This video, titled "Japan's Science and Technology Connecting the World - For a Sustainable Future" (世界をつなぐ日本の科学技術—持続可能な未来のために), was released by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This video features interviews with Japanese engineers who are active in the fields of both medicine and engineering. Starting with the IPS cells introduced by Professor Shinya Yamanaka, a surgeon, to AI-powered robots, chemistry is essential for enriching life and living. It is not an exaggeration to say that Japan is a good place to live today because of the many scientists in addition to those featured in this video. In this video, you can hear the thoughts of these scientists, so I highly recommend you to watch it.

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?

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

Introducing the Benefits of Natto, a Japanese Staple This video, titled "The Mysterious World of Bacillus Natto: Natto: The Power of Life. How Bacillus Natto and Lactic Acid Bacteria Help Eachother!" (【納豆】納豆菌の不思議な世界「なっとう　いのちの力」 納豆菌と乳酸菌は助け合っていた!?), was uploaded by "Natto Channel" (納豆ちゃんねる). It introduces the benefits and mysteries of natto. Natto, a fermented food made from soybeans, is a commonly eaten food in Japan. It has a unique consistency and aroma, and is one of the most popular items on the Japanese breakfast menu, known for its high nutritional value and health benefits. This video explains in detail the relationship between natto and lactic acid bacteria, while showing images of the entire growth process of bacillus natto. This article introduces the relationship between natto and lactic acid bacteria alongside the video. The Health Benefits of Natto Photo：Wara natto (straw natto) Natto is made by soaking soybeans, a crop deeply rooted in Japanese food culture, in water, steaming them, spraying them with bacillus natto, and fermenting and maturing them. Bacillus natto, an essential ingredient of natto, is a bacterium called hay bacillus. Bacillus natto is a sub-type of hay bacillus that lives abundantly in rice straw, and a single straw of Japanese rice contains almost 10 million bacillus natto bacteria. The sticky, thread-like substance of natto is the shell of bacillus natto, called a spore. Bacillus natto is a strong bacterium that can withstand temperatures between -100°C and 100°C and can survive even stomach acid and make it to the intestines. Natto is rich in nutrients and also contains vitamins B2 and K2. The benefits of these vitamins include: skin beautification, stimulating growth in children, fatigue relief, improved liver function and immunity, bone strengthening, and the combating of bad bacteria. Nattokinase, an amino acid, is also an enzyme that helps dissolve blood clots in the blood and promotes blood thinning. Nattokinase is heat-sensitive, and its activity decreases rapidly at temperatures above 50°C (122°F) when there is a lot of water in the body. However, it is also considered one of the strongest bacterium because the temperature at which it is completely killed or sterilized is 120°C (248°F). Bacillus natto germinates and grows from spores when placed in a suitable environment. Growing in lines, bacillus natto produces mysterious patterns as well. The mysterious patterns can be seen via microscope at 2:15 in the video. The Relationship Between Bacillus Natto and Lactic Acid Bacteria Photo：Lactic acid bacteria A variety of bacteria coexist in the intestines. For example, there are E. coli bacteria, which are often harmful to the human body and also multiply at a rapid rate. When bacillus natto and E. coli are placed in the same humidity and temperature environment, the speed of growth of bacillus natto is much faster than that of E. coli, as shown at 4:54 in the video. Lactic acid bacteria are less active in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. This is because lactic acid bacteria do not have the catalase enzyme to decompose hydrogen peroxide. Bacillus natto on the other hand, has this catalase enzyme. Therefore, when natto extract is added to lactic acid bacteria, the lactic acid bacteria are activated and cultivated intensely, thereby enhancing the regulatory effect on the intestinal environment. A clip showing the relationship between lactic acid bacteria, which are also good bacteria, and bacillus natto is shown at 6:18 in the video. Summary of Bacillus Natto, the Super Bacteria Promoting Health in the Japanese People The above video, "The Mysterious World of Bacillus Natto: Natto: The Power of Life. How Bacillus Natto and Lactic Acid Bacteria Help Eachother!", introduces the mysterious bacillus natto that plays an important role in the health of the Japanese people. It also shows the amazing power of bacillus natto. A variety of natto products are available for sale in Japan and can be easily purchased at convenience stores and supermarkets. If you've never tried natto, consider giving this healthy food a try!

Introducing SDG Initiatives by Companies in Hokkaido via Video This video, titled "Recycling Scrap Tires to Make New Products! From Hokkaido SDGs to the Future｜WEEK⑤ Broadcast on December 3, 2021" (廃タイヤをリサイクルで新たなモノへ！ＳＤＧｓ北海道から未来へWEEK⑤ 2021年12月3日放送), was uploaded by "HBC News Hokkaido Broadcasting Co." (HBCニュース　北海道放送). This news program introduces companies in Sapporo, Hokkaido that are working on SDGs, in 7-minute video. This article will explain SDGs and introduce the technology to transform scrap tires into a resource, as seen in the video. Learn about the future SDGs through the efforts of a company that has been developing technology to treat scrap tires as a resource for the past 22 years. What Are SDGs? Photo：SDGs The term SDGs refers to "Sustainable Development Goals." They are international goals that aim for a sustainable and better world by 2030, and there are 17 major goals in total. This time, the video introduces goal number 12, "Responsible Consumption and Production," which aims to "ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns." In other words, it is an initiative to reuse scrap tires, which are disposed of in large quantities, by converting them back into recyclable resources. The Sapporo Based Companies That Have the Technology to Turn Scrap Tires Into a Resource Photo：Scrap tires Introduced at the beginning of the video is the aquarium tank at Sunpiazza Aquarium in Atsubetsu, Sapporo. The aquarium's purification system contains special anti-algae/anti-mold pouches that inhibit the formation of algae and mold, which can be seen at 1:13 in the video. The anti-algae pouches make it easier to keep the aquarium clean and reduces the frequency at which they need to be cleaned. The anti-algae pouches are made of crushed anti-bacterial plated film, and this technology originated from the crushing technology of scrap tires. The company that developed the anti-algae pouches is Kotobuki Sangyo of Sapporo, Japan. Kotobuki Sangyo's core business is the manufacturing of roller guides, which are auxiliary devices used in steel mills to stretch steel heated to over 1000℃. The company's roller guides account for about 80% of the domestic market share, but 22 years ago the company decided that it could no longer rely solely on these roller guides and began exploring new avenues of business. The largest percentage of scrap tires are recycled for thermal use as fuel (65%), while repurposing (reuse of rubber) accounts for only 17%. Kotobuki Sangyo has taken on the challenge of recovering scrap tires and recycling them back into useable materials. The tires contain steel wires and mesh, so it was very difficult to develop a technology to remove these and crush the resilient rubber. Kotobuki Sangyo developed a machine specialized in recycling scrap tires, believing that recycling was absolutely necessary to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Made With Rubber Chips From Recycled Scrap Tires Source :YouTube screenshot Rubber mats (water-permeable rubber sheets) and rubber boots made with rubber chips made from crushed scrap tires are introduced at 5:40 in the video. The rubber boots are made of ultra-fine 0.06 mm rubber powder by utilizing this crushing technology. This recycled rubber can also be used to make new tires. Some manufacturers have begun selling sandals and bags made from scrap tires, as well as crepia powder (クレピアパウダー), antibacterial insoles for safety shoes, and crepia fiber, which are made from scrap tires. How Scrap Tires are Currently Disposed of in Japan Photo：A car tire Scrap tires are industrial waste and cannot be disposed of like regular trash; they must be picked up by a disposal company. In addition to being collected free of charge by dealers when new tires are purchased and replaced, used tires can also be purchased if they are still usable. In addition to the method introduced here (turning scrap tires into rubber chips for reuse), there are other methods which include turning them into recycled oil, metal, and rubber. In addition, "recycled tires," in which only the grooves of the tire are re-covered, have been attracting attention as a way to reduce the amount of scrap tires themselves. These recycled tires are subject to Japan's Green Purchasing Law. Summary of Japan's Scrap Tire Recycling and SDGs The above video, "Recycling Scrap Tires to Make New Products! From Hokkaido SDGs to the Future｜WEEK⑤ Broadcast on December 3, 2021," introduces a company with the technology to recycle scrap tires. Approximately 100 million scrap tires, roughly 1 million tons, are generated every year, and the problems surrounding them are becoming more and more serious. Simply burning and disposing of scrap tires is damaging to the environment and a waste of valuable resources. In order to reduce CO2 emissions, save energy, and conserve resources, it's important to use scrap tires as a resource. If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to learn more about companies and their efforts to turn waste tires into resources.

