About Susaki, Kochi Prefecture This is a promotional video for Susaki city, Kochi prefecture, located in Japan's Shikoku region, created by Shinjo-kun. Shinjo-kun is a popular mascot that represents Susaki city! What kind of sightseeing spots are there in Susaki? In this article, we'll introduce spots around Susaki where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and also recommend places where you can try the local cuisine. Enjoy a look at the beautiful scenery and delicious seafood available in Susaki city. Let's Take a Trip to Susaki! Photo：Image of the view from Yokonami Kuroshio Line A great way to enjoy the scenery in the Kochi area is to drive along the Yokonami Kuroshio Line, a road that connects the cities of Tosa (土佐市, Tosashi) and Susaki. The refreshing drive allows you to take in the sights of the natural scenery while providing smooth access to many of the tourist attractions in Susaki. If you're travelling by car, be sure to stop by Roadside Station Kawauso-no-sato (Otter Village) Susaki (かわうその里すさき, Kawausonosatosusaki), where you can try some of the local food and enjoy shopping. In 2018, a new attraction called Comodo Uranouchi (an inflatable obstacle course on the water) was opened and it has been increasing in popularity quite quickly. 58 seconds into the video you can see Sakoda knives (迫田刃物, Sakodahamono) being made, one of the many traditional crafts you can experience in Susaki, Kochi prefecture. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Susaki City Photo：Otonashi Shrine In the Susaki city area, there are many temples and shrines you can visit, such as Otonashi Shrine (鳴無神社, Otonashi jinja), Suga shrine (須賀神社, Suga jinja), Daizenji temple (大善寺, Daizenji), and Hosshoji temple (発生寺, Hosshouji). If you would like to try something fun and exciting, why not visit Susaki when the Kamo shrine (賀茂神社, Kamo jinja) fall festival or Susaki festivals are being held? If you take part in one of these big events, you might get the chance to meet Susaki's popular character Shinjo-kun! If you're planning on staying at a hotel, we highly recommend a relaxing stay at the Soudayama Hot Springs (桑田山温泉, Soudayama onsen). Local Cuisine in Susaki Source :YouTube screenshot Looking out onto the vast Pacific Ocean, the warm waters of Susaki city are overflowing with fresh seafood. You can see fishing starting from 0:23 in the video. The town has a tradition of eating the highly nutritious moray eel. We recommend trying the deep fried Moray eel (ウツボの唐揚げ, Utsubo no karaage)! We also recommend trying Frigate tuna (ソウダガツオ, Soudagatsuo), known as Mejika in this area. Susaki city is also famous for producing soy sauce, a condiment that compliments the seafood caught in this area very nicely. A bottle of soy sauce, which has been produced in Kochi prefecture for over 100 years, is a great idea for a souvenir as well! At 1:19 in the video, you can witness the soy sauce manufacturing process at the Marukyou Miso and Soy Sauce Distillery (丸共味噌醤油醸造所, Marukyou miso shouyu jouzousho). As shown at 1:47 in the video, you can enjoy the taste of freshly caught fish in Susaki city by dipping it in the locally produced soy sauce. There are many restaurants in Susaki serving the local specialty Nabeyaki Ramen. You can't find it outside of this region, so definitely consider giving it a try. Summary of Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture This video introduces the beautiful natural scenery that changes season by season and delicious seafood unique to Susaki city. Watching this video will surely make you want to take a trip to Kochi prefecture! It's time to plan a visit to Susaki, a city where you can rediscover the charm and beauty of Japan. 【Official Website】Susaki city hall https://www.city.susaki.lg.jp/language/

Video introduction of sushi chef at Sushi Kappou Ueda in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video, titled "日本食ドキュメンタリー　江戸前穴子　Documentary of Japanese "ANAGO SUSHI" 日本美食记录-江户前穴子," introduces the splendor of Japanese food with a focus on Edomae anago (conger eel). In this video, Chef Eiichi Ueda, a sushi chef in Ginza, shows everything from purchasing ingredients to preparation and talks about his passion for Anago. The answer to why Japanese food is loved by so many people around the world may be found in this video. What Is Edomae Anago? Photo：Anago Sushi “Edo” is the old name for Tokyo and Anago was caught in what is now Tokyo bay which is in front of Edo. “Mae” means “in front of” in Japanese. The Edomae Anago absorbs nutrients from the river flowing into Tokyo Bay, and is considered a seafood gourmet that is a symbol of Edomae and is backed by history and culture. Eiichi Ueda, the sushi chef from Ginza, who is also the star of this video, was fascinated by anago, and says that when he purchases anago at Tsukiji fish market, he uses anago caught off the coast of Haneda in Tokyo Bay, and through this, we get an understanding of his dedication to his craft. A Commitment to the Art of Japanese Cuisine Source :YouTube screenshot One of the reasons why Japanese food is as popular as Western food around the world is because of its artisan's extraordinary attention to detail. In this video, Mr. Ueda mentions the significance of the process of buying fish from a trusted supplier, processing it himself, and cooking it using time-tested cooking methods. He is committed to cooking Edomae Anago, and the pride of being a craftsman of Japanese food, is the reason why Japanese food has become one of the most popular gourmet foods in the world today. The Merits of Japanese Food Source :YouTube screenshot The beauty of Japanese food lies in the preparation of each and every ingredient. The pride and responsibility to devote time, effort, and gratitude to every ingredient served to the customer, and to cook with the pride and responsibility of a craftsman is considered to be the essence of Japanese cuisine. They are also very particular about the way they prepare their rice and how to process and prepare fish. Chef Ueda, also says that cooking with gratitude for the ingredients is the only way to bring out the best in them and provide customers with the best food possible. Summary of Edomae Anago In the video, The Japanese craftsmans, Chef Ueda Eichi, shows us Edomae Anago, and what makes Japanese cuisine such an amazing gourmet experience. Watch this video to find out all about why Japanese food has become one of the world's leading gourmet foods. We explained just a small fraction of the video’s contents in this article, so we recommend watching the full video to get the full story. Thanks to Edomae Anago, perhaps even more people will begin to understand and appreciate Japanese cuisine. ◆Sushi Ueda◆ 【Address】Shonan Building B1F 1-14-10 Ginza Chuo Ward Tokyo 【Access】30 minutes walk from Ginzaicchoume Station 【Hours】17:30～23:00 【Closures】Sunday, holiday 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】03-5524-3311 【Yelp】Sushi Ueda https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13106255/

Introduction video of rice field art in Inakadate Village Check out the video "Japanese Rice Paddy Art - Inakadate Tanbo Art（Japanese Rice Paddy Art - Inakadate Tanbo Art 田んぼアート）." All the artistic work is made using the rice on a rice field. At 0:37 in the video, you can see the giant work of art from 2017, depicting “Momotaro,” a traditional Japanese folktale. The Tanbo Art event of Inakadate is gaining popularity all over Japan. Inakadate Village "Rice Paddy Art" History and How to Make It Photo：Tanbo Art Rice paddy art refers to the technique of using a paddy field as a canvas on which different colored rice plants are planted to create characters and artwork. Rice paddy art in Inakadate Village started in 1993, using three-color rice called Yatsugaru Roman, which is an ancient rice. Initially, it was called "rice letters. In 2003, Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "Mona Lisa" was created as the subject, but since perspective was not used, the Mona Lisa was thicker from the observation deck. Later, after much trial and error, improvements were made to make it appear flat from the observation deck, and seven colors were used, including red seedlings such as Benizome and Benito, and through surveying and meticulous blueprints, the work evolved into the dynamic work it is today. Very popular among tourists! How many visitors and what are the economic effects of the Inakadate Village Rice Paddy Art? The rice field art in Inakadate Village is known as a tourist attraction in Aomori Prefecture that attracts many visitors. The average number of annual visitors is about 270,000. The highest number was about 350,000 in 2016. The admission fee is 300 yen for adults for each of the two venues, and the economic impact is thought to be substantial, even if calculated on the admission fee alone. The number of visitors in 2024 may be even higher! When is the rice field art in Inakadate Village 2024? When is the best time to see it and how much does it cost? Information on the Inakadate Village Rice Paddy Art is as follows. Period: June 3, 2024 (Monday) to October 14, 2024 (Monday) Time: 9:00-17:00 Price: Adults (junior high school students) 300 yen for each venue Children (elementary school students) 100 yen for each venue Free for preschoolers There are two venues below. No. 1 Rice Paddy Art: Inakadate Village Observation Deck inside the Inakadate Village Office Building 2nd Rice Paddy Art: Yayoi no Sato Observatory located on the premises of Inakadate Roadside Station “Yayoi no Sato” The best time to see them is from mid-July to mid-August, when the rice fields are filled with fully grown rice and you can see beautiful art. Rice paddy art in Inakadate Village, successive works that have been talked about, what is the theme for 2024? Source :YouTube screenshot The theme for the 2024 work has also been determined. The first venue will depict Shibasaburo Kitasato and Hokusai Katsushika "Kanagawa Okinamiura and Shibasaburo Kitasato" on the newly issued 1,000 yen bill. The theme of the second venue is "Grandma and Grandpa Rejuvenate," a work to be animated by Araidokiri (Shinchiman), a manga artist from Hirakawa City. Here are some of his works that have been talked about in the past. First, "Mona Lisa," which became plump because of the lack of perspective in the first version, will be reopened in 2022 with perspective and a splendid Mona Lisa. The "Garapiko Poo" from "Okaasan Itto-sho" ,And "Sazae-san"(popular Japanese anime)are familiar designs for children. Designs that attracted attention from overseas included "Star Wars," "Gone with the Wind," and "Shin Godzilla". Other designs unique to Japan include "Yamata-no-orochi and Susano-onomikoto," "Momotaro," and "Fujiyama and the Legend of Hagoromo. Don't miss Stone Art (stone art) in Inakadate Village. Stone art is created near the Tanbo Art in Inakadate as well. The actor Ishihara Yujiro and Princess Diana are created in stone art. This can be seen from 1:17 in the video. In addition to appreciating rice field art and stone art, it would be a valuable experience to participate in a rice planting experience tour and enjoy creating rice planting art. At the Yayoi no Sato observation deck of Roadside Station Inakadate, the second site of the rice paddy art, visitors can enjoy stone art using pebbles, called "Ishi Art. In 2023, the smiling face of world-renowned artist Shiko Munakata attracted much attention. Summary of rice field art in Inakadate Village Photo：Summer rice field The best time to see the rice field art shown in the video is from mid-July to mid-August, when the rice plants begin to bear abundant crops. During the on-season, you can use the Konan Railway's Tambo Art Station to go sightseeing. It will be even more exciting in 2024. If the waiting time to enter the observatory is more than one hour, numbered tickets may be distributed. When you visit, please check the opening hours, ticket information, and crowds before making your plans. 【Tripadvisor】Inakadate-mura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1120403-Inakadate_mura_Minamitsugaru_gun_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku-Vacations.html

Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hair Styling! The video, “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” was released in 2018 by “KyodoNews.” It's news coverage of Kazuhiro Tsuji receiving the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2018 Academy Awards. Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of the special effects make-up of Gary Oldman, who played the role of Winston Churchill in the film “Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. The make-up he did on Gary Oldman received recognition and he became the first Japanese person to win the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. In the video, you can see him giving an elated speech during his interview. In this article, we'll talk about Kazuhiro Tsuji, winner of the 2018 Academy award for hair and makeup. Be sure to follow along with the video! Kazuhiro Tsuji- Personal History and Career Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji is a make-up artist and contemporary artist from Kyoto city, Kyoto prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. He is an American citizen, living in Los Angeles, and goes by the name “Kazu Hiro.” During his high school years, he happened to look at a film magazine that had an article of special effects make-up done by the world-renowned make-up artist Dick Smith, and from that, he became interested in make-up. Thus, he began learning about special effects make-up. He was a teacher at the Yoyogi Animation Academy, and was in charge of make-up on the Japanese film “Sweet Home.” He emigrated to the United States in 1996. He studied under Dick Smith and worked on many Hollywood movies such as “Men in Black” and “Planet of the Apes.” He was also in charge of the make-up for movies such as “How the Grinch stole Christmas,” “Click,” and “Norbit.” He became an American citizen in 2019, and after naturalizing in America, he also changed his name to Kazu Hiro. He has an Instagram account where you can see some of his make-up and art as well. Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of actor Gary Oldman’s special effects make-up in the English film, “The Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. This can be seen at 0:26 in the video Kazuhiro Tsuji had actually retired from the film industry in 2012 and had been active as a contemporary artist but after receiving a passionate offer from Gary Oldman, he decided to return to the industry. It took more than 4 hours to put on the special effects make-up that transformed Oldman into the former prime minister Winston Churchill. The transformation of Oldman to look like former prime minister Churchill, was recognized and as it's shown in the video, he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. This is the first time a Japanese person has won an Oscar at the Academy Awards since the film “Okuribito” won the Foreign Language Film Award at the 81st Academy Awards. From 1:03 in the video, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji’s delighted expression as he comments on his achievement. He also comments on the Oscar statue at 1:59. In 2019, he was in charge of the special effects make-up on "Scandal" at the request of Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron. This was also recognized as high quality, near-perfect make-up and he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, for the second time, at the 92nd Academy awards. Summary of Academy Award Winner Kazuhiro Tsuji Source :YouTube screenshot In the video “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（「辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” produced by “KyodoNews” in 2018, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji at a press conference held when he returned to Japan for a visit. At the end of the footage, he says that he will be holding an exhibit in 2020. His exhibition is something to look forward to seeing, as he is also a renown contemporary artist. 【Official Website】The Darkest Hour http://www.bitters.co.jp/churchill-movie/

An Introduction to Miyagi’s Traditional "Kokeshi" Dolls This video is called ‘Tohoku STANDARD 07 Kokeshi dolls of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (東北STANDARD 07 宮城県 仙台こけし)’ made by Tohoku Standard (東北STANDARD), and it shows you Miyagi Prefecture's Traditional Kokeshi doll. Miyagi's traditional Kokeshi doll has a long history. Its origins trace back to the mid-Edo Period (1603～1868). It was originally a souvenir from onsen hot spring towns in Japan's Tohoku Region. There are five traditional Kokeshi dolls in Miyagi Prefecture: Naruko Kokeshi dolls, Sakunami Kokeshi dolls, Tohgatta Kokeshi dolls, Yajiro Kokeshi dolls, and Hijiori Kokeshi dolls. Their colors and shapes vary by craftsman. Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces you to Kokeshi doll craftsman, Akira Suzuki from the Ganguan Kokeshi Doll Studio at the Akiu Crafts Centre at the Akiu hot springs in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. He has been working on the restoration of Enakichi Kokeshi dolls by Meiji Period craftsman Enakichi Takahashi. In the interview, Akira Suzuki explains the characteristics of Kokeshi dolls and the tradition that he has been passed on. Watch the video to enjoy the traditional Japanese culture that has been pass down for generations. Sendai's Kokeshi Dolls Photo：Kokeshi doll Kokeshi dolls are popular wooden toys with a simple shape, generally consisting of a spherical head and a cylindrical body, which are used and sold for girls to play with. The body is made in a shape that can be easily held by children. One of the origins of the word, Kokeshi doll is said to be "Kohukeshi," a nickname for them in the Naruko region. Kokeshi dolls have various regional names such as Kiboko, Deku, Kogesu and Hohko. In 1940, at the first local meeting of the Tokyo Kokeshi Society, researchers and artisans debated on the name for the doll and finally decided on "Kokeshi." Source :YouTube screenshot The Kokeshi doll made by Akira Suzuki in the video is a Sakunami Kokeshi doll and it belongs to the category of Sendai Kokeshi dolls. As seen from 0:33 in the video, the characteristics of Sendai Kokeshi dolls are their thinner lower bodies that can easily be held and the simple use of black and red colors. In addition to traditional Kokeshi dolls, Akira Suzuki also creates pretty Kokeshi dolls such as Hyakuso Kokeshi doll shown from 0:57 in the video. Some Kokeshi dolls are made using the traditional techniques and skills passed down through many generations and have maintained their original shapes. Others have a more modern look to suit current tastes, with variations depending on people’s interests at the time of creation. How Kokeshi Dolls Are Made Kokeshi dolls use mainly Cornel and Japanese Maple as materials. It requires the skills of a master craftsman. Production Step 1 - Tamakiri (Crosscutting) and Kidori (conversion) Cutting the dry timber to the suitable length is called Tamakiri, while adjusting the shape of the timber suitable for use for Kokeshi dolls is called Kidori. You cut the timber with a tool such as a saw, then make it into a cylindrical shape by cutting off the corners. This is the foundation of Kokeshi dolls. Source :YouTube screenshot Production Step 2 - Wood turning (~0:14） Set the head and body on the lathe and use a plane to shave the wood. Production Step 3 - Finalizing the shape Once the wood is ground to a certain shape, it is cut and shaped with a finishing planer called a "Bankaki." Next, you use sandpaper to smooth the surface. Source :YouTube screenshot Production Step 4 - Painting (~0:41) Using the lathe, draw lines on the body and add a face on the head carefully. Production Stage 5 - Finish Make a hole in the head and attach it to the body. Other Information About Kokeshi Dolls Photo：Kokeshi doll painting experience In Naruko Onsen, where Naruko Kokeshi dolls are made, they hold the National Kokeshi Doll Festival. Traditional Kokeshi dolls from nationwide gather at the festival, and a festival parade and Kokeshi doll workshops and sales booths are set up. At Kokeshi no Shimanuki in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, you can buy various local folk art and crafts from Japan's Tohoku region. You can also try a Kokeshi doll painting workshop. They sell various Kokeshi doll goods, such as Kokeshi doll in Can, which has a traditional Kokeshi doll packed in a can, and Akari Kokeshi dolls, whose bodies light up and can even be used in emergencies. These items sold at Kokeshi no Shimanuki can also be bought at their online shops. Other popular Kokeshi doll goods include local Kokeshi doll clips made of paper, masking tapes, Kokeshi doll key rings, and Kokeshi doll cakes. Kokeshi dolls with a Sendai Accent which is quite popular, and its postal stamps and LINE stamps are sold. Sendai dialect Kokeshi, a unique character that speaks in the dialect of Miyagi Prefecture, is also popular, and stamps and LINE stamps are also available. The Sendai dialect variation is quite popular because the actress Satomi Ishihara uses it. Summary of the Sendai Kokeshi Dolls Source :YouTube screenshot In the interview (~1:24), Akira Suzuki says, "You can’t keep the tradition alive just by passing it down. We conserve our tradition through innovation." Kokeshi dolls have been popular as a children’s toy for many years. Nowadays, they are popular overseas as souvenirs and collectibles from Japan. If this video has you interested in Tohoku Kokeshi dolls definitely visit the Nihon Kokeshi Doll Museum in Naruko Town. We highly recommend it! Mr. Akira Suzuki looks rather serious in this video's interview, but at the end of this 2 minute video you can tell he is full of love for Kokeshi dolls. By the time you finish this video, we're sure you'll be a fan of Kokeshi dolls too! 【Official Website】Traditional Folk Art of Miyagi – Traditional Kokeshi doll - Miyagi Prefecture Official Website https://www.pref.miyagi.jp/soshiki/shinsan/01kokesi.html

The Japanese Passport - The Strongest Passport in the World! The video in this article is titled "The World's Strongest Passport 'The Trustworthy Japanese' (18/12/29)" (世界最強パスポートを支える「日本人の信頼」(18/12/29)). In 2018, the Japanese passport became the world's strongest passport, beating out Singapore in the number of countries which you can visit without a visa. The Japanese passport can now take you to 190 countries without visas. In this article, we will introduce information about the Japanese passport. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! Research on Visas Photo：Blue City Introduced is a survey by a UK company that ranks the "most travel-friendly passports" in order of strength. According to the survey, conducted in January 2018, Japan was granted visa-free travel to Uzbekistan, famous for the ancient city of Samarkand, also known as the "Blue City," which can be seen at 0:59 in the video, and in October 2018, to Myanmar, which is shown at 1:22 in the video, leading to it being ranked first in the world! As a result, the Japanese can now visit Myanmar's famous world heritage site, the Shwedagon Pagoda, without a visa. Why Is the Japanese Passport Trusted? Source :YouTube screenshot At 2:05 in the video, we're shown an interview with Taro Kono, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the interview, the increase in visa-free travel to these areas is largely due to the economic power and reliability of the Japanese people. This means that the world expects and welcomes Japanese tourists because they are safe and trustworthy. Passports and Visas Photo：Passport A passport is an identification certificate that contains information about a person, such as their nationality, etc. When you travel abroad, you need to apply for a passport at your local passport center and have it issued to you. It's important to remember that it takes some time for a passport to be issued and that it's only valid for a certain amount of time. Recently, registration for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is also required to visit the U.S. A visa is an entry permit, and depending on the destination, you will not be able to leave the country without one. Different Kinds of Passports Source :YouTube screenshot The passport introduced at 3:17 in the video, is an official passport, called a "diplomatic passport" for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which is different from the red and blue passports (general passports) that most people have. Also, as introduced in the video at 4:57, the imperial couple is treated as head of a state, and therefore do not have passports. Summary of the Japanese Passport Today, we introduced the Japanese passports - Now the strongest passport in the world! The fact that Japan has the strongest passport in the world is just a testament to the trust that Japanese tourists hold around the world. It's great to know that Japanese people are welcome in 190 countries and regions. Do you know how many countries you can visit with your passport?

