A Look at Arita Ware This is a promotional video for Japanese porcelain mainly produced in Arita, Saga Prefecture, produced by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. If you are interested in learning how the traditional Japanese craft Arita ware is made or the history and culture of Arita Ware, this two-minute video is just what you're looking for! Here we'll introduce the culture and appeal Arita Ware, a traditional craft that is the pride of Japan. Nowadays, beautiful Japanese tableware is attracting a lot of attention from overseas, and many people visit Japan to create their own original tableware through pottery-making experiences such as Arita Ware. The History of Arita Ware Photo：Arita Ware coffee cup Arita ware refers to a type of Japanese porcelain produced in Arita, Saga and the area surrounding the town. Arita Ware is also known as Imari Ware and has over 400 years of the history as a traditional Japanese craft. It dates back 100 years before Meissen which is believed to have been the first place to produce porcelain in Europe. The start of Imari/Arita Ware was the discovery of pottery stones, the raw material used to make porcelain, in the Arita Izumiyama Magnet Field in Arita, Saga. Since no country in Europe was able to produce such white, thin, hard, and shiny porcelain in the 17th century, Arita Ware was popular among European nobles and began being exported to other countries in the late 17th century. Because the products were shipped from a port in Imari, Saga, Arita ware is also called Imari ware. The Characteristics of Arita Ware, a Traditional Japanese Craft and a Famous Important Cultural Property Arita porcelain is a thin, hard, pure white porcelain with a pure white base. The porcelain has shiny surfaces and makes a light metallic sound when tapped. It has a white background with a pattern called "etsuke," and is carefully hand-painted by a craftsman after being fired unglazed. The characteristics of etsuke reflect the culture of each period. One of the characteristics of Arita Ware is the various methods of expression depending on the method of painting and molding. The main variations are "hakuji" (white porcelain), "youkoku" (relief), "sometsuke" (blue and white), "iroe" (colored patterns), "seiji" (celadon), "ruriyu" (lapis lazuli), "sabiyu" (iron glaze) and "shinsha" (cinnabar). Every variation is as beautiful as the last. Arita ware is highly valued in Japan. For example, more than 10 works, including "Iroe Botan Shishi Mon Choushi" (a bottle with colored peony and lion patterns) and "Sometsuke Kaki Mon Tokkuri" (a bottle with blue and white flower patterns) are designated as Important Cultural Properties in Japan. The Traditional Way of Making Arita Ware Source :YouTube screenshot Arita ware is made through the following eight steps: quarrying, powdering, pugging, casting, terracotta, underglaze painting, glazing and baking. Therefore, many craftsmen work together to make a single piece of Arita Ware. Yukio Suzuta, the director of the Kyushu Ceramic Museum in Saga, said in the video: "Arita Ware is a division of labor, and there is a system in place to provide work to as many people as possible." The climate nurtures the culture, and through the hands of many artisans, a piece of art is born. Check out the video to see Arita Ware being made. Arita Ware Prices and Products Photo：Arita Ware pottery market Arita ware is highly valued as tableware for everyday use. Products such as paired bowls and mugs make great gifts as well. While expensive products cost more than a million yen, but there are also discounted teacups that are easily purchased for less than 1,000 yen (~$10 USD). Many Arita ware products are sold on online marketplaces such as Amazon and Rakuten, with the most popular products being coffee cups, mugs and Japanese teacups. Tourists visit the Arita Ceramics Fair, an annual festival held for Golden Week, to get Arita ware at reasonable prices. Summary of the Culture and Charms of Arita Ware While experiencing the history of Arita Ware, you can see the beautiful cityscape of Arita and the skills of the craftsmen who make the porcelain. Arita Ware is a traditional Japanese craft with a history older than the world-famous Meissen porcelain. In just two minutes, you can learn about the history, industry, characteristics, and craftsmanship of Arita Ware, so if you're interested in learning more, be sure to watch the video! Enjoy the world of traditional Arita Ware! 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

"Higo Zogan" - A Traditional Craft of Kumamoto Prefecture For those seeking the beauty of Japan's traditional crafts, or wondering what types of traditional handmade goods Japanese artisans make, this is the video for you! This video, "手技TEWAZA「肥後象がん」Higo Zougan Inlay," was created by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸 青山スクエア). This video introduces higo zogan craftsman Inada Kentaro. In the video, he is seen using the traditional methods of higo zogan to create a chopstick rest. This is a wonderful video to get a sense of the beauty of Japanese products. An Introduction to the Traditional Japanese Craft, Higo Zogan Source :YouTube screenshot Higo zogan is Kumamoto Prefecture’s traditional craft. It is a form of metalworking where gold and silver leaf are inlaid onto iron in order to create designs. Higo zogan has a long history, and was first used in sword mounts and fixtures, gun barrels, obi fasteners, and hairpins. Now, it is used to create accessories such as tie pins, necklaces, hair pins, cufflinks, loop ties, and earrings, as well as stationery such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, paperweights, and paper-knives. Many types of products are created using higo zogan. With higo zogan’s birthplace being Kumamoto Prefecture, in recent years, higo zogan pendants featuring Kumamoto’s mascot Kumamon have also been created. The adorable designs make these pendants perfect as gifts. The beauty of Japan’s traditional craft is perfectly paired with modern designs, leading to the creation of attractive products. The Crafting Process of Higo Zogan Source :YouTube screenshot This is an introduction of higo zogan’s crafting process according to the video. The object made this time is a chopstick rest. ・Base-making (生地作り, kiji-dukuri) (0:21) The raw material, iron, is cut and then polished to smooth its corners. ・Inlay preparation (布目切り, nunome-kiri) (0:41) Using a tool called the “tagame,” grooves are carved vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. ・Inlaying and hammering (打ち込み、叩き締め, uchikomi, tatakishime) (1:10) Using a specially sized deer antler, gold or silver is inlaid onto the iron base. ・Smoothing the surface (布目消し, nunome-keshi) (1:55) Using a tool called a “kisaki,” areas with grooves are smoothed and polished. ・Rusting (錆び出し, sabidashi) (2:11) Using iron rust coloring, the surface of the product is blackened. ・Rust-proofing (錆止め, sabidome) (2:30) The product is inserted into boiling tea for rust-proofing. ・Heating (焼き付け, yakiduke) (3:02) Heating prevents the appearance of rust after aging. ・Completion The completed chopstick rest is shown from 3:17 in the video. This is all introduced in detail in the video, so definitely check it out. Purchasing Higo Zogan Products Now, we'll introduce a place to purchase higo zogan products. We recommended "Higo Zogan Mitsusuke" (肥後象嵌　光助) in Kumamoto. At this store, you can even try your hand at making accessories. From accessories such as pendants, brooches, earrings, and gold leaf paintings, to pieces of artwork - There are a multitude of items available, so definitely check them out. In addition, Higo Zogan products are also available through the Internet, so definitely try that out too! As for how to care for the products after purchase, use a dry, soft cloth or a piece of tissue to wipe the product in order to maintain its shine. Summary of Higo Zogan, the Culmination of Craftsmen's Skills Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, the process of Higo Zogan as well as the necessary materials are explained in more detail than in this article, providing an interesting introduction to Higo Zogan. There are also many products perfect as souvenirs introduced in the video. For those who have had their interest piqued by Kumamoto’s Higo Zogan, definitely check out the video! 【Official Website】Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/

