Introducing Kimetsu no Yaiba! This video, titled "Crazy for Kimetsu no Yaiba!," released by "Tokyo MX," introduces the popular manga Kimetsu no Yaiba. "Kimetsu no Yaiba" (Demon Slayer) is a manga popular among all ages, and the comic is continuously sold out in stores throughout Japan. In this video, you can see the interviews of the fans of "Kimetsu no Yaiba," showing just how popular it is! In this article, we will introduce the extremely popular manga "Kimetsu no Yaiba" alongside the video. Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo：Bookstore Kimetsu no Yaiba is a popular manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump by Shueisha, between Issue 11 in 2016 to Issue 24 in 2020. It is the first serialized work by Koyoharu Gotoge. *Spoilers ahead* The manga portrays an interesting take on Japanese sword fighting, focusing on the main character whose family was killed by demons. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps in order to avenge his family and cure his sister who was turned into a demon. As of May 2020, and its most recent 20th volume of the comic series, it has sold over 60 million copies. It sold 12,058,000 copies in the "Oricon Annual Comic Rankings 2019," beating out the hugely popular "One Piece" manga for the number one spot. Kimetsu no Yaiba: Story The protagonist, Kamado Tanjiro, followed in the footsteps of his late father and lived a peaceful life supporting his family by making charcoal burnings. One day after leaving home, his family is killed by a demon and his sister, Nezuko, is turned into a demon. Two years later, after joining the Demon Slayer Corps to train in swordsmanship and turn his sister Nezuko back into a human, he faces off against Muzan, the leader of the demons. As shown in the video, "Kimetsu no Yaiba" become quite the social phenomenon when it was airing; however, at the height of its popularity, the final issue was released in Weekly Shonen Jump sold on May 18th, 2020. The movie "Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" will be released on October 16, 2020. The film has been attracting a lot of attention due to the popular voice actors that will star in it. More About Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo：Bookstore As shown in the video at 1:52, the manga for Kimetsu no Yaiba, is sold out and in short supply at all the big stores in Tokyo. This goes for not only just the latest issue, but older issues are also low in stock and as you can see from 2:55, there are many people going around bookstores in search of them. It's rare in recent years for a manga to sell out so many copies, even if it's regularly reprinted, truly making it a social phenomenon. Although Kimetsu no Yaiba became popular mainly among young people, it's actually a work that is popular among adults as well, regardless of age. You can see an interview with an older Kimetsu no Yaiba fan from Sugamo at 1:14 in the video. You can also see "KIMETSU CAFÉ in SWEETS PARADISE" at 3:09 in the video, a collaboration café with "Sweets Paradise's" Ikebukuro branch. A popular menu item is the charcoal-grilled chicken curry with the main character Tanjiro on top. Many fans come to the cafe just to see the awesome food art and collaboration goods, and the café is so popular that it gets fully booked with reservations. Summary of Kimetsu no Yaiba Photo：Kimetsu no Yaiba "Crazy for Kimetsu no Yaiba!," released by "Tokyo MX," is a video showing the popularity of the hottest new manga and anime, Kimetsu no Yaiba. With its final issue in 2020, Kimetsu no Yaiba skyrocketed in popularity due to the anime release in 2019, making it a social phenomenon. The manga has come to an end; however, the popularity of Kimetsu no Yaiba continues! 【Official Website】Kimetsu no Yaiba Official portal site https://kimetsu.com/

Introducing JAF Tow Trucks and Car Transporters This video, titled "(Vehicle Guide) JAF Tow Truck and Car Transporter" (【のりもの図鑑】レッカー車・積載車（JAFの車）), was broadcast on the t.v. show "Go! Go! Norimono town!" (ゴーゴー！のりものタウン！), on the Kids Station (キッズステーション) t.v. channel. (*Norimono means vehicle in Japanese). JAF's tow truck is used to move broken down vehicles and repair them. They can repair a large range of vehicles as well. The tow truck, made by manufacturers such as Tomica, is a very popular toy with kids. The toy version of the truck also comes with a loading apparatus used to repair and move broken down vehicles. More About JAF Source :YouTube screenshot JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) is an organization that deals with various automobile related requests and problems, including breakdowns. They also hold several sporting events throughout the year. It costs 4,000 yen a year to become a JAF member. If you were to request roadside assistance and were not already a member, you would have to pay the joining fee and membership fee on top of the cost of the repairs at the time of the request. However, If you are already a member, JAF will repair your vehicle at no extra cost, however fuel and battery charges still apply. Tow Truck Breakdown Repair Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:52 in the video, you can see staff at the JAF call center take various requests from customers requesting assistance. As soon as a call comes in, a tow truck is sent to the site. After arriving at the scene, the customer is asked a variety of questions, and if the vehicle cannot be fixed on site it will be towed. At 3:14 in the video, you can see a boom truck lift up a car with its crane. Using the crane, the JAF staff can lift the car and have it ready for transportation in around 20 minutes. A pivot arm is used to lift the front wheels and fix them in place. The rear wheels and steering wheel are then fixed in place, ready to be pulled away by the JAF vehicle. Due to safety concerns, a special license is required to lift and tow vehicles weighing more than 750kg. Types of Tow Trucks Source :YouTube screenshot There are five additional types of tow trucks in addition to the regularly used JAF tow truck. At 4:59 in the video, you can see a car transporter towing away a large vehicle that a regular tow truck would be incapable of transporting. From 6:03, we see a multi-purpose tow truck transporting motorbikes. There are also two trucks capable of driving down narrow roads, two-wheeled vehicles that can filter through traffic, and four-wheel drive vehicles that can traverse through the mountains. The Difference Between a Tow Truck and a Car Transporter Photo：Car transporter The difference between a tow truck and a car transporter lies in whether or not the broken down car is loaded onto the vehicle or towed from behind. A car transporter is capable of loading a broken down car onto the vehicle, reducing any risk of damage to the car and its large size, allowing for multiple cars to be loaded onto the vehicle at one time. Car transporters are often used to transport brand new vehicles or when moving homes. JAF Tow Truck and Car Transporter Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed learning more about the JAF tow truck, a vehicle you might see often while you're in Japan. For our readers with cars, we recommend looking up JAF services online for when you find yourself in need of assistance. 【Official Website】JAF Road Service Car (Tow Truck) https://english.jaf.or.jp/?_ga=2.56236011.1793953263.1594781068-1575817741.1593570784

Video introduction of "Renewal of Nihonbashi Takashimaya SC" in Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video this time is a news video covering the grand reopening of the main building of Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C., titled "Nihonbashi Takashimaya Completes Renovations, Aims to Attract Younger Customers." It was published by "TOKYO MX" in 2019. Nihombashi Takashimaya is a shopping center well-reputed by people of all ages. Let's take a look at what's changed since its reopening. The New Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. Source :YouTube screenshot Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C., located in the Chuo Ward (中央区, Chuo-ku) of Tokyo, finished renovations on its main building and reopened entirely in March 2019. It had gone through a major renovation up to this point with a new building having opened in 2018. The concept of the newly reborn Nihombashi Takashimaya SC is "beautiful living." Introduced at 1:00 in the video is "MARVIS," a high-end toothpaste sold on the 2nd floor of the main building. There is also a wide range of other items, mainly men's sundries, designed to enhance one' s quality of life. Here, you'll find a wide range of products for the increasingly aesthetically conscious male customers. When visiting Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C., we recommend visiting the rooftop garden shown at 0:13 in the video. This rooftop garden is open to the public and offers a breathtaking view of Tokyo's skyscrapers. The History of Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. Source :YouTube screenshot Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. opened in 1933 and has a long history of supporting Japan's post-war reconstruction. The present Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. is part of the Mitsui Building. Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. has a basement floor with a fruit parlors, restaurants, chocolate shops and other sweets shops, as well as a general merchandise section, fashion stores, and more. Limited time events, such as the Maurice Utrillo Exhibition are also held from time to time. Summary of Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we gave a brief overview of Nihombashi Takashimaya's renovation, the history of the store and what kind of shops you can expect to find there. There are many other Takashimaya stores in Japan besides the one in Tokyo. Major stores include Shinjuku, Tamagawa, Tachikawa, Yokohama, Kashiwa, Kyoto, Osaka and Sakai. If you're looking for high quality items or Japanese souvenirs, stop by the nearest Takashimaya store! ◆Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C.｜Facility Information◆ 【Address】2-4-1, Nihombashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo 【Access】Directly connected to Nihonbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and a 5-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. 【Hours】10:30～21:00（11:00～22:00 for restaurants） 【Parking】Paid parking available 【Telephone】03-3211-4111 【Official Website】Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. ｜ Top Page https://www.takashimaya-global.com/en/stores/nihombashi/ 【Tripadvisor】Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g14129589-d12870591-Reviews-Nihombashi_Takashimaya_S_C-Nihonbashi_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

