Nanjo, Okinawa, a Popular Tourist Destination in Japan This is a promotional video titled "Okinawa Tourist Attractions- Nanjo City PR Video. If You're Traveling to Okinawa.." (沖縄観光地　南城市PR動画　おきなわ旅行いくなら), for Nanjo, located in Southeastern Okinawa, Japan. The beautiful scenery shown in the video was filmed in Nanjo. The video was created by “SKYtomo.” Nanjo, Okinawa is about 50 minutes by car from Naha airport. There are several tourist spots such as limestone caves and beautiful beaches, as well activities to enjoy and some sacred areas that appear in Ryukyu mythology. This video contains two and a half minutes of attractive tourist destinations in Nanjo, Okinawa. With the beautiful view and the relaxing music, it will make you feel like you are actually in Nanjo, Okinawa. The World Cultural Heritage Site Sefa-Utaki in Nanjo, Okinawa! Photo：Sefa-Utaki Sefa-Utaki is one of the most important tourist destinations in Japan, known as the most sacred site in the Ryukyu Islands. There are six sanctuaries (Ibi) within Sefa-Utaki. Many ceremonies were held during the Ryukyu era, and even now, many people appreciate it as a sacred location. Check out the video at 0:19 to see “Sangui,” the triangular rock formation. It's like walking in the mythical footsteps of gods. We recommend using a tour guide and listening to stories about the culture, history, and mythology of Ryukyu Islands. Information on One of the Most Beautiful and Scenic Spots in Nanjo City, Okinawa Photo：Valley of Gangala Gyokusendo is one of the largest caves in Japan, and known as a tourist destination overflowing with nature. With more than a million stalactites, it's the largest natural monument in Japan. Valley of Gangala is a subtropical forest that was formed when a limestone cave collapsed several hundred thousand years ago. The powerful natural landscape is very popular among tourists. In order to preserve the natural environment, it is necessary to go by tour guide, so we recommend making a reservation before visiting. The open café in the cave, as shown in the video, is a mysterious, Instagram-worthy spot. Check out the cafe inside the limestone cave in the video at 1:25. Kudakajima, a remote island in Nanjo City, is said to be the island where Ryukyu Amamikiyo, the founder of the Ryukyu Kingdom, descended from heaven, and it is believed that Okinawa Prefecture was created here. We also recommend visiting some of the castle ruins in the area. Some popular places in Nanjo are Chinen castle ruins, Itokazu castle ruins, and Tamagusuku castle ruins. Trying some marine activities at Miibaru beach is another great way to spend your time, thanks to the beautiful beaches of Okinawa. Traditional Events in Nanjo, Okinawa Photo：Okinawa Hari Nanjo also holds traditional events where you can learn about Okinawan culture. "Okutake shima Hari" is a boat racing event where people compete in rowing boats. Another traditional cultural event “China Nubare,” is a big festival to pray for a bountiful harvest. Summary of Nanjo, Okinawa With the long history of Nanjo, Okinawa, there's so much to see and do, and plenty of tourist destinations to check out. There are a lot of areas where the natural environment still remains as well. Check out the video to see what There are a lot of places that this article wasn't able to cover, so be sure to check out the video to get a better idea of what Nanjo has to offer. You'll be fascinated by the beautiful scenery of Nanjo, Okinawa. Since Nanjo is not a resort area and there aren't many hotels available, we recommend staying at a lodging facility or a private residence and enjoying interacting with the local people. You won't regret spending quality time surrounded by the beautiful scenery of Nanjo. 【Official Website】Nanjo, Okinawa, City Hall http://www.city.nanjo.okinawa.jp/ 【Official Website】Nanjo Tourist Association https://okinawa-nanjo.jp/

The Asteroid Surveying Spacecraft "Hayabusa 2" This video, titled "「Hayabusa 2」CG Conceptual Video of Touchdown/"Hayabusa2" CG Animation"（「はやぶさ2」タッチダウン想像図CG/"Hayabusa2" CG Animation), was released by "Jaxa | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency." “Hayabusa 2,” introduced in the video, is an asteroid surveying spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA as a successor to the spacecraft “Hayabusa.” This video introduces JAXA’s CG video of Hayabusa 2 touching down on the asteroid Ryugu and retrieving a surface sample. It's only a conceptual video; however, the plan of Hayabusa 2’s touchdown is visualized in an easy-to-understand manner. The basic settings and touchdown methods of the “Hayabusa 2” are the same as its predecessor, Hayabusa; however, the spacecraft has been significantly improved and the ion engine and antenna surroundings have been greatly augmented. The news that this groundbreaking mission was successful also attracted a lot of attention around the world. Incidentally, “Hayabusa” is also used as the project name for JAXA’s asteroid survey project. The Touchdown of Hayabusa 2 Source :YouTube screenshot The first “Hayabusa” mission’s goal was to bring back rock samples from asteroids for the first time ever. The mission succeeded, and the return of “Hayabusa” received praise from all around the world; in Japan, it received so much attention that it was made into a movie. Whereas the first Hayabusa was an experimental machine, Hayabusa 2, shown in the footage, collected samples from the surface of an asteroid which has organic matter and water on it. And the developmental process differs from its predecessor in that it was designed to collect surface samples from an asteroid with organic matter and water to obtain clues about the existence of rare metals and the mystery of the birth of life. The survey plan of the “Hayabusa 2” was also carefully scheduled. The “Hayabusa 2” was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center Large Rocket Launch Site in 2014 to coincide with the timing of when the asteroid Ryugu would be closest to the Earth. Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 1:09 in the video, once the spacecraft has come into the closest proximity with the asteroid Ryugu, they first launch an impactor command with the goal of creating a crater on the surface of Ryugyu to make it easier for Hayabusa 2 to land. This impactor command was named "Explorer" after the world’s first satellite series. Hayabusa 2 will attempt to touch down after taking rock samples scattered in the vicinity during the second Explorer launch. A small rover was also placed on the asteroid Ryugu, which collected as many surface samples as possible after touchdown and returned to Earth by fully autonomous operation. Summary of Hayabusa 2's Touchdown Mission Source :YouTube screenshot The Ryugu project was featured on NHK as a special program and was also broadcast overseas. It was very well received abroad, and managed to attract attention from all over the world. The success of Hayabusa 2's touchdown mission is said to be an incredible feat. You can see the details on JAXA’s official website. 【Official Website】JAXA Hayabusa 2 Project http://www.hayabusa2.jaxa.jp/en/

A New, Super Heat Resistant Alloy That Has Improved Fuel Efficiency in Airplanes! This video "World-Record Super Heat-Resistant Alloy That Has Improved the Fuel Efficiency of Aircrafts!" (ジェット機の燃費向上を実現した世界記録の超耐熱合金), created by "nimspr," introduces the amazing processing technology of a Japanese research institution. Burning at higher temperatures reduces fuel consumption. To combat this, aircrafts, jets, and automobile makers are required to develop special material. NIMS, introduced in the video, has developed a super heat resistant alloy that can resist extremely high temperatures and currently holds the world record for super heat-resistant alloys. How Is the Superalloy Used? Photo：Airplane NIMS’ superalloy is used in the latest Boeing 787, shown at 0:21 in the video. As you can see from 0:45 in the video, ordinary metals are poly-crystalline when made in a mold, but the superalloy shown in the video is mono-crystalline with no grains, making it resistant to heat. This super heat-resistant alloy is used in turbine blades- the hottest part on all aircraft parts. By using the superalloy, it's possible to save 100 million yen per year, per aircraft. The heat resistant titanium alloy by NIMS is also highly resistant to rust. On top of that, it is incredibly light, making it a highly valued material. A Look at the New Superalloy Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to titanium, which is shown in the video, there are other kinds of materials, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, aluminum, tantalum, chromium, molybdenum and tungsten. Research institutions across japan have spent a long time researching how to combine these materials to create the perfect metal. The experimental data collected by NIMS over several decades was used to create superalloys. Summary of the New Superalloy Source :YouTube screenshot NIMS Materials Strength Standard and Technology Group conducts research on high fatigue tests which check creep properties and fatigue characteristics for superalloys. They also focus on the recycling of materials, the design of end mills for cutting superalloys, as well as promoting low-cost, high-performance development through the establishment of material design methods. This can be seen at 1:53 in the video. It'll be exciting to see what Japan's research institutes will come up with in the future!

