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!

Shiiba Village - A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in Miyazaki Prefecture This video, titled "A Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System - Shiiba Village - Promotional Video (Japanese, with subtitles)" (世界農業遺産　椎葉山　魅力発信プロモーションビデオ（日本語・字幕有り）), introduces Shiiba Village, a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System in Miyazaki Prefecture. Food is essential for humanity. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes agriculture, forestry, and fisheries that have traditionally been passed down to ensure the stable production of food as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). In 2015, five towns and villages in Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region, including Shiiba Village, were recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems in the Takachiho Township and Shiiba Mountain Region. Specialty Products of Shiiba Village and Characteristics of Agriculture in Miyazaki Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Shiiba Village in Miyazaki in Japan's Kyushu region, a place where you can feel the historical rural culture, has been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) for its agricultural expertise, including it's traditional slash-and-burn agricultural techniques. Shiiba Village, surrounded by mountains on all sides, has a rich agricultural culture of slash-and-burn farming which involves cutting down bushes and burning the ground with flames in August. In the mild climate of Shiiba Village, many people are involved in timber production, rice cultivation, and forestry, as well as shiitake mushroom, buckwheat cultivation, and the production of Japanese beef. Thanks to the rich farmland in Shiiba Village, numerous agricultural and livestock products can be grown there. Explore the Nature-rich Shiiba Village in Miyazaki Prefecture! Photo：Ureshino Hot Spring on Shiibayama, Miyazaki Prefecture Shiiba Village in Miyazaki is a famous tourist destination thanks to Ureshino Onsen. There are many mountain villa-style lodges and nice hotels in the area, and you can relax and rid yourself of the fatigue of sightseeing. Shiiba Village is a place where you can fully appreciate the scenery of all four seasons: seasonal flowers blooming in spring, fireworks displays in summer, and forests in the neighboring areas turning red and orange in autumn. Visit the rural landscape around Shiiba Village, experience encounters with wild animals and plants, and visit the Kami-Shiiba Dam on the upper reaches of the Mimi River (耳川, Mimi-Kawa)! These are just a few of the sightseeing experiences you can enjoy in this land of rich natural beauty. Popular Festivals on Shiiba Village, Miyazaki Prefecture Photo：Shiibayama in Miyazaki Shiiba Village is also known as an area where traditional Japanese arts still remain. At the Autumn Festival in Shiiba Village, you can see events with Usu-Daiko and Yamaboshi Dances. Hietsuki-bushi Dori, a folk dance, is another exciting form of local entertainment. At the Shiiba Kagura Festival, traditional Japanese kagura is dedicated with the sound of drums and flutes. The Shiiba Heike Festival, with its Yamato-emaki Samurai Parade, is another festival worth visiting. Summary of Shiiba Village in Miyazaki, a Village Full of Charm Source :YouTube screenshot Shiiba Village in Miyazaki is truly a beautiful area where ancient Japanese traditions still remain. Enjoy a trip to the Shiibayama to see the time-honored rural landscape and traditional rituals featured in the video! 【Official Website】Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems: Takachiho Village and the Mt. Shiiba Area https://takachihogo-shiibayama-giahs.com/home-en

Nagasaki Kunchi, an Autumn Festival of Suwa Shrine: Video Introduction Photo：A float at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture This video, titled "【8K UHD】Nagasaki-Kunchi Festival 8K (2018)" (【8K UHD】Nagasaki-Kunci Festival 8K / 長崎くんち（2018）), was uploaded by "8K Video Album." Nagasaki Kunchi, an autumn festival of Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, located in Japan's Kyushu Region, is a traditional event that has been held for more than 380 years since the Edo period (1603-1868). For three days from October 7 every year, the town of Nagasaki is full of festivities! A number of unique dances are performed, gathering large audiences. Be sure to check out the video to see the dances at Nagasaki Kunchi and tourist attractions in the area, which attract crowds of people to Nagasaki each year. The History of Nagasaki Kunchi and Dances During the Festival Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi is an autumn festival of Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, held for three days from October 7 to October 9 each year. It's said that the festival began in 1634 when two women dedicated song and dance to the god of Suwa Shrine. For more than 380 years since then, these dances have been handed down by shrine parishioners of Nagasaki, and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government of Japan. The 58 towns in Nagasaki are divided into 7 groups, with each group dedicating a dance once every 7 years, and each town having their own unique performance. The festival features many attractions, including Japanese dance to