The Basketball Robot, CUE4, in Action! This video, titled "CUE4, a Basketball Robot Powered by Cutting Edge AI Technology, Takes on the World's First 3-Point Contest! B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR 2020 IN HOKKAIDO" (最先端の AI テクノロジーを結集したバスケットボールロボットCUE4が世界初3ポイントコンテストに挑戦！ B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR 2020 IN HOKKAIDO), released by "B.LEAGUE," introduces the latest basketball robot. The first thing you see when you play the video is the amazing sight of an AI basketball robot making a spectacular shot. Let's take a look at this basketball robot, which moves with the dexterity of a professional basketball player! The Basketball Robot, "CUE4" Source :YouTube screenshot CUE4, the basketball robot sinking shots left and right, was created by a group of Toyota volunteers, and is an AI technology robot filled with the wisdom of its development team. CUE4 is the fourth robot in the CUE series, and joined Alvark Tokyo, a professional basketball team in the B1 professional basketball league, in 2018 as a professional basketball player. CUE4 made a whopping 12 successful shots in the few minutes shown in the video. What Kind of Activities Is CUE4 Used For Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows footage from the B-League All-Star game held at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center. CUE4, a basketball robot wearing a team uniform, makes a spectacular shot at the half-time show, as shown in the video. It uses an avant-garde system in which sensors determine the location of the hoop and artificial intelligence takes a series of shots. In the video, the robot grabs the balls lined up next to it and makes free throws with impressive form. You can also see it smoothly glide across the court at 0:39 in the video, exciting the fans! His fluid movements are like those of a real professional basketball player! CUE4, the first robot to play professional basketball, made headlines when he was loaned to the Levanga Hokkaido in 2020. CUE4's uniform number is "94". CUE4 Certified in the Guinness Book of World Records! Photo：Guinness CUE4 was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records under the category "most consecutive free throws made by a humanoid robot." The previous record was held by his predecessor, CUE3. In the future, the team aims to improve the power, speed and accuracy of CUE4 so that it may take on the 3-point contest. Summary of the Basketball Robot, CUE 4 Source :YouTube screenshot CUE4, featured in the video, is a professional basketball robot developed by a team at Toyota. The video, which is only about 2 minutes long, has been played over 1 million times in the months since its release. Check out the amazing skills of CUE4 as he sinks shots left and right! 【Official website】B.LEAGUE https://translation2.j-server.com/LUCBLEAGUE/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.bleague.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XJSID=0

Introducing Yuzuru Hanyu! This time, we will introduce a video titled "All Japan Figure Skating Championship 2019 <Men's Short 1st place, Yuzuru Hanyu / Performance + Interview>"（全日本フィギュアスケート選手権2019＜男子ショート第1位･羽生結弦／演技+インタビュー＞）" by Fuji TV's official sports channel. The 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in this video was held at the National Yoyogi Stadium No. 1 Gymnasium in Shibuya ward, Tokyo in the Kanto region for four days from December 19 to 23, in 2019. This tournament was the final round of the World Championship in 2020, and attracted the attention of many figure skating fans. Featured in the video is the popular figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. His brilliant performance has attracted many fans. In the video, you can watch the boys' short performance from 0:39. What Kind of Competition Is the Figure Skating Introduced in the Video? Photo：Figure skating In figure skating, skaters competes not for speed but based on the beauty of their performance. The techniques include jumps, spins, step sequences, and spirals, including triple-axels and quad-rotation jumps. Points are determined according to the difficulty of the moves. The results of the boy's shorts of the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship featured in the video, were 1st place / 110.72 points Yuzuru Hanyu, 2nd place / 105.71 points Shoma Uno. What Kind of Person Is Yuzuru Hanyu? Source :YouTube screenshot Yuzuru Hanyu is a popular figure skater from Miyagi and is affiliated with the Japanese airline ANA. His nickname is "Yuzu". Born in 1994, he is 172 cm tall (5.6 ft.) and currently enrolled at Waseda University as of January 2020. He has won two consecutive gold medals in the Sochi and Pyeongchang Olympics (Winter Olympics). He was awarded for his high scoring performance every time, and in 2018 he was the youngest national laureate at the age of 23. When Yuzuru Hanyu, dresses in a gorgeous design costume and appears in the skating rink, loud cheers ring out through the stadium, and after the performance, it's common that he will receive a lot of Winnie the Pooh stuffed animals that he loves. At the 2019 All Japan Figure Skating Championship, throwing of presents after the competition was prohibited, and it was a topic of hot debate at the time. In the video, you can see a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal with the coach before the performance. You can also watch the interview after the end of the performance with the audience's cheering and loud applause from 4:28. He talks about his enthusiasm for free performance two days later. The History of Japanese Figure Skating and Famous Skaters! Photo：Figure skating The history of the figure skating world in Japan has been supported by skaters who perform well, such as Midori Ito and Shizuka Arakawa, as well as Miki Ando, Mao Asada, Daisuke Takahashi and Nobunari Oda. Currently, skaters such as Hanyu Yuzuru, Uno Shoma and Sato Shun are still active. If you go to the skating rink to watch the figure skating tournament, you can see various performances such as single skating, pair skating and ice dancing. Summary of the Performance and Interview Video of Yuzuru Hanyu Source :YouTube screenshot In the men's Free Competition that took place after the short, which you can see in this video, Shoma Uno who was in first place, managed to widen the gap between himself and Yuzuru Hanyu, and Yuzuru managed to place second. Yuzuru Hanyu's performance is very supple and beautiful. It's hard to take your eyes off of it. Be sure to take a closer look at the video to enjoy the charm of figure skating.

Edo Period Recipes: Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "[2] Edo Period Food: Making it Just Like the Original Recipe" (【2】江戸時代のご飯 原典(レシピ)通り作ってみた), was uploaded by "Gens Bookshelf Cafeteria." This video introduces Edo Period food recreated based on recipes from three cookbooks published during the Edo Period: Ryori Monogatari, Tofu Hyakuchin, and Meihan Burui. The Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) was a period of 260 years where Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The recipes are intriguing as they introduce meals that are similar to many found in present-day Japanese cooking, while reflecting the food culture of the time. Be sure to check out what the dishes were like in the video. How Many Meals a Day in Edo Period Japan? Shogun vs. Commoner Food Culture Photo：An oil lantern During the Edo Period, people generally ate two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. However, midway through the Edo Period, it's said that three meals a day became the norm. This was due to the improvement of lanterns, which allowed people move about at night. Basic meals of the common people consisted of one soup and one vegetable dish. Side dishes consisted mostly of simmered vegetables and pickled vegetables, and fish was eaten only once every two weeks or so. The tenements where the common people of Edo lived were small and cramped housing complexes. Because of the cramped kitchens, rice was cooked only once a day to ensure efficient cooking. Farmers paid a large portion of their taxes as rice, so they had little rice to eat themselves. They often ate katemeshi, rice cooked with various grains, or mochi (rice cakes) made from various grains. The diet of a samurai varied according to rank. Low-ranking samurai had the same diet as common people, while high-ranking samurai ate a wider variety of food items and ingredients. Daimyo (feudal lords) and shogun enjoyed an even wider variety of side dishes, and some lords even enjoyed fish at every meal. Depending on their social status, they may also have enjoyed sake. Another characteristic of Edo Period food was that many people began to eat out. Food stalls selling tempura and soba (buckwheat noodles) slowly began to pop up and became common among the general populace. Other popular foods were kabayaki (grilled eel covered in a sweet soy sauce) and sushi. Together with soba and tempura, these are considered the four major foods of the Edo. 3 Edo Period Cookbooks – Cook Like They Did in the Age of the Samurai Source :YouTube screenshot Here are the three books on food in the Edo Period that were featured in the video. ●Ryori Monogatari (Tales of Cooking) Ryori Monogatari is a cookbook published in 1643, in the early Edo Period. It's considered to be the oldest cookbook in Japan that provides specific cooking methods. Dishes and ingredients are listed by category, such as "sea fish" and "river fish," and cooking methods are divided into "broths," "vinegared foods," etc. This method of compiling recipes influenced later cookbooks as well. ●Tofu Hyakuchin Tofu Hyakuchin is a cookbook published in 1782, in the mid-Edo Period. It lists 100 recipes for tofu. The book introduces dishes divided into six classes, including "common" and "exquisite," and describes the cooking processes in detail. The book also includes a note that a sequel was published the following year, which suggests that tofu was a popular ingredient among the people of the Edo Period. ●Meihan Burui Meihan Burui was published in 1802, in the late Edo Period. It's a cookbook specializing in recipes involving rice, and introduces more than 140 recipes for porridge, sushi, etc. It also includes columns on the characteristics of rice by production area, showing the high level of interest in cooking with rice during the Edo Period. Fish? Meat? Vegetables? What Did People in the Edo Period Eat the Most Of? Photo：Rice bran The basic diet during the Edo Period consisted of rice, miso soup, and one side dish. From the mid-Edo Period onward, as rice production increased and rice-polishing technology improved, diets shifted from brown rice to white rice. This had an impact on food culture as well, such as the spread of pickled vegetables made from the bran produced in the rice polishing process. Side dishes for the common people consisted mainly of beans and vegetables cooked in a stew. Natto (fermented soybeans) and tofu were also commonly eaten as a source of protein. Vegetables such as daikon, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and leeks were common, and these are eaten even today. Soy sauce, an essential ingredient for flavoring meals in the Edo Period, also spread to the common people in the mid-Edo Period. Many of the dishes in the book are also flavored simply with soy sauce or miso. ●Nebuka-jiru Nebuka-jiru is a miso soup with green onions. Make broth with kombu and dried sardines, and add leeks. Once cooked, miso is added and the soup is complete. [Video] 2:14 - Nebuka-jiru ●Ozasa Tofu Tofu is cooked on a skewer, then cooked in a pot with broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Beaten egg is then poured over the tofu and simmered, and then sprinkled with sansho (Japanese pepper). [Video] 3:00 - Ozasa Tofu ●Tofu Noodles Tofu crumbles and komatsuna are stir-fried, then mixed with boiled somen noodles. Season with soy sauce and serve. [Video] 4:11 - Tofu Noodles In the Edo Period diet, common people ate fish dishes only a few times a month. The common people ate inexpensive and easily obtainable fish, such as sardines and tuna. Shoguns or daimyo on the other hand, ate high-end fish such as sea bream (which were said to bring good luck), sillago, and flounder. Although eating meat was prohibited for many years, it was sometimes consumed for medicinal purposes. Summary of Food Culture in Edo Period Japan Source :YouTube screenshot In this article. we introduced a video recreating Edo Period food. By learning about meals during Edo Period Japan, you can better understand how people lived, the food culture, and the social dynamics of the time. Food is one of the many perspectives from which to understand the history of any given era. If you're curious about Japanese cooking, maybe try making some of the recipes yourself! We hope you can use this article as a reference to create some delicious dishes!

