An Introduction to the Globally Popular Art, "Bonsai" This video, titled "Saitama Omiya Bonsai Museum - 大宮盆栽美術館 - 4K Ultra HD." It was uploaded by TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful. Bonsai is a famous traditional art that originated in Japan. It is a symbol of Japanese culture and art, and nowadays the word "Bonsai" is known globally. Many Bonsai fans from around the world visit the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture in Japan's Kanto region to enjoy the many beautiful bonsai they have on display there. This video shows some of the globally famous Bonsai, including Seiryu (青龍) exhibited at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. Enjoy the beauty of Bonsai through the video. Bonsai has been loved by many for a long time as a traditional Japanese culture. The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City Photo：Enjoying bonsai The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture was opened in 2010. With the Bonsai craze in recent years, it is extremely popular among foreign tourists. This is a top tourist spot, where foreigners can fully immerse themselves in Japanese culture. There are approximately 60 Bonsai trees on display regularly. One of the reasons the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama Prefecture is so popular is its reasonable admission fee; It costs 300 yen per person (as of October 2019). Access to the museum is also very good. It's just a 5 minute-walk from Toro Station via the JR Utsunomiya Line. There is also a large car park, too. There are popular cafes and eateries famous for delicious lunches near the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama. Various, interesting festivals and events, including workshops, are held at these venues frequently. They are great tourist attractions on their own, too. To enjoy it fully, you'll need to check out hotels and traffic information in advance. Facilities of the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, Saitama The Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama, established for the purpose of promoting bonsai culture, has set up photography corners indoors and outdoors, where you can take pictures, to meet the needs of bonsai fans. You can also check out historical documents and folklore records with which you can learn about the history of how Bonsai came to be. There are many references on Bonsai pots (盆器, Bonki) and water stones (水石, Suiseki), as well as paintings, such as Ukiyoe (浮世絵) that have a connection with Bonsai. The regular exhibition includes Japan’s first-class Bonsai plants, with varieties such as Goyo Matsu (五葉松, Japanese white pine), Aka Matsu (赤松, Japanese red pine), Ezo Matsu (蝦夷松, Ezo spruce), Shinpaku (真柏, Chinese juniper) and Kuro Matsu (黒松, Japanese black pine), as shown in the video. To our delight, various other exhibitions are also held there. The indoor area is shown from 0:04, while the outdoor area is shown from 3:02 in the video. Facilities at the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum include the Museum Shop, where you can buy souvenir and Bonsai goods, the Information Corner, Kisetsuno Hitohachi, the Collection Gallery, Zashiki Kazari, the Special Exhibition Room, the Seminar Room, and the Bonsai Terrace . The museum provides audio guides in 4 languages (Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean) to accommodate foreign visitors. Just a short walk from the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, there's the Omiya Bonsai Village (大宮盆栽村, Omiya Bonsai Mura) which is famous as a bonsai Mecca, with various Bonsai gardens. Be sure to visit the village as well when stopping by the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum. Purchasing Bonsai Online? Photo：Bonsai Bonsai can become a piece of fine art with beautifully shaped body and branches by looking after it using methods such as Nehari, Miki, Tachiagari, Edaburi and Ha. Using various types of trees such as Japanese Maples, Cedar, and Tsuyama Cypress,' it takes the skills of a Bonsai master to create a piece that can pull you into the world of serene nature. This is why Bonsai is seen as a traditional art with a long history and is a sophisticated hobby. At the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama, there are exhibits that teach beginners how to create and enjoy Bonsai. Bonsai plants and tools necessary to create Bonsai can be purchased at online shops such as Amazon and Rakuten. Summary of the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City In Bonsai, you artificially create a world of nature by giving a tree a life in a Bonsai pot. This can be seen in the video as well. If you are impressed by the beautiful Bonsai after in the video, be sure to visit the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama Prefecture. The Director Takehiko Suga will welcome you. You'll be fascinated even more by the beautiful world of Bonsai after seeing the real thing. ◆Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City◆ 【Address】2-24-3 Toro-machi, Kita-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture 〒331-0804 【Access】5 minute walk from Toro Station on the JR Utsunomiya Line 【Admission Fee】 310 Yen per person (※as of November 2019) 【Hours】March - October, 9AM - 4:30PM, November～February 9AM-4PM 【Closures】Thursdays (If it is a national holiday, the museum will be open) and before and after New Year 【Parking】39 cars (free up to 2 hours), 3 coach buses (880 Yen), 2 disabled spaces (free) 【Telephone No.】048-780-2091 【Official Website】Omiya Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama City https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/en/

Ome Odaiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo "Odaiba VenusFort" Video Introduction This is a 4K video of Odaiba Venus Fort. Odaiba Venus Fort is a shopping center located in Odaiba Palette Town, in Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, in Japan's Kanto region. The inside of the shopping mall features a townscape in a 17th century European style, and on the ceiling a fantastical sky is brought to life. There is a fancy fountain at 1:12 in the video. It is a popular photo spot for Instagram. Please enjoy walking around the mall and be amazed by the extraordinary scenery. How to Enjoy “Odaiba Venus Fort" Source :YouTube screenshot There are three floors of shops in Venus Fort: Venus Family on the 1st floor, Venus Grand on the 2nd floor, and Venus Outlet on the 3rd floor. This shopping center is suitable for families and couples alike due to it having childrens' play areas and amusement facilities such as “Aneby Trimpark,” as well as places like “ASOBIBA Odaiba Venus Fort,” and “CASINO VENUS.” A “ceiling projection mapping” event was held from 2015 to 2016, and it caught the attention of many visitors, making it a popular event. Please check the church area because this is where different events take place. At 2:49 the video introduces the exhibition event called “Team Lab: The Tree of Beckoning Life,” which is an 8 meter tall tree created from an accumulation of light spheres. This art was created by “Team Lab” and held at an Olive hall on the 2nd floor. Restaurants and Cafes at Odaiba Venus Fort Source :YouTube screenshot There are numerous gourmet food spots in Odaiba Venus Fort as well. Spend a quality time at a fancy restaurant, or a cafe at Venus Fort. You can also try some delicious sweets and bubble tea drinks at the food court. You can see the cafe and the restaurant area at 3:06 in the video. Gift shops are also available. They're very popular among both foreign, and domestic tourists. Summary of Odaiba Venus Fort Photo：Odaiba Odaiba Venus Fort is a must-see spot if you are visiting Odaiba. Odaiba Diver City is located within a short walking distance from Venus Fort. Odaiba Diver City is another popular shopping center that has the full-sized Gundam statue, so if you're interested in one, it'd be convenient to stop by the other as well. Please visit the official website to check mall information, as well as information about sales. Odaiba offers various different kinds of entertainment such as hot springs, Fuji TV station, Odaiba Statue of Liberty, Science museum, a beach park, a large Ferris Wheels, LEGO LAND, a Takoyaki museum, and more. It's all of the fun and exciting spots gathered into one area. ◆Odaiba Venus Fort◆(Closed on March 27, 2022) 【Address】1-3-15 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064 【Access】Connected directly from Yurikamome Aomi Station, or 3 minutes walk from Tokyo Teleport station 【Hours】Shopping/services from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm Restaurants 11:00 am to 11:00 pm 【Parking】Available (500 yen/Hour, and 250 yen for 30 minutes after an hour. Discounts for shoppers with receipts) 【Phone number】03-3599-0700 【Official Website】Odaiba VenusFort https://www.venusfort.co.jp/multi/index_e.html

Video introduction of an exquisite crab dish prepared by a chef in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan. This video, titled "Japanese Food - SNOW CRAB Sashimi Hotpot Grilled Seafood Kanazawa Japan," was produced by "Travel Thirsty." It introduces the crab dishes prepared by the skilled artisans at Ryokan Ryokusoune in Kanazawa. Crab is one of the most popular dishes in Japanese cuisine. You can enjoy a wonderful time eating delicious snow crab, especially when it's served as sashimi, crab hot pot, or grilled crab in a traditional kaiseki meal. How to Make and Eat Crab Cuisine Photo：Cooked crab miso Skill and knowledge of ingredients is essential for chefs of high-end restaurants when preparing crab. Chefs quickly process the prepared crabs early in the morning and use a variety of recipes to prepare them. Since the shells of crab are very hard, they have to use sharp knives to process them. Crab is a popular foodstuff that has been traditionally eaten in Japan since ancient times. The Japanese have a tradition of cooking and eating not only the crab meat, but also the crab miso (miso-like paste found inside a crab) inside the shell, which is delicious. You can see the crab miso being prepared at 18:34 in the video. Each type of crab has a different season, so you can enjoy delicious crab dishes throughout the year. The video is about 30 minutes long and shows a variety of delicious crab dishes. Check out the video to see the exquisite display. Seaside Towns with Delicious Seafood Photo：Crab kaiseki cuisine Japan's seaside ryokan and traditional dining establishments offer a superb menu of fresh crab dishes and other seasonal seafood. Traditional Japanese kaiseki dishes are eaten in the following order: appetizer, wanmori (stewed dishes), sashimi, grilled food, boiled food, side dish, rice, and lastly, the jelly desert. The beauty of crab is that it can be used in every possible way, from appetizers to main dishes, and even in desserts. Summary of Japan’s Delicious Crab Cuisine Photo：Crab cuisine While there are of course other cultures that eat crab outside of Japan, there are many variations of Japanese crab dishes that will keep you coming back for more. Check out the various items on the menu when you're eating Japanese food and find your favorite crab dish. When you travel to the Kanazawa, Kaga, and Noto areas, be sure to try some of the exquisite crab dishes shown in the video! ◆Ryokan Ryokusone｜General Information◆ 【Address】YUZUYA RYOKAN KANAZAWA RYOKUSONE 2-1-10-1 TENJINCHO KANAZAWA-city ISHIKAWA-pre 【Access】Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station and from there it's approximately 20 minutes by taxi (※Tell the driver "Tsubakihara-Tenmangu-mae") 【Telephone】076-208-3999 【Official Website】YUZUYA RYOKAN KANAZAWA RYOKUSONE http://ryokusone.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Ryokusone https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g298115-d8677845-Reviews-Ryokusone-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

