Introducing Dinnerware and Cutlery for Families Who Love to Camp While leisure and other activities are limited due to the Corona pandemic, camping, which can be enjoyed outdoors, has become very popular in Japan. Here we'll introduce camping accessories that family campers have found useful. Check out these compact items and how to neatly store them. Video Introduction This video, titled "Introducing Family Camping Dishes, Cutlery, and Cookers!" (Introduce items such as family camp dishes, cutlery and cooker!) was uploaded by "Pahta / Camp." It introduces recommended dinnerware, cutlery, cookers, and other camping items for family camping that can fit in a Seattle Sports Frost Pak Soft Cooler! The video introduces cutlery and dinnerware sets for a family of four, including two children and two adults, neatly stored in a soft cooler. This video is recommended for beginners as it explains the appeal of each camping item, what to look for, design features, and materials. The way they're stored is also very helpful. Be sure to check it out in the video! Storing Camping Dinnerware and Cutlery Neatly and Compactly Source :YouTube screenshot The video begins with the opening of a SEATTLE SPORTS Frost Pack 25QT, which stores dinnerware and cutlery, and which is useful for camping with a family. The Seattle Sports Frostpack 25QT is an American-born brand synonymous with soft coolers. When camping solo, you can also take your family's portion of dinnerware and cutlery out of the bag and go camping with less weight. Now, let's take a look at the items introduced in the video. Basic Camping Rice Cooker and Kettle Source :YouTube screenshot Introduced first are bottles for making tea and water, a rice cooker for cooking rice, and a kettle for boiling water. Rice is a staple food in Japan and it's great for cooking when camping as well. Snow Peak, the cookware, can also be used to make soup and rice, and the lid can be used as a frying pan. ・1 liter Nalgene bottle: Used to store water ・UNIFLAME Rice Cooker Mini DX: Used to cook rice ・Trangia Kettle 0.9L (aluminum): Used to boil water ・Snow Peak Trek 1400 (aluminum): Cooking utensils Titanium Dinnerware and Cutlery Photo：Outdoor dinnerware Titanium is a suitable material for dinnerware because of its high heat resistance. If the heat from hot soup or other food is transferred directly to your dinnerware, it can cause burns when eating. In this respect, titanium dinnerware stays relatively cool, allowing you to eat without worrying about being burned by your cutlery. [Video] 2:53 - Introduction of cutlery Cups, cutlery, and other items featured in the video. The first titanium sierra cup that PAHTA (the youtuber) bought is a product that they recommend. It's a simple design, but the handle is designed so that it naturally hooks onto the middle finger when held, making it easy to hold and spill-resistant. ・Snow Peak Titanium Sierra Cup: Used for cooking and as dinnerware ・Snow Peak - Trek Titanium Bowl (discontinued) ・Snow Peak - Trek Titanium Plate (discontinued) ・Coleman - Cooking Tool Box 2: Holds mugs and cutlery ・Snow Peak - Stacking Mug Snow Peak H300: Mugs ・Snow Peak - Titanium Cutlery FS (discontinued): Forks and spoons ・OPINEL - Opinel No. 7 Round Tipped Stainless Steel Knife ・Windmill - Windmill JP Turbo Lighter ・A rice scoop and chop sticks ・MSR ALPINE DX Cutting Board: A small cutting board with stylish colors Titanium dinnerware and cutlery is popular partly because it is lightweight when carried to cleaning stations at camp. Another important feature that makes them popular is that they can be neatly stacked for easy storage. Useful Camping Gear for Drying Dishes Source :YouTube screenshot After eating at camp, it's necessary to clean up afterwards. Here we'll introduce some useful goods for cleaning up. ・Coleman Hanging Dry Net 2: A net for drying dishes outdoors ・Sponge and detergent for cleaning dinnerware ・HOLD & FOLD baby bottle stand (discontinued): used as a portable drying rack Featured in the video is a HOLD&FOLD baby bottle drying rack. After washing dishes, you'll want to dry them, but there are surprisingly few compact dish drying racks. The product shown in the video is a reused baby bottle holder but is compact and convenient. Summary For beginners who are thinking about getting camping equipment, videos and information from advanced campers who have actually used the equipment and are comfortable recommending it are a useful resource. It's important to choose camping equipment that is light, simple, and easy to use, and that can be stored neatly. As shown in the video, storing a family's worth of dinnerware, cutlery, and cookers in sets will decrease the chance that you forget something. Be sure to reference this video for camping information.