The Giant Floats of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa: Video Introduction This video, titled "Seihakusai Festival – Dekayama Floats Parading Through Town｜2017 in 4K" (青柏祭 でか山が街を行く 2017 in 4K), was uploaded by "officeliquid." It's a powerful 4K video of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. At the Seihakusai Festival, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, the largest floats in Japan, referred to as "Dekayama," are pulled through the streets of the city. The sight of the Dekayama going from one alley to the next is an incredible sight. The shouting of the crowds and the gentle May breeze make it feel like the festival is taking place right before your eyes, something that can only be achieved with such high-definition video. Enjoy the 3-minute movie showing what it's like to travel to Noto during summer! About Ishikawa Prefecture Ishikawa Prefecture is located approximately 2.5 hours northwest of Tokyo via bullet train. It's bordered by Toyama, Fukui, and Gifu Prefectures, as well as the sea. Bordering the sea, Ishikawa is known for its delicious seafood, and is also home to a number of popular tourist attractions, including Kenrokuen Garden, one of the "Three Most Beautiful Gardens in Japan," and Kanazawa Castle, both of which are located in Kanazawa, the capital of Ishikawa. In addition, it's home to unique cultures and traditional crafts, such as Kanazawa Lacquerware, and Kanazawa Gold Leaf. An Introduction to Festivals in Japan Japan is home to thousands of festivals each year. The Japanese word for festival is "matsuri" (祭り), which comes from the word "matsuru" (祭る, to deify, to enshrine). The reason Japan has so many festivals has to do with Japanese culture and religion. Japan is said to be home to 8 million gods, and practically every area in Japan has a shrine that worships a particular god. Because of this, many shrines also have their own annual festivals, with different meanings and origins. There are seasonal festivals to pray for good harvests, bon festivals to pray for the souls of the dead, and even dance festivals showcasing traditional dances of a particular regions. There is a seemingly endless list of festivals, many of which are held near shrines or temples, and which often have food stalls, music, etc., for the enjoyment of participants. Some of the most famous festivals in Japan are the Gion Festival of Kyoto, the Tanabata Festival of Sendai, and the Nebuta Festival of Aomori which features large, intricate floats. Summer is particularly known to have a lot of festivals, thanks to the warm weather, so be sure to keep an eye out for them if you're visiting Japan during this time of year! What Is the Seihakusai Festival? Unraveling the History and Origins of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage! Photo：The Seihakusai Festival, Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is said to have been started as a national festival by Minamoto no Shitago in the Heian period (794-1185). Yoshimune, the third lord of the Noto Hatakeyama Clan, dedicated a float to the Seihakusai Festival, following the example of the yamaboko floats of Kyoto's Gion Festival, in an attempt to incorporate Kyoto culture into the festival, and this was the beginning of the Dekayama. The Seihakusai Festival got its name from the fact that the food offered to the gods (shinsen) was served on the young leaves of an oak tree which are called "seihaku" (青柏) in Japanese. It's said that when people went to Noto, they paid a visit to Otokonushi Shrine and offered seihaku to the gods. The Seihaku Festival is an annual spring festival held at Otokonushi Shrine. [Video] 0:22 - The Large Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival The Seihakusai Festival has a history of more than 1,000 years. In 1983, the Seihakusai Festival and its large floats were designated as Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan, and in 2016, the events with the floats were registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages as well. The Dekayama Floats of the Seihakusai Festival + The Dolls That Adorn Them "Dekayama" is the common name for the largest floats in Japan. The huge floats are 12 meters tall, weigh 12 tons, and have wheels which are 2 meters in diameter. They're pulled by people and are a powerful sight. However, the magnificence of Dekayama is not limited to their size. The stages and dolls depicting famous Kabuki scenes which decorate the front of the Dekayama are also a highlight of the festival. The stage is also decorated with a single young pine tree, which is used to pray for the gods' descent and for the eradication of disease and a prosperous life. The puppets/dolls displayed on the Dekayama's stages are called "Ningyomi" (人形見) and are unveiled at a designated "Ningyoyado" (doll inn) in each town on the evening of May 2, where they can be viewed by the general public. The Nigyomi dolls are a rare opportunity to see the Dekayama floats from up close. After the one-night exhibition, the newly created dolls go up on the Dekayama stages each year. The Dekayama are the stars of the show, giving a large-scale performance that allows visitors to experience the history and culture of the Noto Region. Tsujimawashi and Fireworks at the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the turning of the floats, which is called "tsujimawashi." To turn the floats, a special lever called an "Oteko," is wedged beneath the wheel to change the direction of the float. Seeing the tsujimawashi performed on the narrow streets of the city with an 8-meter-long lever is quite the show. Young men climb on top of the Oteko and use leverage to lift the front wheel and turn the floats. The scene of the dangerous rotation of the floats is a spectacular sight to behold. [Video] 2:35 - Young Men Riding on the Oteko as the Float Is Turned The powerful Tsujimawashi can be seen from the night of May 3 to the night of May 5 at various locations in the city center. Another highlight of the Seihakusai Festival is the fireworks. The first shot at around 8:30 pm on May 3 is for Kajicho, the first town to pull out its floats. The second shot goes off at 1:00 am on May 4, signaling Fuchu to pull out its floats, and the last shot goes off at 8:00 am on May 4 for Uomachi. Unlike the other two towns, only Uomachi has two fireworks signals, one at 7:00 am and the other at 8:00 am. The time of the fireworks may change, and fireworks may not be displayed on rainy or cloudy days. Please check weather information, etc. in advance on the official websites. When will the 2024 Aokashi Festival be held? Where will it be held? The Aokashiwa Festival, held at the Daichishu Shrine in the center of downtown Nanao, is usually held from May 3 to 5. However, from 2020, due to the spread of the new coronavirus, only the Shinto ritual was held. After the end of the outbreak, in 2023, the Dekayama Matsuri was resumed for the first time in four years, and the festival was very lively. However, the Aokashiwa Festival in 2024 was cancelled due to the Noto Peninsula earthquake. We hope that the local people will return to their daily lives as soon as possible and that the Aokashiwa Festival will resume after reconstruction. The surrounding area will be very crowded during the festival. Traffic regulations will be enforced, so we recommend that you look up information in advance, including information on temporary parking lots, if you plan to visit the area by car. How to Participate in the Seihakusai Festival Source :YouTube screenshot In previous years, the Seihakusai Festival was open to public participation in the form of pullers. Unfortunately, this was not possible in 2022 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recently, with the national policy of wearing masks after March 13th being left to the discretion of individuals, it's possible that the event will be open for public participation once again. It's best to wait for an official announcement regarding whether pullers can participate in the event. During the Seihakusai Festival, many sightseeing events will be held in the region, so be sure to check them out as well. 3 Popular Japanese Festivals Celebrated in May Here are 3 more festivals that you could consider checking out if you're visiting Japan during May: Aoi Matsuri, Kyoto Aoi Matsuri is festival with origins dating back 1,500 years. The festival features a large procession of 600 people wearing traditional clothing of Heian Period court nobles. The procession, the main event of the festival, takes place on May 15. Sanja Matsuri, Tokyo Sanja Matsuri is a festival held on the 3rd Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in May. It's one of the most famous festivals in Japan and attracts nearly 2 million spectators each year. The festival is held at the popular Sensoji Temple in Asakusam Tokyo and consists of musical floats, geiko (apprentice geisha), dancers, etc. Kanda Matsuri, Tokyo Kanda Matsuri is held at Kanda Shrine in Chiyoda, Tokyo. It is one of the 3 major festivals of Tokyo. The festival's main event is a procession of around 500 people dressed in Heian Period attire that passes through Akihabara, the electronics capital of Japan. Summary of the Seihakusai Festival of Nanao, Ishikawa The Seihakusai Festival is a spring festival that is regarded as one of the most representative festivals of the Noto Peninsula. The tradition of Hikiyama, which has been passed on since ancient times, is filled with the wishes of many people. Before the Dekayama parade, the biggest highlight of the festival, be sure to visit the Ningyoyado, where you can see the elaborate dolls and decorations up close every year. It's an awesome part of the Seihakusai Festival! Nanao, Ishikawa is one of the most accessible tourist destinations, being only about an hour away from Kanazawa, which has many tourist attractions, by train or car. We recommend visiting here for a relaxing trip to enjoy traditional events, the delicious cuisine of the Noto Peninsula, and a variety of tourist attractions!

