View source for Ninji

{{species infobox
|image=[[File:Ninji artwork Play Nintendo 2024.png|250px]]<br>Artwork of a Ninji from [[Play Nintendo]] and ''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]''
|first_appearance=''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]'' ([[List of games by date#1987|1987]], overall)<br>''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' ([[List of games by date#1988|1988]], ''Super Mario'' franchise)
|latest_appearance=''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]'' ([[List of games by date#2024|2024]])
|variants=[[Big Ninji]]<br>[[Paper Ninji]]
|notable=[[Hakkunsai]]<br>[[Right&Wrong Brothers]]
}}
{{quote|I am the darkness!|Ninji|Paper Mario: Color Splash}}
'''Ninjis''' (alternatively '''Ninjies''')<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario Run]]''|author=Paper Mario Missions|quote=Defeat 9 or more '''Ninjies'''.}}</ref><ref>{{cite|title=[https://play.nintendo.com/themes/friends/ninji/ Ninji's bio] on [[Play Nintendo]]|quote='''Ninjies''' are also kind of small. But what they lack in size, they make up for in enthusiasm!}}</ref> are black and star-shaped devil-like ninja creatures and enemies first appearing in ''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', with the game manuals stating that they haunt the dreams of [[Family Computer]] and [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] players, respectively.<ref name=yume>{{cite|quote=「ファミコン{{ruby|少年|しょうねん}}の{{ruby|夢|ゆめ}}に{{ruby|現|あらわ}}れ{{ruby|悪夢|あくむ}}を{{ruby|見|み}}せる{{ruby|小悪魔|こあくま}}。{{ruby|動|うご}}きが{{ruby|速|はや}}く、しつこく{{ruby|追|お}}いかけてくる。」 ("''They are lesser demons who manifest as nightmares in the dreams of [[Family Computer|Famicom]] boys. They move fast and will persistently chase you.''")|title=''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'' instruction booklet (ハックン{{ruby|A|エー}})|page=31|language=ja|publisher=Nintendo|date=1987}}</ref><ref name=dream>{{cite|quote=He is a little devil who appears in the dreams of NES players. He moves fast and will persistently chase you.|title=''Super Mario Bros. 2'' instruction booklet (Ninji - 1 description)|page=24|language=en-us|date=1988|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> Ninjis were originally portrayed with a fang and clawed feet in artwork, but later appearances remove their claws and replace their teeth with round buttons. Their large eyes are also made rectangular, closer resembling eyeholes in a stereotypical ninja costume.

==History==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'' / ''Super Mario Bros. 2''====
[[File:SMB2 art Ninji 1.png|thumb|left|x200px|A Ninji's original design for ''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'' and the Western ''Super Mario Bros. 2'']]
{{multiple image|align=right|image1=Ninji SMB2 Sprite.png|width1=50|caption1=''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]''|image2=Ninji SMB2 All-Stars.png|width2=50|caption2=''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]''|image3=SMA Ninji Sprite.png|width3=50|caption3=''[[Super Mario Advance]]''}}
Ninjis first appear in ''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]''. In this game, Ninjis serve [[Wart]], a mischievous frog-like monster who had seized control of the dream world known as [[Subcon]]. There are two types of Ninji: the first type, called '''Ninji - 1''', charges at the player, suddenly jumping as it approaches;<ref name=yume/><ref name=dream/> the second type, called '''Ninji - 2''', remains in one place and jumps up and down.<ref name=kojo>{{cite|quote=「{{ruby|場所|ばしょ}}を{{ruby|移動|いどう}}しないで、その{{ruby|場|ば}}でジャンプを{{ruby|繰|く}}り{{ruby|返|かえ}}すだけのヘンなヤツ。」 ("''They do not stray from their spot and jump repeatedly like strange guys.''")|title=''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'' instruction booklet (ハックン{{ruby|B|ビー}})|page=31|language=ja|date=1987|publisher=Nintendo}}</ref><ref>{{cite|quote=He stays in one spot and jumps repeatedly. A strange guy.|title=''Super Mario Bros. 2'' instruction booklet  (Ninji - 2 description)|page=24|language=en-us|date=1988|publisher=Nintendo of America}}</ref> In ''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'', this Ninji type has three jump heights, but the middle jump height was not retained in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''. The ''[[Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia|Encyclopedia Super Mario Bros.]]'' swaps the names for Ninji A and Ninji B, though not its anglophone localizations.

Ninjis are depicted as purple instead of black in ''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]'', ''[[BS Super Mario USA]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Advance]]'', with additional pink inside their ears, as well as buckteeth/fangs. [[Big Ninji]]s also appear as somewhat rare [[Enemy|enemies]] in ''Super Mario Advance''. Big Ninjis only jump in place. Like most enemies in ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' and its remakes, all variations of Ninjis can be picked up and thrown at other enemies to defeat them. Big Ninjis yield a [[Heart (item)|Heart]] if they are thrown to the ground or defeated.