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

The Most Convenient Sightseeing Taxi Taxis fares vary by region and company, but in some cases, a pick-up fee is charged to pick you up at your current location as well as a waiting fee if you aren't at the taxi when it arrives. On the other hand, there are some taxi companies that offer discounts for long-distance trips, so you should make good use of them when sightseeing. Unlike other countries, Japan's taxis have developed in their own unique way. Toyota, one of the largest companies in the Japanese automotive industry, has developed a next-generation taxi called "JPN TAXI." This article will cover everything you need to know about JPN TAXI! Be sure to follow along with the video! What is JPN TAXI? Source :TOYOTA The difference between Toyota's "JPN TAXI" and a normal taxi is the model. When we think of Japanese taxis, we usually think of a sedan type, but the JPNTAXI is a tall wagon type. The height of JPNTAXI makes it comfortable for foreigners to ride in, as the cabin is spacious and easy to relax in. If you retract the seat, you can get in the car with a wheelchair and if you have a caregiver, they can sit next to you. In addition, JPN TAXI can also store large trunks vertically, making it possible to carry more luggage than a conventional taxi. JPN TAXI Interior Features Source :TOYOTA Do you ever worry about your smartphone or tablet running out of battery during business trips and when sightseeing? JPN TAXI has two USB terminals so you can charge your electronic devices on the go! You can make good use of the travel time to check your email, look up tourist attractions, and more, all without worrying about how much battery your device has. Other features include assisted grips that make it easier to get in and out of the cab. Toyota's JPN TAXI is also equipped with a newly-developed rear suspension that reduces sway even on rough terrain, and other subtle features. Check Out the JPN TAXI App! Source :TOYOTA You can also call a JPN TAXI through the dispatch app "JapanTaxi." Although it doesn't mean you'll 100% be able to ride in a JPN TAXI, it's very useful app for those who don't know the area or can't speak the language well, so we recommend downloading it before your visit to Japan. It's also possible to book a taxi in advance to make your visit to Japan as smooth as possible. Summary of Toyota's JPN TAXI If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see what Toyota's next generation JPN TAXI is all about! Enjoy your trip to Japan with JPN TAXI!

An Introduction to Okashi no Machioka 「「おかしのまちおか」 Okashi no Machioka」, is a video created by 「IKEBUKURO GOURMET」. It introduces the sweets shop "Okashi no Machioka" which is a very popular destination for those visiting Japan. Over 1000 varieties of sweets are sold here at extremely low prices, making this the perfect place for sweet lovers, or those who are looking to buy Japanese souvenirs. This article will introduce the charm of Okashi no Machioka. What is Okashi no Machioka? Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Okashi no Machioka is a popular sweets shop in Japan managed by the Minoya corporation (株式会社みのや, Kabushiki-gaisha Minoya), and there are over 150 Okashi no Machioka locations throughout Japan. A wide selection of snacks from various brands are sold here. As seen from 1:27 in the video, snacks such as candies and gum are sold at very reasonable prices. This shop is popular among people of all ages, from the young to the elderly. The Greatest Attraction of Okashi no Machioka: Unbelievably Low Prices Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Sometimes, up to a 90% discount is available for selected sweets. Information about limited-time campaigns or opening sales is available on online or on flyers, so do make sure to check those frequently. The secret behind the low prices of Okashi no Machioka is that products are displayed in bulk in cardboard boxes, thus reducing the need for additional fixtures and cutting operating costs. You can see the products lined up in the shop from 0:09 in the video. The Products of Okashi no Machioka Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Okashi no Machioka is also popular with foreigners. These visitors mostly purchase sweets as souvenirs. Matcha KitKats, Assorted Kit Kats, Chiroru Chocolate, Matcha Mochi, Kororo, Hi-Chew, and Matcha Oreo are some of the most popular items. Every year around the start of the new year, "lucky bags" are sold for 1,000 yen (~$9 USD). The bags are stuffed to the brim with sweets, making them well worth the price. These bags have received favorable reviews from many satisfied customers as well. Besides this, "dagashi," (駄菓子) or Japanese penny candy, and sweet assortments, are also popular. Where is Okashi no Machioka? Photo：Highrises in Shinjuku There are Okashi no Machioka shops in cities all over Japan. Besides the inner Tokyo shops in Kichijoji (吉祥寺, Kichijoji), Shibuya (渋谷, Shibuya), Shinjuku (新宿, Shinjuku), Ikebukuro (池袋, Ikebukuro) and more, there are also shops in Kawasaki (川崎, Kawasaki), Musashi-Kosugi (武蔵小杉, Musashi-kosugi), Kita-senju (北千住, Kita-senju), Funabashi (船橋, Funabashi), as well as other locations in the prefectures of Chiba (千葉, Chiba), Kyoto (京都, Kyoto), Saitama (埼玉, Saitama) and Osaka (大阪, Osaka). The opening hours vary by location, so we recommend double checking this information on the Okashi no Machioka official homepage. Okashi no Machioka summed up The video 「「おかしのまちおか」 Okashi no Machioka」, by 「IKEBUKURO GOURMET」, introduces Okashi no Machioka, a popular sweets shop in Japan. Sweets are sold at extremely low prices, and with over a thousand varieties of sweets available, just taking a stroll through the shop makes for an enjoyable experience. If you want to eat lots of sweets at reasonable prices, or buy sweets as souvenirs, then this shop is exactly what you're looking for. The producer of the video can also be seen purchasing sweets at 2:24 of the video. If this article has piqued your interest, definitely check out the video!