Scuba Diving Video Introduction to "Hatsushima" in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, where you can meet dolphins. This video, titled "Scuba Diving Diving with Dolphins on Hatsushima" (スキューバダイビング 初島でイルカとダイビング), was uploaded by "Sazanami Marine Diving School." Hatsushima is known as a marine resort that can be visited on a day trip. It takes about 40 minutes from Tokyo to Atami by Shinkansen, and about 30 minutes by boat from Atami Port to Hatsushima. Dolphins on Hatsushima Photo：Dolphins on Hatsushima Scuba diving on Hatsushima can be enjoyed throughout the year, regardless of the season. Starting in around 2018, two southern bottlenose dolphins took up residence on Hatsushima, becoming very popular among scuba divers. Various stores now offer one-day tours of Hatsushima where you can dive with the dolphins. However, the two dolphins disappeared from the island in the summer of 2020 and were no longer seen. Some divers who had been looking forward to seeing the dolphins were disappointed. Luckily, in 2022, the two dolphins returned to Hatsushima, leading to many people expressing their joy online. Being able to meet friendly wild dolphins in the ocean is an incredible experience! In the video, you can see how the dolphins swim from up close. Scuba Diving on Hatsushima! Things to Keep In Mind When Swimming With Dolphins Photo：Dolphins on Hatsushima Once it became known that two friendly dolphins were living around Hatsushima, recreational scuba diving, experience diving, etc., became incredibly popular. One spot where you can dive with the dolphins is Nishimato (ニシマト). When swimming with dolphins, you may be tempted to try and pet them, but there are rules to keep in mind when scuba diving. -Do not chase the dolphins -No lights or strobes -Do not bring objects that beep or ring -Do not touch the dolphins Please keep these rules in mind when scuba diving in order to protect the dolphins The Waters Surrouding Hatsushima – Transparency, Temperature, Etc. Water temperature and transparency are the main things to keep in mind when diving on Hatsushima. The Hatsushima Diving Center updates the sea conditions almost daily on their Facebook page. The water temperature in early June is approximately 19 to 21 degrees Celsius (66-70°F). The transparency of course depends on the weather and sea conditions, but it's generally around 12 to 15 meters. The Various Marine Life Near Hatsushima Photo：Bullhead sharks on Hatsushima Dolphins aren't the only thing to look forward to when scuba diving on Hatsushima. At the diving spot Futatsune, you can see a variety of sea creatures, including large schools of knifefish and grunts, as well as angel sharks, guitarfish, and bullhead sharks. The area is also home to many microorganisms, including Izu's very popular harlequin shrimp, the warty frogfish, and the harlequin ghost pipefish. Cute creatures such as the painted frogfish, the spotfin frogfish, and the pikachu nudibranch also inhabit the area, adding to the fun of scuba diving. Beginner-Level Scuba Diving Experience Fees on Hatsushima After watching the video, you might be looking to try scuba diving. The good news is you don't need to have a license! During the diving experiences on Hatsushima, you'll be briefed on how to handle diving equipment, basic techniques, such as breathing techniques, and pressure equalization before you dive, so you can enjoy safely scuba diving with an instructor. The video creator, Sazanami Marine Diving School, offers a course called "Hatsushima Day Trip Experience Diving with Transportation from Shibuya" (渋谷から送迎付き初島日帰り体験ダイビング). Fee: 23,000 yen (tax included) (Included in the fee: transportation from Shibuya to the dive site, rental of a set of diving equipment, one experience dive, a local facility fee, and consumption tax) Being able to scuba dive with transportation from Tokyo makes it super convenient. It's a great way to experience the waters of Hatsushima! Scuba Diving Is Even More Fun With a License! Photo：Scuba diving Scuba diving is a marine activity in which you carry a tank filled with air on your back for breathing and enjoy the underwater world. With a license, you can dive not only on Hatsushima, but also at other diving spots around the world. With a license, you can enjoy diving freely without an instructor. Diving as a sport or profession, such as technical diving, free diving, and commercial diving, is also possible with a license. Scuba diving is a marine activity that even beginners can experience. However, if you're afraid of suddenly being underwater, you can also start from the beach; this is called a beach dive. Also, if you record information such as where you dived and the sea conditions in a log book, your instructor can give you advice on the best dive sites for your level. How to Get to Hatsushima The only way to get to Hatsushima is via ferry from Atami Port. The high-speed ferries head to and from Hatsushima 10 times a day. The ferries take 30 minutes to reach Hatsushima from Atami Port. Their fees are as follows: Atami/Hatsushima Ferry Fees Adults (Round trip): 2,800 yen Adults (One way): 1,400 yen Children (Round trip): 1,400 yen Children (One way): 700 yen For information about ferry schedules, please check out the official website for Hatsushima. Other Things to Do on Hatsushima Because Hatsushima is rather small there isn't a ton of other attractions on the island. However, Because Atami is only 30 minutes from Hatsushima via ferry, we'll introduce some things to do near Atami Port as well. Sarutobi (Hatsushima) Sarutobi is an adventure park with where visitors put on a harness and enjoy a massive jungle gym full of ziplines and nets. You can spend an hour walking through the tree tops! Hours: Hours vary by day. Please check the official website for more information. Closed: Most Thursdays. Please check the official website for more information. Admission Fee: Admission Fee: Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,900 yen, Children (Ages 5 through elementary school): 1,500 yen Atami Castle (Atami Port) Atami Castle is a popular tourist attraction in Atami, Shizuoka. Atami Castle is not actually a historic castle, and was built as recently as 1959. Located atop a small mountain, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Atami from the top of the castle. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (Last entry 4:30 pm) Admission Fee: Adults: 1,100 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 600 yen, Children ages 3-6: 450 yen ※Discounts are available for those that buy a combined ticket for Atami Castle and Atami Trick Art Museum. Atami Trick Art Museum (Atami Port) The Atami Trick Art Museum is full of illusory artworks meant to trick visitors into seeing something that isn't real. There are a lot of fun works inside the museum and you can enjoy taking pictures and solving how each of them works. Hours: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (4:30 pm) Admission Fee: Adults: 1,100 yen, Elementary and junior high school students: 600 yen, Children ages 3-6: 450 yen ※Discounts are available for those that buy a combined ticket for Atami Castle and Atami Trick Art Museum. Summary of Hatsushima, a Scuba Diving and Resort Spot in Shizuoka Prefecture Photo：Hatsushima, Shizuoka Prefecture Hatsushima is the most popular resort within close proximity to the Tokyo metropolitan area, and is a place where you can enjoy scuba diving with dolphins. Although you're not guaranteed to be able to meet the dolphins, you can still see a wide variety of unique marine life in the waters surrounding Hatsushima! 【TripAdvisor】Hatsushima

Test Ride Japan's Futuristic Maglev Train! This video, titled "2015/06/12 JR Tokai Maglev traveling at 500 kmph (311mph) in Japan" was uploaded by "kellypicturesjp." When most people think of transportation in Japan they think of the Shinkansen, Japan's first rate bullet train. However, in the not-so-distant future, the new and improved Maglev train is due to be unveiled. JR Tokai's (JR東海) plans for a Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka Maglev train route are already well under way. In 2015, a Maglev test ride event was held which allowed passengers to experience riding the Maglev before being unveiled to the public. In this video, you too can experience what it's like to take a trip on the Maglev, travelling at an amazing 500km/h. Maglev Test Ride Footage Source :YouTube screenshot The participants of this test ride event previously applied to take part and were chosen through a raffle. The Maglev runs a 43 km course at the test center in Tsuru city, Yamanashi Prefecture. This particular train is a 7 car L0 series Maglev. You can see the speed of the Maglev as it runs with the small screen at the bottom right of the video. Check out the video to get a taste of what it feels like to travel at 500 km/h! From 0:40 in the video you can check out the view from the train window alongside the view from the front of the train on a smaller screen. You can watch as the speed gradually increases until the Maglev reaches 500km/h, just after 3:54 in the video, 14.25 km into the test run. When Will the Maglev Be Unveiled to the Public? Source :YouTube screenshot In 2027, the Maglev will run the Chuo Shinkansen Line (a route that cuts across central Japan) for the first time, changing the world of rail transport as we known it. At first, the Maglev will run from Tokyo's Shinagawa station (品川駅) to Nagoya station (名古屋駅) which will take approximately 40 minutes. After that, the line will be extended to Osaka (大阪), a route which is estimated to take approximately 67 minutes (from Shinagawa station). Eventually, the Maglev is intended to run from Shinagawa Station to Nara prefecture's Hashimoto Station (奈良県の橋本駅), pass through the Japanese Alps by tunnel, with stops in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県), Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県), Nagano Prefecture (長野県), and Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県), finally arriving at Nagoya station. The Nagoya Station – Osaka Station route is planned to pass through Nara prefecture making it a possibility to travel to Nara from Tokyo without the need to transfer. More About the Maglev and Its History So Far Photo：linear motor train Ultra high speed railway plans have been in place since the days of the Japan National Railways, at which time research into the superconducting Maglev (超伝導リニア) also began. JR Tokai has currently constructed a Maglev test route which you can see in the video. The footage was filmed at the Maglev test center in Tsuru city, Yamanashi prefecture. Test runs of the L0 series Maglev train have been being conducted since 2013. Take a Trip to the Maglev Test Center! The Maglev test center in Yamanashi prefecture currently operates Maglev test rides for the public. If you wish to only observe the train, booking in advance is not necessary. At the Maglev test center you can learn more about the history of the train and how it is constructed. If you're lucky, you might even be able to catch a glimpse of the train as it's running. The Maglev train runs by electrically charged coils which enable the train to levitate above the tracks using magnets. This allows the train to run at high speeds without the damage that occurs due to friction of the wheels on the tracks. In Japan, the Maglev is still in the trial stages, however in Shanghai, the Maglev train is already in use. Japanese Maglev Test Ride Event Introduction Summary Source :YouTube screenshot It's amazing to think that the Maglev, a train that most people would have only imagined could exist in sci-fi books, is soon to become a reality! The Maglev is still under construction, but why not try a test run? You can also take some great photos for social media! Enjoy high-speed travel at 500km/h!

Spring Quartet – Cherry Blossoms Along the Banks of the Funakawa River: Video Introduction This video, titled "[SAKURA DRONE] Asahi, Toyama & Cherry Blossoms｜Drone Project 4K" ([SAKURA DRONE] Asahi-machi, Toyama-Ken & cherry blossoms｜富山県朝日町｜桜ドローンプロジェクト 4K), was uploaded by "Sakura Drone Project - Drone Entertainment Co." (桜ドローンプロジェクト - 株式会社ドローンエンタテインメント). Spring Quartet: A Collaboration in Nature Photo：Cherry blossoms along the Funakawa River, Toyama Prefecture In Asahi, Toyama, located in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region, there is a beautiful landscape referred to as the "Spring Quartet." This miraculous landscape is created through a combination of the mountains of the Northern Alps, rows of cherry blossoms along the Funakawa River, tulips, and rape blossoms. You can enjoy the beautiful Japanese spring woven by nature in Toyama Prefecture. Beautiful Cherry Blossoms Along the Banks of the Funakawa River This video features drone footage of Spring Quartet. It begins with beautiful footage of cherry blossoms and rape blossoms against a backdrop of mountains. The video of the rows of cherry trees along the banks of the Funakawa River shows 280 Someiyoshino cherry trees from the sky and various other angles that only drone photography can provide. [Video] 0:14 - Rows of Cherry Blossoms From the Sky [Video] 1:05 - Flying Through the Cherry Blossoms The cherry blossoms usually bloom in early April in Toyama Prefecture, but be sure to check the blooming conditions if you want to visit at the best times. Full bloom was mid-April in 2022. Toyama Life, Toyama Prefecture's local information website, has published information on the best times to visit Asahi Funakawa Spring Quartet. The rows of cherry blossoms along the Funakawa River are illuminated at night during the blooming period. Visitors can also enjoy bonfires and nighttime cherry blossoms, make it a very memorable event. Spring Quartet Events and Initiatives Photo：Cherry blossoms along the Funakawa River, Toyama Prefecture An annual cherry blossom festival is held at the cherry blossoms lining the banks of the Funakawa River, and musical events are also held. The Spring Quartet 2022 Instagram Photo Contest was also held this year. The photo contest seems to be held every year, so consider participating and taking photos in some of the beautiful spots you can find in the area. In addition, to help the tulip bulbs by the cherry blossoms lining the banks of the Funakawa River grow bigger, a tulip flower-picking team is being recruited. This is an effort to pick the flowers and preserve the beautiful scenery for years to come. In addition, there will be other things to enjoy, such as rice paddy art. Summary of Spring Quartet Be sure to check out the beautiful Japanese scenery of cherry blossoms along the Funakawa River at the Spring Quartet if you still haven't yet. If you're planning on going to the event, remember to look up the best times to see the cherry blossoms so you can get the most out of your sightseeing trip. To reach the Funakawa River cherry blossoms, shuttle buses from Asahi General Hospital and Asahi Cultural and Sports Center are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Note that parking near the cherry blossoms is only available on weekdays. The beautiful and uniquely Japanese scenery of Asahi Funakawa, where you can enjoy rows of cherry blossoms, rape blossoms, and tulips against the backdrop of Japan's Northern Alps, including the Asahi and Hakuba Mountains, awaits your arrival! 【Official Website】Asahi Tourism Association / Asahi Funakawa Spring Quartet https://www.asahi-tabi.com/sijuusou/ 【TripAdvisor】Funakawa River Cherry Blossoms https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121157-d13442353-Reviews-Funagawa_Berisakura_Namiki-Asahi_machi_Shimoniikawa_gun_Toyama_Prefecture_Hokur.html