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

Wi-Fi in Japan: Video Introduction 日本にほんのWi-Fiわぃふぁいの動画どうが紹介しょうかい This video, titled "Should I Get a Pocket Wi-Fi in Japan? - JAPAN and more," was uploaded by "Japan and More." 今回こんかいは、『Japan and More』さん制作せいさくの『Should I Get a Pocket Wi-Fiわぃふぁい in Japan? - JAPAN and more』という動画どうがを紹介しょうかいします。 Wi-Fi Availability in Japan 日本にほんのWi-Fiわぃふぁい事情じじょう Photo：Free Wi-Fi（写真しゃしん：Free Wi-Fiわぃふぁい） One of the most important things to consider when traveling is internet access. 旅行りょこうするときに最もっとも重要じゅうようなことの１つひとつは、インターネットへのアクセスです。 Being able to access the internet will allow you to find what you're looking for, get help if trouble arises, and save you time while traveling. 旅行りょこう中ちゅうにインターネットが利用りようできると、情報じょうほうを調しらべたり、トラブルが起おきたときに助たすけを求もとめられたり 、旅行りょこうのときに時間じかんを節約せつやくできるものです。 While almost all hotels in Japan are going to have Wi-Fi, once you leave the hotel to do some sightseeing, you're going to have to find public Wi-Fi or be left with no internet. 日本にほんのほとんどのホテルにWi-Fiわぃふぁいはありますが、ホテルを出でて観光かんこうをするときは、公共こうきょうのWi-Fiわぃふぁいを探さがさなないとインターネットを利用りようできません。 In recent years, public Wi-Fi has become increasingly accessible, and many train stations and cafes now offer publicly accessible Wi-Fi. 最近さいきんでは、公共こうきょうWi-Fiわぃふぁいがどんどん身近みぢかなものになり、多おおくの駅えきやカフェで公共こうきょうWi-Fiわぃふぁいを提供ていきょうしています。 That being said, most of these Wi-Fi networks require you to register to use them. しかし、ほとんどのWi-Fiわぃふぁいネットワークは、利用りようするために登録とうろくする必要ひつようがあります。 This can be troublesome as you'll have to register to use a Wi-Fi each time you find a new one, and if you leave that location, you also lose your Wi-Fi connection. ということは、その場所ばしょから離はなれると接続せつぞくがきれるため、新あたらしいWi-Fiわぃふぁいを見みつけるたびに登録とうろくしなければなりません。 To avoid these problems, we recommend getting your own Wi-Fi plan. このようなトラブルが起おこらないように、自分じぶん専用せんようのWi-Fiわぃふぁいプランを準備じゅんびすることをおすすめします。 [Video] 0:39 - Wi-Fi Availability in Japan 【動画どうが】0:39～　日本にほんのWi-Fiわぃふぁいの事情じじょう Pocket Wi-Fi, SIM Cards, & Wi-Fi Apps in Japan 日本にほんで利用りようするポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁい、SIMカード、Wi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリ Photo：Pocket Wi-Fi（写真しゃしん：ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁい） There are 3 main ways to get Wi-Fi when traveling in Japan: pocket Wi-Fi, SIM cards, and Wi-Fi apps. 日本にほんを旅行りょこうするときに、Wi-Fiわぃふぁいを利用りようするには、主おもに「ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁい」「SIMカード」「Wi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリ」の3つみっつの方法ほうほうがあります。 Pocket Wi-Fi: ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁい： Pocket Wi-Fi refers to small mobile routers that can quite literally fit in your pocket. ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいとは、文字通もじどおりポケットに入はいる小型こがたのモバイルルーターのことです。 They can be rented online from a variety of companies. 様々さまざまな会社かいしゃからオンラインでレンタルすることができます。 [Video] 3:22 - What is Pocket Wi-Fi? 【動画どうが】3:22～　ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいとは？ Sim Cards: SIMカード： Sim cards are small chips that allow the user to connect to a network. SIMカードは、ユーザーネットワークへの接続せつぞくを許可きょかする小ちいさなチップです。 When traveling, they can be purchased and put inside your phone to allow internet access. 携帯電話けいたいでんわの中なかに入いれることで、インターネットにアクセスできます。 Data, etc., will vary by plan. プランによってデータ量りょうなどの内容ないようは変かわります。 Wi-Fi Apps: Wi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリ： Wi-Fi apps generally refer to apps that help you find publicly available Wi-Fi networks. Wi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリとは、一般的いっぱんてきに公共こうきょうWi-Fiわぃふぁいを見みつけるためのアプリを指さします。 Top 3 Pocket Wi-Fi Providers for Travel in Japan 日本旅行にほんりょこうで使つかえるポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいプロバイダ３選せん Photo：Wi-Fi（写真しゃしん：Wi-Fiわぃふぁい） There are many different pocket Wi-Fi providers to choose from when traveling in Japan, but below are our top 3 picks, as well as one plan offered by each pocket Wi-Fi provider. 日本にほんを旅行りょこうする時ときには、様々さまざまなポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいプロバイダから選えらぶことができますが、その中なかでも特とくにおすすめの3社しゃと、ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいの各かくプロバイダが提供ていきょうする1つのプランを紹介しょうかいします。 ※Prices current as of 12/19/2022. ※料金りょうきんやプランは2022年にせんにじゅうにねん12月じゅうにがつ19日じゅうくにち時点じてんのものです。 Please check the official provider websites for up-to-date information regarding plans, pricing, etc. プラン・料金りょうきん等などの最新情報さいしんじょうほうは、各かくプロバイダの公式こうしきサイトをご確認かくにんください。 [Ninja WiFi] 【Ninja WiFi】 Data/Plan: Unlimited Plan データ・プラン：無制限むせいげんプラン 　SoftBank 4G LTE 　SoftBank 4G LTE 　187.35 Mbps 　187.35Mbps 　Unlimited Data 　データ通信量つうしんりょう無制限むせいげん 　※Exceeding 3GB/day may result in throttling 　※1日いちにちあたり3GBを超こえると通信速度つうしんそくどの減速げんそくの場合ばあいがあります。 Pricing (7 Days): 料金りょうきん（7日間なのかかん）： 　¥990/Day (tax included) 　990円きゅうひゃくえん(税込ぜいこみ)／1日いちにち Battery Life: 連続れんぞく通信つうしん時間じかん： 　9 Hours 　9時間くじかん Pick-up/Return: 受取うけとり・返却へんきゃく： 　Free pick-up/return at major international airport counters or affiliate counters 　主要しゅよう国際空港こくさいくうこうカウンターまたは提携ていけいカウンターにて無料むりょうで受取うけとり・返却へんきゃくができます。 　Returnable at convenience stores across Japan or at airport delivery service counters (¥550 (tax included)) 　日本全国にほんぜんこくのコンビニエンスストア、空港くうこうの宅配たくはいカウンターで返却へんきゃくすることもできます（550 円えん（税込ぜいこみ））。 