[For Sports Day and Halloween] Handmade Ninja Costume and Item Ideas
A classic cosplay staple since long ago: the ninja.
Not just for kids—plenty of adults would love to try being a ninja and play ninja games too! Even if you don’t visit a ninja theme park, how about enjoying handmade costumes and the items ninjas carry? In this article, we’ll share ideas for easy ninja cosplay you can enjoy with everyday materials, plus DIY ninja accessories.
Perfect for children’s Halloween costumes, pretend play, or even sports day outfits.
Have fun with colorful ninja costumes and realistic-looking accessories!
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Ninja Items and Accessories (1–10)
How to make a kusarigama
What weapons come to mind when you think of ninjas? Shuriken and kunai are classics, right? But don’t forget the kusarigama! It’s a concealed weapon shaped like a sickle connected to a chain with a weight.
Buying one is fine, but if you don’t want to spend much, making your own is recommended! With items like EVA foam (lion board), a water pipe, and craft paper, even beginners can make one—so give it a try.
Since you’ll use a hot glue gun during the process, children should work under adult supervision.
Ninja Scroll
Let’s get creative with things you have at home and make a simple, fun craft.
This time, we’re making a “ninja scroll.” You’ll need materials like a snack container, straws or string, and if you have it, Japanese-patterned origami paper to set the mood.
First, cut a sheet of copy paper in half and glue the halves together to make a long sheet.
Attach the patterned origami paper to one end, and on the opposite end, roll and attach a cylindrical box like a snack container.
On the side with the origami paper, attach a straw and some string.
Roll it up, tie it with the string, and your impressive ninja scroll is complete.
You can make an authentic-looking scroll using household items.
Write a secret map or message inside and have fun playing with it.
shuriken
Let’s fold a shuriken out of origami—hugely popular at preschools, kindergartens, and for making at home.
If it’s your first time, practice while watching the video.
The video shows close-ups of the hands and explains slowly and clearly.
Once you master the folding method, you can make shuriken in all sizes, from large to small.
It’s also fun to use different patterns and your favorite colors to create colorful shuriken.
Fold lots of shuriken with your child and play ninja together.
How to make a kunai
Let’s handcraft a classic ninja weapon: the kunai! First, cut out two blade pieces from craft paper.
After creasing them, use a hot glue gun to attach and secure them to a gardening stick that will serve as the handle.
Next, take a wooden ring from a 100-yen shop, cut a slit in it, and glue it on as the pommel.
Spray the blade and pommel black, then wrap the handle with thinly cut white faux leather—and you’re done.
It’s surprisingly easy, so give it a try.
Just holding a kunai will make you feel like a real ninja!
Blowgun of a ninja
Seeing a blowgun makes you think of ninjas, doesn’t it? So why not make a blowgun that goes perfectly with a ninja costume? You only need origami paper for this one, so you can whip it up whenever inspiration strikes! That said, the folding is a bit detailed, so it might be tough for kids to do on their own.
If you’re making it with children, have an adult demonstrate while working together.
You’ll make the tube and the dart separately, so prepare two sheets of origami paper.
Once the tube and dart are ready, put the dart into the tube and blow—just a puff of air.
You’ll feel like a ninja!
A ninja’s sword
You can make a ninja sword with everyday items.
Let’s try making a simple ninja sword using newspaper you have at home.
The best materials for a play sword are cardboard and newspaper.
With just scissors and tape, you can easily make one and play at home.
Cut a circle out of cardboard and remove the center to make a ring.
Next, bundle some newspapers, roll them up tightly into a long stick, and tape it so it doesn’t come apart.
Slide the cardboard ring you cut out onto the newspaper stick.
Tape the ring in place, and your ninja sword is complete.
In conclusion
We introduced ideas and instructions for ninja cosplay costumes and handmade accessories. Many props and other items can be easily and enjoyably made from scrap materials, so try making them with your child and have fun together. From costumes to accessories, get fully decked out and enjoy playing ninja and dressing up!