Haneda Airport Garden, Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Japan Video Introduction This video, titled "[Haneda Airport Garden] Fully Opened and Ready Promote Japanese Culture" (【羽田エアポートガーデン】全面開業　日本文化を発信), was uploaded by "Nihon Keizai Shimbun" (日本経済新聞). Haneda Airport Garden, a commercial complex directly connected to Haneda Airport's international flights and Terminal 3 had its grand opening on January 31, 2023. Stores with noren curtains and other elements of Japanese culture line the aisles. Haneda Sando is store designed to resemble the approach to a Shinto shrine, with stores on both sides of the aisle, which gives visitors a fun experience similar to that of a typical Japanese shrine festival. The Handa Airport Garden was created with the hope that visitors to Japan can experience Japan from the moment they step off the plane. Be sure to check out the video of Haneda Airport Garden as you read along. What is Haneda Airport Garden? Photo：Haneda Airport, Terminal 3 The Haneda Airport Garden, by Sumitomo Realty & Development, was originally scheduled to open in April 2020, following an increase in the number of international flights, but was postponed due to the impact of the novel coronavirus. The full opening of the new building has been planned in anticipation of a recovery in tourism to Japan. Directly connected to Haneda Airport Terminal 3, Haneda Airport Garden boasts 12 floors and a total area of 43,000 square meters. The first floor features restaurants, a food court, and other establishments for food and drinks, while the second floor is lined with shops selling local specialties, souvenirs, and sundries, making it a large-scale facility with approximately 70 tenants. In addition, there's a bus terminal on the first floor, which serves as a direct connection between tourist attractions and Haneda Airport, while the second through twelfth floors include a hotel and hot spring facilities. Haneda Airport Garden is a new commercial complex being called the "new face" of Japan. Haneda Airport Garden – Hours, Recommended Souvenir Shops, and Japanese Culture Source :YouTube screenshot Here we'll introduce the stores featured in the video as wel las their business hours. ●Hakuchikudo, a Fan Specialty Shop in Kyoto Hakuchikudo is a store with more than 300 years of history, founded in 1718. The store is popular for making beautiful and fashionable traditional Kyo-sen (Kyoto-style folding fans) created by techniques passed down from one generation to the next. [Video] 0:28 - Hakuchikudo ●Kurazukuri Honpo, a Shop Selling Traditional Japanese Sweets Established in Kawagoe in 1887, this Japanese confectionery store values "ingredients" and "technique" and sells exquisite wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) that are made with the care and passion of its craftsmen. The "Fukuzo" (福蔵, homemade red bean paste wrapped in baked rice cake skin) and "Beniaka kun" (べにあかくん, a biscuit made with butter, whipped cream, and Japanese sweet potatoes) are especially popular. [Video] 0:38 - Kurazukuri Honpo ●Yamakoshi Honpo, a Shop Selling Local Specialties From Niigata, Japan This shop sells local specialties from Nagaoka, Niigata. You can purchase special types of rice, processed rice products, miso, sake, and more. [Video] 1:02 - Yamakoshi Honpo ●Rokkakukan Sakurado is a shop specializing in cosmetic brushes. Visitors can purchase cosmetic brushes and miscellaneous cosmetic goods only available at Haneda Airport Garden here, as well as products from Chikuhodo, a famous cosmetic brush manufacturer in Kumano, Japan. [Video] 1:12 - Rokkakukan Sakurado From Kyoto ●Hakuchikudo and Kurazukuri Honpo are located in the "Japan Promenade" area, while Yamakoshi Honpo and Rokkakukan Sakurado are located in the "Haneda Sando" area. Both shops are making their first appearance in Tokyo. Business hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Recommended Restaurants at Haneda Airport Garden + Business Hours Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to shopping, visitors to the Haneda Airport Garden can also enjoy a variety of dining experiences. ●OEDO FOOD HALL Food Court (大江戸フードホール) (Hours - 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) The interior design is a modern interpretation of Edo-period Japan, and the walls are decorated with ukiyoe-style paintings, a type of woodblock print painting popular at the time. The food court serves a wide variety of dishes, including steak cooked on lava rock, juwari soba noodles made from 100% buckwheat flour, and tekkaju, a dish that uses natural tuna directly shipped from Misaki Port. The restaurant also features ingredients from Tokyo and neighboring prefectures. ●The Izakaya Umaiyo Sakana Umaiyo Sakana (うまいよ魚旨いよ魚) (Hours - 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) A wide variety of fish dishes can be enjoyed here, and customers can enjoy 27 kinds of sake carefully selected from all over Japan. The interior design, reminiscent of a shrine, is also worth noting. ●Hanayama Udon (五代目 花山うどん) (Lunch Hours - 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dinner Hours 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.) The popular "Hishikawa Udon" here has a chewy texture that could be mistaken for rice cakes, with their signature large noodles. Heijoen, a Japanese BBQ Restaurant (Hours 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Heijoen is a restaurant where patrons can enjoy Japan's world-famous Wagyu beef. The menu includes delicious platters and Kobe Beef Tokusen Gozen, a set meal that includes an assortment of the finest cuts of Kobe beef, and the restaurant is proud of the high quality of its beef, which is mainly Kobe Beef. Haneda Airport Garden – Hotels & Natural Hot Springs Source :YouTube screenshot The Haneda Airport Garden is home to Villa Fontaine, the largest hotel directly connected to an airport, with a total of 1,717 guest rooms. Villa Fontaine is divided into two types: Villa Fontaine Premier Haneda Airport and Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport. Villa Fontaine Premier has parking available for one car per room (reservation required), and is recommended for those who not only want to use the airport, but also those purely interested in staying at the hotel. The hot spring facility "Izumi Tenku no Yu" located on the 12th floor of the hotel is drawing a lot of attention as a hot spring where you can enjoy airplane spotting and views of Mt. Fuji. There are four areas to enjoy, from relaxing hot springs to bedrock baths and saunas. Non-hotel guests can also use the facilities by paying a fee, and it's open 24 hours a day! Summary of Haneda Airport Garden Haneda Airport is aiming to become the new gateway to Japan. Haneda Airport Garden, which has just fully opened at Haneda Airport, is a commercial complex where visitors can fully enjoy Japanese culture. It's a great place for both Japanese citizens and foreign visitors to Japan alike to enjoy the delicious dining experiences, shopping, saunas, and more. The interior design is also really photogenic for any instagrammers looking for a new place to check out! Discover the new face of Japan at Haneda Airport Garden! 【Official Website】Haneda Airport Garden 【TripAdvisor】Tokyo International Airport, Haneda Airport

Video Introduction of "Yanmar Tokyo" in Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video, titled "'Yanmar Tokyo' Opens in Yaesu, Tokyo – A Complex Directly Connected to the Station (January 12, 2023)" (「ヤンマー・トーキョー」東京・八重洲に開業　駅直結の複合施設（2023年1月12日）), was uploaded by "TV TOKYO BIZ" (テレ東BIZ). Yanmar, known as a major agricultural equipment manufacturer, has opened "Yanmar Tokyo," a complex of facilities in Tokyo with the theme of "rice." Yanmar Tokyo is a new type of facility that promotes rice and agriculture in the heart of the city near JR Tokyo Station. It features an interactive gallery by creative director Kashiwa Sato and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious dishes made with rice. Be sure to check out the video introducing Yanmar Tokyo before reading on. What Is Yanmar Tokyo? A Look at the New Complex That Opened in January 2023 + Location Information and More Photo：Yanmar Tokyo Yanmar Tokyo is a new building complex which opened in January 2023 after the demolition and renovation of the previous Yanmar Tokyo Building that was built in 1977. Located in Yaesu, Tokyo, Yanmar Tokyo is a 14-story building with three basement levels and stands 69.88 meters tall. The total floor space is 22,000 m2, and includes commercial areas, restaurants, and gallery spaces on the basement, first, and second floors. The third to 14th floors house the Yanmar Group and other office tenants. A distinctive feature of the building is its focus on "rice" and "agriculture" as part of Yanmar's "HANASAKA" value initiative. In the heart of Tokyo's Yaesu district, the facility also plays a role as a base for supporting new farmers and disseminating information on food production. In addition, Yanmar Tokyo serves as a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture, including restaurants where they can enjoy rice and a hands-on gallery where they can learn about rice. Yanmar Kome Gallery – Fun for Kids and Adults Alike! Photo：Inside Yanmar Tokyo The Yanmar Kome Gallery (Yanmar Rice Gallery), a hands-on exhibit in Yanmar Tokyo, offers a variety of contents to enjoy. Visitors can discover the beauty of rice through various challenges. For example, the the "Rice Personality Test," in which participants answer "yes" or "no" to a set of questions and are told which variety of rice fits their personality, and the "Wisdom of Rice Cultivation," in which visitors learn how to solve problems that arise during rice cultivation through a game using dice. The direction of the gallery was overseen by creative director Kashiwa Sato. In addition to the aforementioned content, the gallery is also decorated with rice straw. The atrium, which features artwork composed of multiple layers of cherry blossom petals, is popular for its dynamic, photogenic sights. The rice sculpture, the symbol of the Yanmar Rice Gallery, and the tractors are also popular spots! Be sure to take some photos with your kids if you're visiting as a family. Italian Cuisine, Seaweed Bentos and More! Check Out the Tasty Restaurants at Yanmar Tokyo! Yanmar Tokyo offers more than just information on rice and agriculture; it also offers a wide variety of delicious foods that allow visitors to enjoy the delicious taste of rice. The restaurant on the second floor is ASTERISCO, an Italian restaurant supervised by Kundo Koyama, a broadcast writer and producer, and produced by Yoshiyuki Okuno, the chef of La Brianza in Roppongi. At ASTERISCO, with "rice" being the core of the menu, diners can enjoy small dishes prepared in the "Yum cha" style, using special ingredients from each of the four seasons in different regions. This is a new type of restaurant where a cart moves around the seating area, providing information about the ingredients while simultaneously serving food to guests, allowing them to enjoy their meal in an interactive format. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Next is Yaehachi, a take-out restaurant on the basement floor that specializes in nori bento (bento boxes utilizing dried seaweed). The restaurant uses rice cooked in a rice cooker and a special typed of seaweed made from a combination of two types of seaweed from Mikawa Bay in Aichi Prefecture. The nori bento, which is served with side dishes using koji (malted rice), is a must-try. The restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. From Carefully Grown Rice to Sake Ice Cream! Explore the Exciting Shops at Yanmar Tokyo Photo：Ice cream One of the tenants on the first floor of Yanmar Tokyo is KOME-SHIN, a store inspired by the concept of "enjoying rice like wine." Here, rice retailers offer a wide selection of different varieties of rice grown from all over Japan, allowing customers to buy the rice that suits their palate. The rice is bottled, so customers can purchase it as if they were selecting a bottle of wine, all while enjoying the fashionable atmosphere of the store. Alongside KOME-SHIN is SAKEICE Tokyo Shop, where patrons can enjoy sake ice cream. The ice cream sold at this store is mixed with sake, giving it a high alcohol content. Because of this, minors and patrons coming by car are advised to keep this in mind. Of course, non-alcoholic versions are also available. The store has developed products in collaboration with sake breweries from all over Japan, allowing visitors to experience Japan's rich sake culture through a treat that everyone is familiar with. Yanmar Tokyo's HANASAKA Campaign Is Underway! HANASAKA Ohanami Weekend (Hanasaka Cherry Blossom Viewing Weekend) was held for 3 days from January 13, the opening day of Yanmar Tokyo (Tokyo), at a special venue on the 8th floor where a real cherry tree with cherry blossoms was set up along with a photo spot for taking pictures. The event was very popular and visitors could take pictures at the photo spot and post them on social networking sites with a special hashtag to receive a vacuum-packed packet of rice. Currently, Yanmar is holding a campaign in which participants who follow Yanmar's official Twitter account and retweet campaign posts will be entered into a drawing to win a NIPLUX NECK RELAX, a neck stiffness relief product. Up to 10 people will win prizes. The campaign is currently underway, so be sure to join in! Yanmar Tokyo Summary Photo：Yanmar Tokyo Yanmar Tokyo is a hub where Yanmar, which has been involved in agriculture for many years through its efforts to reduce environmental impact and create an appealing food culture, communicates the joy of continuing to take on new challenges. Today, when a sustainable society is becoming more and more important, the Yanmar Tokyo Building can serve as an important base for promoting a sustainable society to a wider audience. The building is directly connected to Tokyo Station making it easy to access. Enjoy learning about Japan's food culture and the environment!