Insurance: 保険ほけん： 　¥440/Day (tax included) (Includes a spare battery) 　440円よんひゃくよんじゅうえん(税込ぜいこみ)／1日いちにち（予備よびバッテリー含ふくむ） [Japan Wireless] 【Japan Wireless】 Data/Plan: Premium WiFi データ・プラン：プレミアムWiFi 　SoftBank 4G LTE 　SoftBank 4G LTE 　187 Mbps 　187Mbps 　Unlimited Data 　データ通信量つうしんりょう無制限むせいげん 　No Throttling 　通信速度つうしんそくどの減速げんそくの場合ばあいがありません。 Pricing (7 Days): 料金りょうきん（7日間なのかかん）： 　¥1,137/Day 　1137円せんひゃくさんじゅうななえん(税込ぜいこみ)／1日いちにち Battery Life: 連続れんぞく通信つうしん時間じかん： 　4-8 Hours 　4よん～8はち時間じかん Pick-up/Return: 受取うけとり・返却へんきゃく： 　Free pick-up at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and other select airports, as well as hotels, post offices, residences, and offices in Japan. 　成田空港なりたくうこう、羽田空港はねだくうこう、その他た一部いちぶの空港くうこう、日本国内にほんこくないのホテル、郵便局ゆうびんきょく、住宅じゅうたく、オフィスなどで無料むりょう受取うけとりができます。 　Can be returned via any postbox in Japan with the designated envelope 　指定していの封筒ふうとうで日本全国にほんぜんこくの郵便局ゆうびんきょくより返送へんそうができます。 Insurance: 保険ほけん： 　¥88/Day 　88 円えん／1日いちにち 　※75% Coverage 　※75％ななじゅうごぱーせんと補償ほしょう [eConnect Japan] 【eConnect Japan】 　Data/Plan: Premium Plan 　データ・プラン：プレミアムプラン 　SoftBank 4G LTE 　SoftBank 4G LTE 　187.5 Mbps 　187.35Mbps 　Unlimited Data 　データ通信量つうしんりょう無制限むせいげん 　Throttling after 50GB 　※50GBを超こえると通信速度つうしんそくどの減速げんそくの場合ばあいがあります。 Pricing (7 Days): 料金りょうきん（7日間なのかかん）： 　¥843/Day 　843はっぴゃくよんじゅうさん円えん(税込ぜいこみ)／1日いちにち Battery Life: 連続れんぞく通信つうしん時間じかん： 　8-48 Hours 　8はち～48よんじゅうはち時間じかん Pick-up/Return: 受取うけとり・返却へんきゃく： 　Pick up available at hotels, airports, post offices, and residences (¥790 shipping fee + tax) 　日本全国にほんぜんこくのホテル、空港くうこう、郵便局ゆうびんきょく、自宅じたくなどでの受取うけとりができます（送料そうりょう790円ななひゃくきゅうじゅうえん＋たす税ぜい）。 　Can be returned via any post office/postbox in Japan with the designated envelope 　指定していの封筒ふうとうで日本全国にほんぜんこくの郵便局ゆうびんきょく・郵便箱ゆうびんばこより返送へんそうができます。 Insurance: 保険ほけん： 　※None 　※無なし [Video] 4:56 - Pocket Wi-Fi Pricing 【動画どうが】4:56～　ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいの料金りょうきん [Video] 5:57 - Where to Rent and Pick Up Pocket Wi-Fi 【動画どうが】5:57～　ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいのレンタル・受取うけとり場所ばしょ Top 3 SIM Cards for Travel in Japan 日本旅行にほんりょこうで使つかえるSIMカード３選せん Photo：A SIM card（写真しゃしん：SIMカードかーど That was our introduction to pocket Wi-Fi providers you can use when traveling in Japan. 日本旅行にほんりょこうで使つかえるポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいプロバイダを紹介しょうかいしました。 Next, we'll introduce our top 3 SIM card choices. 次つぎはSIMカード３選せんを紹介しょうかいします。 ※Prices current as of 12/19/2022. ※料金りょうきんやプランは2022年にせんにじゅうにねん12月じゅうにがつ19日じゅうくにち時点じてんのものです。 Please check the official provider websites for up-to-date information regarding plans, pricing, etc. プラン・料金りょうきん等などの最新情報さいしんじょうほうは、各かくプロバイダの公式こうしきサイトをご確認かくにんください。 [Mobal] 【Mobal】 Data/Plan: 8 Day Unlimited Data データ・プラン：8 Day Unlimited Data （8日間ようかかん無限むげんデータ） 　Unlimited 　無制限むせいげん 　4G LTE 　4G LTE 　※Exceeding 3GB/day may result in throttling 　※1日いちにちあたり3GBを超こえると通信速度つうしんそくどが減速げんそくする場合ばあいがあります。 　No Voice Calling 　音声通話おんせいつうわ不可ふか 　No Texting 　SMS不可ふか Pricing: 料金りょうきん： 　¥3,990 (8 Days) 　3,990円さんぜんきゅうひゃくきゅうじゅうえん (8日間ようかかん) Pick-up: 受取うけとり： 　Free shipping to most countries around the world 　世界中せかいじゅうのほとんどの国くにへの無料配送むりょうはいそうができます。 [IIJmio] 【IIJmio】 Data/Plan: 1GB/30 Days データ・プラン：1GB／30日さんじゅうにち 　4G LTE 　4G LTE 　788 Mbps 　788Mbps 　No Voice Calling 　音声通話おんせいつうわ不可ふか 　No Texting 　SMS不可ふか Pricing: 料金りょうきん： 　Set by retailer 　販売はんばい店てんによって異ことなります。 Pick-up: 受取うけとり： 　Available at airports and electronics stores across Japan 　日本全国にほんぜんこくの空港くうこう、家電量販店かでんりょうはんてんなどで購入こうにゅうできます。 [Simcard GEEK] 【Simcard GEEK】 Data/Plan: Japan Data SIM Card データ・プラン：Japan Data SIM Card 　4G LTE 　4G LTE 　8GB Data 　8GB 　※Exceeding 3GB/day may result in throttling 　※1日いちにちあたり3GBを超こえると通信速度つうしんそくどが減速げんそくする場合ばあいがあります。 　No Voice Calling 　音声通話おんせいつうわ不可ふか 　No Texting 　SMS不可ふか Pricing: 料金りょうきん： 　¥3,480 (8 Days) 　3,480円さんぜんよんひゃくはちじゅうえん (8日間ようかかん) Pick-up: 受取うけとり： 　Free shipping worldwide 　全世界ぜんせかい送料そうりょう無料むりょう Wi-Fi Apps for Travel in Japan 日本旅行にほんりょこうで使つかえるWi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリ Photo：The Google Play Store & the Apple App Store（写真しゃしん：Google Play Store と Apple App Store） The last thing we'll introduce is Wi-Fi apps. 最後さいごに紹介しょうかいするのは、Wi-Fiわぃふぁいのアプリです。 As we mentioned, Wi-Fi apps are smartphone apps that generally help you find publicly available Wi-Fi networks and automatically connect you to them. 上うえに書かいてあるように、Wi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリは一般的いっぱんてきには公共こうきょうWi-Fiわぃふぁいを見みつけ、自動的じどうてきに接続せつぞくすることができます。 Unfortunately, there aren't many good apps, and we only found two that were reliable: しかし残念ざんねんながら、良よいアプリは少すくなくて、頼たよりになるのは2つしか見みつかりませんでした。 Japan Wi-Fi auto connect and TownWiFi by GMO. それは「Japan Wi-Fiわぃふぁい auto connect」と「タウンWiFi by GMO」です。 Both of these apps work in essentially the same way. この２つのアプリの基本きほん的てきな使つかい方かたは同おなじです。 Both apps find nearby Wi-Fi and will connect automatically when you get in range. どちらのアプリも、近ちかくのWi-Fiわぃふぁいを探さがして、範囲はんい内ないに入はいると自動的じどうてきに接続せつぞくしてくれます。 This can be a huge time saver as it allows you to skip the login process when joining a new network by logging in automatically in the background. バックグラウンドで自動的じどうてきにログインされるので、新あたらしいネットワークに接続せつぞくする時ときのログイン手順てじゅんをスキップできるため、非常ひじょうに時間じかんの節約せつやくになります。 