This video, titled "Three Japanese Winners at the Lausanne International Ballet (10/02/2019)" (ローザンヌ国際バレエで快挙　日本人の3人が入賞(19/02/10)), was released by "ANNnewsCH." The news featured in this video is that three Japanese teenage dancers won prizes at the Lausanne International Ballet Competition, a gateway to young dancers, in 2019. Third place went to 18 year old Sumina Sasaki, from Higashi Osaka City, fourth place went to Yu Wakizuka, 17, from Osaka City, and eighth place went to 18 year old Mio Sumiyama, from Tokyo, who is currently studying at a ballet school in Zurich, Switzerland.

Dinosaur Fossils Discovered on Koshiki Island We would like to introduce the video "Dinosaur fossil discovered on the coast of Koshiki Island! The Nippon Foundation Umitonihon PROJECT in Kagoshima 2018 #09（甑島の海辺で恐竜の化石発見！ 日本財団 海と日本PROJECT in 鹿児島 2018 #09）". The National Museum of Nature and Science (国立科学博物館, kokuritsukagakuhakubutsukan) and Sendai city, Kagoshima prefecture in the Japan's Kyushu region, announced the discovery of a 70 cm long dinosaur fossil on Koshiki Island. At 0:54 in the video you can see the surprised yet delighted reaction of Miyake Yuka, a staff member at the Koshiki Museum on Shimokoshiki Island (下甑島, shimokoshikishima). Exactly what kind of fossil did they find? Koshiki Island, a Sightseeing Spot Steeped in History Koshiki Island is comprised of a chain of islands in the East China sea that lay to the west of Satsumasendai city in Kagoshima prefecture. It is a place abundant with nature and outstanding towering cliffs that rise 200 meters above the ocean floor. Kamikoshiki Island, Nakakoshiki Island (中甑島, nakakoshikishima) and Shimokoshiki Island make up the Koshiki Archipelago (甑列島, koshikirettou), a place steeped in ancient history which was formed from several uninhabited islands. The cliff shown at the opening of the video is composed of stratum that was formed from the Cretaceous period to the Paleogene period. The oldest stratum on the island dates back 80 million years. More About the Dinosaur Fossil Found on Koshiki Island Koshiki Island is attracting a lot of attention as dinosaur fossils are being discovered one after another. The joint research team from Satsumasendai city and Kumamoto University (熊本大学, kumamotodaigaku) discovered the 70 cm long dinosaur fossil in 2016, and it is the largest fossil found to date. You can see the fossil and an interview with Komatsu Toshifumi (assistant professor of the cutting edge science research department at Kumamoto University) from 1:20 in the video. You can also hear the surprised reactions of the other research team members. About the Dinosaur Research From 3:36 in the video, you can hear more about the fossil of an herbivorous dinosaur from the Ceratopsidae family (the first in Japan and third in Asia to be discovered) that was found in 2012. The ribs and teeth from a carnivorous dinosaur, part of the root of a tooth from a ceratopsian dinosaur, ammonites and other reptile fossils have also been discovered here. You can also take a look at how fossil cleaning is performed from 3:58 in the video. You can see how excited the staff member is to have the opportunity to clean such a large fossil. A year and a half after being discovered, it had become clearer what kind of dinosaur fossil they had found. The fossil dates back 70 million years and is from the femur of an herbivorous dinosaur of the Hadrosauridae family. The dinosaur is estimated to have been over 10 meters tall. You can see an artist's reconstruction of the dinosaur from 5:07 in the video. Dinosaur Fossils on Koshiki Island: Summary It is estimated that this fossil was from a dinosaur that lived close to the time of the extinction of the dinosaurs. It is thought that this fossil will become a useful resource to help us learn more about the extinction of the dinosaurs. There are still many mysteries surrounding the extinction of the dinosaurs. The continued work performed by researchers around the world is sure to uncover more information on these dinosaur fossils. In Koshiki museum's preparation room, not only can you see this ancient dinosaur fossil up close, but you also have chance to take part in many events such as a dinosaur fossil excavation tour. We highly recommend a visit to Koshiki museum to any dinosaur fans! 【Official Website】Koshiki Island Tourist Bureau's official website https://satsumasendai.gr.jp/koshiki-sight-seeing/

The National Museum of Western Art's World Heritage Registration This is a breaking news video from July 2016, published by "ANNnewsCH", titled "The Ueno-National Museum of Western Art is a World Heritage Site; The 20th in Japan（上野・国立西洋美術館が世界遺産に　日本で20件目）". The UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2016, was on the 17 buildings around the world designed by French architect Le Corbusier. Le Corbusier's architectural works are "a remarkable contribution to the modern architectural movement", and as such, it was registered as a World Heritage site. The National Museum of Western Art, located in Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo, is one of the World Heritage sites that span multiple regions, including Europe, South America and Asia. What's So Amazing About Being Registered as a World Heritage Site, and What Are They? Source :This article Video Japan has many historic cultural and natural sites that have become world heritage sites such as Mt. Fuji, Himeji Castle, Yakushima, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Gassho-zukuri Villages, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Itsukushima Shrine, and Shurijo Castle. The National Museum of Western Art, introduced in this video, has been registered as Japan's 20th World Heritage Site. The National Museum of Western Art, completed in 1959, is the only Corbusier building in Japan. One of the highlights of the building is its unique construction method which supports the first floor only using columns. This can be seen in the video at 0:35. This construction method had a great influence on modern Japanese architecture. The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo has been registered by the World Heritage Convention as a World Heritage Site in recognition of its "prominent universal value". What Kind of Place Is the National Museum of Western Art? Source :This article Video The National Museum of Western Art, now registered as a World Heritage site, specializes in displaying modern Western art works. Originally, it started with a collection exhibition called the "Matsukata collection" (Koujiro Matsukata), but now there are many paintings and sculptures by European artists such as Monet and Van Gogh as well. In addition to the permanent exhibition at the main building, popular exhibition events such as the Habsburg exhibition also attract a lot of attention. A Summary of the National Museum of Western Art Photo : The National Museum of Western Art At 1:00 in the video, you can see the delight on their faces as the museums curators hear it will be registered as a World Heritage Site. When visiting Tokyo, consider taking a trip to the National Museum of Western Art, a beautiful architectural display housing many other works of art. ◆National Museum of Western Art, facility overview◆ 【Address】7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo 【Access】1 minute walk from JR Ueno Station 【Admission fee / ticket fee】500 yen for general, 250 yen for university students (* as of April 2020) 【Hours of Operation】 9:30 to 17:30, and 9:30 to 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays 【Closures】Monday 【Average time spent here】About 90 minutes 【Official website】 The National Museum of Western Art https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/

Toyosu Market's "Edomae Jokamachi" Is Open for Business! This video is titled "[Edomae Jokamachi] Opened on the 24th in Toyosu Market." It introduces Edomae Jokamachi, a popular destination opened for a limited time in Tokyo's Toyosu Market in 2020. To mark the opening on January 24, 2020, a commemorative ceremony and preview were held the day before. The interior of the Edomae Jokamachi, seen from 0:12 in the video, is in a traditional Japanese style completely made of wood. There are 21 restaurants. including charcoal-grill restaurants and sushi restaurants that use fresh seafood delivered directly from Toyosu Market, as well as Oden restaurants. There are also 70 shops located here as well. Governor Yuriko Koike can be seen enjoying her visit to the preview of Edomae Jokamachi at 0:48 in the video. Limited Time Items at Edomae Jokamachi Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of Edomae Jokamachi is the shops selling limited time items! At 1:08, you can see the sweets made by Nishikawawa, a fruit wholesaler at Toyosu Market, and other shops that offer fresh seasonal ingredients. The main purpose of opening Edomae Jokamachi was to create a lively market. Originally, the facility was scheduled to open with the relocation of Toyosu Market in 2018 creating a flood of customers, but due to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's difficult negotiations with the operator, the opening was pushed back to the spring of 2023. Edomae Jokamachi General Information Source :YouTube screenshot