Imizu City's Kamaboko This video, titled "Shinminato Kamaboko- Imizu City, Toyama" (新湊かまぼこ -富山県射水市- Shinminato Kamaboko -Imizushi,Toyama,Japan-), was produced by "_kashi77." It shows the manufacturing process of kamaboko (fish cake), a local specialty of former Shinminato, Imizu city, Toyama, in the Hokuriku region. Kamaboko is a kind of "kneaded paste product" that is made by making white fish meat into surimi (minced meat) and then kneading it. It's also a Japanese food used in New Year's dishes for New Year's celebrations. In this way, it is an indispensable and popular Japanese food. Cod, shark, golden threadfin, wrasse and other white fish are used as ingredients; however, "Shinminato Kamaboko" uses surimi made from tile fish to enhance the flavor of the minced meat. It's called "Kamaboko" when steamed, "chikuwa" when baked, and "satsuma-age (a type of tempura) when fried and eaten. The origin of the word kamaboko comes from wrapping the surimi around a bamboo stick in a tubular shape. Because the shape resembled the ear (boko) of a cattail (kama), it came to be called "Kamaboko." Making Kamaboko Source :YouTube screenshot Here, we'll introduce how kamaboko are made. 1. Preparation Cut the raw fish into three pieces, removing the bones, innards, and skin. 2. Cut it up into smaller pieces Finely chop it with a knife. 3. Soak in water Soak the minced fish in water to get rid of the odor This is an important part of the process to bring out the elasticity of the kamaboko. 4. Drain Remove water from the fish until it is dried. 5. Surimi Grind it down finely. 6. Seasoning Season with salt, egg whites, and other ingredients. 7. Molding There are different types of kamaboko such as "Ita Kamaboko," which involves molding the ingredients into a half cylindrical shape, onto a small board made of wood such as cedar; and "Sumaki Kamaboko," which involves wrapping straw around the ingredients. As you can see at 0:12 in the video, each Kamaboko is made by hand, one by one, into the shape of a fish. 8. Steam The kamaboko is then steamed. This can be seen at 0:55 in the video. 9. Decorate As you can see at 1:06 of the video, they decorate the steamed kamaboko with colors, such as the pink of a sea bream and other colors and patterns. More About Kamaboko In Toyama Prefecture, kamaboko is famous as a gift for celebratory occasions, and it is used as a gift for engagement ceremonies and wedding receptions. In addition, kamaboko is often presented at births and milestones in life, such as entrance exams, graduations, coming of age ceremonies, housewarmings, and at Buddhist ceremonies. It is said to be customary to cut kamaboko that was received as a wedding gift and to distribute it to people who are close to you and to neighbors in order to share the joy. Toyama prefecture’s consumption of kamaboko is said to be the 6th highest in Japan. Kamaboko is often given as an end-of-the-year gift or present and it's possible to purchase it from online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. Fishing and Cuisine Around Imizu City Photo：Firefly squid with vinegar miso Toyama prefecture, where Imizu city is located, is home to Toyama Bay where you can catch delicious and nutritious seafood. The seafood caught in Toyama Bay consists of, white shrimp, firefly squid, and yellowtail caught in the cold season. Himi’s cold season yellowtail is rich in fat and melts in your mouth. Himi's yellowtail is a gourmet's delight, with its fatty, melt-in-your-mouth taste. Trout sushi is another popular local specialty in Toyama. Summary of Kamaboko, the Local Specialty of Imizu City, Toyama Japan has its own unique culture that has been nurtured by the customs of each region. Kamaboko, a craft perfect for celebrations, is a tradition in Imizu City, Toyama and Miyagi Prefecture. The Shin-Minato Hikiyama Festival, which heralds the arrival of autumn in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, is introduced at 2:02 in the video. This festival, along with kamaboko, is part of traditional culture that has been handed down through generations in Imizu city. What did you think of Izumi's kamaboko? At Yume Terrace Kaiou, a museum of food and health in Imizu City, around 40 different kinds of kamaboko, such as kelp-wrapped kamaboko and sea bream-shaped kamaboko, as well as local marine products and healthy teas, are available at reasonable prices. You can also visit the kamaboko factory that shown in the video, and experience making kamaboko yourself. At the Yume Terrace Kaio, there are no restaurants or cafes, so you will not be able to have lunch; you can buy some kamaboko as a souvenir and eat it to keep yourself nourished. A popular souvenir is the kamaboko chips. When you visit Toyama prefecture, be sure to try the Shinminato Kamaboko introduced in the video!

Video introduction of "Ameyoko" shopping street in Taito Ward, Tokyo This video, titled "Ameyoko・Tokyo Sightseeing - TOKIYO travel" (【アメ横・東京観光　TOKIYO travel】), was produced by "Sunshine Channel." It was filmed while walking around "Ameyoko," a shopping street in Ueno, Tokyo. Ameyoko is a shopping area with about 400 stores, centered on a 500m underpass from Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line. A variety of genres are found in the store, making it a very popular tourist spot not only for the Japanese but for tourists as well. This video was shot for about 7 minutes while entering the shopping area from the center building on the Ueno station side, looking into the shops. The footage will make you feel as if you are walking beside the Ameyoko, and you're sure to want to give it a visit. What is Ameyoko? Photo：Ameyoko Ameyoko, located in Taito ward, Tokyo, is a valuable shopping street with a history that developed from the black market after the war. Ameyoko is formally called "Ameya Yokocho", and it is said that its origin comes from the fact that there were many candy shops and that there were many imported goods from the United States. It is also known as a discount city, and at the end of the year, many people come to the market for fresh food such as New Year's goods and crab. The transportation access is a short distance from the nearest stations: Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, and it is a convenient location because Ueno Station also has a subway. Stores at Ameyoko Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, there are a variety of stores randomly throughout Ameyoko, these include restaurants as well, so if you want to take a break from shopping you can sit down and grab a bite to eat. They buy a cute panda meat bun at 3:31 in the video. There are many shops dealing with fresh foods, seasonal ingredients, clothing and shoes, specialty shops such as sweets, used clothes, jewelry, sports goods, brand goods stores, long-established dry goods stores, processed food stores, and there are also souvenir shops. In addition, trendy fashion, general stores and tapioca drink stores are also dotted about the area, and there are various unique atmospheres for workers and visitors. Many izakaya and other eateries are also shown throughout the video. You can also enjoy lunch at happy hour as well. Programs often feature Shimura Shoten's Chocolate Tackle, which can be seen from 2:01 in the video, Hyakkaen, which sells fresh cut fruits, Kojimaya, a dried fruit shop, as well as restaurants like "Minatoya" and so on. Opening hours vary by store. Shopping at Ameyoko Summed Up Photo：[Tokyo] Ushino Park Shinobazu Pond and Sakura "Ameyoko / Tokyo Sightseeing - TOKIYO travel" introduces the vibrant atmosphere and shops of Ameyoko, a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo. If you're wondering what kind of place Ameyoko is, be sure to check out the video. At Ueno Station, where Ameyoko is located, there is Ueno Zoo, famous for its pandas, Shinobazu Pond, and Ueno Onshi Park, known for its art museums. In this article, we introduced the access, food, and store information of Ameyoko. The video walks down the main street, but there are many shops under the overpass and inside buildings as well, so you can enjoy Ameyoko's unique atmosphere. If you're planning on coming to Ameyoko, don't be shy and remember to explore all the little nooks and crannies hidden throughout the street.

日本三大火祭りの那智の扇祭りを紹介 こちらの動画は「ANA Global Channel」が公開した「NACHI-NO-OGI MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （那智の扇祭り／和歌山）」です。 こちらでは和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町の熊野那智大社で執り行われる、那智の扇祭りを紹介します。 和歌山県の無形文化財にも指定されている、那智の扇祭りの歴史や魅力について説明します。 日本三大火祭りでもある那智の扇祭りの動画共にお楽しみください。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りについて 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、那智の神さまを清め、もとにいた場所に戻って貰うための神事です。 松明や扇神輿を使った御火行事や、笛や腰太鼓で演奏する日本芸能の那智田楽などさまざまな行事を行います。 歴史のある伝統文化の那智の扇祭りですが、那智の火祭と呼ばれる御火行事は、とても迫力がありインスタ映えする風景。 インパクトのある光景が楽しめる那智の扇祭りを、一度見学してみてはいかがでしょうか？ 重要無形民俗文化財にも指定されている、那智田楽も必見！ 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りの歴史 熊野那智大社にいる那智の神さまは、もともと那智の滝にてお祀りされていました。 その那智の神さまを今から1700年前に那智山の中腹にお遷ししました。 大松明を炎で燃やすのは、那智の神さまが遷られている扇神輿を清めるため。 日本の伝統文化の那智の扇祭りで、迫力のある光景だけでなく、歴史を学んでみてはいかがですか。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りの魅力とは 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、一度は見ておくべきインパクトのある例大祭です。 大きな松明から炎が燃え盛り、乱舞する炎に目を奪われるでしょう。 また、那智田楽は笛や腰太鼓など日本伝統の楽器で演奏し、それに合わせて踊る日本らしい民俗芸能。心地よいリズムや伸びやかな踊りに心が癒やさます。 魅力たっぷりの那智の扇祭りで、迫力ある風景や癒やされる文化を楽しみましょう！ 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭り紹介まとめ こちらの動画は、那智の扇祭りの歴史や魅力を紹介しており、那智の扇祭りの概要を知ることができます。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、とてもインパクトのあるお祭りなので興味を持った方は是非お祭り会場へ足を運んでみてはいかがですか。

Introducing Itasha! Have you ever heard the word "Itasha"? In this article, we'll introduce the Japanese pop culture "Itasha" alongside the video, titled "OTAKU CAR HEAVEN 痛車天国2019," produced by "Rescue the Princess!" The video is an introduction to the Itasha event "Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2019" held at the Odaiba outdoor special venue in 2019. Itasha is a form of otaku culture, and is a car with an exterior designed with an anime or game theme, featuring beautiful girl characters or heroines. The name "Itasha" (痛車) comes from the characters "痛" (pain) and "車" (car), literally meaning "painful car," as some people find them painful to look at. Source :YouTube screenshot There are small itasha with stickers on the hood, doors and other parts of the body, as well as fully-wrapped cars with film affixed to the entire car. You can see a number of Itasha throughout the video. In the past, "otaku" culture used to have a somewhat negative image, but now, with the popularity of Japanese anime and manga overseas, "otaku" are respected as authorities and professionals in their field. Fully-wrapped vehicles and airplanes have also appeared in public transit agencies such as airplanes, trains, buses, and motorcycles, and they are very popular with young children and in the otaku community. These vehicles, which are derived from the Itasha and wrapped with characters, are called "Itansha" (motorcycles) and "Itadensha" (trains). In addition to Itasha, you can see a custom bicycle (Itacheri) at 0:22 and a scooter bike (Itansha) at 1:02 in the video. Making Itasha Source :YouTube screenshot Since Itasha designs are based on characters that appear in other works, they are copyrighted. However, since the character Hatsune Miku, which often appears in videos, is a free license, there is no copyright issue if you design your own vehicle with Hatsune Miku. Also, each vehicle can be designed however the owner wants it to be, but if you're a hardcore otaku, you can make your own design with paint and cutting sheets. Recently there are even companies that specialize in Itasha design. Even if you're not an otaku, you can just get a professional to do it for you. In some cases, companies produce itasha by advertising and collaboration, and collaboration itasha, such as Evangelion and Re:Zero, (Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World) were also a hot topic. As for Shinkansen, there is an Evangelion train called "Type EVA" vehicle, and the interior even uses the colors of Evangelion's first mech. Some manufacturers have asked for image collaborations with luxury cars for popular works. In particular, anime and games such as Gundam, Macross, and Super Mario prove the importance of Japanese culture through Itasha. Event Information and Summary of Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2019 Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows cosplay models in a variety of poses, dressed in gorgeous cosplay to add to the appeal of the Itasha. As you can see from 3:21 in the video, there's also a talk show with songs and voice actors on the event stage, so you can see that this isn't just an event to look at the cars. More than 1,000 Itasha participated in the event, the largest of its kind in Japan, in Odaiba that day. Otaku culture, which originated in Akihabara, has now taken off from Japan and is attracting attention around the world. In other words, Itasha Heaven is the largest exhibition of Itasha in the world. As long as there is anime and manga culture in Japan, so too will there be an Itasha culture! Itasha are also known as "Moesha" (cute cars) among otaku, and to otaku "cute" is justice!

