TEZUKA2020 - A Project to Create a Work of Osamu Tezuka Using AI Technology This video, titled "TEZUKA2020 Official Movie" (TEZUKA2020 オフィシャルムービー), is a a video introducing a project to create the newest work of the god of manga, Osamu Tezuka, using AI technology and manpower. Upon hearing that a new manga by Osamu Tezuka would be released, many fans around the world were in awe. Using cutting-edge AI technology, the project was able to create characters and basic story elements. Based on these elements, humans filled in the story, and a new work by Osamu Tezuka was born. You can see it being made in the video. In this article, we'll introduce "TEZUKA2020," a project to create an Osamu Tezuka manga using AI. Be sure to follow along with the video! Genius Manga Artist Osamu Tezuka Source :YouTube screenshot Osamu Tezuka was one of Japan's leading manga artists and was highly regarded as the "God of Manga." His real name is “Osamu Tezuka, written 手塚治 in Japanese, but he used the characters 手塚治虫 (same pronunciation) as a pen name. He was born in 1928 in Takarazuka, Hyogo prefecture, in Japan's Kansai region. Besides being a manga artist, he was also an animator and animation director. He completed 700 titles, and drew more than 150,000 sheets of manuscripts before he passed in 1989. He was famous for story mangas with the theme of life, science, and future, and he still has many fans around the world to this day. Osamu Tezuka's debut work was "Ma-chan’s Diary." At the time it was a complete hit, and there were even dolls and snacks based on characters from the story. His major works are ASTRO BOY, Jungle Emperor Leo, Princess Knight, Black Jack, The Three-Eyed One, Phoenix, Buddha, Ayako, A Tree in the Sun, A Message to Adolf, and the list goes on. TEZUKA2020 Source :YouTube screenshot TEZUKA2020 is a project to create a new work by Osamu Tezuka through a collaboration between cutting-edge AI technology and humans. The plot overview and characters are created by AI, and using these elements, humans fill in the plot and draw manga. From 1:30 in the video, Osamu Tezuka’s son, Makoto Tezuka, a director of Tezuka Production, says in an interview "the possibility of AI creating a new Osamu Tezuka manga is not zero percent, so it's worth a try." Most people thought AI could create a complete character design, but the design that the AI designed was far from ideal. This can be seen at 4:45 in the video. When creating characters, using only Tezuka manga data was not enough for the AI to study, to remedy this, AI researchers used NVIDIA’s hyperrealistic face-generating technology, and had the AI learn to draw faces. The work, which ended up being a herculean task, was titled "Paidon," and it was published on Kodansha Publishing’s Weekly Morning magazine as a two-part episode. Paidon is a story based in Tokyo in 2030. The main character of the story is a homeless philosopher, and he turns his back on a highly regulated society, solving crimes with a small robotic bird, Apollo. Summary of TEZUKA2020 Source :YouTube screenshot The video "TEZUKA2020 Official Movie," posted by "KIOXIA-JP," introduces the collaboration project TEZUKA2020, that uses cutting-edge AI technology and manpower to create a work by the late Osamu Tezuka You can see the new Osamu Tezuka work being created in the video. "Paidon," created using AI turned out to be a pretty good work. If you still haven't yet, be sure to watch the video to see the amazing AI technology in action. 【Official Website】KIOXIA #FUTURE MEMORIES 01 “TEZUKA 2020” https://tezuka2020.kioxia.com/en-jp/

Introducing Traditional Japanese Lacquerware and Japanese Food Culture This video, titled “URUSHI - IS JAPAN COOL? WASHOKU - 和食 （漆芸）,” was released by ANA Global Channel. It introduces urushi-e (lacquerware), a traditional Japanese craft, along with amazing arrangements of traditional Japanese cuisine. There are many highly skilled lacquer craftsmen in Japan, and some of them have even been designated as living national treasures (holders of important intangible cultural assets). Japanese ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants) and ryokan (Japanese-style inns) serve Japanese food on lacquered dishes so that guests can enjoy their meals both visually and with regards to flavor. As shown at 6:08 in the video, serving Japanese food on beautiful lacquerware not only looks good, but also helps one enjoy the food. The lacquerware craftswoman featured in the video is a foreign woman who moved to Wajima, famous for its lacquerware, to study the traditional Japanese craft. You can see her passion for Japanese lacquerware as well as a close look at how she makes them. The History and Culture of Lacquerware, a Traditional Japanese Craft Photo：Lacquerware The history of traditional Japanese lacquerware dates back 9,000 years, with lacquered vessels excavated from Jomon Period (14,000 BC to 400 BC) ruins. Lacquer was used to bond and decorate earthenware during the Jomon and Yayoi (ca. 300 B.C. to 250 A.D.) Periods, and since then it has been used for many other purposes, such as vessels and wooden products. In Japan, there are many areas where lacquer is produced as a specialty product. Two examples of this include Wajima-nuri (輪島塗) and Tsugaru-nuri (津軽塗). In Ishikawa Prefecture in particular, there's the Wajima Museum of Lacquer (Urushi) Art that introduces the Japanese culture and production process of Wajima-nuri. A Closer Look at Japan’s Traditional Lacquerware Photo：Lacquerware There are many different types of lacquerware, such as Rantai Shikki (籃胎漆器, lacquerware that uses woven bamboo baskets as a base), Kanshitsu (乾漆, a dry lacquerware technique introduced from Tang China in the Nara Period), and Kinma (蒟醤, lacquerware carved with a blade). Lacquerware is decorated using a variety of techniques, such as maki-e (蒔絵, lacquerware using gold or silver powder), raden (螺鈿, mother-of-pearl inlay), chinking (沈金), hyomon (平文), and more. There are also techniques such as decoration using eggshells, lacquer paintings, Kamakura-bori (鎌倉彫), and engraving. In recent years, lacquerware techniques have been used not only for vessels but also for tools, such as combs, and stationery, such as ballpoint pens. From 8:27 in the video, you can see some lacquerware earrings and other accessories. Summary of Japan’s Traditional Craft - Lacquerware Photo：Lacquerware As shown in the video, there are many beautiful vessels made in Japan that look like works of art. If you want to experience traditional Japanese lacquerware crafting in person, we recommend checking out a class or school certified by the Society for the Preservation of Traditional Japanese Lacquer (漆芸伝承の会認定). Lacquerware features a wide range of products, from those produced by famous artists to more affordable pieces. We recommend purchasing lacquerware from one of the famous lacquerware producing regions of Japan, so that you too can enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine even more!

The Heavy Machinery of Modern Japanese Forestry This video is "cutting with the powerful of heavy machinery（重機の強力なパワーで伐採）" produced by "takao kuboki" In recent years, it is said that the shortage of people is serious in primary industries, such as forestry. Forestry in particular is facing the problem of an aging population and lack of successors. Japanese satoyama (undeveloped woodland near populated area) cannot be grown into a healthy forest unless humans cut down unnecessary/predatory trees. That's where heavy machinery for cutting down trees comes in. The power to grab trees and move them around like pencils is amazing. Enjoy the powerful scenes of Japan's heavy logging machinery. The Power and Performance of Japan's Heavy Machinery! Source :YouTube screenshot The highlights of this video are around 0:54 and 01:28. A scene in which the tip of the heavy machine arm is dexterously manipulated, and a single tree is grabbed and knocked down with a crash. It’s only about 20 seconds long, but quite amazing to see. One tree is felled, creating a cloud of snow. Unless thinning is performed in this way, sunlight will not reach the ground and these "satoyama" will become unhealthy mountains. Forestry is a very important industry, as roughly 70% of Japan is covered in forests. Demand for heavy equipment operators will continue to increase if younger people don't take up the profession. The Amazing Skills of Japan's Heavy Machinery Operators Photo：Heavy Machinery Heavy machinery are dedicated vehicles used in civil engineering and construction. There are cranes, excavators, forklifts, road rollers, bulldozers, aerial platforms, unic (mini crane), digging / rock drilling / boring vehicles, wheel loaders, dump trucks, heavy equipment carriers, and loads more. Working in the snow from the beginning of this video is a heavy machine equipped with a type of arm called a "baguette" Heavy equipment is expensive even for used vehicles, and it is difficult for small and medium sized enterprises to buy them. Because of that, many people use rentals or lease them. The video shows logging in the forest, but small-sized excavators are useful in logging due to slopes and poor scaffolding. How to Get a Heavy Equipment License in Japan? What Vehicles Are Suitable for Logging? Photo：A Harvester Special qualifications (licenses) are required to operate heavy equipment in Japan. Heavy machinery is highly specialized vehicles used only in specific places. Therefore, qualifications according to the purpose are required. Here are some of them. ・Operation of vehicle construction equipment for leveling, transportation, loading and excavation. ・ Operation of vehicle construction equipment for foundation work. ・Operation of vehicle construction machinery (for dismantling). ・Operation of a shovel loader. To operate an excavator, a commonly used vehicle, you need one of the following qualifications: "Vehicle-based construction machine driving skill training" or "Special education on the operation of small vehicle-based construction machinery" Summary of the Video (The Myths of Heavy Machinery Vehicles in Japan) Japan's heavy equipment is used in many places around the world. Many heavy equipment manufacturers, such as Komatsu, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and IHI Construction Machinery, are different from ordinary automobiles, and, they are successful in the world's leading industries. This video introduces heavy machinery in Japan that cuts down forests in snowy "satoyama." Enjoy the powerful logging scenes and the craftsmanship of heavy equipment operators who can knock down trees brilliantly even on sites with poor scaffolding.