Check out the Video of the Medal of Honor Award Winner Hiroyuki Sanada The video "Bringing Japan to the Rest of the World. Medal of Honor Award Winner Hiroyuki Sanada (世界へ日本発信続けたい 紫綬褒章に真田広之さん)" features footage of a press conference with actor Hiroyuki Sanada who was awarded the Medal of Honor with a Purple Ribbon in 2018. Action movie star Hiroyuki Sanada was one of 797 people to be awarded the Medal of Honor with a Purple Ribbon. His breathtaking performances in Hollywood blockbusters such as the Last Samurai and the Avengers have seen him gain huge popularity worldwide. In this article you can learn more about his career as well as about the Medal of Honor he was awarded in 2018. What Is the Medal of Honor with a Purple Ribbon? Photo：Microphone The Medal of Honor with a Purple Ribbon is an award that was established in 1955 due to an amendment in the medal of honor rules and regulations and is awarded for scholarly or artistic achievement. To be more specific, great achievements such as discoveries or inventions in the field of science or excellent performances in the field of sports or art. In the past, the Medal of Honor was been awarded to figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu, gymnast Takehiro Kashima, judo athlete Ryoko Tani, swimmer Kosuke Kitajima as well as the Japan baseball team who won the first World Baseball Classic, and other groups for their remarkable achievements. More About the Actor Hiroyuki Sanada Source :YouTube screenshot Hiroyuki Sanada, whose Medal of Honor award interview you can see in this video, is a popular actor who has appeared in various television dramas, movies and commercials. He was born in Tokyo, is currently 59 years old (as of 2020), is 170cm tall and is proficient in English. He began acting at the age of 5 years old. He debuted in a movie by Chiba Shinichi and then joined the Japan Action Club (JAC) where he continued to improve his acting skills. In recent years, he starred in the American television drama LOST and several Hollywood blockbusters, advancing him to the level of worldwide star. Hiroyuki Sanada was previously married but divorced in 1997. He has two sons who are also pursuing careers in acting. Medal of Honor Winner Hiroyuki Sanada Video Summary Photo：Hollywood This video contains interview footage of the Medal of Honor winner Hiroyuki Sanada who talks of his joy at winning the award and also of his future plans in the world of acting. With a nervous look on his face, he speaks of his surprise and joy at winning the award and from 2:06 in the video he explains how he plans to continue to expand his career as an actor and his determination to bring what Japan has to offer to the rest of the world behind-the-scenes. If watching this video has sparked an interest in the popular actor Hiroyuki Sanada, please check out some of the previously mentioned Hollywood movies he has starred in!

Pedaling Made Easy Thanks to "Free Power" This video, titled "Hill Climbing Made Easy｜A Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle (10/18/2019)" (坂道もスイスイ　電動じゃないアシスト自転車とは？(18/10/19)), was produced by "ANNnewsCH." It introduces "Free Power," a power assisted bicycle not powered by electricity! This article will talk about the revolutionary non-electric power assisted bicycle "Free Power FG-1" (フリーパワーFG-1), that doesn't use motors, batteries, or electricity and costs 1/3 of a normal, electric power assisted bicycle. From 3:01 in the video, the news anchor can be seen riding the bicycle and seeing what it's like. She's blurts out how surprised she is saying things like "it doesn’t even feel like you're going up a hill!" Be sure to take a look at the video to see what "Free Power" is capable of! The Non-Electric, Assisted Bicycle, "Free Power" Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan and many other places, the bicycle is a necessary item in daily life, used for going to work or to school, and in Japan, where there's a LOT of hills, you need a lot of physical strength to get around without walking. For that reason, in recent years, power assisted bicycles have become very popular and the numbers of products being shipped overseas is also on the rise. In the video, a new type of non-electric assisted bike is shown. The non-electric assisted bicycle "Free Power" uses the "free power crank gear," with a specialized silicon piece inside, that can be attached to the pedal of the bicycle you are currently using (some bikes may not be compatible). You can see how to attach the gear at 2:48 in the video. The way it works is that when you pedal, the silicone absorbs the force and makes it lighter, and due to the repellent force, there is more acceleration. This makes it easier to move forward and reduces energy loss. The details of the parts of the assist gear are explained at 3:49 in the video. The Effects and Features of "Free Power" Source :YouTube screenshot The effects and features of "Free Power" are as follows: 1. Very easy to start pedaling 2. Easy on joints (knees, ankles, etc.) 3. Able to sustain speed 4. Easy to travel uphill and pedal for long distances 5. Less prone to sore muscles Free Power was developed by Free Power Inc. and is sold at stores like Cycle Olympic and more. It's possible to have the assist gear attached at stores where they are sold, and the number of stores that stock them is continuing to increase. It is a very popular product and is continuously sold out, so be careful not to miss your chance! Summary of the Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle "Free Power" Photo：A mother and child on an electric-assisted bike "Free Power" provides long term pedaling support without the need to carry a heavy battery and without worrying about running out of charge. Watching the video "Hill Climbing Made Easy｜A Non-Electric Assisted Bicycle (10/18/2019)" you'll probably be surprised at how easy it is to get around. If you're like many, and find yourself riding your bike for long distances and being worn out, why not give "Free Power" a try? 【Official Website】FREE POWER｜Bicycle｜Bicycle Repair https://www.olympic-corp.co.jp/cycle/freepower

