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

This video, titled "Story of ZEN, Japanese professional Parkour athlete - His adventure in LA - | ATHLETICO JAPAN #2," was released by "GQ JAPAN." Parkour, as you can see in this video, is a new sport that involves running, jumping, and climbing over obstacles in the city. It's expected to become an official sport at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. ZEN, featured in the video, became the first Japanese professional parkour athlete at the age of 19 and became the first Asian to win the All American Championship in 2015. Watch as ZEN, the parkour guru, talks about the appeal of parkour!

Setsubun, a Japanese Tradition: Video Introduction 日本にほんの伝統でんとうである節分せつぶんの動画どうが紹介しょうかい This video, titled "Setsubun Trivia - Why Soybeans? What Are the Meanings of Mamemaki and Ehomaki?" (節分の豆知識　～なぜ大豆？豆まき・恵方巻の意味とは？～), was uploaded by "Tokai Voices Channel" (東海ヴォイスちゃんねる). 今回こんかいは、『東海とうかいヴォイスちゃんねる』さん制作せいさくの『節分せつぶんの豆知識まめちしき　～なぜ大豆だいず？豆まめまき・恵方巻えほうまきの意味いみとは？～』という動画どうがを紹介しょうかいします。 What is Setsubun? The Meaning of the Japanese Tradition 節分せつぶんって何なに？日本にほんの伝統でんとう行事ぎょうじの意味いみ Photo：A calendar showing February（写真しゃしん：2月にがつのカレンダーかれんだー） Setsubun is a Japanese tradition to celebrate the changing of the seasons. 節分せつぶんとは、季節きせつの移うつり変かわりを祝いわう日本にほんの伝統でんとう行事ぎょうじです。 The word Setsubun (節分) means "division of the seasons." 節分せつぶんという言葉ことばは、「季節きせつの分わかれ目め」という意味いみがあります。 In modern Japan, Setsubun is often held on February 3rd, the day before "Risshun" (立春), or the first day of spring. 現代げんだいの日本にほんでは、節分せつぶんは「立春りっしゅん」の前日ぜんじつである2月3日にがつみっかに行おこなわれることが多おおいです。 The History of Setsubun 節分せつぶんの歴史れきし The history of Setsubun goes back more than a thousand years. 節分せつぶんの歴史れきしは1000年せんねん以上いじょう前まえにさかのぼります。 As Setsubun means "division of the seasons," it wasn't always just once a year. 「季節きせつの分わかれ目め」という意味いみの節分せつぶんは、昔むかしは年とし1回いっかいではなく、 Setsubun used to take place between the changing of each of Japan's four seasons. それぞれの季節きせつの分わかれ目めに行おこなわれていました。 Furthermore, the western calendar only started being used relatively recently in Japan, and Setsubun was actually held on different days in the past. さらに、日本にほんで西暦せいれきが使つかわれるようになったのは比較的ひかくてき最近さいきんのことなので、昔むかしは節分せつぶんが別べつの日ひに行おこなわれていました。 The day before the first day of spring is called Setsubun, and in the past, Setsubun had the same meaning as New Year's Eve today, as it marked the transition to a new year. 立春りっしゅんの前日ぜんじつを節分せつぶんと言いい、昔むかしは新あたらしい年としに変かわる境目さかいめとしていたため、節分せつぶんは現代げんだいの大晦日おおみそかと同おなじ意味いみを持もっていました。 Setsubun – Bean Throwing & Oni 節分せつぶんの豆まめまき・鬼おに Photo：A family enjoying mamemaki（写真しゃしん：節分せつぶん：の豆まめまきをする家族かぞく） In the past, people believed that illnesses and disasters at the change of seasons were brought in by demons (oni), so events began to be held to ward off evil spirits. 昔むかしの人ひとは、季節きせつの変かわり目めの病気びょうきや災害さいがいは鬼おにが呼よび込こむと思おもっていたため、魔除まよけけの行事ぎょうじが行おこなわれるようになりました。 Starting from the Muromachi Period, people began to perform "mamemaki," which involved throwing soybeans to banish demons. 大豆だいずを投なげて鬼おにを追おい払はらう「豆まめまき」が行おこなわれるようになったのは室町時代むろまちじだいからです。 The reason why beans were used is because the word bean (豆, mame) and "Extermination of evil" (魔滅, mame) are pronounced the same in Japanese, and soybeans were thought to have spiritual power. 豆まめを使つかうのは、「豆まめ」と「魔滅まめ」（魔まを滅めっする）が同おなじ発音はつおんであることと、大豆だいずには霊力れいりょくがあると考かんがえられていたためです。 Mamemaki (bean-throwing) is held to drive away oni (demons/evil spirits) and to pray that the new year will be free from illness and disasters and bring good fortune. 鬼おに（邪気じゃき）を退治たいじして、新あたらしい年としを病気びょうきや災害さいがいがなく福ふくを呼よび込こむようにと願ねがいを込こめて、豆まめまきを行おこないます。 Mamemaki is done with roasted beans, which are said to ward off evil spirits. 豆まめまきをするときは、邪気じゃきを払はらうといわれる炒いった豆まめを使つかいます。 [Video] 0:09 - Soybeans and Mamemaki 【動画どうが】0:09～　大豆だいず・豆まめまき Foods Eaten During Setsubun 節分せつぶんに食たべるもの Photo：Ehomaki and soybeans for Setsubun（写真しゃしん：節分せつぶんの恵方巻えほうまきと大豆だいず） There are 2 common foods eaten during Setsubun that are said to bring good luck. 節分せつぶんには、福ふくを呼よび込こむと言いわれる食たべ物ものが2つあります。 The first is the same soybeans used for mamemaki. 1つ目めは豆まめまきに使つかわれる大豆だいずです。 It's said that if you eat your age + 1 in soybeans you will avoid sickness and stay in good health. 自分じぶんの数かぞえ年どし（実年齢じつねんれい＋たす1個いっこ）と同おなじ数かずの大豆だいずを食たべると、病気びょうきにならず、健康けんこうに過すごせると言いわれています。 Be sure to use the leftover beans you didn't throw. まかなかった豆まめを食たべましょうね。 The second food is ehomaki. 2つ目めの食たべ物ものは恵方巻えほうまきです。 Ehomaki is a thick sushi roll filled with a variety of tasty ingredients. 恵方巻えほうまきとはさまざまなおいしい具ぐが入はいった太ふとい巻まき寿司ずしのこと。 When eating ehomaki, one is supposed to face in this year's lucky direction and sit quietly until they've finished eating. 恵方巻えほうまきを食たべるときは、その年としの恵方えほうを向むいて、食たべ終おわるまでは話はなさず静しずかに食たべます。 The "lucky direction" is said to be where the god of good luck resides, and this changes every year. 恵方えほうというのは歳徳神としとくじんがいる方向ほうこうですが、年としによって方角ほうがくは変かわります。 Additionally, ehomaki is supposed to be eaten whole and not cut. また、恵方巻えほうまきは切きらずに丸まるごと食たべるのが基本きほん。 Not cutting the ehomaki symbolizes "not severing ties" and is said to bring good luck. 恵方巻えほうまきを切きらないことは「縁えんを切きらない」という意味いみで、運うんを呼よび込こむと言いわれています。 When making ehomaki, it's common to use 7 ingredients to symbolize the "seven lucky gods" from Japanese mythology. 恵方巻えほうまきを作つくるときには、日本神話にほんしんわに登場とうじょうする「七福神しちふくじん」を表あらわす7つの具材ぐざいを使つかうのが一般的いっぱんてきです。 The reason a sushi roll was chosen was to "wrap the good luck inside." 巻まき寿司ずしが選えらばれたのは、「福ふくを巻まき込こむ」ためです。 [Video] 0:55 - Soybeans and Ehomaki on Setsubun 【動画どうが】0:55～　節分せつぶんの大豆だいずと恵方巻えほうまき [Video] 1:12 - Lucky Directions and Ehomaki Ingredients 【動画どうが】1:12～　恵方えほうと恵方巻えほうまきの具材ぐざい Setsubun 2024 – 3 Recommended Setsubun Festivals in Japan 2024年にせんにじゅうよねんの節分せつぶん 日本にほんのおすすめ節分せつぶんイベント3選さんせん Photo：Hozomon Gate and a 5-story pagoda, Sensoji Temple（写真しゃしん：浅草浅草寺宝蔵門あさくさせんそうじほうぞうもんと五重塔ごじゅうのとう） Sensoji Temple - Tokyo 浅草寺せんそうじ　東京都とうきょうと Sensoji Temple was the first temple in Edo (Present-day Tokyo) to hold Setsubun celebrations on a large scale. 浅草寺せんそうじは、江戸えど（現在げんざいの東京とうきょう）で初はじめて大型おおがたな節分せつぶんの行事ぎょうじを行おこなったお寺てらです。 Today, the main event consists of a mamemaki event where the chief priests scatter beans from atop a stage. 現在げんざいの主おもな行事ぎょうじは、住職じゅうしょくが舞台ぶたいの上うえからの豆まめまきです。 At Sensoji Temple, rather than "Oni wa Soto, Fuku wa Uchi" (鬼は外福は内, Demons out luck in), they chant "Senju Banzai Fuku wa Uchi" (千秋万歳福は内), which roughly means "Luck for forever and a thousand years!" 浅草寺せんそうじでは、「鬼おには外そと、福ふくは内うち」ではなく、「千秋万歳せんしゅうばんぜい福ふくは内うち」と言いいます。 In addition to the mamemaki event, there is also "Shichi Fukujin no Mai" (七福神の舞, Dance of the Seven Lucky Gods), and mamemaki performed by entertainers associated with Asakusa. 豆まめまきのほか、「七福神しちふくじんの舞まい」もあって、浅草あさくさに関係かんけいがある芸能人げいのうじんによる豆まめまきも行おこなわれます。 【Event Period】Feb. 3 【開催かいさい時期じき】2月3日にがつみっか Yasaka Shrine - Kyoto 八坂神社やさかじんじゃ　京都府きょうとふ The Setsubun event at Yasaka Shrine features dance performances and mamemaki by Maiko (apprenctice geisha) from the hanamachi districts of Kyoto. 八坂神社やさかじんじゃの節分せつぶん会えでは、京都きょうとの花街はなまちの舞妓まいこさんによる舞踊ぶようや豆まめまきが行おこなわれます。 Also, if you buy fukumame (lucky beans), a fukubiki (lottery ticket) with no empty lot is included, and you can participate in a drawing. また、福豆ふくまめを買かうと、空からくじなしの福引ふくびきがついていて、抽選会ちゅうせんかいに参加さんかできます。 Prizes include TVs and other luxury prizes, as well as daily necessities. 景品けいひんは、テレビなどの豪華賞品ごうかしょうひんや日用品にちようひんなど。 【Event Period】Feb. 2 - Feb. 3 【開催かいさい時期じき】2月2日にがつふつか〜2月3日にがつみっか Sumiyoshi Taisha - Osaka 住吉大社すみよしたいしゃ　大阪府おおさかふ At Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, a ceremony called Tsuina Hoshashiki is held by the members of Ogasawara-ryu, a school of archery and horseback archery. 住吉大社すみよしたいしゃでは、礼法れいほう・弓術きゅうじゅつ・馬術ばじゅつの流派りゅうはである「弓馬きゅうば術じゅつ礼法れいほう小笠原おがさわら教場きょうじょう一門いちもん」の方々かたがたによって「追儺ついな歩射式ほしゃしき」が行おこなわれます。 Tsuina is a ceremony to drive away evil spirits. 追儺ついなとは悪鬼あっきを追おい払はらう儀式ぎしき。 "Houshashiki," in which the archer draws his bow on a large target made to look like an oni, is performed in front of a large audience. 鬼おにに見立みたてた大おおきい的てきに弓ゆみを打うつ「歩射式ほしゃしき」は多おおくの観客かんきゃくの前まえで行おこなわれます。 In addition, zenzai (oshiruko) will be served by staff of an unlucky year and other related people. また、節分せつぶんは悪鬼あっきを追おい払はらう日ひということで、厄年やくどしのスタッフや関係者かんけいしゃにぜんざい（おしるこ）が振ふる舞まわれます。 【Event Period】Feb. 3 【開催かいさい時期じき】2月3日にがつみっか ※Event dates and times current as of January 15, 2024. ※イベント開催かいさい日時にちじは2024年にせんにじゅうよねん1月15日いちがつにじゅうごにち時点じてんのものです。 Please check the official websites for up-to-date information. 最新情報さいしんじょうほうは各かく公式こうしきサイトにてご確認かくにんください。 Summary of Setsubun, a Traditional Japanese Event 日本にほんの伝統でんとう行事ぎょうじである「節分せつぶん」のまとめ That concludes our introduction to Setsubun, a traditional Japanese event. 以上いじょう、日本にほんの伝統でんとう行事ぎょうじである「節分せつぶん」についてご紹介しょうかいしました。 If you're in Japan for Setsubun, we recommend visiting one of the exciting events that happen across the country. 節分せつぶんに日本にほんにいる人ひとは、日本にほん各地かくちで開催かいさいされる節分せつぶん会えに参加さんかすることをおすすめします。 For those not in Japan, you can still have fun with mamemaki and making and eating ehomaki! 日本にほんにいない人ひとは、豆まめまきしたり、恵方巻えほうまきを作つくって食たべたりすることで楽たのしめます！ When eating the ehomaki, be sure to sit quietly and face the lucky direction for the year! 恵方巻えほうまきを食たべるときは、その年としの恵方えほうを向むいて静しずかに食たべましょう！ This year's lucky direction is slightly east of east-northeast! 今年ことしの恵方えほうは、東北東とうほくとうのやや東ひがしだそうです！ h2 ruby { font-weight: bold; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { font-size: 2.4rem !important; } .caption-text { font-size: 2rem !important; }