Introducing KidZania! This is an introductory video produced by KidZania Tokyo. KidZania Tokyo, a children’s job experiencing theme park, is a popular spot where children can experience many Japanese companies’ jobs using real-world tools and equipment. Every child has their own future dreams and goals, and for parents who want to let their children experience different jobs they might have in the future, KidZania Tokyo is a great place. Let’s watch the video and check out what kind of place the children's job experiencing theme park, KidZania Tokyo, is! What Is KidZania Tokyo? Source :YouTube screenshot KidZania Tokyo, located in Koto-ward, Tokyo, is a facility where children between the ages of 3 and 15 can experience jobs. At KidZania Tokyo, there are more than 90 kinds of activities (jobs) to experience, for example, craftsman jobs and service jobs, jobs moving your body, Japan’s traditional jobs, etc. One of the attractive points of KidZania Tokyo is that it is located inside Tokyo LaLaport Toyosu, which is easy to access. You can use the parking lot at LaLaport Toyosu as well. If you're in the Kansai Area, we recommend visiting KidZania Koshien in Nishinomiya city, Hyogo prefecture. Admission fees for KidZania vary by time and age of children, so we recommend looking up prices before visiting. What Kinds of Jobs Can You Experience at KidZania Tokyo? Source :YouTube screenshot There are many jobs to experience at KidZania Tokyo. Popular activities (jobs) at KidZania Tokyo include cabin attendants, train conductors, and more. Children are guided using English while enjoying experiencing these jobs. At KidZania Tokyo, there are other jobs to experience as well. For example, court work, a dental clinic, bank, department store, gas station, eye glasses shop, delivery center, beauty salon, mayonnaise factory, as well as food & drink service jobs like sushi shops, pizza shops, and ice cream shops. At KidZania Tokyo, children put on uniforms for each job to provide a more realistic experience. You can see scenes of children experiencing jobs throughout the video. Parents and guardians cannot experience activities or go inside the pavilions, but taking photos is allowed, so be sure to take pictures! They'll make great memories. Many famous Japanese companies offer pavilions as official sponsors of KidZania Tokyo. Children select the jobs they wish to try from numerous pavilions at KidZania Tokyo, and experience each them. Tips for Enjoying Kidzania Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot At KidZania Tokyo, items that children create in activities are called deliverables, and they can eat the food they make, or take home what they created as a souvenir. Also, after experiencing jobs at KidZania, the children are payed money called KidZos, which can be received from ATMs. By using KidZos, you can participate in KidZania activities as guests, or buy things like toys at the department store or other shops. Online reservation of admission is also available at KidZania Tokyo’s official website. Please be aware that there may be some waiting time at the reception area on weekends when crowded. Summary of Kidzania Tokyo! Before your visit, be sure to watch this video and experience the realism of KidZania Tokyo. In the video, there are no actual interviews with those who have visited the park, but you can see scenes of children experiencing jobs. Experiencing what work is like at KidZania Tokyo makes for a precious real-world experience for children, and many children’s future dreams are born at KidZania Tokyo. Why not have your children experience what work may be like for them in the future, at KidZania Tokyo? 【Official Website】KidZania Tokyo https://www.kidzania.jp/tokyo/en/ 【Official Website】KidZania Koshien http://www.kidzania.jp/koshien/en/

