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Video article 3:21
Video Footage of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle! Learn the Rules and History of the 300-Year-Old Battle, and Information for the 2023 Event!
Festivals & Events Traditional Culture Travel- 58 plays
- YouTube
Shirone Giant Kite Battle 2022: Video Introduction This video, titled "Shirane Kite Battle 2022, June 5, 2022|Giant Kites Dancing in the Sky|Otaka group vs. Kenshin group, Yakusha group vs. Isshin Tasuke group|Japanese Shirone Giant Kite Battle" (空に舞う大凧を撮ってきた・白根大凧合戦2022・令和4年6月5日 大高組VS謙信組 役者組VS一心太助組), was uploaded by "pikineko【photographer】." The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is held every year in early June in Shirone, Niigata and in Nishi-shirone, Niigata, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. Thirteen groups of kites, divided into Eastern and Western forces, crash their kites into one another and compete for victory or defeat in this heroic festival. It's a popular event for taking photos. The video shows the competition between the East Army's Otaka and Yakusha groups and the West Army's Kenshin and Isshin Tasuke groups. The sight of these giant kites fighting in the air is very exciting to watch. Be sure to check out the video before reading along to see how the history and tradition of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle has been passed down from generation to generation. A Brief Introduction to Kites in Japan Kites, called "tako" (凧) in Japanese, are said to have been introduced to Japan by the Heian Period (794 - 1185). They are made by affixing Japanese paper to a bamboo frame, and often come in a rectangular shape, although some regions of Japan have hexagonal kites, etc. Japanese kites are often decorated with traditional imagery, such as samurai. In the past, kites were incredibly popular in Japan, to the point that they were a common cause of damage to residences. Even today, they can be enjoyed at a wide variety of Japanese festivals and other events. Why Is the Shirone Giant Kite Battle Held? A Look at the History of the Event Photo:Shirone Giant Kite Battle The Shirone Giant Kite Battle, held in Shirone, Niigata, is a tradition with 300 years of history. It's a well-known festival that signals the arrival of early summer in Niigata. The origin of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle dates back to the middle-Edo period (1603-1868 AD). It began when people on the Shirone side of the Nakanokuchi River flew kites to celebrate the completion of the Nakanokuchi River embankment repair work. However, the kites fell on the Nishishirone side, the other side of the river, resulting in damage to some fields. People on the Nishishirone side, angered by this, began to fly their own kites in an attempt to knock down the kites of the Shirone side. This story is said to be how the event started. Like festivals in other parts of Japan, the Shirone Giant Kite Battle is also symbolic in nature. Kites are flown high to celebrate the birth children and to wish that prayers for a bountiful harvest will reach the heavens. Shirone Giant Kite Battle Rules and How Winners Are Decided Photo:A giant kite The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is divided into six groups from the east (Shirone side) and seven groups from the west (Nishishirone side) across the Nakanokuchi River. The kites are flown from both banks, and pitted against each other until the other kite's rope is broken. The kite that remains standing is the winner. The kites used in the Shirone Kite Battle are as large as 44 square meters (~470 square feet) and weigh a whopping 50 kg (110 lbs.). The Eastern side flies their kite low in the sky, while the Western side crosses the rope of their kite over the Eastern side's kite and slams it headlong into the river water. They continue fighting like this until one of the ropes is broken. If the rope is broken, the winner is awarded with one point. If the rope is not broken within the set time limit, the match is a draw, and both sides receive half a point. If the kites separate from each other before a rope is broken, the match is deemed "nakiwakare" (泣き別れ, A tearful parting) and there is no winner. These are the basic rules for scoring and determining winners and losers in the kite battle, but in reality, several kites may become tangled up together, as several pairs fly their kites at the same time. Since the method of determining winners and losers changes depending on the situation, spectators are kept on the edge of their seats as they await the outcome of the battle. The ranking of each pair is determined by their performance during the festival, which in turn determines the winning side. Shirone Giant Kite Battle 2023 Schedule and Attractions to See During the Festival Photo:Fireworks The Shirone Giant Kite Battle, which was shortened in duration in recent years, was held normally in 2022, but because the other events were canceled, many tourists were not able to enjoy the festival to the fullest. Luckily, it was been announced that the 2023 festival will be held for five days from June 1 to 5, with the previously canceled children's kite competition on May 31 and the citywide parade on June 1. In addition, a fireworks display is expected to be held as well, which will be a major event that will liven up the kite battle. In previous years, the event was held on Saturday during the festival period, and in case of rain, it is held on the following Sunday. Shirone Kite Museum: Learn More About the Exciting Shirone Giant Kite Battle The Shirone Kite Museum in Minami, Niigata, is one of the world's largest kite museums, where visitors can learn about kites and kite battles. You're sure to be captivated by the museum's collection of rare kites from all across Japan and around the world on display here. A full-size kite, like the ones used in kite battle, greets visitors at the entrance! You can also see the materials used to make the kites in the exhibition area. Inside the museum, visitors can experience what it's like to watch a kite battle through pictures and videos on the walls. If you can't make it to the actual event, we recommend checking this out. Visitors can also participate in a kite-making experience, after which, they'll have their very own kite that they can try flying in the wind tunnel laboratory. It's a great way to commemorate a trip to the area and will make you feel like a kid again. Incidentally, it's a great experience for kids as well. If the weather is nice, you can also fly your kite outside. Furthermore, at the souvenir corner, you can buy a kite with your desired design and name on it, which is popular as a gift. A temporary parking lot is available during the Shirone Giant Kite Battle, and free shuttle buses run from the parking lot to the venue. How to Get to the Shirone Giant Kite Battle Venue The Shirone Giant Kite Battle is located somewhat far from Niigata, but the easiest way to reach the event venue if you're coming from Niigata Station is via bus. There are buses scheduled on both weekends and weekdays that you can take to Shirone. You can opt to get off at at the Go no Machi (五の町) bus stop which takes you within a couple minutes' walk of the event venue (~1 hr. 15 minutes), or take a bus to the Shirone Kite Museum, enjoy a tour of the museum, and then take a free shuttle bus to the event venue from there (~1 hr. 30 mins). Either route with cost you 660 yen. Summary of the Shirone Giant Kite Battle The giant kites soar through the sky and engage in an exciting battle. It's a must-see event and allows visitors to experience a rich aspect of Japanese culture. The battle will be even more lively this year, as food stalls, etc. are back as of 2022. If you love festivals and want to see giant kites made with Niigata's traditional kite-making techniques, or if the sight of a kite battle gets your blood pumping, be sure to plan a trip to Niigata in June. Watching the powerful Shirone Giant Kite Battle is sure to be an unforgettable experience! -
Video article 4:01
Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival – Purging the Year of Bad Luck With 'Mamemaki' Before Spring! Experience the Powerful Oniyarai Ritual at the Shrine in Shiga Prefecture!
Festivals & Events Traditional Culture Travel- 69 plays
- YouTube
Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival: Video Introduction This video, titled "Good Sign 12th Broadcast: The Taga Taisha Shrine Setsubun Festival" (Good Sign 第12回放送 多賀大社節分祭), was uploaded by "Good Sign." The Setsubun Festival is held every February at Taga Taisha Shrine in Taga, Shiga, in Japan's Kansai region. This article will introduce "Oni no Mai" (鬼の舞, Dance of Demons) and the throwing of lucky beans and rice cakes. Setsubun is an essential event in Japanese culture. Through the Setsubun Festival at Taga Taisha Shrine, visitors can learn the meaning of Setsubun's bean-throwing custom. Check out this 4-minute video showing the charms of Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival. What Is Setsubun? The Traditional Japanese Event and When It's Celebrated Photo:Setsubun oni masks and mamemaki Setsubun means "division of the seasons," and refers to the day before the first day of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Since the Edo period (1603-1868 A.D.), the day before "Risshun" (立春, the first day of spring) has been called Setsubun. In the old calendar, Setsubun fell on New Year's Eve, which was meant to drive away evil spirits and welcome in a good year before the New Year. Mamemaki (豆まき) is a ritual in which an oni (Japanese ogre demon) appears and people throw beans at it while shouting "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi!" (鬼は外福は内, Demons out, luck in!). It's a popular event at kindergartens and nursery schools in Japan. It's also customary for Japanese families to eat "ehomaki," a thick sushi roll commonly made with 7 types of ingredients inside, representing the 7 Lucky Gods. It's believed that it's best to sit facing the lucky direction for the year (the direction of the god Toshitoku, who is in charge of the year's blessings), and sit quietly while eating. It's also customary to eat as many beans as one's age plus 1. Setsubun is often thought to be held on February 3, but in some years is held on the 2nd or 4th because Risshun (the first day of spring) sometimes changes. The God of Taga Taisha Shrine Photo:Taga Taisha Shrine, Shiga Prefecture Taga Taisha Shrine is the largest shrine in Shiga Prefecture, and is known as Otaga-san. There are two sayings, "Oise Mairaba, Otaga e Maire" (If you visit Ise, visit Otaga), and "Oise, Otaga no Ko Degozaru" (I am Ise, child of Taga). The second saying is derived from the fact that Taga Taisha Shrine is dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami, the parents of Amaterasu, the deity of Ise Jingu, giving the shrines a parent-child relationship. Taga Taisha Shrine is also believed to be the god of longevity and marriage, and a protector against evil. Visitors to the shrine can enjoy seasonal scenery, such as beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves of Okushoin Garden, which is associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Taga Taisha Shrine is also a tourist attraction with many other points of interest, such as a sacred tree called Sanbonsugi located on the site where Izanagi is said to have descended from the heavens, Jumyoseki (the Stone of Longevity), a white stone on which you can write your prayers and offer to the shrine, and Otaga-jakushi, a replica of a ladle made for Empress Gensho when she was ill. Oni Dances & Bean and Rice Cake Throwing – Highlights of Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of the Setsubun Festival is the "Oni no Mai" dance by the Shimane Prefecture Inbara Kagura Troupe. Three oni (demons) appear accompanied by the sound of taiko drums and flutes. They glare at the audience with frightening expressions as they perform the dance, creating a powerful scene! [Video] 1:51 - Oni no Mai The two priests gradually drive the demons to the edge of the corridor and exterminate them while scattering beans and shouting "Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi" (Demons out, luck in!). This is a ritual to drive away evil spirits that bring bad luck. After the demons are gone, beans and rice cakes are thrown from the stage by participants who share the same zodiac sign as the current year. [Video] 3:00 - Lucky Beans and Lucky Rice Cakes Being Thrown Zodiac Signs + Lucky Bean and Rice Cake Throwing: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience! The lucky bean and rice cake throwing experience is for participants who share the same zodiac sign as the current year that will also turn 60 in that year. It's a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. An orientation session is held in advance. The application deadline is mid-December of the previous year. The service fee to participate is as follows 32,000 yen for one person, 42,000 yen for couples. A prayer fee, group dinner, group photo, and souvenirs such as fans are also included. ※Details based on the 2021 event. If you have family members who will celebrate their 60th birthday, maybe gift them with the chance to participate! Summary of Taga Taisha Shrine's Setsubun Festival Taga Taisha Shrine is a 10-minute walk from Taga Taisha-mae Station on the Ohmi Railway. Shiga Prefecture boasts a variety of tourist attractions, including Taga Taisha Shrine, Hikone Castle, and more. If you're planning a trip in February, be sure to add a Setsubun Festival to your itinerary! -
Video article 3:06
A Christmas Event in Wakayama Marina City – Beautiful Illuminations and a Fantastic Atmosphere!