Learn How to Make Chasen Nasu From a Chef – Video Introduction This video, titled "[Eggplant Recipe] How to Make Chasen Nasu" (【茄子レシピ】茶筅茄子 作り方 一例), was uploaded by "Japanese cuisine channel." In this video, Hiroyuki Deguchi, a chef in Kumamoto, Japan, teaches use some useful Japanese cooking techniques. Chasen nasu (lit. "Tea Whisk Eggplant") is a common eggplant decorations used in Japanese dishes. It's difficult to find Japanese cooking recipes directly from Japan, but this chef shows in detail how to cut, and season small eggplants. Even if you can't understand Japanese, the video is easy to follow, and we'll also have a step-by-step guide below. You're sure to get hang of it in no time! Be sure to follow along with the video. Japanese Eggplants vs. Other Eggplants The Japanese word for eggplant is "nasu" (茄子). Compared to eggplants in other parts of the world, which are often round and have a harder skin, Japanese eggplants are characterized by their long, slender body and dark purple coloring. Japanese eggplants are similar to American eggplants in color, but are quite different than say, Chinese eggplants, which have a much lighter color. How to Choose an Eggplant Photo：Eggplant The chef in this video uses a small eggplant. The trick to knowing whether an eggplant is good is to check the color of the cut end of the calyx (the leafy portion at the top of the eggplant) after cutting the stem. The darker the color, the less fresh the eggplant is. Additionally, fresh eggplants are characterized by prickly thorns on the calyx, and smooth skin on the surface. Be sure to check these points when picking an eggplant. [Video] 0:09 - How to Tell if an Eggplant Is Fresh Preparation of the Eggplant Photo：Cutting the eggplant The next step is to prepare the eggplants. First, scrape off the thorns of the eggplant with a knife and cut off the tip of the calyx, then, cut off the calyx. At this point, put the kitchen knife blade on the calyx and slowly turn the eggplant without moving the knife to remove it. You can see a simple demonstration of this in the video. [Video] 0:46 - Preparing the Eggplant How to Cut Chasen Nasu Once you've finished preparing the eggplant, it's time to cut the eggplant into a tea whisk shape. Using your knife, cut the eggplant vertically towards the center. Continue to rotate the eggplant little-by-little, making cuts as close together as possible. Slices can be deep towards the eggplant’s center, or shallow depending on how you want to cut it. Make slices all around the body of the eggplant while leaving the head and bottom uncut. [Video] 1:46 - Decorative Cuts for Chasen Nasu Deep Frying the Eggplants Next, fry the prepared eggplants in oil at 180°C (355°F). It's important to let the eggplants fry steadily for about 2 minutes. From there, remove one from the oil and stick it with a skewer; if it goes in smoothly, it's well fried. Remove all of the eggplants from the oil and remove the excess oil to the best of your ability. Simmer the Eggplants in Warishita Sauce and Cool Them to Complete Photo：Warishita sauce Simmer the fried eggplants with warishita sauce prepared with the following ratio. Warishita Sauce: Dashi 5:Soy sauce 1:Mirin (cooking sake) 1:Sugar a pinch Simmer the eggplants in warishita sauce about one minute. Then, cover the pan with parchment paper and let them cool for about 30 minutes to let the flavor sink in. Finally, remove the eggplants from the pan. While holding the head of one of the eggplants, twist it to make it look like a bamboo tea whisk; do this for each eggplant. Place the eggplants in a bowl, pour dashi over them, and you're done! Decorative Eggplant Cuts for Tempura The video also introduces another decorative cut for small eggplants. Start by cutting a small eggplant in half. Then, using the tip of a knife, make vertical cuts on the eggplant. Finally, pat the body of the eggplant with the side of the knife; this will cause the eggplant to open into a beautiful fan-like shape. [Video] 2:56 - How to Cut Eggplant for Tempura The Different Varieties of Eggplants Photo：Different eggplant varieties Despite eggplants being known as summer vegetables in Japan, some people say eggplants are best suited for the fall. In general, eggplant season is from early summer to early fall in Japan, although there are some varieties that can be enjoyed starting in late April. Do you know of the different types of eggplants in Japan? First, there are the small eggplants shown in the video. "Konasu" (小茄子, lit. "Small eggplants") is the general term for eggplants that are around 3 inches long and weigh approximately 30 grams (1 ounce). Yamagata and Kyoto are two areas in Japan that are famous for their eggplants. Besides the simmered chasen nasu recipe we have seen, eggplant is often pickled in Japan as well. Karashizuke (a local specialty of Yamagata prefecture) made from eggplant goes great with rice! Another popular eggplant is Naganasu (長茄子, lit "long eggplants), which are often sold in supermarkets in Japan. This eggplant has soft flesh and is suitable for dishes like mabo nasu (fried eggplant with Chinese chili sauce). Marunasu and Beinasu, which are round in shape, are recommended for Miso Dengaku (a dish in which tofu, vegetables, etc. are skewered, grilled, and coated with a miso glaze) because of their tender flesh. Another famous eggplant is Mizunasu. This variety of eggplant is cultivated in southern Osaka. Their skin is thin and soft so they can be eaten raw, and they are known to be sweet and juicy. In addition, there are eggplants with a green skin called Aonasu and even a variety of eggplant called Shironasu, which has white skin. Chasen Nasu Eggplant Decoration & Recipe Summary Some of the recipes for chasen nasu are quick and easy to prepare in a microwave using a microwave-safe container and mentsuyu (a type of noodle sauce made with dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar). It's very easy to make and convenient when you don't have a lot of time. That being said, we definitely recommend taking the time to recreate a professional flavor. You can also try cutting the eggplant into decorative shapes so it's a feast for both the eyes and mouth! We hope this easy chasen nasu eggplant recipe has sparked your interest in Japanese cooking!

