Beautiful 3D Paper Cutting Art! Check out the video "The world of beautiful 3D paper cutting #1" (美しい立体切り絵の世界 #1). Most people would be surprised by the beautify of his works. These 3D paper cutting works are created by the paper cutting artist, Naofumi Hama. 3D paper cutting works offer something different to the plain world of traditional paper artistry. What kind of skills are necessary? Let’s take a look at the secrets of 3D paper cutting. More About 3D Paper Cutting Source :YouTube screenshot 3D paper cutting works are created by folding plain paper cutting works. Extra caution is necessary to assemble minute pieces due to their extreme fragility. In the video clips, you can see various 3D paper cutting works such as roses, pansies, ducks, and ironware. Also other beautiful and delicate art works such as gerbera, Dutch hats, origami cranes, chrysanthemum, and butterflies appear in the video. Be sure to take a look! How to Create 3D Paper Cutting Works Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from this video clip, it may be difficult for beginners to learn this style of paper cutting. It's recommended to try simple cuts using Origami and a cutter when first starting out. It's okay if you stack the cutout patterns and then carefully cut them with a cutter as well. We recommend purchasing a paper cutting kit in which designs of flowers or animals are included for practice. If you're interested in 3D paper cutting, Naofumi Hama has also written a book on 3D paper cutting (only in Japanese). Summary of 3D Paper Cutting Source :YouTube screenshot There are other famous 3D paper cutting artists besides Naofumi Hama such as SouMa, Ayano Tomoda or Miki Kajita. Please check out the beautiful 3D paper cutting works created by these artists and enjoy the different styles that each of them has to offer. All 3D paper cutting works that appear in this video clip are breathtaking. Be sure to watch the video one again to enjoy its unique world view. 【Official Website】Naofumi Hama 3D Kirie (Paper Cutting) https://naofumihama.com/

Must-Have Equipment for Beginner Campers Japan's camping boom has brought interest in camping to a previously uninterested segment of Japanese society. However, beginner-level campers should start by asking themselves what they need to prepare for camping. In this article, we'll go over things to prepare for camping. Video Introduction This video, titled "[10 Must-Have Pieces of Camping Equipment] A Shopping List for Beginner Campers" (【最低限のキャンプ道具10種類】買い揃えるための初心者用リスト作りました), was uploaded by "From this place." In this video, beginner outdoorsmen can learn about 10 essential pieces of equipment for camping. A List of Camping Gear for Beginner Outdoorsmen Photo：A tent at a campground With Japan's recent boom in outdoor activities, camping has become increasingly popular. However, beginners often aren't sure of what kind of camping gear to bring with them. Making a list of things to get together for various styles of camping, including family, couple, and solo camping, is great place to get started. After picking out what you need, you can figure out your budget by calculating the cost of each item. The video introduces 10 different pieces of equipment by dividing the equipment into three categories: importance, lifestyle, and accommodation. It's great for beginner campers, so be sure to use it as a reference for choosing camping equipment. 7 Recommended Pieces of Camping Equipment for Beginners [Lifestyle] Photo：A tarp Let's start with the equipment you'll need for day camping, etc. ・Tarps When it's hot out, if there's no shade, there's always a risk of heat stroke. A tarp provides shelter from the sun, shelter from rain, and also serves to block the sun. Various types are available, but we recommend that you choose a product with many rope holes. The more holes in the rope, the easier it is to adjust the tarp for easier use. [Video] 0:33 - Tarps ・Table Next up is a table. The table you choose will depend on how much cooking you'll be doing when camping. If you'll be chopping ingredients, a wider table is recommended. If the table has a net underneath, you can conveniently place necessary items on the net while cooking for easy access. [Video] 1:03 - Table Photo：A woman enjoying solo camping ・Chairs Chairs like the ones they sell at home improvement stores across Japan can be bulky and are often not very durable. The video recommends Pachinox, which is lightweight and inexpensive. [Video] 1:33 - Camping chairs ・Single burners Barbecue is a popular way of cooking when camping. Many people associate BBQ with cooking with charcoal or firewood, but these methods can be time-consuming and require a lot of cleaning up afterwards. In Japan, there are two types of gas cans: CB cans and OD cans. If you're a beginner-level camper, consider trying some simple camping meals using a single burner with CB cans, as they're easy to use and obtain. [Video] 1:52 - Single burners ・Wind Screens Wind can often be a problem when cooking at camp. Windscreens can reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare a meal, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying some delicious food. [Video] 2:28 - Windscreens ・Cookers If you buy frying pans and other cooking equipment over time, they'll often be shaped differently and can be difficult to store. We recommend that you start with a cooker set. When you have more opportunities to camp and want to try more elaborate camping meals, you can buy Dutch ovens or other cooking equipment. [Video] 2:44 - Cookers ・Lights Lanterns and other lighting fixtures can vary significantly in price depending on whether they're fueled by gas or liquid fuel. For beginners, lights from one of Japan's 100-yen shops are a great place to start. [Video] 3:20 - Lights 3 Recommended Pieces of Camping Equipment for Beginners [Accommodation] Source :YouTube screenshot We have looked at lifestyle equipment, but what kind of camping equipment do you need for overnight stays? Let's take a look. ・Tents The most important piece of equipment for overnight stays is the tent. Some tents can take beginners a long time to set up and take down. For beginners or those just looking for shelter and a place to drop their sleeping bag for the night, a simple one-pole tent can get the job done. If the inner tent is mesh or some other type of fabric that allows airflow, it can also keep insects out, which is convenient. Furthermore, if the tent has an entrance-like area, you can store your shoes in it. [Video] 3:51 - Tents ・Bedding Bedding is important for reducing fatigue so you don't feel tired the next day. Using an air mattress and sleeping on an elevated surface will make sleeping more comfortable and prevent inadequate sleep. If you have a cot, you can place it directly on the ground. Sleeping is an important aspect of camping. Be sure to prepare a sleeping area that suits you best. [Video] 4:47 - Bedding ・Sleeping Bag Nighttime can be colder than you might think when camping. You can use a down sleeping bag in winter and a synthetic fiber sleeping bag at other times of the year, but it's safer to use a sleeping bag that can withstand as low a temperature as possible. Be sure to check what temperatures your sleeping bag can handle when purchasing one. [Video] 5:33 - Sleeping bags The Cost of a Complete Set of Camping Equipment Source :YouTube screenshot If you purchase the 10 products introduced in this article via major mail-order sites in Japan, it can all be purchased for around 50,000 yen. The selection criteria for this equipment is such that the items were chosen so that they would last as long as possible without the need be replaced, so it's a bit more expensive than other lists perhaps. Be sure to use this video/article as a reference when buying camping equipment. [Video] 6:00 - The cost of these 10 pieces of camping equipment Summary In this article, we introduced 10 pieces of camping equipment that beginner campers should have. More and more people are getting into camping and cooking outdoors. If you're a beginner and not quite sure what to buy, consider renting first. Then you can purchase the gear you need if you decide you want to continue camping. Don't be afraid to get started, take the plunge and make your camping debut!

