Tsuneo Matsuo is a doctor who has examined the large intestine of more than 40,000 people. He is a specialist when it comes to intestines and has published many books. Matsuo was one of the first promote "Fermented Cuisine" and "Mediterranean Cuisine" as effective in cultivating a healthy gut, and has proposed the term "Mediterranean-style Japanese Cuisine." He believes that the secret to longevity lies in certain Japanese and Italian ingredients. Bu what are these ingredients? Watch this video to find out and you'll be on your way to cultivating a healthy gut!

Introducing Sitting Volleyball! An Official Event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics! This is an introductory video to women’s sitting volleyball (シッティングバレーボール, Sitting Volleyball). In sitting volleyball, athletes with disabilities, such as paralysis in their hands and/or legs, play volleyball while sitting on the floor. Sitting volleyball, which is an authorized event of the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), is an official event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. A Look at Sitting Volleyball! Source :YouTube screenshot As seen from 0:06 in the video, Taito City's "Taito Riverside Sports Center," a tournament venue in Taito Ward that aims to promote sitting volleyball, hosted the international tournament "WORLD SUPER 6" in 2019. Japan, sitting at 10th place in the world rankings, managed to place 3rd, taking home the bronze medal. Yoshihisa Mano, the sitting volleyball women's national team coach in Japan, is shown at 1:00 in the video. In his video he talks about the amazing efforts of the athletes. Sitting Volleyball- An Introduction to Its History and Rules! Source :YouTube screenshot Sitting volleyball is a sport played while, you guessed it, sitting. It was established in the Netherlands, in 1956. In 1967, an international sitting volleyball match was started by the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD). In Japan, the Japan Sitting Volleyball Association was established in 1992, and since then, the numbers of players has only increased. Currently, there are active sitting volleyball teams in areas such as Chiba and Osaka. The Charm of Sitting Volleyball Source :YouTube screenshot The charm of sitting volleyball is that it's a sport that both those with and without disabilities can enjoy. The rules and equipment used are similar to that of six-player indoor volleyball, with players battling with serves, volleys, and spikes. However, the size of courts and the height of nets are different from that of regular volleyball, and the use of kicking is prohibited, so attack and defense are slightly different from that of regular volleyball. Summary of Sitting Volleyball Photo：Japan National Stadium At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, you can see many exciting events, such as men’s & women’s sitting volleyball, and other events like wheel chair basketball. Unfortunately, the Olympics has been postponed to 2021, but that's all the more time to learn about new sports, their top athletes, and highlights. Are you looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics? 【Official Website】Sitting Volleyball – JPVA Japan Para-Volleyball Association http://www.jsva.info/contents/spoting_events/sitting.html

This video, titled "Katana long sword, with no inscription, attributed to Masamune," was released by "Virtual Sword Museum 'Sword World'" (バーチャル刀剣博物館「刀剣ワールド」). The sword shown in this video is an inscriptionless sword said to be attributed to Masamune, which is said to have been made in the early years of the Nanboku-cho period. It is said to have been worn by Emperor Komei​, the father of Emperor Meiji, and has a stylish look to it. Masamune, who is said to have made this sword, learned the techniques as a pupil of Shintogo Kunimitsu, the most famous swordsmith in Kamakura, and created a masterpiece that expresses the essence of the Soshu den　Style of swordsmithing. These master swords, with their elegant brilliance, are made with the wisdom of the swordsmith. We invite you to take a closer look at these beautiful swords.

This video, titled "Tama Zoological Park｜All Kinds of Animals, Including Lions and Elephants!｜An Educational Video for Children" (多摩動物公園（Tama Zoological Park）｜ライオンや象などいろんな動物が登場！｜子供向け知育動画), was released by POYO POYO." If you want to see a lot of animals, head over to Tama Zoological Park in Hino City, Tokyo! The animals that appear in this video include elephants, giraffes, lions, rhinos, koalas, red pandas, owls, kangaroos, cheetahs, and more. There are more than 300 species of animals that live in Tama Zoological Park. Since the animals are kept in an environment that is close to nature, Tama Zoological Park is the perfect place for those who want to closely observe the ecology of the animals. Be sure to visit this popular zoo that is loved by locals and tourists alike.

This video, titled "[Shocking] an Incredible Creature Next to the Ferry Terminal..." (【衝撃】フェリー乗り場の隣で信じられない生物が・・・), was released by "釣りよかでしょう。" The video shows young men fishing next to the ferry terminal. They are getting impatient due to the lack of fish, and finally discover the shadow of a fish that reacts to the fishing rod. The size of the fish seemed to be different from the usual black rockfish. When they changed the bait to a lure, the fish was clearly more responsive. After three rounds of casting, they finally caught it, speculating that it was a sea bass. The fish wasn't a sea bass, but a bright red sea bream! It's nice to see the young men so happy to see that they caught a sea bream!

