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Video article 7:40
Enjoy a Traditional Japanese Kids Toy, the Bamboo-Copter! This Video Will Show You How to Make One!
Things to Do- 40 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "[Handmade] How to Make a Bamboo-Copter" (【手作り】たけとんぼの作り方), was released by "Ekapyon Maru" (えかぴょん丸). There are many bamboo forests in Japan, and various tools and toys have been made from cut bamboo since long ago. The bamboo-copter shown in the video is a popular toy that is easy to make. Bamboo-copters require thin blades that act as propellers and a stick that is used to build up momentum. The way in which the wings are shaved changes the way the bamboo-copter flies, so it's important to make the wings very thin. The finished bamboo-copter can be flown and played with as shown at 6:48 in the video. If making your own is too difficult, you can buy bamboo-copters from grocery stores, candy stores, and online as well! -
Video article 6:10
How to Make a Chopstick Rubber Band Gun: An Easy to Follow Tutorial Video for the Handmade Toy. All You Need Is Rubber Bands and Chopsticks to Create a Powerful, High-Quality Toy!
Things to Do- 1.62K plays
- YouTube
Chopstick Rubber Band Guns! This video is titled "Easy★How to Make Chopsticks Rubber Guns★Handmade Toy" (簡単★ 割り箸ゴム鉄砲の作り方 ★手作りおもちゃ). The chopstick rubber band gun is a popular toy among Japanese children. It uses chopsticks, which is a very familiar item for Japanese people, to create a gun shape by tying them together with rubber bands. They're not too difficult to make, so try to follow along and make your own as we explain the process. Making a Chopstick Rubber Band Gun Source :YouTube screenshot First, prepare 3 wooden chopsticks, a few rubber bands and a pair of scissors. If the chopsticks are still stuck together, break them apart so we can begin making the rubber band gun. As you can see at 0:37 in the video, we'll be using the chopsticks and rubber bands to assemble it. The grip of the gun is made by cutting the chopsticks into pieces with scissors. This is shown at 2:11 in the video. The firing mechanism of the chopstick rubber band gun is simple, and you can make the rubber band fly far by hooking one to the finished gun and shooting. When you finish making one, use a laundry clip as a scope to aim at your target. You can see the rubber band gun being shot at 5:45 in the video. Making a Strong Chopstick Rubber Band Gun Photo:Chopstick Rubber Band Gun You can make cool handmade guns other than the one in the video, such as a laundry clip pistol, a multi-fire pistol, dual handguns, and a gatling gun. There are even crazy strong guns like machine guns, sniper rifles, and semi-automatic gun. Use the internet to search how to make the more advanced rubber band guns and try making one with your friends! These days, there are classes and workshops for chopstick rubber band guns. We recommend giving one a try! Rubber Band Gun Competitions The Japan Rubber Band Gun Shooting Association was established in November 2000. It is an organization that aims to popularize rubber band guns, including the chopsticks rubber band gun variation. The Japan Rubber Gun Shooting Association has established three rules: Matchbox, Fly Shoot, and Coin Pendulum, as official rubber band gun competitions, and there are also events and competitions held. Summary of Rubber Band Chopsticks Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we talked about how to create chopstick rubber band guns. The chopsticks rubber band gun is a handmade toy that can also be enjoyed by adults. We recommend making one during your summer vacation! Check out the video to see how to make chopstick rubber band guns and try to create a powerful device! 【Official Website】Japan Rubber Band Gun Shooting Association http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/jrbgsa/syagekitop.html -
Video article 1:15
Countless gachagachas line up in Akihabara Station in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward! Get a glimpse of the large number of capsule toys, and get your hands on popular products of high quality!