Ayumu Hirano: Aiming for a Top 3 Finish at the Olympics! This video is titled "Ayumu Hirano #3 Skater Skateboarder, and Silver Medalist at Winter Olympics" (平野歩選手がスケボー3位 冬季五輪の銀メダリスト). It was released by "KyodoNews." Ayumu Hirano is a halfpipe snowboarder who has won a silver medal at two consecutive Winter Olympic Games. Ayumu Hirano has been attracting attention since he started his skateboarding quest to take home a medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The video shows the results of the Japan Open Park competition, which also serves as a selection event for the strengthening candidates, held on March 16, 2019 at the Kugenuma Seaside Park Skate Park in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture. Kensuke Sasaoka won the men's title at the Japan Open Park, Midori Okamoto won the women's title, and Ayumu Hirano placed third in the men's competition. You can see Ayumu Hirano talking about his passion for skateboarding in an interview in the video. This article introduces Ayumu Hirano and the appeal of skateboarding. What Is a Skateboarding? Photo：Skateboarding Skateboarding is an action sport that involves riding a board with wheels in the front and back. Skateboarding is also called "sukebo"in Japanese. Skateboarding is said to have been created in the 1940's on the west coast of the United States as a way for children to play, and it eventually spread throughout the world between the 1980's an 1990's. Skateboarding competitions include Street, Vert, Freestyle, Slalom, and more. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, there will be two types of events- street and vert. Ayumu Hirano will compete in vert. Vert skating involves using half-pipes, quarter-pipes, and bowls (essentially large, empty pools) to gain speed and doing insane aerial tricks that include grabs and flips. Competitors are judged on how many tricks they can do in the allotted time and how difficult their tricks are. Ayumu Hirano is introduced at 0:20 in the video. Who is Ayumu Hirano? Source :YouTube screenshot Ayumu Hirano is Japan's leading snowboarder at 160 cm tall (5'2"), and has won two consecutive medals in the half pipe of the 2014 Sochi Olympics and the 2018 Olympics at Pyeongchang. His unique hairstyle, which can be seen at 1:28 in the video, is also quite popular. His sponsors are Burton, Kinoshita Group, TEAM FALKEN, and more, and he has signed a global ambassador contract with UNIQLO to develop snowboard gear for competitions. Starting skateboarding and snowboarding at the age of four, he is trying to achieve mastery of both sports. Both his father and brother are athletes. In the interview with Ayumu Hirano at 1:28, he talks about his passion for skating and snowboarding and how he wants to train harder so he can challenge the sports to enjoy them even more. Summary of Ayumu Hirano Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Ayumu Hirano as he skates around the park, and also features an interview with the talented skater/snowboarder. To qualify for the Japan team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, you need to be ranked in the top 16 of the Olympic World Skateboarding Ranking as of June 2, 2020, or in the top 3 at the 2020 World Championships. Ayumu Hirano will continue to keep his eyes on the world championships as he aims for a top-3 finish. Be sure to check out Ayumu Hirano at the Olympic games! 【Official Website】Japan Skateboarding Federation http://japanskateboardingfederation.jp/

Video introduction of the shoemaker at MARQUESS, a shoe workshop in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo "Meet the Japanese shoemaker who doesn't want his shoes to stand out | Remarkable Living" is a video that introduces shoe making craftsmanship by a shoemaker in Tokyo. Shoji Kawaguchi, a bespoke shoemaker from the shoe studio "MARQUESS" in Ginza, Tokyo, makes luxury shoes like those seen in the video. Shoji Kawaguchi studied abroad at a shoe vocational school in Northampton, England, and studied the skills of handmade British shoes under Paul Wilson. He was fascinated by the classic British shoes he had seen during his time there and later became an independent shoe making professional. Hand Made Shoes Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:30 on the video, the process of making handmade shoes by shoemaker Shoji Kawaguchi is introduced. The shoemaker first designs a shoe pattern and makes a paper pattern. He then make a wooden pattern according to the shape of the shoe. Next, he cuts the leather and other materials, sews them, and attaches the soles. All the work of MARQUESS shoe specialists is done by hand. As you can see in the video, Shoji Kawaguchi's shoe store has numerous shoe fitters. This is proof that the shoes were made according to the shape of each client's foot. The craftsmanship cultivated through many long years of training and work is indispensable in creating a classic shoe that fits snugly. The Commitment of MARQUESS' Shoemaker, Shoji Kawaguchi Source :YouTube screenshot All of MARQUESS' shoes are bespoke shoes. Tailor-made shoes are made according to the customer's preferences, after careful consideration of the type of leather and design requirements. MARQUESS checks not only the size of the feet but also the fashion of customers' suits and clothes, and proposes the best shoes to suit each individual. The reason why Shoji Kawaguchi makes classic shoes is introduced at 0:15 in the video. He says he wants to do a variety of shoe designs, but he wants to do this after mastering classic shoes because classic shoes are the basis for everything. When he first saw the shoes, all handmade in Northampton, England, he was inspired and felt compelled to pursue the craft. In addition, Shoji Kawaguchi feels that the most beautiful shoes are bespoke shoes from the 1930s to the 1940s, and says that he is studies daily to make shoes closer to the originals. In addition, Shoji Kawaguchi's commitment to shoes is discussed throughout this 6-minute video. Summary of Bespoke Shoemakers Source :YouTube screenshot In these videos, you can see the meticulous and high quality craftsmanship that only expert shoe makers posses! In the video, you'll see a world you never knew existed. Bespoke shoes are a little more expensive than regular shoes because all processes are done by hand. The appeal of these shoes is that you can get a pair that you can cherish and that will last you a long time. I bet you'll want your own pair of bespoke shoes after watching the video. 【Official Website】Marquess https://marquess-bespoke.blogspot.com/