Video of Sprinter, Kiryu Yoshihide, Taken by Gopro! Check out the video, uploaded by Kiryu Yoshihide “Running with a GoPRo!（GoProを付けて走ってみた！）” Kiryu Yoshihide is a famous sprinter, holding the national record for the 100 meter dash, at 9.98 seconds. It's rare to see him running on indoor track with a GoPro on his head. The difference between his point of view and the point of view of a normal person while running, is shown at 2:21 in the video. What Kind of Athlete Is Kiryu Yoshihide? Source :YouTube screenshot Kiryu Yoshihide is a sprinter from Hikone, Shiga in Japan's Kansai region. He was born December 15th, 1995 and he is now 24 years old (as ofJune, 2020). He is 176 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. He has liked sports since his childhood, and during his time at Rakunan High School and Toyo University, he participated in national and world tournaments. After graduating from college, he participated in the Asian Games as a track and field athlete affiliated with Nippon Life Insurance, while also appearing in commercials and television programs. In 2020, he announced his marriage on his official YouTube channel, surprising everyone. A Look at His Records and Awards! Source :YouTube screenshot Yoshihide Kiryu competes globally in short-distance track and field events such as the 100 and 200 meter dash. In 2017, he achieved a 9.98 in the 100 meter sprint, his best record as well as the national record. At the Rio Olympics in 2016, he ran 2 x 100 meter relays with Yamagata Ryota, Iizuka Shota, and Aska Cambridge. They set a record for Asia and took home a silver medal. About Kiryu Yoshihide Source :YouTube screenshot Other than YouTube, he also has a Twitter and Instagram. He talks about his training and track and field in general. He introduces about his cleats, how to build muscles, and more. Definitely check it out if you're interested in track and field. Summary of Kiryu Yoshihide Source :YouTube screenshot This video showed Kiryu Yoshihide’s impressive speed, and introduced a little bit about him. If you watch the video at 2:21, you realize the difference between a professional runner and an average person. We also see a race between Yoshihide and his coach at 2:38. He is now training for the Tokyo Olympics. It'll be exciting to see what he can achieve, and if he'll be able to set any new records. 【Official Webbsite】JAAF | Kiryu Yoshihide https://www.jaaf.or.jp/english/

Introducing the Minohiki! This video, titled "Minohiki (Protected Species) - An Ornamental Chicken in Danger of Extinction" (蓑曳鶏（みのひきどり 国指定天然記念物 ）～絶滅危機の観賞用ニワトリ～), introduces the Minohiki, a chicken bred for its beauty. The video was released by "Toyohashi Dot Television." The minohiki is characterized by its beautiful feathers, called minoge (saddle feathers), which grow from the center of its body. The origin of the name minohiki comes from the fact that the minoge grows to the point of dragging it on it on the ground (hiki meaning pull in Japanese). In this article, we'll introduce the minohiki in detail along with the video. What Kind of Chicken Is the Minohiki? Source :YouTube screenshot The Minohiki is a type of Japanese chicken that is said to have been bred during the mid Edo period (1700-1800s). It's a medium-sized pheasant, and is thought to be a cross between the long-tailed chicken, the shokoku chicken of China, and the game fowl of Thailand and is similar in build to the long-tailed chicken. It weighs approximately 2 kg. As shown at 1:35 in the video, the minohiki lays its eggs in the spring. There are several species of minohiki, including the Akazasa, Shojo, Shirafuji, Shiro, and Goshiki. Because the minohiki shed their feathers after summer, the best time to admire them is from spring to June. You can see a beautiful white minohiki at 2:24 in the video. On the Brink of Extinction? Source :YouTube screenshot The minohiki, a native Japanese species, was designated a protected species in 1940 (Showa 15). During the Showa Period (1926-1989), more than 1,500 chickens are said to have lived in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture and the Enshu region of Shizuoka Prefecture. However, the number of bird lovers has declined and they are now on the verge of extinction. The Minohiki is difficult to raise individually, but you can see them at zoos and other places. Summary of the Minohiki Source :YouTube screenshot If you're interested in seeing the minohiki up close, consider dropping by The Toyama Family Park. The park currently raises minohiki. Japan is also home to many other unique types of chickens, such as Chabo (Japanese bantam), Shamo (game fowl), and Cochin. When you go to the zoo in Japan, be sure to keep an eye out for a variety of chicken species.

This video, titled "[NEWS] What it looks like translating honorifics into English... Katsura Sunshine's English Rakugo Part 6" ([NEWS] 敬語を英語で訳してみると… 桂三輝の英語落語 其の六です), was released by "TIMELINE - タイムライン." Canadian rakugo performer affiliated with Yoshimoto Kogyo, Katsura Sunshine introduces Japanese keigo with a Japanese "keigo dictionary" in hand, in a rakugo style that is sure to make you laugh! The dictionary contains everything from the highest level of Japanese honorifics to rude words and phrases. For example, "Thank you" is considered both... The more honorifics used, the longer the sentences become, and the harder it is to translate it into English. In English, a simple "Thank you" would be enough, but in Japanese, there are many different words with the same meaning, and this often confuses non-native speakers. Enjoy the differences between English and Japanese with this fast-paced English Rakugo!

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 "★Funny Movie★After School Midnighters Short Vol. 1 "Spy(x)-Man" (★面白動画★放課後ミッドナイターズショートVol.1「スパイ○ーマン」), was released by "[Official] After School Midnighters Channel" (【公式】放課後ミッドナイターズチャンネル). "After School Midnighters," featured in this video, is a Japanese animated feature film directed by Hitoshi Takekiyo released in 2012. It's a story about three children and their great adventures with human models and skeletal specimens. After School Midnighters was screened in seven countries around the world. This video is a spinoff starring the human model and skeletal specimen 'Kyun-sama' and 'Goth.'