The Flame Pottery of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "Nagaoka City [Wow! Nagaoka] 80 Years Since the Discovery Flame Pots｜Sharing Jomon Culture With the World!" (長岡市「ナルホド！ながおか」－～火焔土器発見から80年～ 縄文文化を世界に発信！), was created by "nagaokacity." The Jomon period flame pots discovered in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan, were named after boldly decorated earthenware with four chicken-crowned handles and serrated protrusions, resembling a burning flame. Source :YouTube screenshot A replica monument of flame pots was set up in the high speed train concourse of JR Nagaoka Station, and the unveiling ceremony for the flame pots monument was held on January 13, 1987. Taro Okamoto, who attended the unveiling ceremony, says he had never encountered such an astounding aesthetic. This can be seen at 0:30 in the video. Approximately 80 years ago, flame pots were excavated at the Umataka Archeological Site in Sekihara, Nagaoka City in 1936. It was excavated by archeologists, Kensaburo Kondo and his parents, and later became a nationally designated historic site as the "Umataka and Sanju Inaba Archeological Site" because of the elucidation of the settlement and the discovery of pristine artifacts. The Mataka Jomon Museum opened in Nagaoka City in 2009 as a museum facility to preserve, exhibit and utilize these materials. This is the only museum in Japan with the theme of flame pots, and the museum has over 1,000 items on display. In 2014, the Emperor and Empress of Japan also visited the museum. This can be seen at 2:46 in the video. How Flame Pots Were Made Source :YouTube screenshot Looking at the designs, it's easy to tell that these are not simple designs. So then how were flame pots made? Flame-type pottery, including flame pots was used to cook food just like earthenware pots. This is known because they were found to be covered with soot and burnt residue. There are two classifications for these vessels: flame pots and flame-style pottery. Flame pots were the first vessels to be excavated by Kondo Junsaburo, while "flame-type pottery" is distinguished from similar pottery excavated thereafter. This is explained from 2:51 in the video by the Chief of the Umataka Jomon Museum. It is generally believed that flame pots are made by piling up triangles of clay to make jagged edges, and then attaching strings of clay to them and firing them to create unique patterns. You can see how flame pots are made in detail at 4:35 in the video. A similar type of earthenware is crown pots, but they have distinctly different rims and handles, and are thought to have been historically different from flame-type pottery. Sharing Flame Pots With the World Source :YouTube screenshot The Shinanogawa Flame Highway Cooperation has been working together with 4 cities and 1 town to promote the adoption of flame pot designs for the Olympic torch stand in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At the 1964 Olympic Games in Niigata, a flaming earthenware torch stand was used, and it is still standing in the Niigata City Athletics Stadium today. These activities are widely performed by the Jomon Culture Supporters, an organization that makes 3D images of flame pots and flame-type pottery available to the public, and also holds workshops such as the Nagaoka Pottery Club to publicize their appeal. In addition, the British Museum in London has a permanent exhibition of flame pots and manholes with motifs of flame-style pottery and famous fireworks shows. Tokamachi Flame Pots: A National Treasure Flame-style pottery excavated at the Sasayama Archeological Site in Tokamachi City was recognized as a national treasure in 1999, and is preserved in the Tokamachi City Museum as an important cultural property of Japan, and as deep bowl-shaped pottery excavated from the Sasayama Archeological Site in Niigata Prefecture. Meanwhile, the story of the flame pots of Nagaoka City, "Flame -Style Pottery of the Shinano River Valley and the Culture of the Snow Country," has been recognized as a Japanese heritage. Summary of Flame Pots Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about ancient Jomon pottery? The pottery, discovered in Nagaoka City, Niigata, is incredibly beautiful and impressively designed considering when it was made. This video shows the beauty of the art and the flow of history that attracts many people. If you like pottery, be sure to visit Nagaoka City!

Video introduction of “Mikagura” prayer at “Ise Jingu” in Ise City, Mie Prefecture This is a video produced by "Ise Shrine Official Channel (ISE-JINGU)" called "[Ise Shrine] Shrine Devotional Prayer Okagura ISE-JINGU" (【伊勢神宮】神宮のご祈祷　御神楽　ISE-JINGU). Ise Shrine is a shrine with a long history that has been worshipped in Japan since the time of mythology. The god of the Imperial Grand Shrine (the inner shrine), is Amaterasu Omikami, and the god of Toyokami Grand Shrine (the outer shrine), is Toyouke Omikami. This charming shrine with plenty of nature is located just past Uji Bridge, the entrance to the inner shrine, and is affectionately called "Oise-san" by tourists. Please enjoy the prayer of Ise Shrine, as it's not something you get to see every day. The Prayer "Okagura" at Ise Shrine, Mie Prefecture Photo：Miko with Kagura bells Kagura, dedicated at the Kagura Hall of Ise Shrine, is a ceremony of exorcism in which sacred sake is served before the gods. The ritual prayer, introduced at 0:35 in the video, is one of the most important rituals of Shinto. After the ritual prayer, there is a dance performance (0:53) that shows Yamato-mai, and from 1:08 a long ceremonial dance by the Prince of Lanling. After the Kagura, worshippers pray, as seen at 1:40 in the video Ise Shrine, Mie Prefecture - A Historic Tourist Attraction With Tons of Highlights Photo：Ise Shrine Many tourists visit Ise City, Mie Prefecture to visit Ise Shrine. Don't forget your shuin when you visit! After worship, it's recommended that you purchase a good luck talisman. At Ise Shrine, there are also festivals, such as the Kagura Festival, the Shin-an Festival, and the Kamigyo Festival. We definitely recommend checking these out. On the approach to the outer shrine of Ise Shrine, there's "Houonkan (1F Senokuniya, Syoujirou / 2F Magatama Tei)," "mirepoix," "French cuisine Bon Vivant," "Mitsuhashi Ponju," "Ise Kikuichi," "Akafuku Gekumae Special Shops” and other places where you can enjoy lunch and local gourmet! You can enjoy Japanese sweets such as Akafuku mochi and dumplings, and even eat around. After visiting the geku, go to the naiku where Amaterasu Omikami, the guardian deity of the Japanese people who reigns over the other the eight million gods, is enshrined. "Chōzuya," "Ujibashi," "Isuzu-gawa Mitarashi," "Takimaturinokami," "Goshogu," and "Kazahino minomiya," are full of attractions! There are hotels and inns such as "Toba International Hotel", "Shima Kanko Hotel Bay Suite" and "Ikadaso," so you can enjoy your trip to Ise-Shima even if you're staying overnight. Be sure to enjoy the "profit spot" and the power spot as well. Sightseeing Around Ise Shrine Photo：Okage Yokocho lanterns The area around Ise Jingu is also home to other attractions such as Tagamiya Shrine, Sarutahiko Shrine and Sarume Shrine, which are separate shrines on the grounds. If you have the chance, you should also check out the Imperial Grand Shrine, Ara Matsuri Shrine, Koyasu Shrine, Futami Okitama Shrine, and Meotoiwa in the Ise-Shima area. There are souvenir shops and delicious eateries in Okageyokocho and Oharai town, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Summary of Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture In 2013, Shikinen Sengu was held at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. This is the largest festival at Ise Jingu, where the Great God is relocated to the shrine pavilion, which is rebuilt once every 20 years. In May 2016, key figures from various countries gathered to hold the "G7 Summit," a meeting to discuss global economic and international issues, In Ise City. Ise Shrine is a very popular tourist spot in Japan, and we highly recommend visiting it. If you visit at the right time, you may be able to see the elegant prayers shown in the video, or see the Kagura exorcism. ◆Ise Shrine Introduction of facility outline◆ 【Address】1 Ujikancho, Ise City, Mie 516-0023 【Access】Geku is a 5-minute walk from Ise-shi Station, Naiku is a 30-minute walk from Isuzugawa Station 【Hours】5: 00 - 18: 00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available 【Telephone No】0596-24-1111 【Entrance fee】Free 【Official Website】Ise Shrine https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/index.html 【Official Website】Ise City Tourism Association https://ise-kanko.jp/main/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Ise City https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303159-Ise_Mie_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html