UNIQLO Ginza This video, titled "UNIQLO Opens a New Flagship Store, the Largest of its Kind, in Tokyo's Ginza," was created by "Kyodo News." It's a news video features a preview for the media on March 15, 2012, the day before UNIQLO Ginza opened, as well as a press conference with Tadashi Yanai, the Chairman, President, and CEO of UNQLO's management company, Fast Retailing. UNIQLO Ginza is the world’s largest global flagship store, occupying approximately all 5,000 square meters of a 12-story building on the main street in Ginza, Tokyo. In this article, we'll introduce UNIQLO and talk about UNIQLO Ginza. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read this article! What You Need to Know About UNIQLO Ginza Source :YouTube screenshot The UNIQLO Ginza store in Chuo-Ward (中央区, Chuo-Ku), Tokyo, introduced in the video, was opened on March 16th, 2012 as the ninth in a series of global flagship stores around the globe. The store is located in the heart of Ginza, just a four-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines, the closest station to UNIQLO. The global flagship store will serve as a base for sending out information about UNIQLO as a global brand to the world. Tadashi Yanai touches on this in the press conference shown at 1:04 as well. In addition to offering the world's largest lineup of the latest men's, women's, children's, and baby clothing in a wide range of sizes, the store also has a concierge service to guide customers through the store and provide assistance in six languages, including Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. You can see the inside of UNIQLO Ginza at 0:13 in the video. About UNIQLO Source :YouTube screenshot UNIQLO is a clothing store founded in 1974. They manufacture and retail high-quality, low-priced, casual wear brands through integrated control of product planning, production, distribution, and sales. In addition to stores in Japan, UNIQLO also actively engages in mail-order sales through its online store and overseas expansion, and is well known as a casual wear brand with TV commercials and street advertisements. UNIQLO is especially known for its outerwear, such as down jackets, HEATTECH and fleece, but it also sells pants, shirts, jackets, dresses, collaborative T-shirts, and suits. They have a wide range of clothing available. There are many Thanksgiving and sale items, limited edition items, and recommended products, so be sure to check out their flyers and website. Summary of UNIQLO Ginza Source :YouTube screenshot This video introduces UNIQLO Ginza, the largest UNIQLO in the world with LED displays and a giant window display. We hope you enjoyed the video, which gives an overview of UNIQLO's extensive lineup of products in the store. ◆UNIQLO Ginza Store Information◆ 【Address】1st floor to 12th floor of GINZA KOMATSU East Building, 6-9-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. 104-0061 【Access】A four-minute walk from Ginza Station, on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hibiya Line 【Hours】11:00-21:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】None 【Phone】03-6252-5181 【Official Website】UNIQLO｜UNIQLO Ginza Store https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/shop/ginza/?lang=en 【Tripadvisor】UNIQLO Ginza Store https://www.tripadvisor.jp/ShowUserReviews-g14129573-d2692803-r565777759-Uniqlo_Ginza-Ginza_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Esteemed Architect, Arata Isozaki This video is titled "Arata Isozaki Receives the Pritzker Prize, The Nobel Prize of Architecture!" (磯崎新氏にプリツカー賞 “建築界のノーベル賞). Arata Isozaki born in Oita-shi, Oita in Japan's Kyushu region, is a registered architect with a first-class license and a member of the Japan Art Academy. He is the son of businessman, Soji Isozaki, and is considered a legend in the field of Architecture. Besides the Pritzker Architecture Prize, he has received several other awards, including the AIJ Prize (Architectural Institute of Japan), a Golden Lion from "La Biennale di Venezia," and more. Atelier Arata Isozaki, established in 1963, is home to a number of prominent architects. Famous Works of Arata Isozaki! Photo：Brooklyn Art Museum Masterpieces of Arata Isozaki, the legendary architect, include ・Gunma Astronomical Observatory ・Kitakyushu Museum ・Hara Museum Arc ・Art Tower Mito ・Nagi Museum Of Contemporary Art ・Art Plaza (Oita, Oita) ・Kitakyushu Chuo Library [Video 0:29] ・Toyama Prefectural Tateyama Museum ・Tsukuba Center Building (Tsukuba, Ibaraki) [Video 0:24] and more. His great work also includes some buildings in foreign countries such as MOMA Los Angeles and the Qatar National Convention Center, shown at 0:48 in the video. He also participated in a competition for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and created urban concepts, such as Aeropolis, in Shinjuku and Marunouchi, all of which incorporate contemporary thought. Currently, he is active in Okinawa, China, the Middle East and Europe. What is the Pritzker Prize? Source :YouTube screenshot The Pritzker Prize is an award for architects which was established by the Pritzker family, the founder of the Hotel chain "Hyatt." Arata Isozaki won the 46th Pritzker Prize making him the 8th Japanese architect to win the award. With his unique architectural design, combining both Eastern and Western styles, he was able to win the Pritzker Prize, as described in the video at 0:38. Summary of Pritzker Prize Winner Arata Isozaki Source :YouTube screenshot The Pritzker Prize is one of the most honorable prizes an architect can receive, as it's known as the "Nobel Prize of Architecture." Japanese architects, Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando have also won the Pritzker Prize in the past. If you're interested in learning more about Arata Isozaki, be sure to check out some of the buildings he has designed. You can also check out some of his books as well!