This video, titled "TV Anime 'Jujutsu Kaisen' PV Part 1" (TVアニメ『呪術廻戦』PV第1弾), was released by "TOHO animation channel" (TOHO animation チャンネル). Jujutsu Kaisen, featured in this video, is a work by Gege Akutami, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, since 2018. The total number of sales of the single-volume manga exceeded 4.5 million copies as of May 2020. This is a fantasy battle story about a sorcerer's struggle to exorcise ghosts and curses using magic. The TV anime featured in the video is scheduled to air from October 2020.

This video, titled "TV anime 'Attack on Titan' The Final Season｜PV" (TVアニメ「進撃の巨人」The Final Season　PV), was released by "ぽにきゃん-Anime PONY CANYON." Attack on Titan, introduced in this video, is a work by Hajime Isayama, which has been serialized in the Bessatsu Shonen Magazine published by Kodansha since September 2009. The manga exceeded 100 million copies sold worldwide as of December 2019. It's a dark, fantasy-type story about fighting mysterious "titans." The TV anime has been airing since 2013 and the fourth season, which is featured in the video, is scheduled to air as "The Final Season" starting in fall 2020.

This video, titled "TV Anime "Demon Slayer" Hashira Intro PV" (TVアニメ「鬼滅の刃」柱解禁PV), was released by "Aniplex" (アニプレックス). Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), introduced in this video, is a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, from November 2016 to 2020. It has sold a total of 60 million copies (*as of June 2020). The story follows the protagonist as he fights "demons" who killed his family, and searches for a way to turn his sister back into a human after she was turned into a demon. The TV anime aired from April to September 2019.

This video, titled "SHAMAN KING special PV" (『SHAMAN KING』特報PV), was released by "KING AMUSEMENT CREATIVE official channel." Shaman King, introduced in this video is a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, from 1998 to 2004, and sold a total of 35 million copies. The story is about a shaman who participates in 'Shaman Fights' and aims to become the Shaman King with omniscient and omnipotent powers It is scheduled to be broadcast as a completely new anime from April 2021.

Introducing the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Beautiful Garden in the Ancient Capital of Nara! This video, titled "[4K] Japanese Garden DAIJO-IN NARA" ([4K] 日本庭園　旧大乗院庭園 / 奈良　Japanese Garden DAIJO-IN NARA), was uploaded by "Yurara Sarara," a channel focused on Japanese culture. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located next to Nara Hotel and has been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the government of Japan. Enjoy the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, which was praised as one of the most beautiful gardens in the southern capital, in this 2.5 minute-long, 4K video. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden - Learn the History of the Beautiful Garden! Photo：The Former Daijoin Temple Garden, Nara City, Nara Prefecture Located in the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, Daijoin is a temple with a long history, founded in 1087, the first year of Kanji, and flourished from the Heian period (794-1185 AD) to the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It was famous as one of the sub-temples of Kofukuji Temple, but it was destroyed by fire in the Siege of Nara by the Taira clan in 1180, and moved to its present location. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden was devastated by a peasant uprising in the Muromachi Period (1336-1573 AD), but was remodeled by Zen'ami, a gardener famous for creating the garden of Ginkakuji Temple (The Silver Pavilion). The temple was abandoned due to the abolition of Buddhism in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), but Nara Hotel was built on the site, and now it has become a tourist known as "The Former Daijoin Temple Garden." Highlights of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden! Photo：The Former Daijoin Temple Garden in autumn, Nara City, Nara Prefecture The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a garden featuring a path around a pond, with small east and west ponds at its center. In addition to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, there are other gardens of in this style, including the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto and Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. The Former Daijoin Temple Garden is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, from the deep green of spring to the changing leaves of autumn, but it's even more beautiful when visiting during seasonal events. In September, the Former Daijoin Temple Garden is open to the public at night for the "Full Moon Festival" (観月の夕べ). Visitors can enjoy a collaboration of the mid-autumn moon and the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden. At the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, there is a historical museum that displays a model of the original Daijoin Temple, as well as the Daijoin Garden Cultural Hall, which has meeting rooms and a tea ceremony room for various events. In addition, the earthen wall outside the building incorporates the design of of ancient structures, allowing visitors to enjoy the culture of not only the garden, but also the exterior of the building. Access to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Tourist Attraction in Nara Prefecture To get to the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, take an 8-minute bus bound for Tenri or Shimoyama from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station, get off at the "Nara Hotel" bus stop, and walk for 1 minute, or get off at the "Fukuchiin" (福智院町) bus stop, and walk for 1 minute. If you're visiting via car, be sure to use the nearby "Naramachi Center" parking lot. Summary of the Famous Former Daijoin Temple Garden in Nara, Japan Photo：Nara Hotel At the Former Daijoin Temple Garden, visitors can enjoy strolling through the garden while viewing the autumn leaves and the mid-autumn moon in autumn, as well as cherry blossoms in spring. Located in the ancient capital of Nara, the Former Daijoin Temple Garden is located next to Nara Hotel, which has a history of more than 100 years, so we definitely recommend staying there as an overnight when sightseeing in Nara. Come and see the beauty of the Former Daijoin Temple Garden with your own eyes! 【Official Website】The Former Daijoin Temple Garden, a Place of Scenic Beauty https://www.narahotel.co.jp/eng/ 【TripAdvisor】The Former Daijoin Temple Garden https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d2049192-Reviews-Meisho_Daijoin_Garden-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html

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!