====''Super Mario World'' / ''Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2''====
{{multiple image|align=right|image1=SMW Ninji sprite.png|width1=50|caption1=''[[Super Mario World]]''|image2=SMA2 Ninji sprite.png|width2=50|caption2=''[[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2]]''}}
[[File:SMW Ninji sprite.png|frame|right]]
Ninjis, also named '''Mini-Ninjas''',<ref name="mariomania">{{cite|quote=Being cooped up in Bowser's Castle has driven the Mini-Ninja batty. He bounces up and down, waiting for a hapless hero to use for a punching bag.|title=Nintendo ''[[Mario Mania]]'' Player's Guide|page=52|date=August 1991|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en-us}}</ref> are enemies in ''[[Super Mario World]]'' and [[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2|its remake]]. They are encountered exclusively in the [[Front Door]] and [[Back Door]] levels, where they have been driven crazy from their isolation there.<ref name="mariomania"/> Ninjis blend in the darkness and are difficult to see unless the searchlight is activated; to accomplish this effect, they reuse their tri-color ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' sprites rather than receiving new sprites. They jump in place and can be defeated with stomps, fireballs, or a cape attack. Like in ''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'', they have three jump heights, though the difference is more pronounced. Despite using their previous 8-bit sprites, the artwork for this game reinterprets their red spots as buttons, while previously they had been depicted as parts of the creature's mouth. This interpretation is used for all further depictions, including [[reissue]]s of ''Super Mario Bros. 2'', despite not looking like the sprites in that game. Ninjis are one of the few enemies absent from the ending credits.

====''Super Mario Run''====
Ninjis are enemies in ''[[Super Mario Run]]''. They behave similarly to how they did in ''Super Mario Bros. 2''; jumping periodically in one place. Their running variants do not appear. They appear in the levels [[Airship Cannons...Fire!]], [[Firing the Airship's Burners]], [[Throwing It All Overboard]], and [[Airship Armada]]. Their design in this game is similar to their ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' or ''Super Mario World'' sprites, but with a chubbier body similar to their ''Super Mario Advance'' artwork. These enemies drop an additional three [[coin]]s onto the course when stomped or when a [[block]] they are standing on is hit, on top of the usual coins granted directly to the player. This does not happen if they are defeated by other means, like with a [[roll]].

====''Super Mario Maker 2''====
[[File:SMM2RollingSnowballs.png|thumb|left|A Ninji Speedrun in ''Super Mario Maker 2'']]
[[File:SMM2 Ninji Ghost Artwork.png|thumb|A Ninji Ghost in ''Super Mario Maker 2'']]
While Ninjis do not appear as usable enemies in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'', the [[Super Mario Maker 2#Ninji Speedruns|Ninji Speedruns]] mode introduced in version 2.0 uses '''Ninji Ghosts''' to represent other players in speedrun competitions of uploaded levels. If the player representing the Ninji is riding a [[Yoshi]], it will appear to ride a green car. Beating the levels rewards the player's Mii with Ninji-themed clothing. Additionally, during the initial playthrough of a level, a Ninji labeled Ninji Recon gives the player advice. Several Ninji Ghosts can also occasionally be seen in the background on the main Course World menu. Starting in version 3.0, Ninji Ghosts also represent other players’ progress in a Super World.
{{br}}

====''Super Mario Bros. Wonder''====
[[File:SMBWNinjis.jpg|thumb|Ninjis in ''Super Mario Bros. Wonder'']]
Ninjis return in ''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]''. They serve as both enemies and background elements that appear prominently in [[Ninji Jump Party]] as well as in [[Break Time! Raise the Stage]], tapping their feet and jumping to the beat of the music.<ref>{{cite|author=Nintendo 公式チャンネル|date=October 6, 2023|url=youtu.be/N6nmtVJLKDI|language=ja|title=スーパーマリオブラザーズ ワンダー CM みんなでプレイ篇|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=October 6, 2023}}</ref>