Fuku Otoko 2023 – A Race to Be the Lucky Man at Nishinomiya Shrine: Video Introduction This video, titled "A Return After 3 Years! Nishinomiya Shrine's 'Fuku Otoko' Event - This Year's 'Lucky Man' Is a 22-Year-Old University Student From Kobe!" (3年ぶり開催！西宮神社「福男選び」　一番福は神戸の22歳大学生), was uploaded by "Kobe Shimbun (kobedigital)" (神戸新聞社（kobedigital)). Every year, there's a unique ritual held at Nishinomiya Shrine on Toka Ebisu, a festival on January 10 dedicated to Ebisu, the god of fortune. It's called Fuku Otoko. Since 2019, there has been only one Fuku Otoko event held at Nishinomiya Shrine. But this year, the ritual has finally returned! Before the coronavirus pandemic, the event was massive, with nearly 1,500 participants, but it was cancelled for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, making it the first time in three years that the event has been held. Check out the video below to see the 2023 Fuku Otoko event! The Lucky Man of 2023! Source :YouTube screenshot Of the first 1,200 people to arrive, approximately 108 were in the forward group. Just prior to the opening of the gates, a curtain was hung with the words "Shuku Fukatsu" (祝復活, Celebration Revival) in celebration of the first time the event had been held in three years. At 6:00 a.m. on January 10, 2023, the Main Gate opened to the sound of taiko drums, followed by participants rushing into the precincts of the temple and sprinting for the finish line. [Video] 0:02 - The Celebration Revival Curtain The first man to pass through the gate arrives at the main shrine, dodging all the obstacles in his path! He was the lucky man of 2023. [Video] 0:45 - The Moment the Lucky Man of 2023 is Decided The lucky man for 2023 is a 22-year-old baseball player from Kobe, Hyogo, who is a member of the regulation baseball team at Osaka University of Commerce and holds a record of 5.9 seconds in the 50-meter dash. In the interview, he says, "I am standing here because of my luck, so I want to make this a year in which I can share this luck with everyone. [Video] 0:50 - The 3 Lucky Winners The second blessing was given to a 25-year-old public servant from Nishinomiya, Hyogo, and the third to a first-year college student from Kishiwada, Osaka. In the 2020 Nishinomiya Shrine Fuku Otoko event, a male PE teacher in his 30s, who has participated 13 consecutive times, was awarded #1 Fuku Otoko for the first time in 2023. Incidentally, the last lucky man of Japan's Heisei period (1989-2019) was a male firefighter in his 20s. Fuku Otoko – When & Where to See the Event Photo：Nishinomiya Shrine, Hyogo The Gate Opening ritual for selecting the "lucky men" is held at Nishinomiya Shrine in Nishinomiya, Hyogo in Japan's Kansai region. Although the 2021 and 2022 rituals were canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the 2023 ritual was held for the first time in three years and was very popular. Nishinomiya Shrine's annual Fuku Otoko ritual is held on January 10 during "Toka Ebisu," a major festival dedicated to the deity Ebisu, with the large red gate closing at midnight on January 9 and opening at 6:00 a.m. on January 10. A large number of participants dash through the precincts of the shrine to be the first to arrive at the shrine to pray for good fortune. For the first time in three years, Nishinomiya Shrine will hold a lottery to select the participants of the event, with the number of participants being limited to 1,200, down from the usual 1,500. Despite the ritual being called Fuku Otoko (福男, lit. "Lucky Man"), women are also eligible to participate. If a woman wins, she becomes a "Fuku Onna" (福女, lit. "Lucky Woman"). Tracing the History of Nishinomiya Shrine Photo：A statue of Ebisu Nishinomiya Shrine is the head shrine of all Ebisu shrines throughout Japan, which are worshipped as gods of good fortune. The origin of the shrine is said to originate from an idol that originally appeared off the coast of Wadamisaki, Kobe, in Osaka Bay and was enshrined by fishermen, who later entrusted it to Nishinomiya Shrine. The main shrine is a beautiful building with an unusual structure called sanren kasuga-zukuri (a triple-pitched roof), and is designated as a National Treasure. It was donated by Tokugawa Ietsuna, the fourth shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was destroyed by fire during an air raid during the war, but has been beautifully restored to its present appearance. The beautiful green forest that stretches across the grounds behind the main shrine is called Ebisu no Mori (えびすの森, Ebisu Forest) and is designated as a Natural Monument by the Hyogo Prefectural Government. It is a wonderful shrine where visitors can experience nature and the long history and culture of the area. Fuku Otoko's Course, Obstacles, and Time! Photo：The large front gate of Nishinomiya Shrine, Hyogo Prefecture Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko ritual is a major event on Toka Ebisu, in which contestants race through a 230-meter long-course along a stone-paved approach from the red Akamon Gate to the main shrine building. Every year, many applicants compete for the title of "lucky man," but many give up even before the more difficult points along the course. One of the most difficult points that eliminates many participants is the "Tenbin Curve" located at the end of the straight shot extending from Akamon Gate. Many participants have been seen on TV dropping out of the race after failing to make this turn. You might be curious as to how fast people get to the finish line during the Fuku Otoko rituals at Nishinomiya Shrine, but they unfortunately don't record this. According to a spokesperson, the races are usually about 30 seconds long. This means that the races start and end in a flash. Merits to Being a Lucky Man or Lucky Woman Photo：A lucky bamboo branch on Toka Ebisu So, what happens if you're a lucky man or woman at Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko ritual? First, you'll receive an effigy of Ebisu and a certificate. Then, you'll receive Ebisu's rice, sake, yakidai (grilled sea bream), an Ebisu mask, a happi coat, and other gifts. Winners will also participate in shrine festivals and rituals as a lucky man or woman. The events included are as follows: rice cake pounding at the shrine in February, the Okoshiya Festival in June, and the Nishinomiya Festival in September. The winners are also invited to corporate events and other events, where they deliver good fortune to everyone as that year's Fuku Otoko or Fuku Onna. Rules & How to Participate in Fuku Otoko To participate in Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko ritual, it's actually very simple. If you just want to participate, simply gather at Omote-daimon Gate in time for the 6:00 a.m. start time. However, if you are serious about becoming a Fuku Otoko, you'll need to win a drawing. The lottery draw will take place at 10:00 p.m. on January 9, with registration starting at midnight on January 10. At the registration desk, you'll have to sign a "Participant's Agreement" indicating that you agree to participate in the shrine's events on a priority basis if you become a lucky man or lucky woman. There is a red lottery for the A block (108 people) at the front of the gate, and a blue lottery for the B block (100 people) behind the A block. All others will be placed in Block C. The lottery will be closed once it reaches the maximum enrollment. If you want to be a lucky man or lucky woman, be sure to participate in the lottery. Summary of Nishinomiya Shrine's Fuku Otoko Event Photo：Toka Ebisu, Nishinomiya Shrine The sight of so many people running as fast as they can to become a lucky man is exciting to watch. Although the Toka Ebisu festival is crowded with many worshippers, it's a unique event and you can also see the unusual sakasa kadomatsu, an upside-down pine decoration. Bring a camera to take some awesome photos of your visit. You can participate in the selection of a lucky man and become one, or just come to experience the excitement of the festival! If you're traveling to Hyogo Prefecture during this season, consider checking out the gate opening ritual, which will be held for the first time in three years, and pray for a happy new year! 【Official Website】Nishinomiya Shrine 【TripAdvisor】Nishinomiya Shrine

Kanji of the Year” video to be announced at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "The Announcement for the Kanji of the Year for 2022 at Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto, Japan (December 12, 2022)" (京都・清水寺で2022年「今年の漢字」発表（2022年12月12日　京都市東山区）), was uploaded by "Kyoto Shimbun" (京都新聞). Every year around December 12, Japan's Kanji of the Year is announced. When the announcement is made each year at Kiyomizudera, a famous temple in Kyoto, it attracts a large crowds and media outlets from all across Japan and is broadcast live on the news, making it a well-known event. The powerful kanji written on Japanese paper and placed on a special stand on the stage of Kiyomizudera is both powerful and elegant. The time has come for the announcement of Kanji of the Year for 2022. For many people in Japan, it's a year-end tradition to watch the announcement. It's become a symbol of the year's end. So, without further ado, let's take a look at 2022's Kanji of the Year. The Kanji 戦 (Ikusa, 'War') and Why It Was Chosen Photo：The kanji for 'war' The Kanji of the Year for 2022 was announced on December 12, 2022. The Kanji 戦 (Ikusa), meaning "fight" or "battle," received 10,804 of the total 220,000 votes that were cast. The following is the list of kanji that came in places 2 through 10: 2. 安 (An, Stable/Calm); 3. 楽 (Raku, Comfortable/Peaceful); 4. 高 (Taka, High/Expensive); 5. 争 (Arasou, Conflict); 6. 命 (Inochi, Life); 7. 悲 (Hi, Grieve/Sadness); 8. 新 (Shin, New); 9. 変 (Hen, Change), 10. 和 (Wa, Peace/Harmony). This is the second time that 'War' has been chosen, as it was also chosen in 2001. What events in the year 2022 come to mind when you see this kanji? Themes that may come up when you hear the words "fight" or "battle" might be Japan's strong battle in the World Cup... However, that's not the reason why the kanji was chosen. According to the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, the organizer of the event, the reason for 'War' being chosen is that the world was stunned while witnessing the horrors of the war caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and also because of the battle fought by people in their daily lives while trying to survive with a weakening yen and rising costs of living, as well as heated sports competitions. Where Japan's Kanji of the Year Was Announced and Why Photo：Autumn at Kiyomizudera Japan's Kanji of the Year is usually announced around December 12 every year. Now you might be wondering, "What's the significance of December 12?" Well, there's actually a good reason for this. December 12 is recognized as "Kanji Day" in Japan, and it's hoped that people will learn at least one kanji every year. Since the headquarters of the organizer, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, is located in Kyoto, the world-renowned temple Kiyomizudera is the setting for the presentation. Hopefully this helped you understand the significance of the date and location of this Japanese year-end tradition. When the 'Kanji of the Year' Tradition Began in Japan, Who Writes Them, and More! It's no exaggeration to say that the announcement of the Kanji of the Year is a year-end tradition, but, when did this tradition start exactly? The first Kanji of the Year was announced in 1995, 27 years ago. The Kanji of the Year is a one-character description of the year. The person in charge of writing the kanji is Seihan Mori, the chief abbot of Kiyomizudera Temple, who is also the chief priest in charge of the temple. The ceremony has been conducted by Seihan Mori since 1995, when it was first announced. The kanji is written by chief abbot Mori on the famous stage of Kiyomizudera. [Video] 0:00 - The Kanji of the Year Being Written Kanji of the Year From Previous Years Source :YouTube screenshot Here is a list of Kanji of the Year from previous years. 1995 - 震 (Shin, Quake/Tremble) The year 1995 was marked by a series of astonishing events. This kanji was chosen as a year of "trembling" due to natural disasters, such as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, and the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack, as well as political turmoil. 1999 - 末 (Sue, End) In this year, which marked the end of the century, events that seemed like the "end of the world" occurred frequently. The Tokaimura Nuclear Accidents, police scandals, the collapse of the myth of bullet train safety, restructuring due to economic downturn, and many other seemingly "end-of-the-century events" occurred in this year. However, the character "End" was chosen in the hope that the following year will be a year of "Sue-Hirogari" (末広がり, Prosperity). 2005 - 愛 (Ai, Love) Despite the marriage and love (愛) of Princess Nori, the success of Expo 2005 Aichi (愛知), and the success of women named "Ai" (愛), the year was also marked by a number of incidents without love. While in Japan, people were taught the importance of both loving things close to them, and loving things on a global scale, 愛 (Ai, Love) was chosen because there were many incidents involving children and juvenile crimes where there was not enough "love." Photo：The Japanese era Reiwa 2019 - 令 (Rei, Order/Decree) In this year when a new emperor acceded to the throne and a new era began, it can be said that the Kanji of the Year expressed people's joy at the dawn of a new era as well as their hope for brighter days. The character 令 (Rei, Order/Decree) was also chosen due to events related to order, such as the revision of laws and regulations and compliance with laws and regulations among other things. 2021 - 金 (Kin, Gold) Up until this point, the character for "gold" had been selected three times. Its selection in 2021 marked the 4th time it was selected, making it the most selected since the tradition began. Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were held a year late, with many Japanese athletes winning gold medals. They provided courage and inspiration not only to the people of Japan but also to people around the world. It was also selected because of milestones reached in various fields and money-related topics, such as the announcement of a new banknote. Despite the fact that the Kanji of the Year is in the news every year, many people don't know they can actually participate in the tradition. How Are Japan's Kanji of the Year Chosen? This year's Kanji of the Year will be chosen by the general public from all over Japan. Submitted kanji will be used as candidates, and the kanji with the most submissions will be selected and announced at Kiyomizudera around December 12. The application process is very simple: access the website of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation and cast your voter using the Kanji of the Year Application Form. Postcard submissions are also accepted, so you can submit your entry through the application boxes located in bookstores and libraries throughout Japan, at Kiyomizudera, and the Japan Kanji Museum & Library in Kyoto. The submission period is usually from November 1 to around December 5. You can submit any kanji you like. If you're interested in participating in 2023, give it a shot! Summary of Japan's Kanji of the Year for 2022 Photo：The Kanji Museum After seeing the Kanji of the Year being announced in the video, are you sad or excited that the year is over? The Kanji of the Year is announced on or around December 12 every year. If you decide to participate your kanji might even be chosen! Now that it has become a year-end tradition in Japan, the Kanji of the Year is an event loved by many people. For many people it's fun trying to guess what the kanji will be for that year! The Kanji of the Year will be exhibited at Kiyomizudera and from late December at the Kanji Museum in Gion, Kyoto. While it's wonderful to visit the photogenic spots in Kyoto during winter, consider stopping to take a photo of the Kanji of the Year for 2022 and sharing it on social media as a year-end greeting!