Pen Shells and Sake on an Edo-Style Hibachi This video, titled "Tairagi (Pen shell)【Japanese food at "NAGA-HIBACHI"】" was uploaded by "TEKOZO" (てこ蔵・TEKOZO). In shows how to cook delicious pen shells over a traditional Japanese wooden hibachi using charcoal. Pen shells are large, high-end shellfish with, similar to scallops, edible adductor muscles. From 0:06 of the video, you can see the pen shell before it's cooked. Just one pen shell goes for approximately 400-600 yen (~4-6 USD). In the video, you will also see the liver and other organs cooked. In this article, we'll introduce pen shells and how to cook them. Be sure to check out the video to see what kind of shellfish pen shells are! Pen Shells - A Delectable Shell Fish! Photo：A pen shell Pen shells are some of the largest bivalves in Japan in terms of edible shellfish species, reaching a shell length of 30 cm or more. There are two types of pen shells: one with fine scale-like projections on the surface of the shell (scaled type), and the other without scale-like projections and with a smooth shell surface (scale-free type). They are found in the Seto Inland Sea (Harimanada Sea, Osaka Bay, Bisan Seto, Bingo-nada Sea, Suo-nada Sea, and the Iyo-nada Sea), Ise Bay, and Tokyo Bay, and on sandy mud bottoms in inner bay areas. In Japanese pen shells are called "tairagi" or "tairagai" (タイラギ/平貝) and cost about 400 to 600 yen each. The video describes pen shell season as spring to early summer, but according to the website of the Saga Prefecture Fishery Cooperative Federation, the fishing season is from December to March. Because the number of natural pen shells is declining, aquaculture is being promoted in controlled environments, such as the Ariake Sea. The most commonly eaten part of pen shells is the adductor muscle (scallop), which is thinly sliced and served as sashimi. It is also eaten fried, as tempura, grilled with salt or butter, simmered in vinegar, eaten with miso soup, etc. The liver and other organs of pen shells can also be consumed. How to Eat Pen Shells, and Recipes Shown in the Video Photo：Edo-style Hibachi The video shows how to open a pen shell starting at 0:10. Slightly open the shell and remove the guts, followed by the adductor muscle (scallop) on one side. Be sure to set the liver and other innards aside as well if you plan on eating them. Sprinkle salt on the scallop and mantle. The pen shell in the video is grilled in a traditional, Edo-style hibachi. It is a box-shaped hibachi with drawers that was used in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), and can be used as a table when you're finished cooking. Source :YouTube screenshot Starting at 0:50 in the video, the pen shells are grilled on the Edo-style hibachi on which charcoal is placed. While sipping on some delicious sake, one scallop is grilled directly on the grill and the other on a shell filled with sake to let it simmer. The scallop cooked directly on the grill is served first with soy sauce. In the video, they mention that the taste is similar to scallops and is delicious. The scallops are grilled on the shell with butter to make them even fluffier and more aromatic. On the other shell, the mantle and liver are grilled with butter and soy sauce. The mantle is thick and tasty, while the liver is said to be light in flavor with no odor. Video Summary of Cooking Pen Shells on an Edo-Style Hibachi The above video, "Tairagi (Pen shell)【Japanese food at "NAGA-HIBACHI"】" introduces how to prepare and eat pen shells. We hope you've learned what kind of shellfish pen shells are. It's a high-end shellfish and rarely sold to the public in Japan because the number of natural pen shells is decreasing, but if you have the chance to try them, we definitely recommend it! Be sure to wash it down with some tasty Japanese sake as well!

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!

Bird Watching in Tokyo, Japan – Video Introduction This video, titled "An oasis where Japanese wild birds gather /4K," was uploaded by "Birdlover.jp," a channel that introduces rare and seasonal wild birds found in Japan. Birds You Can Observe in Tokyo Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Despite being the largest urban area in Japan, even in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there are many wild birds to be seen. In the parks of Tokyo, you can see a wide variety of birds, including brown-eared bulbuls, pale thrushes, hawfinches, dusky thrushes, sandpipers, brown-headed thrushes, white-cheeked starlings and many more. Brown-Eared Bulbuls, Pale Thrushes, Hawfinches, and Dusky Thrushes – A Look at the Birds in the Video Photo：Pale thrush While birdwatching in Tokyo, you can see many different types of wild birds. Here are some characteristics of each. Brown-Eared Bulbuls: Gray plumage with a pattern of white spots on their bellies. They have a high-pitched call. Their beaks are elongated at the tip to suck nectar from flowers. Pale Thrushes: About the size of a brown-eared bulbul, the pale thrush has a cute appearance. They can sometimes be seen flitting about parks. Hawfinches: Larger than sparrows and characterized by their sharp eyes. You can see a hawfinch drinking water in the video. [Video] 1:30 - A Hawfinch Drinking Water Dusky Thrushes: The white line above their eyes looks like an eyebrow. They fly from Siberia to Tokyo in winter and stay in Japan until around April. Bird Watching & Photography Spots Photo：Inokashira Park So where can you see wild birds in Tokyo? Here are some spots we recommend for birdwatching and photographing wild birds. ・Inokashira Onshi Park In 1917, Inokashira Onshi Park was opened as Japan's first suburban park. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and bird photography. ・Mizumoto Park The largest park in Tokyo's 23 wards, Mizumoto Park is a popular place to watch kingfishers, grey herons, and other birds. ・Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park was originally built on land reclaimed from the sea. It is said that wild birds naturally gathered in the park due to its favorable environment. Many wild birds can be seen here, including warbling white-eyes, Japanese tits, sandpipers, plovers, ducks, and more. ・Meiji Jingu Shrine Kingfishers, woodpeckers, and pale thrushes can be seen at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Although Meiji Jingu Shrine is located in Harajuku, it is home to a large number of wild birds, which is unexpected given its urban setting. ・Kiyosumi Garden At Kiyosumi Garden, you can see white-cheeked starling, eastern spot-billed ducks, and Eurasian wigeons. The Japanese garden is an attractive place to observe many wild birds amongst lovely scenery. ・Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen is known as a unique bird-watching spot in central Tokyo, where visitors can observe goshawks, tits, and other birds. The Wild Bird Society of Japan The Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo was formed on September 13, 1947 and is dedicated to bird watching and bird conservation. The organization engages in a variety of activities, including observing wild birds in Tokyo with other members, and conducting conservation activities in parks where wild birds are found. Summary of Bird Watching in Tokyo Photo：Bird watching Some people may find it hard to imagine that there are so many wild birds in Japan's capital, Tokyo. But in reality, many wild birds can be seen in the city, including at places like Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Bird-watching events held by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo, can be enjoyed by beginners as well. Another attraction is that you can observe different types of wild birds throughout Japan's four seasons: warbling white-eyes and brown-eared bulbuls in spring, dusky thrushes and pale thrushes in winter, and so on. If you visit any of the places introduced here, be sure to listen for the sounds of birds. You may discover the charms of bird watching even in the big city.

