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===Recent history===
Since 1988, Hatsumi's teaching has focused on a particular theme, or focus, each year. This typically means that a specific [[ryū (school)|ryū]], or a certain set of techniques from specific ryū, will be taught. Hatsumi announces the year's theme each year at the Daikomyosai.

Depending on what years a student has studied in Japan, they may find that their focus reflects the themes or schools taught during their time.{{Clarify|date=November 2012}} This is one reason why there are often noticeable differences in the techniques of different teachers in the Bujinkan. Although Ninpo Taijutsu is an overall theme of the Bujinkan, 2008 marked the first time that a Ninpo Taijutsu Ryū was the focus of the year. Prior to founding the Bujinkan organization and teaching the nine Ryū collectively (with particular yearly focus), Hatsumi awarded his students rank certificates in individual Ryū. The themes so far have been:

{{div col}}
* 2019 – Muto Dori Continued
* 2018 – Muto Dori Continued
* 2017 – Muto Dori
* 2015 – [[Nagamaki]]
* 2014 – 神韻武導 Shin In Bu Dou / 神 SHIN, JIN god, deity; mind, soul / 韻 IN rhyme; elegance; tone / 武 BU, MU martial, military arts, chivalry. Bu or Mu refers to the warrior, Bushi or Musha / 導 DŌ leading, guiding.
* 2013 – Ken Engetsu no Kagami ("mirror of the fullmoon sword")/ Tachi Hôken ("divine treasure sword")— Ken, Tachi, and Katana/ Naginata and Yari
* 2012 – Jin Ryo Yo Go – Kaname, Sword and Rokushakubo, separately and with one in each hand
* 2011 – Kihon Happo
* 2010 – Rokkon Shoujou
* 2009 – 才能 魂 器 "saino konki"/ Talent, Heart, Capacity / Talent, Soul, Capacity
* 2008 – Togakure-ryū Ninpō Taijutsu
* 2007 – Kukishin Ryu
* 2006 – Shinden Fudo Ryu
* 2005 – Gyokko-ryū Kosshi jutsu (Bo and Tachi)
* 2004 – Daishou Juutai jutsu (Roppo-Kuji-no Biken)
* 2003 – Juppo Sessho
* 2002 – Jutai jutsu (Takagi Yoshin Ryu)
* 2001 – Kosshi jutsu (Gyokko Ryu)
* 2000 – Koppo jutsu (Koto Ryu)
* 1999 – Kukishinden Ryu
* 1998 – Shinden Fudo Ryu
* 1997 – Jojutsu
* 1996 – [[Bokken]]
* 1995 – Naginata
* 1994 – Yari
* 1993 – Rokushakubojutsu
* 1992 – Taijutsu Power
* 1991 – Sword and Jutte
* 1990 – Hanbo
* 1989 – Taijutsu and Weapons
* 1988 – Taijutsu
{{div col end}}
No focus was announced for 2009, though Hatsumi talked about three things that are important for a martial artist, which may be loosely considered to be the yearly theme. He said that these things would become a bit of a theme for next year.<ref name="Ohashi">{{cite web|url=http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/bujinkan/|title=Attention|last=Ohashi|first=George|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319175135/http://www001.upp.so-net.ne.jp/bujinkan/|archive-date=March 19, 2012}} Bujinkan web page; primary source</ref>
*''Sainou'' (Ability/talent)
*''Kokoro'' (Heart)
*''Utsuwa'' (Capacity)

Soon after this theme as was announced, Hatsumi proposed that the second aspect, ''Kokoro'' (Heart), be replaced by ''Tamashii'' (Soul), reasoning that the heart is constantly changing, whereas the soul is permanent and unchanging and therefore "essential to the person".<ref name="Ohashi"/>