Introducing the Aoi Festival! This "Skyscape" produced video "[Kyoto / Aoi Matsuri 2017] EOS 5D Mark IV 4K Saiodai and Shimogamo Shrine / Headquarters Kyoto Aoi Matsuri Festival（【京都・葵祭2017】EOS 5D Mark IV 4K 斎王代と下鴨神社・社頭の儀 Kyoto Aoi Matsuri Festival), shows the Kyoto Aoi Festival which is held in the Kansai region in Kyoto during the fresh green season. The Aoi Festival consists of three ceremonies: the Miyagi ceremony (宮中の儀, Kyuchu no gi), Roadside ceremony (路頭の儀, Roto no gi), and the Shrine ceremony (社頭の儀, Shatōnogi). Unfortunately, the Miyagi ceremony is not currently being held. The video shows the sacred shrine ceremony in detail. Watch the videos to discover the mysterious and beautiful traditions of Japan. What Kind of Event Is the Aoi Festival Photo：The Tower Gate of Shimogamo Shrine The Aoi Festival is a festival of the World Cultural Heritage sites, Kamigamo Shrine (上賀茂神社, Kamigamo Jinja) (Kamobetsu Raijin Shrine) and Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社, Shimogamo Jinja) (Kamo Miso Shrine), and is also called the Kita Festival (北祭, Kita Matsuri) or Kamo Festival (賀茂祭, Kamo Matsuri). The two shrines have been worshipped in Japan since before the Heian period (794 AD to 1185 AD), as Kyoto's number one shrine. The Aoi Festival introduced in this video is counted as one of the three major festivals of Kyoto, along with the Gion Festival and the Festival of the Ages. In addition, the Kyoto Gozan bonfire is added to the three major festivals of Kyoto, causing them to sometimes be referred to as Kyoto's four major events. The Aoi Matsuri is one of the oldest festivals in Japan, and it is mentioned in the "Rivalry of the Carriages" in the Aoi chapter of The Tale of Genji (源氏物語, Genji Monogatari). Let's Check Out Japan's Aoi Festival! Photo：Aoi Festival The roadside ritual of the Aoi Festival is a Heian picture scroll procession that follows a route from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to Kamigamo Shrine. At 0:28 in the video, we see the Saiin of the Aoi Festival, dressed in the "Jūnihitoe," a twelve-layered ceremonial kimono. At the Aoi Festival, there is also a royal envoy and ladies wearing special kimono, and they will travel along the streets with horses and oxen. Participants in the Aoi Matsuri parade decorate their hair with wilder ginger from the Futaba-Aoi plant. After the ceremony in front of the shrine's main building, the procession is filmed in a line from Shimogamo Shrine to the main hall of Kamigamo Shrine. This can be seen at 2:16 in the video. What are the dates and highlights of the Aoi Matsuri? If you are going sightseeing in Kyoto for the Aoi Festival, I recommend May.Kamo horse racing ceremony on May 1st during Golden Week, andYabusameShinto ritual on May 3rd.On May 4th, many Shinto rituals will be held, such as "Saiyo Daigyokei no gi" to purify oneself in the Mitarai River in the precincts, and on May 5th, "Awari Shinto ritual to shoot arrows to ward off evil spirits." And the main event, "Roadside Ceremony," will be held on May 15th.The tour of about 500 people dressed in bright Heian costumes is worth seeing.It is scheduled to depart from Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 on May 15th and arrive at Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine at around 15:30. If you want to see the Aoi Festival up close, you may want to use the paid seats. Around the pilgrimage route there are many famous restaurants such as Saruya, and Yoshinobu Tsuruya, so you can enjoy Kyoto's gourmet cuisine for lunch or buy some souvenirs. Summary of the Aoi Festival Photo： Kamigamo Shrine The video introduced here captures an elegant scene that's as if you've traveled back in time to the Heian period (794 AD to 1185 AD). The Aoi Festival is one of the most famous festivals in Japan, so be sure not to miss it! To get to Kamobetsurai Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine), it takes 30 minutes from JR East Kyoto Station by Kyoto City Bus or by car, or a 20-minute walk from Kitaoji Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. There is a parking lot, but traffic is restricted during the Aoi Festival, so we recommend using a Kyoto city bus or train. You can enjoy Kamigamo Shrine not just during the Aoi Festival, but year round as well! Some recommended spots are: “Tachisuna” imitating Kamiyama in front of Nino Torii, “Jokē-en,” a beautiful garden, "Saio Sakura" named after the priestess of the Aoi Festival, "Shinmasha" where you can see the village Hakuba, The Hosono, Maiden (Hashido), Tamabashi, and Romon, all important cultural properties, the Ominata River, the Mitarai River, used for purifying the objects and people in rituals, the Kamiyama spring, Kataoka Shrine, Motomiya Shrine, Kifune Shrine, Kamoyamaguchi Shrine, Kamoyamaguchi Shrine, Shingu Shrine, the Katayama Lion Shrine, Ota Shrine, the wishing stone, the "Kamizen wedding ceremony" (wedding ceremony before the gods), and more. There are hotels and inns near Kamigamo Shrine, so we recommend an overnight stay. Be sure to visit Shimogamo Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine, which are also famous power spots. ◆Kamigamo Shrine Facility Overview◆ 【Address】 339 Kamigamo Motoyama, Kita-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 603-8047, Japan 【Access】About 30 minutes by car from R East Kyoto Station 【Hours】5: 30-17: 00 【Closures】Open all year round 【Parking】Available (Charge) 【Telephone No】075-781-0011 【Entrance fee】 General admission free, 500 yen for special visits 【Official Website】Aoi Festival 2019 | Kyoto Sightseeing Information KYOTOdesign https://kyoto-design.jp/spot?no_cat=1&en_ver=1&mode_s=1&s= 【Official Website】Kamigamo Shrine (Kamo-wake-ikazuchi Shrine) https://www.kamigamojinja.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Aoi Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d8820145-Reviews-Aoi_Matsuri-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Video introduction of a reproduction of the Jomon people's daily life" produced by the "Idojiri Archaeological Museum" in Suwa-gun, Nagano Prefecture. Many tourists come to Japan to enjoy the beautiful shrines, picturesque scenery, delicious food and other uniquely Japanese characteristics. Even Japanese people love to travel to places like Kyoto and Nara where they can enjoy sightseeing at historical buildings and eating delicious food. However, in this article, we'd like to take a break from the standard approach to enjoying Japan and recommend a few lesser-known spots where you can learn about the life of the Jomon people nearly 3,000 years ago. In this article, we'll introduce the Idojiri Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the life of the Jomon. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! Who Were the Jomon People? What Were Their Lives Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Jomon people lived all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, during the Jomon period approximately 16,000 to 3,000 years ago. In world history, this period corresponds to the Mesolithic and Neolithic ages. The Jomon were a people who devised many different ways to survive. They invented tools and objects that were passed down through the Yayoi period and into the modern day to make life easier. For example, it was in the Jomon period that bows were made, making it possible to hunt from a distance. They also invented stone tools and earthenware, which made it possible to cook and store food. It was also during this period that people began to build pit houses and settle in one place, and villages were established. In this way, the Jomon were able to use their wisdom to improve their lives. The Idojiri Archaeological Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The Idojiri Archeological Museum, which can be viewed from 0:27 in the video, is a facility where you can learn about the life and culture of the Jomon people. There are a number of exhibits on display that tell the story of life in the Jomon period, including pottery and other artifacts from the Jomon period. The earthenware and stone tools are arranged according to the age of the Jomon period, and there are also descriptions on the use of each item. There is also a section where you can see what it would have been like to live in a Jomon period dwelling, as well as a reproduction of their diet and clothing. There is also a place where you can learn about the religion and myths of the time, deciphered from the patterns of the earthenware and stone tools. It's a must-see for history buffs! Many stone hoes have been found at the Idojiri ruins as well. They can be seen at 0:38 in the video. About 4,500 years ago, these stone hoes were utilized by the Jomon people. They were a strong agricultural tribe, and used them to plow their fields. In the spring they sowed millet, and in the summer they sowed buckwheat. You can see a reenactment of their agricultural activities at 1:02 in the video. There are also weeding tools on display at the Idojiri Archaeological Museum. Source :YouTube screenshot In the fall, they used stone knives to harvest their grain (2:10). Threshed grains were transferred to a stone mill to remove the shells. The threshed grains would be hulled in a stone mortar and then cooked into porridge using earthenware, and then the whole family would eat together in the pit dwelling. In addition to porridge, the Jomon also ate river fish, wild vegetables, walnuts, and dumplings. You can check out how the tools they used when cooking were made at 4:59 in the video. Jomon pottery was entirely hand made. First, the clay is kneaded and mixed with sand to make a dough, then the dough is piled to create a pattern without any gaps. Each piece was dried for 2-4 weeks before being baked over an open fire. So how were Jomon period tools made? You can see this process at 6:23 in the video. They used oval shaped stones to hit a smaller, flat stone to break of thin pieces that will be used to make the hoes. The hoe and other stone tools of the time are shaped the same way as modern hoes. Women's necklaces and other items were also excavated from various ruins. You can also see how people would have hunted with bows during the Jomon period. The Idojiri Archaeological Museum is an interesting spot to learn about the roots of Japanese people and the lifestyle of the Jomon people. Summary of the Jomon Civilization Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by "IDOJIRIKOKUKOKAN." We recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Japanese history! By implementing reenacted clips in the video, it's easy to understand the lifestyle of the Jomon people and how they made and used tools. Famous Jomon period ruins include Sannai Maruyama (Aomori), Kamegaoka (Aomori), Omori Kaizuka, (Tokyo), Kasori Shellmounds (Chiba), and Nabatake (Saga). If you're interested in the Jomon period, be sure to stop by!

Video introduction to the establishment of "MEGA Don Quijote Omori Sanno Store" in Ota-ku, Tokyo "Until Don Quijote is complete（ドン･キホーテができるまで）", produced by "Don Qui Channel", is a video showing the construction of the popular shopping spot Don Quijote. The video shows the flow of until the opening of the MEGA Don Quijote Omori Sannou store, and displays the inside labyrinth-like maze of shelves . It's exciting seeing countless shelves filled with various items. In this article, along with the video, we will introduce Don Quijote, the discount store popular among foreigners. Don Quijote's Unique Theme Song Source :YouTube screenshot What is Don Quijote, with its unique theme song? Don Quijote is a hall which is a very popular discount store, nicknamed "Donki" by the Japanese (short for Don Qui). It has a long history going back about 40 years, when the first Don Quijote Fuchu store opened in Fuchu city, Tokyo in 1980. As of February 2020, there are more than 400 stores in places like Hawaii, California, Singapore, Thailand, and more. The official character is "Don Pen", a stylized penguin. You might have seen it before. In recent years, it has become a popular shopping spot for foreign visitors to Japan, and it is loved as an inbound tourist attraction. Don Quijote's appeal is that there are many types of products and the prices are low. Unusual cosplays are also sold here, and it's a popular shop for finding different fandom goods. When using Don Quijote, we recommend using the “majica” smartphone app for electronic money, so you don't need to worry about carrying a bunch of cash and change. Coupons can also be used from the app, and you can shop at great prices. Popular Don Quijote locations include Shinjuku Kabukicho, Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Roppongi. The store in the video is the Omori Sanno store, which opened in June 2016. It is VERY large. This store is a family-friendly store called "Mega Don Quijote", and it is a lifestyle-oriented donki that focuses on daily necessities. You can see the start to open of the MEGA Don Quijote Omori Sanno store in the video. First of all, from 0:05 of the video, the furniture is arranged and the goods are displayed. In the video, fixed-point cameras are used to record the sections of various items such as daily necessities, beverages, and clothing being made. Don Quijote Store Interior Source :YouTube screenshot The first time you look inside the Don Quijote store, you'll be surprised at the gap between it and ordinary supermarkets. Many products are displayed, advertising and related products are hung from the ceiling, and it can be a little overwhelming to some. However, it's the desire of the manager for customer to be able to find a bargain, when searching for a product of interest in this jungle of a store. This type of layout is called a "compressed display." Various corners such as party supplies, miscellaneous goods, food, liquor, cosmetics, daily necessities, clothing, leisure goods, interior goods, home appliances, jewelry, brand goods, etc. They've got it all, and tons of it. It is very popular for under-the-radar brands so you can purchase quality products at low prices. In addition, many stores are open for long hours late at night, and shops along the main roads have free parking. Summary of Don Quijote Article Source :YouTube screenshot "Until Don Quijote is made" produced by "Don Qui Channel" is a video of the MEGA Don Quijote Omori Sanno store's sales floor. The process of creating a jungle-like selling area that attracts Don Quijote customers is valuable. If you go to Don Quijote after watching this video, you will have a slightly different perspective than before, now that you know how it's built. Even still, try not to get lost inside this discount palace! 【Official Website】Don Quijote Hall https://www.donki.com/en/?pre=le

Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama, Ehime - A Popular Tourist Destination in Japan This video, titled "Beautiful Japan- Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama" ([美しき日本] 愛媛　松山市道後温泉), was produced by N.a. It introduces the public bathhouse, Dogo Onsen, which is said to be the oldest spa resort in Japan, as well as other famous sites in Matsuyama. The focus of the video is the historical public bathhouse Dogo Onsen, which earned three stars in the "Michelin Green Guide Japan" and is also the first public bathhouse in Japan designated an Important Cultural Property. The video does a great job at capturing the appeal of the destination that is even mentioned in ancient Japanese mythology. The History of Dogo Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot At Dogo Onsen, the legend of the white egret has been passed down for centuries; legend tells of an egret soaking its injured wings in the hot spring and being cured. The locals who watched observed the miracle tried the hot spring for themselves and discovered its healing powers. Dogo Onsen is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Nihon Shoki, Manyoshu, Iyokoku Fudoki, and the Tale of Genji. It is counted as one of the Three Ancient Springs, with the two others are being Arima Onsen and Shirahama Onsen, and has 3000 years of history. The public bathhouse at Dogo has a restroom and drinking the green tea and confectioneries is provided in the admission fee. Besides Natsume Soseki, Dogo Onsen was a favorite retreat of many notable people, including Masaoka Shiki, a famous poet/author, Prince Shotoku, Issa Kobayashi, Hirobumi Ito (the first prime minister of Japan), and Kyoshi Takahama. You can enjoy traveling back in time by watching the video that tells of the history of Dogo Onsen. Dogo Onsen's hot spring water is simple alkaline, and it's known as a beauty spring, making it a popular destination for female travelers. Water is pumped directly from the natural hot springs without being reheated or mixed with cold water for controlling the temperature, so you'll feel the non-diluted, refreshing effects of the hot spring almost immediately. The hot spring is said to be effective in treating neuralgia, rheumatism, gastrointestinal diseases, skin disease, gout and anemia. The Attraction of Dogo Onsen's Main Building Photo：Dogo Onsen The main building of Dogo Onsen is allegedly an inspiration to Hayao Miyazaki's blockbuster Spirited Away. The stunning exterior is a combination of four buildings that were repeatedly expanded and remodeled over a period of 125 years. Full-scale conservation repair work was executed in January 2019. It has three different day-visit baths, known as Sotoyu. The Dogo Onsen Annex: Asuka no Yu features a large resting hall using traditional Ehime handcrafts. The admission fee is 610 Yen (as of November 2019). Two other day-visit baths are in the Dogo Onsen Main Building and the Dogo Onsen Tsubaki no Yu. Four different admission plans provide visitors with varying levels of access in the Main Building, and an English pamphlet provided at the counter will help you understanding the differences. "Shinrokaku," a taiko drum in the main building's tower, is sounded three times a day. You can see it being struck at 1:04 in the video. The sound of Dogo's taiko drum is listed in the government-led project "100 Soundscapes of Japan." All of the guests look up at the tower when it is sounded, providing a picturesque scene. Be sure to take some pictures for your Instagram! Tourist Spots Around Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama Photo：Bocchan Train Dogo Onsen is 40-minute drive from Ehime Matsuyama Airport by limousine bus. From JR Dogo Onsen station, it's just a few minutes walking. You may be able to see the "Bocchan" train waiting at the station, a replica of a steam locomotive named after the Natsume Soseki novel "Bocchan". This old-fashioned train appears in the video at 0:30. Matsuyama castle is famous for cherry blossoms, and is one of only 12 castles that features a keep built prior to the Edo period (1603-1868). The Inland Sea and Matsuyama city can be seen from the keep. The castle is introduced at 0:41. Be sure to check it out! Summary of Dogo Onsen Photo：Matsuyama Castle There are many hotels and inns in the Dogo Onsen area, so you can enjoy a relaxing stay while going hot spring hopping. In recent years, Matsuyama has put efforts into art events to capture the attention of travelers looking for something new to experience, which makes the city a year-round destination in Ehime. The video tells of the long history and charms of Dogo Onsen. Perhaps you've come to understand what it is about Dogo onsen that made it loved by so many prominent historical figures. 【Official Website】Dōgo Onsen https://dogo.jp/en/ 【Official Website】Matsuyama City http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp%2F