WORKMAN's Camping Equipment WORKMAN is known in Japan for working wear, winter clothes, safety shoes, etc. However, in recent years, WORKMAN's outdoor products have also been attracting attention. In this article, we introduce a video review of five pieces of WORKMAN equipment. A WORKMAN Camping Gear Review for Beginners! This video, titled "Reviewing Five Pieces of Workman's New 2021 Spring/Summer Camping Gear! Lots of Gear for Beginner Campers!" (ワークマンの2021春夏新作キャンプギア5選をレビュー！これからキャンプを始める初心者向けのギアが満載だった！), was uploaded by "SLOWCAMP." Workman, well-known for its work clothes, also offers a full lineup of outdoor gear! There is a wide variety of fashionable and useful items available. In this article, we'll introduce 5 pieces of camping gear all available for under 1,000 yen! For beginners who are just getting into camping, expensive camping gear can be a bit of a hurdle. Being able to get cheap, but reliable gear will ensure you can have a good time. The Easy-To-Use 'Compact Hammer' Source :YouTube screenshot This simple and compact hammer costs 680 yen (tax included). The video also compares its size and other features with a standard stake hammer. Despite its small size, it's a highly rated hammer due to the deep indentations on the handle, which allow for a firm grip. The shape of the hammer, however, is not designed for removing stakes. In the video, you can see how the stakes are hammered into the ground. [Video] 0:22 - Compact hammer The Fine-Pitched 'Hybrid Saw' Source :YouTube screenshot The Hybrid Saw, which combines a saw and a box cutter into one, costs 980 yen (tax included). It's made with a firm grip, making it easy to hold and cut with. Compared to a Daiso saw, the pitch of the blade is finer. The saw cuts better than its slender appearance would leave you to believe! The fine pitch of the blade makes the cuts clean and neat. Even hardwoods can be cut with no problem. It can also handle branches and firewood quite well. [Video] 6:00 - Cutting a Branch With the Hybrid Saw The box cutter can be used in a variety of situations. In the video, it's used to make wood shavings for making fire. [Video] 2:54 - Hybrid Saw 'Wide Multi Hook' Carabiners for Hanging Objects Source :YouTube screenshot The carabiner with hook is 499 yen (tax included). Since space is limited inside a tent, hanging camping gear on ropes is a good way to save space. The Wide Multi Hook is useful for such situations. Check out the comparison with a 100-yen product in the video! [Video] 7:40 - Wide Multi Hook Nylon 'Para Mate' Paracord Source :YouTube screenshot The 4mm x 15m nylon Para Mate paracord costs 350 yen. It's mainly used for securing tents and putting up tarps. In the video, you can see it being attached to a stake hammer or saw as a cord. Para Mate paracord can also be used for other purposes, such as wrapping it around the handle of a sierra cup to protect it from the heat of a fire, or to protect and reinforce gear such as axes. [Video] 9:16 - Para Mate Paracord '2way All In One Bag' for Organizing Gear Source :YouTube screenshot The 2way All In One Bag (980 yen, tax included) is useful for storing compact camping gear. Thanks to the shoulder belt, it can be used as a shoulder bag or hung from the waist. [Video] 11:50 - 2way All In One Bag Storing Camping Gear How do you store your camping gear? As you continue to go camping, the amount of gear you have tends to increase as well. It's important to think about how to store your gear so that when you feel like camping, you're not left trying to remember where you put it. First, make room for a dedicated shelf for your camping gear. Arrange your gear at the right height on each shelf for a clean look. Compact camping gear should be stored in storage bags or other containers according to their purpose so that they don't fall apart. Some camping gear can even be displayed decoratively. Displaying your camping gear neatly can also keep you in high spirits while thinking about your next camping trip. Summary of Camping Gear for Beginners Solo camping is popular in Japan these days. Reasonably-priced but practical camping gear is easy to prepare and less burdensome. If you're thinking about going camping, be sure to check out this video to help you choose the right camping gear!