Koi Carp: Loved by the Japanese Since Long Ago This video is called ‘Koi Carp 〜Swimming Art〜 (錦鯉 〜泳ぐ芸術〜)’ and made by JVT Channel (JVTチャンネル). The video shows you colorful koi swimming elegantly. Koi are aquarium fish with a long history. Historical records show koi being used as the inspiration for painting patterns of items exhibited at expos during the Taisho Period (1912～1926). They are actually an invasive species to Japan. The specially bred fish have been bred into many different varieties. Koi are kept as aquarium fish in aquariums and ponds within Japanese gardens. Their characteristics are their beautiful patterns and striking colors. The average size of these fish is between 30 and 60 cm and their life span is around 30 years. Let’s take a look at why these fish are so attractive. The video shows you a koi farm and a competition that you don’t get an opportunity to see often. Be sure to check it out while reading this article. What Are Koi? Photo：Koi Koi were originally called "irogoi" (色鯉, colored carp), hanagoi (花鯉, flower carp), and "moyougoi" (模様鯉, patterned carp) in Japanese. They started to be called Nishikigoi (錦鯉, brocade carp) because of their luxurious designs reminiscent of a brocade. The Japanese brocade shown at 0:14 in the documentary video is a Japanese traditional silk fabric made by weaving variously colored threads. Koi were originally eaten as a food, then, one day, a unique fish with beautiful patterns appeared. There are many kinds of koi, such as red and white and tri-colored koi with red, white, and black. In addition to the Taisho Sanshoku (tri-color) and the Showa Sanshoku, there are some unusually colored ones, such as light yellow, autumn Green, tortoise shell patterned koi, reflective koi, five Colored koi, and gold and Peacock koi as well. How Are Koi Looked After? Source :YouTube screenshot It takes a lot of work to raise beautiful Nishikigoi. The Dainichi Koi Farm in Niigata Prefecture in Japan's Koshinetsu region, farms koi. At the farm, they strictly control water temperature and quality, as well as feeding schedules. They put great care into raising beautiful koi. They are also very particular about the feed given to their koi. This can be seen from 1:13 in the video. From 1:37, you can see many baby koi as well. Hiroshi Mano from Dainichi Koi Farm says in the interview, "The most important things are maintaining proper water temperature and quality. Beautiful koi are strong, healthy koi. From 3:27 in the video, you can see the annual National Koi Competition. Koi from the Dainichi Koi Farm were the winners of this competition. How to Get Your Very Own Japanese Koi There are many kinds of koi. In Japan, many people love koi. Koi with patterns or beautiful colors are sold at auctions for sometimes astronomically high prices. Furthermore, you can buy specially bred varieties of koi at online shops and Yahoo Japan Auctions, but they usually go for quite a bit of money. Some orders for Japanese koi come from overseas. The number of koi exported overseas is increasing year by year. Popular koi have been used as a motifs in traditional Japanese crafts as well. We recommend buying plates and chopstick holders with koi pattern designs. Summary of Japan's "Swimming Jewels" Photo：Koi In Japan, there are many kinds of aquarium fish, such as goldfish and Japanese rice fish. Among them, koi are loved by many people for their jewel-like beauty. Koi are born around Niigata Prefecture area. You can learn the history and the characteristics of koi at Nishikigoi no Sato in Niigata, the birthplace of koi, and at Fukuoka Koinosato Park in Fukuoka-machi, Toyama Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region, which is one of Japan’s most famous koi production towns. If you have a large landscape garden or a large aquarium and would like some koi of your own, try searching online or try out some auction sites to see if they have what you're looking for. You can see many koi with beautiful patterns in the video. Be sure to check out the video to enjoy the beauty of Japan's "swimming jewels."