Shopping- 413 plays
- YouTube
Gachagacha (capsule toy) video introduction on the 1st floor of Akihabara Station in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward The video “[4K] Akihabara Station, Capsule toys, Gacha Gacha (September 16, 2019)”(【4K】秋葉原駅・カプセルトイ・ガチャガチャ(2019年9月16日))introduces a lot of "Gashapon" or "Gachapon" (capsule toy vending machines) on the first floor of Akihabara Station. You won't know what the product inside is until you open the capsule, which is really exciting for children, and even adults. In the past, it was common to see three to four capsule-toy vending machines at the corners of supermarkets or candy shops. Now, there are special shops such as "Gacha Gacha Forest" and "Gacha Gacha Kingdom." You'll often see tens of the latest and most popular capsule toy-vending machines lined up. This article introduces Gashapon. What are Gashapon? Capsule Toys? And What's With the Name? Photo:Turning a Gashapon The history of Gashapon is long. They started in 1964, the year of the first Tokyo Olympics. As of 2020, it has been a long lasting historical business for 55 years. Gashapon are vending machines that contains capsules with various different kinds of toys. A fixed amount of coins is slotted into the machine and the lever is turned, after which a random toy pops out. With its long history, there are various names depending on times and regions, such as "Gacha Gacha," "Gacha," "GachaPon," "GashaPon," "P cup," and so on. These names can be categorized according to the manufactures. "Gacha Gacha" and "GachaPon" come from BANDAI and "Gacha" from TAKARA TOMY ARTS. Due to trademarking, "capsule toys" is the formal name. These names are important for the sellers. However, we, the consumers, are free to call it what we want of course. The Charm of Gashapon Variety! Source :YouTube screenshot When it comes to Gashapon capsule toys, the variety is definitely what attracts most people. There are many once-dominant products catching many children’s hearts. Trading cards, bouncy balls, erasers of supercars or Kinnikuman (muscle man) are a few among them. There are several varieties of the same kind as well, so it's fun to collect them. This video introduces capsule toys vending machines with a complete set displayed in a case on them. You can see the quality products right before your eyes and you may not be able to stop yourself from put in just a little more... Vending machines selling cards and stickers are also shown from 0:45 in the video. These days, there are many Gashapon at Narita Airport. They are very popular among visitors from abroad. At first, they were installed so that the unused coins left over from tourists sightseeing in Japan would have a use. Now, more and more tourists buy them as Japanese souvenirs. Summary of Japan's Gashapon Photo:High School Girl Opening Her Gashapon The video this time introduced Gashapon vending machines on the first floor of Akihabara Station. Nowadays, local goods and toys to make your own Gacha goods are sold in the machines, so although the idea is old, they've remained quite popular to this day. They range from major items like quality miniature toys and figurines to eccentric items such as pill bugs and public telephones. New products pop up every day, keeping people coming back for more. If this article has you interested in Gashapon, be sure to save some of your pocket change for Gashapon vending machines! -
Video article 2:37
This Talented Elementary Schooler Shows off His Wicked Kendama Skills! Check Out the Awesome Tricks Performed by the World Kendama Tournament Finalist!
Celebrities Things to Do- 296 plays
- YouTube
The Super Kendama Elementary Schooler! This video, titled "[Kendama|5th Grader] 10 Amazing Tricks, One After Another! the Young Super Talent That Made It to the Finals!" (【KENDAMA】](「【けん玉 小学5年生】スゴ技10連発!世界選手権決勝トーナメントに最年少で進出したスーパーキッズ!【KENDAMA】」), was created by "Bukapi Bukatsu ONE" (「ブカピ 部活ONE」). The video shows 5th grader Maharu Tashiro performing 10 difficult Kendama tricks. Maharu Tashiro is a talented elementary school student, and the youngest finalist of the World Kendama Tournament. You can see his impressive techniques and high level skills in the video. Be sure to follow along as you read this article! What is Kendama? Photo:Kendama Kendama is a wooden toy consisting of a cross-shaped handle (Ken) and a ball with a hole (Tama). Generally, Kendama is written as [けん玉 (Kendama)], using hiragana, but it's often written using Kanji such as "剣玉," (lit. sword ball) "拳玉," (lit. stick ball) or "剣球" (lit. sword sphere) (all pronounced Kendama). Kendama are comprised of just a few parts: Ito (string), Kensaki (spike), Osara (cup), and Tama (ball). The most general ways to grip Kendama are straight (Masugu) and tilted (Naname). Kendama has a long history and is generally believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868). The electronic Kendama, Dejiken (デジケン), produced by Bandai (バンダイ), was also popular at one time. The Kendama Prodigy Source :YouTube screenshot The talented kid Maharu Tashiro, shown in the video is the Super Kendama kid who drew attention at the World Kendama freestyle Tournament "CATCH&FLOW2017," held in Tokyo in 2017. He performed amazing Kendama tricks in the Kendama tournament, which top Kendama performers from both inside and outside of Japan attended, and became the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament. He also participated in "CATCH&FLOW2018" the following year and advanced to the final, making him a finalist in back to back tournaments. Maharu Tashiro started playing Kendama when he was a 1st grader. He practices Kendama at least 2 hours a day. Sometimes he practices all day if it’s a holiday. This can be seen in the interview at 0:14 in the video. Source : YouTube screenshot He practiced by watching professional Kendama players an mimicking their techniques. His dream is to become the number one Kendama player in the world, so he practices hard to make this dream a reality. You can see his world class Kendama tricks from 0:25 in the video. Border Balance→Lighthouse Flip (Tonbogaeri) →Lighthouse (Touritsu), tap x2→Juggle lighthouse x2, Ruler of Time, Lightning Swap Spike (Inazuma swap ken), Windmill Warbler (Fusha Uguisu)→ Windmill Over the Valley (Fusha Taniwatari)→Windmill Spike (Fusha ken), Lunar Landing (getsumen)→ lighthouse flip (Tonbogaeri)→Lunar Landing Reverse (Uragetsumen)→Lighthouse Flip Tap (Tap tonbogaeri)→Cushioned Plunge (Cushion sakaotoshi), Flying Stick (Haneken), Clutch→Swirl (kurukuru waza), Tight Rope→Spike Juggle, Spike Juggle x 10. The tricks are absolutely incredible! Summary of the Kendama Prodigy! Did you enjoy reading about super Kendama kid? The video shows him performing 10 awesome Kendama tricks, so definitely check it out! If you're interested in Kendama, there are classes all over Japan where you can learn how to play Kendama. You can also purchase Kendama online at stores such as Amazon. -
Video article 5:37
Beigoma - The Traditional Japanese Spinning Top Loved by Children and Adults Alike! Become a Beigoma Master With the Help of This Video!