Tourism Expo Japan 2022 is on! It's been two years since Cool Japan Video released its first video, and this will be our first coverage of the event! We will continue to publish articles about Cool Japan Video staff members who have actually visited Japan and provided first-hand accounts of their experiences. The first article in this series covers Tourism Expo Japan, which was held at Tokyo Big Sight for four days from September 22, 2022 (two days open to the public, from September 24 to 25)! The last time the event was held in Tokyo in 2018, a total of 200,000 people visited the big event over four days. This Tourism Expo Japan is one of the world's largest travel festivals and was held in Tokyo for the first time in four years. The exhibition is designed to bring various municipalities and companies a new form of travel that has been greatly changed by the Corona Transit. There were also many new styles of travel, such as VR experiences that make it seem as if you have actually visited the destination. With the convergence of the coronas in sight, the first and second days of the Japan Travel event were a great success. With the convergence of the coronas in sight, the first and second days of the Japan Travel event were a great success. Tourism Expo Japan 2022 - Photos from the First Day of the Expo Here are some photos from the first day, Thursday, September 22, 2022. The interview will be featured again later in this article, so stay tuned! Information has also been added for Friday, September 23, 2022. Photo：Japan Sake Brewery Tourism Promotion Council Photo：Maritime Tourism Promotion Photo：Ibaraki/Tochigi/Gunma/Kusatsu Onsen Photo：National Parks in Japan/Haku Japan: National Parks Project Photo：Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry Photo：Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization / East Japan Railway Company Photo：Kyoto of the sea/ Kyoto of tea/ Kyoto of the forest/ Another Kyoto/ Nishiyama, Kyoto "Bamboo Village, Otokuni Photo：Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation Photo：VISIT JAPAN Travel & MICE Mart Lastly, ... To our surprise, former Prime Minister Suga also visited on that day! Tourism Expo Japan 2022, Day 2 The second day of Tourism Expo Japan was another great success. It will open to the public on the third day, Saturday, September 24, 2022, so here's a rundown of all the highlights for everyone to enjoy! First, booths of prefectures and local governments from all over Japan. Various booths will be lined up from Hokkaido in the north to Okinawa in the south. It introduces recommended sights, top sights and gourmet foods, so it will help you decide what to plan for when you actually visit on your trip! At the Okinawa Prefecture booth, visitors were given information on sightseeing spots along with information from various remote islands. You can also learn about the history of Okinawa. The Kyushu booth features seven prefectures: Fukuoka/Saga/Nagasaki/Kumamoto/Oita/Miyazaki/Kagoshima! This day, September 23, 2022, marked the anniversary of the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen line. Of the 143-kilometer Shinkansen project between Hakata and Nagasaki Stations, 66 kilometers between Takeo Onsen and Nagasaki Stations has been opened. At the Shikoku booth, Kochi, Ehime, Kagawa, and Tokushima prefectures You will find a wide variety of natural activities and attractions. Hida Takayama, Matsumoto City, Kanazawa City, etc. in Hokuriku, Hida, and Shinshu 3 star road trip! You can also sample Shirakawa-go Cider, a local drink. Check out the booths where you can sample sake and other local beverages. Many of them have limited hours, so you need to check in advance. At the Ishikawa booth, visitors can compare three types of Ishikawa sake. I would have wanted to drink too if I wasn't working... The Hokuriku-Hida-Shinshu 3-star road trip includes a tasting of Shirakawa-go cider, a local drink. There are also several booths where you can try your luck at the gacha-gacha and raffle drawings. At the booth of the Eastern Kochi Tourism Council, visitors can win a stuffed yellowtail, a specialty of Kochi Prefecture, in the "Buri Lottery. You can't go wrong, so why not give it a try? The Japanese Heritage booth had a giant rumble machine that will be open to the public on September 24 and 25. Please visit and see what you can win. Experience booths and event booths that are a little bit different and can only be enjoyed here. You can actually enjoy the footbath! Why don't you try to heal your tired body in a hot spring? The history of life in Hokkaido is recreated. Actual seats from the Anpanman train running in Shikoku are on display. You can even sit down and have your picture taken! Take a great photo and feel like an astronaut! Yukimura Sanada's armor and ninja welcome you. This booth is a must-see for foreigners. There is also the World Scallop Fishing Championships: how many scallops can you catch in two minutes! If you can get the gold bars out of the box, you get a prize! I'd love to travel all over Japan in one of these campers! On the Overseas floor, you can also see booths from around the world. You will feel like you are on a round-the-world trip if you visit each booth. South Africa's colorful booth stood out in the large venue. In Malta, the holy land of cat lovers, of course, cats will welcome you! The Egyptian booth was so authentic, with its objects and costumes, I felt like I was actually visiting Egypt! There's so much more to see and do! Why not visit Tokyo Big Sight this weekend and find your favorite booth? On September 22, 2022, Prime Minister Kishida announced a policy of eliminating the cap on the number of people entering the country, allowing free personal travel, and waiving visa requirements for short-term stays, effective October 11, 2022, over waterfront measures for the new corona. We believe that the recovery of the tourism industry is another step closer to the after Corona. Tourism Expo Japan 2022 Details Date: September 22-25, 2022 (open to the public on September 24-25) Venue: Tokyo Big Sight Address: 3-11-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan Admission: 1300 yen at the door, 1000 yen in advance By train: Approx. 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Rinkai Line, approx. 7 minutes walk from Kokusai Tenjijo Station / Approx. 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Big Sight Station on the Yurikamome Line Official website:https://www.t-expo.jp/public

Pikachu Jet Video Introduction This video, titled "[SKYMARK]☆Pikachu Jet BC2 Inaugural Video" (【SKYMARK】☆ピカチュウジェットBC2 就航記念動画☆), was uploaded by "- SKYMARK CHANNEL -" (スカイマーク チャンネル - SKYMARK CHANNEL -). This video introduces the BC2, the second aircraft of the "Pokémon Air Adventures" project, from its arrival at Haneda Airport to its first flight. The cute design of the Pikachu Jet with the image of the sea and Pikachus scattered throughout the cabin will help hype up your trip. Check out the video to see the Pikachu Jet's takeoff and landing, as well as a look inside the aircraft. About the Pikachu Jet BC2 and an Overview of the Cabin Source :YouTube screenshot The first Pikachu Jet (BC1) began service in June 2021 as part of the "Pokémon Air Adventures" Project. This video introduces the second Pikachu Jet, the BC2, which entered service on May 30, 2022. It's a great video where you can see the No. 1 and No. 2 Pikachu Jets together. [Video] 0:36 - BC1 and BC2 Pikachu Jets Pikachu, the famous Pokémon character, has been featured in video games and anime to express the joy of adventure. The "Pokémon Air Adventures" project was created with the aim of promoting the aviation and tourism industries with such Pokémon. The Pikachu Jet flies primarily to and from Okinawa and to airports served by Skymark flights. The design of the Pikachu Jet BC2 is inspired by the Okinawan sea. The design is fun and cute, with a large Wailord, Pikachu, Shaymin, Magikarp, and other Pokémon all over the aircraft! It's really photogenic and great for taking Instagram photos! Commemorative medals, mini pouches, and model planes are available for purchase on board the Pikachu Jet as well. There is also a special offer where children will receive a keychain plush of the specially painted plane (while supplies last). Keep an eye out for Pokémon on boarding passes, flight attendants' aprons, in-flight decorations (headrest covers, seat guides, etc.), equipment, in-flight services, and more. Pikachu can even be seen making an appearance in the Skymark uniform! [Video] 0:42 - Pikachu and the Pikachu Jet Operation Schedules and How to Ride the Pikachu Jet The Pikachu Jet operation schedule is currently being on the official Pikachu Jet website with plans through September 30, 2022. If you book your ticket according to the routes and times announced in this operation schedule, you will have a higher chance of riding on the Pikachu Jet. (Please note that the aircrafts are subject to change without notice.) Pikachu Jet BC2 – Flying Routes To/From Okinawa Photo：The Pikachu Jet BC2 The main routes served by the Pikachu Jet BC2 are as follows: Haneda - Naha Haneda - Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) Haneda - Kobe Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) - Haneda Kobe - Haneda Kobe - Nagasaki Nagasaki - Kobe At Naha Airport, the Skymark domestic flight counters and check-in machines are decorated with Pikachus! If you're a Pokémon fan, be sure to snap some photos. A special "Pokémon Air Adventures Pikachu Jet" store is also located inside the JAL side of the RYUBO Department Store on the 2nd floor of the Naha Airport Domestic Terminal. You can buy Okinawan souvenirs with a special Pikachu design here. In addition, airport vehicles will be wrapped in Pikachu-designs to add to the excitement. All the Pikachus! Yui Rail and Bus Tours! Pikachu and friends are also on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (nicknamed "Yui Rail") connecting Naha Airport and Urasoe! The operation schedule for this service will be posted on the Yui Rail website every Friday. Be sure to check it out in advance. If you're a Pikachu lover, you can also join the "Pokémon Air Adventures: Okinawa de Asobo" tour. You can enjoy Pikachu to your heart's content by receiving Pokémon goods and touring tourist facilities on a Pokémon-themed bus. Summary of the Pikachu Jet This article introduced the specially painted Pikachu Jet. A one-day flight from Ibaraki Airport was also available, but this flight is already sold out. If you'd like to board the Pikachu Jet, we recommend checking the flight schedule and making a reservation. If you broaden your criteria to include the first plane as well, you'll have an even better chance of getting on the plane. We hope you get the chance to board a Pikachu plane and have an exciting trip! The Pikachu Jet and other specially painted planes are very popular with airplane/airport photographers, and some people have even posted pictures of the first and second planes together on Instagram. There's even going to be a special collab with Pokémon GO as well, so be sure to keep an eye out for some special Pikachus! [Official Website] Skymark - Summer Memories with the Pikachu Jet https://www.skymark.co.jp/en/campaign/flying-pikachu/?cp=topmv1flying-pikachu-en