The Basics of Camp Cooking in Japan: Rice Rice, the staple food of the Japanese people, is also popular when camping. In this article, we'll introduce a video how to cook rice using a mess tin. Learn about mistakes advanced campers have already made so you can avoid making them yourself! Video Introduction This video, titled "[Mess Tins] Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Cooking Rice" (【メスティン】メスティン自動炊飯で失敗しないポイントとは), was uploaded by "Second Lieutenant Nya [Demoted to Rave Reviews]" (ニャア少尉【絶賛降格中】). The video introduces how to cook rice without fail using a mess tin. It's a must-see for outdoor and camping beginners in Japan, as well as for those who have never successfully cooked rice with a mess tin. Check it out! Mess Tins - A Popular Piece of Camping Dishware Photo：Camping gear A mess tin is a piece of cookware used during camping and backpacking. Shaped like a lunch box with a handle, they're made of aluminum for high heat conduction and can be heated with a single burner. They're also compact and easy to store. They can be used for smoking foods, pasta, and even arranged recipes using cooked rice and bread. They're a popular cooking utensil for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of cooking methods, such as simmering, steaming, baking, etc. The first time you use a mess tin, it's recommended that you file and deburr it, as they can have rough spots on them. Some campers also recommend seasoning to prevent burning and other problems. 6 Tips for Cooking With a Mess Tin Photo：Rice soaked in water The video explains 6 tips to avoid mistakes when using a mess tin for outdoor cooking and camping. Let's take a look! ・Allow Water to Permeate the Rice Thoroughly After washing your rice, you'll want to soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes during summer and 1 to 2 hours in winter in order to allow the water to penetrate the rice. [Video] 0:48 - Preparing the rice ・Solid Fuel (25g) Next is the solid fuel. Use 25g of solid fuel so that the fire won't go out in the middle of cooking. [Video] 1:24 - Solid fuel ・Next is the water. Be careful with the amount of water so that your rice isn't hard when you're finished cooking. In the video, water is added until the middle of the rivet of the mess tin for 1 cup of rice, but note that the height differs by manufacturer. [Video] 1:54 - Adding water ・Use a Wind Screen Fourth, use a windbreak to keep the heat and temperature consistent. The wind outside can make it difficult for the fire to reach the mess tin, resulting in uneven cooking, so be sure to use a wind screen. [Video] 2:24 - Wind screen ・Place a Weight on Top of the Mess Tin Lid The lid may come off when the pressure inside the mess tin rises. It's recommended that you put a weight on the lid to prevent it from coming off. [Video] 2:41 - Weights ▪ Steaming Remove from heat once steam starts to spill out or there's any bubbling sounds. To prevent the temperature from dropping too low, place the rice in a temperature retaining bag and let it steam for 10 minutes to make it fluffy and delicious. [Video] 3:52 - Steaming Warming Up Canned Goods With a Mess Tin! Source :YouTube screenshot The video shows how you can place a weight on top of the lid to prevent it from opening while the rice is cooking. In the video, canned food that is eaten with rice was placed on top of the lid instead of a weight. When the rice is done cooking, the canned food is also warmed up, so you can kill two birds with one stone! Summary of Mess Tins for the Outdoors & Camping In this article, we introduced a video of how to cook with a mess tin. A mess tin is a cooker that is handy for outdoor cooking, such as when camping, because it allows for easy outdoor cooking due to its versatility. Whether you're cooking with a mess tin for the first time or have used a mess tin before but experienced some failures, be sure to refer to this video to make some delicious rice!

Rare Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago! This video, titled "Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago (With Sound)" (東京の昔の映像　（音声あり）), was uploaded by "Final A." Have you ever wondered what life was like in Tokyo more than 100 years ago? Perhaps you've seen pictures in textbooks or studied it at school, but probably very few people have seen actual footage of what life was like back then. In this video, you can get a glimpse of what life was like in Tokyo around 1913-1915. The Lives of Tokyoites More Than 100 Years Ago Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:04 in the video, you can see many people walking around dressed in hakama (袴). You can also see children playing with a ball called a "mari" (毬) from 2:59. At the time, it was common for children to spend their days playing with traditional toys such as a mari (temari). As you can tell from the video, at the time, the majority of people were dressed in what would be considered traditional Japanese style clothing today. The streets were lit using fixed paper lanterns called "andon" (行灯). The population of Tokyo at the time was approximately 3 million. The population of the whole of Japan was approximately 50 million, less than half of what it is today. From 2:42 in the video, you can see how the area around Senso-ji temple (浅草寺) in Asakusa (浅草), Tokyo was just as busy then as it is nowadays. Tokyo From 1913-1915 Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho period lasted only 15 years (1912-1926) but is well known because of the Great Kanto Earthquake (関東大震災). Many other important events also took place during the same time period. The most famous of those being World War I which started in 1913. In 1914, the first department store "Mitsukoshi Gofukuten" (三越呉服店) (currently known as Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store) opened in Japan, and the familiar lion statue, as well as escalators and elevators quickly became the talk of the town. At the time, the toy industry and product development were flourishing and it was the beginning of modernization in Japan. Tokyo Station (東京駅) was also opened in 1914. The station must have been very crowded at the time due to the large number of passengers travelling to and from the station. More About the History of Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot In 1886, Tokyo prefecture (currently known in Japanese as Tokyo-to (東京都) was given the name Tokyo-fu (東京府). From the beginning of the Taisho period, there was a dramatic increase in the population of Tokyo. During the Meiji period (明治時代, meijijidai), the Tokyo area changed a great deal as Japan changed from being a country of agriculture to a country focused on industry. In the video, you can see that the most common mode of transportation was the rickshaw, however, the rickshaw was gradually replaced with bicycles and cars. At the time, there were many water wells in Tokyo and the water quality was also very good. Summary of Tokyo From 100 Years Ago Even if you aren't Japanese it's easy to feel a sense of nostalgia from this video. This rare footage offers a glimpse at what life was like over 100 years ago in Japan. It's invaluable footage that really allows us to see how far Japan and the rest of the world has come in such a short time.