Things to Do- 1.18K plays
- YouTube
Beigoma - Traditional Japanese Tops! This video, titled "[Beigoma- 1. Tie it 2. Wind it 3. Hold it 4. Let it rip! - Tokyo Beigoma]" (「ベーゴマの、1.ヒモの作り方、2.ヒモの巻き方、3.持ち方、4.投げ入れ方 | 東京ベーゴマ」), is created by "Tokyo Beigoma" (東京ベーゴマ). The video is an introduction to Beigoma for beginners. This video clearly explains how to play with Beigoma and also teaches basic techniques for spinning Beigoma that are often difficult for beginners. After watching the video, you'll be on your way to becoming a Beigoma master in no time! If you're a total beginner, don't worry, this video has you covered! Traditional Japanese Beigoma Photo:Beigoma showdown Koma are ancient Japanese toys said to have originated in Heian period (794-1185) Kyoto when people played by spinning shells with string. Beigoma is a kind of Koma (Japanese spinning top) made of cast metal. It was a popular toy among kids from the Taisho period (1912-1926) to Japan's economic boom. To play Beigoma, you make a playing board by stretching a thick fabric sheet partially over a bucket or a barrel, and players spin their Beigoma onto the surface and have them bang against one another. Although Beigoma is an old toy, there have been many more people playing with Beigoma, Menko (an old Japanese card game), and other old-fashioned toys, due to a revived interest in old‐fashioned goods. Also, there are "new" Beigoma based toys such as Beyblade (ベイブレード) and Beigoma Spin Heat (ベイゴマスピンヒート), which are very popular among kids and sold at toy stores and online. Beigoma competitions are also becoming popular. The smartphone app "Beigoma Stadium" (ベイゴマスタジアム) is popular among adults as well. There are various types of Beigoma. Pecha (ペチャ) is the thinnest Beigoma and is harder to control but quite strong. Pe-oh (ぺ王) is the most difficult to control but is the most powerful. Chu-daka (中高) is short but easy to spin. Maruroku (丸六) is the best for beginners. Kakuroku (角六) is easy to spin and is also quite strong. Taka-oh (高王) is about 1.5 times the size of Maruroku, and Bay (バイ) is easy to spin and lasts a long time. Beigoma players also modify their Beigoma and make their own original versions. How to Play Beigoma Source :YouTube screenshot Now we'll introduce how to play Beigoma. First, make a string to wrap around the Beigoma (video 0:07). Tie the string and make a few knots. Next up is the winding process. There are several ways to wind the string, such as Onnamaki (女巻き), Otokomaki (男巻き), and Jujimaki (十字巻き). In this video, we'll learn Onnamaki. (~2:14). First, make sure the tip of the Beigoma sits between the knots on the string. From here, press and hold the end of the string onto the Beigoma with your thumb, and wind the string around the beigoma while keeping the pointed tip of the Beigoma between the knots. Next, wrap the string counterclockwise around knots while holding the string tightly with your fingers to prevent it from unraveling. Wrap it slowly in a circle, and your done! Next we'll learn how to hold the Beigoma. Hold it with your thumb and index finger, and wrap the rest of the string around your pinky and grab ahold of it. (~3:34) Source :YouTube screenshot Finally, let your Beigoma rip! (~4:11) Make sure not to throw it at an angle when launching it onto the playing board. Place your right foot close to the board, making sure to launch the Beigoma on the board, and as soon as you launch it, pull the string tightly. Summary of Traditional Japanese Beigoma Photo:Beigoma Did you enjoy learning about Beigoma? The video gives simple instructions on how to play with Beigoma, so even if you've never done it before, don't be shy! You'll be able to throw some awesome Beigoma in no time! If you're interested in traditional Japanese toys, be sure to check out the video! -
Video article 7:55
Full of Incredible LEGO Gizmos! Don’t Miss This Popular Video With Over 30 Million Views!