===DIC cartoons===
====''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''====
[[File: CartoonNinji.jpg|thumb|left|A Ninji from ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' episode "[[Karate Koopa]]"]]
{{quote|It's-a the Mario Brothers! Stop-a them!|Ninji|"[[Karate Koopa]]"}}
Despite appearing prominently in its opening sequence, Ninjis only appear once in ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'', in the episode "[[Karate Koopa]]," where they are simply referred to once as '''blackbelt ninjas''' by [[Toad]]<ref>{{cite|quote=Blackbelt ninjas! Run for it!|author=[[Toad]]|title=''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' ([[Karate Koopa]])}}</ref> and aid [[Bowser|Karate Koopa]] in his plan to capture [[Princess Peach|Princess Toadstool]] and sell her into slavery for a fortune. Somewhat parodying their namesake, they are skilled in hand-to-hand combat and speak in thick Japanese accents.
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====''Super Mario World'' television series====
[[File:Galoombas, Boo Buddies and Ninjis.jpg|thumb|Ninjis in the ''Super Mario World'' television series episode "[[The Yoshi Shuffle]]".]]
In the ''[[Super Mario World (television series)|Super Mario World]]'' animated series, Ninjis appear exclusively in the episode "[[The Yoshi Shuffle]]" as spectators to [[Yoshi]] and Mario's football game against [[Roy|Bully]], [[Morton|Big Mouth]], [[Larry|Cheatsy]] and several [[Chargin' Chuck|Koopa Football Player]]s in the Neon Castle. Here, they are brown in color, have red teeth, distinct fingered hands, and stubby feet without claws.

===''Super Mario-kun''===
[[File:Ninji SuperMarioKun 4.jpg|thumb|left|Ninjis in ''Super Mario-kun'']]
Ninjis make a few appearances throughout ''[[Super Mario-kun]]'', most prominently in the ''Super Mario World'' arc, where they are seen protecting the Back Door room. Their depiction in the manga is used in some later artwork, particularly the eye hole and buttons.

Chapter 7 from [[Super Mario-kun Volume 4|volume 4]] sees [[Mario]], [[Luigi]], and [[Yoshi]] accidentally going over [[Front Door|Bowser's Castle]] and ending up in the outskirts of the [[Valley of Bowser]], where the Ninjis' village is located. While in the village, they are attacked by a group of Ninjis who plan on cashing in on Mario's bounty. Of the group, two characters are highlighted: an unnamed female Ninji with lighter colors and a ribbon, and an older and easy-to-anger sensei named [[Hakkunsai]].
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===''Nintendo Comics System''===
In ''[[Nintendo Comics System]]'', Ninjis only make minor appearances, with one appearing in the background of the story ''[[The Legend]]'', while several, having been beaten senseless by a sleepwalking Mario who believes himself to be [[Dirk Drain-Head]], appear in ''[[Bedtime for Drain-Head]]''.

===''Nintendo Adventure Books''===
Ninjis appear in the ''[[Nintendo Adventure Books]]'' as recurring enemies.

In ''[[Doors to Doom]]'', a couple of Ninjis, calling themselves the [[Right&Wrong Brothers]], can be found serving as the guardians to the first gates to [[Wart]]'s lair, where one of them always tells the truth and one always lies. They are guarding two doors; Mario and Luigi must figure out the right question to ask them in order to find out which of the two doors is the correct one that leads to Wart. Also, there are other Ninjis mentioned when the brothers are journeying through Subcon.

In ''[[Unjust Desserts]]'', some Ninji are shrunk by [[Magikoopa]] and eaten by [[Yoshi]], though Mario never encounters any inside Yoshi, only in the palace garden. 

In ''[[Brain Drain]]'', if Luigi (who has had his mind switched with a [[Koopa Troopa]]'s due to the [[Synapse Switcher]]) gets a serving of gooey rations in the cafeteria of [[Iggy|Iggy Koopa]]'s base, a Ninji he sits beside tells him that the gray gunk is better than the blue. Some Ninjis are also spotted loitering around the WMUSH radio station when Iggy takes it over.

===''Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up''===
[[File:Veterinarian.png|thumb|''Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up'']]
A Ninji makes a small cameo in the coloring book game ''[[Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up]]'', on the Veterinarian page alongside a [[Tweeter]].

===''Super Mario Adventures''===
In ''[[Super Mario Adventures]]'', Ninjis make several appearances, first appearing in the siege of [[Peach's Castle|Princess Toadstool's castle]]. Ninjis also appear when Princess Toadstool attempts to escape her confinement in the [[Koopalings]]' tower, aiding [[Wendy|Wendy O. Koopa]] and a brigade of spear-wielding [[Koopa Troopa]]s in stopping her escape. Later, several Ninjis appear at Bowser's wedding to Princess Toadstool, with one apparently buying a camera from [[Friendly Floyd]].

===''Hotel Mario''===
[[File:HM Mini Ninja.png|frame|left]]
The Ninjis in ''[[Hotel Mario]]'' are called '''Mini Ninjas'''.<ref>{{cite|title=''Hotel Mario'' instruction booklet|page=15}}</ref> They appear as enemies in Stages [[Stage 3 (Roy's HardBrick Hotel)|3]], [[Stage 4 (Roy's HardBrick Hotel)|4]], [[Stage 5 (Roy's HardBrick Hotel)|5]], and [[Stage 8 (Roy's HardBrick Hotel)|8]] of [[Roy's HardBrick Hotel]]. They routinely look left and right before hopping in one direction. Their jump is slow and aimless and they can be defeated by jumping on them.
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===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario''====
[[File:NinjiPM.png|frame]]
In ''[[Paper Mario]]'', several Ninjis live in [[Starborn Valley]] and act as the caretakers of the [[Star (species)|Star Kids]]. After Chapter 6, there is a Ninji at [[Merlon]]'s house waiting for Mario. When Mario visits Merlon, the Ninji informs him that [[Merle]], Merlon's son, wishes for Mario to come see him in Starborn Valley.