Introducing the Marine Walk (Sea Walk) at Onna Village! This video, titled "Onna village Sea Walk" (恩納村マリンウォーク), introduces the popular resort destination Onna in Okinawa prefecture. If you enjoy water sports we highly recommend you give this video a watch! From 0:16 in the video you can see the popular Sea Walk, which is, as its name suggests, literally walking underwater in the sea. It is also known as Ocean Walk, Marine Walk, and Sea Walker. Oxygen is supplied via a helmet that looks similar to an astronauts helmet, allowing you to dive down and walk along the sea floor. The great part is that even those that can't swim can enjoy this activity. Enjoy the views of the ocean floor in this video! More About the Marine Walk at Onna Village Source :YouTube screenshot There's no doubt many people who would like to take part in marine activities, such as scuba diving or snorkeling, yet worry about their swimming ability or fear that the activities are too difficult and out of reach. However, as you can see in the video, during a Sea Walk you only need to be able to walk underwater, so even those who cannot swim can enjoy this activity to the fullest. An instructor is always present to make sure no accidents occur, so even those trying it for the first time can feel safe and comfortable. You can also enjoy taking pictures underwater and feeding the tropical fish! At 0:42 in the video, you can see two people having fun as they're surrounded by fish while feeding them. The colorful orange clownfish, which became famous due to the huge popularity of the movie Finding Nemo by Disney Pixar, can be seen at 1:04 in the video. This is the kind of beautiful scenery you can enjoy if you take part in a Sea Walk! Other activities you can enjoy in Onna village! Photo：Banana boat If you are planning on taking a trip to Onna, there are many activities and water sports you can try! For example you can enjoy riding a banana boat, sea kayaking, jet skiing, intertubing, wakeboarding, SUP, and more! Other activities you can enjoy include flyboarding, parasailing, surfing, and trolling. We recommend taking a look at prices and booking online before your trip to Okinawa! Summary of Onna Village's Sea Walk Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by Blue Ocean Okinawa. In this quick 2 minute video, you can see the fun-filled Sea Walk taking place at the Blue Cave (青の洞窟, aonodoukutsu) in Onna village. Taking part in a Sea Walk is guaranteed to be a rare and unique experience you won't soon forget. If you plan on taking a trip to Onna, we highly recommend you try out the Sea Walk! 【Official Website】Experience a Sea Walk in Onna village, Okinawa! (Blue Ocean) http://blue-cave.com/seawalk.html

Aizu Hariko: A Traditional Handicraft of Aizu, Fukushima This video (TOHOKU STANDARD 03 FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE AIZU HARIKO) was created by “Tohoku STANDARD” and introduces the craftsmen of “Aizu hariko,” a traditional craft that the Aizu region of Fukushima, the birthplace of Akabeko, is proud of. Aizu paper mache is a traditional Japanese craft, local toy, and folk art. During the Warring States Period (1467 to 1573 AD), Gamo Ujisato, the lord of Aizu in the northeastern region of Japan, Fukushima Prefecture, who served Hideyoshi Toyotomi, invited puppeteers from Kyoto to learn the techniques of puppeteering, which he then used to help promote the industry among the common people. In front of Aizuwakamatsu station, there is a huge Akabeko, a traditional craft, local toy, and folk art that has taken root in the area. It is said that the reason why Akabeko is so popular in Aizu is because of the legend of "Akabeko," a herd of red-haired cows that helped rebuild the main building of Enzoji Temple (円蔵寺, Enzoji), home to one of the three major Ākāśagarbha (Bodhisattva of the void) statues in Japan, built approximately 1,200 years ago, which has been passed down through generations. In this video, two craftsmen of Aizu paper mache talk about the history, tradition, and their commitment to the craft. The beauty of the bright red Aizu paper mache is truly an art! Enjoy the beauty of Aizu paper mache! Aizu Paper Mache: Traditional Crafts, Folk Crafts, and Local Toys Source :YouTube screenshot Hariko (paper mache), is formed by attaching paper or other materials to a frame made of bamboo or wood, and is also known as "haribote" in Japanese. The floats of the famous "Nebuta Festival" are also made using this technique. The art of paper mache began in China in the 2nd century and was introduced to Asia and other countries thereafter. Folk art and local toys made of paper mache can be found all over Japan: "Rokuhara paper mache" in Iwate Prefecture, "Sendai paper mache" in Miyagi Prefecture, "Miharu paper mache" and "Inu paper mache" in Fukushima Prefecture, and "Yamagata paper mache" in Yamagata Prefecture. "Yohana" in Tochigi Prefecture, "Takasaki Maneki Neko" in Gunma Prefecture, "Kawagoe Daruma" in Saitama Prefecture, "Edo Inu paper mache" in Tokyo, " Hamamatsu paper mache" in Shizuoka Prefecture, "Paper Plastic Doll" in Toyama Prefecture, " Kobe Suma Macheko" in Hyogo Prefecture, "Dorakukan Kobo" in Okayama Prefecture, "Miyajima Macheko" in Hiroshima Prefecture, "Takamatsu Miyauchi paper mache" in Kagawa Prefecture, " Paper mache Whale Cars" in Kochi Prefecture, and "Tosa Washi" in Kochi Prefecture, “Plaster paper mache” in Okinawa Prefecture. Aizu Hariko is characterized by its bright red coloring, and is mainly made in prayer for child-rearing, good luck, thriving business, and to bring a good harvest. The two Aizu Hariko artisans in the interview in this video are the writer "Toyorin" of "Nozawa Folk Crafts" and his daughter "Minako Hayakawa." "There used to be about 30 Akabeko paper mache craftsmen, but they all had different shapes and made the same thing for 50 years," says Toyorin (0:33). However, from 1:48 of the video, Minako Hayakawa said, "Although it's necessary to inherit the parts that need to be inherited, but it is also important to innovate and make something that fits people's tastes if you want to survive. While certain things may change, the fundamentals remain the same." The interviews convey the struggle of the artisans to preserve tradition, but also their struggle to breathe new life into it due to practical issues such as the lack of successors and the decline of tradition. How Aizu Hariko Are Made Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, on top of the interview, we see the making of Akabeko at 0:31 in the video. In this article, we'll go over the steps of how to make a common Akabeko paper mache. Be sure to take a look at their delicate craftsmanship as you follow along. Materials: paper, soil, wood, straw, bamboo. 1. A wooden mold is shaped, and a number of sheets of Japanese paper are pasted to it with glue and dried. (Video: 0:31-) 2. When the glue dries, the back and belly are opened with a small knife and the wooden mold is removed. 3. After the wooden mold is removed, Japanese paper is pasted over the mold again and re-coated with a special paint. 4. A top coat of red dye or similar material is used to apply the color. (Video: 0:53-) 5. Patterns are then drawn on the surface with ink. (Video: 1:26-) 6. Finally, the head is attached and it's finished. (Video: 1:45-) The completed red Akabeko can be seen at 1:22. They're truly masterpieces! Aizu Paper Mache Source :YouTube screenshot Nozawa Folk Crafts introduced in this video, deals with various products. The new colorful folk craft, "wish balls," introduced at 0:02 in the video, were made to aid in the recovery from the 2011 triple disaster. There are various types of paper mache toys, "zodiac paper mache," which are paper mache tinctures shaped like the animals of the Chinese zodiac, such as rats and boars, and which bob their heads back and forth to bring good luck. Many different varieties are sold every year. In the year of the dog in 2018, the "Zarukaburi Dog" (A dog wearing a basket on its head) was very popular. There's "Matryoshka" toys reminiscent of babushka dolls, with eggs inside chicks, inside chickens, "Wedding Koboshi," "Okiagari-koboshi," "Aizu Tenjin," "Fukkomaru" and "Fukumasu," made to aid in the recovery of the 2011 triple disaster, as well as Akabeko, Fukubeko, Senryo-beko, Okame, and Hyottoko masks. These are just some of the different types of Aizu paper mache. These products can also be purchased via Amazon or Rakuten online shopping websites. In Yanaizu, the birthplace of Akabeko, you can see Akabeko everywhere in the city. At the "Rest House Hotto in Yanaizu," you can try your hand at painting in a special space inside the building. Why not try your hand at making your own original Akabeko? Summary of Aizu Paper Mache This traditional craft has been handed down in Japan for a long time, and the craftsmen are very particular about their work and their struggle to pass it on to the next generation. This article and video were just a small look into the world of Aizu Hariko Craftsmen. You can see from the video that the long-loved craft is made by the amazing skills of passionate craftsmen. We hope that this traditional Japanese craft will continue to be passed on for many years. 【Official Website】Nozawa Folk Crafts http://www.nozawa-mingei.com/index.html