Things to Do- 187 plays
- YouTube
Check Out This Popular Lego Ball Contraption Video! First, let’s watch this video titled “LEGO GBC 20 modules [LEGO] I made a ball contraption(LEGO GBC 20 modules 【レゴ】 玉ころがしをつくってみた)” produced by Akiyuki Brick Channel. This video shows a machine called GBC made with LEGO bricks. GBC refers to a work comprised of a series of gadgets made with huge LEGO brick modules to carry small balls. It's an acronym of Great Ball Contraption. The GBC created with various mechanisms such as shovels and pumps is like a robot with a mind of its own. It seems like many viewers watch the video again and again to see the GBC’s interesting and fascinating mechanisms. Surprisingly, this video has more than 30 million views! Enjoy this addictive video that will have you watching it over and over again. History of the Popular Line of Toys, LEGO Photo:LEGO LEGO refers to a line of plastic brick-building toys developed by a Danish toy company. The name originates from the Danish phrase “leg godt” meaning “play well.” LEGO is a popular toy that is still popular all around the world even half a century after its debut in 1958. Which Bricks to Purchase Photo:LEGO The basic kit series is the best option for beginners who are wondering which to choose as many kinds of bricks are sold. These kits include building bricks as well as figure parts like chefs or janitors and widen the range of play. If you have no idea how to play with the bricks, read the building instructions and assemble the parts. Experience the fun of building with LEGOs that fascinate both kids and adults alike. About the GBC in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot Japan is a manufacturing powerhouse, and it demonstrates its advanced technology in the world of toys as well. Now, let's take a brief look at the GBC (Great Ball Contraption) built with LEGO bricks in the video. First, you can see a crane scooping the small rolling soccer balls and basketballs and pour them onto the running truck at 0:04. After unloading the truck, the balls go through various contraptions. This footage starts from 0:44 in the video. As you can see in the video, one of the things that makes this video so fascinating is the high quality of each device. After going through countless devices, those balls finish their journey at, surprisingly, the same crane at the very beginning of the video! You can see this at 7:28 in the video. LEGOLAND in Japan! Source :【Official Website】Legoland Japan Resort LEGOLAND, the LEGO theme park created by LEGO Group, has gained a lot of attention. LEGOLAND opened in Denmark as well as the UK and the US one after another, and in 2017, LEGOLAND Japan opened in Aichi Prefecture in Japan. As a place where visitors can play in the world of toys, LEGOLAND is an ideal place for dates and leisure as well. Summary of the GBC Built by Legos Source :YouTube screenshot LEGO is loved all around the world and has infinite ways it can be enjoyed. Be it playing with your family and friends or trying to build a fascinating GBC like the one in the video, find your own way to enjoy LEGO. After watching this video, you will surely be tempted to play with LEGO! Try not to get lost watching the video's amazing contraptions! 【Official Website】Welcome to LEGOLAND Japan Resort! https://www.legoland.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】LEGOLAND Japan https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298106-d12284533-Reviews-LEGOLAND_Japan-Nagoya_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html -
Video article 18:05
High Quality Marble Coasters You'll Never Get Tired of Watching! Can You Believe These Are All Made of Disposable Chopsticks?!
Things to Do- 41 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "Marble Coasters Made With Chopsticks" (割り箸で作るビー玉コースター), was released by "gh gt." This video shows a marble rolling down a coaster made of disposable chopsticks. The more you watch it, the more you'll be amazed at the many carefully calculated contraptions! This video is perfect for those who enjoy DIY crafts, and may be a good reference for your own! The more you watch it, the more you'll realize how cool these marble coasters are. -
Video article 2:44
The Amazing Feats of a Kendama God! The 10-Time Kendama Champion in Japan Shows off His Amazing Skills in a Ninja-Like Costume!
Celebrities Things to Do- 58 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "KENDAMA JAPAN No.1 Shigeki Hiroshi [Japan's Ten-Time Kendama Champion, Hiroshi Shigeki]" (KENDAMA JAPAN No.1 Shigeki Hiroshi【けん玉日本一10度制覇 しげきひろし】), was released by "Shigeki Hiroshi" (しげきひろし). Hiroshi Shigeki, is a kendama master who has won the number one kendama title in Japan 10 times. He started playing kendama at the age of 10 and has won over 50 kendama tournaments and set a world record at the Kendama Conference. The video shows a number of awesome tricks, so be sure to give it a watch! -
Video article 4:56
Let’s Spin Some Traditional-Style Tops! Learn How to Wrap It, Spin It, and Even Some Cool Tricks!