Japan’s Cutting-Edge AI Technologies Contribute to an Aging Society This video is titled "A New Aging Society Led by Japanese Technology" (日本のテクノロジーが導く新しい高齢化社会). It introduces Japan's response to an aging society using cutting-edge technology. It was released by the“Foreign Ministry / MOFA”. Currently, Japan is said to be one of the most aging societies in the world. However, an aging society is not an issue unique to Japan, but a problem growing worldwide. Living a long, healthy life and increasing opportunities to participate in society is a very important theme when faced with an aging society. In this article, we'll introduce some cutting-edge technologies in Japan that the public and private sectors are developing together. NEC the WISE: An AI Technology Adapting to an Aging Society Source :YouTube screenshot The AI technology shown in the video at 0:32 is called “NEC the WISE.” In the video, NEC Director Fellow Katsumi Emura says “the problem is not the aging society itself, but how to adapt to an aging society, so that people can live long, healthy, fulfilling lives.” In light of the global trend toward an aging society, NEC is focused on developing and providing solutions that can be used to predict and prevent various diseases. That's what the AI technology, “NEC the WISE,” is all about. If we can prevent people from getting sick as they get older, it means that people will still be able to participate in society in good health as they age. In today's society where we are told that we have 100 years to live, "retirement in our 60s" is too early. If it becomes the norm for people to remain healthy and active past 60, we will no longer be able to call it an "aging society." HAL Lumbar Support: An AI Technology That Addresses the Declining Birthrate and Aging Population Source :YouTube screenshot With Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, the age of caregivers, whose job it is to care for the sick and elderly, is increasing every year. The "HAL Lumber Support" project, which can be seen at 1:02 in the video, is a project to introduce nursing care robots to reduce the physical burden on caregivers in the nursing care industry. The video introduces AI technology that places an assistive robot suit on a caregiver's waist and receives biopotential signals emitted by the brain and transmits them to the power-assist suit to reduce the strain on the back and lower body. This is an AI technology that can be applied patient side as well. In addition, because HAL is an artificial intelligence (AI) equipped support robot, repeated use of the robot helps it learn how neurotransmission works and can assist in walking more efficiently. It's not just a robot that moves according to commands, it's an autonomous machine that learns on its own, meaning that the cyborg robots you see in science fiction movies are already a reality. These mechanized technologies are collectively referred to as Hybrid Assistive Limb” (HAL). Summary of Japan's Cutting-Edge AI Technology and Measures for an Aging Society As seen at the end of the video from 1:30, Japan’s cutting-edge technology “HAL” is already being applied to medical technology in Malaysia. It is believed that increased social participation opportunities for the elderly with the help of autonomous robots will increase the well-being of society. It'll be interesting to see what Japan, the superpower of robots, has to offer in the future. 【Official Website】Cutting-Edge AI Technologies – NEC the WISE - : Solution/ Service | NEC https://www.nec.com/

日本の伝統工芸品である「仙台箪笥」の動画について 「伝統工芸　青山スクウェア」が制作する「手技TEWAZA【仙台箪笥】SENDAI Chests Woodwork」は、繊細で美しいインテリア「仙台箪笥」の歴史や作り方などを紹介している動画です。 日本の職人のモノ作りに対する思いや、繊細な仕事に目を奪われ、感銘を受けるはず。 美しいアンティークで部屋を彩りたいと思っている人には必見の動画です。 この記事では、日本の伝統工芸・文化である仙台箪笥の魅力や作り方などを解説しています。 日本の伝統工芸品である仙台箪笥の歴史 日本の伝統工芸品である仙台箪笥の起源は、江戸時代の末期と言われており、仙台藩の地場産業として成長しました。 仙台箪笥はもともと武士や侍などの権力がある人だけが持つことができた、とてもぜいたくな家具でした。 江戸時代に成長した仙台箪笥の製造技術は、職人たちが代々受け継ぎ、今も日本の職人たちが丁寧に作っています。 ただ、仙台箪笥を作る職人の数は年々少なくなっているのが現状。 国内外で高く評価されている日本の伝統文化を残すためにも後継者探しや育成には力を入れているようです。 こちらの動画では、伝統工芸品の技術を受け継ぐ職人の仙台箪笥に対する思いを聞くことができますよ。 日本の伝統工芸品である仙台箪笥の特徴 日本の伝統工芸・文化である仙台箪笥は、国の伝統工芸品に指定されています。 その美しい佇まいや、重厚感のある外観で海外からも人気がある日本家具です。 仙台箪笥の特徴は、ツヤのある表面から木目が透けて見える木地呂（きじろ）塗りと、豪華な金具が施されているところ。 指物や塗り、金具をすべて手作業で行った仙台箪笥の値段は6桁以上。 それでも美しい見た目や、100年以上使えると言われている丈夫さなどから購入する人がたくさんいるそうです。 日本文化の仙台箪笥を購入して、お部屋のインテリアに取り入れるのはいかがでしょうか？ 欅産業オフィシャルサイトにて、仙台箪笥の実物が見られるショールームが紹介されているので、ぜひ見てください！ 日本の文化である仙台箪笥の作り方を紹介 日本の伝統文化である仙台箪笥は、大きく分けて3つの工程で出来上がります。 指物（さしもの）→漆塗→金具の3工程です。 まず指物は動画の0:10から紹介されている木の板を指し合わせていく作業のことを言います。 金属の釘は使わず、木釘だけで組み合わせていくのが特徴。 凹凸を使って精巧に組み合わせていくことで仙台箪笥の頑丈な仕上がりが生まれます。 丈夫な仙台箪笥の土台を作るうえで重要な工程です。 次の工程である漆塗は動画の1:06より紹介されています。 漆を何度もけやきに塗り、ツヤを出していきます。 けやきの綺麗な木目が透けて見えるのが特徴です。 金具の作業は動画の1:54より紹介されています。 金属を鏨（たがね）で何度も何度も叩き削っていきます。 とても繊細な作業によって出来上がった金具はとても美しく、仙台箪笥に欠かせない部品です。 日本の文化である「仙台箪笥」の記事のまとめ 美しい伝統工芸・文化である仙台箪笥。 インテリアとして使えばお部屋が和風にがらりと変わり、楽しめるのではないでしょうか？ また、会席料理用の仙台箪笥もあり、お祝い事などに使うのもおすすめ。 欅産業オフィシャルサイトにはショールームの紹介、仙台箪笥の手入れの仕方や修理の受付なども行っているので、気になる方はチェックしてみましょう！

This video, titled "[Learning Sunday] Robots by Kawasaki Heavy Industries｜July 30, 2017 Broadcast" (【モノ知りサンデー】2017年7月30日放送「ロボット」川崎重工業), was released by "Sun Television" (サンテレビ). It introduces the Kawasaki Museum, a corporate museum of Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, and the robots inside the manufacturing plant. The museum displays motorcycles, bullet trains, and manufacturing robots. High-tech robots are used by equipment manufacturers both in Japan and abroad, including in medical and nursing care settings. The manufacturing process of robots is divided into various processes, with detailed work being done by skilled employees and robots making robots. Watch the video to see how the robots are made!