Snowplowing Fukui's Snow-Covered Railroad - Echizen Railway This video, titled “[Snow Removal Work] Snow Removal Work by Two Echizen Railway Snow Blowers: Echizen Railway Nishiharue Station, February 9th, 2018” (【除雪作業】えちぜん鉄道・ロータリー車 ２台による排雪作業 えちぜん鉄道 西春江駅 2018年2月9日), is produced by "labaoka." It shows the snowplowing of Echizen Railway. Have you seen snowplowing at railroads in heavy snow areas? In the metropolitan area, trains are stopped when there's just a few centimeters of snow. How do people in heavy snow areas, often covered by a few meters of snow in one night, manage to remove the snow on the railways? This video shows actual footage of the snowplowing at Echizen Railway Nishiharue Station, in Fukui Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region, one of the snowiest areas in Japan. This is rare footage that you've probably never seen before. Fukui Prefecture – A Heavy Snowfall Area in Japan Photo：Snowplows clearing snow on road In the video, the snow is taller than the people! Did you know that Japan has some of the snowiest areas in the world? As the railroads stretch throughout Japan, people in areas with heavy snowfall have to plow snow every day in the winter. The main island of Japan has a mountain range in the center which divides the Pacific Ocean and Japan Sea sides. During winter, strong winds from the continent hit the mountain range and cause low air pressure. This is why there are so many places with heavy snowfall on the Japan Sea side. The Echizen Railway shown in the video runs through Fukui, one of Ishikawa's neighboring prefectures. The Hokuriku region which is composed of Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama is one of the snowiest areas in Japan. About Echizen Railway – A Railway in the Snow Photo：A Rusted track and unmanned station Echizen Railway, nicknamed as “Echi Tetsu,” is a railway that connects Fukui City with Katsuyama City and Sakai City. There are hot spring facilities such as Awara Onsen and Mikuni Onsen Yuaport, as well as tourist spots like Bashozuka, Matsuoka Kofun Cluster, and Tojinbo. Echizen Railway is a railway in the third sector that was established as the successor to the Echizen Main Line and Mikuni Awara Line formerly operated by Keifuku Electric Railroad in Fukui. The L-type train car is a “brother” to the Toyama Light Rail TLR0600 series. Its futuristic design is also popular among train enthusiasts. Snowplows – Essential Vehicles for Snow Removal on Railroads Source :YouTube screenshot Snowplows are essential vehicles for railroads in snowy regions. As you can see in the video, it snows so much that the crossing, as well as the rail, are almost completely covered by snow. This is dangerous even for the local people who are used to snow. Which is exactly why these vehicles are necessary. Let us introduce several types of snowplows: -Russel snowplow: This is the most common snowplow for railroads. It plows its way through snow using the blade on the edge of the main car. -Snow blower: This locomotive blows the raked snow by spinning the rotary with its motor. -Russel snow blower: Russel snow blower has both features of a snow blower and a Russel snowplow. This vehicle is used in the snowiest areas in Japan. The video shows footage of a snowplow passing through Nishiharue Station slowly while removing snow. As seen at 0:59, the snowplow faces the direction that allows it to not blow snow at nearby houses. It's quite tough work. Summary of Snow Removal at Fukui's Echizen Railway Various snowplows greatly help the heavy snow areas in Japan. The vehicle at the beginning of the video removing snow from the rail of Echizen Railway is the snow blower and the Russel snowplow appears after 10:00 in the video. being one of the snowiest areas in Japan, this kind of snow removal work by snowplows is essential for Fukui Prefecture. After removing snow by snow blowers, however, people must remove the blown snow manually to prevent a buildup of large snowdrifts on roads and in front of houses. Even though local people are used to it, life in a snowy region is tough. Plowing snow is just the icing on the cake. Watch and enjoy the footage of Echizen Railway snowplows working to secure traffic safety for the local people of Fukui – one of the snowiest areas in Japan.

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!

The Life of the Jomon People 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!

Kumamoto's "Utase Fishing" and "Utase Ships." Generations Old Traditions This video, titled "[Tomorrow's Heritage Kyushu] Kumamoto's Utase Ships" ([明日の遺産 九州] 熊本「うたせ船」), was uploaded by "N.a." It's an introductory video of "Utase Ships," the traditional fishing boats handed down in Ashikita (芦北町, Ashikita cho), Kumamoto, in Japan's Kyushu region. In addition to the Kumamoto Ashikita area, "Utase Ships" are used in traditional fishing practices in areas such as Hachirogata, Akita, located in Japan's Tohoku region. The Yatsushiro Sea (八代海, Yatsushiro kai) in Kumamoto is also known as the Shiranui Sea (不知火海, Shiranui kai), and is a famous place to enjoy delicious seafood thanks to its high-quality waters. In the Shiranui Sea, the traditional Japanese fishing method of using the power of the sea breeze to pull up seafood from the ocean floor is still practiced today. This video introduces Utase Ships and traditional fishing with beautiful images. Please enjoy the video showcasing ancient techniques in the modern