Wasabi Information" Video Introduction by a Wasabi Farmer in Kamo County, Shizuoka Prefecture This video is「WASABI – IS JAPAN COOL? WASHOKU – 和食（山葵）」created by「ANA Global Channel」. It shows a wasabi farmer from Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島, Izuhanto) in Shizukoka prefecture (静岡県, Shizuoka-ken) speaking about the attraction and production process of wasabi. Wasabi is an edible native Japanese plant of the Brassicaceae Wasabia family and is said to have grown naturally since the Asuka Period (AD ~538-710). In this 9-minute video, Inaba Nobuaki, owner of “Wasabi-en Kadoya,” located in Kawazu town (河津, Kawazu) of Kamo District (賀茂郡, Kamogun), Shizuoka Prefecture, explains the attraction, production process and ways to enjoy wasabi. What Is Wasabi? How Is It Cultivated? Photo：Wasabi Field There are two ways to cultivate wasabi; “Water Wasabi” (Valley Wasabi, Swamp Wasabi) cultivated in mountain streams and spring water, and “Field Wasabi” (Land Wasabi) which is cultivated in fields. The cultivation method introduced in this video is “Water Wasabi” and takes 1-2 years to cultivate. The wasabi is cultivated in flooded paddy fields, which turn to mud after one or two years. The farmers wash away the mud, level the field, and plant and harvest wasabi all year round. Water management is crucial and is a fight against the merciless forces of nature, for often typhoons and other floods strike the region. This is explained by Inaba Nobuaki of “Wasabi-en Kadoya” from 0:26 in the video. Wasabi is cultivated all year round, but the flavor and size vary by season. The best season is from autumn to winter. Wasabi was introduced in the Amagi Region (天城, Amagi), where “Wasabi-en Kadoya” is located, sometime during the mid-Edo Period. Izu Peninsula is suited for wasabi cultivation, due to its heavy rainfall and soft spring water. The reason why wasabi hasn’t spread worldwide is because this type of natural environment doesn’t exist elsewhere, as is explained by Inaba Nobuaki from 2:36. Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for its wasabi cultivation, and is the number one area for cultivation and production in Japan. The Best Ways to Enjoy Wasabi Photo：Wasabi Bowl Now that you know how wasabi is grown, you probably want to know how to best enjoy it! Most people try to enjoy delicious wasabi with expensive foods such as sashimi and sushi. But a simple and low cost way to enjoy wasabi is the “Wasabi Bowl” that “Wasabi-en Kadoya” serves. It is an extremely simple dish; dried bonito sprinkled over some fresh hot rice, with a dash of freshly grated wasabi on top. This can be seen from 4:01 in the video. The soy sauce will deprive the wasabi of its flavor, so it’s important not to pour the soy sauce directly onto the wasabi. Wasabi’s spiciness is created when the cell walls are broken, so the taste varies greatly depending on how finely you grate the wasabi. A delicious wasabi has five traits: great fragrance, spiciness, sweetness, adhesiveness, and a deep green color, as explained at 5:27 in the video. To make use of wasabi’s disinfectant qualities, you can eat vegetables with wasabi or have some wasabi ice cream for dessert. Also, the top and bottom of the wasabi stem have different tastes! The top has a mild flavor that is pleasant. The video explains at 7:50 that the best way to store leftover wasabi is not to put it in a cup of water, but to wrap it in newspaper, put it in a plastic bag, then store it in the refrigerator. If you ever visit Shizuoka, how about some wasabi products as a souvenir? “Wasabi Pickles,” “Wasabeef Chips,” “Wasabi Beads” (which are shaped like salmon roe), “Wasabi Greens,” “Tubed Wasabi,” “Hon-Wasabi,” “Wasabi powder,” and “Wasabi paste” are some of the most popular products. These are sold in Amagi Wasabi Village (天城わさびの里, Amagiwasabinosato), located inside the roadside station “Amagigoe” (天城越え,Amagigoe), Izu Town (伊豆市, Izushi) which is near “Wasabi-en Kadoya,” and also by online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. Summary of Wasabi In recent years, wasabi has come to be appreciated for its health benefits, such as weight loss assistance. Hopefully this video has helped you learn about wasabi, the integral seasoning for every Japanese household! This video also introduces the best ways to eat wasabi, so if you are interested in Japanese food or just food in general, be sure to check it out! 【yelp】Wasbi-en Kadoya https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%82%8F%E3%81%95%E3%81%B3%E5%9C%92-%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A9%E3%82%84-%E8%B3%80%E8%8C%82%E9%83%A1?page_src=related_bizes