Video introduction of “Gozan-no-Okuribi” in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture This video, titled "Gozan no Okuribi 4K" (五山送り火 4K Gozan no Okuribi), was uploaded by "MOVIE JAPAN." The video begins with scenes of spectators at Gozan no Okuribi, part of the obon festival in Kyoto, on the banks of the Kamo River, and shows the different bonfires floating up into the summer night sky. What are "Gozan-no-Okuribi" and "Daimonji-yaki"? Meaning and History Photo：Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji), Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi (Daimonji) is one of the four major festivals in Kyoto, along with Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri, and Jidai Matsuri. The five mountains of Gozan no Okuribi, called 'Daimonji Yaki,' are all registered as Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Kyoto City. In Kyoto, the souls of one's ancestors are called "Oshorai-san." Gozan no Okuribi is an event held every year on the night of August 16 to send the spirits back to the realm of the dead after they have returned during the Obon Festival. During Gozan no Okuribi, visitors can offer a homa stick, a prayer stick used in a ritual burning to ask for blessings. It is said that if you write your name and the name of your illness on the homa stick and offer it, your illness will be cured. The homa sticks will then be carried by the preservation group to the fire beds at the top of the mountains, where they will be burned in bonfires. For a donation of 300 yen per homa stick, anyone can make an offering, not just local residents. ※Homa sticks are only accepted at specific locations at specific times. Please confirm the acceptance periods, etc., via the FAQ on the official website as they differ for each location. As for how long the Gozan no Okuribi has been held, there are actually few historical documents of the event, and almost no records remain. The oldest documented historical account is from Ozuki Tadatoshi (Tadatoshi Sukuneki), which records that in 1649 Ozuki Tadatoshi saw the Nishiyama Daimonji, Fune (boat), Higashiyama Daimonji, and Minami (South) bonfires. The locations for Gozan no Okuribi are as follows. Bonfires will be lit at different times. Nyoigatake (Mt. Daimonji) on Mt. Higashiyama 【Daimonji】8:00 PM... Nyoigatake (Mt. Daimonji) on Mt. Higashiyama 【Myoho】8:05 PM... 'Myo' (妙) West Mountain of Matsugasaki; 'Ho' (法) East Mountain of Matsugasaki 【Funagata】8:10 PM... Funeyama in Nishigamo 【Hidari Daimonji】8:15 PM... Okitayama (Mt. Daimonji) 【Toriigata】8:20 PM... Mt. Mandara in Saga-Toriimoto In the past, many other characters were lit as send-off fires. Where to See Gozan no Okuribi Photo：Kamigamo Misono Bridge, Kyoto Here are some viewing locations where each of the five bonfires can be seen clearly. Daimonji: Around Misono Bridge, Marutamachi Bridge, Mt. Funaoka, Matsugasaki Station, Takano Bridge Myoho: The area around Notre Dame Jogakuin/Mt. Funaoka/Matsugasaki Station/Shogunzuka Toriigata: Seiryouji Temple North (清涼寺北)/Hirosawa Pond (Matsuo Bridge) Hidari Daimonji: Mt. Funaoka/From Kinkakuji Temple to Saiin on Nishi Oji Street/Shogunzuka Funagata: Around Misono Bridge/Mt. Funaoka/Kitayama-dori/Northwest from Kitayama Bridge/Around Matsugasaki Station/Shogunzuka Gozan-no-Okuribi can be viewed from restaurants, such as those on the Kamogawa Nouryou-Yuka (summertime decks with restaurants). Advance reservations are recommended for those who wish to view the bonfires while enjoying a meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Viewing the event and the bonfires in this way is sure to be an exceptional experience. If you're looking for some Instagram shots, you can also view the bonfire from higher places. From the observation deck of Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station, you can enjoy Gozan no Okuribi along with a night view of Kyoto. A viewing event will be held for the first time at Kyoto Tower in 3 years. Tickets for this event will be sold in advance, so be sure to look up the information if you wish to attend. When is the Gozan no Okuribi (Bonfire on the Five Mountains) in 2024? Introduction of "Arashiyama Lantern Floating Ceremony" and "Hirosawa Pond Lantern Floating Ceremony Photo：Hirosawa Pond Toro Nagashi Lantern Float, Kyoto The Gozan Bonfire is held annually on August 16; in 2024, it will be held on Friday, August 16. On the same day, the "Lantern Floating Ceremony" is held to send the spirits of ancestors to the Pure Land in lanterns. Let us introduce you to the lantern floats held at Arashiyama and Hirosawa Pond. From both locations, you can also see the torii-shaped Gozan-no-Okuribi (bonfires). Arashiyama Lantern Festival Date: August 16, 19:00-21:00 Venue: Arashiyama Nakanoshima Park (Kyoto Prefectural Arashiyama Park) Access: Kyoto City Bus 28 "Arashiyama Koen Hirozawa Henshoji Temple Lantern Floating (Hirozawa Pond) Date/Time：August 16th, around 19:00 Place：Henshoji Temple Access: Kyoto City Bus 26 "Yamakoshi You can apply for the lanterns at Hirozawa Henshoji Temple using the application form on the official website or at the Henshoji Temple counter (1000 yen per lantern). In 2024, the festival will be broadcast live by KBS Kyoto. Summary of Gozan no Okuribi in Kyoto, Japan In the video, you can see tourists gazing up at the bonfires of Gozan no Okuribi. [Video] 0:45 - People Admiring the Bonfires of Gozan No Okuribi This short video contains the charms of Gozan no Okuribi, an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Kyoto. Unfortunately, the 2020 and 2021 festivities were greatly reduced due to the novel coronavirus, and although the bonfires were lit, the floating letters could not be viewed. 2022 is scheduled to be the first time in three years that the entire festival will be able to be viewed. Bus tours that include meals, lantern floating, and viewing of Gozan no Okuribi are also available. Consider joining one one if you're traveling to Kyoto in the summer! The bonfires of Gozan no Okuribi, a summer tradition, float silently in the night sky of Kyoto. Enjoy the end of summer by remembering your ancestors. 【Tripadvisor】Kyoto Gozan no Okuribi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d8820274-Reviews-Kyoto_Gozan_no_Okuribi-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Akita City "Akita Kanto Festival" Video Introduction This video, titled "Akita Kanto Festival to Be Held for the First Time in 3 Years" (秋田竿燈まつり 3年ぶりに開催), was uploaded by "The Asahi Shimbun Company." The Akita Kanto Festival, held in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, is known as one of the three major festivals in Japan's Tohoku region. Approximately 280 poles and 10,000 lanterns light up the summer night sky. This year's festival, which was held for the first time in three years due to the effects of the novel coronavirus, can be enjoyed in this immersive video. Akita Kanto Festival – The History of the Festival Photo：Akita Kanto Festival The Akita Kanto Festival attracts people with its amazing lantern-balancing performances. The festival is held every year from August 3 to 6. Along with Aomori's Nebuta Festival and Sendai's Tanabata Festival, the Akita Kanto Festival is one of the three major summer festivals in Japan's Tohoku region. It's an event that has been passed down for approximately 270 years to pray for the exorcism of evil spirits and a good harvest, and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. According to literature, the Akita Kanto Festival first appeared in 1789 in a travelogue by Tsumura Soan, a merchant, poet, and scholar of Japanese studies in the mid-Edo period, titled "A Snow-Covered Road." It is said to have originated from an event called "Neburi Nagashi" held around Akita City on July 6 of the lunar calendar, in which people decorated bamboo branches and silk trees with strips of paper with wishes written on them, walked through the town, and finally floated them away in the river. Later, the spread of candles during the Horeki period (1750-1765) and the use of tall paper lanterns were combined to form what we see today. Akita Kanto Festival 2023 - Highlights, Goods, and More! Source :YouTube screenshot The many hanging lanterns shown in the video show the beauty of the event as they light up the summer night sky. [Video] 0:16 - Lanterns Lighting Up the Night Sky The largest of the poles, called 'Owaka,' is 12 meters long and features 46 64cm x 45cm lanterns hanging from it, weighing a whopping 50 kilograms (110 lbs)! The highlight of the festival is watching the skilled performers holding these lanterns high in the air on the palm of their hand, while transferring them to their foreheads, shoulders, and even waists. [Video] 0:31 - Skilled Performers Balancing Lantern Poles The Akita Kanto Festival is also popular for the many food stalls set up at the festival site, including Kanto Yatai Village (竿燈屋台村, Kanto Yatai Mura), which has two locations, and the Local Gourmet Festival (ご当地グルメフェスティバル, Go-Touchi Gurume Festibaru) hosted by the Akita Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where visitors can enjoy local delicacies. In these food and beverage areas, consideration has been given to preventing the spread of the new coronavirus, such as by changing spaces to avoid dense crowding. Access to Akita Kanto Festival + Spectator Tickets Photo：Akita Station The venue for the Akita Kanto Festival is Kanto Odori Street (竿燈大通り, Kanto Odori), a 15-minute walk from JR Akita Station. Spectator seats are set up around the center strip of the 800-meter-long boulevard, and traffic will be limited around the venue in the evening. Tickets for spectator seats are also available, with prices varying by seat type. The price for the "Masu-seki" (box seating with a capacity of 6 people) is 28,000 yen, S seats are 4,500 yen, A seats are 4,000 yen, and B seats are 3,500 yen. If there are too many reservations for box seats, a lottery will be held. Please check the official website for more details, including the timing of ticket sales. In addition, events such as "Fureai Kanto" and the "Citizens' Parade" (市民パレード, Shimin Pareido) will be cancelled due to the coronavirus, and pre-recorded voices will be used for chanting. Summary of Akita Kanto Festival The many lanterns that light up the night sky and the skill of the performers who manipulate the lanterns is what makes the Akita Kanto Festival one the most popular summer events in Akita Prefecture. Each year, the festival attracts many people from both inside and outside of the prefecture. There are many hotels near Akita Station and the festival site where visitors can stay overnight. Easy access from the station makes it convenient for travel and sightseeing. In this exciting video, you can see the charm and highlights of the Akita Kanto Festival, as well as the fresh faces reflecting the joy of the people who are celebrating the festival for the first time in three years. [Video] 1:05 - Comments from Performers at the Festival We hope that at next year's Akita Kanto Festival, we'll be able to hear the taiko drums, hayashi band, and the chanting of the performers and crowd instead of prerecorded voices! 【Official Website】Akita Kanto Festival https://www.kantou.gr.jp/english/ 【TripAdvisor】Akita Kanto Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298239-d8820142-Reviews-Akita_Kanto_Festival-Akita_Akita_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Toyokawa Inari Yolmowde" Toyokawa City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction This video, titled "A Temple Visit at Night With a Fantastical Atmosphere｜Using Technology to Prevent Infection｜Toyokawa Inari, Aichi (2022/7/25)" (幻想的な雰囲気の中で「夜の参拝」を　感染対策には驚きの演出も　愛知・豊川稲荷(2022/7/25)), was uploaded by "CBC News [CBC TV Official]" (CBCニュース【CBCテレビ公式】). Toyokawa Inari x NAKED YORU MO-DE, which began last July, is a safe and secure, new-style nighttime worship event that focuses on preventing infection. Be sure to check out the video as it shows Toyokawa Inari and the photogenic light art, illuminated approach, and many other attractions that can be seen at YORU MO-DE. Toyokawa Inari - Is It a Temple or Shrine? Photo：Reiko-Zuka, the Hill of Foxes at Toyokawa Inari, Aichi Prefecture Toyokawa Inari, located in Toyokawa, Aichi, in Japan's Tokai region, is a temple officially called Enpukuzan Myogonji Temple and is one of the three major Inari shrines in Japan. The reason it is called Toyokawa Inari is that it enshrines a deity called "Toyokawa Dakini Shinten," a god astride a white fox (Inari shrines are dedicated to foxes), who is believed to bring prosperity to business and safety to one's family. It is said that this may be due to the fact that the shrine is also associated with the Inari faith. Toyokawa Inari is famous for offering four types of shuin stamps. The summer-only shuin stamps with cool designs are quite popular. In addition, a variety of good luck charms are available, including some with cute foxes on them. Toyokawa Inari has branch temples throughout Japan. Toyokawa Kaku Myogonji Temple in Akasaka, Tokyo, also known as Toyokawa Inari Betsuin, is a popular urban power spot. The fortune-telling service at Toyokawa Inari Betsuin is particularly popular due to its accuracy, causing there to often be a queue of people waiting to receive their fortunes. Ticket and Event Information for Toyokawa Inari YORU MO-DE 2022 Source :YouTube screenshot Toyokawa Inari YORU MO-DE 2022 is from July 22 to August 6. This is a limited-time event to enjoy a nighttime temple visit, and tickets must be purchased in order to participate. Tickets can be purchased at the on-site reception during the event period, or in advance on ticket websites. Admission is 1,500 yen for adults. Elementary school students and younger can enter free of charge. During YORU MO-DE, visitors can enjoy a variety of illuminated artworks in the precincts of Toyokawa Inari, which attract a lot of attention due to how photogenic they are. In addition to the approach to the temple being lit up, this year the light-up area has been expanded even further! Reiko-Zuka, the Hill of Foxes, where approximately 1,000 fox statues are enshrined, will be illuminated with light and sound effects, creating an even more beautiful and mysterious atmosphere. In addition, the colorful flower-shaped mikuji that have become popular on Japanese social media will add color and delight visitors. Summer is also the best time for yukata! The FOX MASK, available in limited quantities, goes perfectly with yukata, and allows visitors to take memorable photos! Also, the "Tsukubai," a stone wash basin used to purify oneself, emits disinfectant when hands are held near it and projects motifs of goldfish and fireworks. In addition, the light patterns on the lanterns allow visitors to maintain safe social distancing while enjoying the attractions. How Crowded is Toyokawa Inari YORU-MODE 2022? Source :YouTube screenshot With the number of people infected with the new coronavirus on the rise, one concern people have inevitably expressed is how crowded the event will be. At this year's YORU MO-DE, in addition to infection prevention measures, such as alcohol disinfection and lanterns that allow people to naturally maintain distance from other visitors, as mentioned above, a new system has also been introduced. On the day of the event, visitors will obtain a digital numbered ticket by scanning a QR code before entering, and will receive a message on via LINE when it's time to enter. Through this system, the number of visitors allowed into the temple grounds per hour is limited to 1,500 to prevent crowding and to prevent the spread of the virus. Until you can enter with a digital numbered ticket, you can fill your stomach at the food stalls and stores in the shopping area. This system allows visitors to make good use of their time while waiting instead of just standing in line until they can enter. Delicious Food to Try at Toyokawa Inari! When you visit Toyokawa Inari, be it for sightseeing or to pray, there's one food that you've got to try. That is, Toyokawa Inari Sushi! Named after Inari Okami's favorite abura-age, this sushi is a must-try. We recommend Okitsune Honpo (おきつね本舗) if you want to try it! They also offer take-out, so it is perfect for eating while you walk around. The "Okitsune Burger," which uses fried tofu instead of buns, is also popular according to reviews. Consider giving it a try! Summary of YORU MO-DE at Toyokawa Inari If you haven't already seen the video introducing the precincts of the temple and other areas decorated with light effects, be sure to check it out. When visiting the event, although a large parking lot is available, we recommend using public transportation instead of a car, as parking is expected to be crowded during the event. Toyokawa Inari YORU MO-DE is a festival where visitors can enjoy beautiful art with the aim of revitalizing the local community. There are many hotels and other lodging facilities in the area. If you're visiting Aichi for sightseeing, definitely give YORU MO-DE a thought, it's a fantastic summer-only event!