era. Features of the Utase Ship Source :YouTube screenshot Kumamoto's specialty is a traditional fishing method in which bottom trawling nets are set up on an Utase sailboat and dragged along by the sea breeze. The ship goes to the fishing grounds by engine, but after the net is dropped, fishing is performed using only the power of nature. Sea hulls such as prawns, crabs, and giant clams can be harvested using this bottom trawling method. The good thing about this method is that it allows you to catch only the amount of fish you need, and it also allows you to clean the ocean by pulling up debris from the sea floor. Utase fishing is a traditional fishing method that the Japanese have been using since ancient times to live in harmony with nature. The fishing is introduced from 1:41 in the video. It is also explained in the video that "only the necessary blessings are separated from the sea." Take a Ride on a Beautiful Utase Ship Source :YouTube screenshot The appearance of the beautiful boats with white sails going through the scenic open sea is exciting and gorgeous at the same time. Kumamoto's Utase Ships are so beautiful that they're called the "white-dressed ladies of the sea" (白いドレスをまとった海の貴婦人). This is introduced at 1:27 in the video. The beautiful atmosphere in the video helps you understand why it's called this. Kumamoto’s specialty Utase Ship is operated as a sightseeing pleasure boat during the off-season of fishing. While sightseeing on the Utase Ships and Ashikita fishing boats, you can also try marlin fishing! Be sure to look at the beautiful colors of these fish and eat plenty of delicious seafood! If you want to experience the magnificent views of Kumamoto's gorgeous waters or try your hand at fishing, look into the Utase tours in Kumamoto. Summary of Kumamoto's Utase Ships The Utase Ships that sail the open seas of Kumamoto, remind us of the ancient Japanese fishing methods in harmony with nature. The area around Ashikita, where you can taste delicious seafood and other gourmet dishes, is a somewhat secret spot for traveling to Kyushu. The video also introduces the dazzling white sails of an Utase Ship as it moves forward with the wind. It is a Japanese tradition we recommend checking out. If you're interested in Kumamoto's Utase Ships presented this video, be sure to plan a sightseeing trip to Kumamoto!

Harie Shozu no Sato - The Village of Living Water This 4K video, titled "Harie Shozu-no-sato - Shiga - 針江生水の郷 - 4K Ultra HD," was released by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." It introduces magnificent views of "Harie Shozu no Sato," the Village of Living Water, a popular sightseeing destination in Takashima, Shiga. In Harie Shozu no Sato in Shiga Prefecture, the beautiful local spring water has long been used by the people in everyday life. This article will introduce tourist information for the Village of Living Water, a place where people live in harmony with nature. Be sure to follow along with the video! The Village of Living Water in Shiga Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The Harie district of Takashima, Shiga, a place not far from Shirahige Shrine, is also called "Shozu no Sato" and "Junsui no Sato" in Japanese. The spring water in this area comes from underground, and has existed for more than 200 years. In 2015, Harie Shozu no Sato was selected as a Japanese heritage site under "Lake Biwa and its Surrounding Waters." Let's take a look at the beautiful scenery of the Village of Living Water. You can see the beautiful water flowing along the side of the road from 0:08 in the video. The Wisdom of Our Ancestors Passed Down in the Village of Living Water Source :YouTube screenshot A Kabata is system that uses water from a spring for domestic use. The cleanest water upstream is used as drinking water, and downstream there is a small pool for washing vegetables. This can be seen from 0:50 in the video. Also shown at 2:08 in the video, you can see how carp are kept in the waterway, downstream of where the dishes are washed, and they eat leftover food to clean the water. The Uehara Tofu Shop (上原豆腐店) along the riverside, which can be seen from 2:57 in the video, sells exquisite tofu chilled in the waterways, so be sure to try some and enjoy the local flavors of the area during your visit. Hidden Gems and Famous Locations in Harie Source :YouTube screenshot The Biwako Visitors Bureau, a public interest incorporated association, offers tours such as the "Kabata and Townscape Course" and the "Satoyama Lakeside Course." If you're looking to go sightseeing in the Village of Living Water, we recommend applying for a guided tour and seeing the recommended routes. There is also a hotel in Harie that has been renovated from an old Japanese-style house. Staying at an inn like this is a great way to experience Japanese culture. Summary of Harie Shozu no Sato - The Village of Living Water Source :YouTube screenshot The area around Harie Shozu no Sato is great for those looking to experience the beauty of nature and traditional Japanese culture. Take a wonderful sightseeing trip to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Harie Shozu no Sato, a place where beautiful water flows through the village. 