Check out this news video about the oldest sword in Japan! This video [Japan's oldest sword discovered in Kasuga-taisha]（春日大社　日本最古級の日本刀見つかる） is a Nara television news broadcast. According to this news broadcast, it has been proven that an 82 cm long sword, which was discovered in the treasury of Kasuga-taisha in Nara prefecture in Japan's Kansai region (関西地方, kansaichihou), is in fact the oldest sword in Japan. After careful examination, it was discovered that this ancient sword was made in Houkinokuni, which is the current Tottori prefecture, and it is possibly the oldest example of Japanese sword-smithing in Japan today. We would like to introduce information surrounding this sword alongside this news broadcast. More about the famous sword "Kuro-urushi-yamagane-zukuritachi" which was discovered in Kasuga-taisha, Nara prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The sword which is kept in the treasury of Kasuga-taisha and is known as Kuro-urushi-yamagane-zukuritachi was made in the late Heian period (around 1185 AD). It was discovered during a structural renovation of the temple's treasury in 1939 and is now nationally recognized as an important work of art. You can take a look at Kuro-urushi-yamagane-zukuritachi at 0:13 in the video. Every 20 years Kasuga-taisha undergoes renovation and it was when the sword was being cleaned and repaired that it was found out to have been made in the mid to late 12th century, making it one of the oldest swords in Japan. The curved shape of the blade is what helped identify which century the sword was made in. Source :YouTube screenshot The area of the blade near the handle is curved and the tip is straight, a style typical of ancient Japanese swords. It is a real blessing to find the sword in such a good state, along with it's case which shows characteristics of 14th century craftsmanship, leading to the hypothesis that this sword was a precious samurai family heir loom which had been passed down for years and years. You can see the case at 1:17 in the video. More about the sightseeing spot Kasuga-taisha Photo：Image of the Large Cedar Tree at Kasuga-Taisha's Central Gate・Nara Kasuga-taisha is a shrine which was built in Nara prefecture in 768 AD. There are approximately 1000 Kasuga shrines in Japan and Kasuga-taisha in Nara is known as the grand shrine and the most important of them all. Kasuga-taisha is known for bringing good luck and happiness in marriage and we highly recommend receiving a stamp or good luck charm (omamori) from the shrine. Many events are held at Kasuga-taisha such as the Kasuga Wakamiya-On Festival (春日若宮おん祭, asugawakamiyaonmatsuri), the Buddhist Lantern Festival (万灯篭, mandoukago), and the Iris Festival (菖蒲祭, shoubumatsuri). We also recommend visiting during fall to see the beautiful changing colors of the leaves or in spring when the wisteria are in full bloom. There are also many spots in the area where you can go for lunch or grab something to eat! Kasuga-Taisha, Home of the Oldest Sword in Japan, Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot As you can tell from you the video, Kasuga-taisha is attracting a lot of attention since a famous sword was discovered there in 2018. The Kasuga-taisha Museum (春日大社国宝殿, kasugataisha kokuhouden) is home to many famous artifacts such as Dadaiko and for a limited time, other famous swords such as Hizamaru and Higekiri are on exhibition at the shrine. Kasuga-taisha in Nara is gaining popularity as a sightseeing spot with both Japanese and foreign tourists. Due to events and festivals being held, there are times when it may not be possible to pray at the shrine, so we recommend checking out the official home page before visiting. ◆Nara Kasuga-taisha Information summary◆ 【Address】 Kasuganocho (春日野町) 160, Nara city, Nara prefecture 【Openings】March-October 6.30am-5.30pm, November-February 7am-5pm 【Entrance fee】Free of charge (Kasuga-taisha Museum: Adults: 500 yen, University/High school students: 300 yen, junior high school/elementary school students: 200 yen) 【Access】10 minutes by bus (bound for Kasuga-taisha Honden (春日大社本殿)) from JR Nara Station (JR 奈良駅, JR Naraeki) followed by a 10-minute walk. 【Parking】Available (1000 yen) 【Phone number】0742-22-7788 【Official Website】World Heritage Kasuga-taisha http://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/

Asakusa's “Marugoto Nippon” This is a news video titled “The appeal of all of Japan, from Asakusa! "Marugoto Nippon""（浅草から全国の魅力を！「まるごとにっぽん」開業へ）”. Built in 2015, “Marugoto Nippon”, is a new shopping complex built near the popular tourist attraction Sensoji Temple, directed towards inbound tourists. “Marugoto Nippon”, built under the theme of revitalizing the rural regions, is now a new landmark promoting the attractiveness of regions all over Japan. What kind of facility is Asakusa's “Marugoto Nippon”? Source :This article Video As shown in the video, “Marugoto Nippon” is a four-story shopping complex inside the Tokyo Rakutenchi Asakusa Building in Asakusa, of Tokyo's Taito ward. 50 locations have been opened in 17 different municipalities around the nation in an attempt to convey the appeal of local goods from regions all over Japan. Under the themes of “Look”, “Eat”, and “Take Home”, seasonal food, sake from local breweries, as well as traditional, handcrafted products and household goods are sold here. For more than half of the stores this is the first time that they have actually had a physical location. So, what was now only possible to buy over the internet or in rural areas can now be bought in Tokyo. You will be able to feel a sense of closeness to rural regions through this experience. Among the many stores, there are popular restaurants and cafes in which you can drink boba tea (tapioca tea), a occasionally, there are events such as cooking classes or festivals, so you can enjoy the shopping complex in a variety of ways. Learning about Japan through Asakusa's “Marugoto Nippon”! Source :This article Video “Marugoto Nippon” in Asakusa, promotes the appeal of Japan to the world through the sale of regional specialties. For example, at “Oita Onsenza” seen from 1:45 in the video, they not only sell products containing minerals from hot springs, but they also provide a foot bath using water from the famous Beppu hot springs. Through this, they provide a service in which visitors to Japan can experience Japanese culture. Also, being able to buy umeboshi (salted dried plums) and local sake, which was only available to buy at rural areas, in Tokyo, is another great aspect of the store. There are also many easy-on-the wallet items so you might end up buying a lot of souvenirs albeit for a very reasonable price! Summary of “Marugoto Nippon” Source :This article Video As of 2020, Asakusa is a popular tourist area that hosts more than 55 million domestic and foreign visitors annually. Being able to buy local specialties from Japan’s rural regions in a location as convenient as Asakusa is nothing short of amazing as well. “Marugoto Nippon”, shown in the video, is a popular place that not only attracts foreign visitors, but Japanese people as well. Check out the “Marugoto Nippon” official website where you can see the store information and floor guides. Please be aware that “Marugoto Nippon” is due to close in November of 2020. Make sure you stop by before it's gone for good! ◆Marugoto Nippon Facility Overview◆ 【Address】〒111-8535　2-6-7 Asakusa, Taito Ward, Tokyo 【Access】A 10 minute walk from Tokyo Metro/ Tobu Railway Asakusa Station 【Operating Hours】10:00-20:00 (Business hours differ for some stores) 【Closures】None 【Parking】Yes 【Telephone No】03-3845-0510 【Official Website】Marugoto Nippon https://marugotonippon.com/ 【Tripadvisor】Marugoto Nippon https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134311-d9585851-Reviews-Marugoto_Nippon-Asakusa_Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Announcement of the New Era Captured on Video! This video "New era name "Reiwa（新元号「令和」（れいわ）菅長官会見　ノーカット）," Chief Cabinet Secretary, Press Conference Uncut" is a video showing footage of the announcement of the new era name by the Chief Cabinet Secretary which took place at the Prime Minister's official residence. On May 1st 2019, a ceremony was held to announce to the public the new era name, which would be changing from Heisei to Reiwa in accordance with the enthronement of the new emperor. The Announcement by the Chief Cabinet Secretary

