Ninja and samurai duel inside the centuries-old “Temple of the Shogun” in Aichi Prefecture.
Out of over 70 entries submitted to the Drone Movie Contest 2020, sponsored by the Digital Hollywood Robotics Academy and the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), only seven works were selected as finalists and four went on to win prizes. The winner of the Judges’ Special Prize, Hitohata, Inc.’s Drone x Ninja ~Daijuji~ short film, is now earning praise for its novel application of drones that will undoubtedly pave the way for new filming techniques and for its promotional value as part of the government’s Cool Japan brand.
“Daijuji” in the video’s title is the name of an important Buddhist temple (built 1475) located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. It holds historical significance for serving as the family temple of the Matsudaira and Tokugawa clans and is nicknamed the “Temple of Shogun” for enshrining the mortuary tablets of successive shogun including Ieyasu Tokugawa, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled the newly unified Japan from 1600 to 1868.
▼ The prize-winning two-minute film “Drone x Ninja ~Daijuji~”
▼ As the video starts, the camera swoops in and puts us in the ninja’s eyes for the duration of the raid.
The stunning visuals were shot by drones and micro drones on the temple grounds. The video puts the viewer in the perspective of a ninja infiltrating the compound while scaling up trees, running over roof tiles, slipping past a guard into a building, and engaging in a final climactic battle with a samurai.
▼ The samurai sentry who stands between the ninja and the secret scroll the shinobi is after.
▼ The drones allow the filmmakers to shoot from the roofs, rafters, and other parts of the historical building that you wouldn’t want a human stuntman standing on.
The video is currently being used as a promotional tool for tourism on various Okazaki City websites. Hitohata, Inc. has also announced plans to expand the “Drone x Ninja” series further, a release which we’ll be eagerly awaiting.
Source: PR Times
Images: YouTube/HITOHATA JAPAN
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Japanese castle’s new Ninja Museum sends you on an interactive shinobi mission through history
Batman Ninja anime’s awesome preview video is every bit as crazy cool as the concept sounds【Vid】
Ninja vs. samurai night battle to take place at Japanese castle ruins, 100 combatants needed
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Tourists brave Typhoon Jangmi to queue at two famous sites in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Starbucks Japan has a mesh bag so cute it’s a sell-out hit
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Art exhibition coming to Tokyo this month brings the cute, scary, and weird to ukiyo-e
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events