the accompaniment of nagauta (traditional Japanese music played on the shamisen), dragon dances to the sound of exotic musical instruments, and powerful floats and bearers! The festival becomes even more exciting as the audience cheers in response to the various performances. Where to See the 2023 Nagasaki Kunchi Dance Performances Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture The 2023 Nagasaki Kunchi event will be held in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, for three days from October 7 to 9, 2023. The dances and portable shrine procession were canceled for three years starting in 2020 due to the global pandemic, but the festival is finally back in 2023 and is expected to be even more exciting than usual! In 2023, just like previous years, there will be a number of dances and performances. For these, paid spectator seats will be set up at Suwa Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, the Otabisho, and the Central Park Kunchi viewing area. The performances can also be seen at the Niwasaki Mawari (dances performed for homes, businesses etc. to share good fortune) in the town center. Around the end of September, a map/schedule with the schedule of the Niwasaki Mawari will be distributed at various locations in the city. "Kokkodesho," a Highlight of Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：Kokkodesho at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated as such by the government of Japan, features a number of performances, including "Kokkodesho." The following is an introduction to the performance. ●Kokkodesho "Kokkodesho" is a dynamic performance in which 36 performers carry a 1-ton palanquin, which 4 drummers ride on, vigorously throwing it into the air and catch it with one arm each. [Video] 5:32 - Kokkodesho ●Kujira no Shiofuki "Kujira no Shiofuki" is a performances based on whaling that occurred in the past. The whale-shaped float spews water 4 to 5 meters into the air and wildly rampages around. On the 9th, a whale (fake) caught in a net will be shown. ●Oranda Manzai "Oranda Manzai" is a votive dance in which performers dressed as Dutch men, and other performers with drums and dressed in yellow, dance to the accompaniment of "Minshingaku" (Ming and Qing period music popularized in Japan). ●Goshuinsen "Goshuinsen" is a votive dance based on the theme of the wedding of Araki Sotaro, a Nagasaki merchant, and a Vietnamese princess. The audience is mesmerized by the float atop which noh musicians ride. ●Hon Odori "Hon Odori" is short for "Honcho no Odori" meaning "The dance of our country," and refers to a traditional Japanese dance. The dance is performed on various themes to the accompaniment of nagauta. [Video] 3:27 - Hon Odori ●Ryu Odori "Ryu Odori" (lit "Dragon Dance") is a typical Nagasaki Kunchi votive dance performed by four towns. The dragon dancers manipulate the dragon as if it were alive and dance to the unique music played on gongs, drums, trumpets, and other musical instruments. The dynamic floats and carriers, which can only be seen once every seven years, fascinate people every year. Food During Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：An okonomiyaki stall In the past, Nagasaki Kunchi had a unique type of cuisine called "Kunchi Ryori" (Kunchi Cuisine). Kunchi Ryori includes "azuki gohan" (red bean rice), "zakuro namasu" (a vegetable dish with pomegranate seeds), amazake (sweet sake), and other traditional dishes. During the festival period, many people make these dishes at home to celebrate the festival. While you're unlikely to find them at the festival, you can still enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods. Like most Japanese festivals, there will be a number of food stalls open where festivalgoers can purchase snacks like okonomiyaki, yakitori, candied applies, parfaits, and more. Be sure to pick up some delicious snacks when you visit! How to Get There Photo：Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki Prefecture There are several venues where Nagasaki Kunchi will take place. Below, we'll introduce how to get to each location. Suwa Shrine From Nagasaki Station, take the streetcar to Suwa Shrine (~10 mins), or walk from Nagasaki Station (~20 mins). Yasaka Shrine Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Sofukuji Temple (~7 mins). From there, it's a short walk to Yasaka Shrine. Otabisho Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Ohato Station (~7 mins), or walk from Nagasaki Station (~12 mins). Central Park Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Meganebashi Bridge (~6 mins), or walk to Central Park from Nagasaki Station (~15 mins). Summary of Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi, an autumn festival held at Suwa Shrine, begins on June 1. Caretakers and performers of the various towns involved pray for the safe completion of their major roles by undergoing purification before the deities of Suwa Shrine and Yasaka Shrine, and begin rehearsals for their performances. In 2023, the festival will be held for the first time in four years. There will be many locals as well as tourists from all over Japan and abroad looking forward to the event! If you have the chance to visit Nagasaki during the event, be sure to join in the festivities! 【Official Website】Nagasaki Kunchi｜Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Association 【TripAdvisor】Nagasaki Kunchi