Japan Expo Paris 2022: Video Introduction This video, titled "Japan Expo - The Largest Celebration of Japan in Europe, Opened for the First Time in Three Years in France, Drawing More Than 250,000 Visitors (July 15, 2022)" (欧州最大級「ジャパンエキスポ」仏で3年ぶり開幕　25万人超が来場か(2022年7月15日)), was uploaded by "ANNnewsCH." It introduces Japan Expo, an event focused around Japanese culture, such as manga and anime, as well as Japanese food and traditional performing arts, held in the suburbs of Paris. What Is Japan Expo? The History and Summary of the Exciting Event in Europe! Photo：Female cosplayers Japan Expo is a major event that brings together not only contemporary Japanese culture such as anime, manga, and cosplay, but also traditional Japanese folk arts, martial arts, traditional music, and much more. It's held in France and attracts fans of anime, cosplay, and Japanese culture from all over Europe every year. The history of Japan Expo dates back to the 1990s. The founders of Japan Expo, Jean-François Dufour, Sandrine Dufour, and Thomas Sirdey, were exposed to Japanese anime culture and gradually became fascinated by Japanese culture as a whole. With the desire to reach a wider audience, Jean-François Dufour and his colleagues organized an event in France for anime fans, a precursor to Japan Expo. After traveling to Japan and deciding they wanted to learn more about Japan and share it with other fans of Japan, the first Japan Expo was held in 2000. Guests at Japan Expo 2022 Source :YouTube screenshot Every year, the guests at Japan Expo attract a great deal of attention on the day of the event. In 2022, celebrities from various genres, including manga artists, cosplayers, and animators, participated as guests. Here are a few of them. Cosplay: PION A popular Korean cosplayer Musician: miwa Theme song "神無-KANNA-" for the movie "Child of Kamiari Month," etc. Animator: Junichi HAYAMA Character designer and animation director for JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Singer: Mika Kobayashi A singer who performed music from Kill la Kill and Attack on Titan, etc. In addition to artists, Japanese and local companies alike had booths where visitors could purchase goods and traditional Japanese crafts. For Japan lovers, this event has tons of exciting attractions. Cosplayers and More: A Look Inside Japan Expo Paris Source :YouTube screenshot Japan Expo Paris has been held since 2000; the 2019 event attracted a record 104 artists and achieved the highest sales in its history. There were high expectations for the following year's event, but due to the novel coronavirus, it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. While many fans were saddened by this, the event was held for the first time in three years in 2022. Japan Expo 2022 was a huge success, attracting a whopping 250,000 people over the course of four days! Many cosplayers attended the much-anticipated Japan Expo. There were also cosplayers of anime such as Demon Slayer, Tokyo Revengers, and the ever-popular Dragon Ball, which have been extremely popular in recent years. In the video, you can see people enjoying the long-awaited Japan Expo. [Video] 0:25 - Demon Slayer and Dragon Ball Cosplay [Video] 0:36 - Mobile Suit Gundam Statue [Video] 0:48 - Tokyo Revengers Cosplay Japan Expo Summary Japan Expo Paris is a celebration of Japanese culture and was held for the first time in 3 years in Paris, France after record sales in 2019. The event attracts Japan fans not only in Europe but from all over the world. This event is a great opportunity to meet Japanese artists, as well as cosplayers, allowing people to take photos with many of their favorite characters to share on Instagram and other social media sites. The event is immensely popular among YouTubers and fans, and the atmosphere of the venue has also been covered by international media, showing just how popular it really is. Seeing the enthusiastic atmosphere at the event, people who've never attended before will definitely be interested in attending next year's event. Tickets are required to enter Japan Expo. In addition to advance tickets, tickets can also be purchased on the day of the event. In addition, a limited number of VIP tickets are also available, including special tickets that allow prior admission and tickets that include participation in handshaking events, so we recommend purchasing tickets in advance if you want to enjoy the event to the fullest. We're looking forward to Japan Expo Paris 2023! Throw on your best cosplay and get ready for next year's event! Start prepping for next year's event and gather information about tickets and event dates in advance! 【Official Website】Japan Expo https://www.japan-expo-paris.com/en/

Some of the Oldest Japanese Swords at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara: Video Introduction This video, titled "Yasutsuna – An Exhibition of the World of the Oldest Japanese Swords" (最古の日本刀の世界「安綱・古伯耆」展), was uploaded by "Nara Television Broadcasting Co." ( 奈良テレビ放送). This news video introduces an exhibition held in the city of Nara featuring works related to the swordsmith Yasutsuna and his family. It shows works created by swordsmiths active in the late Heian Period (794-1185). Forty articles are on display, including 10 national treasures, such as a famous sword called "Dojigiri," which was used by Minamoto no Yorimitsu to kill Shuten Doji, as well as other swords with a distinguished history. The exhibition also offers a glimpse into the history of how Japanese swords that were once straight, came to have a curved blade. Be sure to check out the priceless masterpieces in the video as you read along. The Black Lacquer Tachi of Kasuga Taisha – One of the Oldest Japanese Swords Source :YouTube screenshot The sword which is kept in the treasury of Kasuga-taisha and is known as Kuro-urushi-yamagane-tachi (黒漆山金作太刀, lit. "black-lacquered mountain-iron blade") was made in the late Heian period (around 1185 AD). It was discovered during a structural renovation of the temple's treasury in 1939 and is now nationally recognized as an important work of art. You can take a look at Kuro-urushi-yamagane-tachi at 0:13 in the video. Every 20 years Kasuga-taisha undergoes renovation and it was when the sword was being cleaned and repaired that it was found out to have been made in the mid to late 12th century, making it one of the oldest swords in Japan. The curved shape of the blade is what helped identify which century the sword was made in. Source :YouTube screenshot The area of the blade near the handle is curved and the tip is straight, a style typical of ancient Japanese swords. It is a real blessing to find the sword in such a good state, along with it's case which shows characteristics of 14th century craftsmanship, leading to the hypothesis that this sword was a precious samurai family heir loom which had been passed down for years and years. You can see the case at 1:17 in the video. Sightseeing Spots at Kasuga-Taisha Shrine Photo：The Large Cedar Tree at Kasuga-Taisha's Central Gate・Nara Kasuga-taisha is a shrine which was built in Nara prefecture in 768 AD. There are approximately 1000 Kasuga shrines in Japan and Kasuga-taisha in Nara is known as the grand shrine and the most important of them all. Kasuga-taisha is known for bringing good luck and happiness in marriage and we highly recommend receiving a stamp or good luck charm (omamori) from the shrine. Many events are held at Kasuga-taisha such as the Kasuga Wakamiya-On Festival (春日若宮おん祭, asugawakamiyaonmatsuri), the Buddhist Lantern Festival (万灯篭, mandoukago), and the Iris Festival (菖蒲祭, shoubumatsuri). We also recommend visiting during fall to see the beautiful changing colors of the leaves or in spring when the wisteria are in full bloom. There are also many spots in the area where you can go for lunch or grab something to eat! Summary of Famous Swords of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Source :YouTube screenshot A Japanese sword in the collection of the Nara's Kasuga Taisha Shrine attracted attention in 2018 when it was discovered to be one of the oldest Japanese swords in existence. In addition to this famous sword, masterpieces such as Hizamaru and Higekiri are also on display in the National Treasure Hall of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a popular attraction among both foreign and domestic tourists. Please check the official website of Kasuga Taisha Shrine for information on special exhibitions where you can see the masterfully crafted blades.. ◆Nara Kasuga-taisha Information summary◆ 【Address】 Kasuganocho (春日野町) 160, Nara city, Nara prefecture 【Openings】March-October 6.30am-5.30pm, November-February 7am-5pm 【Entrance fee】Free of charge (Kasuga-taisha Museum: Adults: 500 yen, University/High school students: 300 yen, junior high school/elementary school students: 200 yen) 【Access】10 minutes by bus (bound for Kasuga-taisha Honden (春日大社本殿)) from JR Nara Station (JR 奈良駅, JR Naraeki) followed by a 10-minute walk. 【Parking】Available (1000 yen) 【Phone number】0742-22-7788 【Official Website】World Heritage Kasuga-taisha https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/en/about_en/