In terms of how the apps differ, the TownWifi by GMO app seems to have more available networks. アプリの違ちがいとしては、「タウンWiFi by GMO」というアプリの方ほうが、利用りようできるネットワークが多おおいという特徴とくちょうがあります。 It also has better functionality, as it gives you the option to prevent the app from connecting to Wi-Fi networks that are too slow. そして 速度そくどが遅おそすぎるWi-Fiわぃふぁいネットワークに接続せつぞくしないようにする設定せっていもあり、機能きのう的てきには優すぐれています。 That being said, it's safer to have both installed if one doesn't work, as they are both completely free. とはいえ、どちらも完全無料かんぜんむりょうなので、どちらかが使つかえない場合ばあいのために、両方りょうほうインストールしておいた方ほうが安心あんしんです。 How to Decide Which Wi-Fi Is Best for You? あなたに最適さいてきなWi-Fiわぃふぁいを決きめるには？ Photo：People with smartphones（写真しゃしん：スマホを持もつ人ひとたち） Now that we've gone over the 3 main ways to get Wi-Fi in Japan, let's talk about how you choose what's best for you. さて、日本旅行にほんりょこうでWi-Fiわぃふぁいを利用りようする3つみっつの方法ほうほうを紹介しょうかいしたところで、次つぎは自分じぶんに合あったWi-Fiわぃふぁいの選えらび方かたを見みていきましょう。 There are a number of things to keep in mind when choosing what kind of Wi-Fi to use: Wi-Fiわぃふぁいを選えらぶときには、いくつかの注意点ちゅういてんがあります。 [SIM Unlocked] 【SIMフリー】 If you're thinking about getting a SIM card, the first thing to do is make sure that your phone is SIM unlocked. SIMカードの購入こうにゅうを考かんがえている方かたは、まず自分じぶんのスマホがSIMフリーかどうかを確認かくにんしましょう。 If you purchase a SIM card without doing this, you run the risk of paying for something you can't use. 確認かくにんせずにSIMカードを購入こうにゅうすると、使つかえないものにお金かねを出だすことになります。 Furthermore, if it takes a while to purchase Wi-Fi, you'll have less time to enjoy traveling. さらに、Wi-Fiわぃふぁいが使つかえないだけでなく、購入こうにゅうする時間じかんが長ながくなると、旅行りょこうを楽たのしむ時間じかんが減へってしまう可能性かのうせいもあります。 [Number of people] 【人数にんずう】 The next thing to keep in mind is how many people you're traveling with. 次つぎに気きをつけたいのは、一緒いっしょに旅行りょこうする人数にんずうが何人なんにんかということです。 Most pocket Wi-Fi devices allow upwards of 10 people to connect to them at a time. ほとんどのポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁい端末たんまつは、同時どうじに10人じゅうにんまで接続せつぞくできます。 If you're traveling with a group of people, we recommend pocket Wi-Fi, as it will help save money. グループで旅行りょこうする場合ばあいは、お金かねを節約せつやくできるポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいを利用りようするのがおすすめです。 [Duration of stay] 【在日ざいにち期間きかん】 Another thing to consider is how long you'll be staying in Japan. もう1つ気きをつけたいのは、在日ざいにち期間きかんです。 If you're only going to be staying in Japan for a week or two, then carrying around a pocket Wi-Fi device probably won't be too much of a hassle. 1いち～2週間にしゅうかんぐらいの旅行りょこうの場合ばあいは、ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいを持もつのはそれほど気きにならないかもしれません。 That being said, if you're going to be staying any longer than that, you might be better off getting a SIM card so you don't have to keep a pocket Wi-Fi device with you at all times. しかし、それ以上いじょうの旅行りょこうをする場合ばあいには、ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいをずっと持もたなくていいようにSIMカードを買かった方ほうが良よいかもしれません。 This also removes the risk of accidentally losing your pocket Wi-Fi device, giving you peace of mind. なくす リスクもなくなりますので安心あんしんです。 [Budget] 【予算よさん】 The last thing to keep in mind obviously is budget. 最後さいごに気きをつけたいのは、予算よさんです。 SIM cards tend to be a bit more expensive than pocket Wi-Fi because of their ease-of-use. SIMカードは使つかいやすさから、ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいよりも少すこし高たかくなります If you value ease-of-use and don't want to worry about the potential costs of having to pay for a lose pocket Wi-Fi device, then a SIM card could be your best option. 使つかいやすさとポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいをなくした場合ばあいの費用ひようが気きになるのであれば、SIMカードがベストかもしれません。 Summary of Wi-Fi for Traveling in Japan 日本旅行にほんりょこうで使つかえるWi-Fiわぃふぁいまとめ nd that was our introduction to pocket Wi-Fi, SIM cards, and Wi-Fi apps, the 3 main ways of getting Wi-Fi in Japan. 日本旅行にほんりょこうのときの主おもなWi-Fiわぃふぁい取得しゅとく方法ほうほう、ポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁい、SIMカード、Wi-Fiわぃふぁいアプリの3つみっつを紹介しょうかいしてきました。 Our recommendation is to use a combination of both apps and pocket Wi-Fi or SIM cards. おすすめは、アプリとポケットWi-FiわぃふぁいまたはSIMカードの両方りょうほうを用もちいることです。 If you know you're going to be in one place for a while, you can use the apps to connect to a publicly available Wi-Fi network to save data on your pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card. しばらく同おなじ場所ばしょにいることが分わかっている場合ばあいは、アプリを使つかって公共こうきょうWi-Fiわぃふぁいに接続せつぞくすることで、ポケットWi-FiわぃふぁいやSIMカードのデータを節約せつやくできます。 Also, be sure to disconnect from your pocket Wi-Fi when you reach your hotel or whatever accommodation you may be staying at, and make sure to connect to the Wi-Fi network that they provide. また、ホテルなどの宿泊施設しゅくはくしせつに着ついたら、必かならずポケットWi-Fiわぃふぁいの接続せつぞくを切きって、その宿泊施設しゅくはくしせつが提供ていきょうするWi-Fiわぃふぁいネットワークに接続せつぞくしましょう。 That concludes our guide to Wi-Fi in Japan in 2023. 2023年にせんにじゅうさんねんの日本にほんのWi-Fiわぃふぁいガイドが以上いじょうになります。 We hope this guide can come in handy if you're considering traveling in Japan! 次つぎの日本旅行にほんりょこうのときには、ぜひこの記事きじを参考さんこうにしてください。 h2 ruby { font-weight: bold; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { font-size: 2.4rem !important; } .caption-text { font-size: 2rem !important; }