This video, "School Lunch in Japan - It's Not Just About Eating!," was released by "CafCu Media." In the video, they visit an elementary school with 682 students in grade 6 in Saitama Prefecture. It begins with the children going to school, shows how meals are prepared at the food service center, introduces the utensils used to eat the meals, and shows how the meals are prepared, eaten, and cleaned up. School lunch in Japan is not just a time to eat lunch, but also an important time to learn through "food." The children say "Itadakimasu" before eating, and "gochisosama" when finished, which are phrases to thank the person who made the meal, as well as those who grew the ingredients. Students prepare their own food and clean up after themselves. Japanese people learn the importance of food and the proper way to eat from an early age through school lunches.

This video, titled "These Bento Boxes Are Too Cute to Eat (Almost)," was released by Great Big Story. Kyaraben, the bentos so cute you don't even want to eat them, are made with rice, side dishes, and often involve cute anime character designs. In this video, you can see the world-famous Michael Jackson, former President Obama, Pokémon, Doraemon, Hello Kitty, and Mickey Mouse bentos! You'll be amazed at the quality of these kyaraben! The woman featured in the video also holds kyaraben workshops, and many people learn how to make kyaraben from her. Kyaraben are not only cute, but they also make children happy and encourage them to eat things they don't like. Take the time to enjoy this newly developed modern Japanese culture!

This video, titled "How to make ★Japanese traditional Breakfast★ ～伝統的な日本の朝ごはんの作り方～（EP3）," was released by "Kitchen Princess Bamboo: Japanese Everyday Food". The video explains how to cook rice and make miso soup in English. If you want to eat a traditional Japanese breakfast at home, we recommend taking a look at this video! It's only 5 minutes long, so if you have some free time, be sure to check it out. The explanations are thorough, so we also recommend it for those who don't cook much. It features rice and miso soup, as well as fried eggs and a dish dressed with sesame sauce. It's safe to say that this is a video that is sure to get you in the mood for some delicious Japanese cuisine!

Japan's Amazing Vending Machines! The video we’ll introduce this time is titled "Japanese Vending Machines are AWESOME 日本の自販機すごい！！" It introduces some of the awesome vending machines you can find throughout Japan! The vending machines shown in the video can only be found in Japan, so be sure to check them out! The Vending Machines in the Video! Photo：Digital signage As you can see from 0:26 in the video, many of the vending machines placed in Japanese stations can accept not just cash, but train cards (electronic money such as Suica, etc.) as well. You can purchase coffee, tea, and juice just by tapping your card against the vending machine, so there's no need to carry any bothersome change. Japanese vending machines sell cold drinks, and in the winter there are hot drinks as well. This is a unique characteristic of Japanese vending machines that you won't find in other countries. A vending machine at Akihabara station is introduced at 2:05 in the video as well. This vending machine has a touchscreen and the description of each drink is displayed on the screen. There's also a vending machine for ice cream shown at 2:35 in the video. Features of Japan's Futuristic Vending Machines Photo：Vending machine Vending machines are handy machines where you can purchase a drink at the push of a button. The drinks are cheap too, costing only about 100-160 yen. Japan is said to be the vending machine superpower of the world, and there are about 2.56 million vending machines in Japan, which generate a whopping 2.2 trillion yen annually. They’re placed in various places throughout towns, and places like stations and offices, so you can grab a drink whenever you like. Types of Vending Machines and the History of the Vending Machine Vending machines were invented in Japan more than 100 years ago in 1890. Thereafter, from the Showa period (1926-1989) to the Heisei period (1989-2019), the types and provided services of vending machines continued to evolve. In recent years, there are even vending machines where you can purchase hot meals that include things like Takoyaki, and there are also vending machines that are used to take orders and dispense tickets at restaraunts. You can even get train tickets with vending machines. There are a fixed set of rules regarding the location and height of Japan’s vending machines, and they are placed according to these safety standards. Summary of Japan's Vending Machines Photo：Vending machine This article introduced talked about the different types of vending machines that can be found throughout Japan, and how to buy products from them. The functions of vending machines continue to evolve year after year and there are an increasing number of them making it more convenient to get what you need, and it's even gotten easier to pay thanks to things like electronic money. The vending machines that Japanese people use in their day to day lives are often seen as amazing futuristic devices. If you're planning on visiting Japan, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some amazing vending machines!

Traditional Japanese "Osechi Cuisine"! There's a lot of Japanese food that attracts the attention of foreign tourists in Japan, but nothing compares to the beautiful Osechi cuisine. Today, we have a video introducing Japanese osechi cuisine, titled "Japanese New Year's Dish, (Osechi Cuisine) An Introduction to Japan’s Osechi Cuisine" (Japanese New Year dish. (OSETI cuisine)日本のおせち料理紹介), produced by "Ordinary life channel." In Japan, the first three days of the New Year, starting on January 1st, are special days referred to as "San ga nichi." To celebrate the festive New Year, there is a custom in Japan to eat Osechi cuisine as shown in the video. What Kind of Food Is Osechi Cuisine? Photo：Osechi cuisine In ancient Japan, Osechi cuisine was prepared for New Year's festivities and seasonal festivals. Since New Year' was the most important day of the year, Osechi cuisine came to refer to New Year's dishes. It is said that by the Yayoi period, osechi cuisine had already become rooted in the culture. In the Edo period, Osechi cuisine came to be called "Horai Kazari" in Kansai, "Kuitsumi" in Kanto, and "Horaidai/Tekakemori" in Kyushu. Each of them have the meaning of offering food to the gods and praying for happiness. Varieties of Osechi and the Meanings of the Dishes Photo：Osechi cuisine You can see the osechi dishes at 0:33 in the video. Dishes, such as herring roe, tazukuri, fried sardine, black beans, burdock root, kamaboko, datemaki (egg), kurikinton (chestnuts), konbumaki (kelp), tai (red snapper), renkon (lotus root), shrimp, and arrowhead introduced in the video are all festive and suitable for New Year. Each ingredient is associated with meaning, including wishes for long life, good health, and more. How to Arrange Osechi Cuisine Photo：Osechi cuisine The ingredients for Osechi dishes are packed in a "kumiju" (multi-layered food box). Originally, it is said to have been a five-tiered box, but nowadays, four-tiered boxes are generally used. There is also a method for preparing the dishes called "Juzume." It's important to organize the food, including iwaizakana-sanshu (herring roe, tazukuri, and black beans), kuchitori (appetizer assort), vinegared dishes, grilled dishes, stewed vegetables, etc., in a beautiful arrangement. You can see a beautifully arranged set of Osechi dishes at the beginning of the video. Summary of Osechi Cuisine The Japanese Osechi cuisine shown in the video is also made and sold at restaurants all over Japan. Many people pre-order Osechi dishes from famous restaurants by ordering online. You can also make osechi cuisine at home. Use the recipe site as a guide to prepare the ingredients and arrange them beautifully over a bed of rice to enjoy the Japanese New Year.