Introduction of "GINZA SIX" opening video in Chuo-ku, Tokyo This news video is titled "[GINZA SIX] Opening｜2,500 People Lined Up!" Produced by "TOKYO MIX," it shows the new spot "GINZA SIX" in Ginza, Tokyo at its opening on April 20, 2017. GINZA SIX is a commercial facility with a site area of approximately 9,080 square meters that incorporates the former site of the Matsuzakaya Ginza store in Ginza, Chuo-Ward (中央区, Chuo-Ku), Tokyo, and the surrounding area. On the opening day, 2,500 people lined up before the store opened, making it an exciting event You can see people waiting in like at 0:25 in the video. In this article, we'll introduce the facilities of GINZA SIX, as well as transportation access to the facility. Be sure to follow along with the video to see the store interior! What is GINZA SIX? Photo：GINZA SIX GINZA SIX is the largest commercial facility in Ginza, with 13 floors above ground and 6 floors below, at approximately 150,000 square meters. It opened in April 2017. There are 241 stores inside of the facility, including overseas luxury brand shops, 12 of which are the first of their kind in Japan. In addition to fashion brands, there is also a full range of gourmet restaurants. At 1:40 in the video, you can see Ginza Grand Premium Food Hall "Ginza Daishokudo," a premium food court on the 6th floor where you can enjoy luxurious meals from all over Japan. At the Ginza Daishokudo, you can eat cuisine from all over Japan, including sushi, steak, eel and teppan-yaki, to your hearts content. In the video, you can see customers enjoying lunch and afternoon tea at the restaurants. Source :YouTube screenshot GINZA SIX also serves as a tourist hub, with the Tourist Service Center being established for foreign tourists. In addition to providing tourist information in multiple languages, the center also offers currency exchange and temporary baggage storage. This can be seen in the video at 2:29. Enjoy this site for gift shopping or purchasing Japanese souvenirs to commemorate your trip. In addition, a Noh theatre featuring the largest Noh school, Kanze-Ryu (Kanze School), is located on the third basement floor of GINZA SIX, and is dedicated to the promotion of traditional Japanese culture. One of the features of GINZA SIX is the works of art by famous artists on display throughout the building. At the time of opening, an artwork by Yayoi Kusama adorned the central atrium. You can see the artworks of famous artists at 2:58 in the video. In addition, the rooftop garden (the largest in Ginza), the Tsutaya bookstore, and the Starbucks on the 6th floor are also popular places at GINZA SIX. There flagship stores of popular fashion brands, a variety of restaurants, a beauty floor with a variety of cosmetic brands, and food shops with cafes and sweets. Summary of GINZA SIX Source :YouTube screenshot Access to GINZA SIX is a 2-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line. It is also a 10-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, JR Yamanote Line, and Keihin-Tohoku Line. There is a parking lot and discounts are available based on your in-store purchases. Shops and cafes are open from 10:30 to 20:30 and restaurants are open from 11:00 to 23:00. Visit GINZA SIX, and experience a new hub of commerce and tourism! ◆GINZA SIX Facility Information◆ 【Address】10-1, Ginza 6-Chome, Chuo-Ward, Tokyo 104-0061 【Access】A 2-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line. It is also a 10-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, JR Yamanote Line, and Keihin-Tohoku Line. 【Hours】10:30-20:30 for shops and cafes, and 11:00-23:00 for restaurants 【Closures】Open all year round 【Parking】Available (Discounts based on in-store purchases) 【Tel】+81 3-6891-3390 【Official Website】GINZA SIX | GSIX https://ginza6.tokyo.e.abf.hp.transer.com/ 【Tripadvisor】GINZA SIX https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14129573-d12350067-Reviews-Ginza_Six-Ginza_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Tokyo Marathon and Japan's Men's Olympic Team! This time we'll look at the video, "[Fuji T.V. Official] Tokyo Marathon 2020 Live From 9:00 A.M. on Sunday, March 1, 2020!!" (【フジテレビ公式】東京マラソン2020＜コース紹介＞2020年3月1日(日)午前9時00分から生中継!!), which introduces the course of the Tokyo Marathon held in 2020. The Tokyo Marathon is a competition first held in 2007. In 2013, it was designated as a World Marathon Majors competition. It is one of the 6 major marathons in the world, along with Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Photo：Marathon The Tokyo Marathon is more than just an invitational sports event for invited runners and the general public; it is also an important event that serves as a qualifying event for major international sporting events, such as the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. In Japan, the Fukuoka International Marathon and the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon also serve as selection events to select athletes that will compete in international competitions. However, in 2020, having been designated as a World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race, it became Asia’s highest level marathon event, and in 2019, 38,000 runners participated in the event. The Tokyo Marathon was awarded Gold Label certification by the IAAF's rating system in 2010, making it one of the largest civic engagement races, on par with New York City. The 2020 men's marathon was touted as a one-on-one race between Suguru Osako and Yuta Shitara. However, in the end, Suguru Osako finished 4th, making him the highest placing Japanese runner and confirming his participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Tokyo Marathon Course Source :YouTube screenshot The course of the Tokyo Marathon has been drastically changed since its predecessor, the Tokyo International Marathon. The main feature of the course is that it is a flat, high-speed course with few ups and downs, with runners running on public roads in the center of the city. This video gives an overview of the course and we'll go over it below. ・[Video 0:23]　A five meter stretch starting from the front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku with an elevation difference of 35 meters. ・[Video 0:33]　A section along Sotobori-dori and Chuo-dori to reach the 10km point in Nihonbashi. ・[Video 0:40]　Running through Edo-dori, runners will pass the 15km mark of Asakusa/Kaminarimon ・[Video 0:48]　The 20 km mark of Monnakacho- the first turnaround point. ・[Video 0:59]　The decisive moment is the 30 km mark in Ginza. At this point, the pacemaker will drop out of the race and the wheeling and the tactics begin. ・[Video 1:10]　The 35 km mark at Takanawa is the last turnaround point, and the strongest runners will use their last bits of energy for bursts of speed. Every year, it's an incredibly close competition. ・[Video 1:21]　The finish line of the course is in front of Tokyo station. The front runner will break through the finish line tape while being greeted by a large crowd and volunteer staff. The Tokyo Marathon is popular among international runners because, with the exception of the starting point, it is a flat course that allows for record breaking, and also takes in the sights of Tokyo from start to finish. For this reason, the number of applicants has been increasing every year, and for the 13th marathon, the general runners’ odds of being selected to run in the race was less than a 1 in 12 chance thus making it very difficult to enter. There are three race categories: the Men's and Women's Marathon, the Wheelchair Marathon, and the Junior and Youth Marathon, with the wheelchair marathon starting five minutes before the other events. Summary of the Tokyo Marathon Course Photo：Marathon Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation considered cancelling the 2020 marathon, but decided to hold only it with only elite athletes being considered for selection, with participation by the general public cancelled. The 2020 Tokyo Marathon was controversial, because although an entry fee is paid prior to the race, the terms state that no refunds would be given in the event of cancellation. Because the Tokyo Marathon is a race with traffic restrictions on public roads, there are fears that the date of the race could affect the capital's logistics infrastructure. However, because it is a top-level marathon race even by world standards, it has a positive economic effect, and the event continues to grow yearly. We're looking forward to Tokyo Marathons of the future! 【Official Website】Home Page｜Tokyo Marathon 2020 https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Tokyo Marathon https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g14133673-d8820386-r441644983-Tokyo_Marathon-Nishishinjuku_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Buzen Highway - A Historical Highway and Popular Sightseeing Destination in Kumamoto Prefecture This video, titled "'Kyushu Heritages of Tomorrow' 'The Buzen Highway and Yachiyo-za'" (「明日の遺産九州」の「豊前街道と八千代座」), was released by "Nippon Archives." The Buzen Highway (豊前街道, Buzen Kaido) is a historical highway stretching from Kumamoto to Ueki and Yamaga, and from Nagomi to Kokura via Nankan. During the Edo period (1603-1868), it prospered as a post town where the Daimyo procession passed through for Sankin-kotai (the alternate attendance system). Along the street, there were merchants' residences, theaters, and hot springs popular with those looking to bathe in the springs, and it is still a popular tourist destination even today. Sightseeing Locations Along the Buzen Highway Photo：The Yamaga Lantern Festival on the Buzen Highway, Kumamoto Prefecture The Buzen Highway, a highway which while traveling on you can feel the historical scenery of Japan, is the perfect place for a walk. If you're looking to discover the charms of the Buzen Highway, take a sightseeing tour around the area and soak in the history and nature of the surrounding area. Arao Higata, located on the eastern side of the central part of the Ariake Sea, which can be seen from 0:14 in the video, is a place overflowing with nature, and is registered under the Ramsar Convention. Also, be sure to check out the Yamaga Lantern Festival held in Yamaga on the Buzen Highway. The History of Yachiyo-za, a Historical Theater on the Buzen Highway Photo：Yachiyo-za, a theater on the Buzen Highway, Kumamoto Prefecture The theater Yachiyo-za in Yamaga on the Buzen Highway, which can be seen from 2:27 in the video, is a facility that conveys the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese theater that was popular during the Edo period. It was built by gentlemen who made their fortunes in business during the Meiji period (1868-1912), with a stock method of 30 yen per share. Yachiyo-za uses distinctive architectural techniques, such as a rotating stage with German rails, a trapdoor, old-fashioned ceiling advertisements, tatami box seats, and gallery seating. Yachiyo-za became a movie theater in the Showa period (1926-1989 ), but was reverted to a theater years later. Experience Traditional Japanese Culture at Yachiyo-za, a Theater on the Buzen Highway Source :YouTube screenshot Since the grand opening kabuki performance by the Matsushima family, many performances have been held at Yachiyo-za. In addition to performances by Bando Tamasaburo and Ebizo Ichikawa, many performances were held by entertainers during the Heisei period (1989-2019), and the theater became very popular. Yachiyo-za became a nationally designated important cultural property in 1988 and was subsequently renovated from 1996 to 2001. The Kabuki performance that you will be seeing from the audience seating of the tasteful Yachiyo-za is exceptional. If you want to see Kabuki, a traditional Japanese performing art and culture, be sure to check out the performance schedule. Summary of the Buzen Highway Area Photo：A Footbath on the Buzen Highway, Kumamoto Prefecture There are many tourist attractions on the Buzen Highway, including Yachiyo-za, where you can enjoy traditional Japanese culture. The Buzen Highway is easily accessible from Kitakyushu Airport, and there are parking lots nearby. By using this video shown as reference, consider planning a wonderful trip to Kumamoto where you can enjoy Japanese culture to your heart's content. 【Official Website】National Important Cultural Property Yachiyoza "Yachiyo-Za" Official Website | Yamaga Guide https://yamaga.site/?page_id=2

