Tokyo - Japanese officials are enlisting one of the country's best-known historical figures - the ninja, martial-arts master and stealth agent of feudal times - to encourage tourism.
Governors and mayors from prefectures around the country traded their usual bland suits for ninja costumes Sunday to announce the launch of the "ninja council".
It sees local authorities forming an alliance with tourism agencies to thrust ninjas - usually known for their ability to become nearly invisible - into the spotlight.