Check out the Introduction Video of the Super Smart Society "society5.0" "Super Smart Society: Opening the Future Society 5.0（超スマート社会　未来を開くSociety 5.0）" produced by jstsciencechannel is a video about "Society5.0". Society5.0 is a super smart society based on the Science and Technology Master Plan recommended by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Japan Business Federation. The government has stated that it will begin efforts to realize a super-smart society led by science, and innovation, following the hunting, agricultural, industrial, and information society. Ultra-Smart Society "society5.0" Initiative 1: Smart Factories Source :YouTube screenshot The Internet connection of things, which is used in all aspects of industry and life, is called IoT. It is expected that new values will be created one after another by integrating the real world and cyberspace through communication. For example, in the industrial field, smart production systems (smart factories) that connect artificial intelligence sensors and big data on production lines, like the 4th Industrial Revolution recommended in Germany, are attracting attention. This can be seen at 0:30 in the video. Ultra-Smart Society "society5.0" Initiative 2: Ultra-Compact Mobility Source :YouTube screenshot Intelligent transportation system is one of the initiatives of Society5.0. At Asuka Village in Nara Prefecture, they are conducting a demonstration test of the “MICHIMO” rental service of “micro-miniature mobility” for tourists. You can watch a video of a commentary on the ruins of the Ishibutai Tomb being checked on a terminal mounted on an electric vehicle. In addition, the management of electric vehicles can be easily performed with the “Charging/Authentication System”. In addition, experiments on the uniform automatic driving of buses and trucks are already underway. The aim is to improve the efficiency of road transport and reduce traffic accidents. This can be seen from 1:18 in the video. Ultra-Smart Society "society5.0" Initiative 3: Community-Based Comprehensive Care System Source :YouTube screenshot The super-smart society "Society5.0" is also useful for medical care and health management. Innovative systems that can be used in medicine are being developed one after another, such as a cuffless blood pressure measurement using a chair, and a system that can take electrocardiogram measurements while sleeping with an electrode device sewn in pajamas or a bed cover. Data can be sent in real time to physicians at remote locations, and while currently patients currently need to visit hospitals for a checkup, with this system, they are protected by the network and can be informed that something is wrong before they even know it. This can be seen from 2:49 in the video. Summary of "society5.0" Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to being introduced in the video, Society 5.0 is expected to be used in artificial energy and for mass data in the fields of energy and disaster prevention, as well as in education and corporate sites. Through the efforts of the Cabinet Office and the Japan Business Federation, “Society5.0” will lead to new that will continue to be developed society. Are you looking forward to seeing what kind of technology will be created in the coming years?

More Than 60 Years of Space Development at JAXA The video this time is titled "JAXA - The History of Japanese Space Exploration" (JAXA－日本の宇宙開発史ハイライト－), released by "JAXA | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency." By looking up at the starry sky, many people ponder their own thoughts... we've been gazing up at the sky as a source of wisdom since ancient times. There was a time in Japan, too, when Onmyodo (the way of Yin and Yang) played an active role in politics by reading the movements of the stars and predicting good fortune. There's truly an inseparable link between humans and the cosmos. It is often misunderstood that Japan lags behind Europe and the United States in space development, but in fact, Japan has devoted more than 60 years to space development and is now one of the most successful countries in the world. JAXA plays a central role in Japan's space development. In this article, we’ll introduce the history of JAXA's space development. Be sure to follow along with the video! The History of Jaxa's Space Development Photo：Moon landing JAXA is the core organization for space development in Japan. It was established at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) in 2003 through a merger between the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The three predecessor organizations were all privately funded space development agencies, but after being reborn as JAXA, they became the core organization supporting the Japanese government's space development research. The latest Japanese space probes have the world's leading technology. Here are some of JAXA's accomplishments that have left their mark on history. ・In 2007, the world's first high-definition image of the moon by the Lunar Explorer KAGUYA. (Video: 0:47〜) ・In 2009, the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" was completed. (Video: 0:53〜) ・In 2010, the planetary probe "Hayabusa" returned to Earth after successfully collecting surface samples from an asteroid. (Video: 0:58〜) ・In 2019, "Hayabusa2," an observation rocket, successfully touched down on the asteroid Ryugu. (Video : 1:00〜) JAXA has accomplished many great feats in the 17 years since it was founded. Japan's Space Development Before the Birth of JAXA Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's space development began in 1955 with the development of the Pencil Rocket, a very small rocket, as introduced in the beginning of the video. Just ten years after the war, Japan had already begun its domestic reconstruction and space development. In 1970, Japan's first satellite, "OHSUMI," was successfully launched. In 1985, Halley's comet was observed by "Suisei," in 1992, Mamoru Mohri became the first Japanese person to fly in space aboard a space shuttle, and in 1994, the Japan-made H-II rocket was successfully launched. Japan has a long history of great achievements even before the birth of JAXA. Summary of JAXA and Japan's Space Development Photo：Rocket It is said that Japan's space development had been attracting a great deal of attention after its Pencil launch test in 1955. The Pencil Rocket was nicknamed the "baby rocket" because of its extremely small size, with three types being developed: the S-type, T-type and R-type. At that time, the Pencil Rocket was already moving at close to the speed of sound, and the orbital data was utilized for the later Kappa Rockets. Back then it was thought to be impossible for Japan to develop a sounding rocket that could operate at an altitude of more than 100 km, but Japan succeeded in doing so using domestic technology alone. Although the U.S. and the Soviet Union have been the major space powers, Japan's technological prowess has been adopted by other countries for their rocket development. In particular, the latest engine technology of "Hayabusa" and remote-control technology will be a great asset to the history of space development to come. 【Official Website】JAXA｜Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency https://global.jaxa.jp/

A Traditional Japanese Craft - Edo Karakami This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「江戸からかみ」Edo Karakami／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," introduces how traditional Edo Karakami is made. The video was uploaded by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸青山スクエア). Edo Karakami is a traditional craft that involves decorating Japanese paper in various ways. Washi (Japanese paper) has been closely related to Japanese art culture since ancient times. Check out the video to learn more about the traditional techniques of washi paper that have been handed down in Japan since ancient times. The History of Edo Karakami and Japanese Washi Culture Source :YouTube screenshot The origin of washi dates back to the Heian period (794-1192) when it was used to write waka poems. During medieval times, washi came to be used for decorating fusuma and folding screens, mainly in Kyoto. In the Edo Period, due to the prosperity of the Tokugawa Shogunate, many Edo Karakami were made for Edo Castle and the residences of feudal lords. As a result, many washi artisans emerged and began to produce high-quality Edo Karakami by hand. After the Meiji Period, most of the printing blocks and paper stencils were lost due to earthquakes and air raids, but some of them have been reprinted by craftsmen and still exist today. Traditional Edo Karakami - How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot Edo Karakami is made through various techniques, such as woodblock printing using woodblocks, textile printing using Ise katagami (pattern paper), brush-dyeing using brushes, and with hand sprinkled gold dust. The designs of Edo Karakami reflect the culture of the Edo Period and the tastes of samurai and merchants at that time. Even today, fusuma and the wallpaper of Japanese-style restaurants and hotels still use the elegant Edo Karakami techniques. In the video, you can see various techniques, including woodblock printing at 0:52, brush painting at 1:06, paint making at 1:47, and woodblock printing at 2:31. Where to Buy Edo Karakami Source :YouTube screenshot Tokyo Matsuya (東京松屋), a long-established maker of Edo Karakami, is a washi wholesaler dealing in fusuma paper and interior washi made by skilled artisans. On top of the large pieces of washi to decorate hotel entrances and guest rooms, Tokyo Matsuya also sells attractive accessories, such as uchiwa fans, ceremonial pouches, and New Year's decorations made of Edo Karakami, so be sure to check out their showroom and online shop. You can see completed Edo Karakami at 4:04 in the video. Summary of Edo Karakami, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot Washi is an industry that has developed alongside Japanese culture since ancient times. In the video, you can see Yukio Koizumi, a traditional craftsman, making beautiful Edo Karakami. We encourage you to incorporate items made with beautiful Edo Karakami, a traditional Japanese craft, into your daily life!