Festivals & Events Travel Things to Do- 47 plays
- YouTube
Festa Luce 2022 – The Lighting Ceremony at Wakayama Marina City: Video Introduction This video, titled "Festa Luce in Wakayama Marina City 2022 Lighting Ceremony DIGEST" (フェスタ・ルーチェin和歌山マリーナシティ2022点灯式DIGEST), was uploaded by "festa luce." The video introduces the lighting ceremony and event venue for the illumination event "Festa Luce" held on November 3, 2022 at Wakayama Marina City. The venue is not only beautiful, but is host to a variety of illuminations, and there are plenty of attractions that families and couples can enjoy. Be sure to check out the video to see the venue and see the moment the lights at the illumination are turned on! [Video] 0:51 - Lights Being Turned On for the Illumination Wakayama Marina City – Information About the Venue Where the Illumination Is Held Photo:Wakayama Marina City Wakayama Marina City is an artificial island and city resort, that is located in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture, in Japan's Kansai region. It is conveniently located near an airport as well. It's a popular place for a night out in Japan's Kansai region, especially for those in Osaka. The area is home to Porto Europe, a European townscape, Kuroshio Market, a market popular among tourists, Kishu Kuroshio Onsen, a hot spring and spa, Wakayama Marina City Sea Fishing Park, as well as hotels and other attractions. Highlights of Festa Luce in Wakayama Marina City in 2023 Source :YouTube screenshot Festa Luce, in Wakayama Marina City, a festival of lights held for the first time in 2017, is a very popular event and attracts many visitors every year. During the event period, Wakayama Marina City will be gorgeously lit up with projection mapping and other illuminations. There are many things to see, such as the 16-meter-long Christmas tree towering over the fountain square and the illumination light parade of light and sound! The Castle Projection Mapping, which will be revived after four years, is a must-see. "In 2023, ""Festa Luche Gacha"" will be introduced, where you can make clattering with coins that you can receive with a dwarf admission ticket!"Please try not to forget the shiny goods without losing. There are also hands-on attractions, so visitors can enjoy more than just watching the illuminations. Parents and children, friends, and even couples can have a blast at this exciting event. [Video] 1:01 - A Photogenic Scene at the Illumination Event The illumination starts at 5:00 p.m. If you're sightseeing in the area, consider stopping by and enjoying the magical illuminations! Christmas Market and Sky Lantern, 2 Popular Attractions at Festa Luce A Christmas Market is also held on weekends in November and December. Visitors can enjoy all sorts of delicious food and shopping while watching the illuminations. Don't forget to grab yourself a warm drink while perusing Christmas goods! Events, such as music concerts and street performances, are also held on weekends and liven up the Christmas season. On November 18th, 25th and 9th, the Sky Lantern Festival will be held with 800 lanterns floating in the sky. The lanterns floating in the winter night sky at the European-style venue create a world of pure fantasy. Only 800 lanterns will be available for each date, so be sure to get your hands on one asap! The lanterns soar through the night sky lit up by the illuminations. Be sure to bring a camera, as this is an experience you won't want to forget! Summary of Festa Luce, an Illumination at Wakayama Marina City Photo:Festa Luce at Wakayama Marina City This video was an introduction to the highlights of the illumination lighting ceremony. Please check the following and the official website for information on admission fees, advance tickets, etc. If you have the chance, be sure to visit Wakayama Marina City this winter, where you can experience a magical Christmas event! ◆Festa Luchein Wakayama Marina City 2023◆ Period: November 3, 2023 - February 12, 2024 開催 However, January 1st is closed Saturday, Sunday and Holiday from January 9, 2024 to February 12, 2024 Opening hours: 17:00~21:00 (last admission 20:30) *Saturday of November and December 24 and 25 from 17:00 to 22:00 (last admission 21:30) Admission: Adults 1,800 yen (1,600 yen in advance) 1,000 yen for children (800 yen in advance) Attraction Night Pass: 1,800 yen for adults and children (1,600 yen in advance) 【TripAdvisor】Wakayama Marina City -
Video article 14:12
What are the highlights of Tokyo Midtown Illumination 2023? Stylish and sophisticated urban illuminations that enliven Christmas
Festivals & Events Travel Modern Culture- 75 plays
- YouTube
Tokyo Midtown Illumination 2023 video introduction This time, we will introduce videos produced by Shu channel called 4K [Tokyo Midtown Roppongi Illumination 2023] [MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2023: MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS] 2023.11.16 @Tokyo Midtown.(4K【東京ミッドタウン六本木のイルミネーション2023】「MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2023:MIDTOWN WINTER LIGHTS」2023.11.16 @Tokyo Midtown) This video shows the Tokyo Midtown Illumination in 2023.There are many things to see, including the golden illumination of a series of trees and colorful Christmas trees.Please enjoy it. Tokyo Midtown – Where Is It, and What Kind of Place Is It? Nearest Station and Area Information Photo:Buildings at Tokyo Midtown, Roppongi Tokyo Midtown is located in Akasaka, Tokyo, in Japan's Kanto region. Despite its Akasaka address, it's located close to Roppongi Hills, and the nearest station is Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo Line and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. Multiple facilities coexist in Tokyo Midtown, which consists of a lush green lawn park and six buildings. There are a variety of stores and restaurants, luxury hotels, residences, offices, medical facilities, art museums, all surrounded by tree-lined walkways. Tokyo Midtown is a complex facility where people can enjoy spending their time. Tokyo Midtown Illumination 2022 – Event Dates and Highlights Source :YouTube screenshot Tokyo Midtown will hold MIDTOWN CHISTMAS 2022 and the Tokyo Midtown Illumination in conjunction with Christmas. CHRISTMAS STORY LIGHTS in the lawn area of Midtown Garden and PARTY POPPER TREE, a large Christmas tree on a tree-lined avenue, will be decorated from Thursday, November 17, 2022 to Sunday, December 25, 2022, bringing the Christmas spirit to life in Tokyo. The main attraction is a giant dome that represents "a special Christmas day." Inside the dome is the Vision Dome, a spherical display capable of projecting high-definition images. The powerful light and music performance of CHRISTMAS STORY LIGHTS in conjunction with approximately 300 lights is sure to captivate! [Video] 1:48 - CHRISTMAS STORY LIGHTS PARTY POPPER TREE is a large tree with colorful lights in the shape of party poppers The tree, in the shape of the kanji for tree (木, pronounced 'ki') is a device that shines brightly when visitors hold their hands over it. [Video] 0:28 - PARTY POPPER TREE From Thursday, November 17, 2022 to Sunday February 26, 2023, the illumination of the Promenade of Lights makes the rows of trees glow gold. The illumination is also reflected in the stream flowing along the walkway, creating a beautiful spectacle. Tokyo Midtown Illumination – Hotel and Restaurant Reservations in the Area During the Christmas Season! Photo:Buildings on Gaien Higashi-dori near Tokyo Midtown There are numerous hotels, restaurants, cafes, and take-out stores around the Tokyo Midtown Illumination, but reservations are going to be a must for all of them during the Christmas season. There are also numerous gourmet restaurants in Tokyo Midtown, including many with terrace seating. From November 16, 2023 to December 25, 2023, there will be restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can enjoy special Christmas menus and Christmas-only cakes. Summary of the Tokyo Midtown Illumination The Tokyo Midtown Illumination has become a winter tradition in Roppongi. For access, the Tokyo Midtown Illumination is directly connected to the Roppongi Subway Station or a 3-minute walk from Nogizaka Station. Come out and experience the CHRISTMAS STORY LIGHTS and PARTY POPPER TREE illuminations at Tokyo Midtown and get yourself in the Christmas spirit! 【Official Website】MIDTOWN CHRISTMAS 2023 - Tokyo Midtown 【TripAdvisor】Tokyo Midtown -
Video article 4:50
Tokyo Christmas Market – Discover the Market Synonymous With Winter in Japan via Video! Enjoy the Authentic German Atmosphere at This Christmas Market in Japan!
Festivals & Events Things to Do Travel- 35 plays
- YouTube
Tokyo Christmas Market: Video Introduction This video, titled "Tokyo Christmas Market 2017 Announcement" (東京クリスマスマーケット2017 告知 / Tokyo Christmas Market 2017), was uploaded by "Tokyo Christmas Market Organizing Committee" (東京クリスマスマーケット実行委員会). This event, which shows beautiful and warm buildings, is Tokyo Christmas Market. The exciting atmosphere of the market informs people living in Japan that the Christmas season has arrived. The symbol of the market, a 14-meter-tall Christmas pyramid from the German village of Seifen, is a work of art and a symbol of the winter season in Germany. The stores lined with Christmas ornaments and other European goods imported directly from Europe allow visitors to enjoy shopping for exotic goods and delicious foods. At night, the market is lit up to create a magical atmosphere. Enjoy the Tokyo Christmas Market via video as you read along. Tokyo Christmas Market – Enjoy Christmas at This Winter Wonderland! Photo:A Christmas market, Germany Tokyo Christmas Market, which began in 2015, is an outdoor event held in Hibiya Park, a well-known urban oasis. It was inspired by the Christmas market held in Dresden, Germany, the birthplace of the Christmas market. Tokyo Christmas Market is known for its Christmas Pyramid, the largest Christmas pyramid in the world, which is composed of six tiers, each with a unique wooden puppet. The puppets, made in the village of Seifen in Saxony, famous for the Nutcracker, spin a fantastical tale as they rotate. Other popular spots for couples include a hut decorated with gorgeous decorations and a spot where visitors can take pictures with their faces peeking out from a heart-shaped wreath. There is also a diorama called "Krippe" (German for 'Crib') that depicts the birth of Christ, and there are plenty of photo spots as well! Activities at Tokyo Christmas Market – Everything You Need to Know About This Exciting Christmas Event! Photo:The Christmas pyramid at the Tokyo Christmas Market There are many things to do at the Tokyo Christmas Market. For lighting and illumination, there's the giant Christmas pyramid. The lights create a fantastical atmosphere as the various puppets tell a story. The roofs of the huts are also a must-see! The illuminated Christmas motifs on the roofs, including Santa, reindeer, and snowmen, create an exotic atmosphere! It's sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! [Video] 2:58 - The Christmas Pyramid Light-up/Illumination Tokyo Christmas Market is also a great place for foodies. The market features authentic German beer as well as glühwein (mulled wine), a traditional German Christmas drink. You can also enjoy German sausage, eisbein (pickled ham hock), and other classic German dishes, as well as hot soups to keep you warm in the cold winter weather. In addition, you can enjoy German Christmas sweets such as stollen and lebkuchen. [Video] 1:55 - Stalls Selling Glühwein, German Food, & Sweets Visitors can also enjoy shopping for European-style Christmas ornaments and European sundries for Christmas. 2022 will see the debut of a teddy bear shop, which is loved by children and adults around the world. There will also be original Christmas-only products. If you like teddy bears, be sure to stop by. Tokyo Christmas Market 2022 – Book Your Tickets in Advance! Photo:Tokyo Christmas Market Tickets for this year's Tokyo Christmas Market can be reserved in advance. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, tickets are divided into 2-hour periods, so be sure to choose the time slot that works best for you. Advance tickets for the 2022 event will be on sale from November 21 at 11:00 am. Same-day tickets will also be available, but be aware that if the event is crowded, there may be long wait times or tickets may sell out. Event hours are 11:00 am to 10:00 pm (food, drinks, and miscellaneous goods are sold until 9:30 pm). Prices are 1,000 yen for adults on weekdays, 1,500 yen on weekends, and 500 yen for children (free for children 5 and under). Visitors will also receive a cute original mug as a special gift with their admission! Be sure to check out the official twitter account for more information (Japanese). Tokyo Christmas Market Summary In Germany and other parts of Europe, Christmas is a month-long celebration. The Christmas markets held during this time are events that both children and adults look forward to. Check out Tokyo Christmas Market and enjoy the authentic European atmosphere while indulging in some glühwein and hot soup in the cold winter weather! Tokyo Christmas Market 2022 in Hibiya Park 【Date】December 9 - December 25, 2022 【Time】11:00-22:00 (16:00-22:00 on the first day) 【Venue】Hibiya Park Fountain Plaza + Nire no Ki Plaza 【Access】Hibiya Park Fountain Plaza + Nire no Ki Plaza Hibiya Station via the Hibiya Line or Chiyoda Line, Exit A14, approx. 1 min. walking Kasumigaseki Station via the Marunouchi Line, Exit B2, approx. 5 min. walking Uchisaiwaicho Station via the Toei Mita Line, Exit A7, approx. 5 min. walking An approximately 20-minute walk from the Marunouchi Exit of JR Tokyo Station An approximately 10-minute walk from the Hibiya Exit of JR Yurakucho Station 【TripAdvisor】Hibiya Park -
Video article 6:07
Nabana no Sato Illumination – One of the Largest Illuminations in Japan! Enjoy a Romantic Christmas in This World of Joy and Colorful Lights in Mie Prefecture!