====''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''====
[[File:PMSS Ninji battle.png|thumb|A Ninji dodges Mario's attack in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''.]]
After 12 years of absence, Ninjis return to the ''Paper Mario'' series in ''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]'', this time as enemies. They exclusively appear in [[World 3 (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)|World 3]], and they are the weakest enemy that can be encountered in the forest, being only slightly stronger than [[Goomba]]s. Despite this, Ninjis are still aggressive and chase Mario if they see him. In the overworld, Ninjis tend to hide in the poisoned waters or trees of the forest levels, much like the [[Bzzap!|Bzzaps!]] in ''Paper Mario''.

In battle, a Ninji can either turn itself into a throwing star and hurl itself at Mario, or it can run up to Mario and slam him. Mario must watch the positions of Ninjis, as they are one of the few enemies that can dodge Mario's attacks (the others being [[Paragoomba]]s, [[Shiny Paragoomba]]s and the [[Wiggler Segment]]s). If they are jumping, they cannot be hammered, and if they are standing still, they cannot be jumped on. If Ninjis are hit with the 'wrong' attacks, they disappear in a cloud of smoke and leave a decoy log behind, causing the attack to miss; they then run back into battle while falling from the top screen. This may cause Mario to fall on his face. Ninjis can be hit with the [[Hurlhammer]] sticker even when they are jumping. They can also dodge [[Shell]] sticker attacks if they are jumping. If Ninjis are [[sleep]]ing, [[crumpled]], [[stopped]], or [[dizzy]], they are not able to dodge Mario's jump attacks. A Ninji may drop a [[Throwing Star]] sticker when defeated.
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====''Paper Mario: Color Splash''====
[[File:PMCS Toad Trainworks Ninjis.png|thumb|Ninjis in ''Paper Mario: Color Splash'']]
Ninjis return in ''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]'' keeping their appearance from the previous game. Unlike in ''Paper Mario: Sticker Star'', Ninjis cannot dodge jump attacks, though they still dodge hammer attacks. When approached by Mario outside of battle, they disappear briefly, and then reappear in front of him.

Ninji are primarily found in [[Fort Cobalt]], where they are found in a corridor filled with crates that is entered if Mario fails the last fence puzzle. One Ninji can be found sleeping, and wakes up if Mario hits his hammer nearby. Ninjis make a brief appearance among the minions causing havoc at the [[Toad Trainworks]] when the [[Sunset Express]] needs repairs. The Ninjis fought in Toad Trainworks are unavoidable. A Ninji is the third-round opponent in [[Roshambo Temple#Roshambo Temple #5|Roshambo Temple #5]], although after [[Larry|Larry Koopa]] is defeated, it will be replaced by the [[Rock Paper Wizard]] until beaten.

====''Paper Mario: The Origami King''====
[[File:OrigamiNinji.jpg|thumb|left|100px|An origami Ninji holding branches]]
[[File:Ninji Festival.jpg|thumb|Paper Ninjis]]
Both normal paper and origami [[Folded Soldiers|Folded Soldier]] versions of Ninjis appear in ''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]'', predominantly in [[Shogun Studios]]. Origami Ninji first appear as enemies in the [[Ninja Attraction]]. They appear in a mostly empty room and emerge from square panels of the floor. Near the end of the level, Mario is ambushed by a swarm of Ninji that jump at him from the ceiling in front of the [[Thwomp]] picture. A variant of Ninji that holds tree branches is battled at the [[Spring of Jungle Mist]].

Ninjis are completely immune to [[hammer]] strikes even when going for a first strike; the Ninji turns into a log and appears above Mario for a surprise attack.

Various Ninjis appear in Shogun Studios, practicing breathing underwater with reed pipes. One Ninji is saddened over forgetting his reed. If Mario gives him a [[Straw]] from the [[Tranquil Pipes Teahouse]], he will accept it, trading Mario his [[Shuriken]] as thanks. He then jumps into the water, using the straw in the same fashion as a reed.
{{br|left}}

===''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''===
[[File:MvsDK MiniNinji.png|frame|left]]
[[File:MarioVsDKSwitch Ninji.png|thumb|170px|Ninji in the [[Nintendo Switch]] [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|remake]]]]
In ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'', Ninjis<ref>''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'', Game Boy Advance ROM string (<tt>NINJI</tt>) and Nintendo Switch internal filename (<tt>Model/Ninji.bfres.zs</tt>)</ref> appear with a toy-based design. They are first seen in [[Fire Mountain (world)|Fire Mountain]], the third world in the game. They jump up and down in one spot, acting much like the second type of Ninjis in ''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]'' and ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'', and can give Mario a boost to higher places if he [[jump]]s on their heads. They cannot be destroyed, and touching one results in Mario losing a life.