Introducing the Tatami Craftsmen of Matsuya Tatami Shop! This video, titled "Nippon Handicraft Encyclopedia - Matsuya Tatami Shop" (ニッポン手仕事図鑑 × 松屋畳店), was released by "Nippon Handicraft Encyclopedia" (ニッポン手仕事図鑑). The video shows the craftsmen of Matsuya Tatami Shop, a long-established tatami store with a long history dating back to the Genroku Period, reupholstering tatami mats. The craftsmen that are introduced in the video are Tomoki Okawa, an 11th generation craftsman of Matsuya Tatami Shop in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, and his father, Masao Okawa, the 10th generation craftsman of the establishment. You can see Tomoki Okawa from 0:54 and Masao Okawa from 2:15 in the video. What Are Japan's Tatami Mats? Photo：The main material of tatami, Igusa The tatami mat is a traditional flooring in Japan and its main material is rush which is grown by farmers. Tatami craftsmen knit together domestic, high-quality rush grass using methods that have been handed down since ancient times, and after laying it on a board, sew on the edges. The size of Japanese tatami mats is fixed, and the tatami mats created by the craftsmen fit perfectly on the floor of Japanese-style rooms like puzzle pieces. Among those with skills like the craftsmen of Matsuya Tatami Shop introduced in the video, some craftsmen are qualified as First-Class Tatami Technicians. If you want to change out your Japanese tatami mats, it's best to leave the whole process of tatami mat construction to craftsmanship professionals, such as Matsuya Tatami Shop introduced in the video. A Look at the Effects and Benefits of Japanese Tatami Mats Source :YouTube screenshot The effects and benefits of Japanese tatami mats include antibacterial properties, air purification, heat insulation, and humidity management. The fact that tatami, which is cool in summer and warm in winter, has been used since ancient times is a testament to the wisdom of the Japanese people. Also, the Japanese tatami mat has moderate elasticity and so it can be expected to absorb sounds or vibrations. Furthermore, Japanese tatami mats are made from naturally derived ingredients, so it also provides a soothing effect similar to the outdoors. Another good thing about tatami mats is that if you're careful when cleaning them and take proper care of them, they can be used for a long time. Get Acquainted With Japanese Tatami Source :YouTube screenshot For those who don't have a Japanese-style room, we recommend trying some handicrafts made out of tatami to get an idea of what it's like. Japanese tatami accessories, such as tatami book covers and card cases seen at 9:41 of the video, are sold on the internet for reasonable prices. Summary of Matsuya Tatami Shop Source :YouTube screenshot The video showcases the allure of traditional Japanese tatami while introducing Matsuya Tatami Shop. Many years have passed since the prosperous days of traditional Japanese tatami culture, and in recent years, the number of houses without Japanese-style rooms is increasing. That being said, recently, Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats are being re-evaluated. If you're planning on building a house, consider using tatami mats that have a wide range of benefits!

How to Purchase Japan's Suica IC Card This video introduces the must-have e-money card in Japan called Suica. The title of the video is "How to Purchase, Charge, and Change to My Suica"（Suicaの買い方・チャージ・My Suica（記名式）への変更）” This article provides detailed information about Suica alongside the video. What is Suica? Photo：Suica Suica is a rechargeable IC card issued by JR East that allows passengers to pass through ticket gates with ease. Until Suica was invented, passengers had to use the ticket machine to purchase tickets and passes to get on trains. Suica is a prepaid card that you can use for your train fare, vending machines, at convenience stores, as well as on the Internet. You can simply scan your Suica card on the reader at the ticket gate. Be aware that the slot at the gate is for train tickets. Please don't try to insert your card in them. The Different Types of Suica Photo：Automatic ticket gate There are three different types of Suica and each type has different functions: Suica, My Suica and Suica pass. Suica can be purchased by anyone and does not require registering any information. You can simply charge your Suica and scan it at the gate. It automatically calculates and deducts the fee at the station where you get off. My Suica requires to register your information, including your name, gender, date of birth, and your phone number. This makes it possible to reissue, guarantee the charge balance, and issue a refund if the Suica is lost. is a device that adds Suica's functions to those of a commuter pass, and it is used as a commuter pass within a limited area, and outside the limited area, it is automatically calculated from the Suica balance. How to Purchase Suica Source :YouTube screenshot You can purchase a Suica from a multi-function ticket machine with an IC mark on it at JR East stations or at the Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows. You can see how to purchase a Suica from the ticket machine at 0:04 in the video. As you see in the video from 0:44, you can select the amount you want to charge from 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000 or 10,000 yen. These prices include a 500 yen deposit on your first purchase of a Suica card, therefore, 500 yen will be deducted from the actual charging amount. After your first purchase, all prices are as shown. If you need a receipt, tap the "Issue a receipt" button that appears after you complete your purchase. For My Suica, you will need to agree to the handling of your personal information before you make a purchase, and then enter your personal information. The process is the same if you wish to change from Suica to My Suica. You can watch the video at 2:35 to learn how to change from Suica to My Suica. Convenient Features and How to Charge Suica Photo：Ticket machine Suica can be charged anytime after purchasing it. You can also recharge your card at convenience stores and other places besides the ticket machines at stations. With Suica, you don't have to worry about transferring from one station to another, as long as you make the payment, because it is automatically calculated at the ticket gate, even if you change trains. Suica can also be used in conjunction with various types of transportation, and you can use Suica even when traveling outside of the JR East area. In addition, you can also use Suica for subways, buses, and even for shopping. In addition, the mobile phone application and View Card credit card are full of great features, such as auto-charge and rewards points. Summary of Suica. Master the Convenient IC Card! Photo：Station platform What did you think about Japan's Suica IC cards? If you're new to this kind of thing, the video will help you figure out how to purchase a Suica card, so be sure to take a look at it if you're still confused. Get Suica and make your travels in Japan more convenient! 【Official Website】Suica Top: JR East https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

Shofu Maru, a Cargo Ship Equipped With a Wind Challenger: Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "Shofu Maru, the World's First Bulk Carrier Equipped With a Wind Challenger (Rigid-Wing Sail Wind Propulsion System), Is Finally Complete! - MOL Wind Challenger Project" (世界初のウインドチャレンジャー（硬翼帆式風力推進装置）搭載ばら積み船「松風丸(しょうふうまる)」が竣工！―MOL Wind Challenger Project), was uploaded by "Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Official / MOL Channel" (商船三井公式チャンネル / MOL Channel). The Shofu Maru, a ship equipped with a Wind Challenger, which converts wind energy directly into propulsion power to move a ship, has finally been completed. The video shows a Wind Challenger in operation and the construction process of the Shofu Maru. As efforts to address SDGs become increasingly important, the Shofu Maru, a cargo ship powered by the inexhaustible energy of wind, is sure to catch the attention of the public. Check out the video to see the ship using the latest technology known as the "Wind Challenger." What is the Wind Challenger? Source :YouTube screenshot The Wind Challenger (a hard sail wind propulsion system) has been developed mainly by MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines) and Oshima Shipbuilding to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to prevent global warming, which is becoming a serious concern in today's world. Conventional ships use fossil fuels for propulsion, which results in significant emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. The concept of the Wind Challenger is that a large vertical sail mounted on a ship rotates in response to the wind. This changes the airflow around the rotating sails and generates a force that propels the ship in the one direction, causing it to move forward. A ship equipped with Wind Challengers are next-generation hard-sail ships and are expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. What Is a 'Hard Sail'? Size, Characteristics, Advantages, Etc. Source :YouTube screenshot The huge hard sail mounted on the Shofu Maru look like towers. Hard sails are said to be an evolution of conventional sailboat technology. Made of FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic), the sails can be extended and retracted in four levels. They can extend up to 53 meters, and automatic adjustment allows the sails to rotate and expand or contract according to the strength of the wind, capturing the wind and converting it into propulsion. The advantages of hard sails are twofold: 1. The propulsive force of the sails gives the boat speed, allowing it to reach its destination faster 2. The power output of the main engine can be reduced because of the propulsive force of the sails, thus reducing fuel consumption without changing the number of days required to reach the destination. Another feature and advantage of hard sails is that they are environmentally friendly as they utilize natural energy - wind. Utilizing Wind Energy to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions Source :YouTube screenshot Greenhouse gases are gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, and are considered a major contributor of global warming. The Shofu Maru, a coal carrier equipped with a Wind Challenger as a dedicated ship for Tohoku Electric Power Company, is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% on the Japan-Australia route and by 8% on the Japan-North America West Coast route compared to conventional ships of the same type. A second sail is scheduled to be installed on a 50,000-60,000 DWT class ship transporting wood pellets, and future applications to crude oil tankers and LNG (liquefied natural gas) carriers are also being considered. It seems that the era of environmentally friendly hard sail ships is just around the corner. Wind Challengers and SDGs Photo：SDGs We hear a lot about the SDGs these days, but it was only about eight years ago, in September 2015, that they were adopted. The 17 goals were set forth for the 193 countries that are members of the United Nations to achieve over a 15-year period from 2016 to 2030. SDGs, which stands for Sustainable Development Goals, are aimed at eliminating poverty around the world, protecting the planet, and ensuring that peace and prosperity are available to all. The Wind Challenger is contributing to the following 6 of the 17 SDGs: 7. Affordable and clean energy 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure 12. Responsible consumption and production 13. Climate action 14. Life below water 17. Partnerships for the goals The Wind Challenger is a new technology that will help us to care for the global environment and actively address these SDGs. Summary of the Wind Challenger, a Hard Sail Utilizing Wind Power Source :YouTube screenshot Environmental issues are a problem that must be addressed by countries around the world. In this context, the hard sail project is a plan to contribute to the global environment by focusing on wind, a natural energy source, instead of relying on fossil fuels. As the number of vessels equipped with Wind Challengers increases, it may spread around the world as one of the efforts to protect the environment in the logistics industry. With all of this in mind, it's no stretch to call the Shofu Maru the world's most advanced cargo ship.