Introducing IR! This video "Understanding IR in 3 minutes", by Kato Ayako（「IR(カジノ含む統合型リゾート)」　加藤綾子【3分でわかる】）” is a news clip that talks about how Yokohama, Kanagawa has started preparing to attract IR in October 2019. The lifting of IR is explained in the video in detail, and we will explain IR in this article so you can follow along. What is IR? Source :YouTube screenshot IR stands for Integrated Resort. They have facilities such as conference halls, exhibition halls (MICE facilities), restaurants, shopping areas, hotels and even theaters. Furthermore, they can have amusement parks, sports facilities, cinemas, and warm baths as well. You can see the explanation of IR from 0:21 in the video. The “Casino Law” was established in 2018 and the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is planning to approve up to three locations for IR, in Japan. By October of 2019, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagasaki and Wakayama had already announced their candidacy, while Nagoya, Tokoname in Aichi, and Odaiba in Tokyo are still considering the option. Pros and cons of IR Photo：Casino slots Admission fees are collected by the Japanese government divided between the government and the prefectures. Casino profits are returned to IR conference halls and entertainment facilities. This will boost tax revenue, increase tourism and generate economic benefits leading to regional revitalization. Yokohama estimated that the effect on annual revenue will lead to a growth of 80 to 120 billion yen ($743m to $1.1B USD). But there are concerns about gambling addiction, the influence it will have on the younger generation, and the deterioration of security it may cause. In order to establish IRs in Japan, measures for preventing gambling addiction are being considered. What are casinos like? Photo：Marina Bay Sands in Singapore Casinos are popular in Las Vegas and Macao. Japanese people are not familiar with casinos, but there are Pachinko parlors in Japan, so casinos are expected to become popular as well. Starting casinos will also benefit the economy through casino tax revenue which is helped by the influx of tourists from abroad. In fact, Marina Bay Sands in Singapore was able to increase the number of foreign tourists and tourism consumption in a similar fashion. This is shown in the video from 2:08. In a nutshell Photo：A casino IR is expected to become a new attraction for Japanese and foreigners alike. The video gives a great overview on IR, so definitely check it out if you found this article interesting. We recommend using subtitles if you don't speak Japanese! It will be interesting to see what new information on dates and companies is released in the near future.

Washoku Added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List This video, titled "[Washoku] Added to Unesco's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Health and Beauty Evaluation (12/13/05)" (「和食」世界無形文化遺産に決定　健康・美しさ評価(13/12/05) ), is a news report about washoku being approved as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, in December, 2013. As shown in the video, "Washoku: Traditional Dietary Cultures of the Japanese" (「和食 日本人の伝統的な食文化」) was formally approved to be added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list at a meeting of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee held in Azerbaijan in 2013. You see the moment of the announcement in the video around 0:05. The fascination with washoku is, as shown in the video at 0:30, it's beauty. Japanese cuisine is characterized by its beautiful display, respect for nature, and how healthy it is, which led UNESCO to place it on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. What Is Washoku? The History and Style of the Dishes Photo：Washoku Washoku is a traditional eating practice of Japan, also referred to as Nihon-shoku (日本食, Japanese food) or Nihon-ryouri (日本料理, Japanese style cooking). Traditionally, in Japan, washoku was made using seasonal ingredients for particular annual events. The history of Japanese food dates back to the Yayoi period (~300 B.C - ~250 A.D.), more than 2,000 years ago, and by the Asuka period, the unique Japanese diet, consisting of main dishes (主菜, shusai), side dishes (副食, Fukushoku), and one soup, three sides (一汁三菜, Ichiju-sansai), had already been established. What is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage? Photo：Traditional Spanish cuisine UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage is different from UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, which aim to protect buildings and tangible cultural properties. UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage was established to ensure better protection of important intangible cultural heritages, such as folk culture, folklore, oral literature and social practices, traditional crafting techniques, and festivals. Some examples of this include the gastronomy of France, the Mediterranean cuisine of Spain, Italy, Greece and Morocco, traditional Mexican cuisine, and the Ceremonial Keşkek tradition of Turkey. In Japan, Traditional Ainu dance, Nôgaku Theatre, and Kabuki have also been approved as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages. Summary of Washoku Photo：Kaiseki cuisine As you can see in the video, Japanese food culture, which has been around since ancient times, has been recognized by the world and is attracting a great deal of attention. When you're visiting Japan, be sure to stop by a Japanese restaurant and enjoy the delicious food of an itamae chef! There are websites that offer instructions on how to make Japanese food, so you can use the recipes as a guide to make nutritious and balanced Japanese food as well!

Shutdown of the Supercomputer “K” This video titled "The Curtain Has Come Down on the Supercomputer 'K' and Fugaku Will Serve as Its Successor,（スパコン「京」幕下ろす 後継・富岳、運用へ）, released by "KyodoNews," is a video on the shutdown ceremony of supercomputer "K"- the former fastest computer in the world. The supercomputer “K” was used in various fields after achieving first for two consecutive years in the category of fastest calculation speed of a supercomputer, in 2011 during the test run. In the video of K's shutdown ceremony "Fugaku”, the successor to “K” , is also reported. You can find out how powerful the Japanese computer is. The video features the supercomputer “K” and its successor. What Is “K”? Source :YouTube screenshot The supercomputer “K” was jointly developed by the Riken Center for Computational Science and Fujitsu. NEC and Hitachi were also involved in its development at the beginning, but withdrew. This supercomputer, completed in 2012, contributed to the development of various fields including life science, healthcare, disaster defense, and space technology. It was also reffered to as a “Next Generation Supercomputer”, “General purposed Kyosoku calculator” or “Kyosoku”. This supercomputer achieved the fastest calculation speed in the world at the beginning of it development and has been used for about 7 years. According to the latest world ranking, it has currently dropped all the way to 20th . It was finally decided to put an end to the 7 year history and to make room for its successor “Fugaku”, the next generation, most advanced supercomputer. In the video you can see that about 860 units of the supercomputer “K “ were shut down in turn during this ceremony. Hiroshi Matsumoto, President of the Riken Center talked about the expectations for the next generation supercomputer in this video (1:11). It is expected that Fugaku's calculation speed is more than 100 times faster than “K”, and it will be used as AI (Artificial Intelligence). K's Specs Photo：CPU Next, we will show you what kind of specs “K” has. First, its high-end CPU capable of performing highly advanced arithmetic processing was developed by Fujitsu. 88,128 pieces are connected in parallel to calculate 10 petabytes worth of information per second. There is some concern about error because of the scale that the supercomputer has. However, they built a unique system that could avoid errors and continue high-speed arithmetic processing. Also, high-performance memory is used. This supercomputer consumes powers equivalent to the amount used by about 30 thousand households. Therefore it costs about 1.2 million yen to operate the whole system of “K”per hour, Running the supercomputer “K” full for a day costs about 28 million yen (~$260,000 USD), so the electricity bill can get a little high. 　 “Fugaku," the Next Generation Supercomputer Source :YouTube screenshot “Fugaku," successor to “K,” had a development costs of about 112 billion yen (~$1.38b USD). The development of Fugaku started in 2014, and it is scheduled to used starting in 2021. Its calculation speed is more than 100 times faster than that of “K”. It is aiming to achieve the worlds top level utility. 150 thousand units of CPU are connected to improve its computing power. According to the world supercomputer ranking as of November, 2019, “Summit” developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is top the list, followed by “ Sierra” ”developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and “Sunway TaihuLight (神威・太湖之光). Summary of the Supercomputer “K” The video called "The Curtain Has Come Down on the Supercomputer 'K' and Fugaku Will Serve as Its Successor," released by "KyodoNews" is a video on the shutdown ceremony of supercomputer 'K' that was used for 7 years. These computer technologies that have been developing day to day may change our futures. 【Official Website】The supercomputer “K” | Riken Center for Computational Science (R-CCS) https://www.r-ccs.riken.jp/en/k-computer/about/ 【Official Website】The supercomputer “FUGAKU” | Riken Center for Computational Science (R-CCS) https://www.r-ccs.riken.jp/en/postk/project