Festivals & Events Travel- 69 plays
- YouTube
Nabana no Sato Illumination: Video Introduction This video, titled "Nabana no Sato Flower Park and Amazing Winter Illumination Displays, Kuwana City, Mie," was uploaded by "Nagashima Resort Official Channel" (ナガシマリゾート 公式チャンネル). Nabana no Sato Illumination is an illumination event with a different theme each year, as well as a winter tradition in Mie Prefecture. The video shows the 2019-2020 event with the theme "Cherry Blossoms." The themed area is one of the largest in Japan, and the colorful production using the world's most advanced programming technology is utterly spectacular. In addition, "Hana-Kairo" (華回廊, lit 'Flower Corridor'), a 200-meter-long tunnel of light, envelops visitors in a fantastic atmosphere and is a must-see attraction at the event. Be sure to check out the beautiful lights of Nabana no Sato Illumination as you read along! Nabana no Sato Illumination – Highlights, Event Period, & Other Useful Information Photo:Nabana no Sato Illumination, Kuwana, Mie Nabana no Sato Illumination is held at Nabana no Sato, a theme park of flowers and food. It's just one of the facilities of Nagashima Resort in Kuwana, Mie, in Japan's Tokai Region. There are various facilities around the park as well, the most famous of which are the Jumbo Seawater Pool and Nagashima Spa Land. Nabana no Sato Illumination is about a 20-minute bus ride from Nagashima Spa Land. Nabana no Sato Illumination is usually held from late October to the end of May, with beautiful seasonal scenery, such as weeping plum blossoms and cherry blossoms illuminated in the spring and autumn leaves illuminated in the fall. The area also offers different views at different times of the day, with beautiful flowers during the day and light art at night. With Nagashima Resort facilities in the vicinity, this is a popular tourist attraction in Mie that offers plenty of ways to enjoy yourself. Nabana no Sato Illumination – Event Dates for the Winter Illumination Event Photo:A sea of clouds at Nabana no Sato Illumination, Kuwana, Mie Nabana no Sato Illumination is held every year with a different theme. After watching the stunning video you're sure to want to visit yourself! So, you may be wondering "What's this year's theme?" "What time is the park open 'til?" "How long does it take to see everything?", etc. etc. We'll answer all of those questions below! Nabana-no-sato Illumination 2023-2024 Theme: "Golden Pyramid Period: October 21, 2023 - June 2, 2024 Special date-specific tickets are required for the illumination from 15:00 to 23:00 on December 23 to 25. Illumination hours: Varies according to the time of sunset. From fall to winter, it will be from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and from spring to summer, it will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. For details, please see the official website. Time required: approximately 2 hours Admission fee: 2,500 yen (adults and children) Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) Nabana no Sato Illumination features seven spots where visitors can view elaborate works of light art. The highlight of the illuminations is the Tunnel of Light, which was selected as a bucket-list location. LED light bulbs in the shape of flowers create a fantastical atmosphere, making it a popular spot for taking photos. Nabana no Sato Illumination – Perfect for a Romantic Christmas Date! Get Your Exclusive Tickets! Photo:Nabana no Sato Illumination 2020, Kuwana, Mie During the event period, from December 23 to 25, a special Christmas event will be held, requiring a special ticket for admission. The tickets are designated for a specific day, from 15:00 to 23:00. On the same day, visitors can enter the Begonia Garden at no extra charge on the day of the event, where a special Christmas production will be presented. Illumination tickets can be purchased in advance at convenience stores. Also, check out the special plans that include transportation to and from the illumination if you stay at an official hotel. Enjoy a romantic Christmas date with your special someone with the fantastical Nabana no Sato Illumination! It's sure to be a memorable time! Summary of Nabana no Sato Illumination Nabana no Sato Illumination is a nationally renowned illumination event and a popular tourist attraction. As a result, various tours are organized and many tourists visit the area. Nagashima Resort is easily accessible by public transportation and has various facilities in the surrounding area, so whether it be flowers or illuminations, there are attractions for everyone to enjoy! The resort is particularly popular among families and couples. After a day of fun, you can relax and unwind at a hotel or hot spring. Nabana no Sato Illumination, which can be enjoyed almost all year round, attracts many people each year. Experience the overwhelming twinkling lights at one of the largest illumination events in Japan! It's sure to make your travels in Mie memorable! ◆Nabana no Sato◆ 【Address】〒511-1144 Mie, Kuwana, Nagashimacho Komae, 漆畑270 【Telephone】0594-41-0787 (9:00 AM - 9:00 PM) 【Parking】Free parking available 【Hours/Access】Please check the official website 【TripAdvisor】Nabana no Sato -
Video article 1:33
Kobe Illuminage – Experience the Dazzling Lights via Video! Beautiful Photo Spots & More at This Delightful Illumination in Hyogo Prefecture. Be Sure to Bring Your Special Someone!
Festivals & Events Travel- 117 plays
- YouTube
Kobe Illuminage: Video Introduction This video, titled "Kobe Illuminage" (神戸イルミナージュ), was uploaded by "kobecitychannel." Kobe Illuminage is a magical interactive illumination event at Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo, a roadside station in Kobe, Hyogo, in Japan's Kansai region. Each year the event attracts more than 150,000 visitors. The illuminations extending over the vast grounds at Kobe Illuminage, one of the most popular winter spots in Japan's Kansai region, make it feel as though you've wandered into a palace of light. Be sure to check out the video before reading on! Kobe Illuminage – Event Period, Hours, & Other Information Photo:Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo is one of the largest roadside stations in western Japan. The park is complete with an amusement park, hot spring facilities, a BBQ space, and even a dog run. Kobe Illuminage, held there every year, is an illumination event that started in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. The event was started to send the power of light from Kobe, which itself experienced the Great Hanshin Earthquake in 1995, with the desire to extend support to those in Japan's Tohoku region who were affected by the disaster. During the period from November 1, 2023 to February 12, 2024, we will bring light art to everyone, even during the year-end and New Year holidays. The opening hours are from 17:00 to 22:00, and the lighting hours are from 17:30 to 21:30. Illuminage is a combination of the words "illumination" and "nage," the French word for "swimming." The name is a reference to the way light swims and shines freely while intertwined. [Video] 0:36 - Approximately 5 million LED light bulbs There are many highlights of the Kobe Illuminage! Photo:An image of an illumination ※Image is for reference only Kobe Illuminage is full of diverse illuminations that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. The highlight of the event is a huge maze beautifully illuminated by LED lights. Enjoy a fun adventure as you make your way to the exit while surrounded by the dazzlingly illuminated maze. The view, surrounded by a wall of light, is a mysterious space that's sure to be great for taking photos, especially for Instagram. Don't forget your camera! [Video] 1:06 - The Giant Maze at Kobe Illuminage Also, don't miss out on the "Monkey Show of Light" (光のモンキーショー, Hikari no Monki Sho) held at the Monkeys Theater in the park. The combination of cute monkeys and light is sure to impress. Be Sure to Dress Warm! Photo:Warm clothing Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo is located in Kita, Kobe, a place surrounded by nature, and the average temperature is said to be lower than that of downtown Kobe. The advantage of this is that there's less light pollution, which makes the lights shine even more beautifully. Nevertheless, the winds can be quite strong, and it can get colder than you might expect. It's recommended that visitors wear thick clothes and prepare gloves, hats, scarves, boots, and hand warmers. After you've finished enjoying the event, it's recommended that you warm up at a nearby hot spring or stay overnight at a hotel. Kobe Illuminage – Ticket Information Photo:Kobe Illuminage at Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo Tickets for Kobe Illuminage can be purchased on the website, and priority admission tickets with Express Pass, which shorten waiting time, are also available. Please note that during the Christmas period from December 23 to December 25, prices will change as follows. ■Normal admission ticket Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,800 yen / Children (1 year and older *infants free): 1,000 yen / Pets: 500 yen Priority Admission (with Express Pass) Adults (junior high school students and older): 2,300 yen / Children (age 1 and older *infants free): 1,500 yen Christmas (12/23-12/25) admission ticket Adults (junior high school students and older): 2,800 yen / Children (age 1 and older *infants free): 2,000 yen Christmas (12/23-12/25) Priority Admission (with Express Pass) Adults (junior high school students and older): 3,300 yen / Children (age 1 and older *infants free): 2,500 yen Summary of Kobe Illuminage Kobe Illuminage is a popular event that continues to attract many people, with more and more visitors every year. Free parking is available for up to 1,500 cars, but according to online reviews, on busy December weekends and dates close to Christmas, you can expect considerable traffic on the way home from the venue, so it's recommended to arrive and leave with plenty of time to spare. If you don't like crowds, you may choose to visit early into the event period. The moment the lights come on is truly fantastical, so be inside the venue before 5:30 p.m.! Also, many people choose to stay at the adjacent Kobe Hotel Fruit Flower with an overnight stay plan that includes an admission ticket. Enjoy a warm time with your loved ones at the wonderful illumination. ◆Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo◆ 【Address】Kamiozo-2150 Ozocho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1522 【Access】 Train: Approx. 15 min. by bus or cab from Okaba Station via the Kobe Electric Railway From JR Sanda Station: Approx. 15 minutes by cab From JR Sannomiya Station: Approx. 35 min. by Shinki Bus (No. 38) (available only on weekends and holidays) Car: Located right after the Ozo IC of the Rokko-hoku Toll Road (六甲北有料道路大沢IC, Rokko-hoku Yuryo Doro Ozo IC) 【Official Website】Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo 【TripAdvisor】Kobe Fruit Flower Park Ozo -
Video article 8:03
The Jewel of Shonan – Experience Winter on Enoshima With This Festival of Lights! See the Beautiful Illumination in Kanagawa via Video!