Video introduction of Japanese food at Irori, a famous restaurant in Mizunami City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. This video, titled "Chef Masashi Yamada Serves Wild Game Hunted in the Mountains of Japan — Omakase Japan," was released by "Eater." It introduces the Japanese restaurant Yanagiya in Mizunami, hidden deep in the mountains of Gifu prefecture. Yanagiya is a famous Japanese restaurant and has been highly rated as the number one restaurant on Tabelog (a popular review sites for restaurants, hotels, etc. in Japan). It was ranked among the world's top 10 out of more than 16,000 restaurants in 2019 by La Liste, a French restaurant guide that showcases outstanding gastronomic establishments from around the world, and also received an award for outstanding regional cuisine. Many customers from all over the world come to Yanagiya to eat the local cuisine prepared by Chef Masashi. A Closer Look at Yanagiya, One of the Finest Restaurants in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot Yanagiya is a famous restaurant in Mizunami, Gifu, that serves exquisite regional cuisine using fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is popular for its Japanese cuisine prepared on an irori. At 3:13 in the video, you can see the food being cooked on the restaurant's irori. An irori is a sunken hearth in the center of a room in older Japanese houses. The irori is blanketed with charcoal, and wood or charcoal is burned in it for heating or cooking purposes. The irori reflects the historical wisdom of Japan to create a space where people can gather in a circle to enjoy local cuisine in a heated room. Seasonal Japanese Food at Yanagiya – Taste the Four Seasons of Japan Source :YouTube screenshot A Variety of gourmet Japanese dishes, including popular game dishes, are prepared over Yanagiya's irori. The menu at Yanagiya features a variety of local ingredients, such as wild vegetables, river fish, (including sweetfish), eel, grilled duck skewers, and mushrooms, such as matsutake mushrooms, which give guests a taste of Japan's four seasons. Another popular dish on the menu is the delicious duck hot pot featured at 6:51 in the video. If you're not sure what kind of Japanese food to order, we recommend the Japanese course meal (和食コース料理) as it’s a great way to sample a variety of local cuisine. Summary of Yanagiya, a Restaurant Where You Can Enjoy Delicious Local Cuisine Over an Irori Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, one of the unique characteristics about the way the chefs at Yanagiya prepare their dishes is the fluid handling of ingredients and instruments. The quick and experienced knife skills of the chefs will even provide entertainment for your meal. The cuisine cooked on the irori of Yanagiya is sure to create a lasting impression. Yanagiya is a famous restaurant, so be sure to make reservations in advance. ◆Yanagiya｜General Information◆ 【Address】573-27, Mashizume, Sue, Mizunami, Gifu Prefecture (〒509-6361 Gifu, Mizunami, 陶町猿爪573-27) 【Access】20 minutes by taxi from Mizunami Station on the Chuo Line 【Hours】[Mon. – Sat.] 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 22:00, [Sun.] 12:00 - 15:00, 17:00 - 21:00 【Closures】Irregular holidays 【Telephone】0572-65-2102 【Remarks】Yanagiya uses a 100% reservation system. You will be unable to dine without one. 【Yelp】Yanagiya (柳家) https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E6%9F%B3%E5%AE%B6-%E7%91%9E%E6%B5%AA%E5%B8%82-2

Introducing Japan's Popular "Survival Game!" The video "Survival Game TAGATTI AIRSOFT vol. 1 Survival Game Sniper 1 Japanese Airsoft Sniper（【サバゲー】TAGATTI AIRSOFT vol1 サバスナ！サバゲースナイパーがゆく① Japanese Airsoft Sniper）," was taken by a survival game player. In Japan's survival game, Airsoft guns and pellets are used. It is a tactical team elimination game, often called "airsoft" in foreign countries. Paintball is another popular version. Origins, History, and How It's Played Photo：Survival game outfit It is said that the origin of the survival game is “playing soldier.” As you can see in the video, snipers have to wear equipment such as masks and goggles, and hide in the forest or field to take out their opponents stealthily. You can see the players and equipment at 0:10 in the video. As you can see from 0:31 in the video, the two teams shoot each other while maintaining adequate shooting range and utilizing their scopes and compete based on the number of hits they get. The bullets are consumables, so they need to be bought after the game. There Are Tournaments Too! Source :YouTube screenshot There are different rules and game types, such as capture the flag, deathmatch, defense tournament, count tournament, medic tournament, freeze call, and knife attack. Different kinds of weapons are used in the game too. There are airsoft guns, gas guns, and electro-motion guns as well. The number of players is increasing and female players have also begun to participate! How to Start Playing Photo：Survival game equipment It is necessary to pay attention to rules and manners in order to prevent unnecessary accidents. If you are interested in the game, be sure to check out the rules and manners. Besides forests and fields, you can also experience a course for beginners at a payed facility. There are guns for ages 10 and up, so even junior high school students can start playing survival games. You can also accessorize by getting clothing to suit the environment you'll be playing in, or whatever else you like. Summary of Japan's Survival Games There are survival game facilities all over Japan, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Chiba, Aichi and Okinawa. Get ready to fight in Japan's tactical survival games!

Gifu Castle" on Kinkazan in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture Video Introduction The video this time is titled "[Sword World] Gifu Castle｜A Place to See Swords and Armor｜Swords and Armor on Display in the Castle ｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「岐阜城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画). It was released by "Virtual Sword Museum [Sword World]." It introduces Gifu Castle, located on Mt. Kinka in Gifu City, Gifu prefecture in Japan's Tokai region. The ruins of Gifu Castle are also designated as a national historic site and is a tourist spot with a long history. There used to be a saying that went, "He who controls Mino controls Japan" (Mino is present day Gifu), as Gifu Castle was once known as an impregnable fortress. The History of Gifu Castle Photo：Gifu Castle Gifu Castle is a beautiful castle that stands on the summit of Mt. Kinka in the formerly known territory of Minokuni Inoguchi (present-day Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture). A full view of Gifu Castle can be seen at 0:12 in the video. The castle was built in 1201 by the Saito family, and is said to have been the residence of Saito Dosan, who was feared as a "mamushi" (pit viper) during the Warring States period. In 1567, Oda Nobunaga seized the territory of Inabayama Castle from Saito Tatsuokiand rebuilt it before becoming the lord of Gifu Castle. Oda Nobunaga began to use the red seal of "Tenka Fubu" from around this time. The successive lords of Gifu Castle were Nikaido, Iga, Mino Saito, Oda, and Toyotomi. In the Edo period (1603-1868), the castle was abandoned and rebuilt as Kano Castle. Eventually, in the Showa period (1926-1989), Gifu Castle was rebuilt and still stands to this day. What kind of place is the Gifu Castle Museum which is shown in the video? Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 1:27 in the video, Gifu Castle's castle tower is a museum with many swords and armor on display. Inside, you'll find items related to Oda Nobunaga and Saito Dosan, as well as other valuable historical documents. The top floor is an observation deck where you can enjoy a magnificent view from Gifu Castle at an altitude of about 320 meters. Gifu Castle Museum, which houses a collection of documents related to Gifu Castle, is shown at 2:23 in the video. The museum was originally an armory and food storage facility, but was restored with a Sumiyagura Jokaku-zukuri style architecture. Highlights of Gifu Castle! Photo：Autumn leaves at Gifu Park Gifu Castle also has a volunteer brigade called "The Gifu Castle Promotion Team," which organizes events such as stamp rallies. Of course, when you visit Gifu Castle, you'll definitely want to get a red seal and castle seal to commemorate your visit. There are also illumination events in the summer and fall seasons. Mt. Kinka, on which Gifu Castle is located, also has a ropeway; however, we recommend visiting on foot from the Nanamagari entrance of the hiking trail. Mt. Kinka is also home to branch castles, such as Maruyama Fort, Matsudao Fort, and Jozaiji Temple. If you're sightseeing Gifu, be sure to stop by Dosanzuka, Odazuka, Sagiyama Castle ruins and Sunomata Castle. Summary of Gifu Castle Photo：Gifu Castle As you can see from the video, Gifu Castle has many valuable swords and armor in its collection. If you're interested in the history of Japan or just a sword fanatic, be sure to stop by for a visit, there's plenty to see! If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video as well! ◆Gifu Castle Facility Overview◆ 【Address】18 Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture 〒500-0000 【Directions】15 minutes by Gifu Bus from Meitetsu Gifu Station, 3 minutes to the top of the mountain by Kinkazan Ropeway 【Hours】9:30～17:30 【Admission Fee】Adults 200 yen, children (4 years and older) 100 yen 【Parking】Available 【Official Website】Gifu Castle/Tourism Convention Department/Gifu City Official Website https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&tab=wT&sl=auto&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.gifu.lg.jp%2F3537.htm 【Tripadvisor】Gifu Castle （Inabayama Castle） https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298112-d1314203-Reviews-Gifu_Castle_Inabayama_Castle-Gifu_Gifu_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Kashima Jingu Shrine" in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction If you're looking to receive the divine blessings of a historical shrine or just want to go sightseeing to discover the history of Japan, then this is the video for you! This video, titled "Superb Views in Ibaraki - Kashima Jingu Shrine | VISIT IBARAKI, JAPAN" (【絶景茨城】鹿島神宮 | VIST IBARAKI,JAPAN), made by Ibakira TV, shows Kashima Shrine which is dedicated to the God of martial arts. You won't be able to look away after witnessing the solemn atmosphere and beauty of this historical shrine. The video also explains the history of the shrine. It's a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese culture or history! In this article, we'll talk about the history and allure of Kashima Shrine. Be sure to follow along with the video! A Look at Kashima Shrine Source :YouTube screenshot Kashima Shrine is a very popular tourist attraction in Japan. It's dedicated to the Great God of martial arts, Takemikazuchi. Within Kashima Shrine, there are many articles that have been designated National Important Cultural Properties. These articles have been donated by various family members from the Tokugawa Shogunate family line over the years. The current shrine building was built by Tokugawa Hidetada, while the rear shrine building was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the tower gates by Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first Mito feudal lord. If you're a history buff definitely check it out! As you proceed along the rear approach to the shrine, you can see Mitarai Pond and "Kaname Ishi," said to calm earthquakes. Kaname Ishi is shown at 1:32. You can feel the mystical atmosphere from the video. Other tourist attractions that you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting Kashima Shrine are the Deer Park and Rear Shrine. While you enjoy the views of beautiful Kashima Shrine, you can also learn the history through the video! Information on Kashima Shrine and the Surrounding Area Photo：Mitarashi Pond Here we give you information about the grounds of the popular Kashima Shrine and its surrounding area! The Kashima Shrine grounds are approximately 70 hectares (~173 acres) in size. The area is dotted with viewpoints for enjoying the beautiful scenery and famous historical locations. You'll come across Torii gates near the car par park of Kashima Shrine. The gates are followed by the tower gate and the main shrine building. As you proceed along the rear approach, you'll see the Deer Park, the Rear Shrine, and Mitarashi Pond. There is a shop selling good luck charms, votive pictures, and red seals, so if you're looking for souvenirs of Kashima Jingu Shrine or just want to get some power from the shrine, definitely check it out. You should also visit Ichi no Torii Gate, a famous water gate near Kashima Shrine. It can be seen at 0:07 in the video. Be sure to drop by if you're visiting the shrine. Summary of Kashima Shrine, a Famous Tourist Attraction in Japan "Superb Views in Ibaraki - Kashima Jingu Shrine | VISIT IBARAKI, JAPAN," made by Ibakira TV, is a fascinating video in which you can learn about the history of Kashima shrine. If you're into Japanese history, this is a video you've got to see! We recommend Kashima Shrine as a tourist attraction in Japan. It's perfect for those who want to learn more history and those looking to see traditional Japanese scenery! Be sure to check out the video before your visit! ◆Kashima Shrine◆ 【Address】2306-1 Oaza-kyuchu, Kashima City, Ibaraki 314-0031 Japan 【Access】10 minutes from Kashima Shrine Station on Kashima Line 【Hours】24 hours 【Parking】Yes 【Telephone No.】0299-82-1209 【Tripadviser】Kashima Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g1021215-d1407488-Reviews-Kashima_Jingu-Kashima_Ibaraki_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Video introduction to the Shimonoseki Straits Festival "Genpei Festival This video, titled "The Official Video of the Genpei Festival - Shimonoseki Straits Festival" )【公式】しものせき海峡まつり　源平まつり), was released by the city of Shimonoseki. The 4-minute video introduces highlights of the 2017 Genpei Matsuri ritual and other events, set to a solemn tune. What is the Shimonoseki Straits Festival "Genpei Festival"? What are the dates of the festival? Located at the westernmost tip of the Main Island, Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture features a historical site where the famous sea battle "Dan-no-ura" occurred in 1185. At the Shimonoseki Straits Festival, annually scheduled from May 2nd-4th, performers with authentic clothing produce a surreal sight, as if the illustrations from the ancient scrolls are coming to life before our very eyes. The highlight of the festival is "Genpei Festival" on May 3 held at Kanmon Straits where the famous sea battle occurred. The warriors' parade, the reenactment of the sea battle of Dan-no-ura, and the archery battle between the warring clans (one scene from Studio Ghibli's Pompoko explicitly references this battle), and Senteisai (loosely translated as the "former emperor festival" and is held to commemorate the child Emperor Antoku who drowned at Dan-no-ura), attract a great number of onlookers. The video leads us over to the city where performers wearing the medieval costumes fill the streets. Enjoy your journey back in time through the video! Genpei Samurai Procession, a highlight of the Genpei Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Genpei Festival is preceded by "Senteisai", where a ritual is held to offer prayers to the shrine in order to appease the soul of Emperor Antoku's. Samurai, courtesans, and adorable child soldiers are separated into the Genji and Heike clans and parade throughout the city. From 0:09, the video allows us a glance at the elaborate preparation process that turns the performers into historical characters, and at 1:26the parade begins. The parade depicts the two warring clans marching to the battlefield. The vigorous war cries of the warring clans captivate onlookers. Genpei Boat Battle, a highlight of the Genpei Festival Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:37 is the majestic reenactment of the climatic sea battle. The presence of historical characters such as the legendary monk warrior Benkei, the heroin Shizuka Gozen, and the child Emperor Antoku on the boats portraying the scene, energizes the event. The spectacular reenactment, with a fleet of about 200 ships sailed out on the wild waves, will definitely look great on Instagram. A series of events associated with the Genpei war take place on the main stage and the dance of the 5 gorgeous courtesans closes the performance. The main stage performances are introduced from 3:00. Festival performers are chosen from the public submissions. Summary of the Shimonoseki Straits and Genpei Festivals The video guides us through the Shimonoseki Straits Festival where one can experience one of Japan's most historically significant events. Enjoy time traveling back to the 12th century with this video! The main venues at the Genpei Festival are the Akama Shrine and Shimaitoshi Square. Transportation is blocked at some parts of the city during the festival, so we recommend checking the event schedule in advance if you're planning on using it.

Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans This is a promotional video created by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, that introduces the production process of Marugame uchiwa fans, a specialty product of Marugame, Kagawa prefecture. The fascinating craftsmanship of these traditional artisans is a sight to behold. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read this article. The History of Marugame Uchiwa Fans Source :YouTube screenshot Marugame uchiwa fans are a craft that have been produced in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, also known as Sanuki, since the Edo period. Kagawa prefecture is promoted as the "Udon prefecture" by both the prefecture and the tourism association, with the local specialty being Sanuki Udon. Marugame uchiwa fans were invented by the chief priest of Konpira Shrine in the Edo period (1603 to 1868) as an affordable souvenir for visitors. It was made of inexpensive materials, was lightweight, and came in a variety of designs, making it the perfect regional specialty. It uses Washi which is strong, yet light, and other traditional Japanese materials that are easy to process, such as bamboo. The Marugame uchiwa fans of today refer to the Otokodake-Hirae design (男竹平柄) which was first created in Meiji era. (1868 to 1912) Long-jointed Otokodake is used as the material for the skeleton of the fan, but round Otokodake was used in the original fans. During the Tenmei era(1781 to 1789), when the Marugame clan warriors were making fans as a manual occupation, Onnadake-Marue(女竹丸柄) became mainstream, and in the Meiji era, the "Otokodake-Hirae" became more common as it was considered a simpler technique. The process of creating Marugame uchiwa fans is shown in detail from 0:16 in the video. Please enjoy the techniques of these Japanese artisans. Kagawa Prefecture's Marugame Uchiwa Fans as Souvenirs Source :YouTube screenshot These days, Japanese fans can be bought online, and they come in a variety of different designs and prices. There are cool traditional Japanese designs, cute flower patterns like morning-glory and Chinese bellflower, and artistic patterns that show off the craftsman's skills, making them a great gift for people who enjoy Japanese crafts and culture. Uchiwa no Minato Museum is located in Marugame, Kagawa prefecture, and is operated by the Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association. It displays different kinds of Japanese fans such as Shibu Uchiwa (渋うちわ, Shibu-Uchiwa) and Ikkanbari, introduces the production process, and sells them as well. There's also a workshop where you can experience Japanese culture by creating an original and unique Japanese fan for yourself. Summary of Kagawa's Marugame Uchiwa Fans The Kagawa Prefecture Fan Cooperative Association has also started putting effort into training successors of the traditional craft. Marugame uchiwa fans have been certified as a traditional Japanese craft since 1997. At the peak of their popularity in 1955, 120 million fans were produced. In the video we're shown the production process, and you can come to understand the beauty and appeal of the traditional Marugame uchiwa fans that have been passed down for generations. 【Official Website】Uchiwa no Minato Museum https://marugameuchiwa.jp/facility 【Official Website】Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Nasu Highlands, Tochigi Prefecture This video, titled "Renewal! Nasu Highlands in Tochigi Prefecture. Best Spots to Visit (Winter Version)" (【リニューアル】「栃木県那須観光」おすすめの見所をご紹介！【冬編】), shows winter in the Nasu area of Tochigi Prefecture, in Japan's Kanto region. It's produced by the "Nasu Town Tourism Association." There are sightseeing spots that thrive as a summer resort that can also be enjoyed as a unique winter experience. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sightseeing spots on Nasu Highlands in winter, where you can enjoy the changing of the seasons in Japan. The video, which starts with a dip at the Nasu Hot Springs (那須温泉, Nasu Onsen), is filled with information on nature, activities, gourmet food, hot springs, and more, all in the Nasu area of Tochigi prefecture in just 3 minutes. Recommended Sightseeing Destinations on the Nasu Highlands Photo：Snow shoes and bags Snowshoe Tours, that start from Komaru Mountain Observation Park (小丸山展望園地, Komaruyamatenbouenchi) and go to the Nasu Hot Spring Family Ski Resort, are a popular activity during winter on the Nasu Highlands. The snowshoe tours that take you through the pure white landscape of the Nasu Highlands are introduced at 1:04 in the video. Another great place to visit is the Nasu Stained Glass Museum, where you can see the Nasu Garden Outlet illuminations. This is shown at 2:22 in the video, and we definitely recommend checking it out. You can take the Nasu ropeway to the top of the mountain to see a beautiful view of the surrounding area. There are several campsites on the Nasu Highlands that are open year round, so if you're looking to stay in the great outdoors, here's your chance. Winter Destinations for the Whole Family on the Nasu Highlands of Tochigi Prefecture Photo：Capybara in the hot springs Nasu has many sightseeing spots where you can interact with cute animals even during winter. Nasu Safari Park, Nasu Alpaca Ranch, and Senbonmatsu Dairy Farm are places where you can interact with farm animals and they are very popular with both adults and children alike. The Nasu Alpaca Farm is introduced at 0:31 in the video. We also recommend Nasu Animal Kingdom's Capybara Hot Spring, where you can enjoy the hot springs of Nasu. Be sure to take some pictures of the cute critters and post them on Instagram! Also, don’t forget to check out the popular amusement park, Nasu Highland Park. Relaxing Destinations During Winter at Nasu Highlands Source :YouTube screenshot Nasu has many Japanese-style hot springs, such as Daimaru Onsen, Ashino Onsen, and Nasu Onsen Kanoyu. If you stay at the resort Hotel Sun Valley Nasu, you can enjoy the buffet and hot springs to your hearts content. There are many one-day hot springs and footbaths at the hot spring inns and hotels, so you can enjoy finding your favorite! The hot springs can be seen at 1:34 in the video. After taking a dip in the hot springs, why not try cold soba noodles, a winter delicacy in Nasu. We also recommend enjoying lunch at the Nasu Highlands Service Area to purchase some refreshing Nasu Kogen Beer. Summary of Winter on the Nasu Highlands The Nasu Highlands are at a high altitude, and the weather can be rough in winter. However, on the snowy Nasu Highlands, there are many special experiences that you can't experience any other time of the year. Enjoy a trip to the beautiful winter wonderland known as the Nasu Highlands! 【Tripadvisor】Nasu Highlands https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121057-d1311756-Reviews-Nasu_Highlands-Nasu_machi_Nasu_gun_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Edo Kiriko There are a variety of traditional crafts in Japanese culture, including "Edo Kiriko," a highly artistic piece of artwork that shines like a jewel. This is a video interview with an artisan of the traditional craft "Edo Kiriko," in which he talks about the process of making Edo Kiriko and the traditions of the craft. This article will briefly introduce Edo Kiriko alongside the video. Enjoy the beautiful art of Edo Kiriko, which has been handed down in Japan since ancient times. Edo Kiriko - A Compilation of Traditional Crafts Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft that has been handed down as part of traditional Japanese culture, is a historic traditional craft with beautiful jewel-like designs cut into glass. Edo Kiriko is said to have started in the late Edo Period (1750-1860 A.D.) when emery was used to engrave designs on the surface of glass. It gets its name from the cutting of the glass (切, pronounced "kiri," means cut in Japanese). Source :YouTube screenshot From the Taisho Era (1912-1926) to the early Showa period (around 1930), cut glass became popular, and a variety of products, such as tableware, became very popular. Now, prices vary from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen for the glass types and several millions of yen for jar types. Since each piece is hand crafted by an artisan, they are more expensive than regular glasses. Edo Kiriko is produced using Kagami crystal and soda lime glass. There are a very rich variety of patterns and colors used in the pieces. The video also includes an overview of the work in an Edo Kiriko workshop, and rare sketches can be seen at 3:10 in the video. The patterns show each artisan's sense of craftsmanship, and each artisan creates his or her own tasteful designs. The reason why many of the pieces are said to be high quality works of art is because of the skill of the artisans that create them. In the Edo period, the glassware was monochrome, but these days, they use glass with a colored surface layer. This is called "irogise" (color-dressing). Artisans design the colorful glasses while keeping in mind how they will look when drunk from. In the video, the Edo Kiriko artisan emphasizes that it's a traditional craft to be enjoyed by the eyes, which is why this part is so important. Although Edo Kiriko is an ancient Japanese culture, it is not a hereditary system; rather, it is passed down from generation to generation by apprentices who are serious about glass working. At 5:17 in the video, the artisan in the interview describes how he would like to continue to share his approach to Edo Kiriko with the next generation. Edo Kiriko - How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot The following is a brief explanation of how Edo Kiriko is made. 1. Waridashi (Indexing) The glass is placed on a turntable and basic lines are drawn with a magic marker or similar writing instrument. This process is explained by the Edo Kiriko artisan at 3:10 in the video. 2. Arazuri (Rough Cutting) Making basic cuts that will be the basis for the pattern on the glass. 3. Sanbanzuri (Fine Cutting) Fine cuts are made into the glass. 4. Sokoishikake (Fine tuning of cuts) Smooth out the cuts so there are no irregularities. 5. Migaki (Polish) Polishing the glass to give it a nice shine. 6. Arai (Washing) Wash the glass. 7. Completed And it's finished! Edo Kiriko Makes a Great Gift, Souvenir, or Keepsake Photo：Edo Kiriko We highly recommended Edo Kiriko as a souvenir or gift. They can be purchased online and also at physical stores in Asakusa and Ginza, where you can see them up close and get a better look at their beauty. "Hanasho," with its main store in Kameido, and the "Sumida Edo Kiriko Museum" in Sumida, are famous for their shops, while the Edo Kiriko Cooperative in Kameido has a showroom where you can view various types of Edo Kiriko. Edo Kiriko includes glass cups, wine glasses, rock glasses, chilled sake cups, sake cups, sake glasses, sake bottles, lipped bowls, tumblers, beer glasses, and other items to suit your taste. Handmade Edo Kiriko would make a great gift for people of all ages. At the Edo Kiriko classes in Asakusa and Nihonbashi, you can experience the techniques of Edo Kiriko and draw patterns such as cherry blossoms and roses on glass. You can also learn the artisanal skills at the Edo Kiriko workshop and give a gift full of Japanese culture. At the Edo Kiriko Exhibition and the Edo Kiriko Museum, you can see many artisanal works of craft. If you want to see the craftsmanship in person, this is a great place to visit. You can also buy your favorite pieces as souvenirs. Like Edo Kiriko, "Satsuma-Kiriko" is another popular type of cut glass. These pieces are more suitable for ornamental purposes than Edo Kiriko. Summary of Edo Kiriko This article introduced the history of Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft in which Japanese craftsmanship truly shines. We recommend getting a pair of Edo Kiriko glasses that you can use for a variety of occassions. Due to the delicate nature of Edo Kiriko glass, they must be cared for more carefully than normal glasses. This video talks about the uncompromising dedication of Edo Kiriko artisans and the appeal of Edo Kiriko, which cannot be described in such a short amount of time. Please enjoy the video and learning about the depth of the ancient Japanese craft.