A Campsite Close to Tokyo NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE in Saitama is conveniently located approximately two hours from Tokyo by car. Camping is very popular in Japan today, where visitors can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the great outdoors. The spacious site is equipped with both camping and glamping facilities, as well as bungalows. Many people use these facilities to immerse themselves in nature and get away from their day-to-day troubles. Video introduction of Nagatoro Auto Campsite, Nagatoro-cho, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Photo：Nagatoro Gorge This video, introducing NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE in Nagatoro, Saitama via aerial footage, was uploaded by "Campism." NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE is a vast family campground located in Nagatoro, Saitama, a town rich in nature. It's also popular for water-based activities! The campground offers a full range of accommodations, including camping, glamping, and bungalows. There are also barbecue spaces and a riffle where campers can play in the river, as well as facilities that accommodate female campers. A variety of camping styles can be enjoyed here. 7 Types of Tent Sites! Women-Only, Solo Sites, and More! Photo：Camping at night There are seven types of tent sites available for camping! Women-only and solo sites are also available. P: Premium Site M: Forest Site S: Starry Sky Site A: Aozora Site V: View Site H: Hammock Site D: Dog Free Site [Video] 0:45 - The different tent sites The spacious "view site" is an area along the river paved with bricks. The main reason for its popularity is that it overlooks the lovely Arakawa River. The "Premium sites" are individually separated and private, taking advantage of the natural terrain along the river. Perfect for those who want to enjoy camping with just family and friends! The "Girls' Site," for women only, is often used for events. Located in the central area of NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE, the "Aozora Site" is a spacious site with a view of the blue sky on clear days. There's also the "Hammock Site" popular among families, "Starry Sky Site" where you can gaze at the stars on a clear night, and the "Forest Site" surrounded by trees through which the sunlight filters through beautifully. Furthermore, there's the "Dog Free Site," which is fenced off for campers with dogs so that they can enjoy some time off their leashes. The Solo Site provides exclusive campsites for one person, which is great for solo campers looking to camp in this location. A Full Range of Accommodations, Including Popular Glamping Accommodations and Bungalows Source :YouTube screenshot NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE also offers a full range of accommodations, including the popular glamping and bungalow facilities. Glamping is a stylish way to enjoy camping, and there are two types of rooms to choose from. There are indoor glamping tents where guests sleep in tents pitched indoors, and glamping cottages with stylish bohemian and oriental-style interiors, each with rooms for 2 and 4 persons, respectively. All bungalows are equipped with a roof and a kamado (Japanese-style cooking stove), so you don't have to worry about the weather. There are a variety of types to choose from, including standard wooden bungalows, bungalows unique to this area, and bungalows with Wi-Fi and pet-friendly facilities. [Video] 2:20 - A look at the accommodations NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE - Comfy for Female Campers and Small Children! Source :YouTube screenshot NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE has a full range of facilities for female campers and small children. A brightly lit women-only powder room and women-only shower room are available, as well as "Waku Waku Hiroba," and "Ehon no Heya" (lit. "Picturebook Room"), two spaces for small children to play. A wide range of products are sold at the local store, from food and seasonings to kitchenware, daily necessities, outdoor goods, and official NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE goods. Tools, such as pots, pans, BBQ stoves, and cooler boxes can be rented here as well. Summary of NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE There are various sightseeing spots around NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE. You can enjoy fishing in the river as well, but we recommend playing in the river and soaking up the sun. Nagatoro Line Kudari is an exciting boat ride down the Arakawa River, and popular activities such as SUP (Stand Up Paddle Boarding) and rafting can also be experienced here as well. Other attractions include Mukuge Nature Park, where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers, and Hodosan Shrine, one of the three shrines in Chichibu and awarded a Michelin Star by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. In addition, there are various tourist attractions, such as the Saitama Prefectural Museum of Nature, which exhibits plants and fossils found in Chichibu and Nagatoro, Nagatoro Iwadatami, formed from uplifted schist, and a day spa to soothe the body and mind. The video shows the charms of NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE surrounded by rich nature via beautiful drone footage. Be sure to check it out. Consider visiting NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE, a great place for female campers and an area close to central Tokyo where even small children can enjoy themselves! NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE Facility Information 【Address】559-1 Ido, Nagatoro, Chichibu District, Saitama 369-1312 By car: 20 minutes from the Hanazono Interchange via the Kanetsu Expressway. By train: 20 minutes on foot from Nogami Station via the Chichibu Railway line. 【Phone】0494-66-0640 【Fax】0494-66-0441 【Camping Season】March 10 - December 26 【Campsite Office Hours】9:00～17:00 【Pricing】 Camping: ¥2500~ (Excluding women only and solo camping) Glamping: ¥19,000~ Bungalows: ¥11,000~ (If air-conditioned) ※Fees vary by type of camping and season. A separate facility use fee of 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (free for preschool children) is required for each night of stay. 【Reservations】Reservations can be made through the "Availability Search/Online Reservations" on the official home page. (The blue box) 【TripAdvisor】NAGATORO AUTO CAMP SITE https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1121091-d13295986-Reviews-Nagatoro_Auto_Campsite-Nagatoro_machi_Chichibu_gun_Saitama_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Inflatable Tents for Beginner Campers In Japan, where the Corona pandemic has made it impossible to enjoy many activities, camping is has become very popular as a family activity where people can get in touch with nature. Glamping, an activity that can be easily enjoyed even by inexperienced campers, and tents that can be easily set up are becoming more and more popular. In this article, we will talk about inflatable tents. Video Introduction In this article, we'll introduce the video "[Camping Equipment] World First Review - The NAGASAWA 400 Inflatable Tent Feels Like You're Glamping!" (【キャンプ道具】世界初レビュー もはやグランピングNAGASAWA400エアーフレームテントがヤバい), uploaded by "Camp Lab" (キャンプ研究所), a channel that uploads videos on recommended camping equipment and more. What is an Inflatable Tent? Source :YouTube screenshot Inflatable tents have inflatable tubes built into the frame. In the same way that you inflate bicycle tires, you can easily set up these tents by inflating the tubes built into the tent with the included pump. This tent is great for beginner campers. Advantages of the Hilander Inflatable Tent Among the many inflatable tents available, the Hilander Nagasawa 400 is a large, floorless inflatable tent that is recommended for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of glamping. The Hilander Nagasawa 400 is 4 meters wide and 2.15 meters tall. The large, highly comfortable inflatable tent can accommodate six people. A Spacious Tent with No Central Pole Required! Photo：Glamping The Hilander Nagasawa 400 inflatable tent's main feature is that it's designed without a center pole. The center pole-less design allows for ample sleeping space and is suitable for four to five adults which has earned it quite the reputation. Furthermore, with its high ceiling, it's outstanding in terms of livability. [Video] 9:30 – No center pole All-Season Ventilation and Great for Winter Camping The Hilander Nagasawa 400 inflatable tent has many vents to keep you comfortable when camping during the summer months. Despite its large size, the tent provides a pleasant, well-ventilated space thanks to its many air vents. In addition, the material used is polycotton, which makes it cozy even in cold winters. The material is fire-resistant, so even if it is hit by sparks from a bonfire, the flame will not spread easily. In addition, polycotton is more resistant to condensation than ordinary polyester. This makes the Hilander Nagasawa 400 a recommended inflatable tent for use in not only spring and summer, but autumn and winter as well! Designed in a Unique Shape With Safety in Mind Photo：A tent The Hilander Nagasawa 400 inflatable tent has an onion-shaped design, which resembles an onion skin covering the body of the tent. [Video] 3:00 – Onion-like shape The onion-shaped design of the Hilander Nagasawa 400 makes it very unique compared to other inflatable tents and it's also extremely safe! With ordinary tents, the guy lines are exposed, and it's not uncommon for people to trip and fall. However, the onion-shaped cover on the Hilander Nagasawa 400 inflatable tent allows the guy lines to be concealed. This eliminates the risk of tripping over them. An Impactful Design That Will Make You Feel Like You're Glamping! The Hilander Nagasawa 400 inflatable tent has a stylish onion-shaped that makes it very impactful. The spacious interior of the tent offers a glamping-like atmosphere with its attractive design. In addition to the design, the height of the tent allows children and adults alike to move about freely. Disadvantages of the Hilander Nagasawa400 Source :YouTube screenshot The video also touches on some points where the tent could be improved. The first point is the lack of a floor seating, which aren't available even as add-ons. Second, it's difficult to inflate with the included pump. If you want to inflate it easily and quickly, you may want to consider an electric pump. The third disadvantage is that there's no skirt at the base of the tent. Because of this, wind may blow in through the base if there's a strong wind. Draft protection may be necessary when camping in winter. Summary of the Hilander Nagasawa 400 Inflatable Tent The Hilander Nagasawa 400 is a large inflatable tent, featuring a unique design, large capacity, and a high ceiling. In addition, the included pump makes it easy for even beginners to set up and take down. Check out the video to see what the tent looks like, how spacious it is, and how to set it up.