What is the Ig Nobel Prize? Do you know of the Ig Nobel Prize? This video, “The Winners of This Years Ig Nobel Prize Are Once Again Japanese (The Daily Saliva of 5 Year Old Children) イグノーベル賞今年も日本人『5歳児の1日の唾液量』(19/09/13)” introduces the awards ceremony of the Ig Nobel Prize, 2019. The Ig Nobel Prize is a parody of the Nobel Prize, with the first awards ceremony held in 1991 at Harvard University in Massachusetts, America. Now, it has become an annual event, and is a scientific award recognized worldwide. The selection criteria is research which “first makes people laugh, and then makes them think”, and similarly to the genuine Nobel Prize, the Ig Nobel Prize is made up of several different categories. In recent years, the Japanese winners of the Nobel Prize have been buzzed about, but in actuality, Japanese researchers have been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for 13 consecutive years, beginning from 2007. The 2019 winner was Professor Watanabe Shigeru and his 5-man team from Meikai University. They were awarded the prize for their study on the “estimation of the total saliva volume produced per day in 5-year-old children”. What is the content of this year’s Japanese Ig Nobel Prize-winning study? Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Professor Watanabe’s team won the Ig Nobel Prize for chemistry. Their study involved measuring the amount of saliva produced by 5-year-olds in order to maintain the cleanliness of their oral cavity. The study consisted of the researchers feeding 5-year-old children a pre-determined volume of food, having them chew and then spit the food out without swallowing, then measuring the spat-out food and comparing the volume to that at the beginning of the experiment. Through this, the researchers estimated that the children produced about 500 milliliters of saliva per day. At the awards ceremony, the researchers reenacted the experiment using a banana. This can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot The winners of the prize have only 60 seconds to make a speech, with a girl named Miss Sweetie Poo crying out, “Please stop! I’m bored!” if that time limit is breached. This can be seen from 0:53 in the video. The awards ceremony begins with the audience throwing paper airplanes at the stage, followed by the winners entering on a rope. From start to finish, the venue is filled with laughter. It might seem difficult to win an award for science, but the Ig Nobel Prize is a unique international science award overflowing with humor and, occasionally, irony. However, the academic papers concerning these award-winning research studies have even been published in the English science journal “Nature”, showing that these studies have genuine scientific significance. An overview of the Japanese Ig Nobel Prize winners for 13 consecutive years Source :YouTube screenshot These are some of the main Japanese prize winners. ・1992 Kanda Fujihiroshi (Medicine): For the discovery of the chemical compounds responsible for foot malodor. The first Japanese winner. ・1997 Maita Aki (Economics): For “Tamagotchi”, which diverted millions of man-hours of work into the husbandry of virtual pets. That year was a double win for Japan, with the prize for Biology awarded to Yagyu Takashi. ・2002 Sato Keita and others (Peace): For inventing Bow-Lingual, a dog-to-human language translation device ・2004 Inoue Daisuke (Peace): For inventing karaoke, allowing people to spend a peaceful time together ・2016 Higashiyama Atsuki and others (Perception): For investigating whether things look different when you bend over and view them between your legs All of these and more are part of the 71 Japanese winners of the Ig Nobel Prize as of 2019. Summary of this video regarding the Ig Nobel Prize and the study on the amount of saliva produced in one day by 5-year-old children Source :YouTube screenshot Although Japan has a significant number of Ig Nobel Prize winners even compared to countries worldwide, in Asia, South Korea’s professors as well as religious experts have also been recipients of the prize. In addition, the study “cats are liquids”, which trended on the Internet, was actually conducted by a team of researchers from France. Of course, though cats are solid beings, they have extraordinary flexibility, and thus are occasionally seen as liquids. This humorous thesis invited many laughs from the audience. The reward for winning the Ig Nobel Prize is 10 trillion Zimbabwe dollars! However, this is a currency no longer in circulation and thus not even worth a penny…

An Introduction to Marie Kondo, the Organizing Consultant! This time, we'll introduce the video “Marie Kondo: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up / アメリカでもベストセラー！「人生がときめく片づけの魔法」こんまり人気に迫る！” This is the video featuring Marie Kondo , an organizing consultant. Her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” sold as many as 5 million copies across 41 countries. Some people have even called it the "Cleaning Bible". What Is Marie Kondo Like? Source :YouTube screenshot Marie Kondo is a small lady, at just 147 cm tall. She lives in America with her husband and their children. Her blog and Instagram explain how to organize rooms. Many fans pay attention to her Social Networking Service. Marie Kondo also runs an online shop selling kitchen and bath goods. Her picture book “Kiki & Jax The Life-Changing Magic of Friendship” published in 2019 also became a hot topic for a while. In 2015, she garnered a lot of attention after being featured on the TV program “Jounetsutairik." The original Netflix series “KonMari The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” where American families are visited and receive help tidying up is also very popular. How Great Marie Kondo's “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up” Is! Source :YouTube screenshot Her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” published in 2010, sold over a million copies and was made into a drama in Japan. Moreover, the English version dominated the top of the charts on Amazon's Best Sellers list. It also came in first and second together with her new book “Spark Joy” in the New York Times' "How-To" list. Marie Kondo was also chosen as one of “the 100 most influential people in the world”. This is introduced at 0:20 in the video. What Is Marie Kondo's Organization Method? Source :YouTube screenshot Marie Kondo’s nickname “Kon Mari” is used as a verb to mean organizing, like “I’m konmari-ing.” in the English speaking world. Nowadays, as a hashtag of organizing, “Kon Mari” is used in Social Networking System. The public interview of Marie Kondo about “The Kon Mari Method” well noticed in New York in Amerika is shown from 1:19 in the video. The secret to Marie Kondo’s organization is “To clean up and keep what is important and what sparks joy” and “to appreciate” one's belongings. According to the journalist (from 2:54 in the video), Marie Kondo told American who love shopping and tend to accumulate things that removing some of them and simplifying, will lead to happiness. The KonMari Method has reached the hearts of many people. Summary of the Video of Marie Kondo, the Organizing Consultant Source :YouTube screenshot Marie Kondo’s way of organizing is getting a lot of attention not only in Japan but also in other countries as well. For those who have endless worries about organizing, and are interested in the Japanese culture of organizing, please refer to Marie Kondo. You can expect more secrets to achieve an organized life by checking out some of the books by “Yamashita Hideko” who proposed “Danshari” (detachment from possessions).

Experience "Kawaii" Culture in Harajuku! "Kawaii" everywhere! Lolita Tour Guide, Harajuku Tour (06/18/26)" (「カワイイ」連発！ロリータガイドと巡る原宿ツアー(18/06/26)」), is a video released by "AnnnewsCH," of a Lolita fashion guide taking foreign tourists on a tour of popular spots in Harajuku, such as grocery stores and cafes. Now that Kawaii (cute) culture is gaining popularity throughout the world, more and more foreigners are coming to Japan to experience the Japanese subculture, instead of touring Japan's high packed tourist attractions. This article introduces Japan's kawaii culture with a focus on Harajuku tours led by Lolita fashionistas. A Look at "Kawaii" Lolitas Photo：Lolita fashion girl A growing number of foreigners visit Japan to take a tour of Takeshita Street, the holy land of lolitas. At present, there are tours that are soaring in popularity among foreign visitors to Japan. That tour, is the lolita-fashion Harajuku tour! Lolita guides will take you through trendy boutiques and cafes dealing with cute fashion, and you can enjoy a tour packed with "kawaii." The tour can be viewed at 0:12 in the video. Lolita fashion refers to cute fashion, such as dolls, clothes with lots of laces and frills, and hairstyles with large ribbons. Street fashion, a look sported by many young women in Japan, is said to have been born in Harajuku. The lolita girl played by Kyoko Fukada, from the movie "Kamikaze Girls" released in 2004, triggered a sudden rise in popularity. The Kawaii Harajuku Tour! Source :YouTube screenshot The Harajuku tour, which allows you to experience kawaii, is a tour that takes you to Takeshita Street, Omotesando, Urahara, Cat Street, Meiji Street, and other kawaii shopping spots where you can discover new forms of kawaii in every corner. Takeshita Street is a shopping street in Jingumae, Shibuya, and is a pedestrian mall for young people.. It's a very exciting spot, filled with couples on dates and students on school trips. This tour will take you to a number of shopping and lunch spots, including boutiques selling Lolita fashion, Instagrammable cafes, and shops offering crepes and other sweets. You can see the kawaii Harajuku tour throughout the video, including shopping at the cute little shop on a back street (1:55), having a quick bite to eat at the cute little cafe (2:17), and experiencing a kawaii show like at 2:26. You can see kawaii everywhere along the Harajuku tour! Japan's Unique "Kawaii" Culture Source :Harajuku Kawaii Tour Kawaii is a Japanese word that expresses loveliness and charm. It is similar to "Cute" when translated into English, but the nuance of "Cute" is slightly different from that of "Kawaii" in Japan as it has a childish feel to it. Since there is no other word that fits the word "Kawaii" exactly, the Japanese word "Kawaii" has come to be used abroad as is. The success of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu was also a catalyst for the popularity of kawaii culture around the world. Recently, BABYMETAL, a band that plays metal music in kawaii fashion, has also become popular overseas, and the number of people from abroad who like kawaii culture may continue to increase in the future. Summary of "Kawaii" Culture Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced the Harajuku Kawaii Tour along with the video "Kawaii" everywhere! Lolita Tour Guide, Harajuku Tour (06/18/26)," by "AnnnewsCH." In the video, you'll see how to enjoy Japan's unique culture by visiting various spots where you can experience "kawaii"! Enjoy a tour that adds a new element of discovery to the traditional experience of Japan! 【Official Website】Takeshita Street official map -Harajuku latest information- https://www.takeshita-street.com/ 【Official Website】Harajuku Kawaii Tour https://www.harajuku-kawaii-tour.com/