Ghibli Park "Mononoke no Sato" and "Witches' Valley" in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture Video Introduction This video, titled "[Ghibli] Latest Information "Mononoke Village" and "Valley of Witches" – An Interview with Director Goro Miyazaki! A Perfect Recreation of Whisper of the Heart's Antique Shop?!" (【ジブリ】新情報「もののけの里」「魔女の谷」を宮崎吾朗監督に直撃！　「耳をすませば」の地球屋をプロの仕事で完全再現!?), was uploaded by "CHUKYO TV NEWS" (中京テレビNEWS). The theme park "Ghibli Park," scheduled to open on November 1, 2022, is drawing a lot of attention right now. The latest information on the Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches areas within the park is presented in the form of an interview with director Goro Miyazaki, the son of Hayao Miyazaki. Information on Ghibli Park - Opening Dates, Location, Etc. Photo：An aerial view of Aichi Earth Expo Memorial Park in Aichi, Japan, taken via drone Ghibli Park is a park that recreates the world of Studio Ghibli. The park is located in Aichi Expo Memorial Park in Nagakute, Aichi, in Japan's Tokai Region. There are no big attractions or rides at the park, and it's a place where visitors can explore forests and paths while feeling the wind on their skin and discovering hidden secrets. The fact that the park is built together with the forest shows how much importance is placed on the Ghibli worldview. Ghibli Park is divided into five areas, which will be opened sequentially by completion date. The first phase of the park will open on November 1, 2022 and will include the "Hill of Youth," "Dondoko Forest," where Satsuki and Mei's house from "My Neighbor Totoro" is located, and "Ghibli's Grand Warehouse," which will house various exhibits of Studio Ghibli works. The second phase is scheduled to open in the fall of 2023 with "Mononoke Village" and "Valley of Witches." Check out the official website for detailed opening dates and a map of the park. Mononoke Village – Scheduled to Launch in 2023 Source :YouTube screenshot The Mononoke Village area is scheduled to open approximately one year after the November 2022 opening. In Mononoke Village, visitors will be able to see facilities that appeared in the movie "Princess Mononoke" as well as objects made based on the characters in the movie. During the interview, director Goro Miyazaki says that objects (playground equipment) will be made in the likeness of the demons/cursed gods in Princess Mononoke, and that they will also be climbable. In addition, visitors can enjoy a hands-on learning experience at "Irontown," where iron is extracted from iron sand, and a charcoal-making hut is also under construction. Valley of Witches – Scheduled to Launch in 2024 Source :YouTube screenshot Following Mononoke Village, Valley of Witches is scheduled to open. It has been announced that the Okino residence where Kiki, the main character in the movie "Kiki's Delivery Service," was born and raised will be constructed, and the room where Kiki packed her bags will be faithfully reproduced as well. The "Gütiokipänjä Bakery," where Kiki and her black cat Jiji lived, will have a store as well as an attic. According to an interview with director Goro Miyazaki, the "Gütiokipänjä Bakery" will actually sell bread baked in a stone oven. The opening of Valley of the Witches is surely something to look forward to! The 'Hill of Youth' – A Faithful Recreation of the Antique Shop Featured in 'Whisper of the Heart' Source :YouTube screenshot The "Hill of Youth" will open prior to "Mononoke Village" and "Valley of Witches." There, the antique shop from the movie Whisper of the Heart will be recreated. The shop is built by Tatsuya Yamada, an architect specializing in wooden structures, and Takeshi Nakamura, a carpenter, who reviewed the work dozens of times, paying close attention to the smallest details. One example of the attention to detail was shared in the interview as well. It's mentioned that, in order to reproduce every detail, they asked an abacus craftsman to decorate a part of the balcony railing fence for the antique shop. This shows the attention to detail that went into recreating the structure to immerse visitors in the world of Ghibli. Now that you have this knowledge, you can be sure to look for small details like this when visiting! [Video] 8:00 - Interview with Yamada and Nakamura Admission Fees, Tickets, and Free Areas at Ghibli Park Ghibli Park requires a reservation for each area with specific dates and times. Please check the official Ghibli Park website for up-to-date admission fees and pricing for each area. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in August, and will be available for purchase through Boo-Woo Tickets (Boo-Wooチケット) and other means. In addition, Ghibli Park will also have a free area with playground equipment inspired by "The Cat Returns." This is great information for those who live nearby with young children or those planning on visiting the area with kids. 【Official Website】Ghibli Park https://ghibli-park.jp/en/ 【TripAdvisor】Aichi Expo Memorial Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121224-d1309786-Reviews-Expo_2005_Aichi_Commemorative_Park-Nagakute_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

『Kirakira Donki Video Introduction Sweets and other types of cute goods are very popular on Japanese Twitter and TikTok. Many people are tempted to check out these popular goods, but don't actually know where to buy them. In this article, we'll introduce Kirakira Donki, a trendy shop that recently opened in Odaiba. The video, titled "Kirakira Donki Opens in Odaiba! What's There to See? TBS NEWS DIG" (「キラキラドンキ」お台場にオープン！見所は？【Ｎスタ】｜TBS NEWS DIG), was uploaded by "TBS NEWS DIG Powered by JNN." Be sure to give it a watch! Kirakira Donki in Odaiba, Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot Kirakira Donki opened in Tokyo's DiverCity, a shopping mall in Odaiba, in May 2022. Don Quijote has developed stores specializing in different concepts, such as "Okashi Donki" specializing in sweets, "Sake Donki" specializing in sake, "Cosme Donki" specializing in cosmetics, and even "Konkara Donki" which specializes in spicy foods. Their newest store, Kirakira Donki, which targets "Generation Z," has now popped up in Odaiba with trendy items, such as cosmetics and sweets that are popular on Japanese social media! About 60% of the staff working there are Generation Z, in their teens and 20s, and they select products that are popular on social media, as well as cutely-colored goods. In the video, you can see the inside of the newly opened Kirakira Donki. When you enter "Kirakira Donki," you'll see Don Quijote's official character "Don Pen" painted everywhere, and the ceiling is decorated in a playful style, reminiscent of an amusement park. In addition, large, cute pop-ups and handwritten product descriptions are meant to make the store catch the customer's eyes. These are just a few of the many creative details that draw customers to the store. Goods Sold at Kirakira Donki Source :YouTube screenshot The store has a wide variety of Korean food products, such as Planet Gummi, that became popular on Japanese TikTok, photogenic candies shaped like stars and hearts, as well as juices and even popular Korean and Chinese cosmetics that can be purchased for 500 yen or less! The store features a whopping 10,000 products that appeal to Japan's Gen Z. In addition, they have "Mobile Foods," like waffles and "Beauty Vinegar" drinks for take-out. 4,000 Kinds of Cute Cosmetics and Nearly 2,000 Varieties of Candy! There are about 4,000 reasonably-priced cosmetics sold at the store. This summer's hot sellers include stick-type A'pieu sunscreen in cute colors and bang styling sticks. The bang styling sticks are a popular product among teenagers that helps neatly tuck away frizzy hair during Japan's rainy season. In addition, there's a selection of around 1,800 kinds of sweets popular on Japanese social media, including cookies, gummies, and all sorts of candies. There's sure to be a candy that you'll like! Gummies Galore! Source :YouTube screenshot The Planet Gummi gummies became a hot topic on Japanese social media because of the sound they make when opened. The video even shows an elementary school girl that came to the store with her parents saying, "I'm happy I got to try the Planet Gummi gummies that I'd seen YouTubers eating! The girl's mom, who came with her to the store, also seemed to enjoy herself. Planet Gummi is a favorite in Japan, and now they're also available in a transparent blue color called "Planet Candy." This product was created by a long-established company founded in 1975. This candy is also slowly gaining popularity and is sure to be popping up on Japanese Instagram in the near future. In an interview with a customer to the store, she says "I was able buy some Korean snacks like Planet Gummi and Ozzy Strawberry so I'm happy!" Some of the items are available on the Internet, but being able to buy them in person is a totally different experience. In addition to the "Planet Gummi," new snacks such as "Pop Eye" and "Monster Gummies" that resemble poke balls are also popular on Japanese social media. Kirakira Donki has tons of products that fulfill the desires of Generation Z. It might even become a new tourist attraction in Tokyo! ◆Kirakira Donki DiverCity Tokyo Plaza Store◆ Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM Address: Tokyo Plaza 2F, 1-1-10 DiverCity Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN, 135-0064 Access: Public Transportation - A 5 minute walk from Daiba Station via the Yurikamome Line, a 3 minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station via the JR Rinkai Line 【Official Website】Odaiba DiverCity Tokyo Plaza - Mitsui Shopping Park https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/divercity-tokyo/ 【TripAdvisor】DiverCity Tokyo Plaza https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g1066449-d2696968-Reviews-Diver_City_Tokyo_Plaza-Koto_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