Japan's Hot and Humid Summers Summer in Japan is hot and humid. When camping in Japan, it's essential to take measures against both the heat and insects. In this article, we'll introduce some recommended items to protect against the heat and keep insects away so you can enjoy an exciting summer camping trip in Japan. Video Introduction Photo：Women being bitten by bugs This video, titled "12 Recommended Items to Protect Against Heat and Insects When Summer Camping" (夏キャンプの暑さ対策・虫除け対策に買って良かったおすすめアイテム１２選をご紹介), was uploaded by "Camp Lab" (キャンプ研究所). When camping in summer, preventing insect bites and heat stroke is crucial to enjoying a safe camping trip. There are many dangerous insects in Japan, and it's important to take all possible precautions. In addition, many people succumb to heat stroke and other health problems in Japan's hot and humid summers. If you take proper measures to protect yourself from insects and heat, you can avoid dangerous situations, so be sure to keep reading so you can be prepared. 6 Tips to Keep Bugs Away When Summer Camping in Japan The first item introduces is the "Fuji Nishiki Power Forest Incense," an insect repellant item that forestry professionals also recommend. As this is professional-grade, the thickness and size are quite different from those for general use. You can see how they're used in the video. [Video] 0:57 - 1. Fuji Nishiki Power Forest Incense Mosquito Repellent Source :YouTube screenshot The next item is bug spray. We recommend a skin-friendly, DEET-free insect repellent that is safe for children to use. The video recommends commercial insect repellent sprays, as homemade sprays made with ingredients such as peppermint don't last as long. [Video] 2:04 - 2. Insect Repellent DEET has long been used in insect repellents in Japan, but more and more parents are avoiding it when it comes to their children because of its side effects that can cause skin problems. It's also important to avoid exposing skin to insect bites as much as possible when summer camping. Leggings and pants that cover the skin are especially important to protect against bites. [Video] 2:58 - 3. Leggings Next, the "Yabu Mosquito Barrier" is a type of spray that is sprayed on the grass around your tent to create a barrier effect. [Video] 3:29 - 4. Yabu Mosquito Barrier Source :YouTube screenshot In addition, insect repelling LED lanterns are a recommended nighttime insect repellant. [Video] 4:11- 5. Insect repelling LED lantern Taking advantage of the nature of insects to be attracted to ultraviolet rays, placing a lantern with built-in UV a slight distance from your camp prevents insects from being attracted to your campsite. Poison Remover is a useful first aid item for treating venomous insect stings. The syringe-like container allows pinpoint suction of the sting. [Video] 5:06 - 6. Poison Remover 6 Heat Protection Essentials for Summer Camping in Japan Photo：A portable fan The following items are recommended for protection against the heat when summer camping. Portable fans have clips and can be attached to car handles or tables and can also be used as stand-alone fans. [Video] 6:03 - 1. Portable electric fan Quick-drying, antibacterial, deodorizing, super-cheap sports shirts. Sports shirts are great for summer camping as you'll likely be hot and sweat throughout the day. [Video] 7:00 - 2. Sports shirts Cooling spray is a spray for clothing. It's an excellent product that allows you to feel a cool sensation just by spraying it on your clothes. [Video] 7:23 - 3. Cooling spray Gatsby Facial Paper with strong menthol is an item that gives you a cool and refreshing feeling just by wiping your skin with it, and it's cost-effective, too! [Video] 7:39 - 4. Gatsby Facial Paper Cooling towels are wetted and used as is. If you don't have a cooling towel, you can use a regular towel. [Video] 8:15 - 5. Cooling towel A cooling face gaiter is an amazingly useful product that makes you feel cooler just by putting it on your face. [Video] 8:40 - 6. Cooling face gaiter Summary of Summer Camping in Japan Photo：A woman enjoying solo camping This article introduced useful goods recommended for summer camping to protect against heat and insects. Japan's rainy season can feel hotter than you might think, so make sure you have the right heat protection gear, and be careful of heat stroke. Also, by taking all possible measures against insects, you'll be able to prevent unexpected accidents. We hope the information in this article will be of use during your next summer camping trip. If you want to camp in an area that's as cool as possible in the summer, it's important to choose the right campground. For the most part, campgrounds at higher elevations tend to be cooler. Also, here are some campgrounds that are considered relatively cool even in Japan's hot summers. ・Ontake Natural Recreational Forest Kurumijima Campground (Gifu) ・Togakushi Campground (Nagano) ・MUJI Minami-Norikura Camping Ground (Gifu) ・MUJI Campground Campania Tsumagoi (Gunma) ・Kyukamura Tsumagoi Kazawa Camping Ground (Gunma) That being said, with summer temperatures getting hotter and hotter each year, even at cooler campgrounds, you musn't let your guard down. Be prepared for the heat and insects, and enjoy your summer camping experience.

A Camping Guide for Beginners Japan's camping boom was sparked by the Corona pandemic. Even people who had never been interested in camping before began to show interest in the activity. In this article, an advanced camper carefully demonstrates how to set up a tent for beginner-level campers. Video Introduction This video, titled "Setting Up a Tent for Beginners (Stellaridge) [Sora no Shita]" (初心者のためのテント設営（ステラリッジ）【そらのした】), was uploaded by "Outdoor Gear Rental Sora no Shita" (アウトドアギアレンタルそらのした). Tools Needed to Set Up a Tent Source :YouTube screenshot If you're new to camping or other outdoor activities, let's first review what you'll need to set up your tent. [Video] 0:08 - What you need to set up a tent Below is a list of tools needed to set up a tent. ・Tent ・Tent poles ・Stakes ・Four guy lines ・Flysheet ・Guy line tensioners ・Groundsheet It's important to make sure you have these items before assembling your tent, let alone leaving for camping so you don't get stuck with a half-assembled tent when camping. Assembling the Body of the Tent Source :YouTube screenshot Now, let's look take a look at the steps to set up a tent. 1. stand upwind from the tent and unfold the body of the tent. The trick is to keep the door of the tent as far downwind as possible. [Video] 0:12 - Unfolding the body of the tent. 2. Fasten the poles together. The poles are connected together with bungee cords, so they are easily connected. [Video] 0:45 - Connect the tent poles 3. Thread the poles through the sleeves attached to the tent diagonals so that the two poles are crossed. 4. Connect the poles to the rings. Connect the ends of the poles to the rings at the four corners of the tent. Connect the two adjacent poles first. [Video] 2:45 - Connecting the poles to the rings at the tent's corners. [Video] 2:53 - A close-up view on how to connect the poles to the corner rings. From the third pole, the poles will start to bow when connecting them. Connect the poles to the rings while keeping the poles in contact with the ground. This keeps the tent from standing makes it stable when setting it up. [Video] 3:15 - Connecting from the third pole 6. When the fourth pole is connected the poles will bow and the tent will stand up at this point. You've now finished setting up the body of the tent. Once the tent is standing, it can be easily moved, so at this stage, it may be moved to a place where you'll actually be sleeping in it. When deciding on a place to set your tent up, consider whether the ground is level and free of unevenness, as well as distance from facilities, such as restrooms, shade from trees, and vantage points. How to Anchor a Tent Source :YouTube screenshot Once you've decided where you want to position your tent, it's time to secure it in place. 1. hammer the stakes into the ground. If the ground is hard, use rocks or other objects to hold the tent in place instead of trying to force the stakes into the ground which can cause them to bend or break. [Video] 4:13 - Hammering the stakes 2. Next we'll secure the tent with ropes. Take out the four guy lines and secure the tent. There are loops located about halfway up the tent sleeves, to which the guy lines will be tied. The key is to use a bowline knot, as reef knots can be difficult to untie. If you don't know how to tie a bowline know, be sure to watch the video to learn how. Make a loop in the middle of the guy line and pass the end of the guy line through the loop. Then, pass the end of the guy line through the loop again, and pull it through to complete the knot. [Video] 5:40 - How to Tie a Rope Knot (Bowline Knot) How to Set Up a Fly Sheet Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Check the position of the zipper and apply the flysheet with the zipper facing the entrance of the tent. [Video] 8:12 - Hanging the flysheet over the body of the tent 2. Pass the guy lines attached to the body of the tent through the slits in the flysheet. The video shows how to thread the guy lines through the slits in the flysheet, so beginner campers should be sure to watch this part. [Video] 9:03 - Threading the guy lines through the flysheet slits 3. Connect the four corners of the flysheet to the four corners of the body of the tent as shown in the video. Pass the poles through the rings attached to the four corners of the flysheet. [Video] 10:35 - Connecting the body of the tent to the flysheet 4. Secure the entrance of the tent with stakes. After that, the tent sides are also tensioned with stakes to create space and improve airflow in the tent. 5. Secure the guy lines with stakes or rocks to finish setting up the tent. In this case, the use of guy line tensioners makes it easier to create tension. Things a Beginner Outdoorsman Should Know Photo：Camping equipment Next, we'll go over some things that a beginner outdoorsman who will be camping for the first time should know. First of all, it's essential to prepare tools for camping, practice setting up a tent, and research the location where you'll be camping. Although this sounds obvious, beginners to camping should start by getting their tent and other equipment all ready to go. Research how much you need to spend to get started camping. After you have a complete set of equipment, what you don't want to do is spend so much time setting up your tent when you arrive that you have no time to enjoy the camping trip itself. After purchasing a tent, we recommend that you watch videos and practice setting up your tent. Camping is a great way to enjoy nature and it's not like staying in the city; there are dangers to be aware of. Care should be taken to avoid dangerous areas, such as cliff bottoms. In general, you should enjoy outdoor activities, such as camping, in a safe place. Depending on the weather, rivers may rise and other environmental disasters can occur. This is not limited to beginners in outdoor activities. You should gather necessary information on the weather and surrounding conditions to the best of your ability in advance. Summary If you're a beginner outdoorsman who is just starting to camp, be sure to refer to the video and learn the steps for setting up a tent. Whether or not you can enjoy camping will depend on whether or not you can set up your tent without hassle. In Japan, there are many attractive campgrounds where you can enjoy nature and explore the outdoors. There are many outdoor activities and camping experiences in Japan that you won't find in other parts of the world. We hope you have a great time camping in Japan!