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!

The Lives of Ordinary People in the Taisho Era! This video, “1914-1918 (Taisho 3-7) the life of the common people and "Akatonbo"（1914～1918(大正3年～大正7年)庶民の暮らしと「赤とんぼ」）”, shows how Japanese people lived during the Taisho era. The photo was taken by the American salesman, Elstner Hilton. The song used in the video is "Akatombo," a famous Japanese nursery rhyme written by Miki Rofu, and composed by Kosaku Yamada. Before the war and during the First World War, the photographic techniques were not very well developed, so these photos are quite invaluable. Please enjoy the life of Japanese people that has been passed down to the present day through about 2.5 minutes of video. What Was the Taisho Period Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho era was about 100 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Taisho from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926. During this period in Japan, after the Meiji Restoration, "Taisho democracy" aimed for the development of democracy. Also, World War I occurred during the Taisho era. The Taisho era is a short period of only 15 years, but it is also an indispensable period for talking about modern Japanese history. The Clothes, Food, and Lifestyles of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot Clothes fashion appeared in the Taisho era, but many people still wore kimonos. At 1:16 in the video, a woman washing a kimono in the river is also shown. As you can see in the pictures, men usually have short hair and women generally have one hairstyle. At 0:28 in the video, there is also a figure of an easy-going fortune-teller on the roadside. At 0:35, a man knitting a basket of traditional handicrafts is photographed, and at 0:44, traditional Japanese daruma making is shot. In addition, the video features a series of photographs that show how people lived in Japan at the time. The hearth shown at 1:08 in the video, was indispensable for the lives and meals of the common people, and helped them survive the harsh winters. Also introduced at 1:56 is a performing arts culture called monkey loops. It was a recreation among ordinary people at the time without TV and internet. Summary of the Life of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot This time, we introduced a video showing photos of life in the Taisho era. You can see how the common people lived at the time from the precious photographs. Many smiling people appear in the photos. In the Taisho era, a war broke out and forced many people into poverty, but even still, their hearts remained rich.

“The Decades Long Research” by NIMS “The Decades Long Research” is a video uploaded by “nimspr.” TThis video introduces the NIMS creep test, which examines how metallic materials exposed to high temperatures degrade over a long period of time in a rupture load test. Let's take a look at their results! What is NIMS’ Creep Test? Source :YouTube screenshot NIMS stands for National Institute for Materials Science. It is an institution that studies the environment, energy, and resources in order to solve global issues. The 380 pieces of equipment lined up in a huge lab is shown at 0:17 in the video. The lab hypothesizes the piping, boilers, turbines and pressure vessels of the thermal power plants. As you can see from 1:38 in the video, the weights are attached to a single steel bar testing machine, and the test is carried out using large, high-temperature equipment with a heater. The NIMS creep test is conducted by placing the tester in an electric furnace and heating it at a constant temperature while applying a pulling force to the metal to monitor the creep deformation for more than 100,000 hours. The Benefits of NIMS' Creep Test Source :YouTube screenshot It is said that the longest time for this kind of creep test lasted more than 40 years. The creep test by NIMS broke the record of Siemens Germany, and it is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest test time. At 2:41 in the video, the test shows that the metal used in thermal power plants needs to be replaced earlier than previous assumptions. As a result, the safety standards for thermal power plants were revised. Creep tests are a simple test mostly just involves waiting, but it is vital in maintaining facilities and keeping our world safe. Summary of the NIMS Creep Test Source :YouTube screenshot Although the creep test by NIMS is essentially just waiting, it is a very important test to study the strength and durability of pipes and materials used in thermal power plants and petrochemical plants. There are many companies trying to solve energy and environmental problems. Expectations continue to rise for advanced technologies thanks to research such as the NIMS creep test. 【Official Website】NIMS https://www.nims.go.jp/eng/index.html

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

Pedaling Made Easy Thanks to "Free Power" This video, titled "Hill Climbing Made Easy｜A Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle (10/18/2019)" (坂道もスイスイ　電動じゃないアシスト自転車とは？(18/10/19)), was produced by "ANNnewsCH." It introduces "Free Power," a power assisted bicycle not powered by electricity! This article will talk about the revolutionary non-electric power assisted bicycle "Free Power FG-1" (フリーパワーFG-1), that doesn't use motors, batteries, or electricity and costs 1/3 of a normal, electric power assisted bicycle. From 3:01 in the video, the news anchor can be seen riding the bicycle and seeing what it's like. She's blurts out how surprised she is saying things like "it doesn’t even feel like you're going up a hill!" Be sure to take a look at the video to see what "Free Power" is capable of! The Non-Electric, Assisted Bicycle, "Free Power" Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan and many other places, the bicycle is a necessary item in daily life, used for going to work or to school, and in Japan, where there's a LOT of hills, you need a lot of physical strength to get around without walking. For that reason, in recent years, power assisted bicycles have become very popular and the numbers of products being shipped overseas is also on the rise. In the video, a new type of non-electric assisted bike is shown. The non-electric assisted bicycle "Free Power" uses the "free power crank gear," with a specialized silicon piece inside, that can be attached to the pedal of the bicycle you are currently using (some bikes may not be compatible). You can see how to attach the gear at 2:48 in the video. The way it works is that when you pedal, the silicone absorbs the force and makes it lighter, and due to the repellent force, there is more acceleration. This makes it easier to move forward and reduces energy loss. The details of the parts of the assist gear are explained at 3:49 in the video. The Effects and Features of "Free Power" Source :YouTube screenshot The effects and features of "Free Power" are as follows: 1. Very easy to start pedaling 2. Easy on joints (knees, ankles, etc.) 3. Able to sustain speed 4. Easy to travel uphill and pedal for long distances 5. Less prone to sore muscles Free Power was developed by Free Power Inc. and is sold at stores like Cycle Olympic and more. It's possible to have the assist gear attached at stores where they are sold, and the number of stores that stock them is continuing to increase. It is a very popular product and is continuously sold out, so be careful not to miss your chance! Summary of the Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle "Free Power" Photo：A mother and child on an electric-assisted bike "Free Power" provides long term pedaling support without the need to carry a heavy battery and without worrying about running out of charge. Watching the video "Hill Climbing Made Easy｜A Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle (10/18/2019)" you'll probably be surprised at how easy it is to get around. If you're like many, and find yourself riding your bike for long distances and being worn out, why not give "Free Power" a try? 【Official Website】FREE POWER｜Bicycle｜Bicycle Repair https://www.olympic-corp.co.jp/cycle/freepower

