Rugby star Ayumu Goromaru was likened to a ninja Wednesday as he was given an award by a nationwide organization promoting the culture of the ancient spies.
The Japan Ninja Council said it decided to give the 29-year-old fullback its "Master of Ninja" award as his signature pose before kicking a ball — palms clasped together and fingers molded into a gun-like shape — evokes the image of a ninja.
Goromaru played a pivotal role in Japan's three wins at the Rugby World Cup in England this fall.
"I'm glad to be awarded the title of ninja at a time when Japanese rugby players are earning attention from overseas," Goromaru said at a ceremony held in Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, where his team is based.
"I'd like to transform my body so I can move quickly like a ninja and compete on the world stage," Goromaru said as he received a ninja star from the organization.
The council was established in October by local governments and a tourism association with the aim of promoting areas historically famous for ninja, who were used to carry out espionage and assassinations.
The organization is headed by Mie Gov. Eikei Suzuki, whose prefecture is renowned for the Iga School of ninjutsu martial arts.