A Look at Five Outdoor Knives for Any Camping Situation! This video, titled "Recommended [5 outdoor knives] Which is the most popular one?" was released by "solo camp & camp cooking in Japan TANA channe." It introduces popular camping equipment, including outdoor knives. Outdoor knives can be used for many purposes, such as cooking, for use in bushcraft, and in worst case scenarios to chop wood, or as a survival tool in the event of a disaster. The video describes the feel and weight of the knives as well, so be sure to use it as a refence when purchasing an outdoor knife in Japan! The Different Outdoor Knives Introduced in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot Introduced from 1:53 is Opinel Knives’ "Opinel Carbon # 9" and "Stainless Steel # 7" which are made of carbon steel. Introduced from 8:04 is Kai’s "Shun" series knife which is a Santoku knife that is ideal for cutting apples and other fruits when cooking outdoors. Tana also recommends the Swedish brand "Mora Knife," Mcusta's "Damascus Knife," and the large Hogue Knife “EX-F01 Combat Knife." Choosing an Outdoor Knife Shown in the Video Photo：Various outdoor knives Outdoor knives can be purchased not only at specialty stores, but also online and at home improvement stores across Japan. The most popular are outdoor knives and tool knives that are made in Japan. We recommend checking out the various types (universal/specialized, etc.), the material (steel, carbon, etc.), the grind (flat grind/hollow grind, etc.), and the safety features, such as lock functionality, as well as cost performance when looking for the knife that is right for your outdoor experience. Also, check the material and durability of the blade, the length of the blade, and the portability, including whether or not it can be folded. When purchasing an outdoor knife in Japan be careful not to infringe on the Firearm and Sword Possession Control Law! Maintenance and Sharpening of Outdoor Knives Source :YouTube screenshot If you neglect proper maintenance on your outdoor knife after using it and put it back into its sheath it may rust while in storage. Be sure to clean your knife with a neutral detergent and lukewarm water. At 3:30, you can also see how a whetstone is used to sharpen a knife. Summary of Various Outdoor Knives for Camping In addition to the ones shown in the video, there are various other types of outdoor knives, including camping knives, Swiss army knives, folding knives, and more. If you get a knife to bring on camping trips, you can enjoy outdoor cooking and making excellent camping meals. Find the outdoor knife that works best for you and get out and enjoy the great outdoors!

More About Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko- A Protected Species in Japan The video featured this time is called "It looks like a lizard but it's not?!" It was created by "Toranosuke's Creature Movies" and it shows a close up look at the Kuroiwa gecko, a protected species. Kuroiwa's ground gecko, also known as the Okinawan ground gecko, is a member of the Eublepharinae family (トカゲモドキ科, tokagemodokika) of geckos. These geckos belong to the order Squamata, suborder Sauria, infraorder Gekkota, family Eublepharinae and genus Goniurosaurus (爬虫類有鱗目トカゲ亜目ヤモリ下目トカゲモドキ科トカゲモドキ属, hachuurui yuurinmoku tokageamoku yamorikamoku tokagemodokika), as do the common leopard geckos (レオパードゲッコー, reopaadogekko) who are often kept as pets. The Eublepharinae family of geckos is a group of primitive geckos endemic to the island of Tokunoshima (徳之島) in Kagoshima prefecture (鹿児島県, kagoshimaken). They differ from other geckos in that they have eyelids, allowing them to close their eyes. Due to their underdeveloped feet, they cannot climb walls as well as other geckos. As with other geckos, if they lose their tail it can grow back again. An adult gecko is roughly 15-18cm in length, weighs roughly 7-17g and spawns in the warmer months from May to August. They usually lay 2 eggs at a time, in one month intervals. In this video, you will have the rare opportunity to observe Kuroiwa's ground geckos in the wild. Did you know such a cute creature inhabited Japan? Please take the time to enjoy our video! Japan's Effort to Protect This Endangered Species Photo：Kuroiwa ground gecko Kuroiwa's ground geckos live deep in the mountains and can’t be seen in Naha (那覇) or other big cities in Okinawa. Due to deforestation and loss of habitat, the number of Kuroiwa ground geckos has decreased in recent years. Kuroiwa's ground geckos are carnivorous, feeding on mainly insects and ground worms. Due to their nocturnal nature, you can't spot them during the daylight hours. They are often referred to as Jihab or Ashihab by Okinawan people, and in the past they were wrongly believed to be poisonous. The Kuroiwa ground geckos found in southern Okinawa (in the area surrounding Naha Airport) have a straight line pattern down their back, whereas the geckos found in northern Okinawa (in the mountainous regions) have slightly different markings. You can see this distinct straight line pattern clearly at 0:58 and 4:34 in the video. There are also subspecies of the Kuroiwa ground gecko found in Okinawa, each with their own unique and interesting markings. Due to their collectability as pets, in the past they were poached and sold at a high price by foreigners. In Japan they are designated as a protected species and therefore hunting and breeding of them is prohibited by law. Preventing the Overhunting of Japan's Protected Species According to the Washington Convention's rules regarding business transactions of wild animals, the illegal hunting of protected species is prohibited in Japan. Due to the rules of this treaty, endangered species in Japan are required to be actively protected. Since being designated as a protected species in Japan, two subspecies of Kuroiwa ground geckos: Goniurosaurus kuroiwae sengokui (ケラマトカゲモドキ, keramatokagemodoki) and Goniurosaurus kuroiwae toyamai (イヘヤトカゲモドキ, iheyatokagemodoki), have been added to the critically endangered list of reptiles by the Japanese Ministry for the Environment. However, that isn't the only problem threatening Kuroiwa ground geckos. Non-native species such as mongooses, dogs, cats and the American bullfrog are common predators of Kuroiwa's ground gecko and are contributing to their dwindling numbers. Summary of the Kuroiwa Ground Gecko Source :YouTube screenshot The protected species, Kuroiwa ground gecko, which is often amicably nicknamed the 'living dinosaur,' is a lizard rarely spotted in the wild in Okinawa but can be seen clearly in this video. At 1:48 in the video, you can see their movements in detail as one gecko moves slowly across the forest floor. Please enjoy watching the rare footage of this living fossil!

Introducing Loco Solare This video is titled "Team Official｜Loco Solare｜Promotional Video" (チーム公認 Loco Solare プロモーションビデオ). It was produced by "sweet journey." It introduces women's curling, that came into the spotlight at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. The "Sodane" (roughly translated as "yeahhh" or "that's it") shouting during games and the phrase "mogu mogu time" (roughly translated as "munching time") when the players ate a snack at half-time, became popular buzzwords, and many media outlets covered the event, leading to a rise in the popularity of curling. Have you heard of Hokkaido's curling team Loco Solare? In this article, we'll introduce curling and "Loco Solare" along with videos. Enjoy the promotional video of the girls behind the popular winter sport! About the Curling Team Loco Solare Source :YouTube screenshot The curling team "Loco Solare" has been active as "LS Kitami" since 2010, but was renamed "Loco Solare" in 2018. Their training base is Advics Tokoro Curling Hall. The team members appearing in the video include Representative Director Mari Motohashi (video 0:13), Yuko Suzuki (0:17), Yurika Yoshida (0:18), Chinami Yoshida (0:19), May Fujisawa (0:21), and Coach Onodera (1:05). Loco Solare excelled at home and abroad, winning their first national championships in 2016 and a silver medal at the world championships, before winning a bronze medal at the PyeongChang Olympics in 2018. They became famous as the "Curling girls" overnight. In addition, the media often covered the "Mogu Mogu Time" in which the team ate nutritional snacks during dead time during the matches, garnering widespread attention. What is Curling? Source :YouTube screenshot According to Loco Solare's official website, "Curling is a winter sport in which teams count their points by sliding stones across the ice in an attempt to secure the closest spot to the center of a circle called the "house." It's also known as "chess on ice" because of the strategy involved in it. The more you know about the rules and how scoring works, the more you can enjoy watching the game. Loco Solare is made up of five members with four taking part in the competition at one time. Curling has become an official Olympic sport since 1998, in the Nagano Winter Olympics. Mixed double curling, in which boys and girls are paired, has become an official event since the Pyeongchang Olympics. Curling emphasizes strategizing against the opposing team while accurately sliding the stones and using brushes to adjust speed and direction. You can see pitching and sweeping at 1:08 in the video. It'll be interesting to see if Loco Solare will be able to win a gold medal after taking home bronze at the last Winter Olympics. Summary of Loco Solare Source :YouTube screenshot The promotional video for Loco Solare introduces the shows the teamwork, cheerful atmosphere, and serious practice of the women's curling team. In the video, the players are shown at 1:05 and 1:26, relaxing in their everyday clothing; a rare sight. The matches are tense and require a great deal of concentration, but the cheery atmosphere and smiling faces of Loco Solare is their strength! Watch this video to see the teamwork of the women's curling team, Loco Solare! 【Official Website】Loco Solare https://locosolare.jp/