1966年の東京の姿を動画紹介 こちらで紹介する動画は「MichaelRogge」が公開した「Everyday life in bygone days in Tokyo, 1966 昭和東京」です。 動画で紹介されている1966年（昭和41年）というのは日本がようやく戦後の痛手から立ち直り、1964年の東京オリンピックという一大国際スポーツイベントを大成功のうちに終え、世界に向けて復興を高らかに宣言した直後の年です。 今回はその昭和41年当時の東京を写した貴重な動画を紹介します。 ノスタルジックな感じが満載ですが、東京からは焼け野原と化した戦争の痕跡は消え、高度成長期と呼ばれる経済発展の波の中で庶民の家庭にも三種の神器と言われた「冷蔵庫」「テレビ」「洗濯機」の普及がかなり進んでいることや日本人の食事が和食から洋食に移り変わっていったことも映し出されていて興味深いですね。 1966年の東京の生活 街並みを見ると道路の一部には中央分離帯もなく、バイクもノーヘル、と時代がとてもおおらかだったことを物語っています。 買い物もスーパーやコンビニエンスストアはこの当時は一般的ではなく、商店街が庶民の生活の中心でした。 平屋建ての一軒屋と髪を結い上げ和服に割烹着姿のお母さんという姿も昭和の庶民生活を象徴する風景です。 そして、ちょうど昭和40年代ころから急速に核家族化が始まり、動画のように家にはお父さんとお母さん、そして子供が2〜3人という家族構成が一般的になりました。 この後昭和40年代後半から核家族化の加速による急激な世帯数増加によって東京郊外の至るところに新興住宅地と呼ばれる団地の建設ラッシュが始まります。 労働力にも変化が現れ、土木関係に従事する肉体労働者や商店などの個人経営から工場勤務やサラリーマンへの労働人口のシフトが始まり、職種の多様化による生活様式の急変というのも昭和40年代の特徴と言えるでしょう。 1966年の出来事 それでは昭和41年にどのような社会現象が起こりどんなものが流行したのかを振り返っていきましょう。 ・敬老の日、体育の日が制定される ・東京武道館にビートルズ来日 ・日本の総人口がはじめて1億人を超える ・クイズブーム到来 ・メートル法完全施行 ・東京国立劇場こけら落とし ・全日空ボーイング727型機が東京湾に墜落。日本初の大規模な航空事故となる ・ミニスカートやロングブーツ、サマーセーターやタートルネックなどニット製品が大流行 ・日産サニー、トヨタカローラが誕生 ・「こまっちゃうな」や「しあわせだなぁ」などが流行語になる ・新三種の神器「カラーテレビ」「自動車」「エアコン」が話題になる 今では当たり前となったメートル法や自動車、エアコンなど現代文化がこの時代に生まれたのです。 ノスタルジックな東京の風景紹介まとめ 最後に動画を見て令和元年と昭和41年の東京を比較して変わらないなと思う風景がラッシュ時の殺人的な電車の混み具合です。 これが一番日本文化の中心地「東京」をイメージする風景かもしれません。

This video, titled "A 10-Minute Overview of Japan's Health Insurance System and How It Works" (10分でわかる健康保険制度の概要と仕組み), was released by "takopetty" (タコペッティ). This is an easy-to-understand summary of Japan's health insurance system. There are several types of social insurance in Japan, including health insurance, long-term care insurance, worker's accident insurance, unemployment insurance, and annuity insurance. If you are a company employee, the company pays the premiums, and if you are working as an individual, you pay the premiums yourself. By paying the premiums, you have a system in place to get support in case of an emergency. Money, such as high-cost medical expense benefits and injury and illness allowance can be received if you apply for them, so you can rest assured that you'll be able to apply and receive money the right way if the situation arises.

This video, titled "Japanese Convenience Stores (Part 2) ● 日本のコンビニ 東京," was released by "SUPERGENKI." There are currently more than 50,000 convenience stores in Japan. Of course, there are convenience stores in other countries as well, but many foreign tourists are surprised at the attentive customer service in Japanese convenience stores. Another feature of Japanese convenience stores is the wide variety of products available. In addition to food and bento boxes, some convenience stores also sell seasonal items and souvenirs. In recent years, an increasing number of stores have begun to offer new services, such as the introduction of self-checkout systems. Japanese convenience stores are a great friend to travelers and residents alike, as there are many locations and travelers can quickly get what they want.

This video, titled "Cypress Bath" (檜風呂), was uploaded by "tabierful." As the title of the video suggests, it gives viewers a taste of Japan's warm cypress baths. Take a break and listen to the soothing sound of hot water with some quiet background music. The video is only about a minute long, so even if you don't have much time it's a nice, quick watch. Starting from 0:03 in the video, you can see a Japanese cypress bath, and we recommend that you pay close attention to the architecture and layout. It might give you some ideas for your bathroom! Besides the architecture and layout, you can also get a feel for what it's like to enjoy a Japanese cypress bath. For those interested, you can see what it's like here before experiencing one in person!

This video, titled "[I See!] How to Write Beautiful Calligraphy From Left to Right!!" (【なるほど！】横書きをキレイに書くコツ教えます！！), was released by "Crown Prince Takumi" ( 東宮たくみ). Are you confident in your kanji? Many people feel anxious and uncertain about their handwriting? In this video, Takumi Higashimiya, a popular, long-time calligrapher, teaches you how to write beautiful kanji! In this episode, he shows how to make the characters look neat in "horizontal writing," a not-so-common way to write calligraphy. His advice on balancing the size of kanji and hiragana is a must-see! If you're learning Japanese, this can be a great tool to help improve your handwriting!

This video, titled "Cancer Treatment That Can Be Applied - Anti-Cancer Mesh - a Video of the Latest Research: The Power of Nims 10" (貼って治すがん治療　～抗がんメッシュ～　　最新研究映像 NIMSの力10), was released by "nimspr." Cancer is a common and dreaded disease for Japanese people. Basically, when a patient develops cancer, he or she undergoes a surgical operation to remove the cancerous cells and surrounding lymph nodes. However, the anti-cancer mesh introduced in this article is a groundbreaking invention that can provide effective cancer treatment just by applying it to the cancerous area. The video explains in an easy-to-understand manner why the anti-cancer mesh is useful for cancer treatment. Currently, it is still in the clinical trial stage for treatment after cancer surgery, but it is expected to be used in early cancer treatment and prevention of recurrence and metastasis in the future. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Japan. As the population ages, the risk of cancer increases further, which is why there are high expectations for the introduction of anti-cancer mesh that can be used to treat cancer.

This video, titled "For Future Scientists｜#14 A Return to Superhydrophobia!" ( 未来の科学者たちへ #14「超撥水ふたたび」), was released by "nimspr." This is the 14th episode of the popular "For Future Scientists" series, "A Return to Superhydrophobia," in which you can learn about basic science using everyday objects. As you can see from the title "A return," the previous episode was about the theory and experiments of super hydrophobia, but this time, two easy to understand experiments are conducted to show how super hydrophobia works in real life. Both experiments can be done with easily obtainable materials. For super water-repellent coatings, water-repellent sprays and paints sold at home improvement stores could be used as substitutes. If you're interested in trying these experiments out, be sure to give them a try, as it's easier to learn through hands on experiences!

This video, titled "光を灯す/future with bright lights," was released by KANDENKO CO., LTD. ((株)関電工). This video was created with the theme of "future and hope" by the artist YeYe and others, and depicts the company message of KANDENKO, which is "Each one of us lights the way to the future." When the line is draw with AgIC, an circuit marker, the ink is charged with electricity and lights are turned on. With the soothing music playing, the beautiful cityscape with its three-dimensional towers and buildings appearing one after another will naturally give you hope for the future.