【Tripadvisor】Harie Shozu no Sato - The Village of Living Water https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1023578-d6611968-r247141189-Harie_Shozu_no_Kabata-Takashima_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Shigeru Takagi, the Japanese Man Helping to Clear Mines in Cambodia This video, titled "Shigeru Takagi Helps Clear Land Mines in Cambodia" (カンボジアで地雷除去する高木茂さん), introduces Shigeru Takagi, a Japanese man taking part in Peace-Keeping Operations (PKO) in Cambodia. Shigeru Takagi was previously enrolled in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). While serving in the JGSDF, he requested to participate in peace-keeping operations but unfortunately denied permission to do so. After retiring, he was invited by his previous boss to work for the Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS). He currently works clearing mines in a village in Cambodia near the border of Thailand. You can see the current mine situation in Cambodia and listen to Shigeru Takagi in an interview in this video. Cambodia - A Country Covered in Land Mines Left Over From the Civil War Photo：Unexploded ordnance Even now, Cambodia suffers as a result of the civil war. In the late 1900's, around 2 million people were killed in Cambodia during Pol Pot's totalitarian regime. Currently, there are thought to be approximately 7-10 million former Soviet Union and Chinese land mines buried across the country. Even now, after the war has ended, children are unable to play freely outside, as the mines pose a huge risk to their safety. From 1:13 in the video, you can see children studying in an elementary school surrounded by land mines. Shigeru Takagi has helped remove land mines from places where people are at risk of being injured. He plans to continue removing land mines in the hope of eventually clearing Cambodia of mines completely. Shigeru Takagi Teaches Cambodian Citizens How to Safely Remove Mines Source :YouTube screenshot From 2:02 in the video, you can see women wearing heavy safety clothing and helmets (weighing approximately 10 kg) searching for land mines in the scorching 35℃ weather. After a land mine is found, the area is taped off for safety and the mine is detonated. You can see an explosion at 2:32 in the video. As you can see from 2:45 in the video, Shigeru Takagi not only participates in mine-clearing activities but also teaches how to safely remove buried land mines. He currently teaches courses for Cambodian citizens and explains things, such as the differences between anti-tank land mines and anti-personnel land mines. Shigeru Takagi talks of the importance of not only removing the mines but also of working with the government to support people who have been injured by the mines. He also expresses that he hopes the number of mine-clearing vehicles and devices will increase, in order to speed up the mine-clearing process. Summary of Shigeru Takagi, the Japanese Man Helping Clear Mines in Cambodia Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by Kyodo News. It features Shigeru Takagi who is currently participating in mine-clearing activities in Cambodia. At the end of the video, Shigeru Takagi expresses his gratitude for being given the chance to participate in this huge project and says he has no regrets about joining. We hope through this video you learned more about the current land mine situation in Cambodia and about one Japanese man's efforts to bring peace to the country. The Japan Mine Action Service is currently still looking for more volunteers. If you were moved by the information in this article and would like to contribute towards mine clearance in Cambodia, consider supporting the Japan Mine Action Service! 【Official Website】Non-Profit Organization Japan Mine Action Service https://en.jmas-ngo.jp/?doing_wp_cron=1595986947.6080920696258544921875

Introducing Suruga Bamboo Ware This is a promotional video for Suruga Take Sensuji Zaiku (Suruga Bamboo Ware), created by Aoyama Square, a shop specializing in traditional Japanese crafts. Suruga Bamboo Ware is a traditional craft made from bamboo stems. Created using professional techniques whereby the craftsman creates flower vases, bug cages, and handbags by assembling thin strips cut from bamboo stems. In recent years, it has become popular with more modern items, such as bags and wind chimes. Today, we'll introduce in detail the highly valued traditional Japanese craft, Suruga Bamboo Ware. Be sure to follow along with the video! The History of Suruga Bamboo Ware ©SUN Modifying Due to rich bamboo resources, bamboo crafts were commonly used in daily life from olden times in the Suruga area, in Shizuoka prefecture. The origin of the craft is rooted in ancient history. Bamboo products like baskets and cages have been excavated from Toro ruins in this area, major ruins of the Yayoi period. In the Edo period, bamboo crafts established a position as side jobs for samurai. After retiring from the shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in Sunpu Castle, and a local culture of bamboo craftsmen was established in the Suruga area. Suruga Bamboo Ware was recognized as national traditional craft by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry in 1976. How Suruga Bamboo Ware Is Made Source :YouTube screenshot The production process of Suruga Bamboo Ware is divided into 4 parts: Measuring and cutting bamboo, Bending, Weaving, and Assembly. Japanese timber bamboo (Madake) or Moso bamboo (Mosochiku) are used as materials, and strips are cut from their stalks. Flat strips are used for bamboo crafts in other areas, but Suruga Bamboo Ware uses round cut strips. They are made using a unique technique that