The Tanenashi Persimmons of Wakayama, Japan: Video Introduction This video, titled "Preventing Fall Fatigue! Wakayama's Tanenashi Persimmon! The First Persimmon Recognized as a Japanese Superfood!" (秋バテ対策に！柿史上初のジャパニーズスーパーフード『和歌山のたねなし柿』とは？), was uploaded by "News TV." The persimmon, an ancient Japanese fruit, has long been a favorite of the Japanese people. Persimmons are said to have originated in East Asia, including China and Japan, and were introduced to the West from Japan, hence the scientific name "kaki," the Japanese word for persimmon. Experts have also noticed that the persimmon is great for combating fall fatigue! Highly nutritious, the persimmon is thought to be beneficial for beauty and health, and in particular, Wakayama's tanenashi persimmon has been certified as a Japanese Superfood. Check out this video to broaden your knowledge of persimmons! What is Fall Fatigue? Symptoms and Causes Photo：A woman feeling unwell The term fall fatigue refers to the feeling of sluggishness and inability to recover from fatigue despite the gradual easing of the summer heat and gradual improvement in overall comfort. The main symptoms are loss of appetite, fatigue, lack of sleep, stiff shoulders, and rough skin. It's said to be caused by a disturbance in the autonomic nervous system due to the repetitive changes in temperature from late summer to early autumn, including changes in outside temperatures and temperature changes between warm days and cold nights. [Video] 0:29 - What is Fall fatigue? Persimmons – The Best Medicine For Fall Fatigue Photo：Persimmons Persimmons are so rich in nutrients that there's even a Japanese proverb that goes "When the persimmons change color, the doctors turn blue." This is alluding to the fact that once persimmons are in season, doctors are no longer necessary because people stop getting sick thanks to eating them. The simple sugars contained in persimmons are quickly absorbed and easily converted into energy, and help the body recover from fall fatigue. [Video] 0:34 - Persimmons Are Effective for Recovering From Fall Fatigue Persimmons also contain high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and polyphenols. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that makes up the body's skin, and is the source of persimmon's beauty benefits. It also has antioxidant properties, is effective in preventing arteriosclerosis and aging, and boosts the immune system. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes, strengthens resistance, and has anti-aging effects. In addition, polyphenols called "persimmon tannins" play such an important role in beauty and health that they can be expected to thin the blood, lower blood pressure, reduce increases in blood sugar levels, and rejuvenate blood vessels. In addition to tannins, catechins and flavonoids also have detoxifying and antibacterial effects, improve sensitivity to cold, and eliminate prolonged fatigue and sluggishness. Persimmon Season in Japan & Popular Varieties Photo：Persimmons on display at a supermarket In general, persimmons are said to be in season from fall to winter, around September to December in Japan. Some persimmons grown in plastic greenhouses are available at markets from summer (July-August), but major stores in Japan start selling them around mid-September, when outdoor-grown persimmons begin to be harvested. In October, shipments from major production areas increase, and distribution peaks from October to November. There are early and late harvest varieties, so you can expect to find persimmons in many supermarkets in Japan until roughly December. The three most popular persimmon varieties in Japan are, first, the popular fuyu persimmon known for its perfect sweetness, which is the most popular and top-produced persimmon in Japan. Harvesting of fuyu persimmons begins around November in most production areas. While the distribution of persimmons as a whole is highest from October to November, the fuyu persimmon season is slightly later, from November to December. Also known as the "king of persimmons," the fuyu persimmon reaches peak flavor in late fall and winter, when the weather starts getting chilly. The second most popular persimmon in Japan is the Hira tanenashi persimmon. This persimmon is characterized by its lack of seeds. Harvesting begins around mid-October in Japan, and the best time to eat them is from late October to early December. The third variety is the Tonewase persimmon from Nara Prefecture, which is closely associated with persimmons, as exemplified by the haiku As I bite into a persimmon A bell rings Horyuji Temple - Masaoka Shiki ※Horyuji being a famous temple in Nara prefecture It is a mildly sweet variety, and is recommended to be shipped after removing the astringency with alcohol, etc., as it's not a sweet persimmon, but an astringent persimmon. A Delicious Way to Enjoy Persimmon, a Fruit Synonymous With Autumn in Japan Photo：Cutting persimmons Persimmons can be eaten as sweet persimmons or dried persimmons, and there are a variety of different ways to eat them. Persimmons have a strong image of being eaten as a dessert in Japan, but we would like to introduce a recipe for preparing persimmons in a dish to enjoy the flavors of autumn. You can enjoy persimmons as a snack or side dish. ■Stir-Fried Persimmon and Pork [Ingredients] Pear - 1 Pork belly - 250g Japanese mustard spinach - 1/2 a bag Sesame oil - 1 tbsp. Cooking sake - 2 tbsp. Soy sauce - 2 tbsp. Sliced cayenne pepper - A pinch [How to Make] 1. Peel and cut persimmons into small pieces. 2. Wash the komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) lightly and cut into 3 cm strips. 3. Cut the pork belly into bite-size pieces. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan, add pork belly and fry. When the meat browns, add komatsuna and sauté lightly. 4. When the komatsuna becomes soft, add the cut persimmon and seasonings and stir-fry. When the seasonings are well mixed, serve on a plate. Summary of Tanenashi Persimmons, the Japanese Super Food Persimmons are full of nutrients and have great potential for beauty and health. When checking the efficacy of its ingredients, it was even deemed a superfood! You'll probably want to try some delicious persimmons after reading this article. Have a healthy and splendid autumn with the power of this ancient Japanese fruit!

What is Yuki Tsumugi? This video was created by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." It's titled "TEWAZA Yuki Tsugumi Textile" (手技TEWAZA「結城紬」Yuki Tsumugi Textile), and it introduces how the traditional Kimono "Yuki Tsumugi" is made. Yuki Tsumugi kimono are known as a high-quality Japanese textile. It is mainly produced in the Kanto region, in places like Ibaraki Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture. This high quality textile is made of pure silk, a fabric loved by customers due to its softness and how light it is. There are many different designs as well, from simple plain designs, to elegant patterns requiring an incredibly skilled artisan. Being made from natural materials, Yuki Tsumugi kimono are incredibly comfortable and keep you warm even during the colder months of the year. This video shows viewers how Yuki Tsumugi kimono are made. The skilled techniques of the craftsman are also shown in the video; be sure to follow along! The Traditional Craft, Yuki Tsumugi: History Source :YouTube screenshot The origin of Yuki Tsumugi kimono dates back more than 1,300 years. By the Nara period (710-794), Yuki Tsumugi kimono were already being given as gifts to the imperial court as a specialty of the Hitachi Province (current day Ibaraki). Some of the original Yuki Tsumugi kimono are still safely kept at the Shosoin Repository in Nara. In the Muromachi (1336-1573) and Edo Periods (1603-1868), the tradition of Yuki Tsumugi was protected, cultivated and passed on as tradition by the Yuki family. Yuki Tsumugi was also registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1956 and as a traditional craft in 1977. The Traditional Craft, Yuki Tsumugi: How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot In Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, the home of Yuki Tsumugi kimono, silk has been used for hand woven textiles since ancient times. 1. Silk Floss Making (0:30) 2. Hand-spinning (1:27) Hand-spun yarns are spun from a material called true cotton, which is made by gently boiling silkworm cocoons. This is what is so special about Yuki Tsumugi. In the video at 0:53, one of the Yuki Tsumugi craftsmen explains that a single layer of kimono is made using 2200 cocoons, and the total length of the silk yarn is 30 km (nearly 10,000 ft). 3. Tying yarn to make patterns (1:53) The part tied with a thread will remain undyed and will be left as a pattern. 4. Dyeing yarns by beating (2:35) Beating the silk in this way allows the dye to sink into the fabric more deeply. 5. Hand weaving (3:12) The crucial component here is waist strength, as this will determine the texture of the final product. The threads are woven tens of thousands of times to create beautiful patterns. Purchasing the high quality Yuki Tsumugi Yuki Tsumugi kimono and obi have a quality unlike any other textile and are very popular items. Not only brand new Yuki Tsumugi, but also used Yuki Tsumugi kimono can be quite expensive. An official Yuki Tsumugi kimono comes with a certification stamp with a design of a woman hand spinning using silk cocoons. If you're not sure whether you're buying the correct item, check the certificate stamp and you'll know whether it's a luxury Yuki Tsumugi kimono or not. The Traditional Craft, Yuki Tsumugi: Summary Photo：A Woman in Kimono In Japan, the beautiful culture of kimono has been around since ancient times. What you see in the video is one of the most expensive and popular kimono, Yuki Tsumugi. It's very rare to see actual footage of how Yuki Tsumugi kimono are made. If you're interested in learning more about kimono, be sure to visit Japan and try on a high quality Yuki Tsumugi kimono! 【Official Website】Honba Yuki Tsumugi, Okujun Co.,Ltd. http://www.okujun.co.jp/english/ 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

The Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo,” the Largest on the International Space Station The video "2019-2020 JAXA Manned Space Activities - "Kibo" and Beyond" (2019-2020 JAXA 有人宇宙活動~「きぼう」その先へ) uploaded by “JAXA,” introduces the Japanese experiment module “Kibo” of the International Space Station. The area known as Low Earth Orbit (LFO) (less than 2,000 km from the Earth), is said to be the gateway to space, and is where various satellites fly. As you can see from 0:33 in the video, Kibo, one of the largest space experiment facilities, was completed in 2009 on the International Space Station. It orbits at an altitude of about 400 kilometers. In terms of size, it is approximately 108.5 meter x 72.8 meters, weighs 420 tons, and flies at speed of about 27,000 km/h (~16,777 Mph). “Kounotori,” the cargo transporter, was also successfully launched, and Kounotori 8 has achieved a 100% mission success rate. Experiments Involving Kibo Source :YouTube screenshot The Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo” is “doing things for society that can only be done in space.” At Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF), they are researching the effects of gravity on living things. This is shown at 1:37 in the video. In the fall of 2019, CBEF-L, which can equip larger devices, was also added. The Electrostatic Levitation Furnace (ELF) is a material testing device that melts materials by making them float, and can examine materials that are difficult to examine on the ground, such as glass and ceramics. The J-SSOD is a mechanism that releases small satellites using Kibo's airlock and robotic arm. The Small Optical Link for International Space Station (SOLISS), developed in collaboration with a private company, conducts experiments using optical disk technology to enable future inter-satellite and space-to-ground high-capacity communications. Beyond Low Earth Orbit Photo：Mars We're currently entering an era where exploring the moon and mars is possible. Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) technology is a system for purifying water and air. A water reclamation system based on Japan's outstanding water treatment technology is also being put to the test. The new H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV-X) is Japan's original spacecraft that will improve Kounotori's transportation capability, and will allow for in-orbit missions that the Japanese sector is aiming for, with the goal of launching by 2021. The Astronauts of Kibo Source :YouTube screenshot There are Japanese astronauts working on the Japanese Experiment Module as well. Noguchi Soichi has maintained the Japanese Experiment Module Kibo and has conducted various experiments. He is responsible for operating the Inter-orbit Communication System (ICS), communicating with the ground through HD images, and preparing for spacecrafts and supply vehicles that visit the ISS. He also interacts with the ground by posting information, pictures, and videos on social media sites, such as Twitter. Doi Takao was in charge of installing and maintaining a storage module for “Kibo.” He organized cargo transfer between the space shuttle and the ISS as a loadmaster (cargo transfer supervisor). Hoshide Akihiko was selected for a long duration mission to the ISS in 2020 and he will lead as a captain at the end on the mission. Summary Photo：Satellite The Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" is a key facility of the ISS. We are proud to say that Japanese technology is at the forefront of space activities. Let's think back to the Japanese engineers and astronauts who continue to play an active role in space, through this video! 【Official Website】JAXA https://global.jaxa.jp/projects/iss_human/kibo/

江戸の文化の象徴としての江戸木目込人形を動画で存分に堪能！ 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「江戸木目込人形」EDO KIMEKOMI NINGYO Kimekomi Dolls／伝統工芸 青山スクエア traditional crafts Aoyama Square」です。 日本独自の伝統工芸で、まさに江戸の文化の象徴ともいえるのが動画で紹介されている「江戸木目込人形」。 日本の職人ならではの文字通り「きめ細かい」丹念な作業で造り上げられる見事な人形です。 日本の、歴史ある芸術品の制作工程がこの動画で紹介されています。 「原型づくり→かま詰め→木地ごしらえ→筋彫り→木目込み→面相描き→仕上げ」という江戸木目込人形の作業手順動画は必見ですよ。 手造りの伝統的技法で職人の魂が込められた人形 江戸木目込人形とは、日本の江戸時代にその制作技法が確立された和服を着た木製の木目込手造り人形です。 和紙を筆頭に、日本の伝統工芸は日本にしかない技術が職人に代々受け継がれてきた伝統的技法があり、江戸で確立した木目込み人形もその代表格の文化財。 江戸木目込人形には、ひな人形・五月人形・親王飾り・招き猫などの種類があり、その小さな人形に日本伝統の文化の粋が凝縮されています。 全ての工程が熟練の職人による手仕事で、しかも特殊な技法によって作られるのが江戸木目込人形の特徴。 そして、その作り方そのものに、日本の伝統工芸と手造りの文化を大切にする職人の魂が込められているといってもよいでしょう。 江戸木目込人形の老舗としては、塚田工房・一秀・柿沼人形などの工房が有名で、塚田工房には施設内に江戸木目込人形の博物館が併設されており、人形の実物だけでなく、材料や原料の見学と共に制作を体験するができるのが嬉しいですね。 外国人も感激！日本伝統の美しい芸術品 江戸木目込人形の別称は賀茂人形または賀茂川人形。 起源は江戸時代初期の元文4年（1739年）に京都の上賀茂神社に奉納された人形といわれています。 京都から始まった人形造りの伝統文化が江戸に伝わり、今ではすっかり華やかな江戸の文化を象徴する人形として親しまれているのです。 全てが手造りの作品なので大量に生産することができず、それゆえに希少な日本文化を伝承した美術品として、あるいは日本にしかない美しい芸術品として、さらには匠の技を示す逸品として、近年外国人観光客からの人気も急激に高まっています。 ギフトにプレゼントに最適！小さな人形に込められた日本文化の紹介まとめ 日本の伝統工芸と日本独自の文化が詰まった可愛らしい小さな人形に込められた江戸木目込人形は、誰もが思わず笑顔になる伝統的工の芸美術品です。 誕生日のギフトに、記念日のプレゼントに、そして観光のお土産にとこれほど喜ばれる商品も少ないでしょう。 動画をご覧になり、江戸木目込人形の魅力にじっくりと触れてください。

Akita's Traditional Cedar Buckets and Barrels This time, we'll introduce how Akita's traditional Japanese crafts, cedar buckets and barrels, are made. The origin of making craft arts using Akita cedar dates back to before the Edo period (1603A.D.-1868), and after hundreds of years of craftsmanship, a skilled traditional culture had been established. Source :YouTube screenshot Industry in Akita's winter months is harsh, as it is covered in deep snow. Because of this, the people developed woodworking skills, and they mastered the process of making everyday households goods. Because of the high quality and the beautiful appearance of these goods, they have become popular as souvenirs as well. There are many different types as well, not only cedar barrels, but also candy dishes, flower vases, sake barrels, beer mugs, sushi buckets, bathtub buckets, umbrella stands, wooden containers for cooked rice, and more. Many are sold online as well. You can have a look at completed versions of these goods at 4:00 in the video. You can see how the traditional craft is made in the video. The amazing footage is not something you get to see everyday. What Is Akita Cedar? Source :YouTube screenshot The production process of Akita cedar crafts by proficient artisans is shot at a workshop in Odate, Akita. At 1:03 in the video, the artisan describes how Akita cedar is know for its "good color softness, and pleasant fragrance. It can be said that Akita cedar crafts are a suitable material to make a container for preserving foods and daily products. The rich forest in Akita, covered in deep snow, has made the woodworking culture of Akita flourish. Traditional Japanese Crafts- Akita Woodworking Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Cutting panels (0:44). Artisans cut the log to the correct size, and chop the dried materials with various tools. This process is important to make the side of the finished products. Source :YouTube screenshot 2. Formatting panels The tool to shave the planks is called a "sen" (銑). This technique is derived from traditional Japanese sword crafting. Source :YouTube screenshot 3. Fine planing the panels (1:41) The craftsman describes how the "bonded surfaces with no gaps and precise angles are what give the container its integrity." Of the steps in the production process, this is the most important. This delicate step relies on expert handling, experience, and muscle memory. This is where you see the truly amazing skills of Japanese artisans shine. Source :YouTube screenshot 4. Assembling the panels (2:05) Since Akita's traditional wood-works are often used as everyday tools that hold necessities, such as water and other liquids, bamboo nails are used. If you iron nails are used to join the boards, they would rust and eventually break. After the boards are joined, metal hoops are fitted on both the inside and outside surfaces to keep it stable. After the panels are tightened, the metal hoops are removed. Source :YouTube screenshot 5. Fitting the hoops (3:11) A groove is carved out to fit the bottom hoop. Several hoops are fitted on the barrel and firmly tightened. Source :YouTube screenshot 6. Bottom plate adjustments (3:30) The last fine adjustments are made on the bottom plate, removing more gaps, and sanding it the surface is smooth. This traditional Japanese craft truly displays the depths of Japanese craftsmanship. Summary of Akita Woodworking What did you think? Did you enjoy watching the precise craftsmanship of these skilled artisans? These artisans do not take their craft lightly, and as you saw in the video, every step in the process is carefully executed to ensure the highest level of quality. When cutting planks from a log, each plank is categorized as either straight grain or cross grain, based on it's appearance. Each type is properly used for both aesthetic purposes and practicality. The "Akita Woodworking Summit" sponsored by the Akita University Cooperative Society, was held at the Akita Castle ruins near the university in 2019. Many people were able to experience the beauty of Akita woodworking and the skills of traditional artisans. Consider picking up your own traditional Akita woodworking goods and experience the profound culture of Japanese artisans. 【Official Website】JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hair Styling! The video, “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” was released in 2018 by “KyodoNews.” It's news coverage of Kazuhiro Tsuji receiving the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2018 Academy Awards. Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of the special effects make-up of Gary Oldman, who played the role of Winston Churchill in the film “Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. The make-up he did on Gary Oldman received recognition and he became the first Japanese person to win the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. In the video, you can see him giving an elated speech during his interview. In this article, we'll talk about Kazuhiro Tsuji, winner of the 2018 Academy award for hair and makeup. Be sure to follow along with the video! Kazuhiro Tsuji- Personal History and Career Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji is a make-up artist and contemporary artist from Kyoto city, Kyoto prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. He is an American citizen, living in Los Angeles, and goes by the name “Kazu Hiro.” During his high school years, he happened to look at a film magazine that had an article of special effects make-up done by the world-renowned make-up artist Dick Smith, and from that, he became interested in make-up. Thus, he began learning about special effects make-up. He was a teacher at the Yoyogi Animation Academy, and was in charge of make-up on the Japanese film “Sweet Home.” He emigrated to the United States in 1996. He studied under Dick Smith and worked on many Hollywood movies such as “Men in Black” and “Planet of the Apes.” He was also in charge of the make-up for movies such as “How the Grinch stole Christmas,” “Click,” and “Norbit.” He became an American citizen in 2019, and after naturalizing in America, he also changed his name to Kazu Hiro. He has an Instagram account where you can see some of his make-up and art as well. Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of actor Gary Oldman’s special effects make-up in the English film, “The Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. This can be seen at 0:26 in the video Kazuhiro Tsuji had actually retired from the film industry in 2012 and had been active as a contemporary artist but after receiving a passionate offer from Gary Oldman, he decided to return to the industry. It took more than 4 hours to put on the special effects make-up that transformed Oldman into the former prime minister Winston Churchill. The transformation of Oldman to look like former prime minister Churchill, was recognized and as it's shown in the video, he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. This is the first time a Japanese person has won an Oscar at the Academy Awards since the film “Okuribito” won the Foreign Language Film Award at the 81st Academy Awards. From 1:03 in the video, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji’s delighted expression as he comments on his achievement. He also comments on the Oscar statue at 1:59. In 2019, he was in charge of the special effects make-up on "Scandal" at the request of Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron. This was also recognized as high quality, near-perfect make-up and he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, for the second time, at the 92nd Academy awards. Summary of Academy Award Winner Kazuhiro Tsuji Source :YouTube screenshot In the video “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（「辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” produced by “KyodoNews” in 2018, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji at a press conference held when he returned to Japan for a visit. At the end of the footage, he says that he will be holding an exhibit in 2020. His exhibition is something to look forward to seeing, as he is also a renown contemporary artist. 【Official Website】The Darkest Hour http://www.bitters.co.jp/churchill-movie/