The Doraemon Future Department Store! This video is titled "The World's First｜Doraemon Official Store｜A Secret Gadget Experience!" (世界初、「ドラえもん」の公式店　ひみつ道具体験も). It introduces the facilities of the world's first Doraemon official store, as well as the secret gadget experience. It was produced by The Nikkei Shimbun. In 2019, Doraemon, a popular manga/animation, celebrated the 50th anniversary since the beginning of its serialization, with an official goods store commemorating it opening in DiverCity Tokyo - Plaza in Odaiba. (Koto ward, Tokyo). There is a merchandise sales area where official goods that are sold nowhere else can be bought, and a corner where you can try out secret gadgets! First, let's check out what kind of limited merchandise is available in the store! The Doraemon Future Department Store Photo：DiverCity Tokyo Doraemon is a Japanese manga/anime with many fans, and is popular among both children and adults alike . Serialization began in 1969, from Shogakukan's yearly magazine, and TV animations and movies have also become popular. The Doraemon Future Department Store, a mecca for Doraemon fans, is a 5-minute walk from Yurikamome Daiba Station and a 3-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line. You can also use the parking lot at DiverCity Tokyo. There is no admission fee, but you will need to purchase a Future-Department Store coin (fee required) in order to enjoy the secret gadgets shown at 0:22 in the video. It can be quite crowded on weekends, but no numbered tickets are given out, so those visiting will need to wait in line. The shop is open from 10:00 to 21:00. The Doraemon Future Department Store is not a limited-time event store, but rather, a permanent store. That being said, if you miss visiting it on one trip, there's always next time. Official Goods at the Doraemon Future Department Store Source :YouTube screenshot In the shopping area of Doraemon Future Department Store, you can find character mugs, with characters including Nobita, Shizuka, Giant, and Suneo. In addition, at the "Customize Zone," you can have characters embroidered on handkerchiefs sold in the store (this has a fee). This can be seen at 0:14 in the video. You can also post a Doraemon stamp on a special postcard and post it to a post in the store. A point card that earns 1 point for every ¥100 spent at Doraemon Future Department Store has also been implemented. Doraemon Future Department Store Secret Gadget Experience Source :YouTube screenshot At Doraemon Future Department Store, there's a "Secret Equipment Lab" where you can play with secret gadgets from Doraemon's pocket. The "Anywhere door" allows you to voice your desired destination and open the door and experience being there, and there are games such as one where you wear a "bamboo copter" on your head to aim for the sky and another where you tap Dorayaki on a screen. You can see the gadget experience at 0:22. The Suntory Doraemon Time Square, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the series, has a Doraemon-themed clock and, as you can see from 0:54 in the video, a bench where you can take pictures with Doraemon, Nobita and Shizuka. It's a popular photo spot, and you can take great photos to commemorative your trip here. Be sure to post them on your Instagram! The clock is set up in different versions for day and night, and the theme song of Doraemon, sung by Hoshino Gen, is also played from it. It can be seen at 0:40 in the video. Summary of Doraemon Future Department Store Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think about Doraemon Future Shop? Like we said, it's a place popular among both children and adults alike, so if you feel like visiting, don't be shy! The official goods that can't be bought anywhere else, are the perfect souvenirs for any Doraemon fans you know. Visit popular sights and enjoy heaps of fun at Doraemon Future Department Store! ◆Doraemon Future Department Store Facilities◆ 【Address】〒135-0064 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 2F 【Access】5 minutes walking from Yurikamome Daiba Station 【Hours】10：00～21：00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Parking available at DiverCity Tokyo 【Phone number】03-6380-7272 【Official Website】Doraemon Official Shop Future Department Store https://mirai.dora-world.com/en/

Yoshiharu Habu's Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon This video, titled "Yoshiharu Habu, Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon｜Interview" (羽生善治竜王　喜び語る　紫綬褒章受章会見), contains footage of an interview that took place in 2018 with top shogi player Yoshiharu Habu after receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. In 2018, Yoshiharu Habu was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon as well as being publicly presented the National Honor Award (国民栄誉賞, kokumineiyoshou) by the Prime Minister. Please check out this video which contains footage of an interview with Yoshiharu Habu in which he expresses his feelings after winning the prestigious award. More About Yoshiharu Habu and His Career History Source :YouTube screenshot Yoshiharu Habu was born in 1970 and is a professional shogi player famous for winning all seven shogi titles. He has two daughters with his wife Rie Habu (羽生理恵, habu rie). He joined the Hachioji Shogi club (八王子将棋クラブ) when he was an elementary school student and debuted as a professional shogi player in junior high school. After his debut he became the top shogi player in Japan, attracting a lot of attention. According to the Shogi Federation (将棋連盟, shougirenmei), Yoshiharu Habu is the top earner among all shogi players in the country, earning more than 100 million yen (~$1,000,000 USD)/year. What Kind of Player Is Yoshiharu Habu? Photo：Shogi In 2017, Yoshiharu Habu became the first shogi player to win all seven shogi titles: Eisei Ryuo (永世竜王), Juku Eisei Meijin (十九世名人), Eisei Oi (永世王位), Meiyo Oza(名誉王座), Eisei Kio (永世棋王), Eisei Osho (永世王将) and Eisei Kisei (永世棋聖). He also continues to hold the NHK Cup title. Yoshiharu Habu has a famous saying which translates in English to "Don't take the easy victory, dare to make an adventurous move" (目の前の勝利よりあえて冒険的な一手を指す). His willingness to take on a challenge may be the secret to his great success winning all seven shogi titles and also receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. The Medal of Honor With Purple Ribbon Photo：Calculating The Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon is awarded to those who have achieved excellence in their field of work, be it academia, the arts, sports, and so on. The Medal with Purple Ribbon is awarded in accordance with Article 7 Section 7 of the Constitution of Japan. In recent years, it has also been awarded to Hiroyuki Sanada and Mariko Hayashi. Yoshiharu Habu won the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon of Autumn. Other Medal of Honor awards include the Red Ribbon (紅綬褒章, koujuhoushou), Green Ribbon (緑綬褒章, ryokujuhoushou), Yellow Ribbon (黄綬褒章, oujuhoushou), Blue Ribbon (藍綬褒章, ranjuhoshou) and Dark Blue Ribbon (紺綬褒章, konjuhoshou). Summary of Legendary Shogi Player, Yoshiharu Habu Source :YouTube screenshot If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to hear Yoshiharu Habu speak about his family from 0:51 and about the much talked about Shogi AI from 8:49. Other famous shogi players in Japan include the up-and-coming Souta Fujii (藤井聡太, fujiisouta) and retired player Hifumi Kato (加藤一二三, katouhifumi). Those interested in the traditional Japanese game of shogi, be sure to check out some of the matches, such as the famous Ryuo tournament (竜王戦, ryuuousen)!

