OFFICIAL HISTORY
IWABITSU NINJA HISTORY
Our journey from 2013 to 2026
It all began in 2013, with a simple wish: to share Iwabitsu Castle and the history and culture of this region with more people, and to pass them on to the next generation.
What started as a local revitalization event gradually expanded into castles, ninja culture, tourism, hands-on experiences, digital projects and inbound travel. In 2021, the Iwabitsu Sanada Ninja Museum “NINPAKU” became our permanent base.
We have come a long way, but the story is still being written. This is a record of the ninja activities that began in Iwabitsu and continue today.
2013
The beginning
Nov | Volunteer group “Iwabitsu-jo Shinobi no Ran” founded
Dec | Regional revitalization event confirmed
2014–2016
Building the Iwabitsu story
Gunma cultural support projects adopted in 2014, 2015 and 2016
Projection mapping and live historical productions
2016 | Hospitality program during the NHK Taiga drama Sanada Maru period
2016 | First THE Iwabitsu Castle Ninja Climb
2017–2020
Beyond the Taiga boom
Ninja tools and weapons exhibition, Sanada Ninja N13 Summit and castle experiences
Goshuin-style castle seals, trekking, workshops and O-Shiro EXPO participation
2020 | New online communication began during the COVID-19 period
2021
NINPAKU is born
Jan | Company established and NINPAKU soft-opened
May | Iwabitsu Sanada Ninja Museum NINPAKU grand opening
Pop-up NINPAKU programs and O-Shiro EXPO 2021
2022
Ninja culture × digital × tourism
3D photogrammetry of the museum collection begins
NINPAKU renewed with new exhibition and experience areas
Projects supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Japan Tourism Agency and Gunma Prefecture
Tourism EXPO Japan and VR NINPAKU
2023
Iwabitsu Ninja at the G7
Agatsuma Sanada Ninja Academy and new experiential programs launched
Apr | Digital content exhibited at the G7 Gunma Takasaki Digital and Tech Ministers’ Meeting
Japan Tourism Agency project, International Ninja Research Association meeting and Tourism EXPO Japan
2024
Going international
NHK WORLD and other media coverage
Japan Tourism Agency premium inbound-experience project
7th International Ninja Research Association meeting held in Higashiagatsuma and Nakanojo
VJTM 2024, Tourism EXPO Japan, and travel exhibitions in Bangkok and Tainan
2025
To the Expo and beyond
Thai International Travel Fair and domestic tourism events
Aug | Stage appearance at the Japan Ninja Festival at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
Tourism EXPO Japan 2025 and VJTM 2025
O-Shiro EXPO and Sanada Maru 10th-anniversary products
2026
From Iwabitsu to the world
Jun | Featured in Rurubu Nintama Rantaro
Sep | Nippon Budokan overseas video project filmed Negishi-ryu shurikenjutsu in Higashiagatsuma and NINPAKU
Sep | VISIT JAPAN Travel & MICE Mart 2026
AND THE STORY CONTINUES.