Japan's Camping Manners Camping is a leisure activity that allows people of all ages to enjoy a priceless time in nature. Japan is currently experiencing a camping boom. However, the sad reality is that some campgrounds have closed down due to lack of good manners, such as campers not picking up their trash. In this article, we'll go over Japanese camping manners to be careful of. Camping Manners Video Introduction This video, titled "20 Camping Manners for Beginners and New Campers Alike! [How to Get Started Camping: Camping Manners]" (キャンプ初心者さん、これからキャンプを始める方に伝えたいキャンプマナー20選 嫌だ！〜こんなキャンパー〜【キャンプのはじめかた：キャンプマナー編】), was uploaded by "Camp Lab" (キャンプ研究所). The video introduces useful camping etiquette, and is recommended for those who are just starting to enjoy outdoor activities, such as camping, as well as experienced campers. 20 Camping Manners to Know When Camping in Japan Photo：Camping manners Although manners vary from country to country and campground to campground many of these are useful no matter where you're camping. There's no one better to learn from than an advanced camper who's been doing it for years, someone who has experienced bad camping manners themself. Let's take a look at these 20 camping manners to keep in mind when camping in Japan! 1. Choose a Campsite After Checking In It's bad camping etiquette to have your friend or other campers that you came with hold a site for you while you check in. It's standard etiquette that you should only choose a campsite after you finish checking in to the campground. [Video] 1:16 - Choosing a Campsite 2. Set Your Tent Up Away From Other Campers Photo：A campground Setting up a tent right next to an already pitched tent is bad manners, especially when the site is large and there are many other places to set up a tent. Moreover, setting up a tent in such a place may spoil the scenery for other campers. When choosing a place to set up your tent, you need to consider the scenery of the tents that are already set up, as to not obstruct their view. [Video] 1:36 - Setting Up Your Tent 3. Avoid Cutting Through Other Campsites Care should also be taken to avoid entering other plots. While it's OK if you just cut a corner through a campsite, you should avoid doing it too frequently and avoid crossing through the middle of a campsite to avoid disturbing other campers. [Video] 1:56 - Other Campers' Plots 4. Avoid Taking Up Too Much Space It's also a violation of camping etiquette to take up too much space in a free site. This is a common sight at group campsites, where group tents are set up so far apart that other campers cannot easily fit in between them and will have to find other places to pitch their tents. On busy days, it can be difficult to find a place to pitch your tent. When setting up your tent, please be sure to take into consideration the crowded conditions, and make sure that the distance between tents is the same as other campers. [Video] 2:19 - Avoid Taking Up Too Much Space 5. Avoid Late Night Setups and Early Morning Takedowns Photo：A campground at morning Any activity that interferes with other campers' peaceful sleep late at night or early in the morning is also taboo. Driving stakes into the ground while others are sleeping can be disturbing. Even if you unintentionally arrive at the campground late at night, consider the time before loudly setting up. [Video] 2:56 - Late Night Setups/Early Morning Takedowns 6. Don't Leave Children Unattended Do not leave small children unattended. Campsites can be dangerous places, and they could get into some serious trouble. You wouldn't want to see them get seriously injured or badly burned by a campfire or other fire because you lost sight of them. [Video] 3:28 - Camping With Children 7. Be Careful When Playing With Flying Objects, Such as Balls, Frisbees, Drones, Etc. Photo：A drone Playing with flying objects is another thing to be careful of. When playing with balls, frisbees, drones, etc., you should always be careful to make sure that no one is around. Be sure to play in designated areas. You wouldn't like it if someone else's frisbee kept flying into your campsite, right? [Video] 4:16 - Flying Toys 8. Avoid Trouble With Your Kids At campsites, in order to avoid trouble, parents may need to find a place for their children to play in advance, or if the campsite does not have an open space, you might need to take measures to avoid your children from being scolded, such as not bringing play equipment that is unsuitable for that location (i.e., flying toys in small areas). [Video] 5:13 - Be Aware of Your Children 9. Avoid Causing Noise Pollution Noise is a common cause of trouble, as loud noises can be annoying. Adjust the volume when enjoying music or movies, and be considerate of the time of day. Remember that the campground is a public place. [Video] 5:40 - Noise Pollution 10. Be Careful When Consuming Alcohol Photo：Enjoying drinks while camping The video also touches on drinking manners. Don't mistake the campground for a bar/izakaya and overdo it. It's important to be aware of the time of day, and to be aware that you may disturb other campers while they're sleeping. Video] 6:35 - Manners for Consuming Alcohol 11. Keep the Cooking Area Clean It's bad camping manners to make a mess in the cooking area. Leaving food scraps and other debris in the cooking area drains is disrespectful to other campers. When washing cooking utensils, bring detergent, sponges, and plastic bags. [Video] 7:22 - Keeping the Cooking Area Clean 12. Be Careful of Sparks From Campfires Photo：A campfire When enjoying a campfire, be careful of sparks. Sparks can fly not only on your tent, but also to neighboring campers' tents and other gear. Sparks may scorch your tent or other items, so please be careful. [Video] 8:07 - Campfire Sparks 13. Open Flame Cooking Is Not Allowed at All Campgrounds Don't perform open flame cooking in an area where open flame cooking is prohibited. It's a violation of both manners and rules. It may even lead to a wildfire in some places. [Video] 9:07 - Check if Open Flame Cooking Is Allowed 14. Don't Burn Garbage in Campfires Burning garbage in a campfire is another violation of camping manners. Burning trash creates unwanted smoke and odors. [Video] 9:44 - Don't Burn Garbage in Campfires 15. Be Respectful Even When Staying in a Car Photo：Sleeping in a car Be careful not to leave the engine running overnight when staying in a car. The noise can disturb other campers. Overnight stays in a car should be done in a parking lot. [Video] 10:18 - Manners for Overnight Stays in a Car 16. Manners Regarding Pets The video touches on manners regarding pets as well. It's bad manners to release pets without a leash. Pets can bite other campers and cause major problems. [Video] 11:04 - Pet Manners 17. Be Aware of Your Surroundings When Setting off Fireworks Do not disturb others with fireworks. Sparks may fly and scorch tents and other objects. [Video] 11:56 - Fireworks Manners 18. Separate Garbage Properly Photo：Camping manners In Japan trash is separated by type. Be sure to properly separate trash, even at campsites. [Video] 12:26 - Separating Trash 19. Leave Your Campsite Cleaner Than It Was When You Got There It's also bad manners to leave your campsite messy when you're finished camping. Make sure you don't leave behind any garbage or charcoal. Try to leave your campsite cleaner than it was when you arrived. [Video] 12:48 - Clean Your Campsite 20. Everyone Has Their Own Way of Enjoying Camping Everyone enjoys camping in their own way. It's also bad manners to impose your own values on other people. [Video] 13:12 - Camping Is Different for Everyone Enjoy Camping in Japan With Proper Manners! When camping, it's important to have good manners as well as to follow the rules of the campground. It's also important to gather information about prohibited items and equipment at the campground in advance. Trouble can be caused by violations of manners regarding garbage disposal, illegal dumping, noise in common spaces, and many other factors. When camping in Japan, it's important to respect nature, have good manners, keep other campers in mind to avoid any problems.