The Popteen Cover Photo Shoot This video introduces "The making of the Popteen cover（人気ギャル雑誌『Popteen』の表紙ができるまで！）". Popteen is a teenage fashion magazine published by the Kadokawa Haruki Corporation. The first issue was published in 1980. These three gorgeous girls in kimono appearing in the video made the cover of the 2012 January issue. The video captures their cover photo shoot scene. This article is to introduce the Gyaru culture and reader models alongside the video. What Are Reader Models? Source :YouTube screenshot The models who appear from 0:37 are Mizukitty (Mizuki Nishiyama), Kumikky (Kumiko Funayama) and Pikarin (Hikari Shiina). They were the active reader models for Popteen when the video was made in 2011. Many of the former Popteen models, such as Moe Oshikiri, Nicole Fujita, Tsubasa Masuwaka, and Rola, later made a success break into the TV industry or got a big break as an exclusive model or even an actress, and have been active to this day. How Did They Become Models? Photo：Shibuya 109 In many cases, they became models after being recruited by a magazine editor while walking down the streets of Shibuya or Harajuku. These three cover girls also used to be just ordinary teenagers who hung out in Shibuya or Harajuku. "Popteen": The Kawaii Bible! Source :YouTube screenshot Shibuya and Harajuku are the epicenter of Kawaii culture. These areas represent Japan's youth culture, and serve as the source of numerous teen slang such as "Agepoyo" which is slang to describe that you're pumped up or excited about something. The magazine Popteen plays a leading role in Japanese teen culture. The freebies attached to the magazine is another reason for its popularity among teens who need to have the latest fashion. The Summary of the Popteen Cover Shoot Video Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced the Popteen cover photo shoot, and the role that the magazine plays to inspire the Gyaru culture. Dressed in the gorgeous kimonos, the models with Gyaru makeup do kawaii poses, as seen from 0:16. The actual magazine cover appears at 2:04. Check out the latest issue of Popteen if you like Kawaii culture or want to get inspired by cute charismatic reader models.

An Interview With the Popular Japanese Actress, Ryoko Yonekura! This video, released by "FCI NY," is called "artist pop : 米倉涼子." It's a special interview video with popular Japanese actress Ryoko Yonekura. Ryoko Yonekura is the leading actress in numerous TV dramas and reigns as the "Ratings Queen." Here, we'll introduce who she is! Who Is Ryoko Yonekura? Source :YouTube screenshot Ryoko Yonekura, was born in August, and was named with the idea of "her name alone is cool." She has a slender build and is 168 cm tall. She is 44 years old as of April 2020. She used to have long hair, but now prefers the mature atmosphere of a shorter style. Ryoko Yonekura won the Judge's Special Prize at the 6th All Japan Bishojo Contest in 1992, and debuted as a model the following year. After working as a top model in famous magazines such as CanCam, she announced she would pursue a career in acting in 1999 and has since devoted herself to the industry. Ryoko Yonekura's Masterpiece Source :YouTube screenshot Actress Ryoko Yonekura's best known work is "Doctor X," where she plays a freelance surgeon that doesn't fail. She is also known for her leading roles in "The Black Leather Notebook," "Kemonomichi," and "Warui Yatsura." In the drama series, she attracted attention not only for her excellent acting skills, but also for her sensible clothing. In recent years, she has gained a large international fan base for her role as Roxie Hart, the lead actress in the New York City Broadway musical CHICAGO, as shown at the beginning of the video and at 1:40. This is the first time in 54 years that a Japanese person has played the lead role on Broadway. She was selected by Musical magazine as No. 7 on its list of top ten musical performers in 2008, the first Japanese person to make the list. An Interview With Ryoko Yonekura Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the interview with Ryoko Yonekura from 0:10 in the video. At 0:50, you can see her walking through the streets of New York City, and at 1:35, you can see her acting in the musical "CHICAGO." At 1:52, she talks about the charm of "CHICAGO" and how the story is easy to understand and the combination of songs and story is simple, but makes for an awesome performance. She is at the forefront of the Japanese theater scene and has been awarded by the fashion world as one of the brightest and most powerful women today. Her coolness has become something many women aspire to, but Ryoko Yonekura talks about her own strength, which she says is easy to think of as scary, but she's scared herself so she just has to"go for it"! She talks about this in the interview at 4:18. In the interview she's asked a variety of questions, such as"What have you achieved so far?," "Do you ever fail?," and "What is it you like about acting?" Is Ryoko Yonekura Married? Is It True She's Leaving Her Agency? Source :YouTube screenshot Ryoko Yonekura married in 2014, but two years later, she divorced, with the cause allegedly stemming from the husband. She has been with Oscar Promotions for many years, but was announced to leave in March 2020. There are rumors of her retirement and remarriage to her current boyfriend, but nothing is known for certain at this time. Summary of Actress Ryoko Yonekura The video shows an interview with actress Ryoko Yonekura and gives a glimpse of what she's like off stage. If you're interested in learning more about Ryoko Yonekura, be sure to follow her on Instagram or check out the video if you still haven't yet!

The Documentary Film About Japanese Musician and Composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto This video, titled "[Ryuichi Sakamoto CODA] Trailer – Released November 4th (Sat)" (「11/4(土)公開『Ryuichi Sakamoto CODA』予告編」), introduces the documentary produced by the world-famous Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. The film "Ryuichi Sakamoto:CODA (2017)," directed by Stephen Nomura Schible, introduced in this video, is a valuable work that portrays how Ryuichi Sakamoto pursues his music creativity. In this video, we'll go into detail about Ryuichi Sakamoto, a musician and composer who has produced numerous famous songs that touched the hearts of many. Ryuichi Sakamoto Source :YouTube screenshot Ryuichi Sakamoto was born in Tokyo, and his ex-wife and daughter are also musicians. Ryuichi Sakamoto is characterized by his center-part hairstyle and glasses, and is known as "the world’s Sakamoto" and "Professor." In 2014 he revealed that he was diagnosed with stage three throat cancer. More About Ryuichi Sakamoto Source :YouTube screenshot Ryuichi Sakamoto is a former member of YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra) as a keyboard player and synthesizer. He is also a pianist, drummer, composer, songwriter, singer, record producer, actor, and TV star. In addition to being a guest professor at his alma mater, Tokyo University of the Arts, he is also an environmental activist, music critic, political commentator, and social activist, and is known for his participation in demonstrations against the restart of nuclear power plants. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Most Famous Piece Source :YouTube screenshot Ryuichi Sakamoto works in a diverse range of styles, including classical music, techno-pop, rock, folk music, and contemporary. He has also held numerous concerts and world tours. His most successful work was The Last Emperor, which won the 31st Grammy Award for Best Original Score, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, which can be heard in the video around 0:20, is another masterpiece of his that won a British Academy Film Award. He is also known for the soundtrack of the movie Nagasaki: Memories of My Son, and the song of the well-known TV commercial "Energy Flow." About the Documentary Film Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda Source :YouTube screenshot The film 『Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA』is a documentary that follows Ryuichi Sakamoto for five years, starting from 2012. The trailer begins with a piano that was damaged by the tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. Inspired by the piano, Ryuichi donned a protective suit and went to the area near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant wearing protective gear. The film gives us a glimpse into Ryuichi Sakamoto as a musician and social activist. Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA was an official entry in the 74th Venice International Music Festival and is also available on DVD. Summary of Composer and Musician Ryuichi Sakamoto Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA is a documentary film that captures the journey of his musical and speculative pursuits. From 0:37 , you can see rare footage of him in his younger days. The in-depth video includes plenty of private footage and photos of the musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, so be sure to check it out!