Video Introduction of "Yanmar Tokyo" in Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video, titled "'Yanmar Tokyo' Opens in Yaesu, Tokyo – A Complex Directly Connected to the Station (January 12, 2023)" (「ヤンマー・トーキョー」東京・八重洲に開業　駅直結の複合施設（2023年1月12日）), was uploaded by "TV TOKYO BIZ" (テレ東BIZ). Yanmar, known as a major agricultural equipment manufacturer, has opened "Yanmar Tokyo," a complex of facilities in Tokyo with the theme of "rice." Yanmar Tokyo is a new type of facility that promotes rice and agriculture in the heart of the city near JR Tokyo Station. It features an interactive gallery by creative director Kashiwa Sato and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy delicious dishes made with rice. Be sure to check out the video introducing Yanmar Tokyo before reading on. What Is Yanmar Tokyo? A Look at the New Complex That Opened in January 2023 + Location Information and More Photo：Yanmar Tokyo Yanmar Tokyo is a new building complex which opened in January 2023 after the demolition and renovation of the previous Yanmar Tokyo Building that was built in 1977. Located in Yaesu, Tokyo, Yanmar Tokyo is a 14-story building with three basement levels and stands 69.88 meters tall. The total floor space is 22,000 m2, and includes commercial areas, restaurants, and gallery spaces on the basement, first, and second floors. The third to 14th floors house the Yanmar Group and other office tenants. A distinctive feature of the building is its focus on "rice" and "agriculture" as part of Yanmar's "HANASAKA" value initiative. In the heart of Tokyo's Yaesu district, the facility also plays a role as a base for supporting new farmers and disseminating information on food production. In addition, Yanmar Tokyo serves as a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture, including restaurants where they can enjoy rice and a hands-on gallery where they can learn about rice. Yanmar Kome Gallery – Fun for Kids and Adults Alike! Photo：Inside Yanmar Tokyo The Yanmar Kome Gallery (Yanmar Rice Gallery), a hands-on exhibit in Yanmar Tokyo, offers a variety of contents to enjoy. Visitors can discover the beauty of rice through various challenges. For example, the the "Rice Personality Test," in which participants answer "yes" or "no" to a set of questions and are told which variety of rice fits their personality, and the "Wisdom of Rice Cultivation," in which visitors learn how to solve problems that arise during rice cultivation through a game using dice. The direction of the gallery was overseen by creative director Kashiwa Sato. In addition to the aforementioned content, the gallery is also decorated with rice straw. The atrium, which features artwork composed of multiple layers of cherry blossom petals, is popular for its dynamic, photogenic sights. The rice sculpture, the symbol of the Yanmar Rice Gallery, and the tractors are also popular spots! Be sure to take some photos with your kids if you're visiting as a family. Italian Cuisine, Seaweed Bentos and More! Check Out the Tasty Restaurants at Yanmar Tokyo! Yanmar Tokyo offers more than just information on rice and agriculture; it also offers a wide variety of delicious foods that allow visitors to enjoy the delicious taste of rice. The restaurant on the second floor is ASTERISCO, an Italian restaurant supervised by Kundo Koyama, a broadcast writer and producer, and produced by Yoshiyuki Okuno, the chef of La Brianza in Roppongi. At ASTERISCO, with "rice" being the core of the menu, diners can enjoy small dishes prepared in the "Yum cha" style, using special ingredients from each of the four seasons in different regions. This is a new type of restaurant where a cart moves around the seating area, providing information about the ingredients while simultaneously serving food to guests, allowing them to enjoy their meal in an interactive format. The restaurant is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and for dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Next is Yaehachi, a take-out restaurant on the basement floor that specializes in nori bento (bento boxes utilizing dried seaweed). The restaurant uses rice cooked in a rice cooker and a special typed of seaweed made from a combination of two types of seaweed from Mikawa Bay in Aichi Prefecture. The nori bento, which is served with side dishes using koji (malted rice), is a must-try. The restaurant is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. From Carefully Grown Rice to Sake Ice Cream! Explore the Exciting Shops at Yanmar Tokyo Photo：Ice cream One of the tenants on the first floor of Yanmar Tokyo is KOME-SHIN, a store inspired by the concept of "enjoying rice like wine." Here, rice retailers offer a wide selection of different varieties of rice grown from all over Japan, allowing customers to buy the rice that suits their palate. The rice is bottled, so customers can purchase it as if they were selecting a bottle of wine, all while enjoying the fashionable atmosphere of the store. Alongside KOME-SHIN is SAKEICE Tokyo Shop, where patrons can enjoy sake ice cream. The ice cream sold at this store is mixed with sake, giving it a high alcohol content. Because of this, minors and patrons coming by car are advised to keep this in mind. Of course, non-alcoholic versions are also available. The store has developed products in collaboration with sake breweries from all over Japan, allowing visitors to experience Japan's rich sake culture through a treat that everyone is familiar with. Yanmar Tokyo's HANASAKA Campaign Is Underway! HANASAKA Ohanami Weekend (Hanasaka Cherry Blossom Viewing Weekend) was held for 3 days from January 13, the opening day of Yanmar Tokyo (Tokyo), at a special venue on the 8th floor where a real cherry tree with cherry blossoms was set up along with a photo spot for taking pictures. The event was very popular and visitors could take pictures at the photo spot and post them on social networking sites with a special hashtag to receive a vacuum-packed packet of rice. Currently, Yanmar is holding a campaign in which participants who follow Yanmar's official Twitter account and retweet campaign posts will be entered into a drawing to win a NIPLUX NECK RELAX, a neck stiffness relief product. Up to 10 people will win prizes. The campaign is currently underway, so be sure to join in! Yanmar Tokyo Summary Photo：Yanmar Tokyo Yanmar Tokyo is a hub where Yanmar, which has been involved in agriculture for many years through its efforts to reduce environmental impact and create an appealing food culture, communicates the joy of continuing to take on new challenges. Today, when a sustainable society is becoming more and more important, the Yanmar Tokyo Building can serve as an important base for promoting a sustainable society to a wider audience. The building is directly connected to Tokyo Station making it easy to access. Enjoy learning about Japan's food culture and the environment!