Explaining how to spin a top The video “How to Spin the Top（【改訂版】コマのまわし方（ヒモの巻き方）【 How to spin the top 】）” was created by “Seiai Kindergarten - Fussa, Tokyo” and it explains how to wrap a string and how to spin a top. The video is for kids, so the basics of how to play with the top is easy to understand. This article introduces how to wind a top up and spin it. Be sure to follow along with the video! Traditional Japanese Tops Photo：Old-fashioned top Traditional Japanese tops are a toy played with by attaching a spindle to a circular piece of wood and using a string to spin it. The tip of the stem is thin, maintaining the balance in the center while the top spins. There are tops all around the world and each country has their own version with unique characteristics. For example, there are gasing in Malaysia that adults use and make bets with, diabolos in China that are known for their acrobatics, and spinning tops, used in performances, in Japan. The top has a very long history and it is said that they originally started from the spinning of snail shells. The oldest top in the world, was found in Egypt, and said to have been used around 2000 to 1400 B.C. It is believed that “finger twirling,” tops twisted using one's fingers, were the first kinds of tops invented. In fact, the oldest top is a simple hand-spun top made of carved wood. The whip top is still created as a Japanese folkcraft and wooden toy in Japan. How to Wind up and Spin a Top Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video from 0:03, hold the top in your left hand and the string in your right. The string will have a knot at the end. Put the string on the left side of the stem and pull the knot towards your body on the right side of the stem. From there, place the long end of the string over the knot that you just pulled to the right side of the stem. It's difficult to explain, but you can see this at 0:18 in the video. Then, turn the top to the side while keeping the string tight, and hook the string on the stem on the bottom of the top. After wrapping the string tightly twice on the bottom stem, gradually wrap the rest of the string to cover the bottom of the top. When wrapping the string, it's easier to move the top to wrap it, as opposed to wrapping it using the hand holding the string. When you've finished wrapping it, you'll know you did it correctly by the nice pattern on the bottom of the top. How to Spin and Throw the Top Source :YouTube screenshot After winding the top up, it's finally time to let it rip! As shown in the video, hold the top in your left hand and dangle a bit string. Hold the dangled string between your right ring and pinky fingers, and make a fist around the string. Make a finger gun with your hand and hold the top with your thumb and index finger. After that, face the direction where you want to throw the top, open your legs slightly wider than your shoulder, lower your body and throw that sucker! It is better to throw it as horizontally as possible. Be careful not to throw it straight down as it won't spin and you might break your top with the force. You can watch how to throw it starting from 2:45 in the video. You can see man in the video doing tricks, such as placing the spinning top on the palm of his hand, and rope-walking, from 4:14. Summary of Japan's Traditional Tops Photo：Whip Top The video “How to Spin the Top,” created by “Seiai Kindergarten - Fussa, Tokyo,” introduces how to spin a top, a toy often used during New Years in Japan. The video explains how to wrap the top string as well, so it's great for beginners. It can also be enjoyed by advanced top users since there are difficult tricks in the video.

Introducing Yuzuru Hanyu! This time, we will introduce a video titled "All Japan Figure Skating Championship 2019 <Men's Short 1st place, Yuzuru Hanyu / Performance + Interview>"（全日本フィギュアスケート選手権2019＜男子ショート第1位･羽生結弦／演技+インタビュー＞）" by Fuji TV's official sports channel. The 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in this video was held at the National Yoyogi Stadium No. 1 Gymnasium in Shibuya ward, Tokyo in the Kanto region for four days from December 19 to 23, in 2019. This tournament was the final round of the World Championship in 2020, and attracted the attention of many figure skating fans. Featured in the video is the popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. His brilliant performance has attracted many fans. In the video, you can watch the boys' short performance from 0:39. What Kind of Competition Is the Figure Skating Introduced in the Video? Photo：Figure skating In figure skating, skaters competes not for speed but based on the beauty of their performance. The techniques include jumps, spins, step sequences, and spirals, including triple-axels and quad-rotation jumps. Points are determined according to the difficulty of the moves. The results of the boy's shorts of the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in the video, were 1st place / 110.72 points Yuzuru Hanyu, 2nd place / 105.71 points Shoma Uno. What Kind of Person Is Yuzuru Hanyu? Source :YouTube screenshot Yuzuru Hanyu is a popular figure skater from Miyagi and is affiliated with the Japanese airline ANA. His nickname is "Yuzu". Born in 1994, he is 172 cm tall (5.6 ft.) and currently enrolled at Waseda University as of January 2020. He has won two consecutive gold medals in the Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympics (Winter Olympics). He was awarded for his high scoring performance every time, and in 2018 he was the youngest national laureate at the age of 23. When Yuzuru Hanyu, dresses in a gorgeous design costume and appears in the skating rink, loud cheers ring out through the stadium, and after the performance, it's common that he will receive a lot of Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals that he loves. At the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship, throwing of presents after the competition was prohibited, and it was a topic of hot debate at the time. In the video, you can see a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal with the coach before the performance. You can also watch the interview after the end of the performance with the audience's cheering and loud applause from 4:28. He talks about his enthusiasm for free performance two days later. The History of Japanese Figure Skating and Famous Skaters! Photo：Figure skating The history of the figure skating world in Japan has been supported by skaters who perform well, such as Midori Ito and Shizuka Arakawa, as well as Miki Ando, Mao Asada, Daisuke Takahashi and Nobunari Oda. Currently, skaters such as Hanyu Yuzuru, Uno Shoma and Sato Shun are still active. If you go to the skating rink to watch the figure skating tournament, you can see various performances such as single skating, pair skating and ice dancing. Summary of the Performance and Interview Video of Yuzuru Hanyu Source :YouTube screenshot In the men's Free Competition that took place after the short, which you can see in this video, Shoma Uno who was in first place, managed to widen the gap between himself and Yuzuru Hanyu, and Yuzuru managed to place second. Yuzuru Hanyu's performance is very supple and beautiful. It's hard to take your eyes off of it. Be sure to take a closer look at the video to enjoy the charm of figure skating.

