Tokai Television Broadcasting Ltd. has started to air a new series called "Ninja Boimenkun" ("Ninja Boys and Men") earlier this month.
The series, broadcast at midnight on the first and third Monday of each month, follows a group of male idols as they explore the Dragon Route, a new tourist route in the Chubu region, while dressed as ninja.
While at first glance it may give the impression of being nothing more than a trivial show, the ninja, based in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, have another role — promoting the local economy and ensuring the broadcasting company's survival.