The Opening of GINZA SIX This news video is titled "[GINZA SIX] Opening｜2,500 People Lined Up!" Produced by "TOKYO MIX," it shows the new spot "GINZA SIX" in Ginza, Tokyo at its opening on April 20, 2017. GINZA SIX is a commercial facility with a site area of approximately 9,080 square meters that incorporates the former site of the Matsuzakaya Ginza store in Ginza, Chuo-Ward (中央区, Chuo-Ku), Tokyo, and the surrounding area. On the opening day, 2,500 people lined up before the store opened, making it an exciting event You can see people waiting in like at 0:25 in the video. In this article, we'll introduce the facilities of GINZA SIX, as well as transportation access to the facility. Be sure to follow along with the video to see the store interior! What is GINZA SIX? Photo：GINZA SIX GINZA SIX is the largest commercial facility in Ginza, with 13 floors above ground and 6 floors below, at approximately 150,000 square meters. It opened in April 2017. There are 241 stores inside of the facility, including overseas luxury brand shops, 12 of which are the first of their kind in Japan. In addition to fashion brands, there is also a full range of gourmet restaurants. At 1:40 in the video, you can see Ginza Grand Premium Food Hall "Ginza Daishokudo," a premium food court on the 6th floor where you can enjoy luxurious meals from all over Japan. At the Ginza Daishokudo, you can eat cuisine from all over Japan, including sushi, steak, eel and teppan-yaki, to your hearts content. In the video, you can see customers enjoying lunch and afternoon tea at the restaurants. Source :YouTube screenshot GINZA SIX also serves as a tourist hub, with the Tourist Service Center being established for foreign tourists. In addition to providing tourist information in multiple languages, the center also offers currency exchange and temporary baggage storage. This can be seen in the video at 2:29. Enjoy this site for gift shopping or purchasing Japanese souvenirs to commemorate your trip. In addition, a Noh theatre featuring the largest Noh school, Kanze-Ryu (Kanze School), is located on the third basement floor of GINZA SIX, and is dedicated to the promotion of traditional Japanese culture. One of the features of GINZA SIX is the works of art by famous artists on display throughout the building. At the time of opening, an artwork by Yayoi Kusama adorned the central atrium. You can see the artworks of famous artists at 2:58 in the video. In addition, the rooftop garden (the largest in Ginza), the Tsutaya bookstore, and the Starbucks on the 6th floor are also popular places at GINZA SIX. There flagship stores of popular fashion brands, a variety of restaurants, a beauty floor with a variety of cosmetic brands, and food shops with cafes and sweets. Summary of GINZA SIX Source :YouTube screenshot Access to GINZA SIX is a 2-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line. It is also a 10-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, JR Yamanote Line, and Keihin-Tohoku Line. There is a parking lot and discounts are available based on your in-store purchases. Shops and cafes are open from 10:30 to 20:30 and restaurants are open from 11:00 to 23:00. Visit GINZA SIX, and experience a new hub of commerce and tourism! ◆GINZA SIX Facility Information◆ 【Address】10-1, Ginza 6-Chome, Chuo-Ward, Tokyo 104-0061 【Access】A 2-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line. It is also a 10-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, JR Yamanote Line, and Keihin-Tohoku Line. 【Hours】10:30-20:30 for shops and cafes, and 11:00-23:00 for restaurants 【Closures】Open all year round 【Parking】Available (Discounts based on in-store purchases) 【Tel】+81 3-6891-3390 【Official Website】GINZA SIX | GSIX https://ginza6.tokyo.e.abf.hp.transer.com/ 【Tripadvisor】GINZA SIX https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14129573-d12350067-Reviews-Ginza_Six-Ginza_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Decision to Have the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo This video released by “ANNnewsCH” is about the IOC news on the decision to host the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. “The first time in 56 years! The 2020 summer Olympics decided to be held in Tokyo (September 8th, 2013).” Many of you may have seen the early morning broadcast (Tokyo time) from Buenos Aires, on the decision to host the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Tokyo is to host the Olympics for the second time; the first time in 56 years. Only 5 cities have hosted the summer Olympics more than once: Athens, Paris, London, Los Angeles, and now Japan. The Olympics will be held from July 24th to August 9th in 2020, for 17 days. Tokyo will draw a lot of attention from the world. This time, we are going to introduce the video about the announcement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Announcement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:15 in the video, you can see a lot of Japanese people in the venue exclaiming their delight the moment IOC (International Olympic Committee) President Rogge said “Tokyo!”. As shown from 0:56 in the video, it was early in the morning, at 5:20 AM when the news of the host city was released. But many people experienced the moment of joy at Komazawa park, Nippon Sport Science University, Chiyoda ward, Hamaguchi wrestling school in Tokyo and Nagano city. But it is also true that there were a lot of difficulties to reach the decision of the Tokyo Olympics. During the selection, Madrid in Spain and Istanbul in Turkey were highly considered. At the first voting, Tokyo gained 42 votes, Istanbul 26 and Madrid 26. But at the final voting, Tokyo achieved an overwhelming victory over Istanbul with 60 votes to 36. Amongst adversity, the final presentation was made by the governor of Tokyo, Inose Naoki, Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, Princess Takamado, a Paralympic athlete, Sato Mami, TV personality Takigawa Christel and more. Among them, the word “Omotenashi” (hospitality) by Takigawa Christel may be the most memorable. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the First Host City in Asia to Have the Olympics Twice Source :YouTube screenshot The Tokyo Olympics are to be held in the same city, which is the first time this has happened in Asia. Last time, Beijing hosted the summer Olympics in 2008 in Asia. In Japan, many bid committee members made great efforts to bring the Olympics to Tokyo. With the decision of the Tokyo Olympics, the Olympic flame cauldron was lit up at the National Stadium, the former venue of the opening and closing ceremony from 4:45 in the video. Many elderly people remember the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 so it will be a great chance for those who can experience it again in 2020. The Problem of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, and the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster In the final presentation on the bid for the Tokyo Olympics, the Great East Japan earthquake two years prior was often mentioned. Prime Minister Abe Shinzo stressed the safety precautions since the nuclear disaster and appealed to the world. He announced confidently that contaminated water is safely controlled and there would be no influence on the safety of visitors. However, only a few years had passed since the earthquake. There were many harsh comments in and outside of Japan at the time. The Tokyo Olympics will be held to help recover from the nuclear disaster as well. Looking Forward to the Olympics Photo：The New National Stadium The news of announcement of the host city for the 2020 Olympics gave hope to a lot of people. At 3:34 in the video, the then governor of Tokyo, Inose Naoki, tells that the success of the bid for the Tokyo Olympics came from "the teamwork of centralized power from the entirety of Japan." The world sports festival, held every four years- the Olympics and Paralympics- will be held in Tokyo. All the people in the world are paying attention to Japan and Tokyo. 【Official Website】Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games – Tokyo 2020 https://tokyo2020.org/en/

Japan has been the "wealthiest country" for 24 years?! Let’s take a look at the video of a news report from 2015 titled [Japan, “ the wealthiest country in the world” for 24 years- a “crucial asset”]（【日本、24年連続“世界一の金持ち”に「大事な財産」】） This news report is about Japan staying at the top of the list of wealthiest countries in the world for continuous years. “Net Foreign Assets” is defined as the value of foreign assets owned by Japan's government and its companies, minus liabilities. So what exactly do they mean when they state that Japan is the wealthiest country in the world? Let’s look at some of the details. What exactly is a “Net Foreign Asset” Photo：Tokyo Stock Exchange At 0:06 in the video, Net Foreign Asset are explained. Essentially, it is the amount of the foreign assets owned by a nation minus liabilities. Surprisingly, Japan has 367 trillion yen worth of Net Foreign Assets, and it is the largest amount in the nation’s history. This means that Japan owns many external assets in foreign countries, such as security and foreign investments. From 0:23 in the video, the Minister of Finance in Japan, Taro Aso, is seen speaking in an interview. Aso states, “Net Foreign Asset is crucial” at the Ministry of Finance. As explained at 0:19, the Top 5 countries in terms of Net Foreign Asset goes Japan first, followed by China, Germany in third, Switzerland in fourth, and Hong Kong in fifth according to 2014 data. How Japan Has Continued to Own the Most Foreign Assets in History, and Remained the “Wealthiest Country in the World”. Source :YouTube screenshot There are several reasons why Japanese foreign assets have been increasing and why Japan has remained the most wealthy country in the world. As the yen depreciates, the amount of receivable yen-denominated shares and bonds has increased. Another reason why Japan's foreign assets have increased is because there are more Japanese companies starting foreign investments. Overseas liability is also on an upward trend as more foreigners have begun investing in Japanese stocks. Japan as the wealthiest country Photo：Building in Shinjuku subcenter It might be difficult to believe that Japan is the wealthiest country in the world, but as explained in the video, it is true that Japan owns the most Foreign Net Assets in the world. Japan actually is the wealthiest country in the world, and as of 2019 it has stayed on top for 28 years. Expectations are high for Japan's economic future.