In the original [[Game Boy Advance]] version, these Ninjis have a purple coloration like the version of the Ninjis seen in the reissues of ''Super Mario Bros. 2''. In the [[Nintendo Switch]] [[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|remake]], Ninjis were redesigned to more closely resemble the current design of Ninjis, now being black with red buttons.
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===''Mario Party'' series===
====''Mario Party Advance''====
[[File:MPA Ninji Screenshot.png|thumb|Ninji in ''Mario Party Advance''.]]
{{quote|It's no mere TV show. It's a lifestyle! It's so cool! The hero is so incredibly-- Oh, sorry. I got a bit carried away there.|Ninji|Mario Party Advance}}
A Ninji appears as an NPC in ''[[Mario Party Advance]]''. He resides on the first floor of the [[Horror Condo]]. When his room is entered, he asks for a favor on his behalf. If his request is accepted, he explains that he wants a DVD of [[List of implied entertainment#Toad Force V|Toad Force V]]. He rambles about the show, saying that it is a lifestyle and constantly praising it, until he realizes that he got carried away. After his monologue, he further explains that the DVD is limited-edition, and that someone in [[Mushroom Condo]] might have a copy of it. After the player gets the DVD from [[Mushbert]] and gives it to Ninji, he is ecstatic about having a copy of the DVD, and gives the [[Tile Trial]] [[Gaddget]] in gratitude. He then begins to happily watch the DVD.

In the epilogue, it is stated that Ninji sold his DVD after he got bored of cartoons.

====''Super Mario Party Jamboree''====
[[File:SMPJ Ninji Star.jpg|thumb|Ninji in ''Super Mario Party Jamboree''.]]
Ninji makes his playable ''Mario Party'' debut in ''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]'', where he is an unlockable character. Like the other unlockable character, [[Pauline]], he is unlocked by viewing him while in the Hot-Air Balloon.

===''WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase''===
A Ninji sometimes appears as an enemy in the [[Mario Adv.]] [[microgame]] in ''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase]]''.

===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
Ninjis appear in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]'' as enemies in [[Gloomy Woods]]. One is fought in [[Neo Bowser Castle]] alongside a [[Paper Ninji]], a [[Spiny]] and a [[Paper Spiny]] as one of Bowser's last lines of defense. They now act more like how actual ninjas would, even using camouflage sheets to hide themselves in the overworld. In battle, regular Ninjis use ninjitsu-styled attacks, such as creating shadow clones of themselves to attack the trio. The fake Ninjis can be told apart from the real one by their blue-colored buttons, as opposed to the genuine one's red buttons. [[Jump]] or [[Hammer]] attacks also cannot be used consecutively against them, as they avoid taking damage via substitution with a log. If there is a Paper Ninji present, a regular Ninji can fold it into a shuriken and throw it at a bro, who must hammer it back.

====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
Ninjis reappear in ''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]'', as allies and enemies in the ''[[Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]'' mode. They are ranged troopers, their [[Special Skill (Mario & Luigi series)|Special Skill]] is Hurt or Heal, and they are strong against [[Tail Boo]]s and [[Big Tail Goomba]]s.

===''Mario Golf: Super Rush''===
[[File:MGSR Character Personalities - Ninji.png|thumb|150px|Ninji in ''Mario Golf: Super Rush'']]
A Ninji, referred to as '''Nimble Ninji''' on a [[Play Nintendo]] article,<ref name="Play Nintendo">{{cite|url=play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/september-update-dlc-mario-golf|title=Another round of free DLC for Mario Golf: Super Rush!''|publisher=[[Play Nintendo]] website|accessdate=September 26, 2021|archive=web.archive.org/web/20210926142912/https://play.nintendo.com/news-tips/news/september-update-dlc-mario-golf}}</ref> makes his playable debut in the franchise in ''[[Mario Golf: Super Rush]]'' as of version 3.0.0. He has the highest speed which is tied with [[Yoshi]] and average stamina. His [[Special Shot (Mario Golf: Super Rush)|Special Shot]] is the Hop Skipper, which bounces multiple times on the ground depending on the distance traveled, while his [[Special Dash]] is the Glide Dash, which allows Ninji to glide with his cloak.