PR Video of Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd This video titled “Company’s Promotion Video for JAE（日本航空電子工業株式会社・JAE・会社PRビデオ・プロモーションビデオ）” is the one to promote Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd, a manufacturer of electronic components and devices. There are many companies that manufacture high quality electronic components or devices in Japan. Let's explore the manufacturing technology and corporate philosophy of the Avionics Group, that boasts such advanced technology in the industry. This video features easy-to-understand information on advanced technologies or production engineering that the JAE group has. By watching this video, you'll get a better understanding of the many technologies incorporated into the electronic devices you use one a daily basis. What Kind of Company Is JAE? Source :YouTube screenshot JAE is an electronic components manufacturer in Shibuya, Tokyo. The average age of the company's employees is between 30 and 40 years old, and the company uses advanced technology to make a variety of electrical products such as connectors, user interface solutions (e.g. touch panels), motion sensors and controls. The Highly Advanced Manufacturing of JAE Source :YouTube screenshot JAE is involved in the manufacturing of many different types of electronic components not only for small information equipment such as mobile products or connectors, but also for automobiles, bullet trains, and aircrafts. You can see what kind of products they make in the footage (from 1:08). They are also engaged in the design and manufacturing of sophisticated electronic parts such as rockets and ocean exploration machines. That being said, JAE is highly contributing to society's infrastructure. Various Activities That JAE Is Working On Source :YouTube screenshot This video clip includes footage (from 5:45) of various activities related to environmental management. JAE promotes environmental conservation activities through afforestation and maintenance of forests to promote environmental management. In addition, the global network, introduced at 6:12 in the video, is the company's effort to promote development and production at a number of sites both in Japan and overseas. Summary of JAE's PR Video Source :YouTube screenshot As shown at 4:48 in the video, JAE aims to reform manufacturing through the manufacture of precision electronics products. Their high quality manufacturing, based on overwhelming technological development and production capabilities, will support Japan's future electronic technology. Through the video, we're shown that the products and vehicles that are now indispensable in our lives are made with the cutting-edge technology of companies like JAE. ◆Company Information of Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited◆ 【Address】1-21-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku Tokyo 150-0043 【Access】6 minutes from Shibuya Station off the JR Yamanote line by foot 【Telephone No.】03-3780-2711 【Official Website】Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Limited https://www.jae.com/

Video introduction of the broom work process at Arai Broom Shop in Edogawa-ku, Tokyo This video, produced by "edocore4117", shows the process of creating a traditional Edo Houki (broom), designated a Cultural Property by Edogawa Ward (江戸川区 : Edogawa-ku), by Katsumi Arai, a Japanese broom maker. Katsumi Arai himself is the second generation to make Edo Houki, a traditional craft handed down from the Edo period, and has been making it for 60 years. At present, there are only two broom craftsmen in Tokyo, Katsumi Arai and the craftsman from the old Edo Houki shop, Shirakiya Denbei. This video features broom maker Katsumi Arai working in peaceful silence. His handiwork and craftsmanship is remarkable. Take a look at the techniques of a craftsman who has preserved a tradition handed down from one generation to the next. What Are Edo Houki? Source :YouTube screenshot Edo Houki are said to have originated near the end of the Edo period (1603-1868) when the Shirokiya Nakamura Denbei Store, founded in 1830, began making brooms from a plant called "Houkimorokoshi." Since then, Edo Houki makers have improved their brooms to be lighter and more comfortable to use. There are two type of brooms: “Niwa Houki,” for outdoor use, and “Zashiki Houki,” for indoor use. Both types of brooms were must-have items back in the day. There used to be 40 to 50 Edo Houki shops in Edogawa-ward, but the number of shops has decreased as of late due to vacuum cleaners being more popular, as well as there being fewer Japanese style rooms. The historical culture of traditional craftsmanship, that has continued for nearly 200 years, has been handed down to Mr. Arai Katsumi. How to Make Edo Houki This video clip features the manufacturing process of an Edo Houki. First, broom makers separate the houkimorokoshi which will be used to make the brooms, into high-grade and low-grade. This sorting process is very time-consuming, as it has a significant effect on the finished product. After the sorting process is completed, they soak the houkimorokoshi in water to soften the tips of the ears. The process involves wrapping hemp thread around the stems and tying them tightly. Source :YouTube screenshot After that, a certain amount of houki grasses are bundled together. Two or more bundles are threaded onto a skewer and wound together. You can see this crafting process in the video at 0:21. The thickness of houki grasses varies widely. Whether or not the appropriate materials are selected depends entirely on the skills of the craftsman. It may seem easy, but it requires a lot of experience and skill. After they're tied, a long handle is attached to them. You can see this scene in the footage from 4:55. The craftsman uses a string and wire to attach a long handle. The knot is tied tightly so that it will not come off, and sometimes it is adjusted by tapping it with a hammer. You can see how difficult this is in the footage from 5:54. All process, including Kushigata (the process of decorating it) are conducted by the craftsman. Every step shows the skills of a master craftsman who has inherited the culture of a traditional craft. Thoughts of an Edo Houki Craftsman Making Edo Houki requires a lot of physical strength. According to Katsumi Arai, while he is called a craftsman, he does not see himself as one. Tough Times for Edo Houki Photo：Roomba During the 1960s and the 1970s, electric vacuum cleaners began to become popular, and today, automatic vacuum cleaners such as the Roomba are available. The demand for newer, electric, and even automatic cleaning devices, created an unfavorable market for the traditional Japanese craft. However, in recent years, Edo Houki have been given as gifts, presents, and souvenirs by those overseas, and the commercial value of Edo Houki has increased to the point where it is now considered a work of art and traditional craft. Summary of Edo Houki What are the advantages of using a traditional Edo Houki in the age of modern vacuum cleaners? First, it's quiet. Second, it's effective at removing dust from tatami. And lastly, you can feel the traditional culture of the Edo Period in its handle. Because of this, the Edo Houki, which is guaranteed to last 10 years, is being reevaluated by many. If you're interested in Edo Houki, be sure to check out some online shopping sites like Amazon or Rakuten. The price range of Edo Houki ranges anywhere from several thousand yen to up to 10,000 yen (~$10-$100 USD). Give the traditional Edo craft a try!

