ahh, all this "the last ninja" stuff is not true. ninjutsu,ninpo,kenjutsu,taijutsu, are still very much alive in japan. albeit the employment and purpose of these art forms are not needed in their traditional manner, the "art" form itself is still taught, not by just one school either. tugakure ryu ninjutsu, koga ryu ninjutsu, and fuma ryu ninjutsu still have schools in japan.
here is an excerpt from quest, regarding dr. masaaki hatsumi:> 34th soke of togakure ryu ninpo, whitch is still taught at the iga temple grounds today.>
After Takamatsu died, Hatsumi added Oh to his name. He took that word from Takamtsu's name. That made him Byakuryuoh, honorable white dragon. Until today he changed his warrior name a few more times, and is today known by his Bugo Hisamune (eternal seeker). Among other things, he also changed his name from Yoshiaki into Masaaki. That is a usual thing among martial art masters. Right before he died, Takamatsu Sensei passed tradition, way of life and direct inheritance of nine warrior traditions, which he taught, to Hatsumi. Masaaki Hatsumi became: 34th. Soke of Togakure ryu Ninpo 28th. Soke of Gyokko ryu Koshijutsu 28th. Soke of Kukishinden ryu Happo Hiken 26th. Soke of Shinden Fudo ryu Dakentaijutsu 21st. Soke of Gyokushin ryu Ninpo 18th. Soke of Koto ryu Koppojutsu 17th. Soke of Takagi Yoshin ryu Jutaijutsu 15th. Soke of Gikan ryu Koppojutsu 14th. Soke of Kumogakure ryu Ninpo and the only true Ninja of our time. At that time Hatsumi didn't feel capable enough, to show himself as Soke (grandmaster, direct successor) in public. Therefore he remained isolated with his students from inquisitive eyes. Even his neighbors didn't know, that he was successor of so old traditions.
and to beat all, you can still contact him through the bujinkan dojo and sign up
classes are available to all nationalities. the bujinkan is international, but is located of course, in japan
here is the contact info>
Bujinkan Dojo - Soke Masaaki Hatsumi
Stephen K. Hayes, one of masaaki's prodigy students, started studying with hatsumi in the 60's, and now teaches here in the states. he is so reveared, that hatsumi has often made remarks as to whether or not he will pass his title of soke down to hayes himself. making hayes the first western soke of a traditional ninpo style. togakure ryu ninjutsu. stephen k. hayes' school is located in Dayton ohio, usa.