Fuji Opening Festival (Mt. Fuji Oyamabiraki)" in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, celebrating the opening of Mt. This video, titled "Fujisan Kaizan climbing ceremony - Murayamasengen Shrine - Shizuoka 4K," was uploaded by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." This video introduces the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival, which marks the beginning of the climbing season on Mt. Fuji. Fuji, Japan's tallest mountain, straddling Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, has four climbing routes, but the mountain is closed during the winter months. Shown in the video is the annual Mt. Fuji Opening Ceremony held in July to pray for the safety of climbers and trail users, which marks the start of the climbing season. This video introduces the opening ceremony at Murayama Sengen Shrine in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region. Murayama Sengen Shrine, located at the entrance of the Murayama Trail, was once the site of Shugenja, or practitioners of Shugendo (mountain asceticism). Check out the video to see the mysterious entrance to the trail and the ritual burning held by the mountain priests. Murayama Sengen Shrine, Where the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival Is Held Photo：Murayama Sengen Shrine Murayama Sengen Shrine is located in Murayama, Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is one of the many Sengen shrines in Japan. It is a base for climbing Mt. Fuji and was a sacred place for mountain asceticism on Mt. Fuji. The entrance to the Mt. Fuji Murayamaguchi Trail gives visitors a sense of the mystical atmosphere of Mt. Fuji. In addition, large cedar and a ginkgo trees, designated as natural treasures by Shizuoka Prefecture, stand solemnly in the precincts of the shrine. The precincts of Murayama Sengen Shrine can be seen at 0:29 in the video, where the torii gate is shown. More About the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The Mt. Fuji Opening Festival is held at the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, the Gotemba New 5th Station Trailhead, and Murayama Sengen Shrine. Furthermore, Kaizan-zenyasai (The Eve of the Mountain Opening) is held the night before. Kaizan-zenyasai features a parade from Kanadorii Park to the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine at the base of the Yoshidaguchi Trail, followed by a large Kagura performance (Shinto music and dance), and a variety of other Shinto rituals. After the declaration of the opening of Mt. Fuji during the festival at Mt. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, there will be a prayer performed by the head priest, a tamagushi offering, and a dedication of spring water that was drawn from the Mt. Fuji area. In addition, a Mt. Fuji opening ceremony, formal visit to the mountain, a declaration of the opening of the mountain, and various other rituals are held at Murayama Sengen Shrine. Fuji Hongu Sengen Taisha also features Tezutsu Hanabi (traditional Japanese fireworks) in the evening. A purification ceremony and other rituals can be seen at 1:34 in the video. The Mt. Fuji Opening Ceremony is followed by a departure ceremony for the mountain rescue team, the announcement and succession of the Miss Fuji contest, and the Mt. Fuji Kami Akari Lantern Contest (かみ灯りコンテスト) of lights made of Japanese paper made from Mitsumata are exhibited in the corridor. In addition, an otaue (rice planting festival) is held to express gratitude for the spring water of Mt. Fuji and pray for a bountiful harvest. The day after the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival, the Kusushi Shrine Opening Ceremony is held at the inner shrine on the summit of Mt. Fuji. Shuin stamps are awarded during the opening of Mt. Fuji as well. In August, before the closing of Mt. Fuji, the Kusushi Shrine Closing Festival is held at the inner sanctuary atop Mt. Fuji, marking the end of the events that take place when the mountain is open. Summary of the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival In this video "Fujisan Kaizan climbing ceremony - Murayamasengen Shrine - Shizuoka 4K," you can see beautiful 4K footage of the Mt. Fuji Opening Festival. Murayama Sengen Shrine is a 20-minute drive from Fujinomiya Station along the Tokai Railway's Minobu Line. Parking is available in the vicinity. Check out the video to get a taste of the sacred atmosphere of the shrine. 【Official Website】Mt. Fuji Kaizan-zenyasai - [Official] Fujiyoshida Tour Guide https://fujiyoshida.net/en/see-and-do/148

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

A Japanese DJ wins the World Championship! This video, publicized by "ANNnewsCH’, is entitled ‘“Unique” Japanese DJ Tops, Wins World Championships (19/09/29)（“独創的”日本人DJが頂点に　世界大会で優勝(19/09/29)）". DJ Matsunaga won ‘Battle for World Supremacy 2019’ of ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’, one of the biggest DJ championships in the world which decides the top DJ in the world, held in London in September 2019, showing off his incredible techniques. ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’ is a competition where DJs from all over the world compete with their techniques within a time limit. DJ Matsunaga had earlier won the Japanese competition ‘DMC JAPAN FINAL’ and had procured the right to represent Japan. At such a prestigious competition, DJ Matsunaga beat K-Swizz, the defending champion from New Zealand, enchanting the entire venue with his unique and funky style, despite it being his first time competing. In the interview after becoming the new champion, which can be seen from 0:25 in the video, DJ Matsunaga says “I’m yet to accept this as a reality, so I guess, for now, I’ll prepare to appreciate the feeling when it comes.” From 0:08 in the video, watch the performance that gave him the victory. Who Is DJ Matsunaga, Now a World-Champion DJ? Source :YouTube screenshot DJ Matsunaga’s full name is Kunihiko Matsunaga. He was born in August 1990 and he is 29 years old as of April 2020. His blood type is B. He participated with a casual outfit in this competition, but his characteristic is that he wears suits even during his performances. The reason for this he says, is that he is in his most perfect form when wearing a suit. He is very well-humored and when being introduced as the DMC Champion, he was mistakenly called as DJ Nakamura by the MC but spun it in a humorous light. ‘Creepy Nuts’, a DJ hip-hop unit of 1MC1 to which he belongs, has a regular radio program despite being a group of musicians, and open up an exhilarating talk with ‘R-Shitei (R-指定, R-Shitei)’, the other member. DJ Matsunaga as a DJ Source :YouTube screenshot What’s surprising about DJ Matsunaga’s career is that he accomplished the feat of becoming a champion of the DMC DJ Championship in Hokkaido in 2010, only 3 years after he embarked on his journey of becoming a DJ. Until 2016, he was simultaneously working as a TOC live DJ for the hip-hop unit Hilcrhyme. And in 2019, as mentioned earlier, he topped at DMC JAPAN, which is also a qualifier for DMC WORLD, and he was given the title of ‘Japan’s Number 1 DJ’ on his official profile. His title eventually changed to ‘World’s Number 1 DJ’ after being crowned as the champion at DMC WORLD. Success with Creepy Nuts Source :YouTube screenshot In the hip-hop unit Creepy Nuts, DJ Matsunaga unleashes his worlds-best technique as a trackmaker and turntablist. ‘R-Shitei’, the other member, topped at free-style rapping in a program called Free-Style Dungeon, and together they light up the hip-hip world. Having showed a formidable presence in clubs and live-houses, they participated in the large-scale rock-festival ‘Fuji Rock’ in 2014, and debuted on a major label in 2017 with the single ‘High School Debut, Uni Debut, We Failed All but Major Debut. (高校デビュー、大学デビュー、全部失敗したけどメジャーデビュー。, Koko-Debyu, Daigaku-Debyu, Zenbu Shippai Shita-kedo Meja-Debyu.)’. Check out the Worlds-Best-Performance of DJ Matsunaga! So what did you think? Do you feel like listening to the world's best DJ, DJ Matsunaga? DJ Matsunaga can be described as one of few people that changed the prevailing perception of the hip-hop world being formidable and distant, into a more familiar, pop-like image. Enjoy the techniques of the world’s best DJ. 【Official Website】DMC World DJ Championships - The Home Of The Worlds Biggest DJ Competition http://www.dmcdjchamps.com/

Introduction of aerial drone video of "Fuji Shiba Cherry Blossom Festival" in Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture The video "Aerial view of Fuji Shibazakura Festival taken with a drone（絶景 空撮 富士芝桜まつり Aerial view of Fuji Shiba-zakura Festival taken with a drone）" is a sightseeing video of the beautiful shibazakura flower field. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a sightseeing event where you can enjoy the scenery of over 800,000 shibazakura (moss phlox) in the vast area of Fuji Motosu Lake Resort, Susono Mt. Fuji, known as Japan's highest mountain. Many tourists from around the world gather to see the rich natural scenery here. This video introduces the vividly blooming shibazakura. Please enjoy the sights. What Kind of Event Is the Fuji Shibazakura Festival? Photo：Fuji Shibazakura Festival At the Fuji Shibazakura Festival venue, the beautiful pink and purple shibazakura are in bloom. You can see this at 0:08 in the video. It's like a carpet of flowers. The best time to see shibazakura is between April and May each year. Mt. Fuji covered with lingering snow in the spring and the lovely shibazakura that can be seen together on a clear day, is a beautiful sight, great for Instagram. If you want to see the beautiful scenery of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, be sure to go to the observation plaza. Walking through the flower gardens in the warm, spring climate is sure to make for a lasting memory. There is also a popular sightseeing spot called the Observation Footbath where you can enjoy the scenery of Shibazakura while giving your feet a nice soak. A Mt. Fuji made of Shibazakura, which can be seen from 0:54 in the video, is as beautiful as the real thing. There are places to take photos as well. When is the best time to see Shiba-zakura? When is the "Fuji Shiba Cherry Blossom Festival"? Photo：Pumpkin Hōtō Noodles At the venue for the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, there's a gourmet event called the "Mt. Fuji Delicious Food Festival." If you enjoy beautiful scenery, sightseeing, and eating delicious, local cuisine, this is something you wont want to miss. The Fuji Shibazakura Festival is a very popular sightseeing event, so crowds are expected during peak bloom. To avoid congestion, we recommend taking a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to the venue. In addition to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, it is also great idea to apply for a sightseeing bus tour that includes historic sights and exotic sightseeing facilities around Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Motosu. Around the Fuji Motosu Lake Resort, there are sightseeing spots such as Kamiku Isshiki Village Motosu District, Shingen Stone Building / Stone Base, Lake Motosu Campground, Lake Kawaguchi, Kawaguchiko Music Box Forest, Mt. Fuji Panorama Ropeway, Oishi Park, and Aokigahara Forest. You can visit these sightseeing spots after enjoying the Fuji Shibazakura Festival. Please enjoy local gourmet such as hoto noodles and torimotsuni. Fuji is usually at its best from mid-April to late May. Fuji Shiba Cherry Blossom Festival" will be held from April 13 to May 26 in 2024. Summary of the Fuji Shibazakura Festival Photo：Fuji Shibazakura Fesitval The Fuji Shibazakura Festival introduced in the video is a wonderful sightseeing event where you can enjoy the Japanese spring atmosphere at Mt. Fuji, a world heritage site. Be sure to check the blooming information and visit when it's in full bloom. The aerial footage of the flower field in the spring is so beautiful that you'll never get tired of looking at it. Please watch the video carefully and enjoy the beautiful scenery. ◆ Sightseeing information of Fuji Shibazakura Festival ◆ 【Address】212 Fujigane, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Minamitsuru-gun, Yamanashi Prefecture Fuji Lake Motosu Resort 【Access】About 40 minutes by Shibazakura Liner Bus from Kawaguchiko Station, about 25 minutes by car from Kawaguchiko IC 【Admission fee】600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children (* as of November 2019) 【Opening Hours】8:00～17:00 【Regular holidays / Closed days】Open daily(during season) 【Parking】50 buses, 1500 regular cars 【Phone number】0555-89-3031 【Notes】Pets can enter the park by putting them in a pet bag or pet cart 【Tripadvisor】Fuji Shibazakura Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1165976-d10019705-Reviews-Fuji_Shibazakura_Festival-Fujikawaguchiko_machi_Minamitsuru_gun_Yamanashi_Prefe.html