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

日本三大火祭りの那智の扇祭りを紹介 こちらの動画は「ANA Global Channel」が公開した「NACHI-NO-OGI MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （那智の扇祭り／和歌山）」です。 こちらでは和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町の熊野那智大社で執り行われる、那智の扇祭りを紹介します。 和歌山県の無形文化財にも指定されている、那智の扇祭りの歴史や魅力について説明します。 日本三大火祭りでもある那智の扇祭りの動画共にお楽しみください。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りについて 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、那智の神さまを清め、もとにいた場所に戻って貰うための神事です。 松明や扇神輿を使った御火行事や、笛や腰太鼓で演奏する日本芸能の那智田楽などさまざまな行事を行います。 歴史のある伝統文化の那智の扇祭りですが、那智の火祭と呼ばれる御火行事は、とても迫力がありインスタ映えする風景。 インパクトのある光景が楽しめる那智の扇祭りを、一度見学してみてはいかがでしょうか？ 重要無形民俗文化財にも指定されている、那智田楽も必見！ 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りの歴史 熊野那智大社にいる那智の神さまは、もともと那智の滝にてお祀りされていました。 その那智の神さまを今から1700年前に那智山の中腹にお遷ししました。 大松明を炎で燃やすのは、那智の神さまが遷られている扇神輿を清めるため。 日本の伝統文化の那智の扇祭りで、迫力のある光景だけでなく、歴史を学んでみてはいかがですか。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りの魅力とは 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、一度は見ておくべきインパクトのある例大祭です。 大きな松明から炎が燃え盛り、乱舞する炎に目を奪われるでしょう。 また、那智田楽は笛や腰太鼓など日本伝統の楽器で演奏し、それに合わせて踊る日本らしい民俗芸能。心地よいリズムや伸びやかな踊りに心が癒やさます。 魅力たっぷりの那智の扇祭りで、迫力ある風景や癒やされる文化を楽しみましょう！ 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭り紹介まとめ こちらの動画は、那智の扇祭りの歴史や魅力を紹介しており、那智の扇祭りの概要を知ることができます。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、とてもインパクトのあるお祭りなので興味を持った方は是非お祭り会場へ足を運んでみてはいかがですか。

Let's Try on a Traditional Japanese Yukata! This video "Yukata and Obi (帯) belt fitting tutorial by hataori（自分でできる浴衣の着付けと帯結び by hataori）" was created by Official Hataori and shows you in detailed steps how to put on a yukata and obi belt. Yukata are traditional garments that have been worn and loved by Japanese people for centuries. There are several occasions when one can wear a yukata, such as during summer festivals when women dress in gorgeous, colorful yukata or at hot springs or public baths where men tend to wear more plain and simply decorated yukata. However, as they aren't worn very often, there aren't many people who know the correct way to put on a yukata by themselves. This video will teach you in detail how to correctly put on a yukata. Hopefully this video comes in handy the next time you have the opportunity to wear a yukata! The History of Japan's Yukata Photo：Women wearing yukata It is thought that over 1200 years ago, during the Heian Period (794-1185AD), yukata were worn as bathrobes called Yukatabira (湯帷子). Aristocrats at the time would have worn them as they bathed. During the Muromachi Period (1336-1573AD) and Edo Period (1603-1868 AD) lightweight, cotton versions of these bathrobes were worn not during, but after bathing. During the latter half of the Edo Period, it became common for people to wear yukata as more casual clothing such as when taking short trips. Tips on How to Wear a Yukata Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:22 in the video you can see how to put on a yukata. There are many small items that are essential for women when putting on a yukata, such as a Datejime (伊達締), Obiita (帯板), Obi, Obihimo (帯紐), Geta (下駄) or Zori (草履). It helps to have clips or belts to help hold things in place when putting on your yukata and also helps prevent the yukata from falling out of place. One very important item when putting on your yukata is a Koshihimo (腰紐), a cord tied around the waist that helps adjust the length of your yukata. The most elegant way to wear a yukata is to adjust the length so that the yukata is just covering the ankles. Please refer to 0:55 in the video to see how to tie a Koshihimo. When wearing a kimono, an extra layer of clothing called a Hadajuban (肌襦袢) is worn underneath the kimono. However, this is unnecessary when wearing a yukata. Source :YouTube screenshot From 3:00 in the video, you can see how to put on a Munehimo (cord wrapped around the chest area). Once the yukata is in place, it's time to wrap the Obi belt. You can see this from 5:59 in the video. For more detailed information on how to tie an obi belt, please refer to the instructions in the video. We recommended wearing your hair in a refreshing up-do when wearing a yukata. A handheld Japanese fan, such as a Sensu (扇子) or Uchiwa (団扇), also looks great with a yukata. How to Tie an Obi Belt Photo：Kimono belt There are a variety of ways to tie an obi belt. For women who are wearing a colorful yukata in the summer to a special event such as a fireworks display, we recommended tying the obi in a ribbon shape using the Bunko musubi (文庫結び) or Chou musubi (蝶結び). Once you are used to tying an obi belt, you can attempt the more difficult Hana musubi (花結び). The Kakuobi musubi (角帯結び) style of obi is typically worn by men. Yukata Fitting Summary Photo：Women wearing yukata In summer, you will find many stores selling yukata sets and there are also places where you can rent a yukata for the day. If you choose to rent a yukata, there may be someone who can help you get dressed into it, so please take advantage of this opportunity. Taking a walk outside wearing a yukata, especially one you managed to put on yourself, is sure to be a great feeling! Please make sure to use this video the next time you decide to wear a yukata! Just watching the video we're sure you'll learn something new!

Video introduction of "Nishinoshima" in Ogasawara Village, Tokyo Check out the news video “New footage of research in Nishinoshima. Nishinoshima growing to the size of 60 Tokyo Domes!（西之島調査の最新映像　東京ドーム約60倍に成長中！）” publicized by FNN.jp Prime Online. Nishinoshima is a newborn desert island that was born in the 2013 undersea volcano eruption, swallowing up preexisting islands. In the area around Nishinoshima, which was previously an isolated island far off in the sea, seabirds and fish have settled down and created a new ecosystem. Please enjoy this amazing footage of the new, growing Japanese island. How Big Is Nishinoshima? Source : YouTube screenshot Nishinoshima is a desert island located in the Ogasawara Islands (小笠原諸島, Ogasawarashoto),and is located about 1000 kilometers from Tokyo and about 130 kilometers from Chichijima Island (父島, Chichijima). Currently, as you can see in the video from 2:08, its land mass is about 2.9 square kilometers (1.1 sq. mi.), 1000 times the size of the original island. Nishinoshima, created by a volcano in Japan, is expanding little by little due to cinder from the mouth of the volcano building up and then hardening due to the flow of magma. Nishinoshima's New Ecosystem Source :YouTube screenshot Nishinoshima, the newly formed island in Japan, is made of black rough walls of cooled, hardened lava. The ground surface is covered with andesitic lava flow, creating the landscape of a precipitous cliff. The Geographical Survey Institute (国土地理院, Kokudochiriin) has been visiting the island to research its mantle and magma composition. According to this research, the island has expanded since it was born in 2013, and its ecosystem is changing as well. The masked booby (アオツラカツオドリ, Aotsurakatsuodori), shown from 0:23 in the video, is thought to have inhabited Nishinoshima very recently. As you can see from 1:38, the boobies have been spotted laying eggs inside of the island. A new life, that of a baby bird, is being born on this island. Summary of Nishinoshima, Japan's Newest Island Source :YouTube screenshot On Japan’s seafloor, active volcanic activity still continues and the continent is set to slowly grow bigger. When you see new islands appear and change the size of the continents, it reminds you that the shape of the continents shifts each and every year. Many experts are continuing research in Nishinoshima, so keep an eye out for any new information! Please enjoy this amazing footage of Nishinoshima, an island where very few have set foot. 【Official Website】Nishinoshima｜Marine Volcano Database｜Japan Coast Guard Marine Information Department https://www1.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/GIJUTSUKOKUSAI/kaiikiDB/kaiyo18-e1.htm