Things to Do- 2.06K plays
- YouTube
Explaining how to spin a top The video “How to Spin the Top(【改訂版】コマのまわし方(ヒモの巻き方)【 How to spin the top 】)” was created by “Seiai Kindergarten - Fussa, Tokyo” and it explains how to wrap a string and how to spin a top. The video is for kids, so the basics of how to play with the top is easy to understand. This article introduces how to wind a top up and spin it. Be sure to follow along with the video! Traditional Japanese Tops Photo:Old-fashioned top Traditional Japanese tops are a toy played with by attaching a spindle to a circular piece of wood and using a string to spin it. The tip of the stem is thin, maintaining the balance in the center while the top spins. There are tops all around the world and each country has their own version with unique characteristics. For example, there are gasing in Malaysia that adults use and make bets with, diabolos in China that are known for their acrobatics, and spinning tops, used in performances, in Japan. The top has a very long history and it is said that they originally started from the spinning of snail shells. The oldest top in the world, was found in Egypt, and said to have been used around 2000 to 1400 B.C. It is believed that “finger twirling,” tops twisted using one's fingers, were the first kinds of tops invented. In fact, the oldest top is a simple hand-spun top made of carved wood. The whip top is still created as a Japanese folkcraft and wooden toy in Japan. How to Wind up and Spin a Top Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video from 0:03, hold the top in your left hand and the string in your right. The string will have a knot at the end. Put the string on the left side of the stem and pull the knot towards your body on the right side of the stem. From there, place the long end of the string over the knot that you just pulled to the right side of the stem. It's difficult to explain, but you can see this at 0:18 in the video. Then, turn the top to the side while keeping the string tight, and hook the string on the stem on the bottom of the top. After wrapping the string tightly twice on the bottom stem, gradually wrap the rest of the string to cover the bottom of the top. When wrapping the string, it's easier to move the top to wrap it, as opposed to wrapping it using the hand holding the string. When you've finished wrapping it, you'll know you did it correctly by the nice pattern on the bottom of the top. How to Spin and Throw the Top Source :YouTube screenshot After winding the top up, it's finally time to let it rip! As shown in the video, hold the top in your left hand and dangle a bit string. Hold the dangled string between your right ring and pinky fingers, and make a fist around the string. Make a finger gun with your hand and hold the top with your thumb and index finger. After that, face the direction where you want to throw the top, open your legs slightly wider than your shoulder, lower your body and throw that sucker! It is better to throw it as horizontally as possible. Be careful not to throw it straight down as it won't spin and you might break your top with the force. You can watch how to throw it starting from 2:45 in the video. You can see man in the video doing tricks, such as placing the spinning top on the palm of his hand, and rope-walking, from 4:14. Summary of Japan's Traditional Tops Photo:Whip Top The video “How to Spin the Top,” created by “Seiai Kindergarten - Fussa, Tokyo,” introduces how to spin a top, a toy often used during New Years in Japan. The video explains how to wrap the top string as well, so it's great for beginners. It can also be enjoyed by advanced top users since there are difficult tricks in the video. -
Video article 1:39
Koji Yamami - The #1 Japanese Kaleidoscope Artist. His Beautiful Works, Made With Light and Mirrors, Will Take Your Breath Away!
Art & Architecture- 429 plays
- YouTube
Kaleidoscope Artist Koji Yamami The video shown here is a solo exhibition of Koji Yamami, the leading kaleidoscope artist in Japan, titled "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors," published by "oricon." The kaleidoscope introduced in the video is a toy that contains two or more mirrors, in which beads and colored paper are placed, and when you turn the device while looking into it from behind, you can enjoy seeing the beautiful patterns that it creates. In Japanese, the kaleidoscope is known as "mangekyo" (万華鏡, roughly meaning "Ten Thousand Shining Mirrors"). The History of the Kaleidoscope Photo:A Child playing with a kaleidoscope The kaleidoscope was accidentally discovered by a physicist named David Brewster during his experiments with polarized light, and it was patented in 1817. Initially used as a scientific tool, the kaleidoscope rapidly developed into a plaything, and many kaleidoscope artists were born. They began to be imported to Japan in 1819 and were also called "hundred-color spectacles" (百色眼鏡, hyaku-shiki megane) or "brocade spectacles" (錦眼鏡, nishiki megane). In the beginning, kaleidoscopes were mainly popular as souvenirs, but as talented kaleidoscope artists began to emerge, the artistic value of the kaleidoscope increased in Japan as well. Introduced in the video, is Koji Yamami, one of the most talented kaleidoscope artists in the world. There is the privately run Japan Kaleidoscope Museum in Kawaguchi City, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region (関東地方・埼玉県の川口市, kanto chiho・saitama-ken no kawaguchi-shi), as well as "Otarugan," the world’s largest kaleidoscope gallery, located in Otaru, Hokkaido (北海道の小樽市, Hokkaido no otaru-shi). Kaleidoscopes can be made easily with just mirrors, tubes, colored paper and beads, and workshops to do so are held all over Japan. kaleidoscope production kits are also sold online, making kaleidoscopes very popular. They are especially popular