Episode 22: Flying Ninja

Ninja have often been depicted flying on large kites in manga and anime. Was such a feat really possible? With the help of an expert in fluid dynamics as well as a traditional Japanese kite maker, we'll put this legend to the test scientifically using a miniature kite. We'll also delve into the mystery of the ninja's little-known technique of using kites to carry firebombs that could set the enemy's buildings ablaze.

Is it really possible to fly on a kite? We'll test this out with a miniature version!
A wind tunnel experiment to see how far the kite can lift an attached weight.
Ueno Masaru, a traditional kite maker, recreates a kite from the days of the ninja for the experiment.
The ninja had some very innovative uses for kites!

Transcript