
Lurking in the shadows is a mysterious figure. He conceals himself behind a giant kite, a flipped tatami mat, or a sliding door. Only his eyes are visible from beneath his dark robes. Yes, it’s a tiny ninja, and with a distinctly modern purpose: to protect your smartphone from would-be assailants!
There are three different warriors to choose from, each using a different ninja art to fend off attacks:
1) Giant kite
Legend has it that ninja used colossal kites, larger than a man, to leap into the sky and evade their enemies. Here, your smartphone acts as a counter-weight, stopping clan leader Fuma Kotarou from being swept away on the wind. The kite’s motif is the kanji character 忍 (nin) from the word ninja, too, which is a pretty sweet touch.
▼ Just don’t drop my phone when you’re gliding about on that kite, ok?
2) Flipping the tatami
This famous ninja move, called tatamigaeshi in Japanese, involves flipping a floor mat up at lightning speed to deflect incoming missiles. Crouching behind the tatami mat (and your smartphone) is Sarutobi Sasuke, ready to slash anyone who lays a greasy finger on your touchscreen.
▼ Sasuke is a fictional character, anyway, making this a perfect likeness of him!
3) Blowgun
Peering out from behind a sliding door is our most lethal assailant: touting a Japanese blowgun, it’s Hattori Hanzou. Just don’t turn your back on him, or you might end up with a dart in an uncomfortable place.
▼ Hanzou crouches behind what appears to be a giant bar of dark chocolate.
Your new ninja friends are available for 2,000 yen (US$20), and can assist you with any kind of smartphone or small tablet:
However, seeing as the art of ninja warfare hasn’t developed much since the 17th century, it’s unlikely these little guys will be able to do much to protect you from phishing scams or phone hacking. You’ll have to rely on your own ninja skills for that.





Pet owner builds tiny ninja house for hamster, escape panels and hidden doors galore
Centuries-old book of ninja secrets discovered at public library in Japan’s Aomori Prefecture
Newly established Japan Ninja Council promises to be your one-stop website for all things ninja
Soon, you could have your very own ninja domain (name for your website)
Ninja will murder you if you use your smartphone while walking, Japanese safety video warns
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Krispy Kreme Japan’s sakura donuts are almost here!
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Tomonoura: Where Ponyo and Wolverine crossed paths
Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take “radio calisthenics” to an interesting new level
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Traditional craftsmen create smartphone case fit for a legendary samurai warrior
Japan’s new tiny ninja capsule toy collection turns your desk into a secret hideout
Amazing highschool ninja ad has nothing to do with the product, everything to do with awesomeness
Japanese ninja group wants to hire new member, must have strong aura and mental fortitude
Handy bath pillow doubles as a smartphone holder, might also be giving you a hug
Limited-edition Batman Ninja figure is the epitome of stealth, justice and awesomeness
12 tabi split-toe sneakers to add a ninja flair to your casual everyday wear
Japan’s Camoufla-view products help you slack off with your smartphone in secret!
We buy Amazon’s lowest-rated smartphone “Eye-view Camera Hat” for easy, hands-free videography
Can’t put your smartphone down when you’re eating? This clever plate has a solution【Photos】
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
Leave a Reply