involves bending the strips into round shapes and connecting them through weaving. The distinctive feature of Suruga Bamboo Ware is that all processes, from the cutting and measuring of bamboo to the finishing touches, are done by a single craftsman. A more detailed process is shown in the video at 0:25. Please enjoy the techniques of Suruga Bamboo Ware craftsman, Takahide Sugiyama. Suruga Bamboo Ware Products Source :YouTube screenshot There are many different Suruga Bamboo Ware products; snack trays, which are great for hosting guests, flower vases, tea cup saucers, small pouches, lightings such as lanterns and lamps, wind chimes/desktop wind bells, bug cages, and more. Beautiful Japanese style handbags are also popular. These products can be purchased on amazon and Japan’s major online retailer, Rakuten. Prices range from several thousands to several tens of thousands of Japanese yen (tens to hundreds of dollars), depending on the product. Summary of Suruga Bamboo Ware As introduced in the video, Suruga Bamboo Ware is traditional Japanese craft handmade by a single artisan. If you're looking to take in some Japanese culture in your daily life, we recommend purchasing some Suruga Bamboo Ware products. They make great souvenirs and gifts as well. 【Official website】Suruga Bamboo Ware "Shizuoka Bamboo-crafts Cooperative" http://www.takesensuji.jp/?mode=f8 【Official website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

The Autonomous, Ultra-Lightweight Vehicle Driving Itself Around the Airport This time, we introduce a news coverage video published by "FNN Prime Online," titled "Autonomous One-Man Ulv in Airport; Senior Citizens Can Travel With Ease" (空港に1人乗り自動運転モビリティ　高齢者も楽に移動), which talks about the small scooter called "RakuRo" that autonomously drives itself within the airport. The autonomous scooter, RakuRo, is a ULV (Ultra-lightweight vehicle) that expertly navigates its way through the crowds at Narita International Airport. You can see RakuRo operating in the video. RakuRo is expected to be used by families with children, passengers with loads of baggage, senior citizens, and more. If you hop on RakuRo and choose a destination on the tablet, the personal ULV will drive you to that location. The In-Airport Driving of RakuRo Source :YouTube screenshot RakuRo travels slowly, with a maximum speed of 6km/h. You can watch the scooter driving around with a passenger at 0:14 in the video. It travels while avoiding obstacles by using its built-in camera and sensors to detect its surroundings. It will stop, and even take detours when necessary. You can see the RakuRo stopping when there is a person in front of it at 1:16 in the video. The sensors are based on autonomous mobility technology used in the development of self-driving vehicles, and are located in three locations: the upper front, the central face, and at the bottom. In airports, where GPS is not available, the radar system, LiDAR, is used to detect obstacles around the vehicle and estimate its position by comparing it with a high-precision 3D map. In order to create the 3D map in advance, they conducted a real-life experiment. This can be seen in the video. The size of RakuRo is 65×110×120cm, and as you can see at 0:48 in the video, the seat on the autonomous vehicle is designed to rotate 90 degrees when entering the vehicle, making it easy for elderly people with weak legs and feet to use it. RakuRo - The Autonomous ULV Source :YouTube screenshot According to Hiromasa Iwano, Manager of ZMP's Robolife Division, the developer of RakuRo, the features of RakuRo include facial expressions that allow it to smile and vocalize, allowing it to communicate with the people around it while moving. In addition, when the number of foreign tourists increases and the airport staff is in short supply, RakuRo can take over the responsibility of guiding people to the airport. Experiment for Practical Use of RakuRo by ANA and NAA Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows a demonstration of the practical application of the RakuRo system, conducted by NAA (Narita International Airport) and ANA (All Nippon Airways). The "RakuRo" system, which is able to optimally navigate a large area of the airport, can be used to get to the boarding gate, and can also be used to pass through duty free shops and restaurants, all from a hand-held display. RakuRo is attracting a lot of attention for its ability to get passengers where they need to go, with simple operations, according to their needs. The display on RakuRo can be used to talk to other customers and to communicate with the surrounding people. Hiromasa Iwano, the developer of RakuRo, says that although automated driving systems such as taxis have been developed, RakuRo, which travels at low speeds, has a lower hurdle to overcome, and hints at the possibility of commercialization. Summary of RakuRo Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think about the new ULV, RakuRo, being implemented at airports? It's a vehicle of the future that will change how we use airports in the near future. Airports used to be an inconvenient place for the elderly and families with children. We await the day that airports are no longer a stressful, crowded environment, but rather, travel hubs that one can look forward to! 【Official Website】Autonomous Electric Cart・Senior Car RakuRo - ZMP https://www.zmp.co.jp/en/products/lrb/rakuro

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