About Esashi, a "Japan Heritage" "Esashi, Sightseeing Promotional Video, Japan Heritage" (北海道江差町　観光ＰＲ動画（日本遺産)), is a video created by the "Esashi Municipal Department of Tourism." Esashi, in the Hiyama District of Hokkaido, is the first place to be registered as a Japan Heritage in Hokkaido, and is also a place of scenic beauty. It sits on the coast of the Sea of Japan, with a population of 7,561. (2019, May). It's said that Esashi is the origin of Hokkaido's culture and thrived thanks to it's herring fishing during the Edo Period. In 2014, the mayor of Esashi became the youngest mayor in Japan at just 29 years of age. In this video, the attractions of Esashi are packed into just 3 minutes of footage. Enjoy the nature and history of Esashi, Hokkaido. What Are "Esashi Herring"? Source :YouTube screenshot Esashi is surrounded by the ocean, and in the Edo period (1603-1867) it was a place where herring fishing was going through a boom. This is explained at 0:26 in the video. At the time, herring was a good fertilizer. Esashi was busy, especially in May, because herring was a seasonal fish in May and many ships from Edo (Tokyo) and Osaka, came to fish for them. Because of this, the popular phrase "Even Edo is not as busy as Esashi in May" was coined. Many of the leftover goods remain in the storehouses of merchants from the time, demonstrating their prosperity and showing just how successful the business was. Even now, herring soba is popular as a local dish in Esashi. Check out the video at 0:51 to see the merchant's warehouses. Tourist Attractions in Esashi! Source :YouTube screenshot There's Kamamome Island where ships called "Kitamaebune" docked during the herring fishing season, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima jinjya), where sailors prayed for safety at sea, and the strangely shaped Heishi Rock (瓶子岩, Heishiiwa). There's a legend of Heishi Rock, that says when the sailors couldn’t catch any herring and were facing starvation, they poured divine water into the sea causing a swarm of herring to appear. Since then, every July a ceremony is held where they replace the "Shimenawa" (a rope used to cordon off consecrated areas or as a talisman against evil​) at Heishi Rock. This can be seen at 1:27 in the video. The Ubagami Grand Shrine (姥神大神宮, Ubagami Daijingu) which overlooks the port of Esashi, is famous for its summer festival, the Ubagami Grand Shrine Togyo Festival, which is said to be the oldest festival in Hokkaido. From 2:01, the festival song "Esashi Oiwake," which has been passed down since the Edo Period, can be seen being performed. It has a nostalgic melody reminiscent of Edo and because of that, it's said that "Esashi Oiwake" is the king of folk songs. The herring fishing song "Soran Bushi" and "Hokkai Bonuta" also represent the culture of Hokkaido. We recommend visiting Esashi during the summer festival where you can check out the big floats and the Ohayashi band. Recommended Tourist Attractions Photo：Esashi Inishie Kaido Street There are many historic places and buildings that remain in Esashi, such as shrines, temples and houses. Walking down Inishie Kaido Street, next to the ocean, will take you to those historic places. For example, The Former Nakamura Family Merchant House, Yokoyama House, and the Esashi Town Historical Museum are all attractive spots that retain a good old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere. Visiting Esashicho Bunka Hall, Esashi Town Meeting Hall, Esashi Oiwake/Yama Museum, and the Esashi Town Historical Museum to learn about the history is another great way to enjoy oneself. The Kaiyo Maru from Netherlands can be seen near Kamome Island. It was a battleship of the Shogunate's navy at the end of the Edo Period. (About 1860) You also get a great view, surrounded by the ocean waves, when the weather is nice. Don't forget your camera! Summary of Esashi Photo：A school of fish As you can see in the video, Esashi, Hokkaido is a fishing town with many and festivals and historic places left over from the old days of Japan. Enjoy seeing the attractions of Hokkaido through the video. At 2:36, we learn that, in 2017, a school of herring were seen for the first time in 104 years in Esashi, and a new light began to shine on Esashi once again. Esashi is a sort of hole-in-the-wall destination in Hokkaido, but has easy access from Hakodate by train or bus. If you're headed this way, we recommend checking out Hakodate as well! Also, if Esashi interests you, check out the local products of Hometown Tax Donation Program. There are attractive local products like queen crab and gasa shrimp. 【Official website】Esashi Town hall homepage https://www.hokkaido-esashi.jp/ 【Trip Advisor】Esashi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1120309-Esashi_cho_Hiyama_gun_Hokkaido-Vacations.html

Introducing Okinawa! This one and a half minute long promotional video "IS JAPAN COOL? OKINAWA," was created by "ANA Global Channel." It introduces popular sightseeing spots, as well as the food and culture of Okinawa. Tourists travel from all over the world to Okinawa for its beautiful beaches, delicious food and comfortable climate. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax both body and mind, we highly recommend a trip to Okinawa! There are so many places to enjoy your time in Okinawa. Not only is there the popular main island but there are also many beautiful, smaller islands such as Ishigaki island (石垣島, ishigakijima) and Taketomi island (竹富島, taketomijima) where you can spend your holiday relaxing in the sun. In this article, we'll introduce popular sightseeing spots and delicacies we recommend you try on your trip to Okinawa! Be sure to follow along with the video! The Top Sightseeing Spots in Okinawa ・Islands to visit on your trip to Okinawa The smaller islands off the mainland of Okinawa are a great place to go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the city. All of the islands are abundant with nature and the scenery is unbelievably beautiful. We highly recommend Taketomi island, Ishigaki island, and Miyako island (宮古島, miyakojima). All are fantastic places where you can take part in fun activities, such as banana boating, scuba diving, parasailing, or walking along the sea floor (an activity known as "sea walk" in Japanese). You can take a look at these water activities from 0:15 in the video. Don't they look exciting? Photo：Sefa-Utaki ・Historic sites to visit in Okinawa There are numerous spots in Okinawa steeped in history, such as Sefa-Utaki (斎場御嶽), Shuri Castle (首里城, shurijou)and Choju no mura (長寿の村). We highly recommend visiting Utaki, which is known for being a power spot in Okinawa. It's a very mysterious and fascinating place where people often go to say prayers. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Okinawa Photo：Churaumi Aquarium There are many spots in Okinawa to enjoy with the whole family, such as Churaumi Aquarium (美ら海水族館) and International Avenue (国際通り) (known in Japanese as Kokusai Dori). International Avenue is home to the biggest shopping district in Naha (那覇) and is a place where you can enjoy eating out, shopping, or buying souvenirs. It's definitely a place worth visiting if you plan on travelling to Okinawa's main island. Okinawan Cuisine and Souvenirs If you would like to try Okinawan cuisine, we highly recommend ordering some Okinawa Soba (沖縄そば) or Goya Chanpuru (ゴーヤチャンプル). Agu pork (アグー豚), with its characteristic high quality fat, is another dish we recommend you try during your visit to Okinawa! You can see these dishes in the video at 0:45. Okinawa's famous shochu "Awamori" (泡盛) makes a great souvenir for family and friends! Areas We Recommend to Enjoy the Best of Okinawan Cuisine Photo：public market, Okinawa For those looking forward to experiencing Okinawan cuisine, we highly recommend visiting the public parket. The public market, also known as Nahashi no daidokoro (那覇市の台所) which translates to "Naha City's Kitchen," sells fresh fish, pigs feet, shimarakkyo (島らっきょ), goya, and other popular Okinawa foods. It's popular with both locals and foreign visitors. There's also a dining area in the public market where you can enjoy trying Okinawan cuisine. However, please take note that the public market is currently under construction and has been temporarily relocated to the nearby "Nigiwai Hiroba" (にぎわい広場) (rebuilding of the public market is due to be completed by March 31st, 2022). Summary of the Okinawa Sightseeing Video We hope you enjoyed learning about the popular sightseeing spots introduced in this promotional video, and taking a look at the beautiful scenery of Okinawa. More information regarding Okinawan culture, such as Hari boats (ハーリー), the Sanshin (三線) and Kachashi (カチャーシー) is also included in the video making it a must-see for anyone who has yet to visit Okinawa! 【Official Website】Okinawa City Hall https://www.city.okinawa.okinawa.jp/english/