An Interview With the Founder of Hakata Ippudo This video shows an interview of Kawahara Shigemi, the founder of the leading ramen shop “Hakata Ippudo.” Source :This article Video Ever since it was first founded in the Chuo ward of Fukuoka city in 1985, it has been extremely popular, managing to become a large chain with shops not only across Japan, but also overseas, in places like New York and Singapore. What does Kawahara Shigemi's beloved ramen taste like? This article presents just a handful of the information shown in the video, so be sure to watch the video to hear all about the founder's thoughts. Hakata Ippudo and the Emergence of Ramen as Japanese Cuisine Source :This article Video Ramen has always had an air of insidiousness. Because of this, young people and women were often hesitant to enter ramen shops. Kawahara Shigemi opened his ramen shop with a stylish restaurant-bar-like atmosphere to make ramen more popular as Japanese food. The birth of Hakata Ippudo has made ramen an integral part of Japanese food culture for a younger generation of gourmet fans. All of Hakata Ippudo's ramen shops are modern and stylish. But they are also traditional in many ways, indicating that ramen is a part of Japan's unique culture. The Commitment of Hakata Ippudo Source :This article Video Kawahara Shigemi's commitment to ramen can be seen in various aspects such as the soup, the method of making the noodles, the ingredients, and the seasonings. The soup was intended to be a kind of potage, and taking more than 20 hours to cook, it took the Japanese food industry by surprise. For the noodles, Hakata Ippudo insisted on using homemade noodles, a rarity at the time of its founding. The noodles are crisp and thin enough to match the thick broth of the tonkotsu ramen. The characteristically light, thin noodles pairs well with the thick pork-based soup. “Hakata Ippudo” let the world know that ramen is a Japanese cuisine. It was New York, one of the largest cities in the world, where Kawahara Shigemi chose to begin his global expansion. Initially, the ramen was made using the same recipe as the one made in Japan, but it was rearranged in various ways to suit foreign palates. In 2019, he opened a restaurant in Shinjuku that specializes in "Tonkotsu-style ramen," but was a halal dish that does'nt use any pork bones. Muslims, who are religiously forbidden to eat meat, can safely eat it and it has fewer calories as well. Through these various efforts, ramen has become a Japanese cuisine throughout the world. Ramen Continues to Expand Both in Japan and Abroad. Source :This article Video Ramen now ranks among the top recommended gourmet foods in Japanese cuisine. Many foreigners come to Japan to eat authentic ramen. Some areas famous for ramen in Japan, such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Fukuoka, have ramen shops everywhere. Shoyu ramen, shio ramen, miso ramen, tonkotsu ramen, toripaitan ramen, tsukemen, and abura soba are just a few of the many local ramen dishes you can try when you come to Japan. The toppings, such as chashu, menma (bamboo shoots), and broth, vary depending on the type of ramen and the restaurant, so we highly recommend walking around and trying out different types. Summary “Hakata Ippudo” Kawahara Shigemi mentions in the video that, a future where ramen is slurped up by people all over the world, is coming. The Japanese have a very distinct way of eating ramen that involves slurping while making a loud sucking noise. This may be considered rude in other countries, but in Japan it is done to let the Chef known that you enjoy his ramen, and it also enhances the flavor. Ramen is a relatively new addition to the history of Japanese food, and only recently has it become a part of everyone's daily diet. But it's no stretch of the imagination to say that ramen is the most beloved Japanese food in the world. Be sure to check out the video to learn the history of ramen in Japan and the commitment of Ippudo. ◆Ipuudo, Daimyo Main Shop・Store Overview◆ 【Address】1-13-14 Daimyo, Chuo, Fukuoka 810-0041 Fukuoka Prefecture 【Access】A 7-minute walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line 【Hours】 ＊Monday-Thursday/11:00-23:00 ＊Fridays and before holidays/11:00-24:00 ＊Saturdays/10:30-24:00 ＊Sundays and national holidays/10:30 - 23:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】None 【Telephone】092-771-0880 【Official Website】Ippudo Daimyo Main Shop http://www.multilingual.ippudo.com/en/ 【yelp】 Ippudo Daimyo Main Shop https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E4%B8%80%E9%A2%A8%E5%A0%82-%E5%A4%A7%E5%90%8D%E5%BA%97-%E7%A6%8F%E5%B2%A1%E5%B8%82-4?hrid=tuv7B1SA1HCqHY2AAdx6Kg

The Winners of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! This video, titled "Japanese Designers Take Home Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK! (19/05/24)" (イギリスの園芸大会で日本人デザイナーが金賞受賞(19/05/24)), was produced by "ANNnewsCH." It's a short news clip about Japanese designers Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura who placed first at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura are young gardeners working in Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido). In this article, we'll introduce Chelsea Flower Show 2019, a gardening event that the gardening duo participated in in London. Before we go any further, check out the video to see what the competition is all about! The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Photo：Gardening The Chelsea Flower Show is a gardening event held at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK. The flower festival, the largest in the world, has a history as the oldest flower show in the UK. It's held every year in May, and landscaping craftsmen, carpenters, and plasterers gather from all over the world to attend it. There is also a shop that sells various gardening products. The eligibility requirements to join the contest and do exhibition sales are not easily met, so exhibiting one's own works is not an easy task. One of the highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show is the Garden Design Contest. The contest's show garden categories include a "Show Garden" category, an "Artisan Garden" category, and a "Space To Grow Garden" category. Each category varies in size and is judged on display, construction and planting techniques. If you're a gardening enthusiast, this is a must-attend event and the venue is packed with people. The Japanese Duo That Took Home Gold! Source :YouTube screenshot At the 2019 UK gardening competition, Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura took home the Gold Medal in the "Space To Grow" category at their first ever challenge. Their entry, "Kampo No Niwa," (The Garden of Chinese Herbs), was inspired by the nature of Hokkaido and depicted the flow of water as snow melted. The concept of the garden was "a garden for health and happiness" and it incorporated feng shui and included medicinal plants. The model garden of the Gold-award-winning garden is shown at 0:13 in the video. In 2018, Kazuyuki Ishihara also won the Gold Medal award for his "Omotenashi no Niwa" (Garden of Hospitality), exhibited in the Artisan Garden category. Kazuyuki Ishihara is a veteran of many gold awards and has been exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show since 2006. Summary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura, the Japanese duo who won the Gold Medal award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It also shows the site of the venue where their exhibition "Kampo No Niwa" is displayed. The video also includes an interview with visitors, so you can feel the atmosphere of the Chelsea Flower Show for yourself! If you're interested in gardening be sure to check out the video to see the award winning exhibit, "Kampo no Niwa"! 【Tripadvisor】RHS Chelsea Flower Show https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d10020593-Reviews-RHS_Chelsea_Flower_Show-London_England.html