A video of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi showing what is in her bag? The title of the video is“Testuko Kuroyanagi, showing the items in her bag!” In this video, a popular celebrity, Tetsuko Kuroyanagi shows viewers items inside her bag. An item introduced in the video at 2:26, she shows her smartphone screen. You can see screenshot is a photo of her and another Japanese celebrity, Akihiro Miwa. In the video, she also shows her colorful wallet, makeup bag, her favorite panda collections and more. Who Is Tetsuko Kuroyanagi? Source :YouTube screenshot Testuko Kuroyanagi was born in 1933. Her talent agency is called Yoshida Naomi Agancy and her nickname is Chuck. She is 163cm tall with the blood type of A. She is not married and she will be 87-years-old in August 2020. After graduated from Tokyo College of Music, she became a member of NHK Hoso Gekidan to start her career as an actor. Currently, she has been working as an Japanese actress, a voice actress, a TV entertainer, and a TV hostess. She is also known for her charitable works. She is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF as well as a peace activist. One example of her activism is her conservation work with Pandas. You can tell how much she loves pandas by watching the video at 0:26 where you see a post card of two pandas, and at 2:21 where we see her panda phone strap, and other panda goods. She is also a very successful essayist, and her work "Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window," published in 1981, became the biggest bestseller of the post-war era, with 8 million copies sold in book and pocket paperback (bunkobon) form. Her mother, Cho Kuroyanagi, is also a well-known essayist and created many fantastic works of her own. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi’s Works! Photo：Showa TV Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is a popular celebrity who has been active in the entertainment industry since the early days of television broadcasting. When she was young, her cute appearance attracted many male viewers. She continues to attract attention as the host of Kohaku Uta Gassen, and various other programs and commercials. Her famous program "Tetsuko no Heya" (Tetsuko’s room) was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world record holder for the most talk shows broadcast by the same host. Despite concerns about her health in recent years, the show is still running as of 2020. More About Tetsuko Kuroyanagi Source :YouTube screenshot Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is known for her unique onion-shaped hairstyle. On TV shows, she sometimes surprises people by taking candy and other goodies out of her hair. She mentions this at 1:48 in the video. One of her signature dishes is Tetsuko Kuroyanagi Cake. It's a simple recipe that can be made with just biscuits, whipped cream and milk, but it tastes amazing. Summary of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi Source :YouTube screenshot The charm of Tetsuko Kuroyanagi is her cute and easygoing image. She also has a unique, smooth way of speaking which attract lots of viewers. She answers nine questions at 3:23 in the video. Lately she has been live streaming from her house on Instagram, using her smartphone. If this article has you interested in Tetsuko Kuroyanagi, be sure to check out her Instagram or some of her popular works!

Sightseeing in Kurashiki, Okayama The video this time is a PR video for Kurashiki, Okayama prefecture, titled "Kurashiki, Japan Promotional Video" (Kurashiki, Japan Promotional Video 岡山県倉敷市プロモーションビデオ), by "Sho Fujii." Okayama prefecture is classified as part of the Chugoku region of Japan and is also a part of the region that was referred to as "Kibi no kuni" in ancient Japan. In terms of the population ranking in Okayama prefecture, Kurashiki is the second largest city after Okayama. In this video, you'll see a woman traveling to famous tourist attractions in Kurashiki, Okayama . You'll definitely see something you like while watching this video! The woman was traveling alone at first, but met someone on her trip and they began to travel together. It even has a nice story for you to enjoy! Famous Tourist Spots in Kurashiki, Okayama Photo：Kurashiki's river boats and the Bikan Historical Area First, the tourist spot being shown at 0:07 in the video is "Kurashiki-kawa Funenagashi." A boatman wearing a happi will guide you downstream in a river boat called Tenryo Maru, along the Kurashiki River, which flows through "Kurashiki Bikan Chiku, where historical buildings with white walls and tiled roofs line the river. The townscape of the Kurashiki Bikan Chiku area was created during the Edo Shogunate era and it is one of the more popular sightseeing places in Kurashiki. If you take a walk in the Kurashiki Bikan Chiku, you'll find people wearing yukatas, a traditional Japanese aesthetic, tea making, rickshaw rides, traditional Japanese style lunches, souvenir shops, and more. There's plenty to do, so you'll definitely be able to enjoy the atmosphere of Japan. The Ohara Museum, which can be seen from 0:16 in the video, is a 15-minute walk from Kurashiki station, and it is the first private western art museum in Japan. The area around Kurashiki is an area in which many museums and archaeological museums are situated. Besides the Ohara Museum, there's the Igarashi Yumiko Museum and the Kurashiki Folk Art Museum. In Kurashiki, there's plenty of ways to experience Japanese history and culture. Achi Shrine, which is shown at 0:22, is known for having the oldest and largest Akebonofuji tree in Japan. The tree is said to be 500 years old. If you travel out of Kurashiki to Soja, you can also see the five-story pagoda of Bicchu Kokubunji Temple which can be seen from 0:51 in the video. Okayama prefecture is also the birthplace of the Japanese folk tale legend, Momotaro. Kinojouzan (Kinojou), which can be seen at 1:01 in the video, is a strange mountain castle, with a history shrouded in mystery. There's a legend that says that the demon that appeared in the Momotaro legend lived in this castle. Traditional Crafts of Kurashiki, Okayama Photo：Kojima Jeans Street - The birthplace of domestic denim - Kojima, Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture When traveling in Japan, going to the tourist spots is a given; however, we also recommend checking out the traditional crafts rooted in the region's history. At 1:05, you can see Okayama's Bizen swords, which are of the highest quality and quantity in Japan. Okayama is even called "The Sacred Land of Swords." It's also famous for finely woven floral patterns and geometric patterns woven into mats called Hana-goza. Shown at 1:51, is a "Rokuro" (pottery wheel). You can enjoy a pottery making experience here as well! Other traditional crafts of Kurashiki include, Kurashiki Hanpu (Kurashiki canvas), Kurashiki glasswork, and Kurashiki denim. There's also Kojima Jeans Street, where many jeans makers have their shops. Kurashiki is also famous for its masking tape, and there is a tour of a masking tape factory where you can tour the factory of "mt," a manufacturer of masking tape. The Local Cuisine of Kurashiki, Okayama Kurashiki is also famous for producing fruit and is called "The Kingdom of Fruit." Okayama is called "The City of the Fruit Parfait," and you can taste unique fruit parfaits at hotels, cafes, and other confectionery shops. You can also eat fresh seafood in Okayama prefecture, as it's next to the sea. Sawara is a sashimi especially popular among the locals. In addition, there's a lot of popular local cuisine, such as oysters, Hiruzen yakisoba, Tsuyama hormone udon, Nissei kakioko, and Okayama demi-glace katsudon! Other Appealing Tourist Spots Around Kurashiki, Okayama Photo：Kurashiki-kan There are still a ton of great sightseeing spots in Kurashiki that aren't shown in the video! Ivy Square is a tourist complex that includes a hotel and cultural facilities. It's a western-style wooden structure that was built in the Taisho era and was made using the exterior of a factory built in the Meiji era. It has since been reborn as the tourist information center "Kurashiki-kan." There's also Kurashiki Coffee’s "Kurashiki Teien," "Hayashi Genjuro Shoten," and "Kurashiki Roji Ichiba," all of which use old-fashioned warehouses and townhouses as they were built in the past. Kurashiki hall is also a retro-style building that blends into the townscape. If you want to see the sea, you can go to the port town of Shimotsui and stroll around Shimotsui or Tamashima, a retro town of Kurashiki from the Showa period. On a clear day, you can view the islands in the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge from Washuzan in the Seto Inland Sea National Park, the first national park of Japan. It's a scenic location in the great outdoors, and a great place to take Instagram photos. The sea in Kurashiki is also developing as an industrial zone, and you can check out the Mizushima Industrial Zone in the Mizushima Waterfront DIstrict. As for the shopping areas, there's the Kurashiki Aeon Mall and Mitsui Outlet Park Kurashiki so you'll have no trouble find places to shop. You can also visit Kurashiki Civic Center, where music and drama events are held from time to time. Summary of Kurashiki, Okayama This article introduced many sightseeing spots in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture. The solo traveler from overseas who was enjoying her solo trip in Kurashiki managed to befriend a Japanese woman who she met coincidentally at a guest house. They went sightseeing in Kurashiki together and enjoyed their trips in Kurashiki even more. Maybe you can make a friend on your journey as well! She enjoyed the summer festival (Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival/Kurashiki Haruyoi Akari) by wearing a yukata and going to the food stalls; however, this kind of sightseeing was most likely made possible by meeting a local. We hope that we've piqued your interest in visiting Kurashiki, Okayama. It's a great place to travel alone or with a friend! You can visit Kurashiki by plane, bullet train, overnight train or express bus from famous cities in Japan. Unfortunately, the heavy rains of 2018 caused extensive damage to Mabi-cho, Kurashiki, but the city has been gradually recovering since then. There are tourist spots such as the Bisha monten ritsu-zo and Kibiji temple in Mabi-cho, Kurashiki as well. Why not visit here and help support the victims? 【Official Website】Kurashiki, Okayama City Office Website https://www.city.kurashiki.okayama.jp/ 【Official Website】Kurashiki Tourism WEB | Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture Tourism・Travel Information・Introducing famous spots and recommended spots! https://kurashiki-tabi.j-server.com/LUCKKJH/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.kurashiki-tabi.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0

