Grand Seiko, Nagano, Japan - Watchmaker Video Introduction This video is "Inside Grand Seiko, Episode One: The Master Craftsman" produced by "Hodinkee". It is a valuable video that shows us the state and production process of the workshop that makes the world-class precision watches "Grand Seiko." The commitment of these Watchmaker's cannot be overlooked! The Japanese Micro-Artist Studio Behind Grand Seiko Watches Source :YouTube screenshot Seiko Epson's Shiojiri office in the Koshinetsu region and the Suwa region of Nagano prefecture, introduced in this video, was established with the aim of inheriting the techniques of the watchmaker "Micro Artist Studio." "Every one must be beautiful," says watchmaker Yoshifusa Nakazawa, a watch assembler who continues to produce watches in this studio (0:50 in the video). Mr. Nakazawa has been active as a watch assembler since joining the company in 1978, and in 1981 won the World Skills Competition in Japan. In this workshop, the assembly of the movement (the part that controls the driving of the wristwatch), the installation of the dial, and the case insertion are all performed consistently, so that steps such as maintenance and overhaul can be easily performed. From 1:06 of the video, you can see how precisely each watch is assembled, sometimes using a microscope. From 3:23 in the video, he says, "Mr. Nakazawa inherits 100% of the technology of assembling watches, and the best watches are assembled neatly." What Is Grand Seiko's Original Mechanism the "Spring Drive"!? Source :YouTube screenshot The mechanism “spring drive” mounted on Grand Seiko, which can be seen from 2:51 in the video, is said to be a third engine that combines machinery and quartz. It has a history of 20 years as a model symbolizing the Grand Seiko brand. The model called "44GS" established the design of Seiko style in 1967. It lists three policies, which are as follows: 1. Design consisting of a plane and quadratic surface, with a plane as the main body. Cubic surfaces are not used in principle. 2. Increase the area of the flat surface as much as possible over all cases, dials and hands. 3. In principle, each surface is a mirror surface, and distortion from each mirror surface is minimized as much as possible. Based on this policy, the 44GS was designed with nine features. This Seiko style is designed to spice up the beauty of Japan. It considers the "light" of Japanese people, and those who hold it can feel the beauty of the Japanese in its undistorted, flat planes. Grand Seiko can be called a work packed with the aesthetic sense of Japan. Master Shops Where You Can Buy Limited Items From Grand Seiko Photo：SEIKO The Grand Seiko Master Shops refer to about 140 shops in Japan that have signed a contract with Seiko, and there are several types of limited models sold only to that master shop. Not only men models, but valuable diver models and ladies' models are popular as well. For a list of watches, see the official website. In addition, you can apply for battery replacement from the official website, so please check it out. Of course, Grand Seiko can also be purchased online. Summary of the Popular Japanese Watch Grand Seiko Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's proud Grand Seiko watches have a high reputation in Japan and around the world as watches with a history and ideology. At the end of the video, Nakazawa says, "I imagine that those who use Grand Seiko watches will hand them over to the next generation and pass them on." Why not get your own watch? One that has been created as a work of art that inherits Japanese technology. 【Official Website】Grand Seiko Official Site https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en

The Cutting-Edge Robotics Company, FANUC This video, titled "FANUC Product Introduction (Full Version) 2020" (ファナック 商品紹介（フルバージョン） 2020), was uploaded by "FANUC CORPORATION." Have you heard of the robotics company FANUC? FANUC is a Japanese electrical equipment manufacturer that ranks first in the world in sales of robots and peripheral machine products for factory automation equipment. They're located in Oshinomura(忍野村,Oshinomura), Minamitsuru Ward(南都留郡,Minamitsurugun), Yamanashi Prefecture(山梨県,Yamanashiken). FANUC was the first manufacturer to successfully develop Japan's first numerical control device (NC) in 1956, and since then has continued to supply CNC equipment and robots for machine tools worldwide. The name FANUC has grown into an international brand thanks to its advanced technology and service. In this article, we'll introduce a number of exciting and futuristic factory automation products that FANUC will release in 2020! FANUC's CNC Series Source :YouTube screenshot FANUC’s CNC series is a vital product group that serves as the core of its FA products. The world-class CNC series, that increases productivity in manufacturing, uses an interface called iHMI, shown at 1:09 in the video, which is equipped with a high-quality AI that allows users to intuitively manipulate high-level production functions and simultaneous sharing of information regarding maintenance through networking. The FANUC servo motor offers a diverse lineup of motors that meet the needs of a wide range of customers, from small to large, and provides a comfortable manufacturing environment with excellent operability and easy maintenance. The Manufacturing Functions of FANUC Source :YouTube screenshot FANUC's products, which can be seen at 1:40 have earned a worldwide reputation for their machining performance. Even flat surface machining and shaping of complex shaped molds can be done at high speed and with high precision. AI servo tuning uses AI to automate the technology that skilled craftsmen have developed through experience. You can see the AI feed-forward tuning in progress at 3:03 in the video. In addition, the combination of CNC, servo motors, and robots makes it easy to perform complex laser engraving, metal cutting, and welding processes. About the FANUC robots introduced in the video Source :YouTube screenshot FANUC has a wide range of robots in its robot lineup, ranging from a 500 gram payload robot to a large robot with a payload of over 2.3 tons. These can be seen at 4:52 in the video. Cumulative production of FANUC robots has exceeded 640,000 units, making it the world's top producer of robots. Robomachines, its bestselling product so far, is yellow, FANUC’s brand color, but its new series, shown at 6:57, features a green color scheme and is a cooperative robot that stops moving when touched by a person. The Collaborative Robot provides a barrier-free environment for humans and robots to work together, helping to significantly improve workflow. Machines such as spot welding robots, arc welding robots, SCARA robots, handling robots, and Robodrills that incorporate high-precision vision sensors shown at 7:33 and force sensors shown at 7:51, can learn and manufacture products at higher speeds and with greater precision through the introduction of AI functionality. Summary of the Advanced Robotics Company, FANUC Although people tend to think of FA machines and robots as products for large factories, FANUC provides FA products for small and medium-sized companies as well. Its products can be operated via a tablet terminal interface and can be moved by AGVs and dollies. FANUC prides itself on its safe design, and its collaborative robots boast a safety design that does not require protective measures even in small work spaces, as they stop safely when touched by a person. The Japanese manufacturing industry is comprised of nearly 90% small and medium-sized enterprises. FANUC’s FA machines such as its small production processing machine, Roboshot and Robonano are bringing an industrial revolution to modern machining. 【Official Homepage】FANUC CORPORATION https://www.fanuc.co.jp/eindex.html

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

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