Koi Carp: Loved by the Japanese Since Long Ago This video is called ‘Koi Carp 〜Swimming Art〜 (錦鯉 〜泳ぐ芸術〜)’ and made by JVT Channel (JVTチャンネル). The video shows you colorful koi swimming elegantly. Koi are aquarium fish with a long history. Historical records show koi being used as the inspiration for painting patterns of items exhibited at expos during the Taisho Period (1912～1926). They are actually an invasive species to Japan. The specially bred fish have been bred into many different varieties. Koi are kept as aquarium fish in aquariums and ponds within Japanese gardens. Their characteristics are their beautiful patterns and striking colors. The average size of these fish is between 30 and 60 cm and their life span is around 30 years. Let’s take a look at why these fish are so attractive. The video shows you a koi farm and a competition that you don’t get an opportunity to see often. Be sure to check it out while reading this article. What Are Koi? Photo：Koi Koi were originally called "irogoi" (色鯉, colored carp), hanagoi (花鯉, flower carp), and "moyougoi" (模様鯉, patterned carp) in Japanese. They started to be called Nishikigoi (錦鯉, brocade carp) because of their luxurious designs reminiscent of a brocade. The Japanese brocade shown at 0:14 in the documentary video is a Japanese traditional silk fabric made by weaving variously colored threads. Koi were originally eaten as a food, then, one day, a unique fish with beautiful patterns appeared. There are many kinds of koi, such as red and white and tri-colored koi with red, white, and black. In addition to the Taisho Sanshoku (tri-color) and the Showa Sanshoku, there are some unusually colored ones, such as light yellow, autumn Green, tortoise shell patterned koi, reflective koi, five Colored koi, and gold and Peacock koi as well. How Are Koi Looked After? Source :YouTube screenshot It takes a lot of work to raise beautiful Nishikigoi. The Dainichi Koi Farm in Niigata Prefecture in Japan's Koshinetsu region, farms koi. At the farm, they strictly control water temperature and quality, as well as feeding schedules. They put great care into raising beautiful koi. They are also very particular about the feed given to their koi. This can be seen from 1:13 in the video. From 1:37, you can see many baby koi as well. Hiroshi Mano from Dainichi Koi Farm says in the interview, "The most important things are maintaining proper water temperature and quality. Beautiful koi are strong, healthy koi. From 3:27 in the video, you can see the annual National Koi Competition. Koi from the Dainichi Koi Farm were the winners of this competition. How to Get Your Very Own Japanese Koi There are many kinds of koi. In Japan, many people love koi. Koi with patterns or beautiful colors are sold at auctions for sometimes astronomically high prices. Furthermore, you can buy specially bred varieties of koi at online shops and Yahoo Japan Auctions, but they usually go for quite a bit of money. Some orders for Japanese koi come from overseas. The number of koi exported overseas is increasing year by year. Popular koi have been used as a motifs in traditional Japanese crafts as well. We recommend buying plates and chopstick holders with koi pattern designs. Summary of Japan's "Swimming Jewels" Photo：Koi In Japan, there are many kinds of aquarium fish, such as goldfish and Japanese rice fish. Among them, koi are loved by many people for their jewel-like beauty. Koi are born around Niigata Prefecture area. You can learn the history and the characteristics of koi at Nishikigoi no Sato in Niigata, the birthplace of koi, and at Fukuoka Koinosato Park in Fukuoka-machi, Toyama Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region, which is one of Japan’s most famous koi production towns. If you have a large landscape garden or a large aquarium and would like some koi of your own, try searching online or try out some auction sites to see if they have what you're looking for. You can see many koi with beautiful patterns in the video. Be sure to check out the video to enjoy the beauty of Japan's "swimming jewels."

Introducing Eelpouts - An Interesting Delicacy in Kanazawa, Ishikawa "Eelpouts: The rare fish loved in Kanazawa| nippon.com," is a 4K video uploaded by "nippon.com." Have you heard of eelpouts before? There probably aren't many people who've heard of this strange fish, but it's actually a specialty of Kanazawa that's attracting attention as an ingredient for beauty supplements. This video will show you how to prepare some delicious eelpouts! The Unsightly Eelpout - A Look at the Strange Fish Photo：Eelpouts Eelpout is written "幻魚" (roughly "Illusion Fish") in Japanese Kanji. This deep-sea fish is a type of sea-bass (belonging to a genus of Zoarcidae) and there are more than 230 types of eelpouts around the world. The reason why it's called "illusion fish" in Japan is likely because of its wiggly, slimy and grotesque body, and it was never eaten or studied. It has been found that it prefers the cold water of the northern hemisphere and usually lies on the seafloor, eating shells, sea urchins, and starfish that are in the sand. It swims very slow and its proper name is "ノロゲンゲ" (norogenge) in Japanese. The best time to catch it in the Hokuriku region is from September to May. How to Prepare Eelpouts Source :YouTube screenshot The most distinctive feature of the eelpout is its long, thin body, slimy surface, and soft texture. This is because it's rich in fine gelatin and collagen. It has quit a plain taste, so it can be used in any kind of cooking, and it is very popular in Kanazawa and Toyama. As you can see from 0:41 in the video, they cost around 400 yen per four fish, which is cheap during the harvest seasons, so it's often eaten as a main dish in Japan's Hokuriku region. Fried, dried, and tempura are also popular ways to prepare it, and these can be seen from 1:17 in the video. The slimy surface disappears when deep-fried giving it a nice and soft texture. Because of its simple taste, it's used as the main ingredients in miso soup and hot pot on a regular basis. Summary of Eelpouts, a Kanagawa Specialty Photo：Miso soup with bamboo shoots Eelpouts are also called "gengyo," "dogi," "mizuuo," and "sugayo" in Japanese. Although grotesque at first glance, it's gaining attention as a main ingredient in beauty supplements due to its high moisture content and moisturizing properties. Eelpout hot pot and eelpout soup are foods that women should pay attention to if they're focusing on beauty because it warms the body from the core and makes the skin look youthful. Be sure to try them when you visit Kanazawa, Ishikawa.

The Japanese Squirrel This video, titled "A Baby Squirrel in the Forest, Early in the Morning" (子リスの活動、早朝の森の中で), was created by "squirrelstail1." It contains footage of a baby Japanese squirrel in the wild. Squirrels at zoos are especially popular among children. Throughout this video you can see footage of the wild Japanese squirrel. You won't be able to take your eyes off of this adorable critter! Watching the quick and nimble movements of the Japanese squirrel is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. In this article, we'll introduce the Japanese squirrel, a squirrel native to Japan. Japanese Squirrel Facts Photo：Squirrel The Japanese squirrel is a member of the order Rodentia, family Sciuridae and genus Sciurus (齧歯目リス科リス属, gesshimokurisukarisuzoku), and is more commonly referred to as a rodent (齧歯類, gesshirui). It is called both Nihonrisu (ニホンリス) and Hondorisu (ホンドリス) in Japanese. An adult Japanese squirrel can grow to a height of 16-22 cm with a tail length of 13-17 cm and weight as much as 300g. The underbelly and tip of their tail is white in color and the fur on their body is known to change color depending on the season. Their summer coat is a reddish-brown color whereas their winter coat is more of a grayish-brown color. The Japanese squirrel's call sounds like "kyuukyuu" (キューキュー) in Japanese. You can buy squirrels at pet shops, and other pets, such as chipmunks, can be purchased for around 10,000 yen. They're relatively easy to care for making them a popular small pet. You can buy pellets or seeds to feed your pet squirrel at either a pet shop or home center. Photo：Manchurian walnuts The Japanese squirrel is mostly herbivorous. They like to feed on Manchurian walnuts (オニグルミ, onigurumi) and the seeds and fruits of Japanese larch (カラマツ, karamatsu), Japanese red pine (アカマツ, akamatsu) and Japanese white pine (ゴヨウマツ, goyoumatsu) trees. They are also known to occasionally eat insects and other small animals. They store food in pouches in their cheeks and take it back to their nest where they will then bury and store it underground. From 1:09 and 2:34 in the video, you can see adorable footage of a Japanese squirrel eating food it has found, using both of its tiny hands. Distribution and Habitat of the Japanese Squirrel Source :YouTube screenshot The Japanese squirrel lives in subalpine zones and woodland areas. They are diurnal animals who tend to be very active during the day and rest in the evening. They usually spend most of their time in a set area but may occasionally venture outside of that area to look for food. Japanese squirrels spend most of their time up in the tree tops where they build round nests. From 2:54 in the video, you can see a Japanese squirrel easily climb a tree. Wild Japanese squirrels do not hibernate in winter and have an average life span of 3 to 5 years. Japanese squirrels kept in captivity tend to have a slightly longer life span of around 5 to 7 years. How to Distinguish the Japanese Squirrel From Other Squirrels Photo：Japanese squirrel There are many species of squirrels, such as the Japanese squirrel, Hokkaido squirrel (エゾリス, ezorisu), Taiwanese squirrel (タイワンリス, taiwanrisu), Tamians, and chipmunks (シマリス, shimarisu) and red squirrels (キタリス, kitarisu). They all have their own unique characteristics, but the Japanese squirrel and Taiwanese squirrel are fairly hard to distinguish so we'll describe the differences between the two. The Japanese squirrel has a white border around its eyes which the Taiwanese squirrel doesn't have. In winter, the Japanese squirrel has a tuft of hair at the tip of its ears and a white underbelly; however, the Taiwanese squirrel's underbelly remains the same color as the rest of its body. The Taiwanese squirrel is a non-native species introduced to Japan and are known to be very aggressive in nature. Their increasing numbers, particularly in areas such as Kamakura (鎌倉), are becoming a problem. Summary of the Japanese Squirrel This video shown in this article contains footage of the Japanese squirrel. You won't be able to take your eyes off the cute Japanese squirrel as it plays in the forest early in the morning. If you love animals, be sure to check out the video!