The Esteemed Architect, Arata Isozaki This video is titled "Arata Isozaki Receives the Pritzker Prize, The Nobel Prize of Architecture!" (磯崎新氏にプリツカー賞 “建築界のノーベル賞). Arata Isozaki born in Oita-shi, Oita in Japan's Kyushu region, is a registered architect with a first-class license and a member of the Japan Art Academy. He is the son of businessman, Soji Isozaki, and is considered a legend in the field of Architecture. Besides the Pritzker Architecture Prize, he has received several other awards, including the AIJ Prize (Architectural Institute of Japan), a Golden Lion from "La Biennale di Venezia," and more. Atelier Arata Isozaki, established in 1963, is home to a number of prominent architects. Famous Works of Arata Isozaki! Photo：Brooklyn Art Museum Masterpieces of Arata Isozaki, the legendary architect, include ・Gunma Astronomical Observatory ・Kitakyushu Museum ・Hara Museum Arc ・Art Tower Mito ・Nagi Museum Of Contemporary Art ・Art Plaza (Oita, Oita) ・Kitakyushu Chuo Library [Video 0:29] ・Toyama Prefectural Tateyama Museum ・Tsukuba Center Building (Tsukuba, Ibaraki) [Video 0:24] and more. His great work also includes some buildings in foreign countries such as MOMA Los Angeles and the Qatar National Convention Center, shown at 0:48 in the video. He also participated in a competition for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and created urban concepts, such as Aeropolis, in Shinjuku and Marunouchi, all of which incorporate contemporary thought. Currently, he is active in Okinawa, China, the Middle East and Europe. What is the Pritzker Prize? Source :YouTube screenshot The Pritzker Prize is an award for architects which was established by the Pritzker family, the founder of the Hotel chain "Hyatt." Arata Isozaki won the 46th Pritzker Prize making him the 8th Japanese architect to win the award. With his unique architectural design, combining both Eastern and Western styles, he was able to win the Pritzker Prize, as described in the video at 0:38. Summary of Pritzker Prize Winner Arata Isozaki Source :YouTube screenshot The Pritzker Prize is one of the most honorable prizes an architect can receive, as it's known as the "Nobel Prize of Architecture." Japanese architects, Kenzo Tange and Tadao Ando have also won the Pritzker Prize in the past. If you're interested in learning more about Arata Isozaki, be sure to check out some of the buildings he has designed. You can also check out some of his books as well!

Japanese Food Exports Today, we'll take a look at the video titled "Overseas Buyers Rush to Get Their Hands on Japanese Food!" (日本食に海外バイヤー殺到). The fact that Japanese food was registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013 is still fresh in our minds, but in recent years there has been a global boom in Japanese food, drawing attention to Japanese ingredients and food culture. Let's take a look at some of the strategies used to expand the sales channels for Japanese food, shown in the video! JAPAN'S FOOD - EXPORT FAIR Source :YouTube screenshot At 0:24 in the video, foreign importers line up for the Japanese food exhibition at Makuhari Messe. This is JAPAN’S FOOD EXPORT FAIR, where foreign buyers come to negotiate business deals. 700 Japanese companies participated in the expo and 4,000 buyers from 80 countries and regions visited the event. As commented by a Chinese buyer in the video at 0:58, Japanese food products are very popular overseas because of their high quality processing techniques and safety. Of course, setting up a manufacturing base overseas is one effective sales channel. However, there is also the option of directly exporting processed food and marine products made in Japan using Japanese ingredients. Buyers and company representatives aiming to expand the sales channels for Japanese food products are aiming to sell domestically produced food products with a focus on "a taste of Japan." The Demand for Japanese Food Overseas Source :YouTube screenshot Domestic companies and brands selling bread, curry, Japanese tea, and confectioneries, are aiming to expand their sales channels through the production of products for overseas markets and other PR methods. An increasing number of trading companies and corporations are also setting up specialized export departments within their companies. By developing products for overseas markets in anticipation of the annual inbound demand of more than 30 million people, they are trying to capitalize on that demand after these visitors have already returned home. These moves are expected to increase the volume and value of Japanese food exports. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is also currently working on a project to expand exports by creating an environment where foreigners visiting Japan can experience Japanese food even after returning to their home country. Source :YouTube screenshot Pasco Shikishima, introduced at 1:12 in the video, a major bread manufacturer, is marketing its products for export as being made in Japan with packaging similar to what you would find in Japan. Pasco Shikishima exports bread baked at its factory in Japan, which is quickly frozen to preserve the quality of the product. S&B Foods, introduced in the video at 2:46, also exports its main brand products to about 80 countries, targeting demand from foreigners after they return to their home countries. The company is committed to the same taste and quality as what they sell in the Japanese market. Summary of Japanese Food Exports Photo：Washoku With the Japanese food boom, many Japanese restaurants have sprung up in Japan and abroad. There are also many wealthy people who are mass buying all of Japan's unique ingredients and luxury foods. In anticipation of demand of travelers returning home, Japanese food brands need to have a global perspective. As the Japanese food boom is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, it will be interesting to see what kind of strategies food-related companies will come up with.

This is video, titled "A Kimono Show Inspired by the Countries of the World," was produced by Jiji Press (時事通信トレンドニュース). In this video, you can see a kimono show inspired by the colors of countries from around the world. The attention to detail is narrated and you can also learn about the design, fabrics, and obis. Check out the amazing kimono shown in the video. They're different from your everyday kimono!

This video, titled "A Festival for Manga and Anime Fans｜Comiket Is Now Open!" (漫画・アニメファンの祭典　コミックマーケットが開幕), was released by "TOKYO MX." Comic Market (commonly known as Comiket), held every summer and winter, is a festival of Japanese manga and anime. Usually held at Tokyo Big Sight, Comiket attracts about 500,000 fans to the market where manga and doujinshi works are sold. Popular personalities and companies also participate in the market. Manga and anime otaku create their own doujin and cosplay costumes for the event. The hall is packed first thing in the morning and there are many otaku who spend tens of thousands of yen at a time to get their favorite works.

This video is titled "The Completed Sanwa Repair Dock" (三和ドック、修繕船用大型ドック用大型ドック完成). It was released by "Nikkan News" (日刊工業ビデオニュース). The video shows the massive Sanwa Dock, that will be used specifically for repairing ships. This is a large-scale project with a total investment of more than 10 billion yen, and the completion of this large dock has made it possible to repair as many as 300 vessels per year. Sanwa Dock is a shipyard that focuses on repairing rather than building, so the project is expected to generate more profit than the investment. The video shows just how massive the Sanwa Dock is, so be sure to take a look if you're interested!