among women. Who is Koji Yamami? Source :YouTube screenshot What kind of person is kaleidoscope artist Koji Yamami? Let’s take a look at his resume. Koji Yamami was born in Tokyo in 1961, studied in the United States in 1984, and returned to Japan to open a stained glass studio. In 1994, he opened the kaleidoscope specialty store "Little Bear" in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and began his career as a full-fledged kaleidoscope artist. Koji Yamami's works are characterized by their overwhelming visual beauty and unpredictable design using glass and jewelry. His works are called "kareido," a play on words based on the Japanese pronunciation of "(kaleido)scope" and using the Kanji "華麗動," meaning "華麗: Magnificent/Splendid, 動: Motion/Change/Confusion. He even has numerous fans overseas, and is nicknamed "The KAREIDO Artist" in English. He has appeared on many media outlets such as NHK, and in 2018 he appeared on the popular TBS program "The World Unknown to Matsuko" (マツコの知らない世界, matsuko no shiranai sekai), catapulting him to fame. The video introduces Koji Yamami's solo exhibition, "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors" (万華鏡小宇宙~鏡の中の美の世界~, mangekyo sho-uchu~kagami no naka no bi no sekai~) which was held in 2015. His masterpiece, based on Tokyo Tower, can be seen at 0:52, and his rendition of The Golden Pavilion (金閣寺, kinkaku-ji) can be seen at 0:17. His work based on Venus is also well-known. In the video, you can see many beautiful, glittering kaleidoscopes. Summary of Koji Yamami's "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors" Source :YouTube screenshot This video showcases Koji Yamami's solo exhibition, held in Nakano Broadway’s "GALLERY Little High," in 2015. Besides kaleidoscopes, Koji Yamami also creates teleidscopes, which incorporate the colors and shapes of one's surroundings to form beautiful images. Koji Yamami's exquisite kaleidoscopes are available for purchase on his official website and other online retailers. Definitely check them out. The ever-changing images formed by light and mirrors are sure to take your breath away! -
Video article 1:57
“Licca chan” is having her 50 year anniversary party! Even after 50 years the ever-lasting adoration for this dress-up doll has yet to fade!
Modern Culture Festivals & Events- 96 plays
- YouTube
Introducing dress-up doll “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party” This news footage, produced by “KyodoNews”, titled “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary event. Invitations from a 25 year old limited-edition product(リカちゃん50周年で式典 25年前の限定品に招待状)”, is about the dress-up doll “Licca chan” who was manufactured in 1967 and “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party” held to commemorate her 50th anniversary. In 2017, Licca chan’s 50th anniversary parties were held in Tokyo and in Osaka. The video showcases a few of the scenes from the party held in Osaka. In this article, we will be introducing what attracts people to the Licca chan doll that has continued to be loved for a long time, as well as Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party. Before we begin, check out the footage of the lively party, celebrating Licca chan’s 50th anniversary! What is “Licca chan”? Source : This article's video The dress-up doll “Licca chan” was first sold by the company Takara Tomy in 1967, as a blonde 22cm tall toy doll that girls could enjoy playing “pretend” or “dressing up” with. The Licca chan doll sold over 60 million units, and while it was loved by the generation that played with it, it also came to be loved by subsequent generations, making it a long selling product with a rich history. In the present day, Licca chan has expanded from the field of toy dolls and is now a commercial character for companies as well. Source : This article's video Licca chan was given a character profile such as family structure and age at the time of her release, and it is thought that her popularity came from the fact that her clothes and figure changed according to the lastest trends and fashion, thus always making her relevant icon. Licca chan’s full name is Licca Kayama, her birthday is on May 3rd, and she is a 5th grader. Her family consists of her fashion designer mother, her French musician father, younger twin sisters, and younger triplet sisters. She also has grandparents and friends as well, and is known to have had many boyfriends, such as Sho and Wataru, over the years. Other than the main Licca chan doll, there are many variations and associated products, such as family member dolls, dresses, houses, accessories, pet shops, and storage cases that are sold as well. In the past, pregnant Licca chan dolls have also been sold. These Licca chan doll products can be bought at the Licca chan store “Licca chan's Little Castle-Shop”, Toys R Us, or the online seller Amazon. About Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party Source :YouTube screenshot Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party commemorated the 50th anniversary of the dress-up doll “Licca chan” from when she was first released, and the events were held in Tokyo and Osaka. There was an invitation to this party inside the limited edition “2017 Premium Licca chan” that was sold in 1992, commemorating her 25th anniversary. And the party was held with limited attendants who RSVPed to the event. It is because of this, that there is the subheading “The promise of Licca chan and me” under the official party title. 