Introducing the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival in Shibushi, Kagoshima This video, titled "【Shibushi Summer Soba Festival】Shibushi City【Official】" (【志布志の夏越しそばまつり】志布志市 【公式】), was uploaded by "Yasuda Movie Laboratory" (安田映像研究所). It introduces the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival of Yamamiya Shrine via a PR video with drone footage. In Shibushi, Kagoshima, located in the Kyushu region of southern Japan, the city takes advantage of its mild climate to grow "Haru no Ibuki," a variety of buckwheat that is sown in late March and harvested in late May or early June. Haru no Ibuki flowers can be seen at 1:22 in the video. The Shibushi Summer Soba Festival is an event where freshly harvested soba noodles are served. This article introduces tourist information for the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival. Be sure to check out the video to see the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival being held on the precincts of Yamamiya Shrine. What Kind of Event is the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival? Photo：The thatched ring used in the purification ceremony The Shibushi Summer Soba Festival in Shibushi, Kagoshima, is held on June 30 at Yamamiya Shrine, home to the National Natural Monument "Shibushi no Okusu" (The Great Camphor of Shibushi). Starting with a purification ceremony in which visitors pass through a "thatched ring" to pray for good health in the precincts of the shrine where the giant camphor, estimated to be 1,300 years old, stands, 1,000 servings of fresh soba, a special aromatic dish made with nihachi soba flour (8 parts buckwheat, 2 parts wheat flour), is served. In addition to soba, visitors can also enjoy conger eel tempura caught in Shibushi Bay as well as fresh green tea. Legend has it that the giant camphor tree, shown at 1:43 in the video, was planted by Emperor Tenchi (Emperor Tenji). Chinowa kuguri, a summer ritual that involves walking through a loop of cogon grass, can be seen at 2:51. The summer buckwheat harvest in Shibushi is the earliest in Japan, and the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival is held to celebrate the opening of the harvest. About the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival in Shibushi, Kagoshima Photo：Soba Summer soba in Shibushi is made with natural underground water rich in minerals that has passed through Shirasu-Daichi, a pyroclastic plateau originating from the Kirishima Mountains. The spring-sown soba has a unique flavor and is served with a sweet katsuoboshi (skipjack)-flavored dipping sauce. The summer soba of Shibushi has been produced since 2010 as part of Shibushi's community development efforts by growers who wish for good health and longevity. Fresh soba is available at nearby restaurants from the day of the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival and is also sold online. Tourist Information for Shibushi Summer Soba Festival 「To get to Yamamiya Shrine, the site of the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival, it's a 10-minute drive from JR Shibushi Station or a 20-minute drive from the Soo Yagoro Interchange. Parking is also available. Nearby are tourist attractions such as Daguri Cape Beach, Osaki Fureai no Sato Park, and Kuni no Matsubara Camping Ground, making it possible for visitors to travel while staying in touch with nature. Summary of the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival of Shibushi, Kagoshima The above video, titled "【Shibushi Summer Soba Festival】Shibushi City【Official】" introduces the Shibushi Summer Soba Festival. Enjoy traditional Japanese festivals and pray for good health by eating delicious soba noodles!

Bungotakada, Oita: Video Introduction This video, titled "Bungotakada City," was uploaded by "Bungotakada City Official Channel" (豊後高田市公式チャンネル). Bungotakada is a pleasant town with abundant nature and a mild climate in Oita Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region. The city has a culture that has remained unchanged for millennia, as well as many fascinating places of interest, and is currently attracting attention as a town from the Showa period (1926-1989). You can see the beautiful nature of Bungotakada and its exciting festivals in this powerful video. Bungotakada – A Showa-Retro City in Oita, Japan Photo：A Showa-retro shopping street, Bungotakada, Oita Prefecture Bungotakada in Oita Prefecture is home to many photogenic, Showa-retro tourist attractions. The atmosphere of the city is somewhat nostalgic for Japanese people who grew up in the Showa period and refreshing for young people, who can enjoy the historic atmosphere, allowing different generations to enjoy the city together. Bungotakada has also been selected as one of the "Top 3 Countryside Towns to Live in" for 10 consecutive years. The secret of its popularity lies in its immigration support system, which is one of the best in the country, and its excellent environment for raising children. In fact, between 2010 and 2015, the number of people moving into the city exceeded the number of people moving out by 180, resulting in a population increase. Enjoying the Showa-Retro Style of Bungotakada In Bungotakada, where the streets of Showa-period Japan still remain, visitors can have an extraordinary experience, as if they've gone back in time. In particular, the shopping street that recreates the streets of the 1930s is a popular tourist attraction that attracts approximately 400,000 visitors a year. It has also been used as a filming location for popular Japanese movies. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and snacks at the retro candy store Yume Hakubutsukan (夢博物館, Dream Museum). It's a great way to experience what Japan was like in the past, as visitors can see many products that are hard to find nowadays. Visitors can also ride in the bonnet buses that were used in those days. You can experience what is was like back then with the retro interior of the buses. However, please note that the bonnet buses are not air-conditioned, so be careful to dress appropriately for the heat or cold. Recommended sightseeing spot "Nagasaki Hana" What is the best time to see rape blossoms and sunflowers? Photo：Kumano Magaibutsu, Oita Prefecture At the Nagasakibana Resort Campground, seasonal flowers can be seen blooming throughout the year. In spring, you can see rape blossoms blooming all over the area. The rape blossoms are usually at their best from mid-March to April. During the best time to see them, the "Rape Blossom Festa" is held, which includes a photo contest and other events. If the timing is right, visitors can enjoy the collaboration of approximately 300 cherry trees and 22 million rape blossoms. Also, in summer, the terraced fields of sunflowers offer a spectacular view of the blooming sunflowers. The best time to see sunflowers is usually from mid-August to early September. If you are planning to visit in 2024, please check the SNS. Particularly in August, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking view of approximately 1.5 million sunflowers. [Video] 0:37 - Sunflowers at Nagasakibana Beach Resort Recommended tourist spot "Kumano Magaibutsu" has stairs made by demons? Kumano Magaibutsu (Kumano Magaibutsu) is one of the largest Magaibutsu in Japan, and is a nationally designated important cultural property believed to have been created in the late Heian period. There are 99 rough and steep stone steps that are said to have been built by demons in a single night. The Kumano Magaibutsu is located at the top of the steps. The statue blends naturally into the surrounding landscape as if it had been there for a long time. The Buddha statues carved into the rock face are approximately 6.8 meters high for the Dainichi Nyorai statue and 8 meters high for the Fudo Myoo statue. Further up the mountain is the Kumano Shrine, which tells the story of the union of Shintoism and Buddhism. Fireworks, Bon Festivals, and other Fascinating Seasonal Events to Enjoy Photo：Horan Enya, Bungotakada, Oita Prefecture The Nagasakibana Summer Festival is held every summer on the beach at Nagasakibana Resort Campground. This summer festival is filled with events that both children and adults can enjoy. For the finale, a huge fireworks display of 2,000 fireworks lights up the night sky. [Video] 0:18 - Fireworks at Nagasakibana Summer Festival The Takada Tourism Bon Odori Competition (高田観光盆踊り大会, Takada Kanko Bon Odori Taikai) is an annual summer event in Bungotakada. However, in recent years it has been cancelled in order to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. The event is so popular that there are more than 600 dancers, from children to adults, from schools and organizations in the city. The video shows people enjoying the Bon dances in a variety of costumes. [Video] 0:42 - The Bon Odori Competition at the Nagasakibana Summer Festival Horan Enya is an event to pray for a good catch of fish and aviation safety, and is a gallant event involving men of the sea. Young men in loincloths board boats decorated with large flags and shout out in joy as they sail from Kotohira-gu Shrine at the mouth of the Katsura River upstream to Wakamiya Shrine upstream. [Video] 1:49 - Horan Enya Wakamiya Shrine's autumn festival, held every year around November, is one of the Top 3 'Naked' Festivals in Japan and is a traditional event with a history dating back more than 900 years. Young men dressed in loincloths called "shimekomi," enter the Katsura River while carrying a portable shrine and carry it across to the other side of the river. The sound of drums, young men shouting, and the splashing of water are the highlights of the festival. [Video] 1:17 - Wakamiya Shrine's Autumn Festival Summary of Sightseeing in Bungotakada Photo：Zaru soba If you haven't already watched the video that shows the charms of Bungotakada, be sure to check it out! If you have a chance to visit Bungotakada in Oita Prefecture, we recommend trying one of the delicious dishes you can find there. That is, soba, a specialty of the city! Every year around June and November, you can taste freshly harvested soba at certified soba stores in Bungotakada. Kaimon Onsen, located in the city, is a famous hot spring that boasts some of the best spring water in Oita, a prefecture known for its hot springs. Enjoy the hot springs at a hotel near Kaimon Onsen and recover from the fatigue of your travels. 【Official Website】Bungotakada City Hall Website, Oita Prefecture http://www.city.bungotakada.oita.jp/ 【TripAdvisor】Bungotakada, Oita https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g1023439-Activities-Bungotakada_Oita_Prefecture_Kyushu.html