Mr. Maric's Super Magic "Mr. Maric, a splendid super magic show（Mr.マリック、華麗なる超魔術披露）" is a video that shows Mr. Maric's super magic. Mr. Maric is a magician who performs a lot of wonderful magic that has no tricks or gadgets. He achieved many achievements and attracted the attention of many people throughout the world with his genre called “super magic” In this article, we'll talk about Mr. Maric. Who Is the Super Magician, Mr. Maric? Source :YouTube screenshot Mr. Maric is a magician who wears mysterious black costumes and sunglasses. His real name is Akira Matsuo, and he was born on January 1, 1949 in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture. His daughter LUNA is a rapper. Modeled on "Uri Geller", a world-renowned psychic, and titled "Super Magician" as a psychic entertainer, he created a major boom in magic in the late 1980s. The familiar theme song "The Art of Noise" that comes on when Mr. Maric appears on stage, and his classic lines "Hand Power!" and "It's coming" created a huge boom. Although it has been more than 30 years since then, he is one of the few successful magicians whose name can still be seen in various places. Mr. Maric's Hospitalization Photo：Hospital Patient Mr. Maric does a lot of exciting performances with his super magic, but there was a time when he did not appear on TV for a while. In fact, he had suffered from facial nerve palsy for one year and refused to appear on TV. The magic and tricks made many people curious, and there were a lot of books that disparaged the accomplished magician. The heartless words from those people took their toll on Mr. Maric and he became ill. Matsuo Gentosai and Kurima Tasumi- The New Mr. Marics? Photo：Card Tricks When Mr. Maric, was away from television, two artists appeared; Matsuo Gentosai and Kurima Tasumi who performed wonderful magic. Rumors like "The new Mr. Marics?" began to spread about a duo who showed off magic tricks like Mr. Maric. The reality was, Matsuo Gentosai and Kurima Tasumi were both genuinely Mr. Maric, but they were wearing sunglasses and so it wasn't easy to spot at first glance. By the way, the name "Kurima Tasumi" becomes "Mr. Maric" when read in reverse in Japanese (mi su Ta, ma ri Ku). Mr. Maric's Super Magic Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows the appearance of the "Mr. Maric Super Magic Series" interview broadcast at the CS Family Theater in 2015. From 0:21 in the video, he puts a spoon that he received from the interviewer on a chair. And, if you remember with hand power, the spoon begins to bend without him touching it, and eventually falls to the floor. Of course, in this scene, you can hear the phrase "Kitemasu" (It’s coming), as well. Then, from 0:50, he bends the spoon like rubber and folds the spoon head through magic. Finally, he twists the handle of the spoon around. Be sure to watch the video and experience his awesome magic. Summary of Mr. Maric's Super Magic Source :YouTube screenshot Mr. Maric captivated adults and children with various performances such as his super magic series. Behind the achievements of Mr. Maric, there were times of difficulty as well. And Although Mr. Maric did not feel well, he still conveyed the fun of magic to many people. I hope this article and video have taught you a little bit about the successful magician and entertainer, Mr. Maric. 【Official Website】Mr. Maric Official Website https://www.maric.jp/

A Look Into Modern Horse Racing This video, titled "Modern Horse Racing 150th Anniversary Promotional Video" (近代競馬150周年プロモーションビデオ), was created by the "National Association of Racing Channel [Official]" (地方競馬チャンネル【公式】) and it introduces the history of modern horse racing in Japan. It contains fascinating content such as the generation change of Jockeys, and the transition of race-tracks. This article is not only for horse racing fans but also those who do not know much about horse racing. It will talk about the history and how exciting horse racing is throughout the video. Japan's Modern Horse Racing Which Manages to Entertain So Many People Source :YouTube screenshot Modern horse racing attracts the attention of many fans. Based on set rules, horses race on a race-track. The origin of Japanese horse racing is recognizably European format that was organized by a group of British residents who were settled in Yokohama. Throughout the long history of modern horse racing, "Fukuyama Race Track," former "Kogane Race Track," and "Kawasaki Race Track," were made and brought many memories of unforgettable races for fans. The video shows these race tracks at 1:04. "Deep Impact" is one of the most famous horses which possessed an undefeated record. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2019. "Duramente" completed the first two wins at Japan Derby. These two horses are the most famous horses in Japan. Tickets for the memorial for Deep Impact were quickly sold out. This video is based on the 150 year-long history of horse racing, in which the passion towards it has been passed on from one generation to the next. Check the video at 0:45 to meet jockeys, the mother horse “S1spector,” and her child “S1prince.” The History of Modern Horse Racing Photo：Horse racing It is said that modern horse racing started in England, and the foundation for horse racing was built there. The official rules of modern horse racing were implemented in England in 16th century, and by the 17th century, modern horse racing had spread to France and Ireland, and as far as Germany and Italy by the 19th century. Modern horse racing has entertained citizens in various countries throughout its long history. Several different ways to enjoy horse racing, including simply watching the race, are, betting money and rooting for your favorite jockeys. In japan, Yutaka Take, Yuichi Fukunaga, Norihiro Yokoyama, and Nanako Fujita are the most popular jockeys. There is a lot of drama in modern horse racing and you will be thrilled to watch the races. Enjoying Modern Horse Racing Photo：Ban'ei Horse racing The common race type in Japan is a jockey riding the horse on a leveled flat surface. This is called "Flat racing." However, there are some unique types in different countries. For example, "Harness racing" is a style in which jockeys ride chariots and horses pull the vehicle. This style is not implemented in Japan, but it is quite popular in some countries. "Ban'ei horse racing" is from Obihiro, Hokkaido. It's a style in which horses pull heavy iron sleds. Enjoy a thrilling race, as the iron sleds weigh a max of 1 ton. Check out the video at 2:08 to see how fascinating Ban'ei horse racing is. "Hurdle horse racing" is also a popular modern horse racing style. "G1 Races," the highest grade of horse racing in Japan, includes "Yasuda Kinen," "Takarazuka Kinen," "Kikuka sho," "Tenno sho," and "Arima kinen." Seeing each horse's dedication to making it to the finish line causes the audience to waver between hope, despair, and cheering. Summary of Modern Horse Racing Photo：Horse racing The video "Modern Horse Racing 150th Anniversary Promotional Video" was created by "National Association of Racing Channel [Official]" and it introduces the history of modern horse racing. It shows the transition of race tracks and thrilling horse racing. It is a must-see video for those who loves horse racing. This video concludes by saying, "There are things that are passed down from generation to generation, never changing. This is why horse racing continues." 【Official Website】National Horse Racing Information Website https://www.goracing.jp/english/