Kintaikyo Bridge & Iwakuni Cormorant Fishing Introductory Video This video is created by "Explore HIROSHIMA: Hiroshima City Regional Area Official Tourism Website" to introduce Yamaguchi prefecture's Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni cormorant fishing. Kintaikyo (Kintai) Bridge, located in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture in Japan's Chugoku region, is known as one of Japan's "Three famous bridges," and is also one of Japan's "Three strangest bridges." This video will show the beauty of the historic, Japanese bridge "Kintaikyo." Iwakuni cormorant fishing is also introduced towards the end of the video (2:00). Sit back, relax, and enjoy the stunning Kintaikyo bridge. About Kintaikyo Bridge Photo：Kintaikyo Bridge Kintaikyo Bridge is a wooden bridge over the Nishiki Seiryu river located in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan. The bridge was first built in 1673 by Iwakuni domain's, Kikkawa Hiroyoshi. The bridge is known as one of Japan's "Three famous bridges" followed by Nihonbashi (Chuoku, Tokyo) and Meganebashi (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki). Also, the bridge is known as one of Japan's "Three strange bridges" due to its peculiar structure, followed by Saruhashi (Katsuragawa, Yamanashi) and Aimotobashi (Kurobegawa, Toyama). Kintaikyo Bridge had other names such as "Ryouunbashi," "Goryubashi," "Taiunbashi," "Sorobanbashi." It is now referred to as the "miraculous bridge". The bridge is 193.3 meters long, 5 meters wide, and has a five-layered arch form that stretches across 4 stone piers. The main structure was built without using a single nail, using braided wood joinery techniques such as joints and fittings, and is a very rare piece of architecture. This Japanese craftsmanship can be seen in the video at 0:23. The Kintaikyo Bridge was washed away by floods many times in the past. To solve this issue, the bridge was built in an arch form based on the "Seiko Yuranshi," a Chinese drawing depicting a flock of birds and a bridge. The bridge is made using several kinds of Japanese woods based on their different traits. There is red pine, cypress, zelkova, chestnut, oak and hiba. Although reconstruction has been done numerous times, the stone pier and pavement are still the one's from the original construction. The area around Kintaikyo Bridge is famous for its cherry blossoms, which have been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom sites in Japan, and you can also enjoy the autumn colors here. Many tourists visit to see the contrast of the historical bridge and the surrounding natural scenery. Foreign tourists often visit in the cherry blossom season to enjoy Hanami (flower viewing). The entry fee for the bridge is 310 Yen for adults and 150 Yen for children (*2019 Dec.). It's approximately 15-20 mins by bus from JR Iwakuni Station. The Iwakuni Kintaikyo Bridge airport is also nearby, and it has 5 round trip flights/day to Haneda Airport. Iwakuni Cormorant Fishing Photo：Cormorant fishing As shown in the video (~2:00), cormorant fishing is a method used to catch sweetfish. You can watch the cormorant fishing under the summer night sky on a sightseeing boat or from the Kintaikyo bridge. The illuminated bridge, the bonfire on the cormorant boats, and the cormorant fishermen's sophisticated work creates a magical scene. There are package plans that go with lunch and dinner too, so be sure to check them out. Cormorant fishing has a long history. It is listed in two of Japan's oldest historical documents, the "Nihon Shoki," and "Kojiki." This fishing method is still used in places like Nagaragawa (Gifu), Ujigawa (Kyoto), and Kisogawa (Aichi) near Nagoya. Tourist spots near Kintaikyo Bridge Photo：Iwakuni Castle There are several spots you must visit when going to Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi. First, cross Kintaikyo Bridge and you'll reach the Iwakuni Castle Ropeway (1:07) in about 10 mins. From there hop on the ropeway to see a beautiful view of Iwakuni and Iwakuni Castle, known as one of Japan's "Top 100 Castles" (1:11). Iwakuni Castle was built by Hiroie Kikkawa, the first lord of the Iwakuni domain in Suo Province. In 1615, only seven years after the castle was built, it was demolished in 1615 in accordance with the Edo shogunate's "One Domain, One Castle" decree, but in 1962, the current castle tower was rebuilt. The whole view of Iwakuni, including Kintaikyo Bridge can be seen from the castle tower. As you can see in the video (1:44), the view is absolutely amazing and makes for a great Instagram location. The embankment has been remade as Kikko Park. Iwakuni also has the Iwakuni White Snake Museum, which was built to raise and protect the lucky white snake that lives only in Iwakuni and is designated as a protected species by the Japanese government. Next to the museum, there's Iwakuni White Snake Temple, a famous temple to receive economic fortune. It was established in 2012 and is also a famous tourist spot. In Iwakuni's biggest event, Iwakuni Festival, a huge paper decorated with white snake is paraded through the city to give people economic fortune. The Nishiki River Fireworks Festival, which shoots off about 6,000 fireworks against the backdrop of the Kintaikyo Bridge, is another popular event where you can enjoy food stalls and Iwakuni drums. Don't forget about food and Onsen to relax on your trip. "Sasakiya Kojiro Shouten" and "Takenosato Musashi" featured on TV and other media is located nearby. At these shops, named after the great swordsmen, Musashi Miyamoto and Kojiro Sasaki, we definitely recommend you taste the ice cream. Near the Kintaikyo Bridge, tourists can enjoy great food, including Japanese cuisine, traditional Japanese candy, udon, tea stores to have lunch at, and other places to eat around. Summary What'd you think of this article introducing Iwakuni's Kintaikyo Bridge and cormorant fishing? After watching the video we hope we've sparked your interest in Yamaguchi. There are more videos to see the amazing scenery of the bridge and cormorant fishing; Be sure to check them out while you get ready for your trip to Iwakuni! ◆Kintaikyo Bridge Facilities◆ 【Address】 Iwakuni, Iwakuni-shi, Yamaguchi Prefecture 741-0062 Japan 【Access】 15 mins walk from Kawanishi Station (Gantoku Line) 【Price】Adults: 310 Yen / Children: 150 Yen (Dec. 2019) 【Hours】All-day 【Closures】None 【Parking】Kintaikyo Shimogawara Parking Area / Yokoyama Kasenjiki Ground Parking Area 【Telephone】0827-29-5107 【Official Website】Yamaguchi Prefecture, Iwakuni City Hall Website https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=ja&ie=UTF-8&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.iwakuni.lg.jp%2F&edit-text= 【Official Website】Iwakuni City Tourism Promotion Section Website "Iwakuni tabi-no-kakehashi" http://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCIWAKUNI/ns/tl.cgi/http%3a//kankou.iwakuni-city.net/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0

Introducing Tsuruga Castle Park This video, titled "Tsuruga Castle in Spring" (鶴ヶ城の春), was released by "Aizuwakamatsu city official website" (公式WEBサイト会津若松市), and features footage of the cherry blossoms at Tsuruga Castle Park. There are magnificent castles and castle remains to be found all over Japan. Among these, Tsuruga Castle Park, located in Aizuwakamatsu City is attracting tourists from both inside and outside the country. From 0:31 in the video, you can see some highlights of the area, such as the characteristic red tiles of the castle tower and Rinkaku, the Japanese Tea Room. Aizuwakamatsu city's Tsuruga Castle Park has also been designated a historic landmark in Japan. More About Tsuruga Castle Park in Aizuwakamatsu City Photo：Fukushima prefecture, Tsuruga Castle Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu city, Fukushima prefecture is also known as Aizuwakamatsu Castle, Kurokawa Castle, and Aizu Castle. The castle was named "Tsuruga Castle" by Gamo Ujisato (蒲生氏郷) around 400 years ago. The area is famous as the site where the Byakkotai (白虎隊) committed ritual suicide during the Bakumatsu period. Throughout the video, you can see the beautiful cherry trees in full bloom, as if to comfort the spirits of the Byakkotai. The striking contrast between the majestic castle and beautiful cherry blossoms creates a spectacular sight. The Cherry Blossom Festival at Tsuruga Castle Park - The Best Time to See the Cherry Blossoms and the Different Varieties ©r_abe01 Modifying Every year in the spring, a cherry blossom festival is held in Tsuruga About 1,000 cherry trees in the Tsurugajo Park area have a variety of cherry trees, including Yoshino Cherry (ソメイヨシノ), Yaezakura (ヤエザクラ), Weeping Cherries (シダレザクラ), and Winter Flowering Cherries (コヒガンザクラ), and you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for a long time because the season is off. From 0:15 in the video, you can see the castle lit up at night using projection mapping, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere. Tsurugajo Park in Aizu Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, has been selected as one of the "100 best cherry blossom viewing spots. There are approximately 1,000 cherry trees in the area, including Someiyoshino, Yaezakura, Shidare-zakura, and Kohigan-zakura. The highlight of the park is the collaboration of Tsurugajo Castle and cherry blossoms. In addition to the view looking up, the cherry blossoms seen from the castle tower are also a must-see. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) The best time to see cherry blossoms in Tsurugajo Park is usually from early to mid-April, but 2023 was in full bloom earlier than usual on April 4th.If you look at the average of the past 10 years, the blooming date is April 8th and the blooming date is April 14th. The "Tsuruga Castle Cherry Blossom Festival" is held at the peak of cherry blossom viewing, and will be held from April 3rd to May 6th in 2024.With one of the largest lights-ups in East Japan, you can enjoy fantastic night cherry blossoms. Aizuwakamatsu Cherry Blossoms Video Summary Photo：Fukushima Prefecture, Tsuruga Castle If you would like to see some of the beautiful scenery featured in this video, we highly recommend you take a trip to Tsuruga Castle Park! There are volunteer guides to help you enjoy your visit to the fullest. We highly recommend checking the weather, how congested the park is, sightseeing maps, and nearby lunch spots before setting off on your trip to Aizuwakamatsu city. If you have time to spare, we also recommend visiting the Japanese confectionery shop Aizuaoi (上菓子司会津葵) and Aizu Aoi Silk Road Bunmeikan (会津葵シルクロード文明館) which are located near Tsuruga Castle Park. ◆Tsuruga Castle Park Facility Summary◆ 【Address】1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 【Access】10 minutes by bus from JR Aizuwakamatsu station 【Entrance fee】Adults – 410 yen 【Hours】8:30 am - 5 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available (free of charge) 【Phone】0242-27-4005 【Official Website】Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau｜Tsuruga Castle, Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, Oyakuen, Matsudaira Family Mausoleum｜Beyond the reaches of time, the castle tower of the Edo Period is reborn http://www.tsurugajo.com/language/eng/ 【Tripadvisor】Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g780850-d1383989-Reviews-Tsuruga_jo_Castle-Aizuwakamatsu_Fukushima_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

From Tenma to Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street This video, titled "Strolling through Osaka 2 - Tenma, Nakazakicho – Time travel back to the Showa era!"（大阪の街を歩く(2) 昭和にタイムスリップ！天満～天五中崎通商店街 Walking Osaka 2 - Tenma, Nakazakicho), was uploaded by " Panacealand." The Umekita area around the north exit of the JR Osaka Station (大阪駅: Osaka-eki ) is where urban renewal projects have been promoted and transformed the place into a new town full of high-rise buildings. On the other hand, the area a short ways away from the Osaka Station has off-streets and shopping centers that retain the down town and showa-era atmospheres. This is a 9 and a half minute video shot by a person who actually walked from Tenma Station to the Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street through Tenma Ekimae Kita Hondori. It feels as if you're actually walking through the retro-inspired street with many Japanese style bars and pubs. Roadside Stands! Source :YouTube screenshot Tenma Ekimae Kita Hondori located immediately north of the Tenma Station is called Uratenma. Many small stores like roadside stands line both sides of the street. Many people enjoy meals or even a slightly early happy hour here. As you can see from the video (1:30), people enjoy drinking in the middle of the day. There are various types of restaurants serving Kushikatsu, Ramen, Yakitori, Pasta, Sushi, and more, all at reasonable prices. What Is Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street Source :YouTube screenshot If you turn left after walking through the Tenma Ekimae Kita Hondori, you can see the entrance of the back street to the Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street (3:30). During this stroll, you walk across a famous shopping center called “Tenjinbashiuji Shotengai” (3:45). It's a roughly 400 meter long Shopping street that stretches all the way to Nakazaki Subway Station. Nakazaki-cho eki (中崎町駅: Nakazaki-cho station has various types of eating places serving French, Takoyaki, Sushi, Shaved ice, and coffee. It is also called “Oideyasu Street” and is famous for being “Osaka's Neighborhood Kitchen” . Many kinds of shops, new and old, line both sides of this street. Nakazaki-cho Station, which is a terminal of the Tanimachi Subway Line shown in this video (8:37), is next to the Osaka Station, and is accessible by foot. Summary of Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping Street Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you were able to feel the nostalgia of the Shows era through the article and video. The video is actual footage from the Tenma Station to the Tengo Nakazaki-dori Shopping street, so be sure to check it out. You can feel the atmosphere of this street and what kinds of shops there are as well. This area is easily accessible through JR or the Tanimachi Subway line, and even on foot. This place is famous not just among Japanese, but due to its nostalgic atmosphere, it is also a popular spot among foreign tourists. Be sure to check it out if you have the chance!