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

The Video That’ll Take You Back Through the History of Cell Phones in Japan! The video we’ll introduce this time is one that looks back through the history of cell phones in the 30 years of the Heisei era. The video is called "【On-Site】Memory of Heisei, 30 Years of ‘Cell Phone’ Evolution（【現場から、】平成の記憶、「携帯電話」進化の３０年）"and is publicized by ‘TBS NEWS’. To say that cell phones are a truly indispensable infrastructure in Japan, a modern society, is not an exaggeration. A network disruption, once it takes place, becomes news all throughout society. In the early days of the Heisei era (around 1989), the use of cell phones was few and the general public did not carry them regularly. Now, the norm is 1 phone per person. Let’s look into the history of cell phones to see how they managed to evolve to a such great extent. History of Cell Phones 1: When Did the History Begin? The Early-Heisei Era and the Rise of Cell Phones Source :YouTube screenshot The history of cell phones began with shoulder phones launched in Showa 60 (1985). This can be seen from 0:37 in the video. At the time, it weighed 3kg and required ¥200,000 as a deposit on top of basic charge and call charges, so only about 490,000 contracts were made and it was a status symbol during the bubble economy. It was remotely a commodity in the wider society. The youngsters who only know of present cell phones would be astounded by its stunningly large size. As time passed, it became smaller little by little but didn’t amount to wide dissemination among the public. Then came the Heisei era. In the early days of the Heisei era, the size of shoulder phones became small and pagers and PHS were in. And in Heisei 11 (1999), the history of cell phones reached a tipping point. People not only talked on cell phones, they started to use them. Cell phones were dubbed Ketai and Docomo launched i-mode. Now connected to the internet, the number of cell phone contracts in Japan exploded. Source :YouTube screenshot In Heisei 12 (2000), ringtone service began, and in Heisei 14 (2002), cell phones with a camera were launched causing the ‘PIX’ (a message with a picture), fad. 1seg was also equipped to the phones, enabling people to watch TV programs on them, marking the transition from the period of analogue technology to one of digital. This is shown from 1:30 in the video. By then, the number of contracts had reached around 81 million, and a society in which almost every Japanese carried a phone was forming. With au (formerly IDO) and vodafone (formerly J-PHONE) joining the market with Docomo, it was a period where designs of phones became stylish and cool and communication technology saw a massive improvement. History of Cell Phones 2: Feature phones that went through a unique evolution in Japan! Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan, folding cell phones were popular until the mid-Heisei era. They were called "Garake", and many used it on a daily basis. The history of cell phones reached a critical juncture which led to modern cell phones. In Heisei 20 (2008), Softbank Mobile started selling the iPhone in Japan. On the day of release, more than 1,500 people lined up in a queue craving for the iPhone. Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Softbank Mobile at the time, said “the computer is now in the palm of your hand”, which is shown from 2:00 in the video. Smartphone was dubbed Sumaho (based on the Japanese pronunciation) and became widely popular. With the advent of smartphones, ‘Insta-bae’ where people take photos and upload them to the social media such as Instagram became a trend. Many companies now provide kakuyasu smartphones where prices are cheaper than they used to be. The video describes how smartphones now ‘connect’ people 24 hours, both in good and bad ways. History of Cell Phones 3 Evolution of phones into the future! Source :YouTube screenshot Japan, now in the Reiwa era, a period of next generation wireless communications has already begun. Starting with 5G, providing a speed a hundred times faster than the present, the use of electronic money is expanding as well. App stores are overflowing with new apps as well, making them indispensable in everyday life. Remote control of a robot is possible with just the touch of a button on your phone in this period. This can be seen at 3:03 in the video. How will cell phones transform in the future? No one can say for sure. Only time will tell. Summary of the History of Cell Phones This time, we introduced the history of cell phones in Japan. We’re sure many of you felt the nostalgia watching the video. The 30-year-long Heisei era is known as the period where phones went through an unimaginable evolution, but we can’t be more excited about the transformation of phones, becoming more and more convenient, in the future!

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

A Japanese DJ wins the World Championship! This video, publicized by "ANNnewsCH’, is entitled ‘“Unique” Japanese DJ Tops, Wins World Championships (19/09/29)（“独創的”日本人DJが頂点に　世界大会で優勝(19/09/29)）". DJ Matsunaga won ‘Battle for World Supremacy 2019’ of ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’, one of the biggest DJ championships in the world which decides the top DJ in the world, held in London in September 2019, showing off his incredible techniques. ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’ is a competition where DJs from all over the world compete with their techniques within a time limit. DJ Matsunaga had earlier won the Japanese competition ‘DMC JAPAN FINAL’ and had procured the right to represent Japan. At such a prestigious competition, DJ Matsunaga beat K-Swizz, the defending champion from New Zealand, enchanting the entire venue with his unique and funky style, despite it being his first time competing. In the interview after becoming the new champion, which can be seen from 0:25 in the video, DJ Matsunaga says “I’m yet to accept this as a reality, so I guess, for now, I’ll prepare to appreciate the feeling when it comes.” From 0:08 in the video, watch the performance that gave him the victory. Who Is DJ Matsunaga, Now a World-Champion DJ? Source :YouTube screenshot DJ Matsunaga’s full name is Kunihiko Matsunaga. He was born in August 1990 and he is 29 years old as of April 2020. His blood type is B. He participated with a casual outfit in this competition, but his characteristic is that he wears suits even during his performances. The reason for this he says, is that he is in his most perfect form when wearing a suit. He is very well-humored and when being introduced as the DMC Champion, he was mistakenly called as DJ Nakamura by the MC but spun it in a humorous light. ‘Creepy Nuts’, a DJ hip-hop unit of 1MC1 to which he belongs, has a regular radio program despite being a group of musicians, and open up an exhilarating talk with ‘R-Shitei (R-指定, R-Shitei)’, the other member. DJ Matsunaga as a DJ Source :YouTube screenshot What’s surprising about DJ Matsunaga’s career is that he accomplished the feat of becoming a champion of the DMC DJ Championship in Hokkaido in 2010, only 3 years after he embarked on his journey of becoming a DJ. Until 2016, he was simultaneously working as a TOC live DJ for the hip-hop unit Hilcrhyme. And in 2019, as mentioned earlier, he topped at DMC JAPAN, which is also a qualifier for DMC WORLD, and he was given the title of ‘Japan’s Number 1 DJ’ on his official profile. His title eventually changed to ‘World’s Number 1 DJ’ after being crowned as the champion at DMC WORLD. Success with Creepy Nuts Source :YouTube screenshot In the hip-hop unit Creepy Nuts, DJ Matsunaga unleashes his worlds-best technique as a trackmaker and turntablist. ‘R-Shitei’, the other member, topped at free-style rapping in a program called Free-Style Dungeon, and together they light up the hip-hip world. Having showed a formidable presence in clubs and live-houses, they participated in the large-scale rock-festival ‘Fuji Rock’ in 2014, and debuted on a major label in 2017 with the single ‘High School Debut, Uni Debut, We Failed All but Major Debut. (高校デビュー、大学デビュー、全部失敗したけどメジャーデビュー。, Koko-Debyu, Daigaku-Debyu, Zenbu Shippai Shita-kedo Meja-Debyu.)’. Check out the Worlds-Best-Performance of DJ Matsunaga! So what did you think? Do you feel like listening to the world's best DJ, DJ Matsunaga? DJ Matsunaga can be described as one of few people that changed the prevailing perception of the hip-hop world being formidable and distant, into a more familiar, pop-like image. Enjoy the techniques of the world’s best DJ. 【Official Website】DMC World DJ Championships - The Home Of The Worlds Biggest DJ Competition http://www.dmcdjchamps.com/

Video introduction of "Shoto Museum of Art" in Shibuya, Tokyo The video "Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo" (渋谷区立松濤美術館) was uploaded by "Shibuya Official Channel." It introduces the Shoto Museum of Art Unlike most art museums, the Shoto Museum of Art is in itself a work of art, with the building incorporating many different ideas. This video gives you a glimpse of the exterior and interior of the museum, as well as some of the exhibits, and gives you a good idea of what the Shoto Museum of Art is like. About the Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya Source :YouTube screenshot The Shoto Museum of Art is located in Shoto, Shibuya, Tokyo, which is a high-end residential area. It was built in 1981 as a place for Shibuya residents to deepen their knowledge of art and interact with the pieces. The interior and exterior of the museum, designed by Seiichi Shirai, are different from ordinary museums. Despite the constraints of being a "place of relaxation for the residents of the city" and "an art museum in a residential area," he has created an art museum with an original design and a distinctive landscape. As shown at 1:46 in the video, the Shoto Museum of Art periodically holds the "Shoto Museum of Art Exhibition of Works by the General Public." All of the artworks, including both Japanese and Western paintings, are by Shibuya residents. In 2020, there were 126 entries, 60 of which were accepted, and 13 receiving awards. Highlights of the Shoto Museum of Art Source :YouTube screenshot There are many things to see at the Shoto Museum of Art, including its beautiful interior and exhibits. The exterior wall, introduced at 0:32 in the video, is made of a type of red granite, a material that Seiichi Shirai himself procured in Korea. The museum's exterior walls are uniquely designed with hand washing facilities and peepholes. The lighting at the entrance ceiling is also unique and offers a magical view. A double-sided glass is also used, which gives a glossy effect and creates a beautiful scenery. The central atrium, introduced at 1:15 in the video, is a spot where you can relax and enjoy the fountain and the view of the sky while looking up at the sky. There is also a bridge at the top of the central atrium. Another highlight is "Relief," which consists of a design combining various musical instruments. It can be seen at 1:38 in the video. On the second floor, in the elevator hall, visitors can see sofas and mirrors coordinated by Seiichi Shirai. Other highlights of the museum include Salon Musee, the "Special Show-Room," where visitors can view beautiful exhibits, the Elevator Hall on the second basement floor where models of the museum are displayed, and the Multi-Purpose Hall, where lectures, art classes, and mini concerts are held. The video introduces several of the exhibits of the Shoto Museum of Art, and starting at 4:45, you can see Murata Katsushiro's "Brothers with Green Pheasants." Admission Fee and Access Source :YouTube screenshot The admission fee varies by exhibition, so be sure to check out the official website for the Shoto Museum of Art. Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm. (8 pm on Fridays) The museum is closed on Mondays, national holidays, the day after a national holiday, and New Year's holidays. To access the museum by train, get off at Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line and walk 5 minutes, or by bus, get off at the Shoto Museum entrance of the Hachiko Bus and walk 2 minutes. Summary of the Shoto Museum of Art Source :YouTube screenshot "Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo," uploaded by "Shibuya Official Channel," introduces the attractions of the Shoto Museum of Art designed by Seiichi Shirai. The Shoto Museum of Art is a luxurious facility that holds exhibitions and events. It also offers museum training for those looking to become curators. If this article piqued your interest, go visit the Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya and see the beauty of the building as well as the artworks on display! There are several museums near the Shoto Art Museum in Shibuya Ward, including the Toguri Museum of Art and Nihon Mingeikan, so be sure to check them out as well! ◆Information◆ 【Address】2-14-14 Shoto, Shibuya. Tokyo 150-0046 【Access】Get off at Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line and walk 5 minutes, or by bus, get off at the Shoto Museum entrance of the Hachiko Bus and walk 2 minutes. 【Admission fee】Varies by exhibition 【Hours】10 am to 6 pm 【Closures】Mondays, national holidays and year end and New Year’s holidays 【Parking】None, but there is a parking for bikes 【Telephone】03-3465-9421 【Official Website】Shoto Museum of Art https://shoto-museum.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Shoto Museum of Art https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d1425378-Reviews-Shoto_Museum_of_Art-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