Shin Miyazaki "ANNnewsCH", "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World（サービスの技競う大会　日本人給仕長が世界一）" is a video introducing Shin Miyazaki, the winner of the world competition for service skills. Various countries participated in the Georges Baptiste Cup, a "waiter world cup" held in Minato, Tokyo in 2012, and Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the event. The hospitality of the Japanese people, who are known for their attentiveness, has been recognized throughout the world. Check out this video to see the amazing achievement. This article introduces Shin Miyazaki, who won the service competition. Shin Miyazaki and the World Competition for Service Skills! Source :YouTube screenshot The Georges Baptiste Cup was hosted in 2012. This competition, which has been ongoing since 1961 includes students and professionals in the service field. The competition has been held globally since 2000, with the 2012 competition held in Japan. Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the world championship for service skills at a restaurant famous for its service skills. It's a large achievement to win the professional category with 14 other countries participating. The job of the server is not just bringing plates to the table, but also to entertain guests as well. In French cuisine, it is said to be as important of a job as the chef. Shin Miyazaki learned French and studied cheese and wine before challenging this competition. You can watch thecompetition from 0:08 in the video, and from 0:32, you can see Mr. Miyazaki pouring champagne for guests About Shin Miyazaki Source :YouTube screenshot Mr. Shin Miyazaki is currently the Japanese Maître d'hôtel (head waiter), restaurant serviceman, and representative of Fantagista21. As an active serviceman, he serves customers at Michelin Guide Tokyo's two Michelin star restaurant "Refervessons." He also engages in human resource development and lecture activities, and published the book "World-Class Hospitality." Miyazaki was interested in cooking because of his father's favorite book, "Dancyu," and thus decided he wanted to be a chef in the future. Later, he worked at a French cuisine restaurant in Tokyo, where he was inspired by the appeal of head waiter. In 2010, he won the "Maitre de Servis Cup", and as stated above, he won the 2012 world competition for service skills. Shin Miyazaki also appears on TV. He has appeared in "professional work style," "Asaichi," "Non-stop," etc. and has received a lot of attention. If you're interested in Shin Miyazaki, be sure to check out the video. Summary of Shin Miyazaki, World Service Competition Champion Source :YouTube screenshot "ANNnewsCH"'s, "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World" introduces Shin Miyazaki who won the World Competition for Service Skills. It also explains points to be careful of when serving, and it is a must-see video for those who are aiming to be professionals in the service industry.

Yoshiharu Habu's Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon This video, titled "Yoshiharu Habu, Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon｜Interview" (羽生善治竜王　喜び語る　紫綬褒章受章会見), contains footage of an interview that took place in 2018 with top shogi player Yoshiharu Habu after receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. In 2018, Yoshiharu Habu was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon as well as being publicly presented the National Honor Award (国民栄誉賞, kokumineiyoshou) by the Prime Minister. Please check out this video which contains footage of an interview with Yoshiharu Habu in which he expresses his feelings after winning the prestigious award. More About Yoshiharu Habu and His Career History Source :YouTube screenshot Yoshiharu Habu was born in 1970 and is a professional shogi player famous for winning all seven shogi titles. He has two daughters with his wife Rie Habu (羽生理恵, habu rie). He joined the Hachioji Shogi club (八王子将棋クラブ) when he was an elementary school student and debuted as a professional shogi player in junior high school. After his debut he became the top shogi player in Japan, attracting a lot of attention. According to the Shogi Federation (将棋連盟, shougirenmei), Yoshiharu Habu is the top earner among all shogi players in the country, earning more than 100 million yen (~$1,000,000 USD)/year. What Kind of Player Is Yoshiharu Habu? Photo：Shogi In 2017, Yoshiharu Habu became the first shogi player to win all seven shogi titles: Eisei Ryuo (永世竜王), Juku Eisei Meijin (十九世名人), Eisei Oi (永世王位), Meiyo Oza(名誉王座), Eisei Kio (永世棋王), Eisei Osho (永世王将) and Eisei Kisei (永世棋聖). He also continues to hold the NHK Cup title. Yoshiharu Habu has a famous saying which translates in English to "Don't take the easy victory, dare to make an adventurous move" (目の前の勝利よりあえて冒険的な一手を指す). His willingness to take on a challenge may be the secret to his great success winning all seven shogi titles and also receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. The Medal of Honor With Purple Ribbon Photo：Calculating The Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon is awarded to those who have achieved excellence in their field of work, be it academia, the arts, sports, and so on. The Medal with Purple Ribbon is awarded in accordance with Article 7 Section 7 of the Constitution of Japan. In recent years, it has also been awarded to Hiroyuki Sanada and Mariko Hayashi. Yoshiharu Habu won the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon of Autumn. Other Medal of Honor awards include the Red Ribbon (紅綬褒章, koujuhoushou), Green Ribbon (緑綬褒章, ryokujuhoushou), Yellow Ribbon (黄綬褒章, oujuhoushou), Blue Ribbon (藍綬褒章, ranjuhoshou) and Dark Blue Ribbon (紺綬褒章, konjuhoshou). Summary of Legendary Shogi Player, Yoshiharu Habu Source :YouTube screenshot If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to hear Yoshiharu Habu speak about his family from 0:51 and about the much talked about Shogi AI from 8:49. Other famous shogi players in Japan include the up-and-coming Souta Fujii (藤井聡太, fujiisouta) and retired player Hifumi Kato (加藤一二三, katouhifumi). Those interested in the traditional Japanese game of shogi, be sure to check out some of the matches, such as the famous Ryuo tournament (竜王戦, ryuuousen)!

Miyakojima's Paantu! This video is titled "Miyakojima Shimajiri Paantu 2018 Unesco World Cultural Heritage." (宮古島・島尻パーントゥ2018　UNESCO World cultural heritage). It introduces the traditional festival in Miyakojima, Okinawa, "Paantu." During the festival, supernatural gods called Paantu wear masks and chase out evils to bring luck to the villagers. The traditional event is held in two locations in Miyakojima: the Hirano Shimajiri region and the Ueno Nohara region. Each location has its differences. In 1982, both events were selected as Intangible folk cultural properties, and in 1993, they were designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. "Raihojin," (ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes) was added to UNESCO’s intangible folk cultural asset list in 2018. Paantu and Satupunaha Source :YouTube screenshot According to the local history records, the origin of the word "Paantu" is a combination of two words "Paan"(to eat) and "Pitu" (people). It has the meaning of a ghost or a demon. "Satupunaha" (wishes for home) of Shimajiri, Miyakojima takes place three times a year. Paantu is an event that takes place at the third event and it is called Paantu Satupunaha or Paantu Punaha. It was originally held on the "lucky day" (an unspecified day of the month) of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, but now it is held in October. Paantu’s appearance is similar to Namahage, another spiritual creature in Japan. Local young adult men are chosen to become Paantu and there are three roles available (Uya, Naka and Fufa). Check out the video at 0:06 to see what the Paantu look like. The three chosen men wear ivy grass called "Shionokikazura" and apply mud from the bottom of a well called "Nmarigah," which The Nmarigah is located in the vicinity of Miyajima Elementary School, and the mud is smeared on people and houses in the pantu. Children cry and scream and the smell of the mud is so bad that it cannot be removed for several days. You can see the children screaming and crying at 0:14, and teenagers running away at 1:21. Paantu even smear mud on the police car at 1:27. Playing Tag With the Gods Source :YouTube screenshot Local people explain that this event is like playing tag with the gods. The event is loved by the local people, and it's considered lucky to get muddy, as the mud will keep bad spirits away thank to its horrible smell. At first glance, it looks scary, as you see the whole village running away, but when you see the smiling faces of the villagers after being covered with mud, you'll understand the beauty of the festival. In recent years, the festival has been in danger of being cancelled due to complaints of being dirtied and problems with the festival causing trouble. Paantu would smear mud on everyone, including tourists, elderly people, police, and little children. However, the event is very important for the local people as it helps to drive out demons and cleanse the island of bad luck. Therefore, this event still continues and only people who can accept this event should participate this event. Source :YouTube screenshot Please be aware that if you are visiting Shimajiri, Miyakojima during the festival, you WILL get muddy. If you would like to know more about this event, you can also visit the Miyakojima City Museum. At this facility, you can learn about the history of Paantu and Miyakojima. You can also wear Paantu masks and take pictures. The mask is said to have washed ashore on the coast of Miyakojima Island more than a hundred years ago, wrapped in kuba leaves. Summary of Paantu Source :YouTube screenshot Are you looking forward to Paantu? The unique culture of Miyakojima, a remote island, brings many visitors to the island every year. Special goods and T-shirts are also sold, and they help stimulate the local economy, so if you're looking for souvenirs to commemorate your trip, don't miss out on them! Bisit Shimajiri, Miyakojima and have a fun-filled experience in the mud! 【Tripadvisor】City of Miyakojima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g680765-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html