Festivals & Events Travel- 76 plays
- YouTube
The Jewel of Shonan – An Illumination Event on Enoshima: Video Introduction This video, titled "Enoshima Illumination|the Jewel of Shonan|Filmed on a Sony A6600|4K Video" (江ノ島イルミネーション 湘南の宝石 ソニーa6600撮影 4K撮影), was uploaded by "Shumi-chan" (趣味チャン). This video shows 2021's "The Jewel of Shonan," an illumination event that takes place on Enoshima. Be sure to check out the video showing 8 minutes of twinkling illuminations covering the spacious event site before reading along. The Jewel of Shonan – An Illumination Event on Enoshima: Highlights & Schedules for 2022 The Enoshima illumination "The Jewel of Shonan" is a popular winter event on Enoshima, which has been held since 1999 and is celebrating 23 years. With the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and the Enoshima Sea Candle (formerly known as the Enoshima Observation Lighthouse) as the main spots of illumination, it's a community-integrated festival of lights and colors that takes advantage of the sea and sky of Shonan and the location of Enoshima. The Jewel of Shonan is said to be one of the 'Top 3 Illuminations in Japan's Kanto Region,' and was awarded second place in the illumination category in the Illumination Awards. It also ranks highly on many illumination rankings, making it one of the leading illumination events in Japan's Kanto region. Photo:The Enoshima illumination, the Jewel of Shonan Let's take a look at some of the highlights of the event while watching the video. After entering Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden and passing through the tunnel of the Shonan Chandelier made up of approximately 70,000 Swarovski crystals, the main attraction, the illuminated Enoshima Sea Candle, will come into view. [Video] 0:11 - Entering the Event [Video] 1:48 - Shonan Chandelier, a Tunnel With a Gorgeous Glow The Enoshima Sea Candle is an observation lighthouse that has become a symbol of Shonan. [Video] 2:22 - The Enoshima Sea Candle, a Magnificent Lighthouse The entire area of the observatory lighthouse, named 'Great Space of Light,' is a perfect photo spot with its beautifully shining jewel-shaped monument made of lights! [Video] 2:30 - The Great Space of Light With the Beautifully Shining Jewel-Shaped Monument of Lights Photo:The Enoshima Sea Candle, Enoshima illumination The view from the observatory is also exceptional, and visitors can enjoy a breathtaking night view of Sagami Bay. [Video] 3:41 - Heading to the Sea Candle Observation Deck Floor [Video] 4:25 - The Illumination from the Outdoor Observation Deck As the name suggests, the illumination along the pathway of 'Jewel Forest' resembles jewels scattered all around. The highlight of Jewel Forest is the delicate lighting. [Video] 6:02 - Jewel Forest Pathway [Video] 7:12 - Illumination of Mt. Fuji Although the video ends with the illumination of Mt. Fuji on the wall, the event itself is a large-scale event of lights and colors in harmony with the location of Enoshima. Beautiful lights and illuminations can be seen at Enoshima Shrine (江島神社, Enoshima Jinja), Nakatsumiya Square (中津宮広場. Nakatsumiya Hiroba), Shonan Jewel Square (湘南宝石広場, Shonan Houseki Hiroba), Oiwayamichi Street (御岩屋道通り, Oiwayamichi-dori), Enoshima Iwaya, and Enoshima Yacht Harbor. ◆The Jewel of Shonan 2023◆ Schedule: November 23, 2023 - February 29, 2024 ◇Nighttime opening hours◇ Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden / Enoshima Sea Candle Weekdays and year-end and New Year holidays: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm (last admission 7:30 pm) Weekends, holidays and Dec. 23-30: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (last admission 8:30 pm) ※From January 6th, from 17:30 on weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Shonan Candle – A Breathtaking Autumn Illumination Photo:Shonan Candle, Enoshima Before the Enoshima Illumination "Jewel of Shonan," the "Shonan Candle" autumn event will be held for 23 days from October 15 (Sat) to November 6 (Sun). Approximately 10,000 candles will be lit at the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden on Enoshima Island. The warmth of the candlelight is very different from the dazzling winter illumination. Autumn is a season when people start to feel lonely, so consider making some date plans for the Shonan Candle and enjoy a nice evening out. A Recommended Summer Illumination Event on Enoshima Photo:The lantern light up event on Enoshima At the Enoshima Samuel Cocking Garden, where the Enoshima Sea Candle, a symbol of Shonan, stands, light-themed events are also held in the summer. As a summer tradition, the Enoshima Lantern Festival has been held annually since 2008, and this year the event was held from July 23 (Saturday) to August 31 (Wednesday). The event features 1,000 lanterns, as well as the light installation "Hikari no Emaki" (光の絵巻, lit. 'A Picture Scroll of Lights') at Enoshima Shrine, offering a different atmosphere in summer than in autumn and winter, making it an event you don't want to miss. Summary of Illumination Events on Enoshima Enoshima is known for its impressive winter illuminations, and every year large scale light events are held in summer, fall, and winter in order to revitalize the local community. No matter which season, the events are always romantic thanks to the perfect location of Enoshima. We encourage you to go out with your family and friends, or for a nice, romantic date. You're sure to have a great time, making memories and taking photos at all of the picturesque photo spots. Enoshima is also a great place for tourists, as it's relatively easy to get to even from distant places. However, because this is a popular event, traffic jams and other congestion are to be expected, especially on weekends and holidays. Parking lots in the neighborhood can also fill up. Therefore, we recommend that you avoid coming by car if possible and use public transportation. Enjoy the festive mood of the colder months with a trip to this heartwarming illumination event. 【Official Website】Enoshima and Kamakura Travel Guide 【TripAdvisor】The Jewel of Shonan -
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Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA 2022! A Gathering of the Fascinating Cultures of Niigata!
Festivals & Events Life & Business News Local PR- 263 views
Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA 2022! Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA was held at Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center's exhibition hall in Niigata Prefecture on November 5 (Sat.) and 6 (Sun.), 2022. The expo is a gathering of cutting-edge information in all fields related to 'Cool Japan' and is held in Niigata Prefecture. The event allows exhibitors with a variety of products and business solutions to interact with visitors from various industries, professions, and positions. With approximately 175 booths, it's a major gathering of 'Cool Japan' contens from all across the country. This year's Cool Japan Expo in NIIGATA also brought together all manner of genres, from modern cultures, such as anime and video games, to traditional crafts that Japan has long preserved. We, the staff of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, personally attended the event, and in this article, I'll go over the live atmosphere of the event with lots of photos! In the last part of the article, I'll introduce some of the delicious foods and sightseeing spots you can find in Niigata that I enjoyed between interviews, so I hope you stick with me until the end. What is 'Cool Japan'? 'Cool Japan' is a term used in the "Cool Japan Strategy," a brand strategy to achieve economic growth in Japan by capturing international attention through the dissemination of information about the cool things that Japan has to offer, as well as overseas expansion, and inbound tourism promotion. Reference: Wikipedia The Main Genres of Exhibits at Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA had a large number of booths from a variety of different genres on display. ・Koi ・Sake ・Beer ・Wine and other spirits ・Agricultural products ・Agricultural, forestry, and fishery products ・Manga ・Anime ・Traditional crafts ・Cosplay ・Fireworks ・Embassies ・International companies ・Household goods, interior design, health care, etc. ・Leisure ・Entertainment, lodging, tourism, transportation, hands-on experiences, etc. ・Cosmetics, hair care, etc. ・Manufacturing, craftsmen, etc. ・Clothes, watches, accessories, etc. ・Artists, creators, venture companies, etc. ・Food, beverage, etc. Tsubame-Sanjo Booth at Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA: World-Class Traditional Crafts and Metalworking Products At the Tsubame-Sanjo booth "Tsubame Sanjo Factories," 15 companies from the Tsubame-Sanjo area (Gyokusendo (玉川堂), Marunao (マルナオ), Tojiro (藤次郎), Tadafusa (庖丁工房タダフサ, Hocho-Kobo Tadafusa), Mura no Kajiya (村の鍛治屋), Fujinos (フジノス), Yamazaki Kinzoku Kogyo (山崎金属工業), OHIZUMIBUSSAN (大泉物産), TSUBAME BUSSAN (燕物産), Dots and Lines (ドッツアンドラインズ), MGNET, MARUTO HASEGAWA KOSAKUJO (マルト長谷川工作所), As it is, Nakano Kagaku (中野科学), PLUS Y'S (プラスワイズ), and Guardians of the Artisans all gathered at the event. The Tsubame and Sanjo areas of Niigata Prefecture are famous for metalworking, and their products have many overseas fans due to their high quality and functionality. The history of hardware in the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata dates back many years, and the area has flourished as a metalworking and manufacturing town since around the early Edo period (1600 AD). Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA featured a variety of metal products, such as kitchen knives, glasses, spoons, etc., and their beauty is simply astonishing. Traditional crafts in the Tsubame and Sanjo areas of Niigata Prefecture have also been introduced in articles by COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Be sure to take a look at them as well. Video article 4:19 Tsubame-Tsuiki Copperware - A Traditional Craft From Niigata Prefecture That's Been Passed Down for More Than 200 Years! Watch as a Plain Iron Plate Becomes a Beautiful Teapot Through Masterful Craftsmanship! YouTube Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA allowed visitors to see the refined skills of artisans at the Niigata Prefecture Traditional Crafts booth At the Niigata Prefecture Traditional Crafts booth, visitors were able to see engravers, maki-e artisans, kazari-shi metalworkers, and other craftsmen performing their work from up close. I couldn't take my eyes off the delicate craftsmanship of the artisans! Beautiful Koi Fish Decorating the Event Site of Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA At the opening of the exhibition, beautiful koi of all colors swam in a special booth lit up with lights. The large variety of koi, measuring approximately 90 centimeters long and weighing about 25 kilograms, were a sight to behold. Koi (colored carp) were created through crossbreeding, and the patterns of today's koi emerged in the late Edo period (1800s A.D.). Today, the high-class ornamental fish, also referred to as "living art" or "swimming jewels," has become very popular outside of Japan, especially among wealthy people in Europe and the United States. Overseas exports have increased nearly five-fold in the past 20 years. The birthplace of these globally popular koi, is right here in Niigata. Koi from Niigata have also been introduced in articles by COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Be sure to take a look at them as well. Video article 4:19 Koi Are Often Called "Swimming Jewels" and "Swimming Art" in Japan... A Look at the Secrets of These Beautiful Aquarium Fish, Including the Different Varieties and Their Characteristics! YouTube Enjoying Some Sake, Wine, and Whiskey From Niigata... Niigata is a major rice-producing region, which means you know it has great sake! There were many booths run by various sake breweries, and enjoying the various tastings was a dream for sake lovers! I was in the midst of covering the event, but couldn't help but do a little tasting myself. Niigata's local spirits include more than just sake! Local beer, wine, whiskey, and gin were also on display at the event. After finishing my work, I enjoyed some drinks along with some delicious delicacies of Niigata! And a bit more sake... Delicious Niigata Delicacies at Food and Beverage Booths at Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA The food and beverage booths were lined with shops offering hegi soba, Italian cuisine, ramen, and more. All of the shops attracted many customers, who were eager to taste the delicious flavors of Niigata. I enjoyed a bowl of rice topped with half-cooked salmon roe and totomame-don from Sushi Tokiwa! This was sooo good! The salmon roe totally melts in your mouth. I've never had such a delicious salmon roe bowl before, and I'm not exaggerating! On the second day, I tried a delicious bowl of ramen from the ramen restaurant Suzu to Rin (鈴と凛) topped with mouthwatering slice of char siu. It was a tasty shrimp broth and the strong aroma of the seashore had my stomach growling for seconds! Many Very Popular Entertainers Performed on Stage! The stage set up at the event site was filled with popular entertainers. Main Performances Saturday, November 5, 2022 ・OURIN ・Furumachi Geigi ・RYUTist & courtesea ・CHIBIUNITY ・Shinobu Enami x Furumachi Geigi ・ASHITAKA ・Jonnobi Community Corp. ・Albirex Niigata ・YOUNG CABBAGE ・Nangu & NiigataNeesan Sunday, November 6, 2022 ・Show Aikawa ・The Sato Brothers ・Toshihiko Nakazawa ・Eri Ogawa ・NGT48 ・Hinata & Rafvery ・Jackpot ・Hirokazu Nakamura I saw the popular TV personality OURIN and NGT48 right before my eyes♪ Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA – Venue Information Date & Time: November 5 (Sat.) & 6 (Sun.), 2022 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (2 days) Venue: Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center Exhibition Hall Address: Bandaijima 6-1, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 950-0078 Admission: Free Access by train: Approximately 20 minutes from Niigata Station on foot. Official Website: https://cje-niigata.jp/en/ Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA – Event Information Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA was an event that brought together tradition, culture, sake, gastronomy, entertainment, and other aspects of 'Cool Japan' that can be found in Niigata. The venue was filled with the passion for sharing the attractive culture of Niigata with both other parts of Japan and with people around the world. I had a chance to talk with many of the exhibitors, and although everyone was from a different field, they all shared the same desire to inform more people about the products, goods, and cultures that they have proudly developed. It was chilly in Niigata as it's nearing winter, but the venue was nice and warm! It was such an awesome two-day event. On a final note, here are some photos from the event that I couldn't cover in this article. I Also Enjoyed Sightseeing in Niigata and Some Delicious Local Fish! In between work, I had a chance to do a little sightseeing and enjoy some delicious local fish. This was my first visit to Niigata, so everything during these two days was fresh and exciting! Niigata is all about sake and fish, so I decided to enjoy some delicious sushi and sake! I couldn't get enough of the fresh, mouthwatering fish! I haven't been able to eat out much in the past few years due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but it was totally worth the wait! For lunch on the second day, I had a nodoguro-don (blackthroat seaperch over rice) at Sushi Marui in Niigata City. The bowl of rice topped with a generous helping of seared seaperch was a flavor you could never experience in Tokyo! I highly recommend trying it if you visit Niigata. When I went for a leisurely drive in Niigata City, I stopped by the Sea of Japan, where I was able to see Sado Island in the distance because the weather was so nice. On the way home, I saw many people visiting Niigata Gokoku Shrine for Shichi-Go-San. Near the Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA venue, there's also a photogenic "What's NiiGATA" monument! You can buy souvenirs at Minato Marche Pier Bandai! This is a good place to visit when sightseeing in Niigata, as you can enjoy shopping, as well as a variety of different restaurants. You can also buy fresh fish here. The new coronavirus has prevented me from traveling and sightseeing for nearly three years, but going on a trip like this allowed me to spend some much needed time away in an atmosphere far removed from my daily life. Although I was not able to do any "proper" sightseeing, I'm sure I'll be coming back to Niigata after seeing how much it has to offer. I'm definitely looking forward to it! -
