An American man has become the first foreigner in Japan to be paid to be a ninja warrior.

Chris O'Neill, 29, auditioned for the role after a tourist board for the central Aichi prefecture put out a job advert for six full-time ninjas.

He impressed judges so much during auditions with his acrobatic back flips that an extra spot was created just for him.

Chris O'Neill, 29, got the role after a tourist board for the central Aichi prefecture put out a job advert for six full-time ninjas (file pic)

An American man, thought to be Mr O'Neill, auditions in front of a panel. His duties will include performing back flips and using the trademark 'shuriken' ninja star weapon

Mr O'Neill, who is based in Tokyo, will receive a one-year contract and earn a monthly salary of 180,000 yen ($1,600) plus bonuses.

He will work alongside six Japanese colleagues, including five men and one woman.

Of the 235 applicants eager to don the black costume, 85 percent were foreigners. The job advert had stated that applicants of all nationalities were welcome.

Satoshi Adachi, from Aichi's tourism unit, said Mr O'Neill 'will be Japan's first salaried, full-time ninja paid by a local municipality.'

'He was really amazing,' he added. 'He has great acrobatic skill and the ability to speak in front of the public. He's also passionate about promoting tourism.'

His duties will include performing back flips, using the trademark 'shuriken' ninja star weapon and posing for photographs with tourists.

Skilled in espionage and guerrilla warfare, the creeping ninjas became hired mercenaries during the turmoil of Japan's Sengoku period between the 15th and 17th centuries.

They have since been immortalized in history books and period television dramas.

He will work alongside six Japanese colleagues and earn a monthly salary of 180,000 yen ($1,600) (file pic)