Kishin Shinoyama’s Exhibit! This video, titled "[Gallery AaMo] A Kishin Shinoyama Exhibition｜THE PEOPLE by KISHIN The Last Show" (【Gallery AaMo】篠山紀信展 写真力 THE PEOPLE by KISHIN The Last Show), is presented by “Tokyo Dome City.” The video is about the exhibit "THE PEOPLE" by genius photographer, Kishin Shinoyama. Kishin Shinoyama's photo exhibit "THE PEOPLE" was held at 32 venues across Japan for 7 years starting in 2012, and achieved the remarkable feat of having more than one million visitors. Who is Kishin Shinoyama? Source :YouTube screenshot Kishin Shinoyama is a photographer from Tokyo. He graduated Nihon University College of Art Photography Course and Tokyo College of Photography. He shoots a wide range of work in various genres and themes, from kabuki to nude. After divorcing his ex-wife, a model, he married idol singer Saori Minami. In recent years, he has released a number of photo books, including "Gekisha" and "digi+KISHIN," in which he photographed not only the aforementioned Saori Minami, but also other actresses and models, such as Rie Miyazawa, Suzu Hirose, and more. He also released "MAGIC," a photobook with a Disney theme. Kishin Shinoyama's panoramic photography technique, which uses multiple cameras, is known as "Shinorama. Kishin Shinoyama's photographs, taken using a highly original technique, have gained the support of people of all ages. "THE PEOPLE" Source :YouTube screenshot In an interview at 0:32 in the video, Kishin Shinoyama talks about the live nature of the exhibit. At a time when it was difficult to find a venue, information about the exhibit spread by word of mouth, and he was able to hold it in Osaka and Nagoya, making it a positive experience for him. Shinoyama's exhibit "THE PEOPLE" includes photos of Yukio Mishima, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Shigeo Nagashima, and Kirin Kiki. At 2:32 in the video, you can see an exhibit featuring photographs depicting the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The "Power of Photography" exhibit, which began at the Kumamotoshi Gendai Museum in 2012, reached 1 million visitors at the Tokyo Dome City Gallery AaMo in Suidobashi. Summary of Kishin Shinoyama Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video interview, he continues to take on new challenges with a lot of ingenuity. If this video has piqued your interest in Kishin Shinoyama's work, be sure to check out his work! You can also check out Kishin Shinoyama's Instagram page to see more of his work.

An Interview With Tomoyasu Hotei! This time, we'll introduce the video "Tomoyasu Hotei- MATERIALS (HOTEI LIVE IN LONDON)" (布袋寅泰- MATERIALS（HOTEI LIVE IN LONDON)), released by Tomoyasu Hotei's official You Tube channel. "HOTEI LIVE IN LONDON Electric Samurai - Live at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire-" introduced in the video, is a live tour that was held in London in 2013. Tomoyasu Hotei released his first solo album "Guitarism" in 1988, and he is still active mainly as a solo artist. The interview video contains plenty of Tomoyasu Hotei's current thoughts and future prospects after 25 years of a solo career. What Kind of Musician Is Tomoyasu Hotei? The History and Current Life of the Famed Guitarist Source :YouTube screenshot Tomoyasu Hotei is 6'2" tall. In 1981, as a guitarist for BOØWY, he made his debut with Kyosuke Himuro, Tsunematsu Matsui and Makoto Takahashi and they were a hit. After the dissolution of BOØWY in 1987, he continued his musical activities with COMPLEX, alongside Koji Kikkawa. In the UK and Germany, he has released several albums under the name "HOTEI." He married Miki Imai in 1999 and has one daughter. He currently lives in London and continues to perform a wide range of musical activities. Listen to Tomoyasu Hotei's Cool Songs! Source :YouTube screenshot Some of Hotei's hit songs include "thrill," "POISON," and "bambina." Tomoyasu Hotei is also known for a wide range of activities, such as providing music to other musicians and composing music for movies. In 2003, he composed the main theme of the American movie Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino, making his name known around the world. The appeal of Hotei's music is his sharp guitar sound. You can also see Tomoyasu Hotei's awesome guitar skills at 0:46 in the video. There are songs that you can enjoy with pop lyrics as well, so you're sure to find something you like. Check out Hotei's official YouTube channel to see the many PR videos for his music. Summary of Tomoyasu Hotei Source :YouTube screenshot "HOTEI LIVE IN LONDON Electric Samurai - Live at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire-" introduced in the video, is a popular live DVD released in 2014. The interview from 1:21 in the video talks about his life in London. If you like the cool sounds of Tomoyasu Hotei's rock n' roll soul, be sure to check out his DVD. Also take a look at Hotei's official Instagram where you can see him playing on Instagram live. 【Official Website】Tomoyasu Hotei http://www.hotei.com/en/

Washoku Added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List This video, titled "[Washoku] Added to Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Health and Beauty Evaluation (12/13/05)" (「和食」世界無形文化遺産に決定　健康・美しさ評価(13/12/05) ), is a news report about washoku being approved as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, in December, 2013. As shown in the video, "Washoku: Traditional Dietary Cultures of the Japanese" (「和食 日本人の伝統的な食文化」) was formally approved to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list at a meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee held in Azerbaijan in 2013. You see the moment of the announcement in the video around 0:05. The fascination with washoku is, as shown in the video at 0:30, it's beauty. Japanese cuisine is characterized by its beautiful display, respect for nature, and how healthy it is, which led UNESCO to place it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. What Is Washoku? The History and Style of the Dishes Photo：Washoku Washoku is a traditional eating practice of Japan, also referred to as Nihon-shoku (日本食, Japanese food) or Nihon-ryouri (日本料理, Japanese style cooking). Traditionally, in Japan, washoku was made using seasonal ingredients for particular annual events. The history of Japanese food dates back to the Yayoi period (~300 B.C - ~250 A.D.), more than 2,000 years ago, and by the Asuka period, the unique Japanese diet, consisting of main dishes (主菜, shusai), side dishes (副食, Fukushoku), and one soup, three sides (一汁三菜, Ichiju-sansai), had already been established. What is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage? Photo：Traditional Spanish cuisine UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage is different from UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, which aim to protect buildings and tangible cultural properties. UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage was established to ensure better protection of important intangible cultural heritages, such as folk culture, folklore, oral literature and social practices, traditional crafting techniques, and festivals. Some examples of this include the gastronomy of France, the Mediterranean cuisine of Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco, traditional Mexican cuisine, and the Ceremonial Keşkek tradition of Turkey. In Japan, Traditional Ainu dance, Nôgaku Theatre, and Kabuki have also been approved as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages. Summary of Washoku Photo：Kaiseki cuisine As you can see in the video, Japanese food culture, which has been around since ancient times, has been recognized by the world and is attracting a great deal of attention. When you're visiting Japan, be sure to stop by a Japanese restaurant and enjoy the delicious food of an itamae chef! There are websites that offer instructions on how to make Japanese food, so you can use the recipes as a guide to make nutritious and balanced Japanese food as well!