School Lunch in Suginami, Tokyo This video, titled "School Lunch in Suginami - How the Delicious School Lunches Are Prepared" (杉並区の学校給食～おいしい給食ができるまで～), was created by Suginami's Official Channel (杉並区公式チャンネル). The video introduces the cafeteria at a Japanese school, along with interviews with the cooks and fun quizzes. School lunches are meals provided to students at lunchtime at schools. School lunches in Japan serve many purposes, and, while they of course contribute to children's nutritional intake, health maintenance, and proper eating habits, they also promote knowledge of local ingredients, pass on food culture, and teach dietary education. This video introduces the process of preparing safe, nutritious, well-balanced and delicious school lunches in Suginami, Tokyo. The video takes us inside the school kitchen, which is usually only accessible by school lunch cooks. You can see how school lunches are made, recipes, and more. Let's take a look! A Look at How School Lunches Are Made Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we'll go over how school lunches are prepared. Be sure to follow along with the video! 1. Menu Planning (video 0:39) Together, the nutritionist from the Board of Education and the nutritionist of each school creates a monthly menu based on nutritional balance and season, and each school adjusts the menu according to its own standards. 2. Preparation & Hand Washing (1:10) Cooks wear clean white coats and use a roller to remove dust and hair stuck to them. After that, they carefully wash their hands. 3. Cleaning (2:01) The cooks clean and sanitize the kitchen before cooking. This is the end of preparation. Source :YouTube screenshot 4. Inspecting Ingredients (The video 2:14～) Ingredients for school lunches, such as vegetables, meat, fish, and other ingredients are delivered from neighboring vendors and received and inspected by staff wearing a special apron. The ingredients are frozen and stored in 50-gram packages to help identify the cause of food poisoning in case of an outbreak. The food is then changed from the delivery container into a clean container specially designed for the school kitchen. From here, vegetables are trimmed of their stems and roots to prevent soil and dirt from entering the lunchroom. 5. Food Prep (3:25) The cooks wash the vegetables under running water at least three times and measure and wrap seasonings. They also write the name of the menu item they will be used with on the package, so there are no mistakes. When touching meat or fish, the cooks wear a special apron and always wear disposable gloves. When breaking eggs, the cooks put them in a small container one at a time to make sure there are no shells or blood in them before moving them to a larger container. You can see a quiz taking place at 4:25 in the video. Check it out! 6. Cooking (The video 5:06) In Suginami, even large quantities of vegetables are cut by hand one by one. This process brings out the flavor of the vegetables. Rice is also cooked at the school and served fresh. One pot of rice can serve 80 people. Source :YouTube screenshot There's a second quiz at 5:52 and 7:28 in the video. The quiz is about the equipment that is essential for making fried bread or a large amount of curry. Hamburgers and fish are cooked one at a time, using a steam convection oven that allows for a variety of cooking methods, including steaming and baking, as well as grilling. 7. Allergy Check (8:39) Children with allergy are provided an allergy-free meal. They check very carefully and make sure that there will be no mistake. 8. Taste-testing (9:11) 30 minutes before serving school lunch, the principle of the school checks the taste, quantity, if it's cooked adequately and checks for foreign objects. 9.Distribution (9:46) The food is weighed according to the number of people in the class and distributed. 10. Lunchtime (10:14) The students come and pick up their meals from the cart and lunchtime begins. You can see the completed lunch in the video around 10:29. 11. Clean up (10:55) After lunch, the dishes are washed in the dishwasher and then placed in a hot-air sterilized storage unit. Summary of Japan's School Lunches Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, we introduced how school lunches are prepared in Suginami, Tokyo. You can see interviews with one of the school cooks at 11:20 in the video, and hear what their job means to them. What was your favorite thing on the school lunch menu? Pizza? Rice? Noodles? If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to learn all about Japan's school lunches! 【Official Website】School Lunch Suginami Official Website https://www.city.suginami.tokyo.jp/kyouiku/gakko/1007751.html

PR Video of the Traditional Japanese Art, Hitofude-ryuu This video called “ 京都一筆龍【春夏秋冬】- Hitofude-ryu 【Four seasons】” produced by "Kyoto Hitofude-ryuu Orindo" promotes the traditional art Hitofude-ryu, painted with a single stroke. The ability of these artists to create such breathtaking works of art in such a short amount of time is absolutely amazing. Hitofude-ryuu is a very attractive and graceful Japanese art. This video features how the breathtaking Japanese art is painted. Enjoy the techniques of hitofude-ryuu artists. What Is Hitofude-ryuu? Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's traditional art form, Hitofude-ryuu, is a lucky charm used to connect people and bring success in business. Hitofude- ryu has a long history. It has been used as a lucky charm or to expel evil spirits during the Edo Period. There was also another version called Hitofude-hebi that used snakes. A ryu (dragon) was thought to be sacred and enshrined at temples as deities of agriculture because the shape of Japanese islands resembled a dragon. There are two types of hitofude-ryuu in Orindo in Kyoto. The "Ascending dragon" and the "Descending dragon" are drawn to pray for success and protective power, respectively. “Nyoi-hoju” is one dragon that is said fulfill people's wishes and bring them good luck. The painters of hitofude-ryuu all over Japan are called "hitofude-ryuu eshi" (hitofude-ryuu artists). Keisuke Teshima, the painter in the video, is the most renowned and respected hitofude-ryuu artist. You can see his work in this video at 0:05. Don’t miss his amazing skills! The popularity of hitofude-ryuu has increased overseas thanks to the video posted by Keisuke Teshima. His performance in America in 2014 was highly regarded. You should definitely see the video that shows how Teshima draws a hitofude-ryuu in his atelier. How to Draw Hitofude-ryuu Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video (0:05, 2:02, 3:39 and 4:44) , the body of a ryu is painted with the single stroke of a thick brush. The details such as a head or "Nyoi-hoju" are drawn with a thin brush ( 4:38). First, the body of the dragon is drawn in a single stroke using a thick brush starting from the head. Today, various colors such as red, blue, gold, and white are used to draw the dragons. After a dragon is drawn, a painter finishes a background using special techniques such as powders. The colorful dragons on black backgrounds seem to come alive. Where to Buy Hitofude-ryuu Source :Kyoto hitofude-ryuu official website There are various types of hitofude-ryuu, such as Kyoto hitofude-ryuu, Koshu-ya hitofude-ryuu, and Hitofude-ryuu Takase in Nikko. Omamori-hidofude-ryu and Chinese hitofude-ryuu are also popular.　 Hitofude-ryuu can be purchased on the official web-site or on online shopping sites, such as Rakuten or Amazon. For full orders, be sure to check out the international section of Kyoto Hitofude-ryuu's website. Orindo also offers live sales of Kyoto Hitofude-ryuu, which are painted on the spot. If you hang a hitofude-ryuu artist's painting in your room, you'll have a nice change of atmosphere. Hitofude-ryuu are well known as lucky charms and makes great presents that anyone would be happy to receive. Summary of Hitofude-ryuu This video called “ 京都一筆龍【春夏秋冬】- Hitohuderyu 【Four seasons】” produced by “Kyoto Hitofude-ryuu Orindo” features how to draw a traditional Japanese hitofude-ryuu. If you haven't watched it yet, don't miss out on this amazing painting process. Enjoy the traditional Japanese art- Hitofude-ryuu! 【Official web-site】Hitofude-ryuu | Kisuke Tejima, Hisofude ryu artist https://www.onestrokedragon.com/

Fukuoka: Where sightseeing, Japanese culture, the outdoors, and Japanese cuisine all come together The video “Hyperlapse Fukuoka City, Japan 4k (Ultra HD) - 福岡 Full ver.” is a promotional video created by the city of Fukuoka. It introduces sightseeing locations, Japanese cuisine such as street food, Japanese culture though festivals, and more, all in one of Japan’s most popular sightseeing destinations- Fukuoka, in Japan's Kyushu region. Fukuoka is said to be a gateway to Asia, as it's a popular sightseeing destination welcoming many visitors to Japan. This video introduces more than 20 famous sightseeing areas and places of cultural interest in Fukuoka. 5 impressive minutes of breathtaking views shown through time lapses and aerial shots taken by drones. We guarantee you'll find a spot you want to visit. Sightseeing in Fukuoka- Recommendations and information about commercial facilities Photo：Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome and hotel From 0:05 in the video, the symbol of Fukuoka, the Fukuoka Yafuoku! Dome (福岡ヤフオク！ドーム, Fukuoka yafuoku domu) is shown. This is Japan’s first stadium built with a retractable roof, making it usable no matter the weather. This is also the home stadium of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks. At 3:23, we can hear the crowd cheering from inside the stadium. Fukuoka Tower (福岡タワー, Fukuoka tawa) is an exquisite 234-meter-tall tower equipped with 8000 pieces of half mirrors reflecting the sky and the city. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Fukuoka, which was chosen as one of Japan’s “Top 100 night views”. The ACROS Fukuoka, reminiscent of a park, as well as the Canal City Hakata, built around a meandering canal to create a unique space, are entertainment complexes. These famous structures of Fukuoka Prefecture can be seen at 0:19 in the video. Access to Fukuoka’s recommended sightseeing areas Hakata Station (博多駅, Hakata-eki) is conveniently located about 5 minutes away from Fukuoka Airport (福岡空港, Fukuoka kuko) by subway. outside of that, Kyushu (九州, Kyushu), Kagoshima (鹿児島, Kagoshima), and Honshu (本州, Honshu), are accessible through the JR bullet train (JR新幹線, JR shinkansen). Besides public transportation such as the trains or buses from Hakata Station, renting a car and driving through the city’s highways is also a convenient way to travel in the city. Sightseeing in Fukuoka- history, culture, nature, and our recommendations Photo：The five-story pagoda at Tochoji Temple From 1:11 of the video, Ohori Park (大濠公園, Ohori koen) is introduced. This is a healing location right in the center of Fukuoka City and home to the five-story pagoda of Tochoji Temple (東長寺, Tochoji) as well as the Buddha of Fukuoka, so it's definitely worth seeing. The Fukuoka Buddha is 16.1 meters (52.8 ft) tall, making it the largest wooden Buddha in all of Japan. Next, the Fukuoka City Museum (福岡市博物館, Fukuoka-shi hakubutsukan) located in Momochihama (百道浜, Momochihama) is a cultural facility that introduces the lifestyle of Fukuokans as well as the history of Fukuoka itself. The well-known National Treasure, the “King of Na gold seal” (金印, Kin-in) is also on permanent display. In addition, the Jotenji Temple (承天寺, Jotenji) near Hakata Station boasts an exquisite stone garden. Umi-no-Nakamichi (海の中道, Umi no nakamichi) and Nokonoshima Island (能古島, Nokonoshima) are also brimming with nature. These can be seen from 1:26 in the video. From 2:10 in the video, craftsmen can be seen producing Hakata-ori textiles (博多織, Hakata-ori) and Hakata dolls (博多人形, Hakata-ningyo). The Hakozaki Shrine (筥崎宮, Hakozakigu), with a main worship hall recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan is shown, as well as two of the three main festivals of Kyushu. The first is the Tamaseseri Festival (玉取祭・玉せせり, Tamatori・Tamaseseri), where participants compete to get their hands on a lucky ball. Also shown is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival (博多祇園山笠, Hakata gion yamakasa), which is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. Fukuokan cuisine Around Tenjin Station (天神駅, Tenjin-eki) and Nakasu (中洲, Nakasu) are more than 100 food stands where you can enjoy a great variety of Japanese cuisine such as Hakata ramen (博多ラーメン, Hakata ramen). Fresh sushi and motsunabe (もつ鍋, Motsunabe) are also popular. These popular Fukuokan foods are introduced at 3:03 in the video. A trip isn't complete without tasting food made from the very best local ingredients! Traveling in Fukuoka - Summary Photo：Fukuokan street food As shown in the video, Fukuoka is an area where you can thoroughly enjoy Japan’s culture, sightseeing, and cuisine. There are many more charming areas in the video that we couldn't get around to in this article, so if you haven't checked it out yet, we recommend giving it a look. You're sure to be charmed by what Fukuoka has to offer! 【Official Website】Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka City Municipal Office Homepage https://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/english/index.html