DRAGON QUEST RIVALS This video, titled "9th Card Pack [A World of Reunion and Oath (Rotozetasia)｜Promotional Video [Dragon Quest Rivals]" (『第9弾カードパック「再会と誓いの世界(ロトゼタシア)」プロモーションムービー【ドラゴンクエストライバルズ】』), introduces Dragon Quest Rivals, a new smartphone app of the popular RPG game [Dragon Quest]. The social game was launched in 2017 as a spin-off of the Dragon Quest Series and has reached 16 million downloads. Often abbreviated as [DQ Rivals], It's a free-to-play game but you can also pay to play a "gacha," and get strong card packs. A Look at the Popular RPG Dragon Quest Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon Quest Rivals is based on the RPG "Dragon Quest," which was developed in 1986 by Enix (current Square Enix) as a game software for family computers. Dragon Quest has a big project team, as scenario writer and game designer Yuji Horii, character designer Akira Toriyama, and music composer Koichi Sugiyama have handled every major game in the series. The series is massively successful as total sales have reached over 80 million units. As they release new gaming platform and devices, they develop new Dragon Quest games and applications with them. Currently, Dragon Quest has the main numbered series such as Dragon Quest 10 or 11 and the spin-off titles such as Dragon Quest Walk and Dragon Quest Rivals. The Dragon Quest Series Source :YouTube screenshot This is a list of the main Dragon Quest games with the year the were made and their available platform. ・Dragon Quest Loto Trilogy (DQ 1-3) and Dragon Quest Zenithian trilogy (DQ 4-6). Available on :NES, SNES, PlayStation series, NintendoDS, etc. ・Dragon Quest 7-11 Available on: PlayStation, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, etc. The most recent numbered series is "Dragon Quest XI S Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age." ・Dragon Quest Builders series Available on: PlayStation Series, Nintendo Switch, etc. Dragon Quest Builders 2 has a Windows version as well. ・Dragon Quest Walk, Dragon Quest Tact, Dragon Quest Monster, Dragon Quest Heroes, Dragon Quest Super Light, Dragon Quest Rivals, etc. Available on: Smartphone Dragon Quest Rivals Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the digital card game for smartphones, Dragon Quest Rivals. First, select a "leader" character from 8 different professions, then create a "Deck" of 30 cards. It's an online battle game so you can battle with your friends or family, or pick someone online to battle with. There are various types of cards, such as unit cards that are put on the battlefield, weapon cards that can buff your leader, special skill cards that can be used directly from your cards, and expansion cards that are added to your card pool after the release of a new card pack. The objective is to strategically create a deck that will allow you to gain the upper hand in a battle and reduce your opponent's HP to zero. In the video around 0:48, you see the awesome characters that appear in Dragon Quest Rivals. Summary of Dragon Quest Source :YouTube screenshot The Dragon Quest RPG series is still very popular, with the movie Dragon Quest: Your Story being released in 2019. Among the series, the social battle game Dragon Quest Rivals is currently the hottest game available. Whenever new bullets, hero cards, or new game packs come out, there are unofficial strategy websites that will talk about the new cards and how they can be utilized in different decks. Dragon Quest never gets old! With the new character Camus, a blue-haired thief (see the video around 0:22), the game has become even more interesting! Create the strongest deck with your favorite characters, including the witch Veronica and Hero Eleven, to climb the rankings in the Dragon Quest Rivals tournament. Become a Dragon Quest legend! 【Official Website】The 9th card pack [The world of reunion and oath (Rotozetasia)] https://www.dragonquest.jp/rivals/cardpack/9/

Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is to be held soon! The biggest highlight of the Olympics opening ceremony is the torch relay —but do you know when and how the torch is going to reach the New National Stadium, where the Olympics will be held? The torch relay carries the hopes and dreams of not only the torchbearers, but of all the people around the globe. The video we'll introduce this time is “Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 Concept Movie（東京2020オリンピック聖火リレー コンセプト映像）” created by “Tokyo 2020”. This article will introduce the history, route, schedule and meaning behind the Relay Torch alongside the video. The Route and Schedule of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 Source :YouTube screenshot The torch of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 will be passed on by 10,000 torchbearers chosen from applicants all across Japan and handed to the final torchbearer at the Olympic Opening Ceremony held at the Olympic Stadium (National Stadium) on Friday, July 24th, 2020. Then, the Olympic Cauldron will be lit at the Lighting Ceremony. After that, the torch will be passed on from the Olympics to the Paralympics. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic “Flame of Recovery” Exhibition will be held in March 2020 in the order of Iwate Prefecture (岩手県, Iwateken), Fukushima Prefecture (福島県, Fukushimaken), and then lastly Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県, Ibarakiken). Please check the Olympic Torch Relay Schedule Official Website for more details on the schedule and map of the relay. What is the Torch Relay? What are the Flame Lighting and Torch Handover ceremonies? Photo：Torch Relay The Torch Relay begins with the Flame Lighting Ceremony, where the rays of the sun are collected to kindle the flame at Olympia, the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games. After that, the Torch Handover Ceremony will be held in Athens, the heart of Greece, and will be passed on to this year’s host, Japan. The flame will go on a Torch Relay across Greece, then be sent by airmail to a Self Defense Force base in Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県, Miyagiken). From there, the flame will first pass through the Tohoku Region (東北地方, Tohokuchiho) and then all across Japan, to finally arrive at Tokyo after passing through Saitama Prefecture (埼玉県, Saitamaken) and Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県, Kanagawaken). “Hope Lights Our Way” Source :YouTube screenshot You can observe the reactions of the people who held the torch that will actually be used in the relay from 0:49 in the video. You can see the joyful expressions of people all across Japan! Some ask “Is this real?”, some exclaim “Wow!”, and others pretend to run the Torch Relay holding the torch. Many Celebrities and Comedians Will Take Part in the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, in order to make the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 as exciting as possible, Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Tadahiro Nomura (1:10 in the video), Paralympian Aki Taguchi (3:06 in the video), popular actress Satomi Ishihara (3:15 in the video), and comedian Sandwich Man (2:45 in the video) are the official ambassadors and will participate in events held by the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to get everyone in the Olympic spirit. Although it isn’t mentioned in the video, in addition, actress Haruka Ayase and actor Masaki Suda are to participate in the Torch Relay as torchbearers. Summary of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 The video is edited in a way where the smiles of the people who touched the torch that will be used in the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 are passed on like a relay. It's funny how the official ambassadors sometimes appear among ordinary people in the video. The flame of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020, as the Flame of Recovery, will illuminate the Olympics, Paralympics, and all countries that participate. 【Official Website】Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 – Tokyo 2020 https://tokyo2020.org/en/ 【Official Website】JAPAN SPORTS COUNCIL https://www.jpnsport.go.jp/corp/english/tabid/382/Default.aspx

Check out the Trailer! Here we'll introduce the movie trailer for “Love is Hard for Otaku." Love is Hard for Otaku was released on February 7th, 2020. It is a romantic comedy about a girl who is secretly a fan of yaoi, and a boy who is a video game otaku. A lot of fans came to the movie premiere and preview, because there was prior information that famous actors would be appearing in the movie. What Kind of Movie Is "Love is Hard for Otaku"? Source :YouTube screenshot “Love is Hard for Otaku” was originally a serial manga created by Fujita on the illustration community service pixiv. It spread quickly through word of mouth and has since been made into an anime and movie. The movie was directed by Fukuda Yuichi, who is known for “Gintama” and “Kyo Kara Ore Wa.” The musical-type music which starts from 1:10 in the video, was produced by Sagisu Shiro who also composed the music for “Shin Godzilla.” Famous Actors in the Movie Source :YouTube screenshot In the movie, Mitsuki Takahata plays Momose Narumi, who is a big fan of yaoi, and Kento Yamazaki plays Nifuji Hirotaka who is a big fan of video games. There are other interesting otaku characters like, the voice actor idol fan and cosplay fan. A lot of famous actors are in the movie, such as Nanao, Kaku Kento, Imada Mio, Wakatsuki Yumi, Muro Tsuyoshi, Sato Jiro and Saito Takumi. Spoilers! Source :YouTube screenshot As you can tell from the title, it is about an otaku couple who are not used to going out. Momose Narumi was dumped because she was an otaku and since then, she has been hiding that fact. Nifuji Hirotaka knows her well, and asks her to date him. They start dating, on the condition that he would help her shop at Comiket. Even though they are both otaku, they have different tastes. How will their relationship go…? Enjoy watching their relationship bloom in this cute romantic comedy. Summary Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we introduced the trailer for “Love is Hard for Otaku”. The movie has a great reputation among young people as well. Have fun watching the different otaku characters and the romantic story, by watching the movie in theaters!