Princess Kako of Akishino's 20th Birthday "Princess Kako of Akishino Wearing a Tiara...20th Birthday" (佳子さま　“ティアラ姿”で・・・　20歳の誕生日)" is a news report on the 20th birthday of Princess Kako of Akishino, the second daughter of the Crown Prince and Princess Akishino. In 2014, on Princess Kako's 20th birthday, she received a Grand Cordon of the Order of the Precious Crown (宝冠大綬章, houkandaijushou) from the then emperor Akihito, at the Imperial Palace (皇居宮殿, koukyoukyuuden). More About Princess Kako of Akishino's Birthday Celebration Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:16 in the video, you can see the princess make an entrance wearing a beautiful platinum-diamond tiara. This gorgeous tiara is a unique item from Mikimoto Pearl Island. The five items of jewelry worn by the princess, including the tiara, earrings, necklace, bracelet and brooch, altogether cost 27,930,000 yen (approximately $250,000 USD). Princess Kako's Past and Special Skills Source :YouTube screenshot Princess Kako is the second daughter of Prince Fumihito and Princess Kiko and her personal emblem is the Hibiscus tiliaceus. Her older sister is Princess Mako and her younger brother is Prince Hisahito. She was born on December 29th, 1994. Princess Kako is proficient in English and in 2014, at 20 years of age, left Gakushuin University (学習院大学, gakushuuindaigaku) and entered ICU (the International Christian University) (国際基督教大学, kokusaikurisutokyoudaigaku), graduating in 2019. She has received awards for figure skating competitions in the past. When she was a junior high school student, she also performed a dance at the school festival. Princess Kako of Akishino's First Press Conference Source :YouTube screenshot In this video you can see Princess Kako on her birthday wearing her tiara, being greeted by the emperor and empress of Japan. From 1:39 you can see the press conference that was held to mark her birthday and coming of age. Princess Kako looked a little nervous facing her first press conference since becoming 20 years old, however she is now perfectly capable of talking about her aspirations and ideas in public. Summary of Princess Kako of Akishino's 20th Birthday Since her 20th birthday in 2014, Princess Kako has attended several events at the palace such as New Year's celebrations and banquets. More recently, at the enthronement of the new emperor, she made news wearing a beautiful 12-layered ceremonial kimono called "Juunihitoe". The future efforts of the beautiful princess, who turned 25 years old in 2019, are guaranteed to continue to attract lots of attention.

Handicap Accessible Japan! The video, “Handicap-Accessible Information of Tourist Sites by Barry-Joshua Grisdale（観光地のバリアフリー情報発信 グリズデイル・バリージョシュアさん）”, introduces Barry-Joshua Grisdale of Canada, who promotes information on handicap accessible information on Japan’s tourist websites. Barry-Joshua Grisdale created an English travel information website for people with disabilities called “Accessible Japan”, and promotes information concerning accessibility to Japan’s tourist attractions for the rest of the world. The website name, "Accessible Japan", comes from (as you probably guessed) the word accessibility (able to access easily or use easily). In recent years, the word accessibility, along with the phrase barrier-free, have been popularized globally. In this article, we will be introducing Barry-Joshua Grisdale and Japan’s handicap accessible situation. The Different Types of "Handicap Accessible." Photo：A wheelchair accessible ramp Handicap accessible means that people with disabilities, elderly people with impaired movement, and a wide range of other people, can use facilities and get around with ease. This also refers to the modifications that help make their lives easier. Recently, a barrier-free law has been put into place in Japan, and there have been many changes happening such as: reducing uneven transitions between streets and sidewalks,installing tactile paving on the streets (braille blocks), handicap toilets, as well as elevators. Handrails on trains, extensive wheelchair accessible routes, “Non-step” buses, and handicap accessible hotels are some of the other efforts being made. Japan’s Efforts to Become “Barrier-Free” Source :YouTube screenshot It has been 4 years since Barry-Joshua Grisdale created “Accessible Japan”, the English travel information website for people with disabilities that is accessed over 70,000 times annually. Barry-Joshua Grisdale now works at a welfare facility in Tokyo. He fondly remembers when he came to Japan on a trip when he was 19 years old, and 6 train station attendants carried him down the stairs. Since then he has been spreading the word on how wonderful Japan is to its visitors. Source :YouTube screenshot The English travel information website for people with disabilities “Accessible Japan”, created by Barry-Joshua Grisdale, recommend a pathway leading up to the popular sightseeing attractionSensoji Temple, as shown from 1:05 in the video. It's very useful for people visiting Japan for the first time. The pathway is very flat and easy to access. Also, there is a service in which wheelchair users can use a slope to get on, and take a ride on a rickshaw! Historically famous tourist sites such as Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, as introduced in the footage at 3:31, have become more handicap accessible by installing elevators. Summary of Japan’s Handicap Accessible Tourist Sites Source :YouTube screenshot With the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Japan will have many visitors coming from overseas, and those with disabilities, using wheelchairs, and those with service dogs will also be able to enjoy Japan’s tourist attractions. The video in this article, summarizes the efforts of Japan’s tourist sites to becoming handicap accessible. If you're interested in handicap accessibility at Japan’s tourist sites, give "Accessible Japan" a try. It's full of useful content. 【Official Website】Accessible Japan https://www.accessible-japan.com/

The Discovery of Yosa Buson's Haiku "New Phrases of Yosa Buson（与謝蕪村の新発見の句）", produced by "Nara TV Channel", is a news video introducing the discovery of new haiku written by Yosa Buson, a haiku author, painter, and poet. Along with Basho Matsuo and Issa Kobayashi, the Haiku poem by Yosa Buson, one of the three major Edo poets in Edo, was spotlighted at Tenri University's Tenri Library. Currently, it is stored as a valuable document that is useful for research on Yosa Buson. In this article, I would like to introduce you to Yosa Buson, and talk about the discovery of his new haiku. The Newly Discovered Haiku of Yosa Buson Source :YouTube screenshot In 2015, 300 years after the birth of Yosa Buson, 212 newly discovered haiku were added to Yosa Buson's collection of haiku. A new haiku was discovered in a book called "Yahantei Buson Kushu," held by Tenri University's Library. You can also see from the video that various media outlets have come to the news gathering for the press conference of "Shinshu Buson Kushu Buson Kukaikou" held at Tenri University's Library. It can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Among the newly discovered materials, there are traces of corrections and inspections by Yosa Buson, which is a very valuable research material. You can see the actual haiku collection, and the traces with corrections from 0:26 in the video. A memorial exhibition "Haijin Buson- In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of his birth" was also held at the Tenri University's Library. Who Was Yosa Buson, the Famous Japanese Poet? Source :YouTube screenshot Yosa Buson is a master of Edo haiku, and is said to be the founder of the Edo Haiku Chukou. His representative works include "Rape Blossoms and the Moon in the East and the Sun in the West" and "The Spring Hine Mosuno Tarino Tarikana". His pseudonyms for haiku include "Saichou" and "Yahantei (Nisei)", and the pseudonyms he used for painting were "Shunsei" and "Shain". In 1716, Yosa Buson (real name Taniguchi) was born in Kema Village, Higashinari-gun, Settsuno kuni. At the age of 20, he studied haiku by studying with Hayano Hajin. After that, he yearned for Basho Matsuo and traveled around the Tohoku region. After years of study, he blossomed at the ripe age of 40 years old. Yosa Buson is famous as a poet, but he also worked as a painter, drawing haiga (pictures for haiku) for Basho Matsuo's works. Some of his famous emaki (picture scrolls) include works such as "Okunohosomichi" and "Yashoku roudaizu". What are haiku? Photo：Haiku poet Haiku is a short poems that sings of the seasons and nature, and is characterized by its five, seven, five structure. Haiku has a rule that involves using a seasonal word in the poem. This is called a fixed season. Like Waka and Renku (Haiku Renka), there are works that do not include seasonal words. These are called seasonless haiku. Haiku is also referred to as "17 letters, 17 sounds, and 17 words". Haiku became popular during the Edo period (1603 to 1868), but was later established by Shiki Masaoka in the Meiji era (1868 to 1912) as "modern literary haiku." Senryu, which resemble haiku, is expressed in the 5, 7, 5 structure like haiku, but it is characterized by its lack of seasonal words. The good thing about Senryu is its high degree of freedom and use of light expressions. Summary of the Discovery of Yosa Buson's Haiku Source :YouTube screenshot "Yosa Buson’s New Discovered Haiku Collection" produced by "Nara TV Channel" is a video that introduces the discovery of a new haiku by Yosa Buson. It was showered with attention when it was first announced that haiku from a famous Edo period poet had been discovered. If you're a history buff, or just love poetry, this is a must-see video! If you're interested, be sure to check it out. 【Official Website】 Tenri University Library https://www.tcl.gr.jp/eng/index_e.htm