Introducing Kimetsu no Yaiba! This video, titled "Crazy for Kimetsu no Yaiba!," released by "Tokyo MX," introduces the popular manga Kimetsu no Yaiba. "Kimetsu no Yaiba" (Demon Slayer) is a manga popular among all ages, and the comic is continuously sold out in stores throughout Japan. In this video, you can see the interviews of the fans of "Kimetsu no Yaiba," showing just how popular it is! In this article, we will introduce the extremely popular manga "Kimetsu no Yaiba" alongside the video. Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo：Bookstore Kimetsu no Yaiba is a popular manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump by Shueisha, between Issue 11 in 2016 to Issue 24 in 2020. It is the first serialized work by Koyoharu Gotoge. *Spoilers ahead* The manga portrays an interesting take on Japanese sword fighting, focusing on the main character whose family was killed by demons. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps in order to avenge his family and cure his sister who was turned into a demon. As of May 2020, and its most recent 20th volume of the comic series, it has sold over 60 million copies. It sold 12,058,000 copies in the "Oricon Annual Comic Rankings 2019," beating out the hugely popular "One Piece" manga for the number one spot. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Story The protagonist, Kamado Tanjiro, followed in the footsteps of his late father and lived a peaceful life supporting his family by making charcoal burnings. One day after leaving home, his family is killed by a demon and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into a demon. Two years later, after joining the Demon Slayer Corps to train in swordsmanship and turn his sister Nezuko back into a human, he faces off against Muzan, the leader of the demons. As shown in the video, "Kimetsu no Yaiba" become quite the social phenomenon when it was airing; however, at the height of its popularity, the final issue was released in Weekly Shonen Jump sold on May 18th, 2020. The movie "Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" will be released on October 16, 2020. The film has been attracting a lot of attention due to the popular voice actors that will star in it. More About Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo：Bookstore As shown in the video at 1:52, the manga for Kimetsu no Yaiba, is sold out and in short supply at all the big stores in Tokyo. This goes for not only just the latest issue, but older issues are also low in stock and as you can see from 2:55, there are many people going around bookstores in search of them. It's rare in recent years for a manga to sell out so many copies, even if it's regularly reprinted, truly making it a social phenomenon. Although Kimetsu no Yaiba became popular mainly among young people, it's actually a work that is popular among adults as well, regardless of age. You can see an interview with an older Kimetsu no Yaiba fan from Sugamo at 1:14 in the video. You can also see "KIMETSU CAFÉ in SWEETS PARADISE" at 3:09 in the video, a collaboration café with "Sweets Paradise's" Ikebukuro branch. A popular menu item is the charcoal-grilled chicken curry with the main character Tanjiro on top. Many fans come to the cafe just to see the awesome food art and collaboration goods, and the café is so popular that it gets fully booked with reservations. Summary of Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo：Kimetsu no Yaiba "Crazy for Kimetsu no Yaiba!," released by "Tokyo MX," is a video showing the popularity of the hottest new manga and anime, Kimetsu no Yaiba. With its final issue in 2020, Kimetsu no Yaiba skyrocketed in popularity due to the anime release in 2019, making it a social phenomenon. The manga has come to an end; however, the popularity of Kimetsu no Yaiba continues! 【Official Website】Kimetsu no Yaiba Official portal site https://kimetsu.com/

Video introduction of Tsukiji, the central wholesale market in Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video, titled "The Tuna King Reigns at Tsukiji Fish Market — Omakase Japan," was uploaded by "Eater." The video is an interview with Yukitaka Yamaguchi, a middle man wholesaler specializing in tuna, an important ingredient in Japanese food. He has a shop in Tsukiji Market, a central wholesale market in Tokyo. You can see him dressing a tuna and the beautiful, glossy cut of the tuna in this video. Tsukiji Market was opened in Tokyo in 1935 and it is one of the oldest comprehensive markets in Japan and one of the largest in the world in terms of seafood volume making it an important base for supporting Japanese food. Unfortunately, due to deterioration, the market was moved to "Toyosu Market" in October 2018. Tsukiji Market will be closed in the future, but the restaurants outside the market where you can eat fresh Japanese food still remain. They are very popular, especially among the tourists. This video was taken when Tsukiji Market was still open. An Intermediate Wholesaler Specializing In Tuna at Tsukiji Market Photo：Tsukiji Outer Market Yukitaka Yamaguchi is an intermediate wholesaler specializing in tuna, mainly bluefin tuna. Middlemen like Yamaguchi purchase tuna by participating in tuna auctions, and then sell it to retailers and restaurants. He is a particularly picky about the tenderness of the tuna used for sushi. He is a professional connoisseur who takes responsibility for his tuna and aims to be the best tuna seller in Tsukiji. He's introduced at 0:12 in the video. Tuna, A Valuable Ingredient in Japanese Cuisine Photo：Tuna In the past, red meat, called "zuke" in Japanese, was eaten and toro, a luxury food item today, was thrown out. It was not until sushi became available for the common people that sashimi toro came to be favored. Yukitaka Yamaguchi explains this from 0:44 in the video. His store sells five types of tuna: bluefin tuna, bigeyed tuna, yellowfin tuna, broadbill swordfish, and striped marlin. Yamaguchi purchases huge amounts of tuna to distribute to around 1,000 restaurants, mainly restaurants specializing in Japanese cuisine. He selects each tuna according to the cuisine it will be used for. Many restaurants rely on him as a tuna middleman to keep their business running smoothly. Summary of Tsukiji Market's Tuna King Photo：Tuna Yamaguchi says that the most exciting part of tuna is when he cuts in, because he cannot tell if it is a good tuna until he dress it. He gets really excited when he buys expensive tuna. Yamaguchi feels that tuna caught in fixed nets around Sado Island (佐渡島, Sado Shima) in the Sea of Japan in April and May, when the fat content is well-balanced, tastes the best, but he says that of the tens of thousands of tuna he handles, only about 100 per year are truly good, and they are rare. Because Yukitaka Yamaguchi loves tuna, he has been studying tuna and supporting the Japanese food culture of eating it! 【Tripadvisor】Toyosu Market https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134359-d15216764-Reviews-Toyosu_Market-Toyosu_Koto_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Iheya Island, a Remote Island of Okinawa This video, titled "Beautiful Beach of Iheya Island! OKINAWA, JAPAN" (伊平屋島（沖縄離島）の絶景ビーチ前篇！OKINAWA,JAPAN), was uploaded by "K Japan Traveler." It shows spectacular views of Iheya Island (伊平屋島, Iheyajima), Noho Island (野甫島, Nohojima), and Izena Island (伊是名島, Izenajima), which are in northern Okinawa. As you can see in the video, Iheya Island has a beautiful cobalt blue ocean that you would never expect to find in Japan. A Look at Iheya Island Photo：Brown sugar, Okinawa Iheya Island is a long, narrow island located approximately 41 km north of the main island of Motobu, with a population of about 1,400 people including those on Noho Island. The island has specialties, such as dried fish, hitokuchi brown sugar, Terushi Rice, and Kachiwari brown sugar. There's also Kitase Rock, Yahe Rock, and a skerry called Erabu Rock around Iheya Island. "Torazu Rock" is a landmark of the island. You should visit Koshino Hiramatsu, Nento Hiramatsu and Mt. Kuba too. Things To Do on Iheya Island Photo：The ocean at Sugahama, Okinawa We recommend going sightseeing via rental car. The clear beaches, such as Kumaya Coast, Yonezaki Beach, Shioshitahama, and Kubayama Beach are the best place for sea bathing and fishing. From 0:37 in the video, you can see Kouri Island and Kouri Bridge, and from 1:40 in the video, you can see Noho Bridge, Noho Port, and a beautiful view. For sightseeing, there's Kumaya Cave, Iheya Tower, the Iheyason Board of Education History Ethnic Museum, Kubayama Light House, and Kami Ashagi. You can enjoy activities like the salt cruise at the World Salt Exploration Museum. For snorkeling to see coral reefs, book with Diving service North Island or Diving Shop JIN. Access to Iheya Island Photo：The ocean at Iheya Island, Okinawa Unfortunately, it's somewhat difficult to reach Iheya Island. You have to go from Naha Airport, on the main island of Okinawa, to Nakijin, and then take a ferry for 80 minutes. Because of that, there are not so many tourists, which means you can enjoy the natural scenery all to yourself! As you can see from 1:17 in the video, you can enjoy "Iheya Blue," a clear, blue sea, different from the main island of Okinawa. There are several hotels and restaurants on the island, so you can stay overnight as well as take a day trip, and there are buses running around the island, so as long as you check the bus schedules it's not so bad. Summary of Iheya Island Photo：The ocean at Iheya Island, Okinawa Iheya Island has beautiful beaches where you can feel the refreshing sea breeze. Check out the time schedule for the ferry, as well as prices and information about tides when you visit the amazing resort, Iheya Island! 【Tripadvisor】Iheya Island https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121620-d1373491-Reviews-Iheyajima_Island-Iheya_son_Shimajiri_gun_Okinawa_Prefecture.html