7-Dan Fujii and the Asahi Cup This video is titled "7-Dan Fujii, 2nd Consecutive Asahi Cup｜Shogi, 2nd Since 9-Dan Habu" (藤井七段、朝日杯2連覇 将棋、羽生九段以来2人目). It is a news video introducing the achievements of 7-dan Fujii who achieved 2nd consecutive Asahi Cup wins, released by "KyodoNews." He is only the second player in history to win the Asahi Cup twice in a row, after 9-dan Habu, and he showed us why, with his incredible performance during his matches. The media covered this massive feat extensively and brought it to the attention of the nation. In this article, I would like to introduce you to the 7-dan, Fujii, the youngest professional Shogi player in the world. Fujii's Feat in the Shogi Asahi Cup Source :YouTube screenshot On February 16, 2019, at the 12th Asahi Cup Open, held at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, 7-dan Sota Fujii defeated the titleholder, Akira Watanabe, in the final to win the tournament. More impressive was that it was Fujii's first time playing against a title holder. Fujii 7-dan also won the tournament in the last round, defeating 9-dan Habu and others who had an overwhelming record of successive victories. This is an amazing accomplishment, and he is only the 2nd person in history since 9-dan Yoshiharu Habu to achieve this feat. You can see the final match against Akira Watanabe from 0:07 in the video. This is Fujii's first win since the 2018 Shinjin-O tournament, and he is delighted with his victory. We're looking forward to see what he can do in the future. In a post-game interview with Fujii, which can be seen at 0:41 in the video, he mentions that he "would like to use this experience to do my best and become stronger." In the interview at 1:05, Akira Watanabe acknowledges the strength of Fujii, and says that Fujii will only continue to get better. As shogi players, they are both still aiming for the top. Who Is Sota Fujii? Source :YouTube screenshot Sota Fujii was born in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, in 2002, and started playing shogi at the age of five, influenced by his maternal grandparents. At the age of 13, he became the youngest player ever to be promoted to 3-dan, and at 14, he went on to become a professional. He is the fifth person in history to become a professional shogi player while still in junior high school, following Hifumi Kato, Koji Tanikawa, Yoshiharu Habu and Akira Watanabe. He made his professional debut in 2016 in a ranking match against Hifumi Kato, which resulted in a victory. He is the youngest player to win an official game, at 14 years and 5 months. From there, he racked up a string of victories, winning 29 matches in a row after his debut. His dominant performance has attracted a lot of attention from the media. After that, he continued to improve his skills as a junior high school professional, breaking various records such as 50 wins and becoming the youngest player to win a total of 100 games. As a challenger, he has challenged masters, titles, and higher ranking masters and achieved a lot of victories. Fujii's Incredible Ability Source :YouTube screenshot The brilliance of Sota Fujii is the speed at which he can read the game as well as his strong early game, but most of all, professional players say that his endgame is especially impressive. Yoshiharu Habu has said of Fujii, that he is "good at cutting off the edges in the shortest possible course" and that he is similar to Koji Tanigawa, a 17th generation master. He is the pinnacle of shogi players, as he is not only unimaginably accomplished for his age, but also has great potential for the future. There are high expectations for him taking both the Meijin and Ryūō ranks. As of February 2020, Fujii ranks 3rd in terms of rating, which indicates his shogi prowess. Summary of 7-Dan Sota Fujii, the Young Genius Photo：Shogi "7-Dan Fujii, 2nd Consecutive Asahi Cup｜Shogi, 2nd Since 9-Dan Habu" is a video that introduces the feat of 7-dan Sota Fujii, who achieved 2 consecutive Asahi Cup victories. In the 13th Asahi Cup Open held in 2020, Sota Fujii broke through qualifying without difficulty, but lost to 7-dan Shota Chida in a semi-final round, and was unable to secure a third victory. We hope you enjoyed this article on Sota Fujii, the up and coming Shogi genius. If you're interested in trying out Shogi, don't be shy! It's a lot of fun!

The Esteemed Architect, Arata Isozaki This video is titled "Arata Isozaki Receives the Pritzker Prize, The Nobel Prize of Architecture!" (磯崎新氏にプリツカー賞 “建築界のノーベル賞). Arata Isozaki born in Oita-shi, Oita in Japan's Kyushu region, is a registered architect with a first-class license and a member of the Japan Art Academy. He is the son of businessman, Soji Isozaki, and is considered a legend in the field of Architecture. Besides the Pritzker Architecture Prize, he has received several other awards, including the AIJ Prize (Architectural Institute of Japan), a Golden Lion from "La Biennale di Venezia," and more. Atelier Arata Isozaki, established in 1963, is home to a number of prominent architects. Famous Works of Arata Isozaki! Photo：Brooklyn Art Museum Masterpieces of Arata Isozaki, the legendary architect, include ・Gunma Astronomical Observatory ・Kitakyushu Museum ・Hara Museum Arc ・Art Tower Mito ・Nagi Museum Of Contemporary Art ・Art Plaza (Oita, Oita) ・Kitakyushu Chuo Library [Video 0:29] ・Toyama Prefectural Tateyama Museum ・Tsukuba Center Building (Tsukuba, Ibaraki) [Video 0:24] and more. His great work also includes some buildings in foreign countries such as MOMA Los Angeles and the Qatar National Convention Center, shown at 0:48 in the video. He also participated in a competition for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and created urban concepts, such as Aeropolis, in Shinjuku and Marunouchi, all of which incorporate contemporary thought. Currently, he is active in Okinawa, China, the Middle East and Europe. What is the Pritzker Prize? Source :YouTube screenshot The Pritzker Prize is an award for architects which was established by the Pritzker family, the founder of the Hotel chain "Hyatt." Arata Isozaki won the 46th Pritzker Prize making him the 8th Japanese architect to win the award. With his unique architectural design, combining both Eastern and Western styles, he was able to win the Pritzker Prize, as described in the video at 0:38. Summary of Pritzker Prize Winner Arata Isozaki Source :YouTube screenshot The Pritzker Prize is one of the most honorable prizes an architect can receive, as it's known as the "Nobel Prize of Architecture." Japanese architects, Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando have also won the Pritzker Prize in the past. If you're interested in learning more about Arata Isozaki, be sure to check out some of the buildings he has designed. You can also check out some of his books as well!