English Tours at the Imperial Palace This is an informational video released by "Tokyo MX" in 2018, introducing English tours of the Imperial Palace, a central city landmark that is gaining popularity among foreign visitors to Japan. Asakusa (浅草, Asakusa), Odaiba (お台場, Odaiba), Shibuya (渋谷, Shibuya) and Ueno (上野, Ueno) are famous for their central Tokyo attractions, but in recent years, the number of foreigners visiting the Imperial Palace has been on the rise. In response to the growing demand for inbound tours, the Imperial Household Agency, which oversees the Imperial Palace, has introduced English tours for foreigners for the first time, in addition to tours in Japanese. A Look at the Imperial Palace Photo：Near the palace The Imperial Palace is where the Emperor of Japan usually spends his time. It was called "Kyujo," "Kojo," and "Kogu" in the past. The current Imperial Palace, located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward (千代田区, Chiyodaku), is built around the ruins of Edo Castle and consists of the Imperial Palace, the residence of the Emperor, and a palace for various events and political affairs. The palace, introduced at 2:17 in the video includes seven buildings, including the Main Hall (正殿, Seiden), Homeiden State Banquet Hall (豊明殿, Homeiden), the Rensui Dining Room (連翠, Rensui), Chowaden Reception Hall (長和殿, Chowaden), Chigusa/Chidori no ma Hall (千種・千鳥の間,Chigusa・Chidorinoma), the Omote Gozasho North Building (表御座所北棟, Omotegozashokitato) and Omote Gozasho South Building (表御座所南棟, Omotegozashominamito). The Palace is surrounded by a moat, and the path along the moat is crowded with people on a daily basis. The English Tours of the Imperial Palace Source :YouTube screenshot The English-language tour will take you on a 2-kilometer course along the south side of the Palace. You can visit the Imperial Household Agency building and historical sites on foot with a guide from the Agency's staff. You can see an actual guide at 0:47 in the video. In this approximately one-hour tour, you can see a garden reminiscent of the Edo Period and the iron bridge at the main gate, along with Fujimi Tower(富士見櫓,Fujimiyagura) that stands atop a stone wall, and the palace where general New Year's ceremonies and other imperial events are held, as introduced at 1:29 in the video. The guide's explanations are easy to understand for foreign visitors to Japan, so don't be shy about joining in the tour. You can hear opinions of those who participated in the tour at 1:06 and 2:32 in the video. Summary of English Tours at the Imperial Palace Photo：Moat of the Imperial Palace The sights of the Imperial Palace shown in the video are definitely worth seeing in person. If you're thinking of applying for the English tour, be sure to visit the link at the bottom of this article to access the official site of the Imperial Palace. The site provides an overview of the English tour application process, a tour schedule, and a map of the facilities. ◆Imperial Palace Facility Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111 【Access】A 10-minute walk from Nijubashimae Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line, a 5-minute walk from Otemachi Station on the Mita Subway Line, a 5-minute walk from Takebashi Station on the Tozai Subway Line, and a 15-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. 【Official Website】Imperial Household Agency: Information of the Facilities: Imperial Palace – Kyoto Imperial Palace https://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Imperial Palace https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066443-d320050-Reviews-Imperial_Palace-Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Shin Miyazaki "ANNnewsCH", "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World（サービスの技競う大会　日本人給仕長が世界一）" is a video introducing Shin Miyazaki, the winner of the world competition for service skills. Various countries participated in the “Services World Competition” held in Minato-ku, Tokyo in 2012, and Mr. Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the event. The hospitality of the Japanese people, who are known for their attentiveness, has been recognized throughout the world. Check out this video to see the amazing achievement. This article introduces Shin Miyazaki, who won the service competition. Shin Miyazaki and the World Competition for Service Skills! Source :YouTube screenshot The World Service Contest hosted by Coup Georges Baptist was held in 2012. This competition, which has been ongoing since 1961 includes students and professionals in the service field. The World Congress has been held since 2000, and the 2012 competition has been held in Japan. Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the world championship for service skills at a restaurant famous for its service skills. It's a large achievement to win the professional category with 14 other countries participating. The job of the server is not just bringing plates to the table, but also to entertain guests as well. In French cuisine, it is said to be as important of a job as the chef. Shin Miyazaki learned French, studied cheese and wine, and challenged this tournament. You can watch the tournament from 0:08 in the video, and from 0:32, you can see Mr. Miyazaki pouring champagne for guests About Shin Miyazaki Source :YouTube screenshot Mr. Shin Miyazaki is currently the Japanese Maître d'hôtel (head waiter), restaurant serviceman, and representative of Fantagista21. As an active serviceman, he serves customers at Michelin Guide Tokyo's two Michelin star restaurant "Refervessons". He also engages in human resource development and lecture activities, and published the book "World-Class Hospitality". Miyazaki was interested in cooking because of his father's favorite book, “Dancyu”, and thus decided he wanted to be a chef in the future. Later, he worked at a French cuisine restaurant in Tokyo, where he was inspired by the appeal of head waiter. In 2010, he won the "Maitre de Servis Cup", and as stated above, he won the 2012 world competition for service skills. Shin Miyazaki also appears on TV. He has appeared in “professional work style”, “Asaichi”, “Non-stop”, etc. and has received a lot of attention. If you're interested in Shin Miyazaki, be sure to check out the video. Summary of Shin Miyazaki, World Service Competition Champion Source :YouTube screenshot "ANNnewsCH"'s, "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World" introduces Shin Miyazaki who won the World Competition for Service Skills. It also explains points to be careful of when serving, and it is a must-see video for those who are aiming to be professionals in the service industry.

The Televised Address of Emperor Akihito The video this time is the televised address that was made by Emperor Akihito. He released the video to the Japanese citizens on August 8th, 2016. He expressed his thoughts, attracting a lot of attention not only in Japan, but also abroad as well. What Was the Televised Address About? Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, Emperor Akihito , the 125th emperor of Japan, expressed his desire to retire from his official duties. To summarize his feelings, he was prompted to consider abdicating before his death due to the fact fact that his age (82 at the time) was making it difficult for him to serve the nation as the symbolic emperor. Japan's Emperor System and Abdication Photo：General visit to the Imperial Palace Emperor Akihito's declaration had a great deal to do with Japan's Imperial House System and Law. Currently, the abdication of the throne is only carried out when the emperor at the time passes away. In order to make abdication possible, the Imperial House Law needs to be amended. As there had never been such a case in modern times, the abdication of the Emperor during his lifetime and next era name were carefully chosen. Subsequently, after extensive discussion, the abdication of the Emperor was approved by amending the laws of the Japanese Constitution to allow him to abdicate during his lifetime. In June 2017, the Special Imperial Household Law on the Abdication of the Emperor and Other Matters was promulgated and came into effect on April 30, 2019. Accordingly, on April 1, 2019, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga announced the new era name, "Reiwa." The abdication of the throne took place on April 30, and on May 1, Crown Prince Naruhito ascended the throne as the new Emperor of Japan. Summary of former Emperor Akihito's Public Address Photo：Japanese era The video message from Former Emperor Akihito, introduced here, expresses his feelings regarding his reasons for abdication. With His Majesty's decision to abdicate, the succession to the throne and the transition from "Heisei" to "Reiwa" proceeded smoothly in a harmonious festive atmosphere.