Wild Japanese Boars The video "MI0231 Japanese Boar Adult Beast" (MI0231 ニホンイノシシ　成獣), was created by "Asia Nature Library." It captures footages of a dangerous wild Japanese boar. The large, sturdy body of the Japanese wild boar was filmed from up close, showing off just how strong it is. Feel the power of the wild Japanese boar in the video! Be sure to follow along as you read this article! The Japanese Boar Photo：Japanese boar The Japanese wild boar is a member of the Suidae family and Artiodactyla order. Its scientific name is "sus scrofa," and it's often just called a boar. Its characterized by its ability to lunge and be aggressive. On the other hand, it's timid and acts with caution. Moreover, the boar is known as the "Pig," which is one of the twelve Chinese zodiacs, and young boars are called "piglets." Japanese boars have hard, thick, and coarse fur, the color of which is generally brown or dark brown, but every once in a while white boars are found. The lifespan of the Japanese boar is about 10 years. They also have the ability to jump and they can leap 1 meter high without a run-up. The size of the Japanese boar is 100-170 cm in length, 60-90 cm in shoulder height, with tails 30-40 cm long. They weigh 80-190 kg. At the highest end, a boar that weighed around 220 kg was caught as well. Their lower jaw is equipped with tusks. Normally they are active in the day, but their behavioral pattern changes to that of nocturnal animals when they are in an area with humans. They have a wide range of activity and have been reported to travel up to several kilometers a day, and their keen sense of smell allows them to sniff out crops, and they can even destroy farmland. They also occasionally swim to nearby islands. Historically in Japan, wild boars had been hunted for meat. People used to eat meat from boars, deer, etc., but eaten meat was mostly avoided after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Even in the present day, they are caught by the likes of the matagi (traditional winter hunters), and eaten in game meat cuisine, wild boar stew (ぼたん鍋, botan nabe), and more. Types of Boars Photo：Boar Wild boars originally lived mainly in Asia and Europe, but were introduced to the Americas and Australia by human intervention. While boars now inhabit many places around the world, with a wide range of sizes and varying habitats. In northeast China and Alabama in the US, boars that weigh more than 300 kg have been reported. In Japan, there are 2 subspecies, the Japanese boar that inhabits Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and the Ryukyu boar in Okinawa. The Danger of the Wild Japanese Boar Photo：Boar Wild Japanese boars are timid by nature and rarely attack humans by themselves, but they may be provoked when encountered at close range or if agitated. The Japanese wild boar can run at speeds of up to 45 km/h and, they have incredibly powerful lunges, making them very dangerous if they decide to attack. If you are passing through an area where there have been reports of boars, you can use bells or other sounds to alert people. Wild Japanese wild boars are omnivorous, eating mostly plants, fruits, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms that grow in the forests. You can see a close-up of a wild boar eating at 0:25 in the video. They have been reported to destroy crops and plants, so those who live near a forest are advised to be careful. Summary of the Wild Japanese Boar The video featured in this article gives an up close look at Japan's wild boars. It's an animal you won't find in zoos, so be sure to check it out! If you're a fan of animals, be sure to give it a watch!

The Press Conference for Saori Yoshida Receiving the People’s Honor Award This video, titled "Aiming for 14 Consecutive Wins｜People's Honor Award" (「１４連覇を目指したい」 国民栄誉賞受賞の吉田選手), is from the press conference for female wrestler Saori Yoshida after she received the People’s Honor Award in 2012. Saori Yoshida is a former wrestler nicknamed the "Strongest Female Primate." She became a hot topic of conversation after wearing a gorgeous kimono to receive the People’s Honor Award. This article introduces Saori Yoshida, who received the People’s Honor Award, and also introduces the award itself. About Saori Yoshida 画像引用 :本記事動画 Saori Yoshida is a 157 cm tall (5'1"), former female wrestler with a plethora of records. Her father, Eikatsu Yoshida, is also a former wrestler and a coach. She retired from competing in 2019 and is now herself a coach. After her retirement, she went to work for YSW Tokyo, a company that her brother owns. Presently, she stars in commercials for companies such as ALSOK and also does other work in the entertainment industry. There were also rumors of marriage after her retirement; however, as of 2020, she is still single. These days, she is also very active on Instagram. Saori Yoshida's Impressive Record Source :YouTube screenshot Saori Yoshida has an unprecedented 16 consecutive wins at the world championships in the women’s individual wrestling matches, and in 2012, she received a Guinness Book of World Records certification for winning 13 consecutive titles. She also extended her winning streak at the All-Japan Championships and the World Cup to an unprecedented 206 consecutive individual wins. She won the Athens, Beijing, and London Olympics, and was captain of the Japanese team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The People’s Honor Award Photo：Microphone The People’s Honor Award that Saori Yoshida received is, s one of Japan's Prime Minister's Commendation Awards. It was established in 1966 by Eisaku Sato and expanded the range of the Prime Minister’s Awards. The awardees are determined according to the criteria of the award, and Japanese citizens such as Sadaharu Oh, Shigeo Nagashima, Naomi Uemura, Naoko Takahashi, Yoshiharu Habu, and Yuzuru Hanyu have received the award in the past. Saori Yoshida, introduced in the video, is not only a People’s Honor awardee but also a recipient of the Medal of Honor with a Purple Ribbon. In the press conference, which can be seen from 0:14 in the video, she is seen saying “I want to continue to break world records,” and she did just that At the end of the press conference, she also goes on to say how she wants to visit hot springs and take a trip to Hawaii. Summary of Saori Yoshida Receiving the People’s Honor Award Source :YouTube screenshot The video this time introduced the press conference of Saori Yoshida after she received the People’s Honor Award. During her career, Saori Yoshida has set multiple records attracted a lot of attention as a world-class athlete. Her words of wisdom, "You won't get stronger if you don't hate losing," inspired many people to take up sports. We look forward to what she does after retirement.

Osaka's American Village, "Amemura"! This video, titled "Strolling in Amemura, Osaka" (大阪 アメ村を散策), shows scenes of Amemura, one of the most vibrant spots for young people, in Osaka's Minami district. American village, commonly known as Amemura (村, "mura" means village in Japanese), refers to the downtown area around Nishi-Shinsaibashi (西心斎橋, Nishi-Shinsaibashi) in Chuo Ward (中央区, Chuo-Ku), Osaka City (大阪市, Osaka-Shi), in Japan's Kansai Region (関西地方, Kansai-Chiho). It's just a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station, and it's packed with young people and tourists on a daily basis. This article will introduce the history of Amemura, as well as give recommendations on places to visit and things to do in the area! About Amemura Photo：A woman with aviators Osaka's Amemura, featured in the video, was once home to many wealthy merchants in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). After the 1960s, a coffee shop called "LOOP" was opened here, and young surfers introduced American casual culture to the area. In the 1990s, many shops, such as Tower Records, opened in the area, and the area prospered as the epicenter of trends in the Kansai region. Recommendations for Amemura! Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking for American casual fashion items in the Kansai area, Amemura is the place to go. In addition to popular vintage clothing and clothing stores, Amemura also has many live music venues. It's a popular destination for art and music as well, making it a hotspot for young people. It's also a great place for tourists to shop for souvenirs, with OPA and Shinsaibashi BIGSTEP offering a wide range of fashion items, Korean cosmetics, and sundries. So it is just perfect for tourists who want to buy souvenirs. Currently, there are approximately 2,500 shops in Amemura. Food and Event Information for Amemura Photo：Takoyaki One of the great things about Amemura is that there are plenty of lunch spots and cafes, and you can enjoy sweets and other delicious food while in the area. The alleyways of Amemura are lined with delicious food, including the famous ikayaki (grilled squid), the Takoyaki restaurant "Koga-ryu Honten," and the original "Ice-Dog" (a hotdog bun filled with soft serve ice cream). You can see some of these shops at 5:20 in the video. We also recommend the bubble tea store "Babytapi," where young people make long lines to get photos for their Instagram. There's also the popular "Sankaku Park" at the center of Amemura. You can see Sankaku Park around 5:10 in the video. A flea market is held in the Sankaku Park area, and there are also exciting performances as well. Summary of Amemura Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy reading about Amemura, the American-themed shopping district in Osaka? This video shows more than 20 minutes of footage from Amemura. There are many hotels that you can stay at at affordable prices near Amemura, so we recommend checking out the area and seeing everything it has to offer! 【Tripadvisor】America Village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14127623-d321004-Reviews-America_Mura-Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Bonin Flying Fox! This video, titled "Bonin Flying Fox" (オガサワラオオコウモリ), is an informational video that contains footage of the Bonin flying fox. It was posted by "Chichijima Polaris." The Bonin flying fox is an endangered species of bats whose only habitat is the Ogasawara Islands in Tokyo Prefecture. The video contains footage of the Bonin flying fox eating pandan fruit and moving around in the trees. From 0:41 in the video, you can hear the screeching cry of the Bonin flying fox. A Closer Look at the Bonin Flying Fox Photo：Sleeping Bonin fox The Bonin flying fox is a mammal belonging to the Pteropus genus, Pteropadidae family, Chiroptera order and Mammalia class. Its habitats are said to be limited to Chichijima Island (父島, Chichijima), Hahajima Island (母島, Hahajima), North Iwo Jima (北硫黄島, Kitaioto) and South Iwo Jima (南硫黄島, Minamioto). The Bonin flying fox is about 20-25 cm long with forearms that are about 13-15 cm long. It is a nocturnal herbivore, and is seen as a pest because it feeds on the citrus fruits and other such things on the island. However, the reason for this is actually a lack of food; it’s estimated that only about 100 of them currently exist. They were designated as a protected species in 1969 and began to be protected as a Domestically Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna in 2009. Where to Find a Bonin Flying Fox Photo：Bat The Bonin flying fox introduced in the video is very cute (granted it's a bat). On the Ogasawara Islands, there is a night tour where you can gaze at star-filled skies, something you can only find on a remote island! On this night tour, you can observe Bonin flying foxes as well as glow in the dark mushrooms and other natural scenery. The Bonin flying fox cannot be kept as a pet, as it is an endangered species, but you can keep bats as a pet depending on the species. If you're interested in bat-keeping and looking for a new friend, be sure to stop by a pet shop to gather information on them. Summary of the Bonin Flying Foxe Source :YouTube screenshot In this short, 2-minute video, there's plenty of footage of the cute Bonin flying fox. Be sure to watch the video to check out the cute little critter! The Bonin flying fox was previously put on a special stamp as part of a nature conservation series and is popular among stamp collectors. If you were captivated by the cuteness of the Bonin flying fox, keep your eyes peeled for these stamps or other bat-themed products!