More About Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko- A Protected Species in Japan The video featured this time is called "It looks like a lizard but it's not?!" It was created by "Toranosuke's Creature Movies" and it shows a close up look at the Kuroiwa gecko, a protected species. Kuroiwa's ground gecko, also known as the Okinawan ground gecko, is a member of the Eublepharinae family (トカゲモドキ科, tokagemodokika) of geckos. These geckos belong to the order Squamata, suborder Sauria, infraorder Gekkota, family Eublepharinae and genus Goniurosaurus (爬虫類有鱗目トカゲ亜目ヤモリ下目トカゲモドキ科トカゲモドキ属, hachuurui yuurinmoku tokageamoku yamorikamoku tokagemodokika), as do the common leopard geckos (レオパードゲッコー, reopaadogekko) who are often kept as pets. The Eublepharinae family of geckos is a group of primitive geckos endemic to the island of Tokunoshima (徳之島) in Kagoshima prefecture (鹿児島県, kagoshimaken). They differ from other geckos in that they have eyelids, allowing them to close their eyes. Due to their underdeveloped feet, they cannot climb walls as well as other geckos. As with other geckos, if they lose their tail it can grow back again. An adult gecko is roughly 15-18cm in length, weighs roughly 7-17g and spawns in the warmer months from May to August. They usually lay 2 eggs at a time, in one month intervals. In this video, you will have the rare opportunity to observe Kuroiwa's ground geckos in the wild. Did you know such a cute creature inhabited Japan? Please take the time to enjoy our video! Japan's Effort to Protect This Endangered Species Photo：Kuroiwa ground gecko Kuroiwa's ground geckos live deep in the mountains and can’t be seen in Naha (那覇) or other big cities in Okinawa. Due to deforestation and loss of habitat, the number of Kuroiwa ground geckos has decreased in recent years. Kuroiwa's ground geckos are carnivorous, feeding on mainly insects and ground worms. Due to their nocturnal nature, you can't spot them during the daylight hours. They are often referred to as Jihab or Ashihab by Okinawan people, and in the past they were wrongly believed to be poisonous. The Kuroiwa ground geckos found in southern Okinawa (in the area surrounding Naha Airport) have a straight line pattern down their back, whereas the geckos found in northern Okinawa (in the mountainous regions) have slightly different markings. You can see this distinct straight line pattern clearly at 0:58 and 4:34 in the video. There are also subspecies of the Kuroiwa ground gecko found in Okinawa, each with their own unique and interesting markings. Due to their collectability as pets, in the past they were poached and sold at a high price by foreigners. In Japan they are designated as a protected species and therefore hunting and breeding of them is prohibited by law. Preventing the Overhunting of Japan's Protected Species According to the Washington Convention's rules regarding business transactions of wild animals, the illegal hunting of protected species is prohibited in Japan. Due to the rules of this treaty, endangered species in Japan are required to be actively protected. Since being designated as a protected species in Japan, two subspecies of Kuroiwa ground geckos: Goniurosaurus kuroiwae sengokui (ケラマトカゲモドキ, keramatokagemodoki) and Goniurosaurus kuroiwae toyamai (イヘヤトカゲモドキ, iheyatokagemodoki), have been added to the critically endangered list of reptiles by the Japanese Ministry for the Environment. However, that isn't the only problem threatening Kuroiwa ground geckos. Non-native species such as mongooses, dogs, cats and the American bullfrog are common predators of Kuroiwa's ground gecko and are contributing to their dwindling numbers. Summary of the Kuroiwa Ground Gecko Source :YouTube screenshot The protected species, Kuroiwa ground gecko, which is often amicably nicknamed the 'living dinosaur,' is a lizard rarely spotted in the wild in Okinawa but can be seen clearly in this video. At 1:48 in the video, you can see their movements in detail as one gecko moves slowly across the forest floor. Please enjoy watching the rare footage of this living fossil!

“The Decades Long Research” by NIMS “The Decades Long Research” is a video uploaded by “nimspr.” TThis video introduces the NIMS creep test, which examines how metallic materials exposed to high temperatures degrade over a long period of time in a rupture load test. Let's take a look at their results! What is NIMS’ Creep Test? Source :YouTube screenshot NIMS stands for National Institute for Materials Science. It is an institution that studies the environment, energy, and resources in order to solve global issues. The 380 pieces of equipment lined up in a huge lab is shown at 0:17 in the video. The lab hypothesizes the piping, boilers, turbines and pressure vessels of the thermal power plants. As you can see from 1:38 in the video, the weights are attached to a single steel bar testing machine, and the test is carried out using large, high-temperature equipment with a heater. The NIMS creep test is conducted by placing the tester in an electric furnace and heating it at a constant temperature while applying a pulling force to the metal to monitor the creep deformation for more than 100,000 hours. The Benefits of NIMS' Creep Test Source :YouTube screenshot It is said that the longest time for this kind of creep test lasted more than 40 years. The creep test by NIMS broke the record of Siemens Germany, and it is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest test time. At 2:41 in the video, the test shows that the metal used in thermal power plants needs to be replaced earlier than previous assumptions. As a result, the safety standards for thermal power plants were revised. Creep tests are a simple test mostly just involves waiting, but it is vital in maintaining facilities and keeping our world safe. Summary of the NIMS Creep Test Source :YouTube screenshot Although the creep test by NIMS is essentially just waiting, it is a very important test to study the strength and durability of pipes and materials used in thermal power plants and petrochemical plants. There are many companies trying to solve energy and environmental problems. Expectations continue to rise for advanced technologies thanks to research such as the NIMS creep test. 【Official Website】NIMS https://www.nims.go.jp/eng/index.html

Introducing the Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition! In this article we introduce the video "Sakamoto Ryoma assassination recreation = 70 artifacts open to the public for the first time, including letters and the gun of Hitokiri Izou!（暗殺の様子再現、坂本龍馬展＝初公開の手紙など７０点披露、人斬り以蔵の拳銃も）" created by Jiji Press Ltd. (時事通信トレンドニュース). This video contains footage of the exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" which was held in Meguro city, Tokyo in 2017. Bakumatsu fans can enjoy looking at a variety of Sakamoto Ryoma's items such as his favorite sword and letters. Who is Sakamoto Ryoma? Source :YouTube screenshot Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai of the Tosa Clan active towards the end of the Edo Shogunate (1853-1869). He was born January 3rd, 1836, and his real name was Sakamoto Naonari. After leaving the Tosa clan, he became a Shishi, and formed a teacher-student relationship with Katsu Kaishu, eventually forming the Kameyama Company, later called “Kaientai.” A few famous examples of Sakamoto Ryoma's life include the Teradaya Incident, where he narrowly escaped death, and his role in uniting the Satsuma and Choshu domains, referred to as the Satcho Alliance. His life has been portrayed in a variety of TV dramas such as the popular "Ryomaden." "Jin" is another popular historical drama based on Japan's Bakumatsu period, and Sakamoto Ryoma plays a major role throughout the story. More About the Exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" Source :YouTube screenshot The exhibition featured in this video was held in Tokyo, as the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum (坂本龍馬記念館, sakamotoryouma kinenkan) was undergoing reconstruction at the time in 2017. Articles such as Sakamoto Ryoma's wakizashi (short sword), and a letter addressed to Shojiro Goto of the Tosa Domain, were on exhibition at the Hyakudankaidan hotel, which is listed as a Tangible Cultural Asset of Tokyo. You can also see the obi worn by Sakamoto Ryoma's older sister and the gun used by Hitokiri Izou (real name Izou Okada). Other popular exhibits include Sakamoto Ryoma's glass collodion photograph, the letter "nebutonotegami," a letter addressed to his older sister, a chart of the Battle of Shimonoseki, the Satcho Alliance endorsement, and a chronological table of events. You can see these exhibits in the video from 0:14. You Can Also See the Recreation of the Assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma in This Video! From 2:47 in the video, we're shown "Saraba, Ryoma," where we can learn more about the details surrounding the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma. The Hokushin Itto-Ryu Genbu Dojo, that carries on the Hokushin Itto-Ryu style that Sakamoto Ryoma mastered, helped direct the powerful assassination scene. You can experience the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma, Nakaoka Shintaro and Tokichi Yamada, by the Kyoto Mimawarigumi in silhouette and sound. Sakamoto Ryoma Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed learning more about the famous samurai Sakamoto Ryoma. You can currently see the artifacts featured in this video at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum in Kochi prefecture. The Bakumatsu period was one of the most dramatic time periods in Japanese history! Be sure to watch the video in detail to learn more about the fascinating samurai Sakamoto Ryoma! 【Official Website】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum https://ryoma-kinenkan.jp/country/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, Kochi Prefecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298234-d1818581-Reviews-The_Sakamoto_Ryoma_Memorial_Museum-Kochi_Kochi_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

