
After the show and samurai experience is over, we will provide you with a bento box full of food similar to what a samurai would have eaten. Enjoy your meal while conversing with the samurai. Please feel free to take photos etc.
Starting at ¥30,000 for up to 2 people
Add ¥10,000 for each additional person for a group of 3 or more.
For example, a group of 4 would be ¥50,000.
The most popular course is the open class, but if you want to enjoy your experience more fully, we recommend the special course. Choose a course that suits your itinerary while you are traveling to Osaka!

Now it’s your turn! Try your experience as a samurai or ninja.
When you visit Osaka, be sure to plan a trip to the Japan Sword Fighting Association. A unique sword-fighting experience awaits♪

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