What Is Hay Fever? If you’re allergic to cedar pollen, just watching this video might cause you hay fever symptoms. The video, titled "スギ花粉の飛散 Cedar Pollen Dispersal ( Shot on RED EPIC High-speed )," is a super high-speed video that shows detailed footage of cedar pollen dispersing. It was created by "AQUA Geo Graphic." People with cedar pollen allergies show start to flare up just after watching some yellow cedar pollen be dispersed on TV commercials for anti-allergy medicine. It’s said that there are currently 25 million people with hay fever in Japan. The most common form of hay fever is cedar hay fever, but the number of people who suffer from other types of pollens, such as cypress, ragweed, and birch pollens, has been increasing rapidly, and countermeasures for hay fever are needed throughout the year. Treatment of Hay Fever Photo：A woman blowing her nose Is there any treatment for hay fever, which causes painful attacks every year when the pollen season arrives? In short, the only way to treat hay fever at its root is sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollen allergies. In this treatment, a weakened cedar pollen pill is placed under the tongue and gradually taken into the body, in an attempt to get the patient’s body used to cedar pollen. The therapy takes more than 2 years and those who have severe hay fever attacks can have them during the treatment, so it’s not an effective cure for all, but it’s more than 60% likely to abate symptoms of cedar hay fever. For other types of pollen allergies, symptomatic treatment with medication or evacuation to pollen-free areas (Hokkaido and Okinawa) is necessary. Regarding anti-allergy drugs, the most effective ones are prescribed drugs, but over-the-counter drugs can be sufficiently effective as well if you act preemptively by using them before the pollen in the air is at its peak. The Causes of Hay Fever Photo：Cedar pollen Cedar pollen is called wind-borne pollen because it's dispersed by the wind. At the start of the video, you can see a large amount of pollen being dispersed by the wind on the branches of a cedar tree. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, evergreen coniferous trees (cedar and cypress) are native to Japan, and their straight wood, which is not distorted, is suitable for use as lumber for wooden buildings, so large scale cedar plantations were established to revitalize the forestry industry after World War II, which led to major outbreaks of hay fever. The name "花粉症, kafunsho" ('hay fever' in Japanese), was first coined in October 1963, when the existence of allergic symptoms caused by cedar pollen was identified and presented at the annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Allergology in the fall of that year. The size of cedar pollen is just smaller than a heliozoan and can be seen with the naked eye using an optical microscope. Each cedar flower contains about 400,000 pieces of pollen, so during strong winds, large amounts are dispersed. When Do Hay Fever Symptoms Appear? Photo：Hay fever symptoms The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Public Health has been providing pollen information since 1985, and nowadays, the Japan Meteorological Agency and private meteorological forecasting services provide forecasts for the start of pollen dispersal and pollen distribution throughout the year. You can also check pollen forecasts for plants other than cedar, cypress, and ragweed on the Internet, so if you have hay fever, be sure to stay up to date. Even after December, when peak pollen dispersion has passed, early spring hay fever may come straight after the cold and flus of the year, so be sure to take countermeasures, such as keeping your room humid, ventilate and clean frequently, wash your hands, and gargle. Summary of Cedar Pollen and Hay Fever Cedar pollen allergies, which were once thought to be endemic in Japan, have spread, and are now common worldwide. Tomatoes can also worsen hay fever, so we recommend avoiding them during hay fever season!

The Life of an International Student at a Japanese High School This time, we would like to introduce the video "A day in a Japanese High School // japan vlog # 1," where you can see the life of a Canadian high school girl studying in Japan. With over 3 million views, this video has become popular all over the world. Sophia, the person who took this video, studied Japanese through textbooks and YouTube education channels before studying abroad. She went to Japan for a study abroad program called Rotaly and stayed there for 11 months. We can see the life of Japanese high school girls from the perspective of foreign students. It's a chance for even Japanese people to learn something they might not have noticed about their daily lives. Let's take a look at the daily scenes and routines of international students attending Japanese schools. Japan's School Uniforms Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 0:16 in the video, high schoolers in Japan have uniforms designated by the school. Among high school girls who care about fashion, finding fashionable ways to wear their uniforms is part of everyday life. Sophia also looks in the mirror in the morning to make sure everything is in order. Many school uniforms are sailor uniforms or blazers. In fact, school uniforms are so important that some students choose a school strictly based on how cute or cool the school uniform is. The Daily Commute for a High School Girl in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot Next is the school scene in Japan, which you can watch from 0:45 in the video. Japanese high school girls go to school by train, bus, bicycle, or on foot. This video shows a group of girls going by train. Sophia seems to have about a 20 minute commute to school. The Everyday Classroom Life of a High School Girl in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot You can see Sophia arriving at school around 2:29 in the video and greeting her friends. Japanese classrooms generally have about 40 students per class, with wooden desks arranged in 5-6 rows. Even now, many schools still use blackboards and chalk, but they are gradually switching to electronic blackboards and whiteboards. Students study all day in these classrooms. You can also see children diligently doing class work and preparing for exams. They also study English as well, but the high school students in the video seem to be quite shy. Source :YouTube screenshot One of the fun things in school life is lunch time. You can see this at 5:42 in the video. Japanese high school students bring their own lunch boxes or buy and eat lunch at the school cafeteria or shop. As you can see at 7:08, when all the lessons are over, students clean the classroom by themselves. Groups of four or five students are assigned to clean the school grounds each week, and when it's their turn, they stay until all of the cleaning is finished. This cleaning custom is one of the characteristics of Japanese school life and has been very well received by the international community. Many elementary and junior high schools also have this practice. Summary of a Day in the Life of a High School Girl in Japan Photo：School classroom How'd you enjoy a day in the life of a high school girl in Japan? We think that it's good to get a glimpse of the daily lives of those who grew up in a different culture, in order to see a different perspective. If you look at school life in Japan from the perspective of an international student, there's probably a lot of differences. Learn about the life of a high school girl in Japan through this video!

Introduction of Totsuka Ward Shopping District Promotional Video This video, titled "The Totsuka Shopping District Promotional Video" (戸塚区商店街プロモーションビデオ), was uploaded by "CityOfYokohama." The promotional video introduces the Totsuka Shopping District in Yokohama, Kanagawa, in Japan's Kanto region. It was produced by the Totsuka Shopping District Federation, which is made up of 11 shopping associations in Yokohama's Totsuka Ward. The Totsuka Shopping District is home to a variety of stores and is used on a daily basis by people living in the neighborhood. The video is a dramatized story of five children meeting and growing up in the town. It's like watching a coming-of-age drama set in the Totsuka Shopping District and is very heartwarming. Through interactions with many shopkeepers, the video conveys the charm of the Totsuka Shopping District and the warm atmosphere of the streets, making the viewer feel nostalgic and emotional. Be sure to give it a watch! The Totsuka Shopping District in Yokohama, Kanagawa Photo：The view toward the east exit of Totsuka Station, Totsuka, Yokohama, Kanagawa All over Japan, there are various types of shopping associations in different areas. A shopping association is an organization of stores and businesses in the retail and service industries within a certain area. The Totsuka Shopping District aims to create a locally-based community where stores and specialty shops work together to make the town livelier. The Totsuka Shopping District is somewhat of an unusual shopping association in Japan in that it is comprised of large commercial buildings and shopping streets across the ward, while most shopping associations are made up of small stores in one location. Stores Located in the Totsuka Shopping District Source :YouTube screenshot At the beginning of the video, viewers are introduced to Tomizuka Hachimangu Shrine, the local guardian of Totsuka, which appears every time the children age. The children visit the shrine from time to time in their daily lives, which shows how the shrine is connected to the local community. The stores featured in the video are listed below for each shopping association. Totsuka Station East Exit Lapis Shopping Association: KITAYA Dunk (喜多屋ダンク), Yurindo (有隣堂) Tokyu Plaza Totsuka Association: Yurindo (有隣堂) Totsuka Asahimachidori Shopping Association: Ocean Hamaju (オセアンハマ住) Totsucana Mall Shopping Association: Niku no Saito (肉のさいとう), Mediac PC School (メディアックパソコンスクール), 1,000 Yen Cut Choki Choki (1000円カット Choki Choki), ABLE, Omedetaiyaki Honpo (おめで鯛焼き本舗) Up to this point, the children are about first graders while touring the Totsuka Shopping District, and from 3:57, the children who have grown up to be junior high school students introduce the stores. Totsuka Station East Exit Lapis Shopping Association: Monet (純喫茶モネ) Totsuka Higashiguchi Shopping Association: Boulangerie PETIT LAPIN (ぷちらぱん), Katsuta Orthopedic Clinic (かつた整骨院) Higashi-Totsuka Shopping Association: Hair Make De Choix Totsuka-juku Honobono Showa-kai: Tsumugu café & something (紡ぐ café & something) Totsuka Shuku Ekimae Shopping Association: Yamagata-ya Western Goods Store (山形屋洋品店) Tokyu Plaza Shotenkai: Green Parks Topic Harajuku Shopping Street Shoei-kai: Itoya Dry Cleaning (いとう屋クリーニング) Midway through Mr. Saeki, chairman of the "Hirado Shopping Association" the Totsuka Shopping District Federation, also makes an appearance. From 12:40, the five of them, now grown up, tour the Totsuka Shopping District together. Totsuka Shuku Honobono Showa Kai: Komachi Café (こまちカフェ) Totsuka Asahimachidori Shopping Association: Machi no Hanaya (街の花屋さん) Totsuka Station East Exit Lapis Shopping Association: Hashigo-ya (はしごや) Summary of the Totsuka Shopping District Promotional Video The video introduces the city of Totsuka, home to the Totsuka Shopping District. It's a nostalgic and heartwarming tour of the city with children. We hope you enjoy this story-based introduction video of the vibrant the Totsuka Shopping District, which even produced an original theme song to liven up the town.