A Look at the Reopening of the Nihombashi Takashimaya Shopping Center This video this time is a news video covering the grand reopening of the main building of Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C., titled "Nihonbashi Takashimaya Completes Renovations, Aims to Attract Younger Customers." It was published by "TOKYO MX" in 2019. Nihombashi Takashimaya is a shopping center well-reputed by people of all ages. Let's take a look at what's changed since its reopening. The New Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. Source :YouTube screenshot Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C., located in the Chuo Ward (中央区, Chuo-ku) of Tokyo, finished renovations on its main building and reopened entirely in March 2019. It had gone through a major renovation up to this point with a new building having opened in 2018. The concept of the newly reborn Nihombashi Takashimaya SC is "beautiful living." Introduced at 1:00 in the video is "MARVIS," a high-end toothpaste sold on the 2nd floor of the main building. There is also a wide range of other items, mainly men's sundries, designed to enhance one' s quality of life. Here, you'll find a wide range of products for the increasingly aesthetically conscious male customers. When visiting Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C., we recommend visiting the rooftop garden shown at 0:13 in the video. This rooftop garden is open to the public and offers a breathtaking view of Tokyo's skyscrapers. The History of Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. Source :YouTube screenshot Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. opened in 1933 and has a long history of supporting Japan's post-war reconstruction. The present Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. is part of the Mitsui Building. Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. has a basement floor with a fruit parlors, restaurants, chocolate shops and other sweets shops, as well as a general merchandise section, fashion stores, and more. Limited time events, such as the Maurice Utrillo Exhibition are also held from time to time. Summary of Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we gave a brief overview of Nihombashi Takashimaya's renovation, the history of the store and what kind of shops you can expect to find there. There are many other Takashimaya stores in Japan besides the one in Tokyo. Major stores include Shinjuku, Tamagawa, Tachikawa, Yokohama, Kashiwa, Kyoto, Osaka and Sakai. If you're looking for high quality items or Japanese souvenirs, stop by the nearest Takashimaya store! ◆Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C.｜Facility Information◆ 【Address】2-4-1, Nihombashi, Chuo Ward, Tokyo 【Access】Directly connected to Nihonbashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and a 5-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. 【Hours】10:30～21:00（11:00～22:00 for restaurants） 【Parking】Paid parking available 【Telephone】03-3211-4111 【Official Website】Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. ｜ Top Page https://www.takashimaya-global.com/en/stores/nihombashi/ 【Tripadvisor】Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g14129589-d12870591-Reviews-Nihombashi_Takashimaya_S_C-Nihonbashi_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The International Gateway to Tokyo, Haneda Airport This video, produced by "Tokyo MX" focuses on the uncompromising facilities and services of Haneda Airport which has been named "the World's Cleanest Airport" by the British air transportation rating organization. Haneda Airport was ranked first among almost 550 airports across the world. It's been awarded first place for the 5th time, and 3 years in a row as of 2018. This article describes the airport's uncompromising commitments to the cleanliness alongside the video. The airport cleaning staff's interview reveals their passion to keep a clean establishment, which explains why Haneda Airport has been named the World's Cleanest Airport. There are also interviews with visitors to Japan praising the cleanliness of Haneda Airport as well. About Haneda Airtport Photo：Haneda Airport-International Passenger Terminal-View from the Observation Deck Located in Tokyo, Haneda Airport is one of Japan's most popular airports, connecting flights to Tokyo and the rest of the world, and it is used by many travelers. It has been awarded the World's Cleanest Airport title for 3 consecutive years by the British air transportation rating organization. Chubu Centrair Airport (Nagoya, Japan) was ranked second, and then Incheon Airport (South Korea), Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport followed. Every facility in Haneda Airport is kept clean to provide maximum comfort to travelers, as is shown in the video from 1:12. Haneda Airport has seen an increase in foreign passengers in recent years, with the number of passengers nearly tripling between 2012 and 2017. It is being prepared for an increase in passengers expected at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The cleanliness of the airport reflects the Japanese concept of "hospitality". Haneda Airport features Terminal 1 & 2 exclusively used for domestic flights and International Terminal (Terminal 3). Haneda Airport has three domestic terminals, Haneda Airport Terminal 1 and 2, and Haneda Airport International Terminal, each of which is used respectively by the airlines JAL, ANA and SKY. It has an observation deck where you can enjoy watching planes taking off and landing, as well as restaurants and shops. Haneda Airport can be reached by train from JR Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho stations, or by limousine buses in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. The hotel and parking garage make it very convenient. The Incredible Hospitabitlity of Haneda Airport Photo：Haneda Airport Terminal 2 The airport is kept clean by the cleaning staff who never cut corners. They fully commit themselves - After washing off the stains on the polished floor, they measure the glossiness of the surface with a gloss meter to keep it at a certain level. This can be seen at 1:38. From 3:11, the video captures the toilet cleaning scene using a hand-mirror as not to miss any dirt. The International Terminal Senior Manager speaks about why they keep the airport so clean from 4:17. The efforts are made not only to offer the hospitality, but also for security and safety reasons as well. If the establishment is clean and in order, suspicious objects stand out and can be spotted immediately. Owing to the efforts made by the airport staff, Haneda Airport has become an airport praised by international travelers. The video contains interviews of the cleaning staff as well as of foreign passengers. Summary of Haneda Airport Tokyo MX's video focuses on the commitment of the Haneda Airport staff that has led to it being crowned the World's Cleanest Airport. The cleanliness of Haneda Airport represents Japanese hospitality. If you watch the video, you'll be able to appreciate the fact that the cleaning staff has received rave reviews from foreigners for the great work they do. Haneda Airport Information 【Address】Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan 【Access】15 minutes from Shinagawa Station by way of the Keikyu Airport Line. 20 minutes from Hamamatsucho Station, by way of the Tokyo Monorail. 【Parking】A toll car park 【Telephone No】03-5757-8111 【Official Website】 Haneda Airport Terminal https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/

The Video That’ll Take You Back Through the History of Cell Phones in Japan! The video we’ll introduce this time is one that looks back through the history of cell phones in the 30 years of the Heisei era. The video is called "【On-Site】Memory of Heisei, 30 Years of ‘Cell Phone’ Evolution（【現場から、】平成の記憶、「携帯電話」進化の３０年）"and is publicized by ‘TBS NEWS’. To say that cell phones are a truly indispensable infrastructure in Japan, a modern society, is not an exaggeration. A network disruption, once it takes place, becomes news all throughout society. In the early days of the Heisei era (around 1989), the use of cell phones was few and the general public did not carry them regularly. Now, the norm is 1 phone per person. Let’s look into the history of cell phones to see how they managed to evolve to a such great extent. History of Cell Phones 1: When Did the History Begin? The Early-Heisei Era and the Rise of Cell Phones Source :YouTube screenshot The history of cell phones began with shoulder phones launched in Showa 60 (1985). This can be seen from 0:37 in the video. At the time, it weighed 3kg and required ¥200,000 as a deposit on top of basic charge and call charges, so only about 490,000 contracts were made and it was a status symbol during the bubble economy. It was remotely a commodity in the wider society. The youngsters who only know of present cell phones would be astounded by its stunningly large size. As time passed, it became smaller little by little but didn’t amount to wide dissemination among the public. Then came the Heisei era. In the early days of the Heisei era, the size of shoulder phones became small and pagers and PHS were in. And in Heisei 11 (1999), the history of cell phones reached a tipping point. People not only talked on cell phones, they started to use them. Cell phones were dubbed Ketai and Docomo launched i-mode. Now connected to the internet, the number of cell phone contracts in Japan exploded. Source :YouTube screenshot In Heisei 12 (2000), ringtone service began, and in Heisei 14 (2002), cell phones with a camera were launched causing the ‘PIX’ (a message with a picture), fad. 1seg was also equipped to the phones, enabling people to watch TV programs on them, marking the transition from the period of analogue technology to one of digital. This is shown from 1:30 in the video. By then, the number of contracts had reached around 81 million, and a society in which almost every Japanese carried a phone was forming. With au (formerly IDO) and vodafone (formerly J-PHONE) joining the market with Docomo, it was a period where designs of phones became stylish and cool and communication technology saw a massive improvement. History of Cell Phones 2: Feature phones that went through a unique evolution in Japan! Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan, folding cell phones were popular until the mid-Heisei era. They were called "Garake", and many used it on a daily basis. The history of cell phones reached a critical juncture which led to modern cell phones. In Heisei 20 (2008), Softbank Mobile started selling the iPhone in Japan. On the day of release, more than 1,500 people lined up in a queue craving for the iPhone. Masayoshi Son, the CEO of Softbank Mobile at the time, said “the computer is now in the palm of your hand”, which is shown from 2:20 in the video. Smartphone was dubbed Sumaho (based on the Japanese pronunciation) and became widely popular. With the advent of smartphones, ‘Insta-bae’ where people take photos and upload them to the social media such as Instagram became a trend. Many companies now provide kakuyasu smartphones where prices are cheaper than they used to be. The video describes how smartphones now ‘connect’ people 24 hours, both in good and bad ways. History of Cell Phones 3 Evolution of phones into the future! Source :YouTube screenshot Japan, now in the Reiwa era, a period of next generation wireless communications has already begun. Starting with 5G, providing a speed a hundred times faster than the present, the use of electronic money is expanding as well. App stores are overflowing with new apps as well, making them indispensable in everyday life. Remote control of a robot is possible with just the touch of a button on your phone in this period. This can be seen at 3:03 in the video. How will cell phones transform in the future? No one can say for sure. Only time will tell. Summary of the History of Cell Phones This time, we introduced the history of cell phones in Japan. We’re sure many of you felt the nostalgia watching the video. The 30-year-long Heisei era is known as the period where phones went through an unimaginable evolution, but we can’t be more excited about the transformation of phones, becoming more and more convenient, in the future!