The Traditional Ako Lion Dance! This video, produced by "Ako Channel - The Official Video Channel of Ako City," is an official PR video titled, "Ako Lion Dance - Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society" (赤穂の獅子舞「新田西部獅子舞保存会」). There are various regional events and festivals in autumn every year in Ako, Hyogo in Japan's Kansai Region. The Ako Lion Dance, performed by the members of the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society (新田西部獅子舞保存会), is especially popular as it is vigorous and has a long history in the area. The Ako Lion Dance parades through the approaches to shrines and temples. Take in the traditional Japanese atmosphere through the video, which shows the lion dance, a traditional cultural event in Ako in the fall. Don't Miss the Dynamic Movement of the Ako Lion Dance! Source :YouTube screenshot The Autumn Festival of Hiyoshi Shrine in Nitta District is held annually in October in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. During this lively festival, the Ako Lion Dance, performed by the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society, parades throughout the city. The festival begins with the "welcome of the gods"(0:19). A mischievous wild lion is skillfully led by a Tengu, a sort of Japanese goblin often found in folk tales. At 0:41, after “the purification of the lion head and Tengu mask” takes place, it's time to leave for "Hanamai," which parades through the city of Ako (0:53). "Hanamai" continues to visit over 200 places while performing to the sound of the drum. The lion dance at Hiyoshi Shrine is performed by Western Nitta District and Nitta Village alternately each year. The one seen in the video is performed by Western Nitta District. The highlight of the festival is "dochu mai" (1:58); while the rituals are being performed at Hiyoshi Shrine, the lion dance troupe takes its time to move along the approach to the shrine. After the ritual is over, they run up to the worship hall and the dedication dance begins. The Ako Lion Dance is descended from Ako Hachiman Shrine in Ozaki Districtand is characterized by slow movements during "dochu mai" and intense movements during the dedication dance at the main shrine. The Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society performs a dance with a skit called "Niwaka."(2:55). So Much to See and Do at the Ako Autumn Festival! Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to the lion dance dedication by the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society, various events are held in Ako, such as an exorcism ritual and a children's mikoshi (portable shrine). The Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society is not the only performer of Ako Lion Dance. There are many other organizations, such as Kamihamaichi and the Kizu Lion Preservation Society, that performs the dance as well. The lion dance of the Kamihamaichi Lion Preservation Society, known for its Hanamai and group dances, and the lion dance of the Kizu Lion Dance Preservation Society, which prays for purification and a good harvest, are also worth seeing. During the Autumn Festival in Ako, there are many stalls along the streets of shrines and temples. One of the ways to enjoy Ako's Autumn Festival is to eat local Japanese food at the stalls. Summary of the Ako Lion Dance The Ako Lion Dance is an important traditional ritual, and the Western Nitta Lion Dance Preservation Society has long been honing their skills to preserve the culture. Succession of traditional culture is a significant theme of traditional Japanese festivals. Visit the Ako Autumn Festival and experience Japanese culture through vigorous lion dances! 【Official Website】Ako Tourism - FEEL AKO TIME https://ako-kankou.jp/en/

Legrand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, Japan - Video Introduction This video created by Le Grand Karuizawa introduces Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort, and is titled "Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort, Promotional Video"（ルグラン軽井沢　ホテル＆リゾート　プロモーションムービー). Karuizawa-Cho, in Nagano prefecture, is one of the luxury mountain resorts in Japan, and located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. We are going to introduce “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort,” where you can experience the highest-quality customer service, located at the foot of Mount Asama in Nagano in the Koshinetsu region which is famous for its Onsen (hot springs). In this video, you will see the wedding hall, onsen, and rooms that will make your wedding day unforgettable. Enjoy the video of the place that will be the grounds for the happiest day of your life. What is “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Source :YouTube screenshot “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” is a luxury resort hotel located at the foot of Mount Asama (浅間山,Asama san) in Karuizawa-Cho, Nagano in Shinshu in Japan. Access is 15 minutes from Karuizawa JR station by car. They also provide a shuttle bus service between the station and the hotel. The affiliated hotel "Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa hotel" is located nearby. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Wedding Plans Source :YouTube screenshot The video mainly introduces wedding plans. A wedding is supposed to be the most special day of your life. In this video, the introduction of their wedding plan starts around 2:43. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” has a large premises for a wedding venue. With the chapel, the beautiful garden and terrace tables, they provide the most wonderful experience to everyone at the wedding ceremony. A lot of people may feel Karuizawa is a place for special occasions because it is known as a vacation region. This hotel has highly-rated reviews on its wedding plans compared to other hotels in the region, and a lot of its customers have had a great start to the next chapter in their life here. They regularly hold a bridal fair or event in Ginza Salon in Tokyo so that people can discuss or consult about the wedding plans without actually going to the site. It is also a part of the reason that it has such a good reputation. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort”: Rooms and the Extensive Onsen Area Source :YouTube screenshot “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” has three types of rooms. One in the main building furnished with European Antiques, one in the Villa Suite, and one in the highest-grade luxury "Yamanoue Suite" so customers can choose the room they would like to stay in. They also have multiple bathing facilities for customers to choose from depending on their mood that day. There's the large public bath "Komorebi" which is filled with natural Onsen water, a private bath, a Tembo-buro (a bath with a nice outside view), and Happu Onsen. Because Nagano prefecture is featured for its many onsen, you can enjoy a variety of luxurious onsen here. Happu Onsen is Hydrogen Carbonate Spring which is known as one of three "Hot Springs of Beauty"(the top three springs contain chemicals that benefit health and beauty) in Japan. Happu Onsen has positive effects on wounds and skin conditions. A day trip is also possible. Around 1:37 in the video, you can see the hotel rooms and around 1:02 the onsen are shown. Facilities of “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Source :YouTube screenshot On the hotel's large premises, there are swimming pools, gardens, a spa, and a gym as well. Spend your quality time however you would like. In the mountain area, there is a "Yamanoue sweet terrace/activity deck" located 1000 meters above sea level. In the main building, there is a classical style main entrance, a garden decorated with seasonal flowers, a boutique for gifts and "SPA LA VILLA" where you can enjoy a facial massage in a relaxing room. They also have rooms called "Prive.Lac," "Bell Foret," and "En Chante" for meeting and banquet purposes. “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Restaurants and Bars Their French restaurant "Vaas" provides French gourmet with seasonal ingredients produced by Japan. There is also a Grilled restaurant called "Grill Mille "serving Grilled meals with ingredients produced by the Shinshu region, "Karuizawa French," and "ASAMA Café." Enjoy drinking at the bar "Rouge" and the "Poolside Bar" at night. A variety of different cuisines are also served for breakfast. Sightseeing Around “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” Photo：Shiraito Falls There are many tourist spots in Karuizawa, in Nagano prefecture where “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” is located at. "Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (軽井沢 プリンス ショッピングプラザ, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza)" the mall with 240 stores, "Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Stone Church (石の教会 内村鑑三記念堂, Ishinokyoukai Uchimura Kanzo Kinendo)" stone & glass church, "Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝, Shiraito no Taki)" the waterfalls designated as a Japanese natural monument as well as a national scenic spot, "Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa (軽井沢千住博美術館, Karuizawa Senju Hiroshi Bijutsukan)" which has a great ambiance, "Kumoba Pond (雲場池, Kumoba Ike)" also known as "Swan Lake (スワンレイク)", "Karuizawa Hoshino Area (軽井沢星野エリア, Karuizawa Hoshino Area)" which great writers and artists gathered and created their community in Taisho era, "Karuizawa Taliesin (軽井沢タリアセン, Karuizawa Tariasen)" a resort facility where there are many shops and leisure venues, "Old Usui Outlooks (旧碓氷峠見晴台, KyuUsuitouge Miharashidai)" near the top of the Usui, outlook park which is located at an altitude of 1200m, "Karuizawa Lake Garden (軽井沢レイクガーデン, Karuizawa Lake garden)" where there are 8 garden areas and one great lake in the garden, and "Old Karuizawa Ginza Street (旧軽井沢銀座道,Kyu Karuizawa Ginzado) " where several hundreds of tourists visit every year. If you're making a trip to “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” consider checking out some of these spots as well. Recap of “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” As shown in the video, “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort” provides the best customer service experience (Omotenashi in Japanese) to its customers and that is one of the reasons it is so popular. We weren't able to show how the staff provides customer service and room service in this video but we're sure that you'll be satisfied with them as well. For more details about the hotel's facilities, room amenities and tourist spots nearby, be sure to visit their website. Accommodation fees differ by season, room, and plan. Please check the rates on their website or other hotel booking websites when you make a reservation. ◆About “Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort”◆ 【Address】864-4 Hotchi, Karuizawa, Kitasaku, Nagano 389-0113 【Access】About 15 minutes from Karuizawa JR station by car 【Parking】Yes. Limited to 45 spots 【Phone】0267-48-0099 【Official Website】Karuizawa hotel / Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa https://www.legrand-karuizawa.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】"Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort" https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g325581-d10384974-Reviews-Le_Grand_Kyukaruizawa-Karuizawa_machi_Kitasaku_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.htmlshinetsu_Chubu.html

The Traditional Carp Streamers of Kazo, Saitama The video "Kazo Carp Streamers [Saitama Prefectural Government Official Sightseeing Video]"（加須の手がき鯉のぼり【埼玉県公式観光動画】）” was created by “ChokotabiSaitama,” and it introduces viewers to the traditional hand-painted carp streamers of Kazo, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region. May 5th is Children's Day in Japan. People put up carp streamers to exorcise bad spirits and as a way to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. Kazo is known as the No. 1 producer of the Japanese traditional carp streamers. It also creates the dynamic hand-painted carp streamer. Carp streamers have become a Kazo specialty that every Kazo citizen is proud of. This video will show you how these hand-painted carp streamers are made! You can also visit the factory and have a factory tour. The History of Kazo's Hand-Painted Carp Streamers Kazo carp streamers were originally created in the early Meiji period (1868-1912) as a side job for craftsmen who usually made lanterns and umbrellas. This traditional high quality handmade carp streamer gradually gained popularity and Kazo became the number 1 carp streamer town. Masaru Hashimoto, a traditional carp streamer craftsman from the long-established carp streamer studio, Hashimoto Yakichi Shop in Kazo City, has been producing carp streamers for a long time. Unfortunately, his store closed down in 2016 after 109 years of business. Kazo Carp Streamers: How They're Made Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Cutting and sewing (0:32) In order to make these hand-painted carp streamers, you start by cutting the fabric into a carp shape and sewing it together. 2. Memawashi (1:07) Draw eyes by using a special compass to draw circles. 3. Sujigaki (1:22) Draw scales one by one using lightly colored ink. 4. Usuzumi (1:30) Add color to the scales. Adding colors is the part that requires the most focus. 5 Kinbiki (1:49) Add the finishing touches with a specialized brush. As you can see in the video, the technique used to finish the painting process is very precise. The masculine expression of the carp and intricate scales are drawn with the precise technique of the craftsman. Gigantic Kazo Carp Streamers As Kazo is known as the No. 1 carp streamer producer in Japan, they also make the world biggest carp streamer. The jumbo carp streamer is 100 meters long! The jumbo carp streamer, which was made by Kazo citizens, appears at the Tone river riverbed every May, at the Kazo City Heiwa Festival (Jumbo Carp Streamer swim). Check out the event to see the jumbo carp stream swimming dynamically in the sky. You can also see the carp streamers made with precise hand-painting techniques. The main venue of the event is at Tonegawa Riverbed Park. 400 parking spaces are available, however, due to the popularity of the event, it will likely be pretty packed. Even though these carp streamers are not the biggest carp streamers in Japan, you can see the carp streamers swimming elegantly under the blue sky at 2:23. These elaborate carp streamers are made through a variety of manufacturing processes, and the video shows the traditional craftsmanship that has been handed down in Japan for centuries. Kazo Carp Streamer Summary Photo：Kazo carp streamers Kazo's hand-painted carp streamers are a very artistic and beautiful creation. Every carp streamer is unique because they are all individually hand made. You can see the traditional Japanese carp streamers every May in Japan. Please come see the carp streamers or try to put one up in your house on Children's Day!