370 fans who bought the porcelain Premium Licca chan doll, which was enclosed in a wooden case that came with a music box function (2500 limited editions were sold, and this doll can be seen from 1:30 of the footage), attended the party. It was a very lively event with quizzes being held, untold stories from the development team, and a reenactment of Licca chan’s voice on the telephone. The attendees of the party brought along their favorite Licca chan dolls, which can be seen from 0:10 in the video. In an interview with one of the female attendees, as seen from 0:33 in the video, she tells how she named her daughter “Licca”. The quiz held at the party can be seen from 1:13 in the video, and the “History of Licca chan” over 40 generations is also displayed. Licca chan's 50th anniversary summary Source :YouTube screenshot The video, “Licca chan’s 50th anniversary event invitations from a limited-edition product 25 years ago”, shows scenes from Licca chan’s 50th anniversary party. It also shows us an exhibition commemorating Licca chan’s 50th anniversary, "50 years since the birth of Licca chan”, which had a nationwide tour, and the renewal of Licca chan’s Castle. The release of a Licca chan doll giftset was one of the many 50th anniversary products sold to commemorate this special occasion as well. Women of all ages can appreciate the popularity of Licca chan, who gives glittering hope to all. Be sure to watch the video so you can see all of the scenes we talked about in this article. 【Official Website】LICCA KAYAMA OFFICIAL|Licca Official Information Site|Takara Tomy https://www.takaratomy.co.jp/english/products/licca/index.html -
Video article 10:15
Tokyu Hands Is a Shop With Many Interesting Goods and Japanese Souvenirs That Will Get Your Heart Racing! Try Not to Lose Track of Time Looking at the Wide Variety of Japanese Goods Available!
Shopping- 20 plays
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This video, titled "日本のおもしろグッズ Japan in Motion S14#20 “Tokyu Hands”," was released by "Japan in Motion." In this video, Japan in Motion, which introduces the latest news and culture in Japan, visited the Tokyu Hands store in Hiroshima. It's a popular home center that offers a wide range of products, such as sundries and DIY life hacks that will make your life more convenient. This video introduces a new kind of "scratch coloring book" that can be used as a postcard. It's also a postcard, so it's the perfect souvenir from Japan, and you'll get addicted to scratching it away. There are also a variety of Japanese patterned sundries that are worth checking out. The mini gachas are also really popular, and even adults get excited to try them. -
Video article 3:35
Hajime Miura - The Young, Japanese Yo-Yo World Champion. A Look at the Breathtaking Skills of This Yo-Yo-Bending Athlete!
Things to Do Festivals & Events- 127 plays
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Introducing Hajime Miura, the Champion of Competitive Yoyo! The video this time is titled "2018WYYC Final 4A 1st Hajime Miura|Film by C3yoyodesign," produced by "c3yoyodesign." The video shows footage of the yoyo world champion Hajime Miura manipulating the competitive yoyo to his will, at the official world championships. The yoyo is a toy made of small disks stacked on a central axle with a string looped around it. Professional yoyoers use competitive yoyos and as you can see in the video, you can perform some amazing tricks with them. What Kind of Person Is Hajime Miura, the World Number 1 Ranked Yoyoer? Source :YouTube screenshot The yoyoer Hajime Miura, seen performing in the video, is from Hachioji, Tokyo Prefecture and as of 2020, is a high school student that goes to a local high school. He is a top tier yoyoer in the competitive yoyo world, and has had 6 consecutive wins at the world championships. The yoyo world championships “WORLD YO-YO CONTEST 2018” was held in Shanghai, China in 2018. It is the only official contest held once a year to determine the Yoyo World Champion. From 1:46 in the footage, he does a free performance using 2 yoyos and you can hear a big cheer from the audience. At 2:20 in the video, you can see him performing tricks expected of a world class yoyoer, such as throwing the yoyo high into the air, one after another. At the world championships in 2019, Hajime Miura won 5 of the 6 divisions; an incredible feat. A Look at Competitive Yoyo Source :YouTube screenshot At the world championships of competitive yoyo, players compete against one another in 6 freestyle competition divisions: 1A division, 2A division, 3A division, 4A division, 5A division, and the Art & Performance division. Most tricks are done with 1 or 2 yoyos fixed on their strings. However, there are some tricks that involve throwing the yoyo into the air without it being fixed to their string. As you can see in the footage, yoyoers perform original tricks to the music of their choice, within a fixed time. The Origins and History of Competitive Yoyo Photo:Yoyo Competitive yoyo competitions have a long history, with competitions being held as early as 1932. In 1997, there was a fad of Hyper Yoyos in Japan and many Japanese yoyoers won prizes at the yoyo world championships in 1999. The World Yoyo Contest is a world championship competition of competitive yoyo organized by the International Yoyo Federation. In the “WORLD YO-YO CONTEST2014,” a women’s division was created, and in 2015, a division for competitors 40 years and older was introduced. They both became quite popular. Summary of Hajime Miura and Competitive Yoyo Source :YouTube screenshot The performance of world title holder Hajime Miura is so awe-inspiring that it's hard to take your eyes off of it. If once wasn't enough, enjoy the dynamic yoyo performance of Hajime Miura as many times as you'd like! For those thinking they want to try picking up yoyo themselves, consider buying a competitive yoyo and practicing your moves! -
Video article 3:30
Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls - Learn About the Skills of Traditional Kokeshi Doll Makers From Miyagi Prefecture and their Craft That Has Been Delivering Smiles to Children for Years!