Japanese Adventurer Ogita Yasunaga! This video, titled "'The Earth is Huge!' Mr. Ogita, who walked to the South Pole" (「地球って大きいな」歩いて南極点に立った荻田さん), was created by "ANNnewsCH." It's a news broadcast about Japanese adventurer, Ogita Yasunaga, who reached the South Pole solo, with no resupply aid. He walked 1,130 kilometers across the Antarctic continent by himself, being the first Japanese person to best the journey without aid. After achieving the feat, he says in the interview "The earth is huge." This can be seen at 0:10 in the video. About Ogita Yasunaga Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese adventurer Ogita Yasunaga is from Hokkaido, Japan. He has walked the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and Hokkaido alone. From 2000 to 2019, he went to the North Pole a whopping 16 times! In April 2019, he traveled 600 kilometres in the Arctic Circle with young travelers. He is noted as Japan's only Arctic adventurer and gives various lectures and talk events. In 2000, he participated in "Adventure Walk aiming for North Magnetic Poles," a 700 km walk from Resolute to the North Pole. In 2003, he walked to Victoria Island in the Canadian Arctic Circle, and in 2004, he went on a dog sledding trip in Greenland. In 2011, he received the Faust A.G. Award for Adventurer of the Year and in 2017, he received the Naomi Uemura Adventure Award. He appeared in "Crazy Journey" on TBS, "News Watch 9" from NHK and WOWOW's "Nonfiction W." When he appeared in Crazy Journey, Matsumoto Hitoshi, the host of the show, was amazed by his feats and the episode was well received by audiences. The DVD is available on Amazon, so check it out if you're interested! The First Japanese Person to Reach the South Pole Unassisted Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, he was the first Japanese person to reach the South Pole unassisted. He left the coast of Antarctica in November 2017 and pulled a 100 kg sled loaded with food and other supplies, and skied roughly 1,130 km in 50 days. He reached the South Pole as planned, despite being faced with difficult conditions, including strong headwinds and snowfall. You can see Ogita Yasunaga posing with his fist in the air after reaching the South Pole at 0:17 in the video. During the Journey, his daily diet was 1 kg of food/day, roughly 5000 kilocalories. He had oatmeal for breakfast, biscuits, nuts, and chocolate bars for lunch and instant rice for dinner. He was able to survive and complete his journey by eating foods high in calories. At the end of the video he introduces his next goal. To make it to the North Pole unassisted! Summary of Ogita Yasunaga Photo：Base in Antarctica The video introduces Ogita Yasunaga the Japanese adventurer who reached the South Pole completely unassisted. His achievement was widely covered by the media. If you want to learn more about the awesome Japanese adventurer Ogita Yasunaga, be sure to check out his official website and Instagram! 【Official Website】Ogita Yasunaga https://www.ogita-exp.com/english/

This video, titled "[4K] A Festival Float With a Dynamic Ceiling Painting by Katsushika Hokusai｜Obuse, Nagano｜The Hokusai Museum｜nippon.com" (【4K】葛飾北斎の天井絵が躍動する祭屋台：長野・小布施「北斎館」| nippon.com), was released by "nippon.com." Obuse, a popular tourist town in Nagano Prefecture, houses the Hokusai Museum, which exhibits paintings by Katsushika Hokusai. Katsushika Hokusai was an ukiyo-e artist from the Edo Period, and at the age of 83, he visited Obuse in Shinshu to work on a painting. At the Hokusai Museum in Obuse, a work called the "Matsuri Yatai" (festival float) is on display, which is said to be the only three-dimensional object created by Hokusai. The dynamic dragons and phoenixes on the festival float are a sight to behold. Be sure to visit the Hokusai Museum in Obuse to see the dynamic painting by Katsushika Hokusai.

This video, titled "#15 Shuzo Kishida (Quintessence)" (#15_岸田周三（Quintessence）), was released by "Palais de Z - The Future of Deliciousness" (パレ・ド・Z〜おいしさの未来〜). This video introduces Shuzo Kishida, the owner-chef of Quintessence, a restaurant that was awarded 1st place among the three Michelin stars restaurants of Tokyo in 2020. One of the characteristics of Chef Shuzo Kishida is that he does not create recipes, and he believes in continuous growth. He has a belief in his ingredients, and in the way he goes to the market to find what he is satisfied with, you can sense the splendor of his sincere approach to cooking. In this video, you'll learn about Chef Shuzo Kishida's career and his passion for cooking!

This video, titled "Tanaka Hisashige's Myriad Year Clock [Full & HD]" (田中久重の万年時計【Full & HD】), was released by "Kaoru GreenEmerald." This video introduces Hisashige Tanaka's "myriad year clock." Hisashige Tanaka was a Japanese engineer and inventor who lived from the late Edo period to the Meiji period, and later became one of the founders of Toshiba. He has been called the Edison of Japan, Karakuri Giemon, and other names. The myriad year clock shown in the video has seven functions: It features an armillary sphere, shows Japanese time, western time time, day of the week, months, moon phases, and zodiac signs, and is spring-operated. It has an amazing design that, when completely wound once, continues to work for a year without needing to be rewound, and it is said that almost all of its parts were made by Hisashige Tanaka using simple tools.

World Karate Champion, Ayano Nakamura This video shows an interview with world champion Ayano Nakamura, about karate. Approved as an official game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, karate is very popular internationally as a form of self-defense, mental training, and sport. Have you hear of the movie Karate Kid? If you recall, the story is about a boy who practices karate, and through that he grows as a person. Three entries were made for the blockbuster, and it captured the hearts of audiences all over the world with its themes of martial arts and spirit. Currently, there are about 70 million karate practitioners worldwide. This interview with Ayano Nakamura, winner of the 2017 Karate World Championships, introduces what karate is and what makes it appealing. What is Karate? Photo：Karate Karate is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using the hands and elbows for defense. Although there are various views on the origin of karate, it is rooted in an old Okinawan martial art called "te" (手, te) or "karate" (唐手, karate) which was popular among samurai in the Ryukyu Kingdom (present day Okinawa) as an art of self-defense. Later, it was blended with a Chinese martial art and the base for the karate we know today was formed. The martial art has adopted the three elements: spirit, technique, and physique. Karate has countless styles. The most famous ones are the four major styles of karate: Shotokan style, Goju style, Wado style, and Shito style) and the three major styles of Okinawan karate (Goju style, Uechi style, and Kobayashi style). Although the names of the kata (form of movement, posture, etc. in martial arts) are the same, each school has its own characteristics. At countless gyms and schools of karate throughout Japan, many people are practicing karate to learn about the Japanese spirit and manners as well. Two Types of Sports Karate: Kata and Kumite Sports karate has two types: kata and kumite. In kata, practitioners compete on precision and speed, while in kumite, practitioners compete on how precisely they can hit a certain body part of the opponent. Basic Kata of Karate Photo：Karate Ayano Nakamura mastered Shotokan style karate which has 25 types of kata. As the phrase goes "karate is not for attacking" every kata starts with a block instead of an attack. Trainees master basic kata such as punches, kicks, and blocks first, then move on to more complicated kata. Well-known kata are "Bassaidai," "Kankudai," "Enbi," and "Jion" etc. What Can You Learn From Karate? Learning techniques is of course important in karate. However, observing rules always comes first in the martial art. As "karate is not for attacking" implies, controlling your techniques is more important than anything else in karate. Summary of Karate Source :YouTube screenshot In this interview, Ayano Nakamura describes the traditional Japanese culture "Karate." She focuses more on the mental aspect of karate, manners, etc., rather than the aspect of karate as a martial art. Karate gives more importance what it means to be a fighter, such as making eye contact while talking and greeting. To be strong is one of the ultimate goals of martial arts. Ayano Nakamura hopes, however, that everyone develops a tender heart to care for others, and develops the courage to overcome obstacles through karate. In this video, Ayano Nakamura explains what makes karate attractive and demonstrates her karate techniques. Check out her sharp, impressive movements and powerful will!