Video article 4:16
The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival! Enjoy a Colorful Illumination of Autumn Leaves, and Photogenic Spots! Autumn Sightseeing in Yamanashi
Festivals & Events Nature Travel- 129 plays
- YouTube
Autumn Leaves & Sightseeing in Fujikawaguchiko: Video Introduction This video, titled "Must-see Views at Lake Kawaguchi|A Corridor of Autumn Leaves" (Must See in Kawaguchiko,Japan "Autumn Leaves Corridor" 河口湖 紅葉(もみじ)回廊), was uploaded by "ka2see tv." The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival is held in conjunction with the autumn leaves of Lake Kawaguchi, which are at their best from early to mid-November. Visitors are fascinated by the corridor surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves. Check out the relaxing illuminations and the pleasant rustling of leaves in the video below. Celebrate Autumn With the Colorful Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Photo:The corridor of autumn leaves at the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival The "Fuji Kawaguchi Lake Autumn Leaves Festival" is held at Lake Kawaguchi . Period: October 28 - November 23, 2023 Time: 9:00~19:00 Light up until 22:00 Admission: Free Main Venue: Momiji Corridor This is a popular sightseeing event where visitors can observe the autumn foliage of approximately 400 to 500 trees along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, with Mt. Fuji in the distance. [Video] 2:57 - The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival [Video] 0:16 - A View of the Illuminated Autumn Foliage A Spectacular View of Mt. Fuji and Autumn Leaves Around Lake Kawaguchi! Photo:Mt. Fuji from a tunnel of autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchi There are a number of places around Lake Kawaguchi where visitors can enjoy the autumn leaves. Here are some of the best places to take pictures around Lake Kawaguchi. ●The Tunnel of Autumn Leaves This is a famous spot where the autumn leaves along the road turn red and resemble a colorful tunnel. The composition of the autumn leaves, Mt. Fuji, and Lake Kawaguchi is very popular, and many photographers and tourists visit this spot to take photos. The view of the bright red autumn leaves over Mt. Fuji is like a painting, reminding us of the autumn season in Japan. The spot has been featured on tourism posters, and it's sure to be a popular on Instagram as well. ●Momiji-dai Momiji-dai, an observation deck for viewing the autumn leaves, is located on Mt. Ashiwada at the eastern end of the Aokigahara Sea of Trees on the north side of Mt. Fuji. The observation deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view. You can see Mt. Fuji and the Aokigahara Sea of Trees through the autumn leaves, as well and the views of Lake Motosu and Lake Nishiko are also outstanding. ●Lake Motosu Lake Motosu, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, is a popular photo spot that even appears on the 1,000-yen bill. Lake Motosu is famous for its upside-down Fuji reflected on the surface of the lake, and in autumn, the reddish autumn leaves can be seen reflected on the surface of the lake as well. Enjoy a collaboration of colorful autumn leaves and Mt. Fuji in one place. Summary of Autumn Leaves at Lake Kawaguchi Photo:The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival Come and enjoy Japan's unique autumn scenery at the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival. The illuminated autumn leaves of Fujikawaguchiko are a very different sight from those seen during the daytime. There are many places around Lake Kawaguchi where you can take photos of the autumn leaves as well, so be sure to bring a camera when sightseeing in Yamanashi! During the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, many people are expected to visit and crowds and traffic jams are likely to occur. Free temporary parking is available, but spaces are limited. To avoid congestion around the venue in 2023, please use the shuttle bus during weekends and holidays. Traffic near Kawaguchiko Bridge can be checked via live camera, so we recommend using it when you visit the area. 【Official Website】The 24th Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival https://fujisan.ne.jp/pages/433/ 【TripAdvisor】The Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1165976-d10019717-Reviews-Fuji_Lake_Kawaguchi_Koyo_Festival-Fujikawaguchiko_machi_Minamitsuru_gun_Yamanas.html -
Video article 1:01
Roppongi Art Night – A One-Night Art Extravaganza! Experience a Festival of Art in the Heart of Tokyo!
Travel Traditional Culture Modern Culture Festivals & Events Traditional Crafts Art & Architecture- 15 plays
- YouTube
Roppongi Art Night Video Introduction This video, titled "Roppongi Art Night|Spin-off Project_Message Video 'Right Now, Can Art Revitalize the City?'" (六本木アートナイト スピンオフ・プロジェクト_メッセージ映像「いま、アートで街を元気にできる?」), was uploaded by "Roppongi Art Night - Digital [RAN TV]" (六本木アートナイト・デジタル【RAN TV】). The video contains a powerful message with the theme, "Right Now, Can Art Revitalize the City?" Be sure to check it out. Roppongi Art Night - An Art Festival in the City of Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot In March 2009, Tokyo's leading art festival began with the launch of Roppongi Art Night. Roppongi Art Night was held with the aim of proposing a new lifestyle of enjoying new art in daily life and creating a pioneering model for urban development in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The festival has been gaining popularity year after year as a one-night-only art festival that allows visitors to experience the extraordinary by arranging a variety of artworks, not only contemporary art, but also design and music, throughout Roppongi, where various commercial and cultural facilities are concentrated. Roppongi Art Night 2021 Canceled Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic Photo:People wearing masks Roppongi Art Night has been held since 2009, but due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, Roppongi Art Night 2021, which was scheduled to take place in the fall of 2021, was postponed to March 18, 2022. However, unable to escape the effects of the pandemic, the Roppongi Art Night Executive Committee decided to outright cancel the festival, and many users on Twitter expressed their disappointment and sadness at the announcement. In response, an online event called the "Inclusive Art Program" was held to encourage people to share the enjoyment of art despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and many art fans participated and had a great time at the events. Have an Amazing Time at Roppongi Art Night! Source :YouTube screenshot The charm of Roppongi Art Night is that visitors can enjoy art outside of art museums. The entire town of Roppongi is the stage. The main attraction of Roppongi Art Night is that everyone is welcome to participate in the event, including those who are invited to submit video works and other artworks. In past Roppongi Art Night events, furoshiki was the main theme, and furoshiki designed by Yayoi Kusama and Takeshi Kitano were shown to the public. In addition, although it was canceled, Roppongi Art Night 2021 was a collaborative project with Doraemon. There was also a program in which participants could enjoy guided tours by volunteers. Rather than a typical commentary on artworks, the program focused on a dialogue with the participants to convey the charm of Roppongi as a town. It was a fascinating program that offers each participant a unique experience. In addition, Roppongi Art Night also featured a program in which visitors could enjoy the gorgeous aroma and taste of Suntory's "Hibiki" whiskey while viewing exhibits and stories related to the whiskey. Roppongi Art Night is an event where the entire town of Roppongi becomes a stage for enjoying art. Summary of Roppongi Art Night Roppongi Art Night is a one-night event where the town of Roppongi is filled with all kinds of art. You can really feel the energy and vitality from the video! When Roppongi Art Night, one of Japan's premier art festivals, is held, consider picking up a guidebook and visiting one of the Instagram-worthy art spaces? Whether you're alone, going as a couple, with family, or participating in a guided tour or event, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Buses will be in operation during the festival, allowing visitors to enjoy the art throughout the night. Special tickets are also available, so be sure to come out and enjoy this art festival in Roppongi to the fullest! 【TripAdvisor】Roppongi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g14129735-Roppongi_Minato_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html -
Video article 4:17
With the Unprecedented Boom in Japanese Food, the Volume and Value of Food Exports Could Increase Significantly! A Look at the Efforts to Expand Sales Channels for Japanese Food Exports!
News Festivals & Events- 57 plays
- YouTube
Japanese Food Exports Today, we'll take a look at the video titled "Overseas Buyers Rush to Get Their Hands on Japanese Food!" (日本食に海外バイヤー殺到). The fact that Japanese food was registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013 is still fresh in our minds, but in recent years there has been a global boom in Japanese food, drawing attention to Japanese ingredients and food culture. Let's take a look at some of the strategies used to expand the sales channels for Japanese food, shown in the video! JAPAN'S FOOD - EXPORT FAIR Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:24 in the video, foreign importers line up for the Japanese food exhibition at Makuhari Messe. This is JAPAN’S FOOD EXPORT FAIR, where foreign buyers come to negotiate business deals. 700 Japanese companies participated in the expo and 4,000 buyers from 80 countries and regions visited the event. As commented by a Chinese buyer in the video at 0:58, Japanese food products are very popular overseas because of their high quality processing techniques and safety. Of course, setting up a manufacturing base overseas is one effective sales channel. However, there is also the option of directly exporting processed food and marine products made in Japan using Japanese ingredients. Buyers and company representatives aiming to expand the sales channels for Japanese food products are aiming to sell domestically produced food products with a focus on "a taste of Japan." The Demand for Japanese Food Overseas Source :YouTube screenshot Domestic companies and brands selling bread, curry, Japanese tea, and confectioneries, are aiming to expand their sales channels through the production of products for overseas markets and other PR methods. An increasing number of trading companies and corporations are also setting up specialized export departments within their companies. By developing products for overseas markets in anticipation of the annual inbound demand of more than 30 million people, they are trying to capitalize on that demand after these visitors have already returned home. These moves are expected to increase the volume and value of Japanese food exports. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is also currently working on a project to expand exports by creating an environment where foreigners visiting Japan can experience Japanese food even after returning to their home country. Source :YouTube screenshot Pasco Shikishima, introduced at 1:12 in the video, a major bread manufacturer, is marketing its products for export as being made in Japan with packaging similar to what you would find in Japan. Pasco Shikishima exports bread baked at its factory in Japan, which is quickly frozen to preserve the quality of the product. S&B Foods, introduced in the video at 2:46, also exports its main brand products to about 80 countries, targeting demand from foreigners after they return to their home countries. The company is committed to the same taste and quality as what they sell in the Japanese market. Summary of Japanese Food Exports Photo:Washoku With the Japanese food boom, many Japanese restaurants have sprung up in Japan and abroad. There are also many wealthy people who are mass buying all of Japan's unique ingredients and luxury foods. In anticipation of demand of travelers returning home, Japanese food brands need to have a global perspective. As the Japanese food boom is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, it will be interesting to see what kind of strategies food-related companies will come up with. -
Video article 11:32
Sumo Wrestling: A Martial Art and the Traditional National Sport of Japan Associated With Shinto. A Thrilling, World-Class Sport, Whose Spectacular Matches Fascinate Spectators!