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

Introducing the Shinkai 6500! The video introduced here is titled "'Shinkai 6500' A Voyage Around the World｜QUELLE 2013 Digest," created by "jamstec channel." The Shinkai 6500, shown in the video, conducted a survey of the deep-sea in the southern hemisphere in 2013. The videos summarize the deep-sea life captured during the voyage, as well as various scientific discoveries, valuable documents, and data. In this article, we'll introduce the Shinkai 6500. Be sure to follow along with the video! What is the Shinkai 6500? Source :YouTube screenshot The Shinkai 6500 is the second deepest diving research ship in the world. In the video, you can see the Shinkai 6500 being unloaded from the support vessel "Yokosuka" at 0:38. The Shinkai 6500 was launched in 1989 at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard. In 2002, the Shinkai 2000 was decommissioned, and the Shinkai 6500 became Japan's only manned research vessel submersible to great depths. At present, the idea of developing a Shinkai 12000 as a successor model is underway. As the name suggests, the Shinkai 6500 owned by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology is capable of submersible research up to 6500 meters below the water's surface. They are currently researching earthquakes, tectonic plates, deep-sea organisms' ecosystems and evolution, and deep-sea biological resources. The video also introduces a number of unusual creatures living in the deep sea, as well as experiments performed on the submarine at 1:03. The operation of the Shinkai 6500 requires the cooperation of the support mother ship, Yokosuka. The Route of the Shinkai 6500! Source :YouTube screenshot The video details the route that the Shinkai 6500 sailed as well. From 1:03 in the video, we see the Solitaire and Dodo hydrothermal fields of the Central Indian Ridge. This is followed at 1:45 by footage from the Rio Grande Rise and São Paulo Ridge, the São Paulo Ridge off the coast of Brazil, the Cayman Rise in the central Caribbean, the Tonga Trench and Kermadec Island Arc in the South Pacific, and the Louisville Ridge​. The Performance of the Shinkai 6500 and Its Time at Sea Source :YouTube screenshot The hull of the Shinkai 6500 is elliptical in shape and about 9.7 meters long. The propulsive force of the hull (screw) allows for diving. Lithium-ion batteries are currently used as the main power source. The Shinkai 6500, which is equipped with research equipment, does not have a dedicated mechanic, but rather, a pilot and other crew members who double as mechanics. You can see the Shinkai 6500 entering the maintenance area after completing its survey at 6:21 in the video. There is no toilet on board, so they must bring a portable toilet with them. Information on the Shinkai 6500 - Exhibits and Goods! Source :YouTube screenshot Plastic models, paper crafts, figurines and models made by LEGO and Bandai are very popular with Shinkai 6500 fans. A full-scale model of the Shinkai 6500 is also open to the public at the Marine Science Museum in Yokosuka. There are exhibits of deep-sea creatures and displays of research results, so be sure to check it out! Summary of the Shinkai 6500 This article introduced the Shinkai 6500, a submarine that investigates the mysteries of the deep sea. The Shinkai 6500 has an important mission- to explore the mystery of life. By watching this video, you'll feel like you're on a submarine adventure through an undersea world you never knew existed! 【Official Website】Manned Diving Research Ship "Shinkai 6500 https://www.jamstec.go.jp/shinkai6500/

This video is called "Kawachi Wisteria Garden [8KHDR]" by "Japan Explorers." This video introduces the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, which was selected as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan by the American CNN. The Kawauchi Wisteria Garden, a tourist attraction that Fukuoka Prefecture is proud of, is decorated with wisteria, and its beauty is recognized by the world. The wisteria trellises and the 110-meter-long wisteria tunnel, as well as the colored leaves in November and December, make this a place with countless breathtaking views. In this video, you can see a lot of beautiful wisteria at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Be sure to check it out!

This video, titled "Osaki Koudo" (大崎耕土), was released by "アイラブオオサキ/ILoveMiyagiOsaki." Osaki Koudo is made in the Osaki area of Miyagi Prefecture. The water from the rich, natural Ou Mountains enriches the Osaki Koudo (arable soil), which in turn grows local agricultural products, making the Osaki region the ninth area in Japan to be recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. Check out how Osaki Koudo is made in the video!

Sightseeing Video Introduction of "Fujindo" Cave, a limestone cave in Tano County, Gunma Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "The Largest Limestone Cave in Kanto!" (関東最大級の鍾乳洞 『不二洞』), shows a fabulous view of the Limestone cave located in Gunma. There are many mysterious limestone caves found throughout Japan. Of all the limestone caves, Fujido Cave, located in Kawawa Nature Park in Ueno-village, Tano District is the largest in the Kanto region, with an astonishing length of 2.2 km. Fujido is designated as a natural monument of Gunma Prefecture. If you explore inside of the Fujido, you're sure to have an extraordinary experience! You can see a number of breathtaking views in the video. Be sure to check it out to see the mysterious Fujido Cave! Fujido Cave Photo：Fujido Cave A limestone cave is a natural cave that is formed over a long period of time by the gradual erosion of limestone rock due to the inflow of underground water. It's said that the Ueno-village area, where Fujido Cave is located, was once covered with a deep virgin forest. Villagers in the area discovered the cave about 1,200 years ago, and since then, the cave has been used as a place for Buddhist training. In the Fujido Cave, the Fujido Yayoi Matsuri (festival) is held every March. Through the festival, people pray for the safety of the Fuji cave, the largest cave in the Kanto region. Highlights of Fujido Cave! Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the exploration of Fujido Cave at 0:38 in the video. At the end of a 120-meter underground tunnel, visitors climb up a 40-meter pit staircase to find a spacious limestone cave. The cave is kept cool throughout the year at a temperature of about 11 degrees Celsius(51.8°F). In the limestone cave, there are a lot of Instagram worthy spots made by nature such as the "Five Colored Clouds" (0:54), "Yama's Staff of Pilgrimage" (1:25), "Dragon King Falls" (1:44), and "Nyoraido" (2:02) and many more. There’s a legend about "Yama’s Staff of Pilgrimage" that says if you make a wish and touch it seven times, your wish will come true. Source :YouTube screenshot Inside of the cave, there are 45 spots named after Buddhist beliefs. At 2:17 in the video, you'll see a sparkling tower made of limestone. This tower, called "Renge-no-To" (Lotus Tower) is the largest stone in the cave. Next, at 2:34 you can see "Hi-no-Hashira" (The Pillar of Flame), and at 2:49 the sacred spot known as "Gohyaku-Rakan." It is said that it takes about 100 years for the limestone to grow 1 cm. Next time you visit Fujido, pay attention to the artistic shape of the cave and try to comprehend the amount of time it took to form. Summary of Fujido Cave, the Largest Cave in the Kanto Region Photo：Fujido Cave A limestone cave is a mysterious phenomenon created by nature. In recent years, the area around the Fujido Cave has become a popular power spot. Inside the cave you can also see the lit-up limestone, as shown in the video. Since the footing in the cave is not very good, we recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to get around in. If you're looking to travel to some of Japan's best-kept secrets, come to the mysterious Fujido Cave and experience the beauty of mother nature. Check out the video and feel for yourself the deep history and wonder concealed within the Fujido's limestone walls! ◆Fujido Cave◆ 【Address】665 Kawawa, Ueno-village, Tano Gun, Gunma Prefecture 【Access】35 minutes by car from Shimonita Interchange on the Joshinetsu Expressway 【Hours】9:00 AM - 4:30 PM　※ 9:00 AM 〜 4:00 PM in November, 10:00 AM〜 3:00 PM from December to mid March 【Closures】Open year round 【Average time spent here】About 40 minutes 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】 0274-59-3117 【Entrance fee】Adults 800 yen/Elementary and middle school students 500 yen (※ as of November 2019)