The Deadpool 2 Event Video With Shiori Kutsuna This video, titled "Shiori Kutsuna｜Deadpool 2｜Red Carpet," was released in 2018 by "maidigitv." It introduces an interview with Japanese actress Shiori Kutsuna, who starred in the film, at a special event for Deadpool 2, which was released in theaters in 2018. Deadpool is a hero film about a different kind of hero from the Marvel Comics. In this video, you can see an interview with Shiori Kutsuna, who appeared in the sequel to Deadpool, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the movie, which is a must-see for both Shiori Kutsuna and Deadpool fans! This article is about the special event of Deadpool 2 with Shiori Kutsuna. Be sure to followalong with the video! The Deadpool 2 Special Event With Shiori Kutsuna Photo：Roppongi Hills Arena Actress Shiori Kutsuna appeared on the red carpet for the Japan premiere of the super hero film "Deadpool 2," starring Ryan Reynolds. In the interview with Shiori Kutsuna, seen at 0:31 in the video, she talks about the atmosphere during filming and the challenges of the action scenes that were not in the script. The special Deadpool 2 event featured in the video took place at the Roppongi Hills Arena in 2018 and attracted around 500 fans. 70 still video cameras and 40 movie cameras were also in attendance, showing the high level of attention Deadpool 2 has received. You can even see enthusiastic fans dressed as characters from Deadpool 2. What is Deadpool? Deadpool is a popular action movie that depicts the success of the unconventional hero Deadpool. The story is about the popular American comic book character Cable who forms a team called "X-Force" to protect the life of a young boy with a mysterious power. Shiori Kutsuna plays the mysterious assassin Yukio. In Deadpool 2, she had pink hair and performed the intense action scenes in fluent English. Shiori Kutsuna won the audition for Deadpool 2, making it her first film appearance for a major studio that produces Hollywood films. Starting with this work, she made a full-scale entry into Hollywood and has grown into an international actress representing Japan. Who is Shiori Kutsuna? Source :YouTube screenshot Shiori Kutsuna is a third generation Japanese-Australian born in 1992 and is 27 years old (as of 2020). She came to Japan in 2006 to pursue an acting career. In 2007, she made her debut as an actress with "Kinpachi-sensei." After graduating from Horikoshi Senior High School in 2011, she went on to study at a university in Tokyo, but she couldn't balance her acting career with it, and dropped out of school in 2013. By 2017, she was a distinguished Japanese actress with a spectacular career, including being selected for the Up Next Award, which is given to eight next generation stars in Asia, at the 2nd Macau International Film Festival. She has appeared in numerous commercials, popular movies and popular dramas, including "Pocky's" commercials, "Housekeeper Mita," and "Oh! Father." It announced that she left the major entertainment agency Oscar Promotions at the end of 2019. Summary of Shiori Kutsuna Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Shiori Kutsuna｜Deadpool 2｜Red Carpet," was released in 2018 by "maidigitv." It features an interview with Shiori Kutsuna and a look at the enthusiastic fans at the event. The interview with actress Shiori Kutsuna is full of fascinating details about her. She also has an Instagram page, so be sure to check it out!

The Movie Version of the Popular TV Drama "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Premiers in Theaters Summer, 2019! The video introduced in this article is titled "From Today, It’s My Turn!! Movie Version Preview" (【In theaters from July 17 (Fri)】（『今日から俺は!!劇場版』予告【7月17日（金）公開】). It's a trailer for the movie of the same name, posted by "Toho MOVIE Channel." "From Today, It’s My Turn!!," is a popular drama that aired in 2018, and this film adaptation was also highly anticipated. It is based on the legendary delinquent manga "From Today, It's My Turn!!," by Hiroyuki Nishimori, and was published in Extra Shonen Sunday from September 1988 to August 1990, and then moved to Weekly Shonen Sunday where it was serialized from issue 40 in 1990 to issue 47 in 1997. The Popular Drama, "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot The story of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" is a yankee battle gag manga set in 1980s Nanya High School in Chiba Prefecture. It's considered the gold standard for delinquent manga, with a total of 40 million copies sold in 38 volumes of its comics edition. It is unique in that, unlike other delinquent manga, there are no characters who are members of biker gangs, and there are no scenes of violence, vulgarity, or scenes that involve killing. The Long-Awaited Movie Version of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot "From Today, It’s My Turn!!," is written and directed by Yuichi Fukuda, just like the drama, and the episode "VS Hokunei High School" which was popular in the original, is brought to life on the big screen by the regular cast members. Regarding the characters and cast, main characters Takashi Mitsuhashi, introduced at 0:14 in the video, and Shinji Ito, introduced at 0:17, are played by Kento Kaku and Kentaro Ito respectively, with the heroine Riko Akasaka played by Nana Seino and Kanna Hashimoto as Kyoko Hayakawa. In addition to this, Yuya Yagira plays Eiji Yanagi, the principal of Hokunei High School (0:24), Maika Yamamoto plays Sukeban Ryoko Morikawa, Tsuyoshi Muro plays Mr. Mukunoki, and Professor Sorimachi is played by Shinobu Hasegawa of SISSONE. Questions about hidden cast members, such as whether Kento Yamazaki, who appeared in the final episode of the TV drama series will appear in this movie, is also a hot topic. Created in response to many voices asking for a sequel after it gained popularity on TV, "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" is set to be released in theaters, and it will also be revived as a special drama. The Rising Excitement for the Movie Release of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot Upon the release of "From Today, It’s My Turn!! Movie Version," the poster blew up on social media sites. The movie was designed with a "Tribute to the Great Movies of the 80s," feel, with 22 cast members taking part in its creation. It's sure to attract the attention of movie lovers! The preview introduced here also features many comedic scenes and powerful fight scenes. There are many attractive scenes in the video, such as full-on war at 0:51. Summary of "From Today, It’s My Turn!!" Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think of the introduction video for "From Today, It’s My Turn!!"? It'll be exciting to see how the movie turns out. Are you planning on watching it? Enjoy the legendary yankee manga, with its humanistic storyline, charming characters, and gags that will have you dying from laughter!

The Winners of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show! This video, titled "Japanese Designers Take Home Gold at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in the UK! (19/05/24)" (イギリスの園芸大会で日本人デザイナーが金賞受賞(19/05/24)), was produced by "ANNnewsCH." It's a short news clip about Japanese designers Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura who placed first at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura are young gardeners working in Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido). In this article, we'll introduce Chelsea Flower Show 2019, a gardening event that the gardening duo participated in in London. Before we go any further, check out the video to see what the competition is all about! The RHS Chelsea Flower Show Photo：Gardening The Chelsea Flower Show is a gardening event held at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) in the UK. The flower festival, the largest in the world, has a history as the oldest flower show in the UK. It's held every year in May, and landscaping craftsmen, carpenters, and plasterers gather from all over the world to attend it. There is also a shop that sells various gardening products. The eligibility requirements to join the contest and do exhibition sales are not easily met, so exhibiting one's own works is not an easy task. One of the highlights of the Chelsea Flower Show is the Garden Design Contest. The contest's show garden categories include a "Show Garden" category, an "Artisan Garden" category, and a "Space To Grow Garden" category. Each category varies in size and is judged on display, construction and planting techniques. If you're a gardening enthusiast, this is a must-attend event and the venue is packed with people. The Japanese Duo That Took Home Gold! Source :YouTube screenshot At the 2019 UK gardening competition, Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura took home the Gold Medal in the "Space To Grow" category at their first ever challenge. Their entry, "Kampo No Niwa," (The Garden of Chinese Herbs), was inspired by the nature of Hokkaido and depicted the flow of water as snow melted. The concept of the garden was "a garden for health and happiness" and it incorporated feng shui and included medicinal plants. The model garden of the Gold-award-winning garden is shown at 0:13 in the video. In 2018, Kazuyuki Ishihara also won the Gold Medal award for his "Omotenashi no Niwa" (Garden of Hospitality), exhibited in the Artisan Garden category. Kazuyuki Ishihara is a veteran of many gold awards and has been exhibiting at the Chelsea Flower Show since 2006. Summary of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Miki Sato and Kazuto Kashiwakura, the Japanese duo who won the Gold Medal award at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It also shows the site of the venue where their exhibition "Kampo No Niwa" is displayed. The video also includes an interview with visitors, so you can feel the atmosphere of the Chelsea Flower Show for yourself! If you're interested in gardening be sure to check out the video to see the award winning exhibit, "Kampo no Niwa"! 【Tripadvisor】RHS Chelsea Flower Show https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g186338-d10020593-Reviews-RHS_Chelsea_Flower_Show-London_England.html

Introducing Ai Tominaga at the “Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2019” awards ceremony The video "Ai Tominaga Overcome With Emotion While Receiving the " Vogue Japan" Award, Sparking Her Debut / Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2019 Awards Ceremony（冨永愛、デビューのキッカケとなった「VOGUE JAPAN」の賞を受賞し感極まる／VOGUE JAPAN WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2019 授賞式）,” was produced by “moviecollection.jp”. Shown in the video is, Ai Tominaga being interviewed on stage at the fashion magazine “Vogue Japan” awards ceremony after being nominated for the “Women forging their careers without forgetting passion and objectivity” category in 2019. In this article, we'll comment on the relationship between VOGUE and Ai Tominaga, as well as her charming allure. Watch the video to see the overwhelming beauty of the popular supermodel Ai Tominaga donning her black Givenchy dress and short, sleek black hair. Who Is the Top Model AI Tominaga, and How Did She Reach the Forefront of Her Field? Source :YouTube screenshot Ai Tominaga was born in 1982, in Kanagawa prefecture of Japan's Kanto region. She is 179 cm tall and has an outstanding figure. As of April 2020, she is 37 years old. She started out as an amateur model for the fashion magazine “PuchiSeven”, but having a picture of her in her school uniform during her high school years featured in VOGUE expanded her opportunities astronomically. She made her debut on the world stage as a runway model in 2001 at New York Fashion Week and gradually became a top model representing Japan, working runways such as Paris Fashion Week. In the video, she talks about her relationship with VOGUE on the stage at the awards ceremony. You can see the interview from 0:45 in the video. Presently, she not only works as a supermodel, but has also moved into television, radio, and is featured in some commercials as well. She even makes guest appearances at events. In 2019, she appeared in the television drama “Grand Maison Tokyo” featuring Takuya Kimura. This became a very hot topic, and attracted a lot of media attention. As for her personal life, she got married to a pastry chef but they later divorced and she now raises their son. She also published her first beauty book “The Rules of Beauty” in March of 2020. This book details Ai Tominaga’s personal life, including things such as diet and makeup routines. About “VOGUE JAPAN Women of the Year 2019” Source : YouTube screenshot The “VOGUE JAPAN Women of the Year” award, as shown in the video, is an award that is handed out to remarkable women by the fashion magazine “VOGUE JAPAN’. Besides the “Women of the Year” award, they also created a new category called “Women of our Time” to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the magazine. This category was meant to acknowledge women who have worked a long time at the forefront of their fields but that have also continued to increase their appeal over the years. The trophies handed out to the awardees was designed by the artist, Asami Kiyokawa. The women nominated for the 2019 “Women of the Year” award were: the celebrity Rino Shinohara, singer/songwriter Rina Sawayama, the organizing consultant Marie Kondo, professional golf player Hinako Shibuno, the actress Hana Sugisaki, and the model Mika. In contrast, the nominees for the “Women of Our Time” award, were the actress Haruka Ayase, the model Ai Tominaga, the singer Yumi Matsutoya, and Tetsuko Koyanagi. Each awardee shone on stage in outfits that displayed their individuality. A Summary of AI Tominaga at the “Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2019” Awards Ceremony Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Ai Tominaga Overcome With Emotion While Receiving the " Vogue Japan" Award, Sparking Her Debut / Vogue Japan Women of the Year 2019 Awards Ceremony" shows Japanese top model Ai Tominaga giving her thank-you-speech, saying “I am grateful to have been able to work as a model for the past 20+ years. I’m tearing up….”. Her superb figure that she has maintained after all these years, as well as her moving thank-you-speech show that she has the radiance of someone deserving of this award. Take a look at the video showing the continued brilliance of Ai Tominaga. You can also see the latest information on Ai Tominaga by following her on Instagram! 【Official Website】Ai Tominaga http://www.tominagaai.net/en/

