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!

Snowplowing Fukui's Snow-Covered Railroad - Echizen Railway This video, titled “[Snow Removal Work] Snow Removal Work by Two Echizen Railway Snow Blowers: Echizen Railway Nishiharue Station, February 9th, 2018” (【除雪作業】えちぜん鉄道・ロータリー車 ２台による排雪作業 えちぜん鉄道 西春江駅 2018年2月9日), is produced by "labaoka." It shows the snowplowing of Echizen Railway. Have you seen snowplowing at railroads in heavy snow areas? In the metropolitan area, trains are stopped when there's just a few centimeters of snow. How do people in heavy snow areas, often covered by a few meters of snow in one night, manage to remove the snow on the railways? This video shows actual footage of the snowplowing at Echizen Railway Nishiharue Station, in Fukui Prefecture in Japan's Hokuriku region, one of the snowiest areas in Japan. This is rare footage that you've probably never seen before. Fukui Prefecture – A Heavy Snowfall Area in Japan Photo：Snowplows clearing snow on road In the video, the snow is taller than the people! Did you know that Japan has some of the snowiest areas in the world? As the railroads stretch throughout Japan, people in areas with heavy snowfall have to plow snow every day in the winter. The main island of Japan has a mountain range in the center which divides the Pacific Ocean and Japan Sea sides. During winter, strong winds from the continent hit the mountain range and cause low air pressure. This is why there are so many places with heavy snowfall on the Japan Sea side. The Echizen Railway shown in the video runs through Fukui, one of Ishikawa's neighboring prefectures. The Hokuriku region which is composed of Fukui, Ishikawa, and Toyama is one of the snowiest areas in Japan. About Echizen Railway – A Railway in the Snow Photo：A Rusted track and unmanned station Echizen Railway, nicknamed as “Echi Tetsu,” is a railway that connects Fukui City with Katsuyama City and Sakai City. There are hot spring facilities such as Awara Onsen and Mikuni Onsen Yuaport, as well as tourist spots like Bashozuka, Matsuoka Kofun Cluster, and Tojinbo. Echizen Railway is a railway in the third sector that was established as the successor to the Echizen Main Line and Mikuni Awara Line formerly operated by Keifuku Electric Railroad in Fukui. The L-type train car is a “brother” to the Toyama Light Rail TLR0600 series. Its futuristic design is also popular among train enthusiasts. Snowplows – Essential Vehicles for Snow Removal on Railroads Source :YouTube screenshot Snowplows are essential vehicles for railroads in snowy regions. As you can see in the video, it snows so much that the crossing, as well as the rail, are almost completely covered by snow. This is dangerous even for the local people who are used to snow. Which is exactly why these vehicles are necessary. Let us introduce several types of snowplows: -Russel snowplow: This is the most common snowplow for railroads. It plows its way through snow using the blade on the edge of the main car. -Snow blower: This locomotive blows the raked snow by spinning the rotary with its motor. -Russel snow blower: Russel snow blower has both features of a snow blower and a Russel snowplow. This vehicle is used in the snowiest areas in Japan. The video shows footage of a snowplow passing through Nishiharue Station slowly while removing snow. As seen at 0:59, the snowplow faces the direction that allows it to not blow snow at nearby houses. It's quite tough work. Summary of Snow Removal at Fukui's Echizen Railway Various snowplows greatly help the heavy snow areas in Japan. The vehicle at the beginning of the video removing snow from the rail of Echizen Railway is the snow blower and the Russel snowplow appears after 10:00 in the video. being one of the snowiest areas in Japan, this kind of snow removal work by snowplows is essential for Fukui Prefecture. After removing snow by snow blowers, however, people must remove the blown snow manually to prevent a buildup of large snowdrifts on roads and in front of houses. Even though local people are used to it, life in a snowy region is tough. Plowing snow is just the icing on the cake. Watch and enjoy the footage of Echizen Railway snowplows working to secure traffic safety for the local people of Fukui – one of the snowiest areas in Japan.

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

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.

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/

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/

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?

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!

The PR Video for Edo Houki 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!

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/

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.

An Introduction to Food Models 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.