Video Introduction This video, titled "[Kazumi Style] How to Put on a Yukata for Men" (Kazumi流男ゆかたの着かた How to put on Yukata for men), was uploaded by "kazumiryu." There are few chances to wear yukata in Japan, summer festivals, fireworks displays, and other summer events, are a few such occasions. You might also get the chance when staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or hotel during a vacation. However, since there are so few opportunities to wear yukata, even in Japan, when it comes time to put one on it can be quite the challenge. Being able to wear a yukata cool and comfortably will make you look nice and stylish! If you're looking to learn how to put on a men's yukata, then you came to the right place! Be sure to check out the video as you follow along! How to Properly Put on a Yukata. Right? Left? Which Side Goes on the Outside? Photo：A man and woman wearing yukata at a hot spring inn Yukata are always provided when staying at a hot spring resort in Japan. Many people do not know how to properly wear one, so they just throw it on and call it good. Some may say, "Well, no one's watching so, who cares?", but there is one point you need to be aware of. While it might be okay to throw it on without caring about how well it's shaped, you should at least know which side goes in and which side goes out. As long as you remember right hand in, left hand out, you shouldn't have too many problems. It may be easy to make a mistake when wearing a yukata or kimono if you're not used to the undergarments, etc. In the case of yukata, kimono, and other Japanese-style clothing, it's said to be bad luck to wear the left side in and the right side out. This is because this is how the deceased would be dressed in burial clothes. Be careful not to make this mistake! Wearing a yukata at a ryokan is fairly easy, but it's important to first select a yukata that is appropriate for your height. Since the length of the yukata is can't be adjusted like women's yukata, choose a size that sits above your ankles when worn. 1. Wear the robe so that it is evenly distributed on both sides. 2. Wrap the right side of the robe around the left hip while holding both sides of the yukata. While doing this, hold the left side firmly so your other hand is taut. 3. Wrap the left side of the yukata around the right hip, and tie the obi (sash) in a bow above the hip bone or below the belly button. 4. If you are a man and want to wear the yukata in a cool way, turn the knot clockwise and shift it to either the left or right side of the back. Be careful not to turn the obi around to the opposite side, as this will cause the yukata to become loose. Everything You Need for Wearing a Men's Yukata! Photo：Yukata at a hot spring inn Next, we'll go over how to make a yukata look more dignified. we'll explain, how to look cool while wearing a men's yukata. First, here's what you'll need in order to put on a yukata: ・Yukata ・Hadagi (undergarments) ※If you don't have hadagi, a v-neck shirt will do ・Koshi-himo (waist cord) It's recommended that you wear undergarments that fit to prevent the yukata from clinging to your body due to perspiration. A koshi-himo (waist cord) will keep the yukata firmly in place and keep the yukata looking great without falling out of place. In recent years, there are elastic waist cords whose length can be adjusted as well. Tips for Putting on a Yukata for Men Photo：A man wearing a yukata There are several points to keep in mind when wearing a yukata as a man. Let's look at them together. ・Right Side In As mentioned above, the yukata should be worn with the right on the inside. Be careful not to get this backwards. ・Wear a Yukata Appropriate for Your Height For men, it's especially important to choose a yukata that is appropriate for their height. This is because men's yukata are not adjustable like women's yukata. ・Be Careful Where You Tie the Waist Cord The waist cord should be tied above the hip bone or below the belly button. If you tie it too high, it will look childish. How to Put on a Yukata for Men + Pointers Photo：Putting on a yukata Now that you have everything you need to wear a yukata and you're familiar with some of the do's and don'ts, it's time to put it on. Below we will tell you how to put it on, along with some tips. In particular, a beautiful V-line around the neck will make you look cool in a yukata. 1. Put on the undergarments. 2. Put on the yukata and keep the waist cord over your right shoulder. 3. To wrap the yukata tightly around the hips, grasp the collars firmly with both hands and pull them forward. At this time, make sure the left side seam is hanging straight down. 4. Check the position of the yukata in your left hand, as this will be the side that goes on the outside. Once the yukata is in place, return your hands to their original positions while making sure that the height does not change. 5. Pull the yukata held in your right hand diagonally down to the left, and hold it around your left waist with the side held in your left hand on top, as if to cover the yukata. 6. Place the koshi-himo (waist cord) in front of the stomach, slightly above the hip, and wrap it around your waist on both sides. Cross it behind your back and tighten it once. When tightening, pull in your stomach and tighten it really tight so that it knocks a little bit of air out of you, and then bring the waist cord to the front. 7. Tie the waist cord in one knot on either side, avoiding the middle. The end of the cord should be tucked inside. 8. Finally, place your right hand inside the bosom of the yukata and lightly tap it downwards to adjust the shape of the yukata. A tight collar is recommended for beginners. Summary of How to Put on a Yukata for Men This video ends with only the dressing of the kimono, but on kazumiryu's channel, they explain and obi knot called "kai no kuchi." This knot is often used for men's yukata, be sure to check it out with us! If you want to wear a yukata to a festival, Bon Odori, fireworks display, or other traditional Japanese event, but don't have one, you can always use a kimono rental store. When you wear a yukata, you'll naturally look more graceful. Women tend to be noticed for their gorgeous yukata, but as a man, if you know how to wear a yukata properly, you'll stand out just as much. One of the most important parts is getting that defined v-line to make the yukata look even better. If you go out to one of Japan's summer festivals dressed in yukata while wearing geta shoes, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Makomanai Takino Cemetery’s "Hill of the Buddha" in Sapporo, Hokkaido "Introduction to the Hill of the Buddha" (頭大仏の紹介), is a video about the Hill of the Buddha, a symbol of Makomanai Takino Cemetery where you can see the head of the Great Buddha. At Makomanai Takino Cemetery, you can also see a vast landscape of lavender hills with more than 15 thousand lavenders. This dramatic Hill of the Buddha, standing at the top of a dome-shaped slope, was designed by Ando Tadao, a famous architect, in 2016 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Makomanai Takino Cemetery. It is made up of 57 parts, which were selected and processed from 4,000 tons of unpolished stones. It is 13.5 meters high and weighs 1,500 tons. Initially, it was called “Mitama Kuyo Daibutsu.” You can see the Great Buddha in its entirety from 0:08 in the video. The construction of the Hill of the Buddha began in October 2013 and finished in 2016. As you can see from 0:56 in the video, the hardest part of this project was growing the 15 thousand lavenders. With the advice of lavender farmers and the help of volunteers, they succeeded in growing the lavenders from seed. It took about three years to build the Hill of the Buddha, and the construction process can be seen from 1:31 in the video. Makomanai Takino Cemetery's Hill of the Buddha Source :YouTube screenshot The Hill of the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery, Sapporo, Hokkaido, features the Great Buddha poking his head out from the lavender hill. According to the architect Ando Tadao, the purpose of this is to emphasize the gratitude of the Great Buddha as “that which you cannot see stimulates the imagination.” As you can see from 4:07 in the video, there is an approach with lavenders when entering Makomanai Takino Cemetery. There is also a water garden, which is a bypass of the pathway behind the approach. The water is a boundary to purify mind and to awaken the extraordinary. After going through the water garden, there is a tunnel that goes through the hill, which is shown at 4:25 in the video. The tunnel represents the womb and is lined with concrete folds. You can see the Great Buddha as you pass through the tunnel, and the panoramic view of the Buddha, which you can see along the 135-meter walk, is even more impressive. The light from the sky lights up the Buddha and surrounds you with artistic scenery. Learn About the Construction Process at the Gallery and Café Source :YouTube screenshot Next to the water-basin, there is a gallery where you can see the construction process of the Hill of the Buddha. Here, you can find out what the famous architect Ando Tadao had in mind when he designed the project. Across the gallery, lays the “Rotunda Café and Store.” You can enjoy snacks and tea and buy original merchandise and souvenirs here. It was opened in 2018 as a rest station, due to the increase of foreign tourists. Also, there are replicas of Easter Island’s Moai statues, which carry the meaning of “living into the future,” as well as a replica of Stonehenge. Information About Makomanai Takino Cemetery Photo：The Great Buddha Access to Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo City, Hokkaido is 20-30 minutes from Makomanai Station by bus from the Namboku Subway Line. Times may vary by season, so check out the homepage for more details. If you are driving, you can use the free parking areas in the south and north. The lots have a capacity of 245 cars, so be sure to check the map if you're planning on driving. There is a 300 yen (~$3 USD) "lavender maintenance fee" you must pay if you want to see the Hill of the Buddha. It is open from 7 am to 7 pm during summer, and 7 am to 6 pm during winter. Enjoy Art at Sapporo's Newest Spiritual Site! Source :YouTube screenshot Are you interested in visiting the Hill of the Buddha? The Hill of the Buddha is a new sightseeing spot in Sapporo, Hokkaido, not only for its powerful atmosphere, but also for its refreshing and beautiful scenery. If you're thinking about visiting Hokkaido, be sure to stop by! ◆Information◆ 【Address】2-3 Takino, Minami, Sapporo, Hokkaido 005-0862 【Access】20 to 30 minutes by bus from Metro Namboku Line, Makomanai Station 【Admission Fee】~300 yen lavender maintenance fee 【Hours】 7 am to 7 pm during summer. 7 am to 6 pm during winter 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】 011-592-1223 【Official Website】Makomanai Takino Cemetery https://www.takinoreien.com/ 【Tripadvisor】Makomanai Takino Cemetery https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298560-d12597229-Reviews-Makomanai_Takino_Cemetery-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html