==Profiles and statistics==
===''Super Mario'' series===
====''Super Mario Bros. 2''====
{{Multilang profile
|type=Instruction booklet description (Ninji - 1)
|Eng=He is a little devil who appears in the dreams of NES players. He moves fast and will persistently chase you.
}}
{{Multilang profile
|type=Instruction booklet description (Ninji - 2)
|Eng=He stays in one spot and jumps repeatedly. A strange guy.
}}

====''Super Mario Run''====
{{Multilang profile
|type=notebook
|Eng=This enemy leaps and jumps like a ninja. Oddly, these guys are also pretty good at operating [[airship]]s...
}}

===''[[Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten]]''===
{{PBMCD profile
|name=ハックン (JP) / Ninji (EN)
|artwork=[[File:Ninji Perfect.png|200px]]
|shuzoku=ビースト{{ruby|族|ぞく}}
|seikaku=やんちゃ
|tojo_gemu=ワールド、{{ruby|ＵＳＡ|ユーエスエー}}
|desc='''<big>アメリカニンジャ登場！！</big>'''<br>
{{ruby|黒装束|くろしょうぞく}}に{{ruby|身|み}}をつつみ、アメリカ{{ruby|名|めい}}をニンジというところからみて、{{ruby|忍者|にんじゃ}}の{{ruby|一種|いっしゅ}}のようだ。{{ruby|上下佐右|じょうげさゆう}}に{{ruby|素早|すばや}}く{{ruby|動|うご}}くものと、１カ{{ruby|所|しょ}}で{{ruby|飛|と}}び{{ruby|跳|は}}ねているものの２{{ruby|種類|しゅるい}}がいる。<ref>{{cite|date=1994|language=ja|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|title=''Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten''|page=[https://imgur.com/FZL4q70 157]}}</ref>
|tribe=Beast clan
|disposition=Mischievous
|game_appearances=World, USA
|eng_desc='''''<big>American Ninja is here!</big>'''''<br>
''Dressed in black, they appear to be a type of ninja, judging from their American name, Ninji. There are two types of ninja: those who move quickly up and down and to the right, and those who jump around in one place.''
}}

===''Paper Mario'' series===
====''Paper Mario''====
*'''[[Tattles]]'''
**"''He's one of the Ninjis. Because the Ninjis are so small, it must be hard for 'em to keep the Star Kids in line.''"
**"''He's one of the Ninjis. The Ninjis are excellent baby-sitters for the Star Kids. Of course, they have to run around constantly, but hey. They're working really hard.''"
**"''He's one of the Ninjis. The Ninjis take care of the Star Kids. I hear that they're great cooks.''"
**"''He's one of the Ninjis. The Ninjis are taking care of the Star Kids. Merle is in charge. He seems really busy, though.''"

====''Paper Mario: Sticker Star''====
{{:Paper Mario: Sticker Star bestiary|transcludesection=Ninji|align=horizontal}}

====''Paper Mario: Color Splash''====
{{:Paper Mario: Color Splash bestiary|transcludesection=Ninji|align=horizontal}}

====''Paper Mario: The Origami King''====
{{:Paper Mario: The Origami King bestiary|transcludesection=Ninji|align=horizontal}}
{{:Paper Mario: The Origami King bestiary|transcludesection=(Grass) Ninji|align=horizontal}}

===''Mario & Luigi'' series===
====''Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam''====
{{:Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam bestiary|transcludesection=Ninji|align=horizontal|image=[[File:NinjiPaperJam.gif]]}}

====''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey''====
=====''Bowser Jr.'s Journey''=====
{{Multilang profile
|type=game
|Eng=They're ever ready for battle, with shuriken in hand. They supposedly like to discipline {{color|red|foes with a tail}}.
}}

===''Mario Golf: Super Rush''===
{{Multilang profile
|type=website
|Eng=The shell-shielded Koopa Troopa can make the ball bounce several times, while Nimble Ninji can use Glide Dash and float over opponents on the way to the next hole.<ref name="Play Nintendo"/>
}}

===[[Play Nintendo]]===
{{Multilang profile
|type=website
|Eng='''Small, nimble, and always ready for battle.'''<br>These foes are speedy and quiet. They leap and jump like a ninja to attack, with shuriken in hand!<br>Ninjies are also kind of small. But what they lack in size, they make up for in enthusiasm!<ref>{{cite|date=2024|url=https://play.nintendo.com/themes/friends/ninji/|title=Play Nintendo|accessdate=September 3, 2024}}</ref>
}}