The Autonomous, Ultra-Lightweight Vehicle Driving Itself Around the Airport This time, we introduce a news coverage video published by "FNN Prime Online," titled "Autonomous One-Man Ulv in Airport; Senior Citizens Can Travel With Ease" (空港に1人乗り自動運転モビリティ　高齢者も楽に移動), which talks about the small scooter called "RakuRo" that autonomously drives itself within the airport. The autonomous scooter, RakuRo, is a ULV (Ultra-lightweight vehicle) that expertly navigates its way through the crowds at Narita International Airport. You can see RakuRo operating in the video. RakuRo is expected to be used by families with children, passengers with loads of baggage, senior citizens, and more. If you hop on RakuRo and choose a destination on the tablet, the personal ULV will drive you to that location. The In-Airport Driving of RakuRo Source :YouTube screenshot RakuRo travels slowly, with a maximum speed of 6km/h. You can watch the scooter driving around with a passenger at 0:14 in the video. It travels while avoiding obstacles by using its built-in camera and sensors to detect its surroundings. It will stop, and even take detours when necessary. You can see the RakuRo stopping when there is a person in front of it at 1:16 in the video. The sensors are based on autonomous mobility technology used in the development of self-driving vehicles, and are located in three locations: the upper front, the central face, and at the bottom. In airports, where GPS is not available, the radar system, LiDAR, is used to detect obstacles around the vehicle and estimate its position by comparing it with a high-precision 3D map. In order to create the 3D map in advance, they conducted a real-life experiment. This can be seen in the video. The size of RakuRo is 65×110×120cm, and as you can see at 0:48 in the video, the seat on the autonomous vehicle is designed to rotate 90 degrees when entering the vehicle, making it easy for elderly people with weak legs and feet to use it. RakuRo - The Autonomous ULV Source :YouTube screenshot According to Hiromasa Iwano, Manager of ZMP's Robolife Division, the developer of RakuRo, the features of RakuRo include facial expressions that allow it to smile and vocalize, allowing it to communicate with the people around it while moving. In addition, when the number of foreign tourists increases and the airport staff is in short supply, RakuRo can take over the responsibility of guiding people to the airport. Experiment for Practical Use of RakuRo by ANA and NAA Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows a demonstration of the practical application of the RakuRo system, conducted by NAA (Narita International Airport) and ANA (All Nippon Airways). The "RakuRo" system, which is able to optimally navigate a large area of the airport, can be used to get to the boarding gate, and can also be used to pass through duty free shops and restaurants, all from a hand-held display. RakuRo is attracting a lot of attention for its ability to get passengers where they need to go, with simple operations, according to their needs. The display on RakuRo can be used to talk to other customers and to communicate with the surrounding people. Hiromasa Iwano, the developer of RakuRo, says that although automated driving systems such as taxis have been developed, RakuRo, which travels at low speeds, has a lower hurdle to overcome, and hints at the possibility of commercialization. Summary of RakuRo Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think about the new ULV, RakuRo, being implemented at airports? It's a vehicle of the future that will change how we use airports in the near future. Airports used to be an inconvenient place for the elderly and families with children. We await the day that airports are no longer a stressful, crowded environment, but rather, travel hubs that one can look forward to! 【Official Website】Autonomous Electric Cart・Senior Car RakuRo - ZMP https://www.zmp.co.jp/en/products/lrb/rakuro

Introducing Ruchika Hemmi, the Elementary School Artist, Whose Artwork Has Been Exhibited at the Louvre Museum This video was created by ‘FNN Prime Online,’ and is titled "Elementary Year 5, Ruchika Hemmi’s artwork at the Louvre Museum" (小学5年生・逸見ルチカさんの作品がルーブル美術館に). This news video reveals the secrets of Ruchika Hemmi, an elementary school artist whose work, which won a silver medal in a children's painting contest, was displayed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France. In this article, we'll show you what goes into Ruchika Hemmi's paintings, as well as some of her pieces. Be sure to follow along with the video! Precious footage of Ruchika’s family and home is introduced as well. We hope that we can give some insight into the mind of the future Picasso through this article. Who Is Ruchika Hemmi? Source :This article Video Ruchika Hemmi, shown making a peace sign at the Toyota City Museum (豊田市美術館, Toyota-shi Bijutsukan) in Aichi Prefecture (愛知県, Aichi-ken) at 0:09, is actually just a normal, energetic 5th grade elementary school student. This seemingly average girl is the incredible elementary school artist whose work has been exhibited at the Louvre Museum. At 0:25, you can see a colorful mural in the underground street of Fushimi Station in Nagoya City (名古屋市, Nagoya-shi), painted by Ruchika. The painting is very reminiscent of the genius Picasso. Ruchika boasts having hosted a personal exhibition at just 8 years old, and as introduced at 3:20 in the video, she has also opened an exhibition at the Toyota City Museum in Aichi Prefecture. She has already created over-200 works, including imaginary creatures, aliens, robots, etc., and her colorful, original worldview attracts many. All of her pieces are priceless works of art. The Secrets of Ruchika Hemmi's Unique Art Source :This article Video From 0:51 in the video, the camera crew visits her home that also functions as her art studio. Her home is a quiet place in the mountains surrounded by nature. There she lives with her Nepalese father, Japanese mother, elder brother, and a younger brother. Ruchika says, “I can see antelopes and boars around here. It’s scary but also fun. In the city, you have places to go and there's plenty to do, but you can't relax, and the social aspect seems very tiring,” as she plays in the yard. Maybe, this environment is the secret to Ruchika’s creation? The Artworks of the Prodigal Painter Source :This article Video The elementary school artist Ruchika, paints directly onto her canvas without any rough sketching. The artworks are colorful and bold, and most of all, very unique. Many of the works can be seen on Ruchika’s Instagram. At 2:06 in the video, we see her painting the mural for the underground street at Fushimi Station in Nagoya City. Listening to music while freely expressing herself, utilizing sponges and brushes as she paints, it's truly the sight of a prodigy. As stated before, the boldness and freedom with which Ruchika paints is her unique characteristic, and we can see that in this scene. Summary of Ruchika Hemmi, the Elementary School Artist Source :This article Video This video, titled ‘Elementary Year 5, Ruchika Hemmi’s artwork at the Louvre Museum,’ gives an inside look at the everyday life of elementary school artist Ruchika Hemmi. Watch the video to see the youthful innocence and passion of the young prodigy.

Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hair Styling! The video, “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” was released in 2018 by “KyodoNews.” It's news coverage of Kazuhiro Tsuji receiving the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2018 Academy Awards. Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of the special effects make-up of Gary Oldman, who played the role of Winston Churchill in the film “Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. The make-up he did on Gary Oldman received recognition and he became the first Japanese person to win the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. In the video, you can see him giving an elated speech during his interview. In this article, we'll talk about Kazuhiro Tsuji, winner of the 2018 Academy award for hair and makeup. Be sure to follow along with the video! Kazuhiro Tsuji- Personal History and Career Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji is a make-up artist and contemporary artist from Kyoto city, Kyoto prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. He is an American citizen, living in Los Angeles, and goes by the name “Kazu Hiro.” During his high school years, he happened to look at a film magazine that had an article of special effects make-up done by the world-renowned make-up artist Dick Smith, and from that, he became interested in make-up. Thus, he began learning about special effects make-up. He was a teacher at the Yoyogi Animation Academy, and was in charge of make-up on the Japanese film “Sweet Home.” He emigrated to the United States in 1996. He studied under Dick Smith and worked on many Hollywood movies such as “Men in Black” and “Planet of the Apes.” He was also in charge of the make-up for movies such as “How the Grinch stole Christmas,” “Click,” and “Norbit.” He became an American citizen in 2019, and after naturalizing in America, he also changed his name to Kazu Hiro. He has an Instagram account where you can see some of his make-up and art as well. Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of actor Gary Oldman’s special effects make-up in the English film, “The Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. This can be seen at 0:26 in the video Kazuhiro Tsuji had actually retired from the film industry in 2012 and had been active as a contemporary artist but after receiving a passionate offer from Gary Oldman, he decided to return to the industry. It took more than 4 hours to put on the special effects make-up that transformed Oldman into the former prime minister Winston Churchill. The transformation of Oldman to look like former prime minister Churchill, was recognized and as it's shown in the video, he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. This is the first time a Japanese person has won an Oscar at the Academy Awards since the film “Okuribito” won the Foreign Language Film Award at the 81st Academy Awards. From 1:03 in the video, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji’s delighted expression as he comments on his achievement. He also comments on the Oscar statue at 1:59. In 2019, he was in charge of the special effects make-up on "Scandal" at the request of Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron. This was also recognized as high quality, near-perfect make-up and he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, for the second time, at the 92nd Academy awards. Summary of Academy Award Winner Kazuhiro Tsuji Source :YouTube screenshot In the video “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（「辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” produced by “KyodoNews” in 2018, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji at a press conference held when he returned to Japan for a visit. At the end of the footage, he says that he will be holding an exhibit in 2020. His exhibition is something to look forward to seeing, as he is also a renown contemporary artist. 【Official Website】The Darkest Hour http://www.bitters.co.jp/churchill-movie/