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

Video introduction of the annual New Year's "First Tuna Auction" at the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market Toyosu Market in Koto-ku, Tokyo. This video, titled "Reiwa｜New Year's Tuna Auction｜and the Winner Is..." (令和初　マグロ初競り　落札したのは・・・), is a video that recorded the first tuna auction of the New Year in the first year of Reiwa (Japan's newest era). The annual New Year's Tuna Auction is held at Toyosu Market in the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market in Koto ward, Tokyo It was President Kiyoshi Kimura, shown at 0:47 in the video, that won the tuna for 193.2 million yen (~$1.8m USD); the second highest price in the history of the auction. In this article, we introduce the New Year's tuna auction and the president of Sushi Zanmai who won the expensive fish. The New Year's Tuna Auction: What Kind of Event Is It? Source :YouTube screenshot The New Year's Tuna Auction, in which Oma tuna is auctioned off at a high price unique to New Year, is an annual event that many fishermen participate in to celebrate the new year. The first auction for the 2020 tuna, shown in this video, began just after 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, and the Toyosu Market was filled with loud and energetic shouting. You can watch the auction starting at 0:04. The first tuna auctioned each year is called "Ichiban Tuna" (lit. "the first tuna"). The fish chosen is selected based on size, freshness, shape and taste. Every year at the New Year's Tuna Auction, the magnificent "Ichiban Tuna" is auctioned off at a so-called "celebratory price." Not only industry insiders, but now even the general public is paying attention to see how much the first auction for bluefin tuna, known as the "diamond of the sea" or "black diamond," will go for. The President of Sushizanmai Source :YouTube screenshot At the first tuna auction in 2020, Kiyoshi Kimura, president of Kiyomura, a sushi zanmai restaurant, won the bid for a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori Prefecture. At 193.2 million yen (700,000 yen per kilogram), it was the second most expensive tuna sold at the auction. It is said that roughly 10,000 pieces of sushi can be made from this tuna. The highest ever tuna auction was recorded at 333.6 million yen, which was awarded by President Kiyoshi Kimura of Sushizanmai last year. Speaking of the president, Kiyoshi Kimura, is famous for posing with both hands spread out while shouting "Sushizanmai!!" Mr. Kimura, president of Sushi Zanmai, is also called "The Tuna Shogun" or "The Don of the Tuna Industry" by officials. Summary of the New Year's Tuna Auction Photo：Tuna This time, we introduced the New Year's Tuna Auction. In recent years, it has become standard practice for the president of Sushi Zanmai to make the winning bid for the first tuna of the auction, but the amount of the winning bid has drawn attention from all over Japan. As for the fishermen's share of the winning bid, 1.5% of the money will go to the Aomori Prefectural Fisheries Federation, 4% to the Oma Fishing Cooperative, and 5.5% to the consignees, with 89% going to the fishermen who caught the fish. At 1:14 in the video, the first delicious tuna sushi of Sushizanmai is also introduced; be sure to check it out! 【Official Website】Sushizanmai sushi in Tokyo https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCSUSHIZA/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.kiyomura.co.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XJSID=0

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!

Universal Studios Japan's "Best Christmas Tree in the World" The video "The World's Best Christmas Tree- Universal Studios Japan's Light Show（電飾世界一のＸマスツリー USJ 光の演出）" shows the scene of the famous Christmas tree at Universal Studios Japan that was released to the press. The giant Christmas tree features 591,840 tiny illuminations! Also the largest snow crystal shape ornament is placed at the very top of the 30 meter tall Christmas tree. The number of illuminations and the snow crystal shape ornament displayed on this Christmas tree, which has been officially recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records, are magnificent. Please admire the beauty of this wondrous Christmas tree. The Universal Crystal Christmas Source :YouTube screenshot In winter of 2019, Universal Studios Japan organized the Christmas event from November 14, 2019 to January 13, 2020. Kanjani 8, a famous Japanese idol group was appointed as the ambassadors of the event. During this event, there was the new live show called “ The Crystal Promise “ instead of “The voice of an angel” that had been performed in the 2018 Christmas show. You can see this live show in this video (0:09). Also you shouldn’t miss the Yellow Christmas held concurrently in the Minion Park, and the limited-time Christmas goods to be sold. Everyone loves USJ's Christmas events, but keep in mind that the waiting time for events or attractions may be longer than usual if the park is crowded. What Kind of Theme Park Is Universal Studios Japan? Photo：Universal Studios Japan USJ is the famous theme park where you can experience Hollywood movies produced by Steven Spilelberg! According to the Trip Advisor, Universal Studios Japan ranks among the top theme parks in Japan such as "Tokyo Disney Land" and "Tokyo Disney Sea." Universal Studios Japan has various types of attractions such as Jurassic Park or Gramercy Park in several areas including New York or San Francisco. Everyone is looking forward to the new Nintendo area to be opened in 2020 where visitors can experience the world of Super Mario Brothers." There are too many attractions as well as eating places and souvenir shops in the park to be covered by a day trip. You can visit the Universal Studios Japan by overnight or a day trip and enjoy this theme park in any way you choose. Summary of Christmas Displays and Events at Universal Studios Japan Source :YouTube screenshot You can find how wonderful Christmas at Universal Studios Japan is just by watching this 1 minute video. If you want to create unforgettable memories during Christmas, we recommend going and seeing the awesome tree and events that USJ has to offer! 【Official Website】Universal Studios Japan｜USJ https://www.usj.co.jp/e/

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/

What is the Ig Nobel Prize? Do you know of the Ig Nobel Prize? This video, “The Winners of This Years Ig Nobel Prize Are Once Again Japanese (The Daily Saliva of 5 Year Old Children) イグノーベル賞今年も日本人『5歳児の1日の唾液量』(19/09/13)” introduces the awards ceremony of the Ig Nobel Prize, 2019. The Ig Nobel Prize is a parody of the Nobel Prize, with the first awards ceremony held in 1991 at Harvard University in Massachusetts, America. Now, it has become an annual event, and is a scientific award recognized worldwide. The selection criteria is research which “first makes people laugh, and then makes them think”, and similarly to the genuine Nobel Prize, the Ig Nobel Prize is made up of several different categories. In recent years, the Japanese winners of the Nobel Prize have been buzzed about, but in actuality, Japanese researchers have been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for 13 consecutive years, beginning from 2007. The 2019 winner was Professor Watanabe Shigeru and his 5-man team from Meikai University. They were awarded the prize for their study on the “estimation of the total saliva volume produced per day in 5-year-old children”. What is the content of this year’s Japanese Ig Nobel Prize-winning study? Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Professor Watanabe’s team won the Ig Nobel Prize for chemistry. Their study involved measuring the amount of saliva produced by 5-year-olds in order to maintain the cleanliness of their oral cavity. The study consisted of the researchers feeding 5-year-old children a pre-determined volume of food, having them chew and then spit the food out without swallowing, then measuring the spat-out food and comparing the volume to that at the beginning of the experiment. Through this, the researchers estimated that the children produced about 500 milliliters of saliva per day. At the awards ceremony, the researchers reenacted the experiment using a banana. This can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot The winners of the prize have only 60 seconds to make a speech, with a girl named Miss Sweetie Poo crying out, “Please stop! I’m bored!” if that time limit is breached. This can be seen from 0:53 in the video. The awards ceremony begins with the audience throwing paper airplanes at the stage, followed by the winners entering on a rope. From start to finish, the venue is filled with laughter. It might seem difficult to win an award for science, but the Ig Nobel Prize is a unique international science award overflowing with humor and, occasionally, irony. However, the academic papers concerning these award-winning research studies have even been published in the English science journal “Nature”, showing that these studies have genuine scientific significance. An overview of the Japanese Ig Nobel Prize winners for 13 consecutive years Source :YouTube screenshot These are some of the main Japanese prize winners. ・1992 Kanda Fujihiroshi (Medicine): For the discovery of the chemical compounds responsible for foot malodor. The first Japanese winner. ・1997 Maita Aki (Economics): For “Tamagotchi”, which diverted millions of man-hours of work into the husbandry of virtual pets. That year was a double win for Japan, with the prize for Biology awarded to Yagyu Takashi. ・2002 Sato Keita and others (Peace): For inventing Bow-Lingual, a dog-to-human language translation device ・2004 Inoue Daisuke (Peace): For inventing karaoke, allowing people to spend a peaceful time together ・2016 Higashiyama Atsuki and others (Perception): For investigating whether things look different when you bend over and view them between your legs All of these and more are part of the 71 Japanese winners of the Ig Nobel Prize as of 2019. Summary of this video regarding the Ig Nobel Prize and the study on the amount of saliva produced in one day by 5-year-old children Source :YouTube screenshot Although Japan has a significant number of Ig Nobel Prize winners even compared to countries worldwide, in Asia, South Korea’s professors as well as religious experts have also been recipients of the prize. In addition, the study “cats are liquids”, which trended on the Internet, was actually conducted by a team of researchers from France. Of course, though cats are solid beings, they have extraordinary flexibility, and thus are occasionally seen as liquids. This humorous thesis invited many laughs from the audience. The reward for winning the Ig Nobel Prize is 10 trillion Zimbabwe dollars! However, this is a currency no longer in circulation and thus not even worth a penny…

Moving full-scale Gundam video introduction in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture "A Full-Scale Moving Gundam in Yokohama｜To Open in October" (動く実物大ガンダム間近で 横浜、10月に施設オープン), is a video introducing the plan for an actual moving Gundam. The popular anime series Mobile Suit Gundam was a social phenomenon that captured the hearts of children and adults alike. The construction plan for a facility where you can actually see a full-scale version of the Gundam (model number: RX-78-2) up close and in action, has started at the Yamashita Pier (山下ふ頭, Yamashitafuto) in Yokohama. This article introduces the full-scale Gundam set to be built in Yokohama alongside the video. What Is Mobile Suit Gundam? Source :YouTube screenshot Mobile Suit Gundam is a televised anime series about giant robots that was broadcast in Japan from 1979. The main character was Amuro Ray, and the show depicted a conflict between people that completely defied the conventional wisdom of the mecha anime genre. It also gave birth to new buzz words such as "Char" and "Newtype" capturing the hearts of adults and children alike. Even today, more than 40 years after the show's broadcast, sequels are being broadcast and Gundam series toys, Bandai plastic models called "Gunpla," and figurines are being sold one after another, and the popularity of the series continues to grow. The GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE project Source :YouTube screenshot The "GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE project" is a group built around Representative Director Yasuo Miyakawa, with the purpose of building a moving, full-scale model RX-78-2, which is one of the main mobile suits that appears in Mobile Suit Gundam, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary since its premier. It's planned to be built at Yamashita pier,in Yokohama. You can see the outline of the plan being explained at a press conference at 0:08 in the video. The Gundam is planned to be 18 meters tall when standing, weigh 25 tons, don carbon armor, and have an actuator that allows for 24 degrees of freedom. It's truly an actual gundam! The design is the Gundam used by the popular character Amuro Ray, and it will be operated remotely by a pilot outside of the Gundam. Life-size Gundams have been built before in Odaiba(お台場,Odaiba) and Shizuoka (静岡,Shizuoka), but this plan in Yokohama is the first attempt to create a moving full-scale Gundam, and it is catching the attention of Gundam fans all over the world! GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA! Source :YouTube screenshot GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA is a facility scheduled to open at Yamashita pier, Yokohama, on October 1st, 2020, and is built so that you can see the moving full-scale Gundam from the same point of view as in the anime. This is explained in detail at 0:18 in the video. The main facilities are "GUNDAM-CARRIER" which supports the gundam from behind, "GUNDAM-DOCK" where the gundam is stored, and "GUNDAM-DOCK TOWER," explained using a model from 1:12 in the video. This is a special viewing space where you can see the gundam up close from 15-18 meters high. The facility is built so that visitors can enjoy and experience every corner of the full-scale gundam with the view of Yokohama city in the background. In addition, "GUNDAM LAB" is also being built in the facility. This is planned to be a spot that all Gundam lovers can enjoy — it has an exhibition facility explaining how the moving life-size Gundam works, shops, cafes, and communication spaces! Summary of the Moving, Full-Scale Gundam Photo：Yokohama・Yamashita Pier Since it was first aired as a robot anime produced by Sunrise Inc, it has become very popular not only as an anime, but also in video games and manga, and after 40 years, a gundam is finally being built in real life. This article introduced the moving life-size Gundam planned to be built in Yokohama, alongside the video. Are you excited to see the giant gundam up close? The gundam walking plan to be held in Yokohama is an embodiment of the dreams of many people- that a gundam would move for real someday. Think you can wait 'til October 2020? If this article and video is your first time hearing about the project, or if you're just curious about it, don't forget to visit Yokohama in October! 【Official Homepage】GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA　*Exhibition ends on Sunday, March 31, 2024. https://gundam-factory.net/en/