Video introduction of "Nikko Edomura" in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, during a procession of oiran (courtesans) This video, titled "Nikko Edomura・The Procession of Courtesans・Uncut" (日光江戸村　花魁道中　ノーカット版　2014.4.26), was produced by "lemonnkunn" to promote the "Procession of Courtesans" performed at Nikko Edomura. Nikko Edomura, located in Nikko, Tochigi, is a theme park where you can enjoy life in the Edo period. Once you step inside this theme park, you'll discover the vivid life of the Edo period. In this video, you can see what an "oiran" (Japanese courtesan), is. What Kind of Theme Park Is Nikko Edomura? Every cast member walking in this theme park wears a kimono to entertain guests. You can see Shinsen-gumi or Ronin (a master-less samurai ) at an outdoor set. Visitors can enjoy attractions, experience popular works from the Edo period, see Ninja Crow Palace, Kabuki or Yakatabune, as well as delicious food that reminds visitors of the Edo period. The courtesan procession shown in this video is especially popular, and it is an event that teaches the audience about Yoshiwara in the Edo period. What Is an "Oiran" An oiran was a courtesan in the red-light distinct "Yoshiwara" during Japan's Edo period. A high ranking courtesan is called "tayu." The Yoshiwara red-light district was located around Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo and it was one of the most gorgeous areas in the Edo period. When a tayu moved from a hikitejaya (teahouse) to Yoshiwara, she wore a gorgeous kimono, black painted sandals called "Sanmaiba-geta," and took many underlings wearing "Furisode," a full dress for unmarried women. You can see the procession of courtesans in this video. Also, the journey from Shimabara, Kyoto to Shinmachi, Osaka was called "Tayu Dochu." This journey was what all women in the Edo period longed for. The oiran strolling through the street in their black sandals must have been an amazing site at the time. You can see them walking in the video at 1:13. It's said that it took at least three years to learn to walk properly, as the walking style of an oiran is very particular. You can see what the procession of courtesans, conducted in the Edo period, looks like at Nikko Edomura. This role was performed by Miyuki Shinomiya for a long time. Other Attractions at Nikko Edomura Nikko Edomura has many other attractions besides the procession of courtesans. You may have a chance to see "Nyan Mage-kun," the popular, official character of Nikko Edomura, and experience various other activities. The samurai training house where visitors can have various training experiences, including Ninja training, Shuriken (手裏剣：Ninja star) training, or samurai training. Sometimes Nikko Edomura is used for shooting historical plays as well. If you're lucky, you may get to see a play live. Other live shows, such as ninja shows or shows using water are popular among children. Another attraction called "Jiku," where visitors can cosplay as a ninja, samurai, lord, or teenage girl of the merchant class is also popular. We recommend buying Nyan Mage goods if you're looking for souvenirs. Admission, Hours, and Access to Nikko Edomura There is a one-day pass and discount ticket for senior citizens (65+). Hours vary by season. We recommend checking the official web site before visiting. From Tokyo, take the Tobu Limited Express Spacia to Kinugawa Onsen Station and from there it's a 15-minute bus ride. Also it only takes about 20 minutes to get to from the "Imaichi Interchange" off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car. It is also close to Nikko Kinugawa Onsen, the largest hot spring resort in Tochigi, where there are many inns and hotels, making it a good place to spend the night. Summary of Nikko Edomura This is the promotional video for the Procession of Courtesans, one of popular events conducted at Nikko Edomura. If you see it and hear the people chanting "O-ne ri," you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo Period. Consider a trip to Nikko Edomura with your family and friends! ◆Information of NikkoEdomura◆ 【Address】470-2 Karaura Nikko, Tochiki 321-2524 【Access】15 minutes on bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station of the limited express of Tobu. 15 minutes from “Imaichi Inter Change” off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car. 【Admission】One-day pass : Adult 4,700 yen, Child : 2,400 yen (A discount coupon is available on the official web page) 【Hours】3/20 to 11/30 :　9:00 to 17:00, 12/1 to 3/19　: 9:30 to 16:00 【Closures】Every Wednesday 【Avg. time spent here】5 hours or longer 【Parking】Available ( 800 yen per day) (* As of December, 2019) 【Telephone】0288-77-1777 【Official Website】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura http://edowonderland.net/en/ 【Tripadvisor】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298182-d652994-Reviews-Edo_Wonderland_Nikko_Edomura-Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Ise Ninja Kingdom, Tomoiki no Kuni Ise Ninja Kingdom, Ise City, Mie Prefecture, video introduction This is a video titled "From the sky above Ise Azuchi-Momoyama Castle Street," created by Ise Azuchi Momoyama Shopping Street. It introduces an aerial view of the facilities of Ninja Kingdom Ise (former name: Ise Azuchi Momoyama Castle Street). Ninja Kingdom Ise (Ninja Kingdom Ise) is a theme park where you can learn about Japanese history while having a great time. Let’s check out the recommended sightseeing information of Ninja Kingdom Ise, with this video. The video introduces the realistic theme park that shows the scenery of the Sengoku period from every angle. Which attractions are you interested in? The Sights of Ninja Kingdom Ise Source :YouTube screenshot Ninja Kingdom Ise is located in Ise City (伊勢市, Ise-Shi), Mie Prefecture (三重県, Mie-Ken), in Japan's Tōkai Region. It’s a popular theme park with the theme of Japanese history and culture. In this park, there are recreations of sites such as the colorful, historical Azuchi Castle central tower, once built by Oda Nobunaga, and the cityscape of the Azuchi Momoyama Period. If you rent a Kimono or Ninja costume for walking around inside Ninja Kingdom Ise, you'll feel like you've gone back in time as you enjoy historical sightseeing. Activities at Ninja Kingdom Ise Source :YouTube screenshot At the Sengoku Skill Competition Hall of Ninja Kingdom Ise, introduced in the first part of the video, you can try historic activities such as shooting a bow and arrow, blowgun shooting, and Shuriken throwing. The Betting Zone, where you can play Japanese games such as Cho-han Bakuchi, and Chinchirorin (Cee-lo), is another great place to spend your time. Also in the park, you can see a performance of traditional Japanese “Nankin Tama Sudare” where performers make fancy shapes using a bamboo screen, and you can also meet the mascot character Nyanmage! You can see the performance at 1:44 in the video. Also be sure to visit theaters, such as the Daininja Theatre, where History dramas are played, the Yamada Magistrate Office, and the Martial Arts House, where you can experience the history of Kobudō in Japan. We also recommend touring the Arita porcelain workshop, where you can experience historic pottery. The Arita porcelain workshop is introduced at 8:50 in the video. Enjoy Gourmet Cuisine and Shopping at Ninja Kingdom Ise! If you use the “Walk-and Eat Ticket” in the park, you can enjoy the gourmet eat-around in a gastronomic town, including seafood dishes from Ise Toba (鳥羽, Toba). The Charcoal-grilled Seafood Grill Gassen Grand Dining Room (炭火海鮮焼き 合戦大食事処) is an especially popular place to eat fresh seafood. At nearby shops, you can buy souvenirs such as leather products from the popular brand “AMATERAS.” We also recommend checking out the Ise Natural hot spring "Azuchi Castle Hot Spring." The hot springs are shown at 4:31 in the video. There's no better way to end your day than soaking in a relaxing hot spring after enjoying an amazing time at Ninja Kingdom Ise. Summary of Ninja Kingdom Ise Source :YouTube screenshot In Ninja Kingdom Ise, sometimes exhibits of popular Japanese movies or mystery solving events are held for a limited time. Definitely check them out if you get the chance. As shown in the video, this is a theme park that can be enjoyed all day long thanks to the historic cityscape, culture, gourmet food, shopping, hot springs, and more. Take a tour of Ninja Kingdom Ise, and enjoy the deep history of Japan! The colorfully decorated Azuchi Castle, introduced at 6:13 in the video, is a must-see! ◆Ninja Kingdom Ise◆ 【Address】1201-1 Futami-Chō Mitsu, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 519-0603 【Access】9 Minutes from Ise EXPWY, Ise I.C. 【Admission Fee】Day Passport for Adults: 4,900 JPY (As of November, 2019) 【Hours】9:00～17:00 【Parking 】Available 【Tel】+81 596-43-2300 【Official Website】Ninja Kingdom Ise http://www.ise-jokamachi.jp/en/

Video introduction of "Pedestrian Paradise" in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video is "Walking through Ginza chuo-dori (pedestrian paradise), Tokyo-Long Take [Tokyo / Ginza / Hokoten] 4K"（Walking through Ginza chuo-dori(pedestrian paradise), Tokyo - Long Take【東京・銀座/ホコ天】 4K）. It introduces the pedestrian paradise "Hokoten" in Ginza, Tokyo, and is produced by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." When it comes to shopping, Shinjuku and Ginza are very popular with foreign tourists as the highlight of Japan sightseeing. In this article, we will introduce the Ginza pedestrian paradise, a major shopping and dining location, as well as tourist attractions and other events. This video is shot in beautiful 4K quality, and is shot in just a 1,100 meter space from the Ginza street intersection to the Ginza 8-chome intersection. Although it is a simple video with no background music or narration, it reflects the city scenery realistically, and makes you feel like you're really strolling around the pedestrian paradise. Japan's Top Location for Shopping and Dining! the History of Ginza’s Pedestrian Paradise! Photo：Fifth Avenue Pedestrian paradises are said to have started on Fifth Avenue in New York in the United States during the 1960's and 1970's. In Japan, it's nicknamed “Hokoten” for short. This is an event where a part of the main street, where traffic is usually heavy, is prohibited to vehicles, allowing the public to walk around freely. It is said that Japan's first pedestrian paradise began in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. Surprisingly, it was in the north, and not in Tokyo. Ginza's first pedestrian paradise happened in 1970 and was very popular. Later they were held in Shinjuku, Ikebukuro and Asakusa. Shopping is easy because the entire road can be traversed freely, and the pedestrian paradise in Ginza is particularly popular under the nickname “Silver Bra.” The video shows many people enjoying the pedestrian paradise. Shopping & Delicious Food! The Beauty of Ginza's Pedestrian Paradise! Photo：Ginza department store Ginza’s pedestrian paradise closes part of the main street (Chuo Dori), one of Japan's premier shopping districts, and is loved by many people. It is often used for TV interviews, and you can freely walk through the long-established department stores such as Matsuya Ginza, GINZA SIX, Mitsukoshi, and also through the city of Ginza where brand name shops line the streets! It has been introduced overseas as a holiday promenade, and many foreign tourists visiting Japan enjoy pedestrian paradise. Pedestrian Paradise is also a great place to enjoy window shopping at department stores and brand name stores. Of course, you can enjoy not just shopping, but also movies and delicious food. When Does the Pedestrian Paradise Happen Ginza's pedestrian paradise is very lively, gorgeous and popular, as it is performed on the video. Famous, is Ginza's main road, Chuo-dori, which is said to have the highest land prices in Japan. It happens every Saturday, Sunday and on holidays. It runs from noon to 6:00 pm from April to September, and from noon to 5:00 pm from October to March. Around Chuo-dori there are many well-established department stores such as Mitsukoshi, restaurants, brand shops and duty-free shops, and there are also hotels on a separate street. Since it happens on the weekend, it is can be very crowded, so we recommend using public transportation, such as the subway and JR lines. Ginza’s Pedestrian Paradise Event Information Photo：Ginza 3-chome In the area around Ginza, many events are held every week in conjunction with pedestrian paradise. Rest areas are set up around Chuo-dori, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the middle of Tokyo. In autumn, there's "Autumn Ginza." We recommend checking it out! During the festival, a JAZZ orchestra and brass band team will parade around the pedestrian paradise. Access to Ginza, Japan's Prime Location Access to Ginza's Pedestrian Paradise is as follows: ・ Tokyo Metro Ginza Station ・ JR East Yurakucho Station These two are very convenient. Please note that cars and bicycles are not allowed in the pedestrian zone. Summary of Ginza's Pedestrian Paradise Photo：Pedestrian paradise in Ginza The pedestrian paradise, that monopolizes Ginza, the number one shopping district in Japan, is held every weekend and on holidays. Please enjoy the 4K video that makes you feel as though you're wandering around Ginza, one of Japan's leading shopping spots. If you're going to Ginza for the first time, you may want to take notes while watching the video! 【Official Website】Tokyo Ginza Official https://www.ginza.jp/en/townguide/trafficinfo 【Tripadvisor】Ginza https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g14129573-Ginza_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto-Vacations.html

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!