Hokkaido Rusutsu Resort Looking to explore Japan's vast wilderness? Experiencing various activities in nature, surrounded by rivers and mountains, enjoying a relaxing vacation... doesn’t that sound nice? If so, we highly recommend that you visit one of the largest mountain resorts in Hokkaido – Rusutsu Resort. This article introduces attractions at Rusutsu Resort, one of the best travel destinations in Japan, in both text and video form. Find your favorite thing to do among the various activities that Rusutsu Resort has to offer, About Hokkaido Rusutsu Resort Photo：Snowboarding Rusutsu Resort is a travel destination in Japan located in Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido. Surrounded by rich nature, the resort is visited by many tourists every year. With a variety of facilities, such as an amusement park, ski resort, golf course, and tennis court, the resort makes for an enjoyable location for the whole family to enjoy. Playing sports while experiencing the scenic beauty of Hokkaido is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Experience satisfying activities and a beautiful view that you can only find at Rusutsu Resort. Activities at Hokkaido's Rusutsu Resort! Source :YouTube screenshot Tourists can experience various kind of activities while enjoying the landscape of Hokkaido's Rusutsu Resort during the warm summer months. In the midst of the Shiribetsu River's magnificent nature, you can enjoy rafting, family river rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing and other river activities. Horseback riding, hot air balloon flights, orienteering, Mt. Yotei (羊蹄山, Yotei-zan), Panorama Terrace and the mountain bike tour are some of the most popular activities to enjoy in the great outdoors at Rusutsu. The footage of hot air balloon flights and horseback riding starts from 2:30 in the video. Experience summer the way its meant to be enjoyed, with a trip the whole family can enjoy. The best indoor activities are bouldering and handicraft workshops. As the resort has extensive restaurants and hotels, your trip there will be a lifelong memory. Rusutsu Resort's Number 1 Activity- Rafting Photo：Rafting Among the many activities that visitors can enjoy during the summer, rafting is definitely among the best. You can see footage of this at 0:08 in the video. Participants take a raft down about seven kilometers in Shiribetsu River surrounded by the beautiful nature in the foothills of Mt. Yotei. Feel the thrill as you overcome the rivers rougher areas! Working together as a family to overcome the powerful current is an exhilarating experience. It's something that's sure to make a life long memory. The scenery of the course changes with the seasons, which is why rafting is one of the most popular outdoor sports in Hokkaido. Just watching the video you can tell how much fun they're having. Summary of Rusutsu Resort It may seem like we introduced a lot of thigns to do at Rusutsu resort, but there's still more than we could get to in this article. The video shows a lot of the activities mentioned here, so we recommend checking it out if your interested! Rusutsu Resort is surrounded by the vast nature of Japan. As shown in the video, the resort has extensive facilities that both children and adults can enjoy. It's definitely a must-see tourist destination to throw on your bucket list. ◆Rusutsu Resort◆ 【Address】13, Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1711 【Public transportation】About two hours from Sapporo Station by bus/About two hours from New Chitose Airport by bus 【Fee】Depends on the facility. Please check information on the official website. 【Hours】Depends on the facility. Please check information on the official website. 【Closures】Depends on the facility. Please check information on the official website. 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】 (+81) 136-46-3331 【Official Website】Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention - Rusutsu - Japan https://www.hokkaido-rusutsu.com/en-gb 【Tripadvisor】Rusutsu Resort https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1114488-d3536784-Reviews-Rusutsu_Resort-Rusutsu_mura_Abuta_gun_Hokkaido.html

Kumamoto's "Utase Fishing" and "Utase Ships." Generations Old Traditions This video, titled "[Tomorrow's Heritage Kyushu] Kumamoto's Utase Ships" ([明日の遺産 九州] 熊本「うたせ船」), was uploaded by "N.a." It's an introductory video of "Utase Ships," the traditional fishing boats handed down in Ashikita (芦北町, Ashikita cho), Kumamoto, in Japan's Kyushu region. In addition to the Kumamoto Ashikita area, "Utase Ships" are used in traditional fishing practices in areas such as Hachirogata, Akita, located in Japan's Tohoku region. The Yatsushiro Sea (八代海, Yatsushiro kai) in Kumamoto is also known as the Shiranui Sea (不知火海, Shiranui kai), and is a famous place to enjoy delicious seafood thanks to its high-quality waters. In the Shiranui Sea, the traditional Japanese fishing method of using the power of the sea breeze to pull up seafood from the ocean floor is still practiced today. This video introduces Utase Ships and traditional fishing with beautiful images. Please enjoy the video showcasing ancient techniques in the modern era. Features of the Utase Ship Source :YouTube screenshot Kumamoto's specialty is a traditional fishing method in which bottom trawling nets are set up on an Utase sailboat and dragged along by the sea breeze. The ship goes to the fishing grounds by engine, but after the net is dropped, fishing is performed using only the power of nature. Sea hulls such as prawns, crabs, and giant clams can be harvested using this bottom trawling method. The good thing about this method is that it allows you to catch only the amount of fish you need, and it also allows you to clean the ocean by pulling up debris from the sea floor. Utase fishing is a traditional fishing method that the Japanese have been using since ancient times to live in harmony with nature. The fishing is introduced from 1:41 in the video. It is also explained in the video that "only the necessary blessings are separated from the sea." Take a Ride on a Beautiful Utase Ship Source :YouTube screenshot The appearance of the beautiful boats with white sails going through the scenic open sea is exciting and gorgeous at the same time. Kumamoto's Utase Ships are so beautiful that they're called the "white-dressed ladies of the sea" (白いドレスをまとった海の貴婦人). This is introduced at 1:27 in the video. The beautiful atmosphere in the video helps you understand why it's called this. Kumamoto’s specialty Utase Ship is operated as a sightseeing pleasure boat during the off-season of fishing. While sightseeing on the Utase Ships and Ashikita fishing boats, you can also try marlin fishing! Be sure to look at the beautiful colors of these fish and eat plenty of delicious seafood! If you want to experience the magnificent views of Kumamoto's gorgeous waters or try your hand at fishing, look into the Utase tours in Kumamoto. Summary of Kumamoto's Utase Ships The Utase Ships that sail the open seas of Kumamoto, remind us of the ancient Japanese fishing methods in harmony with nature. The area around Ashikita, where you can taste delicious seafood and other gourmet dishes, is a somewhat secret spot for traveling to Kyushu. The video also introduces the dazzling white sails of an Utase Ship as it moves forward with the wind. It is a Japanese tradition we recommend checking out. If you're interested in Kumamoto's Utase Ships presented this video, be sure to plan a sightseeing trip to Kumamoto!

Ehime Prefecture's Matsuyama City, Toon City, and Tobe Town! This video was created by "[Matsuyama City Official] Sightseeing PR Channel- matsuyama-sightseeing" (【松山市公式】観光PRチャンネル - matsuyama-sightseeing), and is a sightseeing PR video for Ehime, titled "Matsuyama City, Toon City, and Tobe Town. Wide Range Sightseeing Video"（「松山・東温・砥部」広域観光映像）. Matsuyama City is the capital of Ehime Prefecture, and the largest city in Shikoku, with a population of over 500,000. In the Edo period (1603-1868), it flourished as a castle town centered on Matsuyama Castle. Today still, it has a rich atmosphere with Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen Bekkan Asukano Onsen, the oldest hot spring inn at Dogo Onsen. It's chock full of history. It is also has ties to important cultural figures such as Masaoka Shiki and Natsume Soseki, and has become a stage for many Japanese literatures, such as "Botchan" and "Sakano Ueno Kumo." It is visited by many tourists every year. In this video, we introduce the charms of Toon city, a mountain pass adjacent to Matsuyama city, and Tobe town, referred to as the village of pottery and mandarin oranges. Let's visit the popular tourist spots around Matsuyama city! Spring Highlights - Shigenobugawa Riverbed Cherry Trees Photo：Matsuyama Castle Matsuyama Castle is famous as the largest tourist spot in Ehime Prefecture. It's introduced from the beginning of the video, at 0:10. Historic Japanese buildings also attract many visitors every year. The beauty of the illuminated Matsuyama Castle Garden and the sunset is a sight to behold. 2:13 in the video has some superb views of these. Matsuyama city is warm and has little rainfall, making it a comfortable place to stay, and you can enjoy various activities there as well. In particular, the cherry blossoms lining the Shigenobu River connecting Toon City and Matsuyama City is spectacular. It is a must-see for anyone sightseeing in Matsuyama City. The video also shows some stunning cherry blossom spots from 0:15. In addition, you can see the natural scenery of Choushi Falls in Tobe Town, the fresh greenery of the Hirota area, Mt. Tobe, and the cabbage fields in the area. As you can see, there are many instagrammable places to see around Matsuyama City in the spring. Shiogamori Furusato Park, the Youkou cherry blossoms of Akasaka Izumi, and the Nanaori Koume are also worth checking out when sightseeing in Matsuyama. Summer Highlights - The Mitsuhama Fireworks Festival Photo：Mitsuhama Fireworks Festival Matsuyama city in summer is also full of attractions! Our top recommendation is the Mitsuhama Fireworks Festival, the climax of the Matsuyama Port Festival. You can see a magnificent view of 10,000 fireworks coloring the night sky in Matsuyama City. This is shown at 0:53 in the video. It's a popular event visited by about 230,000 people. Ehime Prefecture is one of the most prominent mountainous areas in Japan, and there are many terraced paddy fields on steep slopes. At sunset, you can see a stunning collaboration of ears of rice, the fresh green of the surrounding mountains and the reddish-brown sky, and you will be able to see the original landscape of Japan that was almost forgotten. At sunset, you can see a collaboration between the ears of rice and surrounding mountains as they blend in with the madder red sky to create a scenery of a Japan long forgotten. Taking a leisurely stroll along the riverside in Mitsu is a great way to cool off as well. Autumn Highlights - Autumn Leaves in the Namegawa Valley Photo：Namegawa Valley The fall of Matsuyama, where the sea and the mountains are close together. Autumn is a colorful season in Matsuyama. The sea and mountains are nearby, and the changing of the leaves makes for a wonderful sight. There are plenty of places to visit as well, such as Namegawa Valley, Karasaki Falls, Senba Valley, Touritani Pond, Shiraino Falls, and more. The red color of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture is introduced at 1:47 in the video. Fall is also sports season! That being said, it's nice to go jogging while enjoying the autumn leaves at Toon City General Park. You can also experience the winter season with the entirety of Namegawa Valley covered in snow from 2:27. Enjoying the beauty of nature throughout the four seasons is one of the attractions of Matsuyama, Toon, and Tobe in Ehime Prefecture. Sightseeing Information for Tobe-Cho Tobe is known for its pottery and mandarin oranges. The vast orange fields in Tobe are introduced at 2:41 in the video. Tobe ware, a traditional Japanese craft and intangible cultural property, is a style of pottery with a history of more than 240 years. To this day, Tobe is still one of Japan's leading pottery towns. The workshop in Tobe, where you can experience pottery making, is a popular tourist spot, and there are plenty of souvenirs made using Tobe-cho's specialty oranges. Dining in Matsuyama Matsuyama City is also known as a fishing town, being home to both Matsuyama and Mitsuhama Ports. The red sea bream is particularly famous, so when you come to Matsuyama, we recommend trying out the famous sea bream rice near the hotels, historical sites, and Dogo Onsen. Summary of Sightseeing in Matsuyama Photo：Matsuyama city In this article, we introduced sightseeing spots in Matsuyama city, Toon city, and Tobe town in Ehime prefecture, and in the video, we're shown beautiful 8K images of them. Matsuyama City is a place where you can enjoy seafood and local cuisine with little rainfall throughout the year. There are many sightseeing spots besides Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen too, so we recommend checking them out when you have time. Be sure to watch the video created by the "Municipal Tourism Cooperation Promotion Council" led by Matsuyama City. Are you packing your bags for Ehime yet? 【Official Website】Matsuyama City, Ehime City http://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.matsuyama.ehime.jp%2F