The Takaoka Copper Casting of Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture – A Traditional Japanese Craft This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「高岡銅器」Takaoka Copper Casting," was produced by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." It introduces Takaoka Copper Casting, a traditional craft in Takaoka City, Toyama. Takaoka Copper Casting in Takaoka City, Toyama originates from a factory opened in the Edo period (1603 – 1868 AD) by Maeda Toshinaga in the Kaga Maeda Clan with the seven metal casters from Tamba, Kyoto, said to be the birthplace of metal casting. Most of the Takaoka Copper Casting products are related to Buddhist tools such as vases and a large part of the production process involves the attentive handiwork of artisans. The traditional Japanese craftsmanship is appreciated even outside of Japan. The Takaoka Great Buddha at Daibutsuji Temple (大佛寺, Daibutsu-ji) is said to be one of the most impressive pieces made by the Takaoka Copper Casting artisans. This is a rare video that introduces the production process of Takaoka Copper Casting. Please enjoy watching the craftsmanship of the Takaoka copper casting artisans. Takaoka Copper Casting: One of the Greatest Treasures in Japanese Culture- How It's Done Source :YouTube screenshot Takaoka Copper Casting is essentially produced with a metal casting technique where a piece of metal is melted at high temperature and poured into a mold to form the desired shape. Japanese metal casting techniques are highly recognized worldwide, and the metal casting of Takaoka City, Toyama is especially famous. Now, let's take a look at how Takaoka Copper Casting products are made. 1. Making the original model (0:18) Based on the blueprint, a prototype is created using wood, plaster, clay and resin. This prototype becomes the grand image of the final product. 2. Making the mold (0:29) A fire-resistant material is used for the original model, and a casting is made to pour the copper into. This is said to be the most important step. The mold made from casting sand is an example of exquisite craftsmanship. 3. Refining and melting (0:44) Refining refers to the process of removing impurities and increasing the purity of the metal. The refined metal is melted and liquefied at high temperatures.. The molten copper alloy reaches 1200 degrees Celsius in this process. 4. Casting (1:00) The refined molten copper is poured into the casting. 5. Removing the mold (1:23) The cooled and hardened copper is removed from the casting and the finishing process begins. 6. Polishing (1:48) The product is beautifully polished. 7. Coloring (2:05) After coloring and inlays are added, the work is complete! At 1:31 in the video, one of the Takaoka Copper Casting artisans explains “We hope that our Buddhist statues and monuments will convey what the customer had in mind, and will be loved.” The Art Pieces of Takaoka Copper Casting Gained Worldwide Popularity at the World Expo in Paris Source :YouTube screenshot A number of art pieces such as Buddhist statues and vases made using Takaoka Copper Casting were exhibited at the World Expo in Paris, and the name has come to be known around the world. These reason these artifacts are so beautifully shaped is because they were developed through producing bronze casting products adorned with carvings. In Takaoka City, Toyama, the descendants of the master craftsmen of the past have inherited the traditional crafting techniques and skills and have created many works of art. They continue to do so even today. Summary of Takaoka Copper Casting Source :YouTube screenshot The entire process of Takaoka Copper Casting has been done with the careful handiwork of artisans for more than 400 years. "We want to pass down the 400-year-old technique to the next generation," says one of the Takaoka Copper Casting artisans at 2:26 in the video. To inherit this valuable Japanese culture, Takaoka City has held workshops of Takaoka Copper Casting to train potential artisans. Miyuki-cho in Takaoka City has the Takaoka Copper Casting Museum where you can see and purchase products. Some large bronze statues are valued at millions of yen (tens of thousands of dollars). Takaoka Copper Casting products are also available at online marketplaces such as Rakuten and Amazon, and include ochoko (small sake cups), ornaments, paperweights, and more. The most popular ones are made by Takenaka Bronze Works Co.,Ltd. The company donated a 1/100 scale bronze casting model to Zuiryuji Temple (瑞龍寺, Zuiryuji), a temple designated as a National Treasure, in Takaoka City. The temple is one of the most popular tourist spots in Takaoka City renowned for its spring event of lighting up the temple, where the bones of Oda Nobunaga and his son are buried. Tourists can visit the grave of Maeda Toshinaga, who was deeply involved in the history of Takaoka Copper Castings, by way of a path called Hocchodo, lined with stone lanterns. In recent years, nine companies that are members of the Takaoka Copper Industry Cooperative Society have made original "Takaoka Wind Chimes" and sold them at the Takaoka Regional Industry Center, Takaoka Mikurumayama Museum, and shops where crafts are sold. 【Official website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Tokyo Cathedral St. Mary's Cathedral" Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan Video Introduction The aerial video, "St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo" (空撮 東京カテドラル聖マリア大聖堂), was created by "FUJISAN DRONE BASE - (富士山ドローンベース)," using mainly a drone to gather amazing footage of St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo. St. Mary's Cathedral is a Catholic church in Tokyo designed by Kenzo Tange, one of the masters of modern Japanese architecture, also known as the "World's Tange." In this article, we'll introduce St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo. In the video we see an awesome aerial view of St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo, which is normally on seen from ground level. You'll be impressed by the beautiful reflection of the church in the evening and at night. What is St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo? Photo：St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo is a church located in the Bunkyo-ku area of Tokyo, a 15-minute walk from Edogawabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, across from the Chinzan-sō” building. It has the largest number of adherents in Japan in the Catholic Church's bishopric, which covers Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture. It is also accessible by bus from Mejiro Station on the JR Yamanote Line. It was originally built in a wooden Gothic style in 1899 as an auxiliary temple of "Maikai Juku" (玫瑰塾) but the building was destroyed by fire during the air raids of World War II in Tokyo. The present building being constructed in 1963. Outside the building is Lourdes Grotto, where you can see a magnificent statue of the Virgin Mary. You can see Lourdes Grotto at 2:09 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot There is also a bust of St. Francis Xavier and a replica of Michelangelo's Pieta found in the Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican. Michelangelo's Pieta can be seen at 2:58 in the video. English Masses and lectures by a priest are also held at St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo and you don't need to be a follower to attend. Other events, such as a pipe organ concert, which can be seen at 3:16 in the video, are also held, and weddings and ceremonies can be held there as well. You can also tour the facility during public hours. Also in 2019, the Pope attended "World Youth Day" at St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo. St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo - Modern Japanese Architecture Source :YouTube screenshot St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo is a very popular building designed by Kenzo Tange. The building has a thin, curved, hyperbolic-parabolic shell structure, and the exterior walls are made of stainless steel. As you can see from 4:30, when viewed from the sky it's shaped like a cross. There are no pillars in the bare concrete interior, which gives it a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The inside of the building is shown at 2:27 in the video. The building was designed without the use of CG and 3D techniques, and was entirely hand drawn. Summary of St. Mary’s Cathedral Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot This video "St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo" introduces the beautiful catholic church in Tokyo, through aerial footage. In 1978, singer Doji Morita (森田童子) performed live at the Cathedral and the CD "St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo Recording" was released, allowing listeners to feel the atmosphere of the cathedral. Enjoy the video showing St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo glistening in the sunshine and its amazing structure in the nightscape of Tokyo. 【Tripadvisor】St. Mary's Cathedral Tokyo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066442-d1373757-Reviews-St_Mary_s_Cathedral_Tokyo-Bunkyo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Japanese Food Exports Today, we'll take a look at the video titled "Overseas Buyers Rush to Get Their Hands on Japanese Food!" (日本食に海外バイヤー殺到). The fact that Japanese food was registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013 is still fresh in our minds, but in recent years there has been a global boom in Japanese food, drawing attention to Japanese ingredients and food culture. Let's take a look at some of the strategies used to expand the sales channels for Japanese food, shown in the video! JAPAN'S FOOD - EXPORT FAIR Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:24 in the video, foreign importers line up for the Japanese food exhibition at Makuhari Messe. This is JAPAN’S FOOD EXPORT FAIR, where foreign buyers come to negotiate business deals. 700 Japanese companies participated in the expo and 4,000 buyers from 80 countries and regions visited the event. As commented by a Chinese buyer in the video at 0:58, Japanese food products are very popular overseas because of their high quality processing techniques and safety. Of course, setting up a manufacturing base overseas is one effective sales channel. However, there is also the option of directly exporting processed food and marine products made in Japan using Japanese ingredients. Buyers and company representatives aiming to expand the sales channels for Japanese food products are aiming to sell domestically produced food products with a focus on "a taste of Japan." The Demand for Japanese Food Overseas Source :YouTube screenshot Domestic companies and brands selling bread, curry, Japanese tea, and confectioneries, are aiming to expand their sales channels through the production of products for overseas markets and other PR methods. An increasing number of trading companies and corporations are also setting up specialized export departments within their companies. By developing products for overseas markets in anticipation of the annual inbound demand of more than 30 million people, they are trying to capitalize on that demand after these visitors have already returned home. These moves are expected to increase the volume and value of Japanese food exports. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is also currently working on a project to expand exports by creating an environment where foreigners visiting Japan can experience Japanese food even after returning to their home country. Source :YouTube screenshot Pasco Shikishima, introduced at 1:12 in the video, a major bread manufacturer, is marketing its products for export as being made in Japan with packaging similar to what you would find in Japan. Pasco Shikishima exports bread baked at its factory in Japan, which is quickly frozen to preserve the quality of the product. S&B Foods, introduced in the video at 2:46, also exports its main brand products to about 80 countries, targeting demand from foreigners after they return to their home countries. The company is committed to the same taste and quality as what they sell in the Japanese market. Summary of Japanese Food Exports Photo：Washoku With the Japanese food boom, many Japanese restaurants have sprung up in Japan and abroad. There are also many wealthy people who are mass buying all of Japan's unique ingredients and luxury foods. In anticipation of demand of travelers returning home, Japanese food brands need to have a global perspective. As the Japanese food boom is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, it will be interesting to see what kind of strategies food-related companies will come up with.

Kushiro City, Hokkaido This video “KUSHIRO Hokkaido Japan in 8K HDR - 釧路 [summer ver.]" (KUSHIRO Hokkaido Japan in 8K HDR - 釧路 [summer ver.]), produced by “KUSHIRO Hokkaido Japan,” is a promotional video of Hokkaido's "Kushiro city," located in the eastern area of Hokkaido. You can see sightseeing destinations and specialties of Kushiro City in high, 8k quality footage. Kushiro city, a city facing the Pacific Ocean, is located on the eastern side of Hokkaido. Here, you can enjoy the abundant nature of Kushiro city, and the wildlife unique to the area. Access to Hokkaido Kushiro city is best done by plane, using the Kushiro Airport. There are flights from Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport) and Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport) to Kushiro Airport. This video captures the charm of Kushiro City, Hokkaido, in under 4 minutes. It looks like summer, with the large green expanse spreading out to the horizon. We hope you enjoy the video clip of Kushiro city, Hokkaido, the largest wetland in Japan. The Most Famous Sightseeing Spot in Kushiro- Kushiro Marsh Photo：Kushiro Marsh, red crowned cranes “Kushiro Marsh” is the largest marsh in Japan, spanning 4 cities and towns in Hokkaido, including Kushiro city. This marsh is designated as natural wildlife reserve, and wildlife, such as “red crowned cranes” and “white tailed sea eagles,” that can be found no where else, live here. Also, it has been registered under the Ramsar Convention since 1980, to protect the important marsh through international cooperation. “Kushiro Marsh Observatory” is a popular spot among Kushiro city’s many sightseeing spots. From this observatory you can see a 360 degree view of Kushiro Marsh's scenery.Experience a spectacular view reminiscent of the Amazon. Also, this is one of the best spots in Hokkaido perfect for taking beautiful Instagram photos. The observatory hall displays a replica of precious flora and fauna from “Kushiro Marsh.” There are also Kushiro Marsh satellite observatories along the loop trail, which is 100% barrier-free, so be sure to check it out! Hosooka Observatory, near the Kushiro Marsh Station on Senmo Line, which runs through Kushiro Marsh, is another place we recommend. Enjoy the Great Outdoors From Kushiro Marsh's Hiking Course Photo：Kushiro Marsh, Hiking To those who want to experience the untamed lands of Kushiro Marsh directly, we recommend Onnenai wooden walkway and Tsurui track course at the "Onnenai Visitor Center." The Onnenai wooden walkway is a roughly 2 km course at Kushiro Marsh, and it takes you along a hiking course where you can breathe in the refreshing air of the Kushiro wetlands. Quite different from sightseeing in the city. The hiking course also has a 100% barrier-free route, so it's great for those using wheelchairs, or families with strollers. The Panoramic View From Kushiro Marsh's "Norokko Train" Photo：Kushiro Marsh Norokko Train Train fans don't want to miss the Kushiro Marsh Norokko Train. Norokko Train is a train that runs between Kushiro and Toro, and it is quite popular among the many trains of Hokkaido. The 36-degree view of Kushiro Marsh from the window makes you feel as if you have come to another world. If you're lucky, you might be able to see some of the wildlife in Kushiro Marsh. Enjoy Canoeing Down the Great Kushiro River Photo：Kushiro Marsh If you're a fan of the outdoors and want to move your body, we recommend Kushiro River’s canoe tour. In this river tour, you slowly sail through the calm waters of Kushiro River by canoe, and enjoy the nature of Kushiro. You can enjoy another view of “Kushiro Marsh” from the river, which is a vastly different take from the view at the observatory. The canoe tour has many plans: the 90 minute tour, 1 day tour, and the secret location tour. Choose the one that best fits your schedule, or even schedule around which plan you want to enjoy. Sightseeing in Kushiro City, Hokkaido Kushiro Marsh and Kushiro River are not the only sightseeing spots near Hokkaido's Kushiro City. At the foot of Oakandake, there is Lake Akan (Akanko) where spherical moss live, as well as the Akanko Hotspring village. Challenging hiking the Meakandake near the Oakandake is also nice. The mysterious lake “Onneto” is one of the 3 major secret lakes in Hokkaido, and changes its color by time and the angle you view it from. This is introduced from 1:03 in the video. There are many sightseeing spots where you can enjoy beautiful, scenic views, for example, Shakubetsu Hill which is popular among train enthusiasts as the best location for the Nemuro Line as it runs through fields. There 's also the popular fishing spot Onbetsu Shore, the 24 hour operated international Kushiro Harbor, the European style Musamai Bridge that spans the Kushiro River, and the Musamai Rotary, as well as the Takimi Bridge which is a great place to view the beautiful autumn leaves, and the Ainu Kotan village where only about 120 people live. Dining in Kushiro, Hokkaido Photo：Seafood rice bowl This video introduces not only Kushiro's great nature and places of interest, but also many of the city's popular local delicacies. At Kushiro Washo Market, there are many kinds of seafood on display, and Katte Don (a type of seafood bowl in which you pick your own choice of seafood) is a very popular dish. We highly recommend this seafood market, for both delicious seafood and sightseeing, when visiting Kushiro. The fishing industry is quite popular in Kushiro City, with the largest amount of saury landings in Japan. This is seen at 2:02 in the video. There are many other attractive dishes to try in Kushiro, for example, Kushiro soba and Kushiro ramen, soba sushi, Ganpeki Robata located in Kushiro Fisherman’s Warf, MOO, and Kushiro Robata’s robatayaki. By the way, did you know that the soul food of Hokkaido, zangi, originated in Kushiro? You can see these popular Kushiro delicacies from 1:15 in the video. Summary of Kushiro, Hokkaido Please watch this video to learn more about the wonders of Kushiro, which this article can't even begin to describe. There's a lot more to see in the video, and we highly recommend you watch it to see the Ainu’s traditional historical event "Iomante’s Fire Festival," from 3:27. If this video has you interested in Kushiro city, consider booking a trip there the next time you come to Japan! Hokkaido is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan, and there is a good selection of buses, car rental services, and hotels, so you won't have any trouble getting around. You'll be amazed at the charm, spectacular scenery, beauty, culture and history of Kushiro city, Hokkaido. 【Official Website】Hokkaido Kushiro City’s City Hall Website (English site) https://www.city.kushiro.lg.jp/machi/foreign%20languages/page2001.html 【Official Website】Kushiro/Akanko Travel Guide Official Website, SUPER FANTASTIC Kushiro Lake Akan (English site) https://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/

