IGA, JAPAN — The Japanese city of Iga has been left fighting off wannabe ninjas after a news report suggesting the city had a shortage went viral.

Iga was featured in an NPR program this month about Japan's depopulation and labor shortage problems, during the program, the show host said the labor shortage also included ninja performers themselves.

NPR said those stealthy ninja performers in the land of rising sun earn from $23,000 to $85,000 annually.

However, according to the Japan Times, many media outlets instead reported that the city was paying people a $85,000 salary to train as a ninja. Misleading everyone into thinking anyone could sign up, including us at Tomonews.

With all the hype, Iga and its tourism association received 115 job applications from 14 countries, including the United States and Spain.

Many aspiring ninjas expressed interest in providing their services or were looking for details about the role.

The city's website stated that Iga's mayor Sakae Okamoto said the city never actually put any information out about suffering a lack of ninjas in the city, nor did they divulge information about a ninja's income.

The city warned people to be wary of "fake news," but stressed there are many exciting activities available for tourists visiting Iga, including a ninja-themed attraction, but made clear visitors should leave their swords and throwing stars at home.