Takayama Tea Whisks This video was made by Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, a shop dedicated to Japanese traditional crafts, to introduce the Takayama Tea Whisk. Photo：Chasen (Tea Whisk) In the unique culture of Japanese tea ceremony, tea whisks are used for making matcha tea. Takayama Tea Whisks are traditional instruments made of bamboo and individually hand-crafted by artisans. In this article we'll introduce the charms and manufacturing process of Takayama Tea Whisks. Be sure to follow along with the video. Takayama Tea Whisks and Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Source :YouTube screenshot Japan has many traditional crafts with a long history. There is a wide variety of crafts including lacquerwares, ceramic wares, Buddhist altars, textiles, bamboo works, woodworks, Japanese paper, and many more. Tea ceremony utensils are traditional crafts that also have high cultural value as well. The tradition of tea drinking is said to have already started in the Heian period (794-1185 AD) in Japan. During the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333 AD), monk Eisai brought tea ceremony to Japan. As one of the most expensive tea whisks used for tea ceremony, the traditional Takayama Tea Whisk is made in Takayama in Ikoma City, Nara. The History and Cultural Value of Takayama Tea Whisks The production of Takayama Tea Whisks started around the middle of the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573 AD). The tea whisk was requested by Juko Murata, who started the tradition of Wabicha (a style of tea ceremony). Takayama Tamibe-no Jounyudo Souzetsu, the lord of Takayama’s son, accepted the request and made a special tea whisk for Murata. The tea whisk was presented to Emperor Gotsuchimikado and cherished by him. After the Edo period, the art of making Takayama Tea whisks had been handed down from artisans to only one of their children as a secret technique. In recent years however, the craftmanship has been passed down to 16 apprentices. The craft has been passed on as a handicraft of artisans in Takayama, Nara as well. The Characteristics and Manufacturing Process of Takayama Tea Whisks Source :YouTube screenshot Takayama Tea Whisks are made with many types of bamboo such as Henon bamboo, black bamboo and soot bamboo which is smoked in a hearth for many years. The edge of a bamboo pole is cracked into pieces, shaved thin, curled and fixed, then wrapped together to form a bamboo whisk. The painstakingly crafted Takayama Tea Whisks are truly works of art. Take a look at 0:29 in the video as it introduces the manufacturing process of Takayama Tea Whisks in detail. Summary of Takayama Tea Whisks The tradition of Japanese tea ceremony is also very popular outside Japan as it shows the Japanese spirit of Wabisabi. You can see that each tool made in the workshop is also a very profound traditional craft. We hope after reading this article and watching the video that we've sparked your interest in Takayama Tea Whisks. The maker of the video, Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, sells a variety of products including Takayama Tea Whisks. If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture or tea ceremony culture, we highly recommend that you purchase a traditional Takayama Tea Whisk. 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Jonangu Shrine’s Historical Ritual- Yutate Kagura This video is called "Kyoto Event Boiling Water Ritual at Jōnangū Shrine (Yutate Kagura)," and was made by Discover Kyoto. It introduces Kyoto Jonangu Shrine’s Yutate Kagura. Yutate Kagura also called Yu Kagura, is a traditional Japanese event that has been passed down for many generations. This video shows the Yutate Kagura event held at Kyoto’s Jonangu Shrine. Enjoy the historical event at Kyoto’s Jonangu Shrine, that has been passed down for many generations. What Is Jonangu Shrine? Photo：Jonangu Shrine Jonangu Shrine is located in the Fushimi Ward of Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, in Japan's Kansai region. The shrine is said to answer prayers related to removing bad luck arising from ill-fated directions. It is a popular shrine within Kyoto's 5 Shrine Pilgrimage. The shrine was originally built to protect the nation and the new capital city when the capital was moved to Kyoto in the Heian Period. Many tourists visit here for Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year) and Setsubun. Many of the visitors visit the shrine to pray and receive a blessing from the chief priest as well as to obtain a red seal stamp or amulets. Within the shrine, there is a Japanese garden. The garden area is famous as a bloom location for plums, cherry blossoms, and camellia. In spring, the shrine holds the "Weeping Plums and Camellia Festival" (しだれ梅と椿まつり, Shidareume to Tsubaki Matsuri). Jonangu Shrine’s Yutate Kagura Ritual Source :YouTube screenshot Yutate Kagura, also called Shimotsuki Kagura, is a sacred event held throughout Japan. The event is held at shrines such as Shirahata Shrine in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa, Tarumi Shrine in Marugame City, Kagawa, Seimei Shrine in the Jokyo Ward of Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, and Kasuga Shrine in Buzen City, Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region. It also inspired some of the story of director Miyazaki Hayao's popular anime film "Spirited Away." The Yutate Kagura event held in January every year at Kyoto’s Jonangu Shrine starts with the performance "Miko Mai." The dance is a purification ritual typically performed by 4 miko (shrine maidens), using fans and Kagura bells on the prayer stage. The performance is shown from 0:38 in the video. After the dance, a large pot of boiling water is prepared in the main building of Jonangu Shrine (1:06). The sacred boiling water is then splashed over the audience by Miko shrine maidens using a lucky bamboo branch called ‘Fukusasa.’ The water is said to remove ill spirits and protect you from illnesses and calamities. After the ritual, blessed bamboo leaves are given to the tourists. You can see this from 2:16 in the video. Summary of Jonangu Shrine’s Yutate Kagura Source :YouTube screenshot There are many historical festivals throughout the year in Kyoto, including Yutate Kagura shown in the video. The solemn Yutate Kagura is performed by Jonangu Shrine’s priests and Miko maidens, and it is a very interesting event where you can physically feel real Japanese culture and religion. If you're interested in seeing the traditional Japanese ritual Yutate Kagura, be sure to visit Jonangu Shrine in Kyoto. ◆Jonangu Shrine◆ 【Address】7 Nakajima Tobarikyu Town, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto 【Access】Kintetsu：15 minutes walk from Takeda subway station 【Parking】Yes 【Hours】9:00-16:30 【Admission】Adults 600 yen（※as of December 2019） 【Telephone No.】075-623-0846 【Official Website】Jonangu Shrine | A Shrine in the south of Kyoto, where you can pray for protection from bad luck and traffic safety. The garden is famous for its flowers and fall colors. https://www.jonangu.com/english.html 【Tripadviser】Jonangu Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d1380296-Reviews-Jonangu_Shrine-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Kei Nishikori's Nissin Cup Noodle TV Commercial This video, "Nissin Cup Noodle TV commercial Kei Nishikori- The Arena Specialist" is a TV commercial that was broadcast in 2015. In the advertisement video, professional tennis player Kei Nishikori is dressed as a Samurai, defeating his opponent with his amazing tennis skills while using a wooden sword instead of a racket. It's amazing what professional tennis players can do! The Nissin Cup Noodle TV commercial Source :vimeo screenshot The commercial starts with Kei Nishikori on a boat in the New York sea with the Statue of Liberty in the background. It's as if Musashi Miyamoto is heading to the decisive battle on Ganryu Island (巌流島, Ganryu-Jima), where he'll battle against Kojiro Sasaki. The place he arrived with wearing Kimono and headband, having only a wooden sword, is a tennis stadium. He arrives at an indoor tennis stadium wearing a Kimono, headband, and while having only a wooden sword. You can watch this scene at 0:13 in the video. As the game starts, he easily swats back the fierce attack of the opponent, one ball after another, all with a wooden sword. The scene, which can be seen from 0:28 is not CG either, he's actually playign tennis with a wooden sword. And starting from 0:48 in the video, the highlight of this video, we see Kei Nishikori’s signature technique, “Air-Kei,” as he lands an explosive volley! The super aerial shot has a tremendous force that doesn't fade even when using a wooden sword instead of his racket. The final signature on the camera is also done in a brush strokes, creating a lasting impression. This decisive battle scene was shot in the Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, and his opponent is British tennis player Dan Cochran, the finalist of the NCAA (The National Collegiate Athletic Association) championships. Who Is Kei Nishikori? Source :vimeo screenshot Kei Nishikori is a professional tennis player born in 1989 in Matsue City (松江市, Matsue-Shi), Shimane Prefecture (島根県, Shimane-Ken), in Japan's Chugoku Region. He's 178 cm (5.8 ft.) tall, weighs 75 kg (165 lbs), and became a professional player in 2007, at the age of 17. At the age of 18, he won the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships, became only the second Japanese men's singles champion on the tour in history, after Shuzo Matsuoka. In 2016, he became a men’s tennis singles bronze medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and received the first medal in 96 years as a Japanese player in tennis competitions. In 2019, he won the Brisbane International for the first time in 3 years, and ranked 28th on the “World Fame 100” that same year. ◆Kei Nishikori: Career Standings and Results◆ 2014 Japan Open Champion 2014 US Open Runner-up 2015 Barcelona Open Champion (2 consecutive victories) 2016 Memphis Open Champion (4 consecutive victories) 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics Bronze medal 2018 Monte Carlo Masters Runner-up He brings good news to Japan with his outstanding record among Japanese athletes active on the world stage. In the four major tournaments held by the International Tennis Federation (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon Championship, and US Open), his runner-up placement at the 2014 US Open is his highest ranking. What is Nissin Cup Noodles? Photo：Cup noodles Nissin Foods' Cup Noodles, was born in 1971 as the first cup noodle in the world. It was launched in more than 80 countries around the world, and in 2016, the total number of meals sold worldwide exceeded 40 billion. It's also a popular souvenir for visitors to Japan, especially in the Philippines, where "Seafood Noodles" have become very popular. In addition to the original soy sauce cup noodles, various types are sold, such as “Seafood noodles,” “Cup noodles Curry,” “Cup noodles Chili Tomato noodles,” “Cup noodles Shio (salt),” and “Cup noodles milk seafood noodles.” In Ikeda city (池田市, Ikeda-Shi), Osaka Prefecture (大阪府, Osaka-Fu), in Japan's Kansai Region, and in Yokohama City (横浜市, Yokohama-Shi), Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県, Kanagawa-Ken), in Japan's Kanto Region, there are the Momofuku Ando Memorial Museum (a cup noodle museum). In the past, famous people such as Masatoshi Nagase, Takuya Kimura, and groups like AKB48 appeared in TV commercials for Nissin Foods’ cup ramen, and it was a pretty hot topic on social media. In 2019, a commercial was collaborated with "ONE PIECE," a popular manga/anime series worldwide. Summary of Kei Nishikori's Nissin Cup Noodle TV Commercial Source :vimeo screenshot Be sure to watch this commercial, as it showcases the amazing skills of top class Japanese athlete Kei Nishikori! Kei Nishikori, along with other world-class tennis players like Naomi Osaka, will continue to bring excitement to the Japanese tennis scene! 【Official Website】Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/yokohama/ 【Official Website】Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda, Osaka https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka_ikeda/