Sports- 237 plays
- YouTube
A Look at Japan's Sumo Wrestling "Sumo Match - Tokyo - 相撲" is a video produced by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, featuring Japan’s national sport! Sumo is a traditional martial art loved by the masses since old times in Japan. As the matches are held internationally, the sport has many overseas fans and is capturing the world’s attention. Matches between top wrestlers in the sumo rankings such as Yokozuna or Ozeki, are very spectacular and spectators can fully enjoy the thrilling matches. The video features footage of a match between sekitori (a sumo ranking) during the New Year’s tournament held in January 2017. Check out Japan’s spectacular sport - sumo wrestling! About Sumo – Japan’s National Sport Photo:Sumo Wrestling The first written record of sumo in Japan is said to be found in a Shinto document called Kojiki. Sumo matches used to be held as rituals and festivals dedicated to the deities and was mostly loved by nobles. After gaining popularity among the masses during the Edo period (1603 – 1868 AD), sumo has been enjoyed as a form of entertainment and sport in Japan. Today, matches are held both nationwide and internationally and many Japanese and foreigners enjoy it. The manners and conventions rooted in the rituals are passed down and given special importance even in modern sumo wrestling. The Excitement of Sumo Source :YouTube screenshot As the national sport of Japan, sumo wrestling starts from matches between low-ranking wrestlers, and matches between makuuchi (senior-grade wrestlers) are held in the evening. Honbasho refers to the official tournaments that decide the rankings and rewards of the wrestlers and six tournaments are organized throughout the year: the first tournament in January (Tokyo), the spring tournament in March (Osaka), the summer tournament in May (Tokyo), the Nagoya tournament in July, the autumn tournament in September (Tokyo), and finally, the Kyushu tournament in November (Fukuoka). Many Japanese people have probably watched the official tournaments aired on NHK (the national broadcaster in Japan). Some may have a stiff image of the national sport, but that's not true at all. Spectators can enter the venue at any time and watch the match in a relaxed manner while eating and drinking. Matches between senior-grade wrestlers are a must-watch and you'll surely get excited watching the spectacular matches between well-built wrestlers. Spectators get excited during matches, especially when a maegashira (the lowest grade of the highest ranking sumo class) wins against a yokozuna (the highest ranking sumo class) champion, as well as in deciding matches. Tickets and information of those exciting sumo wrestling matches are available on the official website of Nihon Sumo Kyokai. The Flow of a Sumo Match Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see at 0:22 in the video, wrestlers step into the ring with their colorful ornamental aprons before a match. As businesses can offer rewards to support wrestlers, the “reward banners” with the names of those businesses go around the ring as you can see at 3:14 in the video. With the company names printed on the program of the matches and publicly announced, those businesses play a similar role to sponsors in other sports. Before a match, a ritual called "chirichouzu" is held. You can see this at 3:08 and 7:52 in the video. This is a declaration "to fight fair and square without any weapons." Source :YouTube screenshot Next, the wrestler creates distance from the opponent, bends forward, and places his hands on the ground. This is called "shikiri" (仕切り). Then, with the signal of the referee, the wrestlers push each other. This is called "tachiai" (立合い). This series of events can be seen in the video. There are different means of attacking, such as thrusts, slapping, and body strikes. Kimarite (決まり手, winning move) refers to the move that the opponent is defeated by. Punching and grabbing the opponent's hair are prohibited moves in sumo. Summary of Japan’s National Sport Photo:Sumo "Sumo Match - Tokyo - 相撲," produced by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, features conventions before matches and match footage of Japan’s national sport. From the cultural aspect of sumo that originates from Japanese Shinto to the spectacular matches, the video shows the sport at its best. Sumo is a fascinating martial art that a wide range of people including those who are interested in Japanese culture and martial arts lovers can enjoy! 【Official Website】Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Website http://www.sumo.or.jp/En/ -
Video article 6:27
Fans From All Over Japan Are Glued to the Beautiful Performance of Yuzuru Hanyu! Be Amazed by the Outstanding Performance of the Young Pro Figure Skater Who Received the People’s Honour Award!
Sports- 236 plays
- YouTube
Introducing Yuzuru Hanyu! This time, we will introduce a video titled "All Japan Figure Skating Championship 2019 <Men's Short 1st place, Yuzuru Hanyu / Performance + Interview>"(全日本フィギュアスケート選手権2019<男子ショート第1位・羽生結弦/演技+インタビュー>)" by Fuji TV's official sports channel. The 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in this video was held at the National Yoyogi Stadium No. 1 Gymnasium in Shibuya ward, Tokyo in the Kanto region for four days from December 19 to 23, in 2019. This tournament was the final round of the World Championship in 2020, and attracted the attention of many figure skating fans. Featured in the video is the popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. His brilliant performance has attracted many fans. In the video, you can watch the boys' short performance from 0:39. What Kind of Competition Is the Figure Skating Introduced in the Video? Photo:Figure skating In figure skating, skaters competes not for speed but based on the beauty of their performance. The techniques include jumps, spins, step sequences, and spirals, including triple-axels and quad-rotation jumps. Points are determined according to the difficulty of the moves. The results of the boy's shorts of the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in the video, were 1st place / 110.72 points Yuzuru Hanyu, 2nd place / 105.71 points Shoma Uno. What Kind of Person Is Yuzuru Hanyu? Source :YouTube screenshot Yuzuru Hanyu is a popular figure skater from Miyagi and is affiliated with the Japanese airline ANA. His nickname is "Yuzu". Born in 1994, he is 172 cm tall (5.6 ft.) and currently enrolled at Waseda University as of January 2020. He has won two consecutive gold medals in the Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympics (Winter Olympics). He was awarded for his high scoring performance every time, and in 2018 he was the youngest national laureate at the age of 23. When Yuzuru Hanyu, dresses in a gorgeous design costume and appears in the skating rink, loud cheers ring out through the stadium, and after the performance, it's common that he will receive a lot of Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals that he loves. At the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship, throwing of presents after the competition was prohibited, and it was a topic of hot debate at the time. In the video, you can see a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal with the coach before the performance. You can also watch the interview after the end of the performance with the audience's cheering and loud applause from 4:28. He talks about his enthusiasm for free performance two days later. The History of Japanese Figure Skating and Famous Skaters! Photo:Figure skating The history of the figure skating world in Japan has been supported by skaters who perform well, such as Midori Ito and Shizuka Arakawa, as well as Miki Ando, Mao Asada, Daisuke Takahashi and Nobunari Oda. Currently, skaters such as Hanyu Yuzuru, Uno Shoma and Sato Shun are still active. If you go to the skating rink to watch the figure skating tournament, you can see various performances such as single skating, pair skating and ice dancing. Summary of the Performance and Interview Video of Yuzuru Hanyu Source :YouTube screenshot In the men's Free Competition that took place after the short, which you can see in this video, Shoma Uno who was in first place, managed to widen the gap between himself and Yuzuru Hanyu, and Yuzuru managed to place second. Yuzuru Hanyu's performance is very supple and beautiful. It's hard to take your eyes off of it. Be sure to take a closer look at the video to enjoy the charm of figure skating. -
Video article 1:07
The Arita Ceramics Fair: A Popular Event in Saga Prefecture. Nearly a Million People Come to Enjoy This Festival's 450 Stores and Traditional Ceramics Made by Young Artists!
Shopping Traditional Crafts- 110 plays
- YouTube
How to Enjoy the Arita Ceramics Fair This video introduces "The 114th Arita Ceramics Fair" created by the "Arita Chamber of Commerce and Industry." The fair has 400 years of history and 450 stores takes part in and set up tents during the festival. It is a very popular festival that more than a million people visit. In this article we'll introduce sightseeing information and some useful tips when travelling to the Arita Ceramics Fair in Saga prefecture, Kyushu. In the video, the biggest ceramic festival is shown. There are crowds of people enjoying the hand crafted ceramics and you'll need to come yourself if you want to fully appreciate the beauty of some of these works of art. What Is the Arita Ceramics Fair Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Arita Ceramics Fair is held every year during Japan's Golden Week (April 29th - May 5/6th), in Arita, Nishiura, the city of ceramics. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the 2020 fair was postponed. It is said that the origin of the Arita Ceramics Fair was the ceramic competition held in 1915 by the president of Koransha, and a “clearance sale” that sold inventories of pottery and B-grade ceramics. On the first day of the festival, morning porridge is served and the opening parade is held by the Saga Prefectural Police Band. This can be seen at 0:04 in the video. There are also other events such as the sara kaaburi race, where you balance a plate on your head while running, and the wankin concert. About 450 stores are lined up around the main street, Sarayama Avenue and the view is overwhelming. There are a ton of bargains and a lot of tourists visit to buy the best products at great prices. Source :YouTube screenshot After bartering for some ceramics, we recommend visiting the "Local Gourmet Fair," buying Godofu, experiencing tea ceremony (0:31), or relaxing at a café (0:39). The paper cup at "CAFE DE ARITA" has a pattern of Arita-yaki (Arita porcelain) and it was designed by Arita technical high school students. Information About the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Arita Ceramics Fair takes place about 4km from Sarayama shopping street, located between JR Arita and Kamiarata stations. There are a lot of stores in the area, so check the homepage beforehand to find the stores you want to go. Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes as well. If you are driving there, it's only a 5 minute drive from Nishi-Kyushu Expressway "Hasami Arita IC" and there are parking lots and free shuttle buses around the venue. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to JR Arita station from Saga airport by train or bus. During the festival, there are bus tours and the rapid train "Arita Ceramics Fair Express" from Hakata station in Fukuoka as well. Arita Ceramics Fair Summed Up Source :YouTube screenshot This video introduces "The 114th Arita Ceramics Fair"; the biggest Ceramics festival in Japan, held in Saga prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region. Enjoy the fun atmosphere of the festival. If you're planning on booking a hotel near the venue, the earlier you do it, the better. You can enjoy a one-day trip as well, so if you're looking to get a bargain and get out, then you can do that as well. There's the "Fall Arita Ceramics Fair" as well where you can enjoy the red and yellow leaves of Fall. -
Video article 4:30
Turn up the Heat With the Professional Men’s Basketball’s B.LEAGUE! Play After Exceptional Play, This Opening Game Is Sure to Captivate!
Sports- 39 plays
- YouTube
The Opening Game of the Professional Men’s Basketball's “B. League” This video, “B.LEAGUE STARTING GAME Official After MOVIE”, summarizes the B.LEAGUE's opening game. The B.LEAGUE is a top professional men’s basketball league managed by the Japan Professional Basketball League (JPBL). It was preceded by the BJ League and the National Basketball League, and was formed in September 2016. The league’s three major events are the B.LEAGUE regular season (B.LEAGUE Championship), B.LEAGUE EARLY CUP, and the All-Japan Basketball Championship. The B.LEAGUE's Opening Game Source :YouTube screenshot In the 2016-17 B.LEAGUE opening game, the theme song was “Take-A-Shot! feat.PKCZ”, newly released by the two-member dance and vocal duo ShuuKaRen. The song was performed on the court, with the entire floor covered in LED lights. This can be seen from 1:01 in the video. As seen in the video, the opening game attracted a huge number of fans, showing the popularity of professional men’s basketball. In the video, you can see crazy plays such as pro players dunking the ball. The fans of professional men’s basketball are known as “Boosters”, and play an important role in increasing the energy and hype of the game. In the video, you can see "Boosters" crowding the stands. What Is the B.LEAGUE? Source :YouTube screenshot The B.LEAGUE is a professional men’s basketball league, under the "Japan Basketball League Institute", comprised of the B1 Division, B2 Division, and B3 Division. B1 and B2 are comprised of 18 teams, while B3 is comprised of 12 teams, combining to form a total of 48 club teams. Including Sapporo, Tokyo, Kyoto, and more – the club teams are located all over Japan. The B1 and B2 teams are further divided into three conferences of six clubs each and take part in the regular season. The top eight teams qualify for the play-offs. The team that wins this tournament-style championship is crowned the B.LEAGUE champion. Teams in each league are constantly fighting for their spots, keeping you glued to the action. Source :YouTube screenshot Furthermore, once a year, the “All-Star Game” is held, where 24 specially chosen players are separated into teams and matches are held. Players that aren't contracted with any team are known as free agents, and their names are released on the free agent roster. The B.LEAGUE also has a wide variety of goods for sale. Putting on some limited-edition goods is sure to bring the hype and help you root for your favorite team! An online shop is also available, so do make sure to check it out as well. The B.LEAGUE's Elite Source :YouTube screenshot How much do the B.LEAGUE’s top players make? The players’ yearly income is not released to the public. However, annual salary and per-game earnings change according to player performance and stats. The highest yearly income of a Japanese player is said to be around 50 million yen. Therefore, there is still a ways to go before the B.LEAGUE can reach its goal of sending a 1-billion-yen player to the Tokyo Olympics. B.LEAGUE: The Professional Men’s Basketball League Turning up the Heat Source :YouTube screenshot So are you interested yet? If so, the latest B.LEAGUE schedule, information about ticket sales, and more can be found on the official website! The B.LEAGUE will bring about a new era of professional men’s basketball. Take a seat and experience history being written through these action packed games, or even better, cheer for your favorite team in the stands of the arena! 【Official Website】B.LEAGUE Official Site https://www.bleague.jp/ -
Video article 3:35
Hajime Miura - The Young, Japanese Yo-Yo World Champion. A Look at the Breathtaking Skills of This Yo-Yo-Bending Athlete!