Performance Video for Ryuji Shirakawa, an Aikido Master This video entitled “Aikido Dynamic and fluid movement Shirakawa Ryuji shihan (合気道 ダイナミックで流れるような動き！白川竜次 師範), performed by Aikido Master Ryuji, and produced by "Aikido Shinburenseijuku," features performances of Aikido, one of Japan's traditional martial arts. You can see the performance by Ryuji Shirakawa, 6th dan of Shinburenseijyuku, as he throws his opponents from one to the next. What are the techniques of Aikido, Japan's historic martial art? What is Aikido? Photo：Aikido Aikido and other traditional Japanese martial arts emphasize the ancient Japanese concept of "mind, technique and body." "Mind, technique and body" refers to a balance of mind, technique, and body. Aikido is a martial art that was established between the Meiji period and the beginning of the Showa period. It has a relatively short history in comparison with other martial arts. Aikido is a comprehensive martial art into which the principles not only for Jujitsu, but also for Kendo and Judo, are incorporated. The martial art came to be called Aikido in 1942, and has since spread all over the world. It is estimated that there are about 1 million people competing domestically and 1.5 million abroad. Aikido has various types of attacking techniques such as Ikkyo, Shihonage , Iriminage, Kotegaeshi. A half-body stance is the basic position for Aikido regardless school. It is important to practice things such as breathing techniques or switching of body positions to use the martial art's techniques properly. In this video, you can see scenes of master Ryuji Shirakawa throwing his opponents one after another. Sometimes arm-locking them as well. Learn the Japanese Martial Art, Aikido! Photo：Children sitting in "Seiza" The number of people who practice Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Judo, and Kendo has been increasing. Wearing dojo clothes and training in a jiu-jitsu or kendo dojo can help you maintain your health and improve your mental strength. The Japanese martial arts are useful as a self-defense technique, making them a great choice for men as well as women and children to learn. If you can find a good coach and receive careful guidance, you can participate in a competition, even if you are a beginner. Summary of Aikido Master Ryuji Shirakawa's Aikido Performance Source :YouTube screenshot This video features many beautiful and powerful techniques by Aikido Master Ryuji Shirakawa. Please watch his performance in the video if you haven't yet, and enjoy the exchange of great techniques by Japanese martial artists. There are many dojos or training halls in Japan where anyone can learn Japanese martial arts including Jujitsu and Taijutsu. If you're interested in traditional Japanese martial arts, or if you feel like taking up a sport, you should visit a dojo or class where you can practice martial arts! 【Official Website】Aikido Shinburenseijuku http://www.shinburenseijuku.com/

The Traditional Art Form Nihon Buyo! Nihon buyo can be described simply as a dance performed while wearing a kimono to traditional Japanese music. Nihon buyo has been loved by the Japanese people for hundreds of years along with other Japanese art forms such as Noh (能), Kyogen (狂言), Kabuki (歌舞伎) and Bunraku (文楽). This video, created by ANA Global Channel, features an interview with the Japanese Buyo dancer Rin Hanayagi. We hope you enjoy learning about this beautiful art form which has been passed down for generations. The Origins and History of Nihon Buyo Source :YouTube screenshot Traditional Japanese dances date back to mythological times. Since the Heian period (794 AD-1185 AD), dances such as Dengaku (田楽) and Sarugaku (猿楽) have been performed by the common people and later evolved into the popular art forms Noh and Kyogen. The first official mention of Nihon Buyo in Japanese history was during the Edo period (1603 AD-1868 AD). 400 years ago, Izumo no Okuni (出雲阿国) started putting on kabuki performances in Shijo Kawara, Kyoto (京都の四条河原). At the time, it wasn't considered proper for women to perform on stage and so she traveled the country, performing dressed as a man. Her kabuki performances popularized dance throughout Japan. During her interview in the video, Rin Hanayagi explains in detail about the history and origins of Nihon Buyo. Nihon Buyo Schools There are currently more than 200 Nihon Buyo schools in Japan, all with their own characteristic techniques and traditions. The number of schools dramatically increased since the start of the Taisho Period (1912 AD-1926 AD) continuing to branch off into different styles of dance. There are five main schools (五大流派, godairyuuha) which include the Hanayagi school (花柳流), Fujima school (藤間流), Wakayagi school (若柳流), Nishikawa school (西川流) and Bando school (坂東流). The traditions and dances of the schools have been passed down for generations with the names of the schools taking on that of their successors. Nihon Buyo Dancer Rin Hanayagi on Japanese Tradition In the video, Nihon Buyo dancer Rin Hanayagi talks about her feelings towards Japanese tradition. She talks of how her repeated training has increased her knowledge and has been drilled into her behavior. She comments that would like to bring the spirit of Japan to the people through her dance and put on a performance that the viewers can enjoy. At 3:03 in the video, Rin Hanayagi talks of how much thought and detail is put into her outfit, makeup, hairstyle, and more, to make it easy for the viewers to understand what kind of role she is trying to portray in her performances. She wants to work hard to make sure that this beautiful and ancient art form is passed on to future generations and is not forgotten. Nihon Buyo in Recent Years Photo：Buyo From the Meiji Era (1868 AD-1912 AD) to the Showa Era (1926AD-1989AD), and even today, the traditional art form is practiced by people all over the country. Not only can one learn how to dance, but proper manners and etiquette are also taught during Nihon Buyo classes, making it a popular pastime for women and children. There are also many fans of Nihon Buyo outside of Japan. In recent years, the number of foreigners visiting Japan in order to take part in Nihon Buyo workshops and watch Nihon Buyo shows has been increasing. Donning a kimono and trying out a traditional Japanese dance is a great way to remember your trip. Summary of Nihon Buyo Nihon Buyo performances are currently being held all over the country. We recommend checking out the Nihon Buyo Kyoukai (日本舞踊協会) website to find out what kind of performances are taking place. If you're interested in Nihon Buyo, we highly recommend watching a live dance performance! Don't forget to watch the video and enjoy watching a traditional Nihon Buyo performance! It can be seen from 11:51 in the video!