Antenna Shops in Ginza and Yurakucho! “Strengthening Cooperation! Antenna Shop Battlefield（連携強化！　アンテナショップ激戦区）,” created by “Tokyo MX,” is a news clip that was broadcast on January 18th, 2017. There are many antenna shops that are operated by local governments and companies from all over Japan. Antenna shops are shops that sell local products, foods, traditional crafts and souvenirs. There are also sightseeing information booths and restaurants/cafés that sell local cuisine and sweets. It is like a showroom and gallery for local governments. As you can see at 0:27, there are a lot of antenna shops inGinza and Yurakucho, creating a sort of "antenna shop war-zone." In this article we'll introduce popular products at antenna shops in Yurakucho. Be sure to follow along with the video! Antenna Shops around Yurakucho Source :YouTube screenshot The antenna shop battlefield from Yurakucho to Ginza is 300 meters in diameter. According to research, annual sales of Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza reached over one billion yen; 100 million yen of which is from soft-served ice cream. You can see the survey results at 0:35 in the video. Soft-served ice cream costs 350 yen (~$3.50 USD), which means there are a lot of people visiting this place. At 2:18 in the video, you can see Hiroshima Brand shop TAU and Okinawa Ginza Washita Shop, which have sales between 700 million and 1 billion yen. As introduced at 1:45, Oishii Yamagata Plaza sells "tama konjac," a local specialty, as well as fresh local vegetables from Yamagata. Antenna Shop Cooperation Source :YouTube screenshot The antenna shops around Yurakucho cooperated to bring more visitors to the area. The "National Men's Ekiden Stamp Rally," a coordinated event that ran from January 6th to the 22nd in 2017, was a stamp rally event to visit 16 shops in the Yurakucho area with a stamp collecting card. If you collected seven stamps, you could enter to win a gift from the local government and merchandise for Ekiden. The main antenna shop during the event is “Hiroshima Brand shop TAU.” The branch manager talks about why he started the event and introduces the popular product “Hassaku Orange Rice Cakes” during his interview. Summary of Yurakucho's Antenna Shops Photo：Raw Yatsuhashi “Strengthening Cooperation! Antenna Shop Battlefield” introduces how lively the antenna shops in Yurakucho are. There are other antenna shops in Kochi, Tokushima, Kagawa, Hakata, Akita, Toyama, Osaka and Shizuoka as well. There's also Hokkaido Foodist and Kyoto Kan around Yaesu, Tokyo. The antenna shops in Ikebukuro, Kansai, Fukuoka, Nagano, Aomori, Gifu, and Aichi are gaining popularity as well. Be sure to check out the homepage to see store hours and holidays. Enjoy buying local products from all over Japan in the heart of Tokyo!

UNIQLO Ginza This video, titled "UNIQLO Opens a New Flagship Store, the Largest of its Kind, in Tokyo's Ginza," was created by "Kyodo News." It's a news video features a preview for the media on March 15, 2012, the day before UNIQLO Ginza opened, as well as a press conference with Tadashi Yanai, the Chairman, President, and CEO of UNQLO's management company, Fast Retailing. UNIQLO Ginza is the world’s largest global flagship store, occupying approximately all 5,000 square meters of a 12-story building on the main street in Ginza, Tokyo. In this article, we'll introduce UNIQLO and talk about UNIQLO Ginza. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read this article! What You Need to Know About UNIQLO Ginza Source :YouTube screenshot The UNIQLO Ginza store in Chuo-Ward (中央区, Chuo-Ku), Tokyo, introduced in the video, was opened on March 16th, 2012 as the ninth in a series of global flagship stores around the globe. The store is located in the heart of Ginza, just a four-minute walk from Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya Lines, the closest station to UNIQLO. The global flagship store will serve as a base for sending out information about UNIQLO as a global brand to the world. Tadashi Yanai touches on this in the press conference shown at 1:04 as well. In addition to offering the world's largest lineup of the latest men's, women's, children's, and baby clothing in a wide range of sizes, the store also has a concierge service to guide customers through the store and provide assistance in six languages, including Japanese, English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Korean. You can see the inside of UNIQLO Ginza at 0:13 in the video. About UNIQLO Source :YouTube screenshot UNIQLO is a clothing store founded in 1974. They manufacture and retail high-quality, low-priced, casual wear brands through integrated control of product planning, production, distribution, and sales. In addition to stores in Japan, UNIQLO also actively engages in mail-order sales through its online store and overseas expansion, and is well known as a casual wear brand with TV commercials and street advertisements. UNIQLO is especially known for its outerwear, such as down jackets, HEATTECH and fleece, but it also sells pants, shirts, jackets, dresses, collaborative T-shirts, and suits. They have a wide range of clothing available. There are many Thanksgiving and sale items, limited edition items, and recommended products, so be sure to check out their flyers and website. Summary of UNIQLO Ginza Source :YouTube screenshot This video introduces UNIQLO Ginza, the largest UNIQLO in the world with LED displays and a giant window display. We hope you enjoyed the video, which gives an overview of UNIQLO's extensive lineup of products in the store. ◆UNIQLO Ginza Store Information◆ 【Address】1st floor to 12th floor of GINZA KOMATSU East Building, 6-9-5, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. 104-0061 【Access】A four-minute walk from Ginza Station, on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line and Hibiya Line 【Hours】11:00-21:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】None 【Phone】03-6252-5181 【Official Website】UNIQLO｜UNIQLO Ginza Store https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/shop/ginza/?lang=en 【Tripadvisor】UNIQLO Ginza Store https://www.tripadvisor.jp/ShowUserReviews-g14129573-d2692803-r565777759-Uniqlo_Ginza-Ginza_Chuo_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Volunteer Work of Canada's National Rugby Team Take a look at the video titled "Rugby Game Cancelled - Canadian National Team Volunteers in Kamaishi" (ラグビー試合中止　カナダ代表が釜石でボランティア). In October 2019, Japan was devastated by Typhoon Hagibis. The players of the Canadian national team, who had their match in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan cancelled due to the typhoon, took to the devastated area, and volunteered to aid in the recovery. News of this spread like wildfire throughout Japan, moving its citizens. The Rugby World Cup Photo：Rugby The 2019 Rugby World Cup, hosted by Japan, grabbed the attention of the entire world, and is still fresh in the mind of many people. In addition to the Canadian team shown in the video, South Africa, France, England, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, and Wales participated in the tournament, with a number of exciting matches. Thanks to the Rugby World Cup, visitors from all over the world have come to Japan. The 2019 Rugby World Cup - The Center Attention in Japan Photo：Rugby The 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan is the 9th Rugby World Cup. It took place between September 20th and November 2nd, 2019. Japan advanced to a record 8th place finish against global competition, much to the delight of many fans who watched the event. Many people jumped onto the bandwagon as Japan progressed through the tournament, placing Japan in a whirlwind of enthusiasm. Eventually, the Republic of South Africa smashed England in the final and was crowned as the champion. A large number of rugby fans also turned out for the commemorative parade held after the tournament, which was a huge success. The term 'ONE TEAM', born out of the Rugby World Cup, won the 2019 Buzzword Award (新語・流行語大賞, Shingo・Ryukogo Taisho). On top of that, 'Jackal' and 'The Man Who Never Smiles' also attracted a lot of attention, and sales of rugby tickets and merchandise were up significantly, as Japan experienced a rugby boom. The Volunteer Activity by the Canadian National Team 画像引用 :YouTube screenshot Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture (岩手県, Iwateken), in Japan's Tohoku Region, damaged severely by the typhoon, was also dilapidated in the 2011 Tohoku Triple Disaster. Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, built to symbolize recovery and encourage the victims, was one of the stadiums used to host the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. The Canadian national team was scheduled to play against the Namibian national team at Kamaishi Unosumai Memorial Stadium on October 13, 2019, but the game was cancelled due to Typhoon Hagibis. The Canadian nationals, who had their game cancelled, visited the residential area hit by the typhoon and volunteered by removing dirt and debris from affected areas. The Canadian players, with huge bodies, as shown in the video at 0:32, removed dirt from the affected areas together with the locals with a shovel scoop and a brush. The deeds of the players that volunteered despite the ongoing Rugby World Cup, became a beacon of hope for many victims affected by the disaster. Summary of the Volunteer Activities by the Canadian National Team Source :YouTube screenshot YouTube screenshot introduced the Canadian national team's efforts to aid in the disaster caused by Typhoon Higibis. The admirable decision of the Canadian national team to volunteer in the disaster-stricken area moved the people of Japan The heated and exciting matches, as well as the passion of the players, left us with one of the most memorable Rugby World Cups in history. 【Official Website】Rugby World Cup https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2021