This video, titled "A Unique Building in Ginza: Based on the Theme of 'Sukashibori' (16/06/15)" (銀座にユニークなビル出現・・・「透かし彫り」がテーマ(16/06/15)), was released by "ANNnewsCH." The Ginza Place building, which opened in 2016 at the Ginza 4-Chome intersection, has 11 floors above ground and two basement levels, and is based on a traditional craft called "Sukashibori" (openwork/pierced work/fretwork) that involves creating patterns on thin sheets of wood. It contains a Sony showroom, an event space, restaurants, and many other areas, and as a "landmark for creating the Ginza of tomorrow," it serves as a base for contributing to the creation of a district in Ginza that communicates new values and a future for the world from Japan. The architect in charge of the exterior design was Klein Dytham Architecture, an internationally acclaimed firm with a deep knowledge of Japan.

Traditional Japanese Technology - About the Karakuri Puppet intro video The video “Karakuri puppet – 4K Ultra HD,” created by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, introduces two traditional Japanese wind-up puppets: "Yumihiki Doji" (弓曳童子), the puppet of a boy drawing a bow, and "Mojigaki Ningyo" (文字書き人形), the calligraphy puppet. In this three-minute video, you can see how these famous puppets work, so we highly recommend watching the video if you're interested in the following two questions: ・How do traditional Japanese Karakuri puppets move? ・What is the history and culture of traditional Japanese Karakuri puppets? This article focuses on the traditional Japanese technology “Karakuri” puppets, which is said to be the origin of robot creation. To begin with, please take a look at the video to see delicate and intricate movements of the puppets. About the Puppets "Yumihiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo" Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot The two puppets "Yumihiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo" are representative examples of Japanese wind-up puppets, as well as the famous puppet “Ocha Hakobi Ningyo (お茶運び人形),” the teacup carrying puppet. The first puppet "Yumihiki Doji," which you can see at 0:05 of this video, grabs four arrows firmly and shoots them at its target. The puppet aims at the target carefully, sometimes raising its face and even changing its own facial expressions. From 1:52 you can see another mechanized puppet “Mojigaki Ningyo,” holding ink brushes in its mouth and hand and writing letters on paper in the other hand. You'll be amazed when it starts writing two different letters at the same time! About Karakuri Puppets- Traditional Japanese Technology Photo：A Karakuri Puppet on a Parade Float Karakuri wind-up puppets have a long history; dating all the way back to the Heian period(794-1185). Back then, hand-puppeteered Karakuri puppets were mostly used for entertainment during rituals or at theaters. It is said that this kind of wind-up puppet was developed further in the Edo period(1603-1868). Wind-up puppets were a kind of pop culture back then; they were used as toys to play in tatami rooms or placed on festival floats. Today you can see these puppets at traditional Japanese puppet shows such as Ningyo Joruri (人形浄瑠璃), Takayama Festival (高山祭り, Takayama Matsuri) in Gifu prefecture, Karakuri Ningyoshibai Hall in Gunma prefecture, Takeda Marionette Theater (竹田人形座, Takeda Ningyo-Za) in Nagano prefecture, and many more. There is a book called "Karakuri Zui" (機匠図彙), showing structures and mechanical drawings of Karakuri wind-up puppets. It includes how to make nine different kinds of puppets. The best puppet creators in the Edo period are said to be Oumi Takeda and the “Karakuri Master”(からくり儀右衛門, Karakuri Giemon) Hisashige Tanaka. Currently Tanaka's works are preserved at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. Today Mr. Tamaya Shobei IX, the professional Karakuri puppet craftsman, restores, repairs, produces and sells puppets. Karakuri wind-up puppets are powered by wood, springs, and threads, and therefore don’t require electricity. The technology of traditional Karakuri puppets is highly valued, as it is said to have had a profound impact on western technology Overview of Karakuri Puppets Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot In the video "Karakuri puppet – 4K Ultra HD," you see the two automatic wind-up puppets: "Yumibiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo." The movements of both puppetss is quite interesting; It's as if the puppets are changing their own facial expressions. Also, don’t overlook the tiny puppet below Yumibiki Doji turning a lever! In addition to the two puppets in this video, there are various other kinds of Karakuri wind-up puppets: magician puppets, spirit buying puppets, airplane operating puppets, and more. If you are interested in traditional Japanese technology, please look into some of these other puppets as well!

日本の伝統工芸螺鈿職人紹介動画 こちらの動画は「ニッポン手仕事図鑑」が公開した「螺鈿職人になる旅 / 武蔵川工房」です。 螺とは螺旋状の殻をもつ貝のことを指し、鈿とは金属や貝による飾りのことを指します。 アワビやヤコウガイ（夜光貝）シロチョウガイ（白蝶貝）クロチョウガイ（黒蝶貝）カワシンジュガイ（青貝）などの材料で幾何学模様を刻むという点で、螺鈿（らでん）は蒔絵や卵殻などとは異なります。 貝の厚さは0.4～1㎜で花鳥風月のデザインを刻むという点でも日本の伝統工芸らしさが際立ちます。 日本有数の伝統工芸螺鈿職人として最も有名な方が、動画で紹介されている武蔵川工房の親方である武蔵川剛嗣さんです。 螺鈿職人を育てた高岡漆器という日本の伝統 日本の伝統工芸である螺鈿職人を育てた歴史背景には、高岡漆器という日本の伝統工芸があります。 高岡漆器の特徴は町人文化のなかで日用品へ職人たちが技術を磨くため漆を塗り、それぞれの技法を乗せたという起源があります。 それらの匠の技として、象嵌という技法が挙げられます。 これは一つの材料に異質の原料をはめ込む種類の作り方で作られた美術品や工芸品を言います。 明治時代になると石瀬松次郎が青貝螺鈿加飾という伝統工芸漆器を始め、青貝塗という日本伝統文化を広めました。 やがて伝統工芸として螺鈿師という立場が確立され、武蔵川工房の武蔵川さんは国指定の伝統的工芸品の認定者となります。 螺鈿は光の加減によって様々な色に映るため、武蔵川工房では暑さを0.1mmまで削り加飾を行います。 高岡漆器独自のこの工程を踏むのが武蔵川工房様の特徴でもあります。 貝の輝きをいかに引き出し、コントロールできるかが伝統工芸を作る螺鈿職人の腕の見せ所であるとも言えます。 現代に活きる日本の伝統文化・螺鈿 現代においても螺鈿職人は様々な工夫を凝らして螺鈿の文化を進化させています。 ペーパーウェイトや帯留め、髪飾りや箸、時計やガラスに細工された螺鈿の作品は見ているだけでも楽しいものばかりです。 武蔵川工房でも皿や飾箱、茶器などへの螺鈿装飾を行ったものが多く制作されています。 動画では2:24よりご覧になることができます。 スマートフォンケースやスマートフォンリングといった現代の生活に即した螺鈿作品を作る螺鈿職人もいます。 日本の伝統文化螺鈿職人紹介まとめ 螺鈿職人は日本には数多くいますが、高岡漆器の歴史を組む武蔵川工房の螺鈿作品は他に類を見ない美しさを持っています。 ぜひ日本の富山県へ訪れた際には螺鈿にも触れてみてはいかがですか。

This video, titled "The Benefits of Saunas｜The World's First Study Begins" (サウナで「ととのう」ワケ　世界初の研究始まる), was released by "HTB News" (HTBニュース). Most hot springs and public baths in Japan are equipped with a sauna. Many people go to hot springs and public baths to enjoy sauna. The people introduced in the video are members of the Japan Association of Sauna, which was established to study sauna. They go into the sauna after tests to examine brain activity and see how it changes. Sauna has blood circulation-boosting properties, and it is said that by relaxing in them, your body will be readjusted. Spend some quality time in a Japanese sauna, which is both comfortable and good for you. Sometimes you just need to sweat it out!