==Gallery==
{{main-gallery}}
<gallery>
SMB2 Nintendo Power Ninji Artwork.jpg|''Super Mario Bros. 2'' (Nintendo Power)
File:DokiNinji.png|''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic Hisshō Kōryakuhō''
Ninji SMB2.jpg|''[[Super Mario Advance]]''
Ninji SMR.png|''[[Super Mario Run]]''
MvDK NS Mini Ninji.png|[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' (Nintendo Switch)]]
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{|class="wikitable sortable" width=100%
!width=50%|Title
!width=20%|Role
!width=10%|Year
!width=20%|System/format
|-
|''[[Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic]]''
|Common enemy
|1987
|[[Family Computer Disk System]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]''
|Common enemy
|1988
|[[Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario World]]''
|Enemy
|1990
|[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up]]''
|Cameo
|1991
|MS-DOS
|-
|''[[Super Mario All-Stars]]''
|Common enemy
|1993
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[Hotel Mario]]''
|Enemy
|1994
|[[Philips CD-i]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario World]]''
|Common enemy
|1994
|Super Nintendo Entertainment System
|-
|''[[BS Super Mario USA]]''
|Common enemy
|1996
|Super Famicom ([[Satellaview]])
|-
|''[[Paper Mario]]''
|Non-playable character
|2000
|[[Nintendo 64]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario Advance]]''
|Common enemy
|2001
|[[Game Boy Advance]]
|-
|''[[Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2]]''
|Enemy
|2001
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]''
|Enemy
|2004
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[Mario Party Advance]]''
|Non-playable character
|2005
|Game Boy Advance
|-
|''[[WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase]]''
|Cameo ([[Mario Adv.]])
|2009
|[[Wii]] ([[WiiWare]])
|-
|''[[Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition]]''
|Common enemy
|2010
|Wii
|-
|''[[Paper Mario: Sticker Star]]''
|Enemy
|2012
|[[Nintendo 3DS]]
|-
|''[[NES Remix 2]]''
|Enemy
|2014
|[[Wii U]] ([[Nintendo eShop]])
|-
|''[[NES Remix Pack]]''
|Enemy
|2014
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Ultimate NES Remix]]''
|Enemy
|2014
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Nintendo Badge Arcade]]''
|Badge
|2014
|Nintendo 3DS (Nintendo eShop)
|-
|''[[Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam]]''
|Enemy
|2015
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Paper Mario: Color Splash]]''
|Enemy
|2016
|Wii U
|-
|''[[Super Mario Run]]''
|Enemy
|2016
|iOS, Android
|-
|''[[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey]]''
|Enemy / Recruitable ally ([[Bowser Jr.'s Journey]])
|2018
|Nintendo 3DS
|-
|''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' (version 2.0.0)
|Player position
|2019
|[[Nintendo Switch]]
|-
|''[[Paper Mario: The Origami King]]''
|Enemy ([[Folded Soldiers|Folded]]) / Non-playable character (Paper)
|2020
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario Golf: Super Rush]]'' (version 3.0.0)
|Playable character
|2021
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Super Mario Bros. Wonder]]''
|Enemy / Non-playable character
|2023
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]''
|Enemy
|2024
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition]]''
|Enemy
|2024
|Nintendo Switch
|-
|''[[Super Mario Party Jamboree]]''
|Unlockable playable character
|2024
|Nintendo Switch
|}