Things to Do Festivals & Events- 121 plays
- YouTube
Introducing Hajime Miura, the Champion of Competitive Yoyo! The video this time is titled "2018WYYC Final 4A 1st Hajime Miura|Film by C3yoyodesign," produced by "c3yoyodesign." The video shows footage of the yoyo world champion Hajime Miura manipulating the competitive yoyo to his will, at the official world championships. The yoyo is a toy made of small disks stacked on a central axle with a string looped around it. Professional yoyoers use competitive yoyos and as you can see in the video, you can perform some amazing tricks with them. What Kind of Person Is Hajime Miura, the World Number 1 Ranked Yoyoer? Source :YouTube screenshot The yoyoer Hajime Miura, seen performing in the video, is from Hachioji, Tokyo Prefecture and as of 2020, is a high school student that goes to a local high school. He is a top tier yoyoer in the competitive yoyo world, and has had 6 consecutive wins at the world championships. The yoyo world championships “WORLD YO-YO CONTEST 2018” was held in Shanghai, China in 2018. It is the only official contest held once a year to determine the Yoyo World Champion. From 1:46 in the footage, he does a free performance using 2 yoyos and you can hear a big cheer from the audience. At 2:20 in the video, you can see him performing tricks expected of a world class yoyoer, such as throwing the yoyo high into the air, one after another. At the world championships in 2019, Hajime Miura won 5 of the 6 divisions; an incredible feat. A Look at Competitive Yoyo Source :YouTube screenshot At the world championships of competitive yoyo, players compete against one another in 6 freestyle competition divisions: 1A division, 2A division, 3A division, 4A division, 5A division, and the Art & Performance division. Most tricks are done with 1 or 2 yoyos fixed on their strings. However, there are some tricks that involve throwing the yoyo into the air without it being fixed to their string. As you can see in the footage, yoyoers perform original tricks to the music of their choice, within a fixed time. The Origins and History of Competitive Yoyo Photo:Yoyo Competitive yoyo competitions have a long history, with competitions being held as early as 1932. In 1997, there was a fad of Hyper Yoyos in Japan and many Japanese yoyoers won prizes at the yoyo world championships in 1999. The World Yoyo Contest is a world championship competition of competitive yoyo organized by the International Yoyo Federation. In the “WORLD YO-YO CONTEST2014,” a women’s division was created, and in 2015, a division for competitors 40 years and older was introduced. They both became quite popular. Summary of Hajime Miura and Competitive Yoyo Source :YouTube screenshot The performance of world title holder Hajime Miura is so awe-inspiring that it's hard to take your eyes off of it. If once wasn't enough, enjoy the dynamic yoyo performance of Hajime Miura as many times as you'd like! For those thinking they want to try picking up yoyo themselves, consider buying a competitive yoyo and practicing your moves! -
Video article 3:30
Don’t Miss the Amazing “Bo-Taoshi,” the Specialty of the National Defense Academy of Japan! Punch! Kick! Throw! Is This a Martial Art? A Fight? Nope, Just an Authentic Academy Event!
Sports- 549 plays
- YouTube
"Bo-Taoshi," the Famous Sport Played by Students of the National Defense Academy of Japan This video was created by ‘wasabiesince2002’ and was entitled ‘Punch! Kick! Hurl! And choke! "Bo-taoshi" of National Defense Academy of Japan is a combat sport!! 2013 National Defense Academy of Japan, the 61st Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival, Bo-taoshi, 1st Match, 1st Game, No.4(殴る!蹴る!投げる!絞める!防衛大学校の棒倒しは格闘技だ!! H25年 防衛大学校 第61回 開校記念祭 棒倒し 第1回戦第一試合 No.4)’. Usually locked by airtight gates leaving common people with no clue on what’s inside, the National Defense Academy of Japan, introduced in this video, is, in a sense, an unexplored location left in modern-day Japan. Annually, the academy hosts a famous event that is broadcast on TV as well. That event is called "Bo-taoshi" and it is performed during the autumn academy festival: ‘Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival’. Bo-taoshi, that leaves spectators breathless, is more of a combat sport than something you'd see at a school festival. A chaotic brawl of punches, kicks, throws, and chokes leaves many injured! But watching this traditional sport, the students of the National Defense Academy of Japan don’t fail to assure that they are the guardians of Japan's future. Please enjoy the powerful battle between these future self-defense officers in the video. It's sure to be very exciting. The History of the Extreme "Bo-Taoshi" Photo:Self-Defense Officer Bo-taoshi is a traditional event with a long history played in the Imperial Military Academy, Imperial Military Air Force Academy, and the Imperial Naval Academy. It is a precious game that brings the history of modern Japan to the present. Bo-taoshi in the National Defense Academy has been played since 1954 at the ‘Founding of the Academy Festival’ and it is considered one of the three major games of the academy along with the ‘Cutter Games’ and ‘Long-Distance Running’. What Exactly Is "Bo-Taoshi’" Source :YouTube screenshot The autumn academy festival in National Defense Academy is similar to a sports festival. However, Bo-taoshi is a literal fight between youngsters, whose shoulders bare the burden of the security of Japan, and a town sports fesitval comes no where close to this level of brutality. The game is a team sport played by battalions. Each battalion, both the attacking and the defending side, consists of 150 people. The rules are simple: the pole, which is the target of attack, is erected at the center of the field and the attacking side wins if they manage to make it fall within 2 minutes. The defending students, equipped with headgear, first surround the pole and 1 person climbs to the upper end of the pole. Next, 4 students climb to the second stage. This can be seen from 0:10 in the video. At the fire of the starting pistol, the attacking battalion charges fiercely to the pole. This is shown from 1:11 in the video. The defending battalion prevents the charge, and the fight, quite literally, is on. The student at the top of the pole is forcefully brought down from 1:47, and you can see the ferocious onslaught of the attacking side as they attempt to knock the pole down. Some of the students shed tears after the competition, showing that this is the result of the rigorous training they do every day. Becoming the champion is an irreplaceable honor for them. Simple, Yet Complex! Bo-Taoshi and Its Refined Tactics Source :YouTube screenshot At a glance, the attack may seem like a reckless charge, but, in fact, it is thoroughly planned out into a sophisticated strategy. The defending battalion, too, consists of the robust and trained students of the National Defense Academy, so a reckless charge would easily be taken in stride. Because of this, the offense and defense plan out their tactics and act accordingly during the 2-minute game. Here, we'll introduce some basic strategies used in Bo-taoshi. ・Offense Scrum: The attacking battalion forms a scrum and leads the charge toward the pole. The scrum acts as stepping stones after the charge so pole attackers can jump over the barrier and get closer to the top of the pole. Pole attackers: Attackers who jump at the pole and attempt to bring it down. General support attackers: Do anything they can to weaken the defense of the defending battalion. ・Defense Pole support: Hold the pole in the upright position and keep it from being brought down. Ninja: This is the single man at the top of the pole who tries to kick off the pole attackers jumping onto the pole. Killers: Harass and interrupt the attacking enemies. Scrum Disablers: Do whatever they can to invalidate the scrum of the attacking battalion. The Warriors of the Future! Summary of Bo-Taoshi The National Defense Academy’s autumn festival, the ‘Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival,’ which is introduced in this video, is a very important event for the academy. On the day of the event, the academy will be open to the public and anyone can walk around campus. Booths and stands will open inside the property which make for a lively and exciting atmosphere perfect for a school festival. The main event is of course Bo-taoshi, the specialty of the National Defense Academy! Many people visit just for the sake of watching it! Battalions of 150 people brawl over the pole, punching and kicking, and the battalions wear shirts of different colors so that people can see what’s happening more easily. Spectators cheer on the team they want to win with a massive cheer or, at other times, by screaming. Please take your time and enjoy the spectacular game of Bo-taoshi shown throughout the video. 【Official Website】National Defense Academy of Japan – Ministry of Defense・Self-Defense Force https://www.mod.go.jp/nda/english/index.html -
Video article 3:56
The No. 1 Itasha Event in Japan! Cute Cosplayers and Cars Covered in Anime Wraps at Itasha Heaven!
Transportation Festivals & Events- 481 plays
- YouTube
Introducing Itasha! Have you ever heard the word "Itasha"? In this article, we'll introduce the Japanese pop culture "Itasha" alongside the video, titled "OTAKU CAR HEAVEN 痛車天国2019," produced by "Rescue the Princess!" The video is an introduction to the Itasha event "Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2019" held at the Odaiba outdoor special venue in 2019. Itasha is a form of otaku culture, and is a car with an exterior designed with an anime or game theme, featuring beautiful girl characters or heroines. The name "Itasha" (痛車) comes from the characters "痛" (pain) and "車" (car), literally meaning "painful car," as some people find them painful to look at. Source :YouTube screenshot There are small itasha with stickers on the hood, doors and other parts of the body, as well as fully-wrapped cars with film affixed to the entire car. You can see a number of Itasha throughout the video. In the past, "otaku" culture used to have a somewhat negative image, but now, with the popularity of Japanese anime and manga overseas, "otaku" are respected as authorities and professionals in their field. Fully-wrapped vehicles and airplanes have also appeared in public transit agencies such as airplanes, trains, buses, and motorcycles, and they are very popular with young children and in the otaku community. These vehicles, which are derived from the Itasha and wrapped with characters, are called "Itansha" (motorcycles) and "Itadensha" (trains). In addition to Itasha, you can see a custom bicycle (Itacheri) at 0:22 and a scooter bike (Itansha) at 1:02 in the video. Making Itasha Source :YouTube screenshot Since Itasha designs are based on characters that appear in other works, they are copyrighted. However, since the character Hatsune Miku, which often appears in videos, is a free license, there is no copyright issue if you design your own vehicle with Hatsune Miku. Also, each vehicle can be designed however the owner wants it to be, but if you're a hardcore otaku, you can make your own design with paint and cutting sheets. Recently there are even companies that specialize in Itasha design. Even if you're not an otaku, you can just get a professional to do it for you. In some cases, companies produce itasha by advertising and collaboration, and collaboration itasha, such as Evangelion and Re:Zero, (Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World) were also a hot topic. As for Shinkansen, there is an Evangelion train called "Type EVA" vehicle, and the interior even uses the colors of Evangelion's first mech. Some manufacturers have asked for image collaborations with luxury cars for popular works. In particular, anime and games such as Gundam, Macross, and Super Mario prove the importance of Japanese culture through Itasha. Event Information and Summary of Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2019 Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows cosplay models in a variety of poses, dressed in gorgeous cosplay to add to the appeal of the Itasha. As you can see from 3:21 in the video, there's also a talk show with songs and voice actors on the event stage, so you can see that this isn't just an event to look at the cars. More than 1,000 Itasha participated in the event, the largest of its kind in Japan, in Odaiba that day. Otaku culture, which originated in Akihabara, has now taken off from Japan and is attracting attention around the world. In other words, Itasha Heaven is the largest exhibition of Itasha in the world. As long as there is anime and manga culture in Japan, so too will there be an Itasha culture! Itasha are also known as "Moesha" (cute cars) among otaku, and to otaku "cute" is justice! -
Video article 6:18
Fly Freely Through the Air With the Water Pressure of a Jet Ski! the "Flyboard" Is the Latest Marine Leisure Activity That Is All the Rage!