Shigeru Mizuki Road, a Popular Tourist Attraction in Tottori Prefecture This is a high-resolution video titled "Mizuki Shigeru Road renovation complete!," which introduces Shigeru Mizuki Road in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture in Japan's Chugoku Region. The video was uploaded by the "Shigeru Mizuki Road Renewal Promotional Sector." Shigeru Mizuki Road, a popular tourist destination in Sakaiminato City, was reopened in July 2018. Bronze statues of the yokai (a type of Japanese monster) appearing in Shigeru Mizuki's masterpiece "GeGeGe no Kitaro" are set up on the wide cobblestone path. Enjoy sightseeing on Shigeru Mizuki Road, in Sakaiminato City, also known as "yokai town," and seeing Japanese yokai! The video introduces some yokai in various places in the city. How many have you heard of? Highlights of Shigeru Mizuki Road Source :YouTube screenshot Sakaiminato City, the hometown of Shigeru Mizuki, the creator of the cartoon "Gegege no Kitaro," has been attracting attention as a yokai town. Mizuki Shigeru Road is a walking route that stretches approximately 800m long starting from JR Sakaiminato Station. The bronze statues of 177 monsters entertain tourists on a beautiful street greatly improved by the restoration before its reopening in 2018. New yokai shrines, kappa fountains, and bronze statues from the World Yokai Conference have been created in the station park and on the walking paths. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops on Shigeru Road, so we recommend eating lunch and buying souvenirs here. There's also a stamp rally event held at Shigeru Mizuki Road that you can participate in. Shigeru Mizuki Road is lit up every night, creating a suspicious atmosphere that you can't experience during the day. "Yokai world at night!" is introduced at 1:00 in the video. The city's light is Medama-Oyaji! Did you notice? Shigeru Mizuki's Masterpiece "Gegege No Kitaro" Source :YouTube screenshot The manga "Gegege no Kitaro" features a story involving a variety of monsters, including the main character, Kitaro, Medama-Oyaji that rides on his shoulder, a mouse, a cat girl, and an "ittan momen." Take a stroll along the Shigeru Mizuki Road from JR Sakaiminato Station and you will arrive at the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Museum with a retro showa atmosphere. At the Shigeru Mizuki Memorial Hall, you can enjoy the world view of the original work of the manga artist Shigeru Mizuki. Summary of Shigeru Mizuki Road in Sakaiminato City, Tottori Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot If you are sightseeing in Japan, be sure to visit the fascinating Mizuki Shigeru Road, introduced in the video. Various yokai are introduced in the video. Did you manage to find a favorite? If you go on a sightseeing trip to Sakaiminato City in Tottori Prefecture, be sure to visit the nearby Yonago City (米子市, Yonago shi), Tottori Sand Dunes, and Izumo Taisha Shrine (出雲大社, Izumo Taisha) in Shimane Prefecture. ◆Overview of Shigeru Mizuki Road◆ 【Address】Right next to JR Sakaiminato Station 【Average time spent here】Approximately 2 hours together with Shigeru Mizuki Memorial 【Parking】None (use Sakaiminato station square parking lot) 【Official Website】 Shimane Tourism Navi | Shimane Prefecture Tourism Federation Official Site https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/ 【Official Website】 Sakaiminato City Hall, Tottori Prefecture https://www.city.sakaiminato.lg.jp/

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!

What Does Top Kendo Athlete, Yukiko Takami, Have to Say About Kendo? In this video "KENDO - Yukiko Takami／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? DOU (剣道 - 鷹見 由紀子), Yukiko Takami, one of the top Kendo practitioners in Japan, introduces the sport representative of Japanese martial arts. What does this female Kendo practitioner have to say about the sport? About Yukiko Takami Source :YouTube screenshot Yukiko Takami is a Kendo practitioner who has won world championships in both single and group Kendo competitions and is regarded by many to be one of the top Kendo practitioners in Japan. In this video, she talks about the traditional martial art. The Ancient Japanese Martial Art, Kendo Kendo is a Japanese martial art where one fights using a bamboo sword whilst wearing a Kendo uniform which includes protective equipment such as a mask and gloves. The martial Kendo was developed hundreds of years ago (near the end of the Edo era: 1750 AD-1860 AD) in Japan as a way of practicing sword fighting using bamboo swords whilst wearing protective equipment. It has grown in popularity over the years with many competitions being held all over the world. One can compete in Kendo in both single and group competitions, much like other martial arts such as Judo and Karate. One does not simply improve at Kendo by winning matches, training is geared towards improving not just physical strength but also fighting spirit and technique. Moving up the ranks in Kendo also requires more than just strength. There are more than 1.7 million Kendo practitioners competing in Japan, which is more than ten times the number of Judo practitioners currently competing, which number around 160,000. Photo：Kendo The ancient martial art of Kendo is taught to children in Japan as an after-school club activity. There are Kendo halls and classes held all over the country, where one can learn not only technical sword-fighting skills but also about etiquette and Japanese spirit. Yukiko Takami talks in the video of how she used to let her performance in competition affect her emotionally. However, she describes that now, the process is more important than the end result in Kendo, and that learning to respect one's opponent is necessary to grow. From 3:45 in the video, Yukiko Takami talks about the importance of respecting one's opponent instead of focusing on winning or losing. Kendo, the Japanese Martial Art That Begins and Ends With a Bow Photo：Kendo One of the appealing features of Kendo is that it is a martial art one can continue practicing for a lifetime. Yukiko Takami explains that in Kendo, one fights not only using power and speed, but also one's spirit, and that this feature sets Kendo apart from other martial arts such as Karate or Judo. As Kendo is a martial art that wouldn't exist without an opponent, learning to respect each other is a key part of training. In the training hall, known as a dojo, it is custom for students to bow to the shrine and train with their opponents safety in mind. A Top Kendo Practitioner's Thoughts – Summary We hope you enjoyed watching the video of top Kendo practitioner Yukiko Takami! She explains in detail the history of the martial art and also her personal feelings regarding the practice and training. Yukiko Takami also explains in detail the techniques and rules involved in Kendo. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this ancient Japanese martial art.