==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jpn=ハックン
|JpnR=Hakkun
|JpnM=Possibly based on "Hattori-kun" from the manga series ''{{wp|Ninja Hattori-kun}}'', or his namesake「服部半蔵」(''{{wp|Hattori Hanzō}}''), combined with the honorific「~くん」(''-kun'')
|JpnC=<ref>{{cite|author=Kagawa, Ryo ({{iw|wikibound|Ape|APE/Shigesato Itoi}}), Koichi Toda (100 Percent), Masaki Kuramochi (100 Percent), Shigeo Tanabe, Naomaru Asao, and Ryuji Osawa, editors|title="UNIT 2 CHARACTER" in『[[Nintendo Kōshiki Guidebook Super Mario World|任天堂公式ガイドブック　スーパーマリオワールド]]』|date=1991|language=ja|location=Tokyo|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|page=30|isbn=4-09-104117-5}}</ref>
|Jpn2=ハックンＡ<ref name=yume/><ref name=Portal>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.co.jp/character/mario/archives/usa|title=Japanese ''Super Mario USA'' entry on the official Mario Portal|publisher=nintendo.co.jp|language=ja|archive=archive.today/2022.01.25-065234/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/character/mario/archives/usa/|accessdate=May 23, 2024}}</ref>
|Jpn2R=Hakkun A
|Jpn2N=''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'' / ''Super Mario USA'', Ninji - 1
|Jpn2M=Ninji A
|Jpn3=ハックンＢ<ref name=kojo/><ref name=Portal/>
|Jpn3R=Hakkun B
|Jpn3N=''Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic'' / ''Super Mario USA'', Ninji - 2
|Jpn3M=Ninji B
|Jpn4=ニンジ<ref>{{cite|title=''Perfect Ban Mario Character Daijiten''|page=[https://i.imgur.com/lVHkZlH.jpg 225]|publisher=Shogakukan|language=ja|date=1994}}</ref>
|Jpn4R=Ninji
|Jpn4M=Transliteration of the ''Super Mario Bros. 2'' name
|Jpn5=カタカタハックン<ref>[[Media:Mvsdk book ii.jpg|''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' Shogakukan book]]{{page needed}}</ref>
|Jpn5N=''Mario vs. Donkey Kong''
|Jpn5R=Katakata Hakkun
|Jpn5M=Mechanical Ninji
|ChiS=哈库<ref>From the ending scenes of ''[[Super Mario Advance]]'' as localized by [[iQue]]. Reference: {{cite|无敌阿尔宙斯|language=zh-hans|date=August 28, 2013|deadlink=y|archive=web.archive.org/web/20170226161109/https://tieba.baidu.com/p/2559790043?red_tag=f0666802113|title=神游 超级马力欧2敌人官译 (Official names for iQue Super Mario 2 enemies)|publisher=Baidu Tieba|accessdate=February 2, 2017}}</ref>
|ChiSR=Hākù
|ChiSM=From the Japanese name
|ChiT=哈庫
|ChiTR=Hākù
|ChiTM=From the Japanese name
|Dut=Ninji
|Fre=Ninji
|FreC=<ref name=smb2fgs>{{cite|author=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|date=1989|title=''Super Mario Bros. 2 Handleiding / Mode d'emploi''|format=German and French|url=drive.google.com/file/d/1k3ylzfjnrB3Bb1CFUK5ZHQIkha9TZ3C-/view|location=Großostheim|publisher=Nintendo of Europe GmbH|page=26}}</ref>
|Fre2=Mini Ninja
|Fre2N=''Hotel Mario''
|Fre2C=<ref>{{cite|title=French ''Hotel Mario'' instruction booklet|url=www.oldiesrising.com/noticespdfV2/Philips%20CDi/Hotel%20Mario.pdf|page=8}}</ref>
|Ger=Ninji
|GerC=<ref name=smb2fgs/><ref>{{cite|author=Matsumoto, Atsuko, Rie Ishii, and Claude Moyse, editors|title=''Der Spieleberater Super Mario Power''|language=de|location=Großostheim|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of Europe GmbH]]|date=1992|isbn=3-929034-02-6|page=118}}</ref>
|Ger2=Mini-Ninja
|Ger2M=Mini Ninja
|Ger2N=''Super Mario World''
|Ger2C=<ref>{{cite|author=Menold, Marcus, Claude M. Moyse, and Andreas G. Kämmerer, editors|title=''Der offizielle Nintendo Spieleberater "Super Mario World"''|language=de|location=Großostheim|publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of Europe GmbH]]|date=1993|page=20}}</ref>
|Ita=Ninji
|Ita2=Ninji 1; Ninji 2<ref>{{cite|title=''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' Italian manual|page=24}}</ref>/Ninji A; Ninji B<ref>{{cite|date=November 15, 2018|title=''[[Super Mario Bros. Encyclopedia|Super Mario Bros. Enciclopedia]]''|publisher=Magazzini Salani|language=it|isbn=889367436X|page=68}}</ref>
|Ita3=Tappetto ninja
|Ita3N=''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]''
|Ita3M=Ninja short stack
|Kor=닌군
|KorR=Ningun
|KorM=Portmanteau of "ninja" and "~군" (''-gun''), the Korean translation of the honorific suffix「~くん」(''-kun'')
|Por=Ninji
|Rus=Ниндзик
|RusR=Nindzik
|RusM=Diminutive of ''ниндзя'' (''nindzya'', "ninja")
|Spa=Ninji
}}

==References==
<references/>

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{{PMSS}}
{{M&LPJ}}
{{PMCS}}
{{SMR}}
{{M&LBIS}}
{{SMM2}}
{{PMTOK}}
{{MGSR}}
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[[Category:Allies]]
[[Category:Demons]]
[[Category:Ninjas]]
[[Category:Playable characters]]
[[Category:Bowser Jr.'s Journey allies]]
[[Category:Brain Drain enemies]]
[[Category:Dinosaur Dilemma enemies]]
[[Category:Hotel Mario enemies]]
[[Category:LEGO Super Mario characters]]
[[Category:Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam enemies]]
[[Category:Mario Golf: Super Rush characters]]
[[Category:Mario Party Advance characters]]
[[Category:Mario vs. Donkey Kong enemies]]
[[Category:Nintendo Comics System]]
[[Category:Paper Mario species]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: Color Splash enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: Sticker Star enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Origami King enemies]]
[[Category:Paper Mario: The Origami King species]]
[[Category:Super Mario Advance enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. 2 enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Bros. Wonder enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario Maker 2]]
[[Category:Super Mario Party Jamboree characters]]
[[Category:Super Mario Run enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario World enemies]]
[[Category:Super Mario World (television series)]]
[[Category:The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! enemies]]
[[Category:Unjust Desserts]]
[[de:Ninji]]
[[it:Ninji]]