An Eye-Catching Introduction to Japan This approximately 4-minute video, focusing on modern-day Japan as seen by foreign tourists and travelers, boasts a level of quality that has attracted major interest not only in Japan but in various countries throughout the world. This video's footage goes above and beyond other Japan PR videos and keeps viewers glued to the screen. By the video's end, you'll most likely feel an indescribable surge of emotions, such as those experienced after viewing a magnificent movie of epic proportions! Highlights of the Japanese Introduction Video, "in Japan" This video, "In Japan," taken in 2015 by German filmmaker/creator Vincent Urban, is a nearly 4-minute collection of footage of his 3-week journey in Japan to locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. In taking a look at images of landscapes and scenery natural and commonplace to Japanese people which are projected from a foreigner’s perspective, even we as Japanese natives can perceive such images as unknown, brand new discoveries and never-before-seen sights and scenes, and this video therefore allows us to learn about the appeal and charm of Japan in a brand new light. Viewers of this video can also agree that its high quality BGM and camera work is yet another reason for its high acclaim both in and out of Japan. This video condenses a wide variety of discoveries in Japan ranging from regularly seen daily scenery and landscapes to famous tourist spots. Examples of such sights include Asakusa Temple in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo, festivals, Kendo (Japanese martial art with bamboo swords), Buddhist temples, Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine as well as convenience stores, Tokyo Tower, street performances, Tokyo Skytree, sumo wrestlers, clubs and idols, in addition to shinkansen (bullet trains), natural landscapes, the Atomic Bomb Domes in Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Mt. Fuji and metropolitan night scenes. Japan as Seen Through Cultural Changes Photo：Sumo Learning about shifts in modern Japanese culture gives us deeper insights into the allure and attraction of Japan as a nation in the present day. Japan of yore once had superb classic culture primarily consisting of artistic traditional crafts, and as you can see in the video, festivals and martial arts passed down to Japan from ancient times have been regarded as symbolizing the very culture of "Nihon no Wa," or "The Spirit of Japan." It is also well-known that Japan is the birthplace of kendo and sumo wrestling which are now sports famous all the world over. In addition, present-day Japan is going through transitions in which its forms of entertainment, such as manga (Japanese comics/cartoons) and anime (Japanese animation), formerly considered to be types of sub-culture, have been disseminated throughout the globe to be cherished by multitudes of people as pop culture. This signifies shifts in the image of "Japan" in the eyes of foreigners abroad from that of a land of ninja and samurai to an anime & manga nation. The Akihabara area, now the "Mecca" of anime and manga which serves as the center of Japanese contemporary culture, has become a well-known tourist location which draws huge numbers of sightseers visiting Japan, and it's also popular as a town for shopping. Japan as Seen Through Tourist Meccas & Architectural Buildings Photo：Sensoji Temple and women If you're watching this video you probably know that Japan, due to its also being famous as a country abound with history and nature, sees immense numbers of foreigners who visit for sightseeing on a daily basis. Locations in Japan shown in the video, such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, are highly recommended tourist spots in Japan which are renowned even on a global scale. The existence of temples and shrines in Japan, whose number is too great to mention here, attracts hosts of foreign sightseers day by day, and this is proof of how Japan enjoys deep-rooted popularity as a tourist destination amongst abroad residents all over the world. Japan as Seen Through Nature ©Izu City Modifying The richness and abundance of nature, amongst other aspects, is definitely a thing to behold here in Japan. Japan's largest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and its bamboo forest, also featured in the video, are without a doubt natural tourist spots that represent the glory of Japan. The view from Mt. Fuji's summit, in particular, is easily summed up by the words "magnificent scenery," and once you experience climbing this mountain on your own, you'll be able to appreciate the thrill and excitement of this spectacle all the more. Such natural splendor is just one more example of a globally sought-after sightseeing attraction highly recommended in Japan, a fact testified to by the unceasing droves of tourists from abroad who visit day-to-day without end. Japan Introduction Video Summary We hope you enjoyed this video introduction of Japan with its simple yet profound delivery of information. Year after year, Japan sees increasing numbers of tourists from abroad coming in search of such fascinating sightseeing spots as well as world-renowned gourmet Japanese food. Japan still has yet a great deal of appeal which, unfortunately, we can't completely encapsulate into such a short introductory video on Japan’s culture, history, entertainment, nature and festivals. We truly hope that this video and article have piqued your interest in Japan more than ever before!

Watch the Video on Japanese Serows! Today we are showing you a video called ‘Japanese serows, visitors to a village (人里にやってきたニホンカモシカ)’. Japanese serows have lived in Japan for a very long time. They are mentioned in the Manyoshu, an 8th century anthology of Japanese poetry, and the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan). Japanese serows are nicknamed the Philosophers of the Forest. They look proud and stand with authority. They remind you of Shishigami (シシ神 Shishigami) (The forest spirit from the Ghibli movie, Princess Mononoke). With the video today, we will look into the habits and habitat of Japanese serows in detail. What Kind of Animals Are Japanese Serows? How Big Are They? How Do They Live? Photo：Japanese Serows Japanese serows (Capricornis sumatraensis) are even-toed-ungulate mammal and Bovine antelope. They are an indigenous species in Japan and live in Eastern Honshu, Shikoku, and in parts of Kyushu. They are not nomadic. Many wild Japanese serows are seen in Okutama and Ome in Tokyo and in the hills of Kanagawa Prefecture in the Kanto region, as well as in Japan's Shikoku region. Japanese serows are between 105～112cm (41-44 in.) long and weigh around 30～45kg (~65-100 lbs). When intimidating unwanted guests, or during their mating season, they make a high-pitched call. You can find how old a Japanese serow is by looking at the rings on its horns. The Japanese serow shown in the video has a broken horn. However, unlike deer, it will not grow back once broken. Where Can I See Japanese Serows? Source :YouTube screenshot If you're lucky, you can see wild Japanese serows in the mountains of Japan. You might even see ones with a baby in tow. Throughout the video, the camera catches Japanese serows visiting from the hills. From 0:18 in the video, they come very close to the camera, yet they don’t seem to be scared of human beings. Photo：Tama Zoological Park If you want to see Japanese serows in captivity, visit the places like Tama Zoological Park (多摩動物公園 Tama Dobutsu Koen), Inokashira Park Zoo (井の頭自然文化園 Inokashira Shizenbunka Koen), Oshima Park Zoo (大島公園動物園 Oshima Koen Dobutsuen) and Saitama Children’s Zoo(埼玉県こども動物自然公園 Saitama Kodomo Dobutsu Shizen Koen). In the past, Japanese serows were temporarily endangered. However, the population has recovered very well, and their numbers continue to grow. Despite being protected species, Japanese serow meat is occasionally eaten in the name of pest control in some regions. Apparently, the meat tastes rather plain and light. Summary of the Video on Japanese Serows We have introduced you to Japanese serows, an indigenous species to Japan. The video shows you Japanese serows for around 5 minutes. It's perfect if you want to learn the habits of this animal. When you visit a zoo in Japan, please look out for handsome Japanese serows like in the video.