Only You Can Prevent Wildfires Japan is currently experiencing an outdoor boom. As an island nation surrounded by the sea, Japan is also blessed with abundant nature. Because of this, it's possible to travel from the heart of Tokyo to a campground surrounded by nature in just a couple hours, and new styles of camping, such as solo camping, are on the rise. Camping is a lot of fun, but it's important to remember to clean up after your campfire to prevent wildfires and other accidents. In this article, we'll take a look at how to clean up a campfire. Video Introduction: Cleaning Up After a Campfire Photo：A campfire This video, titled "How to Clean Up After a Campfire at a Campground" (キャンプ場での焚き火の後片付け方), was uploaded by "Hiro, Camping" (ヒロ、焚き火). Campfires are used for a variety of purposes, including cooking and warmth. Some people simply like relaxing and getting lost in the flames of a campfire. That being said, cleaning up after a campfire is a necessary part of a safe and enjoyable camping trip in Japan. If you fail to clean up after a campfire, it can cause wildfires and other problems for many people. It's important to extinguish fires properly to protect our rich natural environment. Some Campgrounds Allow Open Flame Cooking, Others Don't Some campgrounds allow campfire cooking, while others do not. Be sure to check if the campground you're using allows open flame cooking. If open flame cooking is not allowed, you'll need your own campfire pit, fire sheet, etc. How to Clean Up Charcoal and Ashes After a Campfire Source :YouTube screenshot First, any coals and wood should be burnt down as much as possible. The extinguished coals and ashes can then be placed on a 60-micron aluminum foil. After that, clean up the surrounding area, picking up anything that has dropped under the fire pit. Restore the area to its original state as best as possible. [Video] 0:08 - Picking Up Ashes Water can then be poured over the collected charcoal and ashes. From there, you can wrap the remains in the aluminum foil compactly, removing as much air as possible. Then, wrap that in another sheet of foil and finally, place it in a plastic bag. If ashes from your campfire are scattered nearby, be sure to pick them up as well. Leaving ashes behind is a known cause of environmental pollution. The ashes, as well as the remaining charcoal will not decompose and be replaced by soil, so please do not bury them in the ground. After gathering the remaining ashes, pour water over them. Check the temperature of the ground around you just to be sure as well. Reducing the risk of fire as much as possible will not only protect you, but also other campers and the environment. Dispose of garbage from any meals you made while camping, as well as ashes and charcoal from campfires, in areas designated by the campground. Camp Fire Cleanup Summary Photo：Campfire remains When building a campfire at camp, clean up after the fire properly. Don't leave any ashes or coals behind with the mistaken belief that they will decompose. Failure to ensure that you clean up after a campfire could lead to a wildfire or other major problems. Keep in mind that even the slightest amount of carelessness can lead to a major accident. Everyone has their own way of enjoying camping and other outdoor activities, but remember that you're in a public place and should observe rules and manners. If you go to a campground that prohibits open flame cooking, don't forget to prepare a fire pit and other outdoor equipment. Please make sure to keep the cleanup of bonfires in mind with the video introduced here, and by all means, enjoy the rich nature of Japan while camping!