Kanji of the Year” video to be announced at Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "The Announcement for the Kanji of the Year for 2022 at Kiyomizudera Temple, Kyoto, Japan (December 12, 2022)" (京都・清水寺で2022年「今年の漢字」発表（2022年12月12日　京都市東山区）), was uploaded by "Kyoto Shimbun" (京都新聞). Every year around December 12, Japan's Kanji of the Year is announced. When the announcement is made each year at Kiyomizudera, a famous temple in Kyoto, it attracts a large crowds and media outlets from all across Japan and is broadcast live on the news, making it a well-known event. The powerful kanji written on Japanese paper and placed on a special stand on the stage of Kiyomizudera is both powerful and elegant. The time has come for the announcement of Kanji of the Year for 2022. For many people in Japan, it's a year-end tradition to watch the announcement. It's become a symbol of the year's end. So, without further ado, let's take a look at 2022's Kanji of the Year. The Kanji 戦 (Ikusa, 'War') and Why It Was Chosen Photo：The kanji for 'war' The Kanji of the Year for 2022 was announced on December 12, 2022. The Kanji 戦 (Ikusa), meaning "fight" or "battle," received 10,804 of the total 220,000 votes that were cast. The following is the list of kanji that came in places 2 through 10: 2. 安 (An, Stable/Calm); 3. 楽 (Raku, Comfortable/Peaceful); 4. 高 (Taka, High/Expensive); 5. 争 (Arasou, Conflict); 6. 命 (Inochi, Life); 7. 悲 (Hi, Grieve/Sadness); 8. 新 (Shin, New); 9. 変 (Hen, Change), 10. 和 (Wa, Peace/Harmony). This is the second time that 'War' has been chosen, as it was also chosen in 2001. What events in the year 2022 come to mind when you see this kanji? Themes that may come up when you hear the words "fight" or "battle" might be Japan's strong battle in the World Cup... However, that's not the reason why the kanji was chosen. According to the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, the organizer of the event, the reason for 'War' being chosen is that the world was stunned while witnessing the horrors of the war caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and also because of the battle fought by people in their daily lives while trying to survive with a weakening yen and rising costs of living, as well as heated sports competitions. Where Japan's Kanji of the Year Was Announced and Why Photo：Autumn at Kiyomizudera Japan's Kanji of the Year is usually announced around December 12 every year. Now you might be wondering, "What's the significance of December 12?" Well, there's actually a good reason for this. December 12 is recognized as "Kanji Day" in Japan, and it's hoped that people will learn at least one kanji every year. Since the headquarters of the organizer, the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation, is located in Kyoto, the world-renowned temple Kiyomizudera is the setting for the presentation. Hopefully this helped you understand the significance of the date and location of this Japanese year-end tradition. When the 'Kanji of the Year' Tradition Began in Japan, Who Writes Them, and More! It's no exaggeration to say that the announcement of the Kanji of the Year is a year-end tradition, but, when did this tradition start exactly? The first Kanji of the Year was announced in 1995, 27 years ago. The Kanji of the Year is a one-character description of the year. The person in charge of writing the kanji is Seihan Mori, the chief abbot of Kiyomizudera Temple, who is also the chief priest in charge of the temple. The ceremony has been conducted by Seihan Mori since 1995, when it was first announced. The kanji is written by chief abbot Mori on the famous stage of Kiyomizudera. [Video] 0:00 - The Kanji of the Year Being Written Kanji of the Year From Previous Years Source :YouTube screenshot Here is a list of Kanji of the Year from previous years. 1995 - 震 (Shin, Quake/Tremble) The year 1995 was marked by a series of astonishing events. This kanji was chosen as a year of "trembling" due to natural disasters, such as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, and the Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack, as well as political turmoil. 1999 - 末 (Sue, End) In this year, which marked the end of the century, events that seemed like the "end of the world" occurred frequently. The Tokaimura Nuclear Accidents, police scandals, the collapse of the myth of bullet train safety, restructuring due to economic downturn, and many other seemingly "end-of-the-century events" occurred in this year. However, the character "End" was chosen in the hope that the following year will be a year of "Sue-Hirogari" (末広がり, Prosperity). 2005 - 愛 (Ai, Love) Despite the marriage and love (愛) of Princess Nori, the success of Expo 2005 Aichi (愛知), and the success of women named "Ai" (愛), the year was also marked by a number of incidents without love. While in Japan, people were taught the importance of both loving things close to them, and loving things on a global scale, 愛 (Ai, Love) was chosen because there were many incidents involving children and juvenile crimes where there was not enough "love." Photo：The Japanese era Reiwa 2019 - 令 (Rei, Order/Decree) In this year when a new emperor acceded to the throne and a new era began, it can be said that the Kanji of the Year expressed people's joy at the dawn of a new era as well as their hope for brighter days. The character 令 (Rei, Order/Decree) was also chosen due to events related to order, such as the revision of laws and regulations and compliance with laws and regulations among other things. 2021 - 金 (Kin, Gold) Up until this point, the character for "gold" had been selected three times. Its selection in 2021 marked the 4th time it was selected, making it the most selected since the tradition began. Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics were held a year late, with many Japanese athletes winning gold medals. They provided courage and inspiration not only to the people of Japan but also to people around the world. It was also selected because of milestones reached in various fields and money-related topics, such as the announcement of a new banknote. Despite the fact that the Kanji of the Year is in the news every year, many people don't know they can actually participate in the tradition. How Are Japan's Kanji of the Year Chosen? This year's Kanji of the Year will be chosen by the general public from all over Japan. Submitted kanji will be used as candidates, and the kanji with the most submissions will be selected and announced at Kiyomizudera around December 12. The application process is very simple: access the website of the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation and cast your voter using the Kanji of the Year Application Form. Postcard submissions are also accepted, so you can submit your entry through the application boxes located in bookstores and libraries throughout Japan, at Kiyomizudera, and the Japan Kanji Museum & Library in Kyoto. The submission period is usually from November 1 to around December 5. You can submit any kanji you like. If you're interested in participating in 2023, give it a shot! Summary of Japan's Kanji of the Year for 2022 Photo：The Kanji Museum After seeing the Kanji of the Year being announced in the video, are you sad or excited that the year is over? The Kanji of the Year is announced on or around December 12 every year. If you decide to participate your kanji might even be chosen! Now that it has become a year-end tradition in Japan, the Kanji of the Year is an event loved by many people. For many people it's fun trying to guess what the kanji will be for that year! The Kanji of the Year will be exhibited at Kiyomizudera and from late December at the Kanji Museum in Gion, Kyoto. While it's wonderful to visit the photogenic spots in Kyoto during winter, consider stopping to take a photo of the Kanji of the Year for 2022 and sharing it on social media as a year-end greeting!