Introducing a video of Sadanao Mikami’s Dojigiri Yasutsuna! This video, titled "Famous Swords Under the Heavens｜Recreating Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Ishida Masamune! (Tsuyama Yukari’s Sword Reproduction Project Vol.1)" (天下の名刀『童子切安綱』と『石田正宗』を再現！（津山ゆかりの刀剣再現プロジェクトvol.1）), was released by "TsuyamaCityPR." In recent years, the popularity of swords has suddenly increased, especially among the younger generation in Japan. Also, beautiful Japanese katana have been attracting a lot of attention from foreign tourists to Japan. In response to such popularity, the city of Tsuyama in northern Okayama Prefecture commissioned swordsmith Sadanao Mikami to create replicas of famous swords, under a project titled "the Sword Reproduction Project." In this video, you can see the precious production process of Japanese katana forged by craftsmen. The Famous Japanese Sword, Dojigiri Yasutsuna Source :YouTube screenshot Dojigiri Yasutsuna is first on the list of the Five Greatest Swords Under the Heavens from around the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) to be called a famous sword. It's a legendary katana used to defeat the Shuten-doji. This is explained at 0:26 in the video. It's said that Dojigiri Yasutsuna was later given to Toyotomi Hideoyshi by Ashikaga Yoshiaki, the Shogun of Ashikaga, and was said to be passed down from Tokugaya Ieyasu to Tokugawa Hidetada. Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Ishida Masamune, introduced in the video, are famous katana from history that were handed down to the Matsudaira Clan of the Tsuyama Domain, who followed the ways of Yuki Hideyasu, the second son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Presently, the national treasure Dojigiri Yasutsuna (blade length 80 cm), which is in the collection of the Tokyo National Museum, is said to have been made by Yasutsuna, a swordsmith of Houki (present-day Tottori), during the Heian Period and is characterized by its blade which looks as though it's shrouded in mist. Sadanao Mikami the Swordsmith Introduced in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot Mikami Sadanao, the advisor of the All Japan Swordsmith Association, is shown at 1:10 in the video. Sadanao Mikami is a leading master swordsmith, who has created many swords. Sadanao Mikami uses Tottori’s tamahagane, which is made from iron sand, to make katana with pressed gold and pig iron. There are several techniques used to forge swords, including "makuri," "kobuse," and "sanmai gitae." You can see the forging and hitting of the heated red-hot iron from 2:04 in the video and watch as the shape of the Japanese sword is gradually completed. You can see Dojigiri Yasutsuna completed by the craftsmen from 3:41 in the video. The replica swords created by Sadanao Mikami have a reputation for being excellent katana. At the ceremony to unveil the Dojigiri Yasutsuna made by Sadanao Mikami, the sword being handed over to Mayor Taniguchi became widely talked about. Summary of Sadanao Mikami's Dojigiri Yasutsuna Source :YouTube screenshot Sadanao Mikami's katana, introduced in the video, was exhibited at the exhibition "100 Famous Swords and the Famous Sword Replica Exhibition" (天華百剣と名刀写し展) at the Tsuyama City Museum and was evaluated as a masterpiece of arts and crafts. Japanese katana, such as Dojigiri Yasutsuna and Mikazuki Munechika, are weapons that have been used for thousands of years in Japan and are now exhibited in museums as works of art. There are times when priceless katana are exhibited, so be sure to check exhibit schedules.

Introducing Eelpouts - An Interesting Delicacy in Kanazawa, Ishikawa "Eelpouts: The rare fish loved in Kanazawa| nippon.com," is a 4K video uploaded by "nippon.com." Have you heard of eelpouts before? There probably aren't many people who've heard of this strange fish, but it's actually a specialty of Kanazawa that's attracting attention as an ingredient for beauty supplements. This video will show you how to prepare some delicious eelpouts! The Unsightly Eelpout - A Look at the Strange Fish Photo：Eelpouts Eelpout is written "幻魚" (roughly "Illusion Fish") in Japanese Kanji. This deep-sea fish is a type of sea-bass (belonging to a genus of Zoarcidae) and there are more than 230 types of eelpouts around the world. The reason why it's called "illusion fish" in Japan is likely because of its wiggly, slimy and grotesque body, and it was never eaten or studied. It has been found that it prefers the cold water of the northern hemisphere and usually lies on the seafloor, eating shells, sea urchins, and starfish that are in the sand. It swims very slow and its proper name is "ノロゲンゲ" (norogenge) in Japanese. The best time to catch it in the Hokuriku region is from September to May. How to Prepare Eelpouts Source :YouTube screenshot The most distinctive feature of the eelpout is its long, thin body, slimy surface, and soft texture. This is because it's rich in fine gelatin and collagen. It has quit a plain taste, so it can be used in any kind of cooking, and it is very popular in Kanazawa and Toyama. As you can see from 0:41 in the video, they cost around 400 yen per four fish, which is cheap during the harvest seasons, so it's often eaten as a main dish in Japan's Hokuriku region. Fried, dried, and tempura are also popular ways to prepare it, and these can be seen from 1:17 in the video. The slimy surface disappears when deep-fried giving it a nice and soft texture. Because of its simple taste, it's used as the main ingredients in miso soup and hot pot on a regular basis. Summary of Eelpouts, a Kanagawa Specialty Photo：Miso soup with bamboo shoots Eelpouts are also called "gengyo," "dogi," "mizuuo," and "sugayo" in Japanese. Although grotesque at first glance, it's gaining attention as a main ingredient in beauty supplements due to its high moisture content and moisturizing properties. Eelpout hot pot and eelpout soup are foods that women should pay attention to if they're focusing on beauty because it warms the body from the core and makes the skin look youthful. Be sure to try them when you visit Kanazawa, Ishikawa.

Introducing the Interior of the Tower of the Sun The video "Opening of the Interior of the Tower of the Sun," (「太陽の塔」内部を公開), released by SankeiNews, is a video about the reopening of the interior of the Tower of the Sun after the repairs and refurbishing completed in March 2018. The Tower of the Sun is a major work of art by artist Taro Okamoto, and is registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan. This article introduces the interior of the exhibit. The video introduces the restored 'Tree of Life' and the 'Sun of the Underworld'. The dynamism of the interior takes viewers to another world. About the Tower of the Sun Source :YouTube screenshot The Tower of the Sun was built together with the "Tower of Mother," the "Tower of Youth" and the "Big Roof" as part of the Japanese theme pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka in 1970. At 70 meters tall, with 25-meter-long arms, it's a gigantic piece of art. The golden face, located at the top, represents the future, and is 11 meters in diameter. The Face of the Sun, resting between 2 arms, represents the present, and the face on the back (the Black Sun) represents the past. Xenon arc lamps were used in the eyes of the Golden Face during the Expo. Originally, another face, the 'Sun of the Underworld' was located at the basement floor, but it went missing after the Expo. This 'phantom face' was eventually restored in the refurbishing work. The newly restored 'Sun of the Underworld' appears in the video at 0:50. The gallery inside displays the massive piece "Tree of Life" (1:13), which represents the evolution of creatures. Modern technology enabled these objects, originally attached to the artwork, to be restored. Only a model of gorilla with a damaged head (1:35) remains the same. The video navigates viewers through the tower's artistic interior, reminiscent of another dimension. The Tower of the Sun: Visitor Information Source :YouTube screenshot The Tower of the Sun is located at the Expo Commemoration Park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. It has been off limits since the event ended, but the prefectural government began refurbishing the tower's interior in 2017 and reopened it in March 2018. An event called 'Rebirth of the Tower of the Sun' was held to celebrate its reopening. Admission is by internet reservation only, and tickets are not sold on the day. To go by train, get off at Osaka Monorail Line Banpaku-kinen-koen Station and follow the slope to the park. Most people visiting by car use the Nihonteien-mae Parking Lot. Summary of the Tower of the Sun Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Opening of the Interior of the Tower of the Sun," introduces the reopening of the inside of the amazing artwork that has been loved as a symbol of the park for years. Enjoy the masterpiece of Taro Okamoto shown in the video. Go to the official website of the Tower of the Sun for more information and tickets. A museum shop located inside of the artwork stocks a variety of exclusive goods, including the popular "Tower of the Sun figurine" We hope this article has inspired you to visit the amazing work of art! ◆The Tower of the Sun - Museum Info◆ 【Address】1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826 JAPAN 【Access】Banpaku-kinen-koen Station 【Admission fee】Adults: 720 Yen (~$7 USD), Children: 310 Yen (As of April 2020) 【Opening Hours】10:00～17:00 【Closures】Please see the official website 【Parking】None 【TEL】0120-197-089 【Official Website】The Tower of the Sun https://taiyounotou-expo70.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】The Tower of the Sun (Banpaku kinen koen) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023474-d1407905-Reviews-The_Tower_of_the_Sun-Suita_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Plant Hunter Seijun Nishihata If you're curious about what kind of unusual jobs exist around the world, especially in Japan, then this video is just right for you. Many people enjoy learning about unusual professions because of our interest in the unknown. We often find it inspiring to hear about people in unusual professions that are far removed from our norm. This video introduces plant hunting, an occupation that you may not have heard about before. This article will also talk about the famous plant hunter, Seijun Nishihata, and the beauty of plant hunting. Be sure to follow along with the video! Plant Hunting - Searching for Plants Across the Globe Source :YouTube screenshot Plant hunting is an unusual job that involves exploring and collecting valuable plants from around the world. In 18th century England, many products were made from plants, and they played an important role in the country's economy. This led adventurers and explorers that traveled the world in search of precious plants. The people who sought these plants, including ornamental plants and other rare plants requested by aristocrats and royalty, were known as "plant hunters." Although an unfamiliar occupation in Japan, it has quite a long history. Japanese Plant Hunter, Seijun Nishihata Seijun Nishihata is one of the most famous and accomplished plant hunters in Japan. Seijun is also the CEO of the Japanese horticultural studio, Sora Botanical Garden, where you can purchase garden plants. In the video, you can see Seijun answering questions in an interview about plant hunting and talking about his passion towards plants. Seijun hopes to bring a smile to everyone's faces through plants. Throughout his career, he has hunted a variety of plants and has brought smiles to the faces of many. He especially made many people smile at a Christmas event in Kobe. In particular, his project to bring the world's largest Christmas tree to Kobe drew a lot of attention. Be sure to check out the video to see what kind of person he is. What Plant Hunting Is All About Source :YouTube screenshot The beauty of plant hunting comes from the adventurous spirit to seek rare plants even though the environment can sometimes be very tough. In the video, you can see the passion of Seijun when he seeks plants. The appeal of plant hunting lies in the adventurous spirit of searching for rare plants, such as insectivorous plants and other rare plants, in a harsh environment that sometimes can prove to be quite a difficult task. You can feel the passion of Seijun through the video. Summary of Japanese Plant Hunter, Seijun Nishihata This video, created by "SUPER CEO," introduces Seijun Nishihata, the CEO of Sora Botanical Garden, and an honest man passionate about his job. If you are interested in learning more about Seijun after reading this article, be sure to check out the video! 【Official Website】Sora Botanical Garden https://from-sora.com/en/