Antenna Shops in Ginza and Yurakucho! “Strengthening Cooperation! Antenna Shop Battlefield（連携強化！　アンテナショップ激戦区）,” created by “Tokyo MX,” is a news clip that was broadcast on January 18th, 2017. There are many antenna shops that are operated by local governments and companies from all over Japan. Antenna shops are shops that sell local products, foods, traditional crafts and souvenirs. There are also sightseeing information booths and restaurants/cafés that sell local cuisine and sweets. It is like a showroom and gallery for local governments. As you can see at 0:27, there are a lot of antenna shops inGinza and Yurakucho, creating a sort of "antenna shop war-zone." In this article we'll introduce popular products at antenna shops in Yurakucho. Be sure to follow along with the video! Antenna Shops around Yurakucho Source :YouTube screenshot The antenna shop battlefield from Yurakucho to Ginza is 300 meters in diameter. According to research, annual sales of Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza reached over one billion yen; 100 million yen of which is from soft-served ice cream. You can see the survey results at 0:35 in the video. Soft-served ice cream costs 350 yen (~$3.50 USD), which means there are a lot of people visiting this place. At 2:18 in the video, you can see Hiroshima Brand shop TAU and Okinawa Ginza Washita Shop, which have sales between 700 million and 1 billion yen. As introduced at 1:45, Oishii Yamagata Plaza sells "tama konjac," a local specialty, as well as fresh local vegetables from Yamagata. Antenna Shop Cooperation Source :YouTube screenshot The antenna shops around Yurakucho cooperated to bring more visitors to the area. The "National Men's Ekiden Stamp Rally," a coordinated event that ran from January 6th to the 22nd in 2017, was a stamp rally event to visit 16 shops in the Yurakucho area with a stamp collecting card. If you collected seven stamps, you could enter to win a gift from the local government and merchandise for Ekiden. The main antenna shop during the event is “Hiroshima Brand shop TAU.” The branch manager talks about why he started the event and introduces the popular product “Hassaku Orange Rice Cakes” during his interview. Summary of Yurakucho's Antenna Shops Photo：Raw Yatsuhashi “Strengthening Cooperation! Antenna Shop Battlefield” introduces how lively the antenna shops in Yurakucho are. There are other antenna shops in Kochi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Hakata, Akita, Toyama, Osaka and Shizuoka as well. There's also Hokkaido Foodist and Kyoto Kan around Yaesu, Tokyo. The antenna shops in Ikebukuro, Kansai, Fukuoka, Nagano, Aomori, Gifu, and Aichi are gaining popularity as well. Be sure to check out the homepage to see store hours and holidays. Enjoy buying local products from all over Japan in the heart of Tokyo!

Video introduction of "Marugoto Nippon" in Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo This is a news video titled "The appeal of all of Japan, from Asakusa! 'Marugoto Nippon'" (浅草から全国の魅力を！「まるごとにっぽん」開業へ). Built in 2015, Marugoto Nippon, is a new shopping complex built near the popular tourist attraction Sensoji Temple, directed towards inbound tourists. Marugoto Nippon, built under the theme of revitalizing the rural regions, is now a new landmark promoting the attractiveness of regions all over Japan. What Kind of Facility Is Asakusa's Marugoto Nippon? Source :This article's video As shown in the video, Marugoto Nippon is a four-story shopping complex inside the Tokyo Rakutenchi Asakusa Building in Asakusa, of Tokyo's Taito ward. 50 locations have been opened in 17 different municipalities around the nation in an attempt to convey the appeal of local goods from regions all over Japan. With the theme of "see," "eat," and "take home," the store sells seasonal foods, local sake from breweries, traditional crafts from various regions, and household goods. For more than half of the stores this is the first time that they have actually had a physical location. Because of this, what was now only possible to buy over the internet or in rural areas can now be bought in Tokyo. You can feel a sense of closeness to the more rural regions of Japan through this experience. Among the many stores, there are popular restaurants and cafes in which you can drink boba tea (tapioca tea), a occasionally, there are events such as cooking classes or festivals, so you can enjoy the shopping complex in a variety of ways. Learning About Japan Through Asakusa's Marugoto Nippon! Source :This article's video Marugoto Nippon in Asakusa, promotes the appeal of Japan to the world through the sale of regional specialties. For example, at Oita Onsenza, seen from 1:45 in the video, they not only sell products containing minerals from hot springs, but they also provide a foot bath using water from the famous Beppu Onsen (hot springs). Through this, they provide a service in which visitors to Japan can experience Japanese culture. Also, being able to buy umeboshi (salted dried plums) and local sake, which was only available to buy at rural areas, in Tokyo, is another great aspect of the store. There are also many easy-on-the wallet items so you might end up buying a lot of souvenirs albeit for a very reasonable price! Summary of Marugoto Nippon Source :This article Video As of 2020, Asakusa is a popular tourist area that hosts more than 55 million domestic and foreign visitors annually. Being able to buy local specialties from Japan’s rural regions in a location as convenient as Asakusa is nothing short of amazing as well. Marugoto Nippon, shown in the video, is a popular place that not only attracts foreign visitors, but Japanese people as well. Check out the Marugoto Nippon official website where you can see the store information and floor guides. Please be aware that Marugoto Nippon is due to close in November of 2020. Make sure you stop by before it's gone for good! ◆Marugoto Nippon Facility Overview◆ 【Address】〒111-8535　2-6-7 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo 【Access】A 10 minute walk from Tokyo Metro/ Tobu Railway Asakusa Station 【Operating Hours】10:00-20:00 (Business hours differ for some stores) 【Closures】None 【Parking】Yes 【Telephone No】03-3845-0510 【Official Website】Marugoto Nippon https://marugotonippon.com/ 【Tripadvisor】Marugoto Nippon https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134311-d9585851-Reviews-Marugoto_Nippon-Asakusa_Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

A First in Japanese History! No.1 in the Popular Online Game "FORTNITE"! Are you familiar with e-sports? E-sports is a form of sport competition using video games. Players compete to show their mastery of the game and win massive prize pools. E-sports has actually been around for decades, but thanks to advances in technology and more and more people being connected to the internet, it has seen a surge in growth in the last 10 years, with professional teams popping up all over the globe. Japan actually has vocational schools that train e-sports players, and sends world class athletes to compete on the world stage. This video introduces Ruri, the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open Summer Smash 2020, a new tournament with 30 million yen (~$280,000 USD) in prize money at stake. What is FORTNITE? Source :YouTube screenshot Let's talk about the rules of FORTNITE, and how it's played. Starting at 0:38 in the video, you can see up close footage of the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay. FORTNITE is an online battle royale game with a twist. One of the main features of the game is called "building" which allows players to use materials they've found throughout the map to construct tactical structures that allow them to outmaneuver their opponents. The online battle royale game "FORTNITE," is developed by Epic Games in the UK. Supported platforms are PC, PlayStation 4, XboxOne, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. There is a "save the world" mode where players work together to fight off waves of monsters, and a "battle royal" mode where players fight against one another to be the last remaining. Because of FORTNITE's in-game transactions, and depictions of violence, the game has a PEGI rating of 12+. The actual game is a 3rd person shooter where characters spawn into a map and have to scavenge the area for weapons, armor, and materials. Players start every match as a blank canvas, forcing them to adapt to their environment and make do with what they have. The story is post-apocalyptic in nature, with 98% of the world's population being eradicated by a sudden storm and the emergence of monsters called "husks." The player's goal is to fight to survive and save the human race. The "Australian Open Summer Smash 2020" Featuring FORTNITE Source :YouTube screenshot Cross-platform online games like FORTNITE, which are also compatible with handheld devices, have evolved remarkably in recent years. Ruri, a member of the Japanese professional team "CrazyRaccoon," managed to win such a large scale tournament at just 16 years old. The "Australian Open Summer Smash 2020" was held at a tennis stadium in Melbourne, Australia, also used for the Australian Open tennis tournament every February. The crowed roared when the Japanese team secured their victory. The second day's solo match (a charity tournament) also drew a large crowd where spectators gathered to see the winner's Victory Royale. The rules are simple- the last player standing wins. Summary of Japan's Australian Open 2020 Fortnite Win Source :YouTube screenshot Ruri is just 16 years old but is already an accomplished player that managed to win a prestigious tournament with a massive prize pool. Players also have rankings, similar to other sports, and it's expected that we'll see Ruri aiming for #1. In the world of e-sports, opportunities for young players like Ruri continue to grow. People even talk about the future of e-sports, saying that it's only a matter of time before it's a part of the Olympics. 【Official Website】Fortnite - Play Now for Free | Official Site | Epic Games https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/home?lang=en-US

Video Introduction to the English Tour of the Imperial Palace, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo This is an informational video released by "Tokyo MX" in 2018, introducing English tours of the Imperial Palace, a central city landmark that is gaining popularity among foreign visitors to Japan. Asakusa (浅草, Asakusa), Odaiba (お台場, Odaiba), Shibuya (渋谷, Shibuya) and Ueno (上野, Ueno) are famous for their central Tokyo attractions, but in recent years, the number of foreigners visiting the Imperial Palace has been on the rise. In response to the growing demand for inbound tours, the Imperial Household Agency, which oversees the Imperial Palace, has introduced English tours for foreigners for the first time, in addition to tours in Japanese. A Look at the Imperial Palace Photo：Near the palace The Imperial Palace is where the Emperor of Japan usually spends his time. It was called "Kyujo," "Kojo," and "Kogu" in the past. The current Imperial Palace, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward (千代田区, Chiyodaku), is built around the ruins of Edo Castle and consists of the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor, and a palace for various events and political affairs. The palace, introduced at 2:17 in the video includes seven buildings, including the Main Hall (正殿, Seiden), Homeiden State Banquet Hall (豊明殿, Homeiden), the Rensui Dining Room (連翠, Rensui), Chowaden Reception Hall (長和殿, Chowaden), Chigusa/Chidori no ma Hall (千種・千鳥の間,Chigusa・Chidorinoma), the Omote Gozasho North Building (表御座所北棟, Omotegozashokitato) and Omote Gozasho South Building (表御座所南棟, Omotegozashominamito). The Palace is surrounded by a moat, and the path along the moat is crowded with people on a daily basis. The English Tours of the Imperial Palace Source :YouTube screenshot The English-language tour will take you on a 2-kilometer course along the south side of the Palace. You can visit the Imperial Household Agency building and historical sites on foot with a guide from the Agency's staff. You can see an actual guide at 0:47 in the video. In this approximately one-hour tour, you can see a garden reminiscent of the Edo Period and the iron bridge at the main gate, along with Fujimi Tower(富士見櫓,Fujimiyagura) that stands atop a stone wall, and the palace where general New Year's ceremonies and other imperial events are held, as introduced at 1:29 in the video. The guide's explanations are easy to understand for foreign visitors to Japan, so don't be shy about joining in the tour. You can hear opinions of those who participated in the tour at 1:06 and 2:32 in the video. Summary of English Tours at the Imperial Palace Photo：Moat of the Imperial Palace The sights of the Imperial Palace shown in the video are definitely worth seeing in person. If you're thinking of applying for the English tour, be sure to visit the link at the bottom of this article to access the official site of the Imperial Palace. The site provides an overview of the English tour application process, a tour schedule, and a map of the facilities. ◆Imperial Palace Facility Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111 【Access】A 10-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line, a 5-minute walk from Otemachi Station on the Mita Subway Line, a 5-minute walk from Takebashi Station on the Tozai Subway Line, and a 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. 【Official Website】Imperial Household Agency: Information of the Facilities: Imperial Palace – Kyoto Imperial Palace https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Imperial Palace https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066443-d320050-Reviews-Imperial_Palace-Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html