A Look at Arita Ware This is a promotional video for Japanese porcelain mainly produced in Arita, Saga Prefecture, produced by Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. If you are interested in learning how the traditional Japanese craft Arita ware is made or the history and culture of Arita Ware, this two-minute video is just what you're looking for! Here we'll introduce the culture and appeal Arita Ware, a traditional craft that is the pride of Japan. Nowadays, beautiful Japanese tableware is attracting a lot of attention from overseas, and many people visit Japan to create their own original tableware through pottery-making experiences such as Arita Ware. The History of Arita Ware Photo：Arita Ware coffee cup Arita ware refers to a type of Japanese porcelain produced in Arita, Saga and the area surrounding the town. Arita Ware is also known as Imari Ware and has over 400 years of the history as a traditional Japanese craft. It dates back 100 years before Meissen which is believed to have been the first place to produce porcelain in Europe. The start of Imari/Arita Ware was the discovery of pottery stones, the raw material used to make porcelain, in the Arita Izumiyama Magnet Field in Arita, Saga. Since no country in Europe was able to produce such white, thin, hard, and shiny porcelain in the 17th century, Arita Ware was popular among European nobles and began being exported to other countries in the late 17th century. Because the products were shipped from a port in Imari, Saga, Arita ware is also called Imari ware. The Characteristics of Arita Ware, a Traditional Japanese Craft and a Famous Important Cultural Property Arita porcelain is a thin, hard, pure white porcelain with a pure white base. The porcelain has shiny surfaces and makes a light metallic sound when tapped. It has a white background with a pattern called "etsuke," and is carefully hand-painted by a craftsman after being fired unglazed. The characteristics of etsuke reflect the culture of each period. One of the characteristics of Arita Ware is the various methods of expression depending on the method of painting and molding. The main variations are "hakuji" (white porcelain), "youkoku" (relief), "sometsuke" (blue and white), "iroe" (colored patterns), "seiji" (celadon), "ruriyu" (lapis lazuli), "sabiyu" (iron glaze) and "shinsha" (cinnabar). Every variation is as beautiful as the last. Arita ware is highly valued in Japan. For example, more than 10 works, including "Iroe Botan Shishi Mon Choushi" (a bottle with colored peony and lion patterns) and "Sometsuke Kaki Mon Tokkuri" (a bottle with blue and white flower patterns) are designated as Important Cultural Properties in Japan. The Traditional Way of Making Arita Ware Source :YouTube screenshot Arita ware is made through the following eight steps: quarrying, powdering, pugging, casting, terracotta, underglaze painting, glazing and baking. Therefore, many craftsmen work together to make a single piece of Arita Ware. Yukio Suzuta, the director of the Kyushu Ceramic Museum in Saga, said in the video: "Arita Ware is a division of labor, and there is a system in place to provide work to as many people as possible." The climate nurtures the culture, and through the hands of many artisans, a piece of art is born. Check out the video to see Arita Ware being made. Arita Ware Prices and Products Photo：Arita Ware pottery market Arita ware is highly valued as tableware for everyday use. Products such as paired bowls and mugs make great gifts as well. While expensive products cost more than a million yen, but there are also discounted teacups that are easily purchased for less than 1,000 yen (~$10 USD). Many Arita ware products are sold on online marketplaces such as Amazon and Rakuten, with the most popular products being coffee cups, mugs and Japanese teacups. Tourists visit the Arita Ceramics Fair, an annual festival held for Golden Week, to get Arita ware at reasonable prices. Summary of the Culture and Charms of Arita Ware While experiencing the history of Arita Ware, you can see the beautiful cityscape of Arita and the skills of the craftsmen who make the porcelain. Arita Ware is a traditional Japanese craft with a history older than the world-famous Meissen porcelain. In just two minutes, you can learn about the history, industry, characteristics, and craftsmanship of Arita Ware, so if you're interested in learning more, be sure to watch the video! Enjoy the world of traditional Arita Ware! 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

A Look at the Traditional Japanese Leather Crafted Goods of “Koshu Inden” This video, titled "koshu lacquered deerhide (手技TEWAZA「甲州印伝」)," produced by "Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyoma Square," is a video that promotes "Koshu Inden," a traditional Japanese craft. Koshu Inden is a traditional craft that involves the lacquering of deer hide to create beautiful patters. The high quality leather craft goods made by these artisans has been loved through the ages. This video features how to make Koshu Inden. Enjoy the beauty of this traditional Japanese craft. Roots of Koshu Inden The history of Koshu Inden goes way back, and it was already being produced in the Nara period, about 1,300 years ago. Tabi (Japanese socks) made using the Inden technique are kept in the treasury of Shosoin (正倉院, Shosoin), and a box with an Inden inscription is also in the possession of Todaiji Temple (東大寺, Todaiji) in Nara Prefecture. Koshu Inden had been actively made in the castle town of Kofu-jo after the Edo period and pouches made using Koshu Inden techniques became popular among the common people. How Koshu Inden Are Made Source :YouTube screenshot Koshu inden is made through a series of processes such as tanning, dying, and lacquering animal hides such as deer or sheep. Koshu Inden is unique in that it is both soft to the touch and durable. Here we'll introduce the steps in Koshu Inden. 1. Yakizuri (0:29) The leather is scorched with an iron and then sanded. 2. Paper pattern (0:45) 3. Lacquering (1:01) The craftsman determines how the lacquers they choose will look. 4. Smoking (1:54) Color is put into the product through smoking. 5. Sewing (2:21) The work is shown in the video, making it very easy to understand. Recommended Items That Shine With Koshu Inden Craftsmanship Source :YouTube screenshot Inden-ya in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県: Yamanashi-ken) sells a lot of handmade goods made by Koshu Inden craftsmen. Yushichi Uehara, the founder of "Inden-ya" makes many soft-to-the-touch Koshu Inden goods by tanning deer hides using straw. Inden-ya's highly recommended products include Koshu Inden long wallets, coin purses, business card holders, inkan cases, Japanese pattern Kinchaku (drawstring purses), and more. The Sakura Komachi series, which features a motif of cherry blossoms in full bloom, is also very popular. You can see these products at 2:47 in the video. Recently products in collaboration with luxurious brands such as Gucci or Tiffany have caught the public's eye. These products are available at an online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. Summary of Koshu Inden Koshu Inden is a traditional Japanese craft as well as a highly fashionable product. As you can see from the video, you can use Koshu Inden goods for a long time thanks to the amazing handiwork of the Koshu Inden craftsmen. The Koshu Inden artisans in the video says, "The unique appeal of Koshu Inden is the large variety of patterns, with dozens of different colors in a single product, and the joy of being able to choose the color and pattern you like." 【Official Website】Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyoma Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