Japan's New Year's Tuna Auction This video, titled "Reiwa｜New Year's Tuna Auction｜and the Winner Is..." (令和初　マグロ初競り　落札したのは・・・), is a video that recorded the first tuna auction of the New Year in the first year of Reiwa (Japan's newest era). The annual New Year's Tuna Auction is held at Toyosu Market in the Tokyo Central Wholesale Market in Koto ward, Tokyo It was President Kiyoshi Kimura, shown at 0:47 in the video, that won the tuna for 193.2 million yen (~$1.8m USD); the second highest price in the history of the auction. In this article, we introduce the New Year's tuna auction and the president of Sushi Zanmai who won the expensive fish. The New Year's Tuna Auction: What Kind of Event Is It? Source :YouTube screenshot The New Year's Tuna Auction, in which Oma tuna is auctioned off at a high price unique to New Year, is an annual event that many fishermen participate in to celebrate the new year. The first auction for the 2020 tuna, shown in this video, began just after 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, and the Toyosu Market was filled with loud and energetic shouting. You can watch the auction starting at 0:04. The first tuna auctioned each year is called "Ichiban Tuna" (lit. "the first tuna"). The fish chosen is selected based on size, freshness, shape and taste. Every year at the New Year's Tuna Auction, the magnificent "Ichiban Tuna" is auctioned off at a so-called "celebratory price." Not only industry insiders, but now even the general public is paying attention to see how much the first auction for bluefin tuna, known as the "diamond of the sea" or "black diamond," will go for. The President of Sushizanmai Source :YouTube screenshot At the first tuna auction in 2020, Kiyoshi Kimura, president of Kiyomura, a sushi zanmai restaurant, won the bid for a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori Prefecture. At 193.2 million yen (700,000 yen per kilogram), it was the second most expensive tuna sold at the auction. It is said that roughly 10,000 pieces of sushi can be made from this tuna. The highest ever tuna auction was recorded at 333.6 million yen, which was awarded by President Kiyoshi Kimura of Sushizanmai last year. Speaking of the president, Kiyoshi Kimura, is famous for posing with both hands spread out while shouting "Sushizanmai!!" Mr. Kimura, president of Sushi Zanmai, is also called "The Tuna Shogun" or "The Don of the Tuna Industry" by officials. Summary of the New Year's Tuna Auction Photo：Tuna This time, we introduced the New Year's Tuna Auction. In recent years, it has become standard practice for the president of Sushi Zanmai to make the winning bid for the first tuna of the auction, but the amount of the winning bid has drawn attention from all over Japan. As for the fishermen's share of the winning bid, 1.5% of the money will go to the Aomori Prefectural Fisheries Federation, 4% to the Oma Fishing Cooperative, and 5.5% to the consignees, with 89% going to the fishermen who caught the fish. At 1:14 in the video, the first delicious tuna sushi of Sushizanmai is also introduced; be sure to check it out! 【Official Website】Sushizanmai sushi in Tokyo http://www.kiyomura.co.jp/

This video, titled "A Unique Building in Ginza: Based on the Theme of 'Sukashibori' (16/06/15)" (銀座にユニークなビル出現・・・「透かし彫り」がテーマ(16/06/15)), was released by "ANNnewsCH." The Ginza Place building, which opened in 2016 at the Ginza 4-Chome intersection, has 11 floors above ground and two basement levels, and is based on a traditional craft called "Sukashibori" (openwork/pierced work/fretwork) that involves creating patterns on thin sheets of wood. It contains a Sony showroom, an event space, restaurants, and many other areas, and as a "landmark for creating the Ginza of tomorrow," it serves as a base for contributing to the creation of a district in Ginza that communicates new values and a future for the world from Japan. The architect in charge of the exterior design was Klein Dytham Architecture, an internationally acclaimed firm with a deep knowledge of Japan.

The Japanese Passport - The Strongest Passport in the World! The video in this article is titled "The World's Strongest Passport 'The Trustworthy Japanese' (18/12/29)" (世界最強パスポートを支える「日本人の信頼」(18/12/29)). In 2018, the Japanese passport became the world's strongest passport, beating out Singapore in the number of countries which you can visit without a visa. The Japanese passport can now take you to 190 countries without visas. In this article, we will introduce information about the Japanese passport. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! Research on Visas Photo：Blue City Introduced is a survey by a UK company that ranks the "most travel-friendly passports" in order of strength. According to the survey, conducted in January 2018, Japan was granted visa-free travel to Uzbekistan, famous for the ancient city of Samarkand, also known as the "Blue City," which can be seen at 0:59 in the video, and in October 2018, to Myanmar, which is shown at 1:22 in the video, leading to it being ranked first in the world! As a result, the Japanese can now visit Myanmar's famous world heritage site, the Shwedagon Pagoda, without a visa. Why Is the Japanese Passport Trusted? Source :YouTube screenshot At 2:05 in the video, we're shown an interview with Taro Kono, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the interview, the increase in visa-free travel to these areas is largely due to the economic power and reliability of the Japanese people. This means that the world expects and welcomes Japanese tourists because they are safe and trustworthy. Passports and Visas Photo：Passport A passport is an identification certificate that contains information about a person, such as their nationality, etc. When you travel abroad, you need to apply for a passport at your local passport center and have it issued to you. It's important to remember that it takes some time for a passport to be issued and that it's only valid for a certain amount of time. Recently, registration for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is also required to visit the U.S. A visa is an entry permit, and depending on the destination, you will not be able to leave the country without one. Different Kinds of Passports Source :YouTube screenshot The passport introduced at 3:17 in the video, is an official passport, called a "diplomatic passport" for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which is different from the red and blue passports (general passports) that most people have. Also, as introduced in the video at 4:57, the imperial couple is treated as head of a state, and therefore do not have passports. Summary of the Japanese Passport Today, we introduced the Japanese passports - Now the strongest passport in the world! The fact that Japan has the strongest passport in the world is just a testament to the trust that Japanese tourists hold around the world. It's great to know that Japanese people are welcome in 190 countries and regions. Do you know how many countries you can visit with your passport?