Mitten Crab Fishing and Mitten Crab Kakemeshi! The video（岡山・和気町に伝わるモクズガニ漁に密着「ズガニのかけ飯」の味は） closely covers Keiji Mandai from the Yoshiikawa Southern Fishery Cooperative, who runs a mitten crab fishing business in Wake, Okayama in Japan's Chugoku. The title of the video roughly translates to “Japanese mitten crab fishing In Wake, Okayama. Mitten crab fisheries and a taste of Kakemeshi." Kenji Mandai is a veteran fisherman with 70 years of experience. Mitten crab is called "Zugani" by the local people and it is used in the local special dish “Zugani Kakemeshi.” Please watch the video to see some of the characteristics of mitten crab fishing, or to check the recipe for Zugani Kakemeshi. Mitten Crab Fishing Photo：Mitten crab Mitten crabs are found in the river and the local people call it “Zugani.” The mitten crab is part of the crustacean species. Its carapace is 7-8 cm, and it weighs around 180g. The fishing process is actually quite easy as well. Being nocturnal, mitten crabs usually stand still in between rocks. Knowing this, fisherman put net traps into the river and the mitten crabs have a tendency to just walk inside them. That's it! If you want to see this in action, take a look at the video starting from 0:16. Mitten crab fishing peaks in the fall since the crabs travel down the river to breed. They're packed with meat during this time of the year so it's definitely the best season to try them. If the crabs legs crabs are yellow, that means it's a lunker! Unfortunately, because their size is relatively small and it takes time and effort to cook, there are fewer and fewer people eating mitten crabs nowadays . As a result, not many fishermen are involved in mitten crab fishing, and the tradition has been on a steady decline. What Is Mitten Crab Kakemeshi? Recipes and Popular Ways to Cook Mitten Crab Source :YouTube screenshot Mitten crab kakemeshi is loved by the local people in Wake, Okayama and a feast is held during the rice harvesting season in the fall. After cooking vegetables in a pot, chop up the mitten crabs (including the shells), and strain the crabs using a strainer. In order to get the best tasting crab, it is best to spend time chopping up the crab as finely as possible. The shell of the crabs used to be the main source of protein for the people of Wake. After seasoning the soup with soy sauce, the standard way to enjoy this meal is to put it over rice. Mitten crab kakemeshi has a very rich taste, and you can taste every ingredient. For a more in-depth explanation on how to prepare mitten crab, take a look at 3:16 for the recipe on how to make mitten crab kakemeshi. There are several other recipes using mitten crabs, such as Takikomi gohan (this involves cooking the crab with other ingredients inside of a rice cooker with rice), Tsugani soup, steamed crabs, miso soup, and crab pasta. Mitten crab is a perfect ingredient for both Japanese and western dishes. Also shown in the video at 5:58, the local people cut a steamed crab in half and eat it straight. A Summary of the Mitten Crab Fishing and Mitten Crab Kakemeshi Introduction Photo：Mitten crab Mitten crabs taste the best, and are beefiest in Autumn, and although it has a strong smell, if cooked properly it can become a delicious meal. If you are planning to visit Japan, we recommend trying different kinds of Japanese food to feel the culture of Japan. If this article has got you interested in trying some crab dishes after watching the mitten crab fishing video, there's no better place to get your fill than Wake, Okayama. Although mitten crab fishing has been on the decline, mitten crab is a taste that deserves to be passed down for generations.

Video introduction of food sample craftsmen in Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan! Recommendations and points of interest The food models, that look exactly like the real thing, are frequently seen at restaurants and souvenir shops in Japan. But have you ever thought about how they're made? The introductory video of food models is created by ANA Global Channel. It shows how artisans’ feel about food models, and their production methods. Food models are now known all over the world as modern Japanese artworks. The role of food models and how artisans make food models is explained in this article alongside the video. The Role of Food Models: A Japanese Craft Photo：Food models Food models are replicas made by artisans so that people can imagine what kind of dish is provided at the restaurant without having to enter. By displaying the replicas in show-window, people can get an idea of the food and prices. This removes the anxiety of going into a restaurant blind. It's hard to go into a restaurant you're on the fence about when you've got little to no information about it. Japanese food model artisans provide a remedy for this. Food Models Are Popular Among Overseas as Well Source :YouTube screenshot Food models are popular in both Japan and other countries due to their high- quality and wide variety of products. There are a lot of stores that sell food models on Kappa Bridge (合羽橋, Kappabashi) Utensils Street in Asakusa, Taito Tokyo. There are different kinds of merchandise such as accessories, key chains and smartphone cases as well. These are bought as souvenirs and gifts by international tourists. It is globally recognized as a modern Japanese culture and art. How Food Models Are Made Let’s see how artisans create artificial food. The method is shown after 1:35. First, they make a cast of the ingredients by pouring silicon over real food. From here, they create a model by pouring vinyl resin in the mold. After that, all that's left is to paint the model. When all the fake ingredients are created, they are combined to create a replica indistinguishable from the real thing. There are replicas of sushi, soba, pasta, and more. Food Model Trial Classes Taking the opportunity to try your hand at making a food model makes for a really fun time and we highly recommend checking it out when you come to Japan. They take about 2 hours to complete so it's not a huge time sink either. The trial class is shown in the video around 5:07. It has become very popular with foreign tourists because of its convenience. You also get to take an awesome souvenir home with you! Summary Source :YouTube screenshot This ANA Global Channel video introducing food samples made by Japanese artisans is a great way to learn more about Japan. If you like arts and crafts or are interested in food models and artisans, definitely don't miss out on the video Have you figured out which one is real yet? The quality is quite impressive.

Beautiful Snowy Landscape in Hida Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "Snowscapes of Hida Takayama in Winter｜Winter HidaTakayama｜Snowscape Report - Discover Nippon" (冬の飛騨高山の雪景色　Winter HIdaTakayama 　雪見便り・ディスカバーニッポン), was uploaded by "Discover Nippon." It introduces the beautiful snowscapes of Hida Takayama, Gifu, in Japan's Tokai region. As you can see in the video, Hida Takayama is a village in Gifu Prefecture covered with thick snow in winter due to its high altitude. There are many beautiful sightseeing spots in the Hida Takayama area that we recommend visiting during the snowy season. Hida Takayama, Gifu - A Town With Beautiful Scenery Photo：Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture There are castle towns and merchant houses in Hida Takayama and it is known as the "Little Kyoto of Hida." Clear water flows under the eaves of a row of latticed windows, and at the entrance to a sake brewery, a ball of cedar leaves called "sakebayashi" or "sugitama" is hung to signal that a new sake has been brewed. We recommend looking around Nakabashi "Sanmachi Dori" where an old townscape remains, and viewing the historical buildings, such as Takayama Jinya. From 0:33 in the video, you can see the snowy streets of Hida Takayama, Gifu and their rich historical atmosphere. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hida Takayama, Gifu Photo：Shirakawa-go in winter, Gifu Prefecture Shirakawa-go is registered as a World Heritage Site and is famous for its Gassho-zukuri architecture. It is especially famous for its snowscapes, so definitely consider checking it out during winter. Hida Folk Village and Mukashi-banashi-no-sato are great for sightseeing as well. You can see Japanese scenery by going to Honkoji Temple and Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine. By going to Kita Alps Ohashi Bridge and Hirayu Falls (平湯大滝, Hirayu Ootaki), you can enjoy the natural scenery of the area. During the winter months, you can enjoy an elegant time touring the city center by rickshaw, which can be seen from 1:00 in the video. In the evening, stay at a nice hot spring hotel and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Visit a Historical Festival in Hida Takayama, Gifu! Photo：Takayama Festival, Gifu The Takayama Festival is a historical festival that represents Hida Takayama. You can also see gorgeous floats at the Takayama Festival Floats Exhibition Hall. Hida Takayama's Hina Festival features beautiful hina dolls and is one of the most popular events in the area. Enjoy the Delicious Local Food of Hida Takayama, Gifu! Photo：Hoba-miso Hida Takayama is famous for hoba-miso, a local specialty of the area. It's a simple grilled dish, made with homemade miso paste and mixed with spices and wild vegetables. We recommend eating lunch while taking in the snowy, historical atmosphere of Hida Takayama. If you're looking for some fresh, seasonal foods, be sure to check out Miyagawa Asaichi, one of the three major morning markets in Japan. The delicious local sake is popular as a souvenir. Summary of Hida Takayama, Gifu Photo：Merchant Houses in Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture In the snowy Hida Takayama, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the seasons of Japan. In the video, you can see beautiful scenery of the old Japanese townscape dyed white. If this video has you interested in Hida Takayama, we highly recommend visiting to see the actual scenery in person. 【Official Website】Hida Takayama Tourism Official Website https://www.hida.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Takayama https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298113-Takayama_Gifu_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html