The Traditional Japanese Instrument: Koto We recommend this article to anyone interested in learning about traditional Japanese craftsmanship, or those who enjoy traditional Japanese instruments. In this article we’ll take a look at the "Koto," a traditional Japanese instrument that has been handed down for hundreds of years. The video “Introduction to the Manufacturing Process of the Koto" (琴の製造過程の紹介), produced by "Japanese Music Navi" (邦楽なび), features the manufacturing process of the Koto manufacturing company "Mitsuya Koto Corporation," in Saitama. The beautiful sound of the Koto is the result of age-old craftsmanship. This is a brief overview not only of how to make a Koto, but also about the history and style of the Koto. The production process of the Koto introduced in the video is so beautiful one cannot help be entranced by its beautiful chords. The BGM in the video is “Yaozoku bukyoku” performed on a Guzheng (another type of Chinese zither) made by the Mitsuya Koto Corporation. Be sure to listen closely as you watch the video. The History of the Koto Photo：Woman playing the koto The Koto is a traditional Japanese musical instrument. In the "Kojiki" (古事記, Records of Ancient Matters), there are scenes describing the playing of the Koto. In fact, remnants of what appears to be a koto have been found in Yayoi period ruins dating back to the 10th century BC. It is thought to have been used as a magical instrument at that time. Normally a koto has 13 strings but there was another type of Koto with 17 strings in the Edo Period. There are various types of Japanese stringed instruments, or "zithers": "Koto," “Sou," "Yamatogoto," "Ichigen goto" (a one stringed zither), "Nigen goto" (a two stringed zither), "Shichigen goto," (a seven stringed zither) and the "Nagoya harp." People often confuse the "Koto" and "So," but they are actually quite different. The biggest difference is that the Sou has a movable pole, called a "pillar," to adjust the pitch of the strings, while the Koto does not have a pillar, and the pitch is solely determined by where the strings are pressed. Other Traditional Japanese instruments besides the Koto include: Shakuhachi, Miyadaiko, Kodaiko, Naruko, Mokugyo, Sansen, Shamisen, Kokyu and the Biwa. The Type of Music Played on the Koto The music played on the Koto is called "Soukyoku" (筝曲, lit. "Koto Music." There are various music types such as the Tsukushi school, Yatsuhashi school, Ikuta school, the Yamada school, and more. Each school performs unique koto music. In terms of appearance, each school differs in posture and how the instrument in played. The shape of the instruments also differs from one school to the next. How a Koto Is Made Source :YouTube screenshot The manufacturing process of Kotos by the Mitsuya Koto Corporation consists of three main processes: "sawing," "instepping," and "wrapping," and the materials used are paulownia, red wood, rosewood, and silk threads. ・Sawing (0:08) The bark is stripped from trees one by one by hand. The length is then adjusted and it is marked. Next, they are cut into the shape of a koto and dried. Some are said to be dried for several years. ・Instepping (0:52) Using a number of special tools such as a planer and chisels, the insteps are carefully carved in detail. As you can see in the video, when the carving is finished, the instep is branded with the craftsman's name. After that, the surface of the Koto is baked evenly. The charred grain of the Koto looks beautiful. ・Wrapping (2:15) In this process, decorative accessories are created. These accessories are embedded into the Koto. ・ Completion (3:41) The beautiful wood grain and hand-embedded ornaments adorn the koto, making it look like a work of art. These masterpieces are a sight to behold. Summary of the Koto Photo：Koto This video features the detailed process of making the koto as well as the craftsmanship of the artisans. Take a moment to marvel at the craftsmanship. Kotos are available at online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. High quality goods are sold at the price of several million yen (thousands of dollars). If you are interested in the Koto, considering taking lessons or watching online courses. There are various lessons for both veterans and beginners. 【Official Website】Mitsuya Koto Corporation http://www.mitsuyakoto.com/

The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival "#02 KAWAWATARI JINKOSAI" (#02 風治八幡宮 川渡り神幸祭) is a video created by "Higashikara." It introduces Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival (Fuji Hachimangu Kawawatari Jinkosai) in Tagawa, Fukuoka. The "Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival" is one of the five major festivals of Fukuoka and the largest in the Chikuho region. The five major festivals in Fukuoka include “Oniyo (Kurume),” “Hakata Gion Yamakasa” (Hakata, Fukuoka), “Kokura Gion Daiko” (Kokurakita, Kitakyushu), and “Tobata Gion Yamakasa” (Tobata, Kitakyushu). This article introduces the history and highlights of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival, which is listed an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka. The video shows the powerful river crossing and colorful floats of the festival. What is the "Fuji Hachimangu Shrine Kawawatari Shinko Matsuri"? What is the schedule? Source :YouTube screenshot The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival, one of the five major festivals of Fukuoka, is held on the third Saturday and Sunday in May. 100,000 people visit to see the festival; twice the population of Tagawa. Eleven Nobori Yamakasa of the Uji clan, cross the Hikosan River (彦山川, Hikosangawa) accompanied by grand mikoshi (portable shrine) of Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine and the mikoshi of Shirotori Shrine (白鳥神社, Shirotorijinja). Nobori Yamakasa are portable shrines and floats with colorful flags. They can be seen throughout the video from 0:17, 3:01, and 4:45. Nobori yamakasa are decorated with five colored flags, which represent the image of rice plants and wish for bountiful harvests and good health. The highlight of the festival is “Gaburi,” in which the yamakasa is swung back and forth in the Hikosan River to splash one another. This is shown from 4:55 in the video. The Origin and History of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival has a long history, dating back 450 years (1558 to 1569). The origin of the festival is said to be the outbreak of an epidemic disease in Itamachi. The villagers prayed to Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine, the village's guardian deity, for an end to the epidemic and offered a nobori yamakasa as a sign of their gratitude. In 1970, it was listed as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Fukuoka. Highlights of the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival is held in the Hikoyama River area between the Uomachi, Banda and Kawabata districts of Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture. The main event of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival is the river crossing between the Shinbashi and Banda bridges of the Hikoyama River. The festival is only about 30 minutes by car from Kyushu Expressway's Yahata Interchange, and is a short walk from the nearest station, Tagawa Ita Station on the JR and Heisei Chikuho Railway. Free parking is available during the festival, but it can get very crowded, so we recommend using public transportation. The festival has a story where the god of Fuji Hachimangu gets on a float and goes on a trip to Otabisho across the river and stays for 1 night and 2 days. The first day of the festival is called “Okudari” and the second day is called “Onobori.” The course on the second day is the opposite of the first day and returns to Fuuji Hachimangu Shrine. On the first day, “Fujihachimangu Jinkosai Shigyo” takes place. The shintai is transferred to a Mikoshi and prepares for departure. The shintai must not be seen by the public, and the body of the deity is hidden behind a white curtain and moved into the portable shrine. This can be seen at 0:47 in the video. After that, the parade is carried out through the town and is filled with sounds of whistles and drums. “Odachi no Shishimai” is also performed to pray for the safety of the festival. This can be seen at 4:00 in the video. There are food stalls and night stalls lining the streets as well. Finally, the main event of the festival- the river crossing. This is shown at 4:18 in the video. First, a mikoshi with a shintai goes enters the river, accompanied by a brightly colored nobori yamakasa. Water is poured on the pullers and the bearers and the mikoshi is swung up and down, splashing water all about. This is called “Gaburi.” The powerful splashing of the mikoshi is incredible. It can be seen at 5:45 in the video. Summary of the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival Did you enjoy learning about the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival? You can enjoy the powerful festival and beautiful nobori yamakasa by watching the video. Fukuoka is famous for Hakata Gion Yamakasa, but the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival is also amazing. If you can, we recommend lining up your visit to Fukuoka with the Fuji Hachimangu Shrine River Crossing Festival!

An Introduction to Nanbu Tekki ironware This video, made by Tohoku STANDARD (東北STANDARD), is titled "Tohoku STANDARD 05 Nanbu Tekki ironware" (東北STANDARD 05 岩手県 南部鉄器). In the video, we introduce you to Nanbu Tekki ironware through an interview with Hisao Iwashimizu, an ironworker from Kukan Chuzo Studio. Enjoy the historic, traditional Japanese craft shown in the video! What is Nanbu Tekki ironware? Source :YouTube screenshot Nanbu Tekki ironware is an ironware with more than 400 years of history. Both ironware from Mizusawa, Iwate Prefecture and ironware from Morioka, Iwate Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region are called Nanbu Tekki ironware. Each has its own history. What we call ‘Nanbu Tekki ironware’ nowadays, is actually the name used in Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture. It is said that ironware started around the time Lord Nanbu of Morioka built Morioka Castle in the Keicho Period (around 1600). There are many Nanbu Tekki ironware products such as pots, cauldrons, wind chimes, candle stick holders, tea kettles, frying pans and kettles. The most famous ones are iron tea kettles used in tea ceremony. It is said that these iron kettles originated when the 28th lord of the Nanbu domain, Shigenao Nanbu , invited Nizaemon Kiyotaka Koizumi of Kyoto to make a chagama with high quality iron. As it was initially used as a tea cauldron, there was no spout nor handle at its conception. After many improvements, the current unique style of tea kettles with a spout and handle was born. It can be seen from 0:47 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot By using Nanbu Tekki ironware, you can supplement your iron intake which most people tend to be deficient in. Supplementing iron helps in recovery from stiff shoulders, and, as you probably guessed, prevents iron deficiencies. One benefit of boiling tap water in Nanbu Tekki ironware is that most of the chlorine is removed in the process. During World War II, development of arms was given the highest priority and Nanbu Tekki ironware faced a crisis as the production became prohibited in Iwate Prefecture. After the war, it made a comeback, and it was given the status of a "National Traditional Craft" in 1975. How to Make Nanbu Tekki Ironware Source :YouTube screenshot Be sure to follow along from the start of the video! Step 1. Mold cutting Create a wooden mold. Step 2. Pattern pressing Before the casting mold dries, use a tool such as a spatula to draw patterns such as hailstones, tortoiseshells, pine trees, cherry trees, flying dragons, or hills and water. Step 3. Heating the mold Bake the casting mold at 1,400°C with charcoal. Source :YouTube screenshot Step 4. Melting Increase the temperature of the blasting furnace from 1,400 degrees to 1,500 degrees. Pour the melted iron into the casting mold. Source :YouTube screenshot Step 5. Oven bake (~1:17） Take the ironware out of the casting mold and bake it in the oven with charcoal at 800 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Step 6. Coloring/Finishing Using sandpaper, make the surface of the iron kettle smooth. To finish, apply Ohaguro - an iron acetate solution mixed with tea to make it shiny. Summary of Nanbu Tekki Ironware Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:41 in the video, iron worker Hisao Iwashimizu says "I want to recreate the history of Nanbu Tekki ironware as a simple everyday tool." From 0:52 in the video, he also says, "I have launched a product called Yakihada Migaki, where I shave the ironware that has come out of the mold and make it into the form I have in mind." He explains in the interview that he is creating products that have never been made in the history of Nanbu Tekki ironware. If you're interested in Nanbu Tekki ironware after watching the video, be sure to check out Nanbu Tekki ironware online. You can purchase it at online shops such as Rakuten. Popular Nanbu Tekki ironware products are from the long-established Iwachu Nanbu ironware, Kamasada, Suzuki Morihisa Kobo and Oigen. Their products are priced from a few thousand Yen (Tens of dollars). Nowadays, they make new products such as IH compatible ironware, rice cookers using Nanbu Tekki ironware, and colored iron tea kettles (~1:42). You may wonder what happens if it gets rusty. With Nanbu Tekki ironware, you can still use it even if it rusts a little. As long as you look after it, you should be able to use it for life. Be sure to take a look at the video on Nanbu Tekki ironware. It's very popular among people both inside and outside of Japan. 【Official Website】IWACHU Nanbu ironware｜ Iwachu K.K. Iwachu Morioka, the home of Nanbu Tekki ironware https://iwachu.co.jp/ 【Official Website】Kamasada Nobuho Miya | designshop https://www.designshop-jp.com/japan-onlineshop/