平安京より伝わる京石工芸品紹介動画について こちらの動画は「伝統工芸 青山スクエア」が公開した「手技TEWAZA「京石工芸品」Kyoto stonework／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square」です。 平安京の時代より京石工の職人に受け継がれてきた、匠の技が作り出す石造文化の手技の数々、石灯籠造りの技法をご覧ください。 友禅染や清水焼だけじゃない、京都の京石工芸品とは 京都市の伝統工芸品と言うと、友禅染や京人形・清水焼が有名ですが、実は石仏・石塔・石灯籠などの石造美術品もその一つに数えられます。 これらの作品は、日本文化・伝統文化を後世に伝えていく、大切な芸術品です。 京石工芸品は、京都市や宇治市周辺で生産される、日本伝統の石造美術品ですが、比叡山や北白川で採取される良質な花崗岩を原材料としています。 京石工芸品の起源は平安京 京石工芸品の起源を辿ると、平城京から平安京への遷都の時、内裏の造営に優れた手技を持った職人が多数集められ、それが今に伝わる京石工芸品の伝統文化に繋がっているのです。 平安京の遺構からは、細工が施された花崗岩も見つかっています。 茶道文化が貢献した石工技術の向上 一つの産業を形成して来た石造文化ですが、茶道文化の興隆は、京石工技術の発達に大きな影響をもたらしました。 茶人たちは京石工芸品の中に、わび・さび・静寂の境地を求めたのです。 石灯籠や石塔・石仏などの作り方を探求しながら、京石工の職人たちは優れた手技を磨いて行きました。 種類も豊富な京石工芸品 各寺院が競うように作った日本庭園は、京石工芸品の文化や匠の技を披露する格好の舞台となりました。 現在の御所の中に設けられた京都迎賓館の日本庭園にも、石塔や石灯籠などの石造美術品が随所に配置されています。 日本に伝来した仏教も、静謐・永遠などのイメージを持つ石造美術品を珍重し、石仏・石塔・石燈籠・つくばいなど種類も多様な京石工芸品の作品が、京都市内各所の有名寺院の日本庭園に置かれています。 京石工芸品紹介まとめ 動画では、実際の石灯籠造りの製造工程が紹介されています。 京石工職人が語る、伝統工芸の歴史・匠の技をお楽しみください。

Gifu Paper Lanterns - A Traditional Culture of Gifu This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「岐阜提灯」gifu paper lantern／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," was released by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. Gifu paper lanterns are a traditional craft of Gifu City and have a long history, beginning since they were first made in the Edo period. A large amount of high-quality bamboo grows in Gifu Prefecture, and washi (Japanese paper) making has been popular in the region since ancient times. These are some of the reasons why Gifu paper lanterns have evolved so well as a traditional craft. Gifu paper lanterns were presented as gifts to the Owari domain (present-day Aichi Prefecture) during the Edo period. Gifu paper lanterns are also called Bon lanterns because they are used as lanterns during the Obon season. Gifu Paper Lanterns - A Traditional Craft Representing the Gifu Area Japan is home to many traditional crafts. Some have a deep history, others have developed together with the unique culture of the region, and others are handcrafted by artisans and designated as traditional crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Gifu paper lanterns are one such craft that has been recognized for their value as a traditional craft representing Gifu prefecture and have been designated as traditional crafts by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Stylish Gifu Paper Lanterns In recent years, Isamu Noguchi has created a stylish light source called AKARI using traditional Gifu paper lanterns, which has attracted a lot of attention. "AKARI" can be purchased at online shops and other stores, so if you want to decorate your room with a traditional, yet innovative Japanese lantern, consider purchasing one. A Gifu Paper Lantern Painting Experience One of the characteristics of Gifu paper lanterns is that they are made from Mino washi and other specialties of the Gifu region. The thin washi paper is beautifully patterned and then affixed to a flexible bamboo frame. If you're traveling in Gifu, why not try your hand at Gifu paper lantern painting? The artisans who make Gifu paper lanterns will carefully instruct you on how to decorate them, so you can have an enjoyable experience. Summary of Gifu Paper Lanterns Gifu paper lanterns are a great item for those looking to enjoy the unique culture of Japan. As you can see from the video, Gifu paper lanterns are made through the skills of traditional artisans. Gifu paper lanterns are a specialty of Gifu. Some of these traditional items can be purchased at surprisingly reasonable prices, so be sure to look into buying some if you're searching for souvenirs or want to decorate your home.

This video, titled "Sennichi Kaihogyo" (千日回峰行), was released by "oNaraPark." This Video Is a Documentary Featuring Endo Hoshino, a Monk Who Has Been Training in the Mudoji Valley on the Southern Outskirts of Mt. Hiei for 12 Years. It is said that the monks who practice Kaihogyo wear white linen garments called 'Jōe,' which are said to act as burial clothing should they fail the pilgrimage. In the video, you can also see the practice of the 30-kilometer round trip around the foot of the mountain which lasts 100 days. The scene where Endo Hoshino, who has reached the 300th day of his journey, takes off his sandals as if to console himself on his seemingly endless journey while making a visit to the temple, is quite moving.

Japanese Elementary School Students Cleaning Did you enjoy cleaning when you were a kid? Maybe not, but there are actually quite a few people in Japan who remember cleaning time in elementary school quite fondly. This video, “Japanese Students Clean Classrooms To Learn Life Skills” was created by “AJ+”. As you can see in the video, it is a natural thing for elementary school students in Japan to clean their classrooms themselves! This is a custom that people overseas are surprised at. The reason being that, in many cases, schools overseas hire janitors for cleaning. Let’s take a look at the introductory video of cleaning time for elementary school students. A nostalgic scene for Japanese people, and a maybe something new for those overseas. At Elementary Schools in Japan, It's Normal for Students to Clean Source :YouTube screenshot The joy of schools in Japan, and probably most schools around the world, is lunch time! You can see this at 0:29 in the video! When students in Japan finish eating, however, they clean up the used dishes by themselves after eating delicious meals. You can see cleaning time at 0:47, after lunch has ended. In Japan, students clean starting from elementary school. They clean classrooms and hallways all by themselves. At schools overseas, usually janitors do the cleaning, but in Japan, as seen in the video, it's a a part of everyday life for students to clean their schools by themselves. Children divide up their cleaning activities, diligently wiping down windows, mopping floors, sweeping, and getting rid of garbage. In Japan, cleaning is essentially another part of studying, and this is happens everyday. Japan's Cleaning Culture Source :YouTube screenshot At schools in Japan, students learn things that can be put to practical use. On such thing is cleaning. Students learn how to use cleaning utensils at school so they can put it into practice at home and in the future. Schools are not just a place to study, but also a place where students can bond and learn how to work as a team. Elementary school students in Japan learn these things from their everyday cleaning routine as well. Overseas Reactions Source :YouTube screenshot When foreigners watch this video, their reactions are noticeably different than those of the Japanese, to whom this is commonplace. In overseas countries, most people think “cleaning = labor,” and therefore think that cleaning activities are jobs for workers. There are also many people who understand the idea behind it, and the reason for keeping things clean. What Do the Teachers Think? Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, you can also see an interview of an elementary school teacher at 0:59. “Cleaning is something you have to be able to do for yourself later in life, so it's a custom that's likely to continue into the future,” she says. Summary of Cleaning at Japan's Elementary Schools Today we introduced a video about Japan’s everyday education. Many people might be surprised by this. However, for the Japanese, this is just a part of everyday life. So what do you think? Is it a good custom? And before answering, is your room clean?