Q Plaza Ikebukuro - A 14-Story Shopping Complex in Ikebukuro This is a news video released by "TOKYO MX" that reports on the opening of Q Plaza Ikebukuro on July 19, 2019, and the redevelopment of Ikebukuro, which aims to become a "movie and theater town" by 2020. The video is titled "New Facility [Q Plaza Ikebukuro] Opened on July 19th｜Redevelopment of Ikebukuro." Q Plaza Ikebukuro is a new landmark complex and commercial building with a movie theater with 12 screens, one of the largest in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and 16 shops, including restaurants, bakery-cafes and sundry stores. In this article, we'll introduce the movie theater and tenant information for Q Plaza Ikebukuro. Be sure to follow along with the video! The video will cover the huge screen with high quality displays and the 4DX, Japan's first screening system. Let's check it out! Q Plaza Ikebukuro Source :YouTube screenshot As shown from 1:38 in the video, Q Plaza Ikebukuro is home to Grand Cinema Sunshine, a cinema with 12 screens, the most in the metropolitan area, on the 4th to 12th floors. The 18-meter-tall, super-massive screens displaying high-resolution 4K images are the highlight of the theater. At 1:55 in the video, you can see footage of the facility still under construction in December 2018, before it was opened. Another highlight that can be seen at 2:48 of the video is the 4DX, which features a 270-degree multi-image, with wind, water spray and scents, as well as seats that move in unison with the video. These features allow for the ultimate viewing experience. The 16 Stores at Q Plaza Ikebukuro Source :YouTube screenshot Q Plaza Ikebukuro has 16 shops inside the building. AWESOME STORE, which can be seen from 0:36 in the video, is a simple and natural-themed general merchandise store with a New York City-style interior and is lined with original pop art goods. At the EDW bakery cafe, you can try "One Hundred," the world's first bread with a fluffy texture of 100 parts water to 100 parts flour. Sushi, yakiniku, Sorubin Cafe Shenzhen, Capcom Cafe, Turley's, Burger King, Espresso D Works (EDW) and other restaurants are also available at Q Plaza Ikebukuro, so be sure to stop if you're looking to grab a bite to eat. There's also batting cages! Basic Information on Q Plaza Ikebukuro Q Plaza Ikebukuro is conveniently located just a 4 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Lines. There is also a parking lot so you can visit by car. Opening hours vary by store, so please check the official website for more information. Summary of Q Plaza Ikebukuro Photo：Hareza Ikebukuro In this article, we went over the press briefing two days before the opening of Q Plaza Ikebukuro, shown in the video. Be sure to check out the video to see the largest cinema complex in Tokyo and a variety of store information. Ikebukuro is undergoing redevelopment to become a cultural city. Hareza Ikebukuro will open in July 2020, and four parks will be redeveloped as cultural hubs. Keep your eyes peeled to see what pops up next in Ikebukuro! ◆Q Plaza Ikebukuro Facility Overview◆ 【Address】1 Chome-30-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013 【Access】A 4-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Lines 【Hours】Vary by store 【Closures】Vary by store 【Parking】Available 【Telephone No】03-6915-2722 【Official Website】Hareza Ikebukuro https://hareza-ikebukuro.com.e.aik.hp.transer.com/

Introducing the Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition! In this article we introduce the video "Sakamoto Ryoma assassination recreation = 70 artifacts open to the public for the first time, including letters and the gun of Hitokiri Izou!（暗殺の様子再現、坂本龍馬展＝初公開の手紙など７０点披露、人斬り以蔵の拳銃も）" created by Jiji Press Ltd. (時事通信トレンドニュース). This video contains footage of the exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" which was held in Meguro city, Tokyo in 2017. Bakumatsu fans can enjoy looking at a variety of Sakamoto Ryoma's items such as his favorite sword and letters. Who is Sakamoto Ryoma? Source :YouTube screenshot Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai of the Tosa Clan active towards the end of the Edo Shogunate (1853-1869). He was born January 3rd, 1836, and his real name was Sakamoto Naonari. After leaving the Tosa clan, he became a Shishi, and formed a teacher-student relationship with Katsu Kaishu, eventually forming the Kameyama Company, later called “Kaientai.” A few famous examples of Sakamoto Ryoma's life include the Teradaya Incident, where he narrowly escaped death, and his role in uniting the Satsuma and Choshu domains, referred to as the Satcho Alliance. His life has been portrayed in a variety of TV dramas such as the popular "Ryomaden." "Jin" is another popular historical drama based on Japan's Bakumatsu period, and Sakamoto Ryoma plays a major role throughout the story. More About the Exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" Source :YouTube screenshot The exhibition featured in this video was held in Tokyo, as the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum (坂本龍馬記念館, sakamotoryouma kinenkan) was undergoing reconstruction at the time in 2017. Articles such as Sakamoto Ryoma's wakizashi (short sword), and a letter addressed to Shojiro Goto of the Tosa Domain, were on exhibition at the Hyakudankaidan hotel, which is listed as a Tangible Cultural Asset of Tokyo. You can also see the obi worn by Sakamoto Ryoma's older sister and the gun used by Hitokiri Izou (real name Izou Okada). Other popular exhibits include Sakamoto Ryoma's glass collodion photograph, the letter "nebutonotegami," a letter addressed to his older sister, a chart of the Battle of Shimonoseki, the Satcho Alliance endorsement, and a chronological table of events. You can see these exhibits in the video from 0:14. You Can Also See the Recreation of the Assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma in This Video! From 2:47 in the video, we're shown "Saraba, Ryoma," where we can learn more about the details surrounding the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma. The Hokushin Itto-Ryu Genbu Dojo, that carries on the Hokushin Itto-Ryu style that Sakamoto Ryoma mastered, helped direct the powerful assassination scene. You can experience the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma, Nakaoka Shintaro and Tokichi Yamada, by the Kyoto Mimawarigumi in silhouette and sound. Sakamoto Ryoma Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed learning more about the famous samurai Sakamoto Ryoma. You can currently see the artifacts featured in this video at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum in Kochi prefecture. The Bakumatsu period was one of the most dramatic time periods in Japanese history! Be sure to watch the video in detail to learn more about the fascinating samurai Sakamoto Ryoma! 【Official Website】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum https://ryoma-kinenkan.jp/country/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, Kochi Prefecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298234-d1818581-Reviews-The_Sakamoto_Ryoma_Memorial_Museum-Kochi_Kochi_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