Check Out the Video of the Cardboard Artist Fuyuki Shimazu! The video we introduce this time is "Peeping in 2.0 From Trash to Treasure. The Cardboard Artist Traveling Around the World, Fuyuki Shimizu." When most people hear the word “cardboard”, they probably think of some useless boxes left over from moving. Fuyuki Shimazu however, creates various cardboard items with original ideas based on the concept “From trash to treasure”. This time, we'll introduce the activities of the cardboard artist Fuyuki Shimazu in detail. Fuyuki Shimazu, the Cardboard Artist Introduced in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot What made Fuyuki Shimazu interested in cardboard was something that happened when he was a student at Tama Art University. Since his wallet was ragged and he had no money to buy a new one, he made a cardboard wallet by using some cardboard he found. Since then, Fuyuki Shimazu has started making card cases, coin purses, clutch bags and so on, using unneeded cardboard as materials. You can see these products made from cardboard at 0:17 in the video. Fuyuki Shimazu, a cardboard artist, introduces his works on his Instagram and online sites, and widely introduces the appeal of cardboard art at workshops. The Charm of Cardboard Art Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:13 in the video, Fuyuki Shimazu talks about the charm of cardboard. Fuyuki Shimazu made cardboard art while traveling around the world, and he says he was often fascinated by cardboard design and applications overseas. He says, speaking about the fun of cardboard art, “From the moment I start selecting unwanted cardboard pieces for my work, the cardboard looks like a treasure”. In 2018, a documentary film introducing the activities of Fuyuki Shimazu, titled “Travelling Cardboard” (English title “From All Corners”) was released and it became a hot topic. Also in January 2019, he was introduced as a cardboard artist on the TV program “ Arashi-ni-shiyagare” that the popular pop idol group “Arashi” appears on. In the TV program, Satoshi Ono, one of the group members of Arashi, had a go at making a cardboard wallet. Fuyuki Shimazu is drawing attention from a wide range of people as a cardboard artist. Summary of Cardboard Artist Fuyuki Shimazu Source :YouTube screenshot Fuyuki Shimazu, the cardboard artist featured in the video, sells his work on his own website called "Carton." Prices start at 15,000 JPY (as of February 2020). There is also information about the workshop where you can learn how to make cardboard art. In Amazon and other sites, you can buy his book “How to make Shimazu Fuyuki's cardboard wallets” which comes with a cardboard wallet pattern. If this article or video has you interested in the activities of the cardboard artist, or you want to buy one of his works, be sure to check out his website.

Virtual Influencers This video, titled "A Virtual Influencer With 1.6 Million Followers!," is a video that introduces virtual influencers, a hot topic as of late. Have you ever heard of a "virtual influencer"? A blogger or YouTuber who has many followers, and therefore, a lot of influential power, is referred to as an "influencer." Currently, there are virtual influencers with more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram. These CG virtual influencers, who are currently attracting attention worldwide, are being used to spread information online. Popular Virtual YouTubers such as the Japanese Kizuna Ai (an anime-style virtual character) are gaining popularity. In this article, we'll talk about some of these characters, who are also referred to as "virtual humans" and "virtual dolls." These virtual characters are an inexpensive and more appealing way to advertise compared to conventional mass media, and are being utilized by various companies including fashion brands. The World's First Virtual Influencer Modeling Agency Set up in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot These virtual influencers, fictitious characters created using 3D computer graphics, regularly post pictures of their daily life on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, as well as modelling, singing, and dancing. Virtual characters are used by various companies to model apparel and cosmetics, and are proving to be a very effective means of advertising. The virtual modeling agency featured in this video works with the second hand clothing retailer "yutori." The modeling agency is VIM (previously YYZ). They're introduced at 0:24 in the video. From 0:32, you can see one of their realistic virtual models modelling an outfit of second hand clothing. The two models introduced in the video are called Aoi Prism (葵プリズム) and uca. Both are Japanese style virtual models. From 0:39, fashion director Soudai Yamaguchi (山口壮大, yamaguchisoudai) talks about how a high level of 3D computer graphics can be used to create a virtual model that rivals an actual model with little difference in how their daily life and work are portrayed on screen to viewers. How Virtual Influencers Are Created Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:09 in the video, VIM representative Takanori Kataishi (片石貴展, kataishitakanori) is questioned about the creation of their virtual models. Unfortunately, he couldn't go into details on how the models were created as it's a company secret. However, from looking at the video it's clear that they are created using fairly high level computer graphics. Summary of Virtual Influencers Source :YouTube screenshot Although their use is fairly limited at the moment, it's expected that these virtual influencers will play an active role Japan in the future. Every day new virtual influencers are being born; for example the first ever virtual celebrity Hiro Mizushima (水嶋ヒロ, mizushimahiro) and other popular virtual influencers on SNS such as "imma" and Liam Nikuro (二クロ・リアム, nikuroriamu). Be sure to check out these characters online when you have the chance!

The Super Kendama Elementary Schooler! This video, titled "[Kendama｜5th Grader] 10 Amazing Tricks, One After Another! the Young Super Talent That Made It to the Finals!" (【KENDAMA】](「【けん玉 小学5年生】スゴ技10連発！世界選手権決勝トーナメントに最年少で進出したスーパーキッズ！【KENDAMA】」), was created by "Bukapi Bukatsu ONE" (「ブカピ 部活ONE」). The video shows 5th grader Maharu Tashiro performing 10 difficult Kendama tricks. Maharu Tashiro is a talented elementary school student, and the youngest finalist of the World Kendama Tournament. You can see his impressive techniques and high level skills in the video. Be sure to follow along as you read this article! What is Kendama? Photo：Kendama Kendama is a wooden toy consisting of a cross-shaped handle (Ken) and a ball with a hole (Tama). Generally, Kendama is written as [けん玉 (Kendama)], using hiragana, but it's often written using Kanji such as "剣玉," (lit. sword ball) "拳玉," (lit. stick ball) or "剣球" (lit. sword sphere) (all pronounced Kendama). Kendama are comprised of just a few parts: Ito (string), Kensaki (spike), Osara (cup), and Tama (ball). The most general ways to grip Kendama are straight (Masugu) and tilted (Naname). Kendama has a long history and is generally believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868). The electronic Kendama, Dejiken (デジケン), produced by Bandai (バンダイ), was also popular at one time. The Kendama Prodigy Source :YouTube screenshot The talented kid Maharu Tashiro, shown in the video is the Super Kendama kid who drew attention at the World Kendama freestyle Tournament "CATCH&FLOW2017," held in Tokyo in 2017. He performed amazing Kendama tricks in the Kendama tournament, which top Kendama performers from both inside and outside of Japan attended, and became the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament. He also participated in "CATCH&FLOW2018" the following year and advanced to the final, making him a finalist in back to back tournaments. Maharu Tashiro started playing Kendama when he was a 1st grader. He practices Kendama at least 2 hours a day. Sometimes he practices all day if it’s a holiday. This can be seen in the interview at 0:14 in the video. Source : YouTube screenshot He practiced by watching professional Kendama players an mimicking their techniques. His dream is to become the number one Kendama player in the world, so he practices hard to make this dream a reality. You can see his world class Kendama tricks from 0:25 in the video. Border Balance→Lighthouse Flip (Tonbogaeri) →Lighthouse (Touritsu), tap x2→Juggle lighthouse x2, Ruler of Time, Lightning Swap Spike (Inazuma swap ken), Windmill Warbler (Fusha Uguisu)→ Windmill Over the Valley (Fusha Taniwatari)→Windmill Spike (Fusha ken), Lunar Landing (getsumen)→ lighthouse flip (Tonbogaeri)→Lunar Landing Reverse (Uragetsumen)→Lighthouse Flip Tap (Tap tonbogaeri)→Cushioned Plunge (Cushion sakaotoshi), Flying Stick (Haneken), Clutch→Swirl (kurukuru waza), Tight Rope→Spike Juggle, Spike Juggle x 10. The tricks are absolutely incredible! Summary of the Kendama Prodigy! Did you enjoy reading about super Kendama kid? The video shows him performing 10 awesome Kendama tricks, so definitely check it out! If you're interested in Kendama, there are classes all over Japan where you can learn how to play Kendama. You can also purchase Kendama online at stores such as Amazon.