Sports- 108 plays
- YouTube
PR Video for Japan's Flyboard Championship! This is the promotion video called “Japan Flyboard Championship 2018(フライボード選手権2018 & フライボードガール~Flyboard Japan Championship~)” . As you can see from the video (0:07) , a new device called a "fly-board", that soars through the air using water pressure, is attracting a lot of attention as a new marine sport. Surprisingly, there's also a Flyboard World Championship. Flying through the air with all that freedom looks like a blast! You won't be able to keep your eyes off this new marine sport! What a Flyboard Looks Like Photo:Flyboard Flyboarding is a marine sport where a person flies from the surface of the water by using a hover-boardthat connects between a water-jet and a hose on the rider's feet. When water bursts forth from the exhaust of the personal watercraft, jets are sprayed from under the board through a hose, allowing the wearer to fly. The maximum flying height is about 9 meters (30 ft.). But it's possible to do a variety of flips and tricks with practice. You can see a lot of different tricks such as the back-flips in this video (0:23). The Japan Flyboard Championship! Source :YouTube screenshot The 2018 Japan Flyboard Championship was held at the Hachikenyahama (八軒家浜: Hachikenyahama) in Tenma, Osaka City Osaka in May, 2018. Entrants competed with each other to perform the most impressive tricks in a set time limit. As you can see in the video at 1:40, the performances of female competitors, called “Flyboard Girls”, also became famous in this championship. Besides the Japan Flyboard Championship, there's also the Flyboard World Championship as well. People from all over the world enjoy flyboarding. As you may know, flyboards are used for many shows such as the ones at Tokyo Disney Sea. Wanna Give It a Shot? Source :YouTube screenshot Recently, trial lessons have become available seaside or at lakes such as Lake Yamana ( 山中湖:Yamanakako) or Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖:Kawaguchiko). There is another activity similar to flyboarding where you can fly using a jet pack. This can be seen at 3:13 in the video. "Do I need to buy something in order to try it out?" Don’t worry about that, necessary items such as a wet suits or life jackets are available for rent. Don't worry about being a beginner either. Instructors give great guidance so there's nothing to worry about. The average lesson fee is about 6000 yen (~$55 USD). It's definitely worth trying at least once! Summary of the Japan Flyboard Championship Source :YouTube screenshot Flyboarding is not a major marine sport yet, but it has been attracting a lot of attention due to the nature of the sport's aerial freedom. If this article has you interested in flyboarding, be sure to give it a shot! -
Video article 0:58
Shin Miyazaki - The World's Best Waiter and Winner of the Georges Baptiste Cup. A Look at the Award Winning Maitre D'!
News- 887 plays
- YouTube
Shin Miyazaki "ANNnewsCH", "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World(サービスの技競う大会 日本人給仕長が世界一)" is a video introducing Shin Miyazaki, the winner of the world competition for service skills. Various countries participated in the Georges Baptiste Cup, a "waiter world cup" held in Minato, Tokyo in 2012, and Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the event. The hospitality of the Japanese people, who are known for their attentiveness, has been recognized throughout the world. Check out this video to see the amazing achievement. This article introduces Shin Miyazaki, who won the service competition. Shin Miyazaki and the World Competition for Service Skills! Source :YouTube screenshot The Georges Baptiste Cup was hosted in 2012. This competition, which has been ongoing since 1961 includes students and professionals in the service field. The competition has been held globally since 2000, with the 2012 competition held in Japan. Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the world championship for service skills at a restaurant famous for its service skills. It's a large achievement to win the professional category with 14 other countries participating. The job of the server is not just bringing plates to the table, but also to entertain guests as well. In French cuisine, it is said to be as important of a job as the chef. Shin Miyazaki learned French and studied cheese and wine before challenging this competition. You can watch thecompetition from 0:08 in the video, and from 0:32, you can see Mr. Miyazaki pouring champagne for guests About Shin Miyazaki Source :YouTube screenshot Mr. Shin Miyazaki is currently the Japanese Maître d'hôtel (head waiter), restaurant serviceman, and representative of Fantagista21. As an active serviceman, he serves customers at Michelin Guide Tokyo's two Michelin star restaurant "Refervessons." He also engages in human resource development and lecture activities, and published the book "World-Class Hospitality." Miyazaki was interested in cooking because of his father's favorite book, "Dancyu," and thus decided he wanted to be a chef in the future. Later, he worked at a French cuisine restaurant in Tokyo, where he was inspired by the appeal of head waiter. In 2010, he won the "Maitre de Servis Cup", and as stated above, he won the 2012 world competition for service skills. Shin Miyazaki also appears on TV. He has appeared in "professional work style," "Asaichi," "Non-stop," etc. and has received a lot of attention. If you're interested in Shin Miyazaki, be sure to check out the video. Summary of Shin Miyazaki, World Service Competition Champion Source :YouTube screenshot "ANNnewsCH"'s, "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World" introduces Shin Miyazaki who won the World Competition for Service Skills. It also explains points to be careful of when serving, and it is a must-see video for those who are aiming to be professionals in the service industry. -
Video article 3:47
Kishin Shinoyama - See the Japanese Photographer's Works and Learn About His Famous Exhibit "THE PEOPLE"
Celebrities- 82 plays
- YouTube
Kishin Shinoyama’s Exhibit! This video, titled "[Gallery AaMo] A Kishin Shinoyama Exhibition|THE PEOPLE by KISHIN The Last Show" (【Gallery AaMo】篠山紀信展 写真力 THE PEOPLE by KISHIN The Last Show), is presented by “Tokyo Dome City.” The video is about the exhibit "THE PEOPLE" by genius photographer, Kishin Shinoyama. Kishin Shinoyama's photo exhibit "THE PEOPLE" was held at 32 venues across Japan for 7 years starting in 2012, and achieved the remarkable feat of having more than one million visitors. Who is Kishin Shinoyama? Source :YouTube screenshot Kishin Shinoyama is a photographer from Tokyo. He graduated Nihon University College of Art Photography Course and Tokyo College of Photography. He shoots a wide range of work in various genres and themes, from kabuki to nude. After divorcing his ex-wife, a model, he married idol singer Saori Minami. In recent years, he has released a number of photo books, including "Gekisha" and "digi+KISHIN," in which he photographed not only the aforementioned Saori Minami, but also other actresses and models, such as Rie Miyazawa, Suzu Hirose, and more. He also released "MAGIC," a photobook with a Disney theme. Kishin Shinoyama's panoramic photography technique, which uses multiple cameras, is known as "Shinorama. Kishin Shinoyama's photographs, taken using a highly original technique, have gained the support of people of all ages. "THE PEOPLE" Source :YouTube screenshot In an interview at 0:32 in the video, Kishin Shinoyama talks about the live nature of the exhibit. At a time when it was difficult to find a venue, information about the exhibit spread by word of mouth, and he was able to hold it in Osaka and Nagoya, making it a positive experience for him. Shinoyama's exhibit "THE PEOPLE" includes photos of Yukio Mishima, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Shigeo Nagashima, and Kirin Kiki. At 2:32 in the video, you can see an exhibit featuring photographs depicting the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The "Power of Photography" exhibit, which began at the Kumamotoshi Gendai Museum in 2012, reached 1 million visitors at the Tokyo Dome City Gallery AaMo in Suidobashi. Summary of Kishin Shinoyama Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video interview, he continues to take on new challenges with a lot of ingenuity. If this video has piqued your interest in Kishin Shinoyama's work, be sure to check out his work! You can also check out Kishin Shinoyama's Instagram page to see more of his work. -
Video article 4:22
Japanese Main Battle Tank "Type 10 Tank" Is on the Rampage at Nerima Garrison! the Fourth-Generation Japanese Tank of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Is a Powerful Machine With Improved Firepower and Mobility!
Festivals & Events Transportation- 251 plays
- YouTube
The Type 10 Tank Rampaging at Nerima Garrison This video is titled "Type 10 Tank Rampage! Nerima Garrison Memorial Event Type10 MBT"(10式戦車大暴れ! 練馬駐屯地記念行事 Type10 MBT). It was taken by "kinokopack," at the exhibition for the Type 10 tank at the Nerima Garrison Memorial Event held at Nerima Garrison. The Type 10 tank is a Japanese main battle tank that was manufactured at a development cost of 48.4 billion yen (~$455m USD). You can see the powerful, dexterous movement of the tank in the video. If you like tanks or other war machines then you don't want to miss out on this video. In this article, we'll introduce the Type 10 tank that appeared at the Nerima Garrison event. Be sure to follow along with the video! Japan's Type 10 Tank: Features and Capability Source :YouTube screenshot The Type 10 tank is a fourth-generation domestic tank, the successor to the Ground Self Defense Force Type 90. The Ministry of Defense's Technology & Research Division is in charge of its development, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is responsible for its production. The Type 10 tank has incredibly high firepower, defenses, and mobility, and is an overall well-rounded tank. The main gun is a domestic .44 caliber 120 mm smooth-bore cannon. The shells are a new domestic armor-piercing round characterized by their high penetration. In the video, you can see footage of the Type 10 tank rampaging at the Nerima garrison. From 3:50 in the video, you can also see how it was made at the venue and its hill-climbing ability. The Type 10 tank is also equipped with an air conditioner for cooling the electronic equipment, but not the passengers. As tanks generally run with the windows open, it doesn't make much sense to equip an air conditioner for passengers, and it seems that cooling suits are often used when it's hot. The fuel consumption of the Type 10 tank is not disclosed as they are military secrets. The purchase price is 950 million yen per tank, and seeing as they are weapons, cannot be purchased by civilians. You can make high quality plastic models of Type 10 tanks, radio-controlled models and model cars as well. Why not give them a try? What Is Nerima Garrison? Photo:Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force The Nerima Garrison is a garrison used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force where the 1st Division Headquarters and other units are stationed. It is located in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. Because it is close to the city center, politicians and defense ministers often visit for inspection. In addition to the "1st Division Command," the "1st Division General Regiment," "1st Logistic Support Regiment," "1st Inspection Team," "1st Music Team," etc. are also stationed here. The anniversary celebration is held in April and the summer evening festival is held in July. There is also a military parade where you can see the tanks up close. In addition, during the commemorative events of Nerima Garrison, there is a display of equipment and a test-ride corner, so you can experience a once in a lifetime opportunity! Summary of Nerima Garrisons Type 10 Tanks Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Type 10 Tank Rampage! Nerima Garrison Memorial Event Type10 MBT" introduces the exhibition activities of the Type 10 tank at the events held at Nerima Garrison. The Type 10 tank is the newest Ground Self-Defense Force tank and has excellent mobility. In this video, you can feel the power and mobility of the Type 10 tank. Be sure to check it out! -
Video article 16:37
Enjoy the Famous "Illumination Flight" at the Ashiya Air Base Air Festival in Fukuoka Prefecture! Watch as the Fighter Jets Take off Into the Sky With a Roar!
Transportation Festivals & Events- 19 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "[4K] 芦屋名物 T-4 イルミネーションフライト 芦屋基地航空祭2018 航空自衛隊 / Ashiya Air Show 2018 - T-4 Illumination Flight," was released by " j-sky on YouTube." The JASDF's (Japan Air Self Defense Force) top gun group is the well-known Blue Impulse, and the T-4 aircraft flown by the Blue Impulse is a purely domestic aircraft. Despite being a training aircraft, it is an essential part of the JASDF's pilot training program. Compared to the F-15, the T-4 has a slightly rounder design, and is therefore nicknamed the "Dolphin." An aviation festival is held at the JASDF's Ashiya Base every year, and the exhibition flights by T-4s are a specialty of Ashiya Base. The climax of the festival is the illuminated flight of 7 aircrafts, which even Blue Impulse (6 aircrafts) does not do. Enjoy the video!