The Limited Express Sightseeing Train From Tokyo to Izu: Saphir Odoriko - All Cars First Class or Better This video, titled "The Opening of Saphir Odoriko - All Seats First Class or Better" (「サフィール踊り子」公開 全座席がグリーン車以上), was released by "KyodoNews." The video of the news was made open to the press in December 2019. The Limited express train “Saphir Odoriko” will operate on Tokyo-Shinjuku・Shizuoka-izukyuushimoda route, and it will be entered into train schedules by March 14th, 2020. The characteristics of the Saphir Odoriko are its private rooms, and first class or higher seating. It will become a frequently used line connecting the Metropolitan area to Izu. Please watch the video for an inside look at the luxurious accommodations, and to feel the high class nature of this limited express sightseeing train that allows for a comfortable journey between Tokyo and Izu. Saphir Odoriko: All Seats "Green" Source :YouTube screenshot After the Super View Odoriko of JR East is decommissioned in March 2020, the Saphir Odoriko (Railway series: E261) limited express sightseeing train is a brand new train that will grant easy access to popular sightseeing locations around Izu. The namesake "Saphir" in French means "sapphire" reminiscent of its appearance which looks like the beautiful blue sea and sky in Izu. Saphir Odoriko has 8 cars with a capacity of 164 people and the first car (which is a premium Green Car) has skylight seating, so when traveling towards Shimoda passengers can feel the natural light of the sky with luxury 1 to 1 seating accommodating up to 20 people in each row. This can be seen at 0:56 in the video. The seating in the 2nd and 3rd cars are for groups of families and friends, and the private green rooms placed in them can accommodate 4 to 6 people. The seating in cars 5 to 8 are Green Cars and have 1 by 2 (◼+◼◼) seating. They are introduced at 1:29 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot In addition, car 4 is a dining car, and is made in the style of an open noodle bar, so you can enjoy some great tasting noodles during your journey. According to the chief of vehicles at JR East's railroad technology center, the appearance of the "Saphir Odoriko" is a metallic blue that is based on the beautiful colors that can be seen in Izu's natural scenery ( 2:05). You can see the train's appearance at 0:14 in the video. In 2020, the popular toy train manufacturer"Plarail" and the model train manufacturer N scale are going to release versions of "Saphir Odoriko", so they might be great gift ideas. Facilities on the Saphir Odoriko Photo：A woman using a laptop on a train Conscious about the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the facilities on board the “Saphir Odoriko” were designed to accommodate the large influx of inbound tourists, and are thus equipped with large luggage compartments, and free Wi-Fi services. In the private green rooms, luggage compartments are installed inside the room itself. Every seat on the Saphir Odoriko also comes with its own personal electrical outlets for charging laptops, phones, and other electronic devices. That being said, you won’t need to worry about preserving data and battery life while riding on the “Saphir Odoriko”, and can instead use your time freely and effectively. Summary of the Saphir Odoriko On the way to popular sightseeing spots in Izu, you won’t need to worry about traffic jams or if the train is running on time as it’s a reputable railway. As shown in the video, with the light pouring in through the skylights, and the train’s high-class feel, you’re sure to have a relaxing, unforgettable experience traveling with friends or family on the Saphir Odoriko. As of this news' release, the Saphir Odoriko is scheduled to make a round trip once per day between Tokyo and Izu. The currently announced stops for the Saphir Odoriko are: Tokyo station, Shinjuku station, and Izukyuushimoda station, but please keep in mind that these are still subject to change. For ticket prices, or to make reservations, please stop by a JR ticket office.

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.

CT Scanning Research of the Four Heavenly Kings Statues of Nan'en-do at Kofukuji Temple in Nara! This video, titled "Unkei’s ‘mark’ found on Four Heavenly Kings standing statues," is about the Four Heavenly Kings statues at Nan'en-do in Nara Prefecture. It was published by "Asahi Shimbun." In 2017, the Tokyo National Museum conducted CT scans on the Buddhist statues of Kofukuji Temple in Nara Prefecture (奈良県, Nara-ken) to coincide with a special exhibit called "Unkei—The Great Master of Buddhist Sculpture." It opened up the possibility that the creator of the Mujaku and Seshin standing statues (無著世親菩薩立像, Mujaku Seshin Bosatsu Ryuzo), known as the most highly acclaimed Japanese sculptures, was none other than genius Buddhist sculptor Unkei. Presently in Japan, it is said that there are 31 other statues created by Unkei, but there is a likelihood that the number will rise as surveys continue. The CT Scan Research of the Four Heavenly Kings Statues Source :YouTube screenshot According to the video, by CT scanning the Four Heavenly Kings statues of Nan'en-do, and the Mujaku and Seshin standing statues of the North Round Hall (北円堂, Hokuendo), it was discovered that wooden parts containing tree cores had been combined to make both groups of statues. It is therefore said that the Four Heavenly Kings statues at Kofukuji Temple were created by Unkei. The commonality in technique used in the Mujaku and Seshin statues is an important factor to back the claim that the creator of both groups of statues is Unkei. In the video, the statue, over 2 meters tall, is neatly wrapped, and from 0:49 in the video, the x-ray CT scanning begins. From 0:10 in the video, Ryusuke Asami, section chief of the planning division at the Tokyo National Museum, says in interview, "the Four Heavenly Kings statues have never been photographed using x-rays before and the structures of the insides of the statues has also not been understood." What are the Four Heavenly Kings? Source :YouTube screenshot The Four Heavenly Kings are the four gods of Buddhism that protect the four directions and consist of the Jikokuten statue (持国天像, Jikokuten-zo) of the east, the Zojoten statue (増長天像, Zojoten-zo) of the south, the Komokuten (広目天像, Komokuten-zo) statue of the west, and the Tamokuten statue (多聞天像, Tamonten-zo) of the North. The Four Heavenly Kings statues at Kofukuji Temple were thought to be the works of Unkei’s father, Kokei, but from this research and researches on their styles, it has become increasingly believable that these were created by the hands of Unkei himself. The National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Kofukuji Temple Photo：Nara Prefecture・Kofukuji Kofukuji Temple, located in Nara Prefecture, consists of historical buildings, such as the East Golden Hall (東金堂, Tokondo), the West Golden Hall (西金堂, Saikondo), the North Round Hall, and the South Round Hall (Nan'en-do). The wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at Kofukuji were moved from the Old Golden Hall (旧金堂, Kyukondo) to the South Round Hall replacing the Four Heavenly Kings statues in the South Round Hall, which are introduced in the video. Other than these, there are many temple treasures at Kofukuji Temple which were created during the Heian period (794-1185) and the Kamakura period (1185-1333), including the Asura statue, the wooden Medicine King (Bhaishajyaraja) and Medicine Superior standing statues (薬王菩薩・薬上菩薩立像, Mokuzo Yakuobosatsu・Yakujobosatsu Ryuzo), the bronze Medicine Master sitting statue (薬師如来坐像, Yakushinyorai Zazo), Ryowakiji statue, the wooden Manjushri standing statue (文殊菩薩立像, Monjubosatsu Ryuzo), the wooden Vimalakirti sitting statue (維摩居士坐像, Yuimakoji Zazo), the wooden Twelve Heavenly Generals standing statues (十二神将立像, Junishinsho Ryuzo), and the bronze Buddha head. Summary of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kofukuji Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced the massive discovery of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kofukuji possibly being created by the genius Buddhist sculptor, Unkei. The research by the Tokyo National Museum may lead to an important discovery that unravels the mysteries of history. Nara Prefecture has flourished for more than a thousand years, back when it was called Heijokyo (平城京, Heijo-kyo), and it still has many sightseeing locations, such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine (春日大社, Kasuga-taisha), Yakushiji Temple, Taima Temple (当麻寺, Taimadera), and more. If you’re interested in Buddhist statues or Japanese history in general, we urge you to visit! 【Official Website】The Head Temple of the Hosso School (法相宗, Hosso-shu) Kofukuji Temple https://www.kohfukuji.com/english/