Traditional Crafts- 184 plays
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Traditional Japanese Craft - Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls This video, titled "Tewaza 'Traditional Miyagi Kokeshi Dolls'/ Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (手技TEWAZA「宮城伝統こけし」miyagi traditional wooden doll/伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square) was uploaded by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." This video introduces the production process of Kokeshi dolls, a traditional craft of Miyagi Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region. There are 11 types of traditional Japanese Kokeshi, and the one shown in the video is called "Naruko Kokeshi." As you can see in the video, an expert craftsmen works in his studio carefully crafting Kokeshi dolls by hand. Surprisingly, Miyagi's traditional Kokeshi Dolls are made by a single craftsman at his Kokeshi studio, and he does every process by himself, from making the wooden base to painting. There is no hesitation in the craftsman's skills and it gives off a relaxing aura. These days, Kokeshi dolls have become a popular souvenir for tourists visiting Japan, so be sure to check them out in this video. The History and Culture of Kokeshi Dolls Source :YouTube screenshot The name "Naruko Kokeshi" comes from the cute Japanese onomatopoeic sound it makes when you turn its head. In the past, every family had at least one Kokeshi doll, but let's take a quick look at the history and culture of Miyagi's Kokeshi dolls. Kokeshi dolls are ancient, dating back approximately 1,300 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Shotoku, when they were used to hold Dharani sutras for buddhists. Since there were one million of these sutras, the Kokeshi Dolls were called Hyakumanto Darani (One Million Pagodas and Dharani Prayers). Later, during the reign of Emperor Seiwa, the first prince, Prince Koretaka Shinnou learned how to use a potter’s wheel in Omi, and taught it to woodworkers. It is said that the crafts made by the woodworkers which spread from Japan's Kanto region to the Tohoku region were the origin of today's traditional Kokeshi dolls. Although it has a strong image as a toy for girls to play with, it is a traditional culture that has developed along with the history of Japan. Kokeshi Dolls - A Traditional Craft that Symbolizes Miyagi's Folk Art Culture Source :YouTube screenshot It's said that this culture was created to provide souvenirs for people visiting the region for hot-spring therapy or vacation, as the Tohoku region is known for its poor winter industries due to deep snow and difficulty growing crops. Kokeshi Dolls took their present form 283 years ago, during the Edo period (1603 to 1868 A.D.). There are eleven types of Kokeshi in Japan, and the five types of Kokeshi, shown below, are widely produced in Miyagi. Miyagi's traditional Kokeshi dolls are a traditional craft that has supported the development of Miyagi. Kokeshi Dolls - Five Types of Miyagi Prefecture's Traditional Craft Source :YouTube screenshot Below are five types of Kokeshi dolls: -Naruko Kokeshi -Sakunami Kokeshi -Togatsuta Kokeshi -Yajiro Kokeshi -Hijiori Kokeshi The characteristic of the Naruko Kokeshi dolls introduced in the video is that they "give the image of old-fashioned Japanese beauty." One Miyagi's famous hot spring resorts is called Naruko, and surprisingly, it'is said that the name originates from Naruko Kokeshi dolls. This shows how important a traditional craft Kokeshi dolls were for the Tohoku and its harsh climate. Traditional Kokeshi Dolls - How the Traditional Craft of Miyagi Is Made Source :YouTube screenshot Each of these processes can be seen in the video. 1. Dry the wood (peel off the bark of the wood and let it dry naturally for six months to a year) (video: 0:18~) 2. Cutting the wood to size (video: 0:27~) 3. Remove any remaining bark (Video: 0:35~) 4. Rough carving, head carving, body carving and lathe carving (Video: 0:51~) 5. Polish using sandpaper, horsetail (Video: 1:16~) 6. Kubi Ire - Neck insertion (Video: 2:06~) 7. Byousai - Painting and drawing the face and body (Video: 2:28~) 8. Finish by applying wax Summary of Miyagi's Traditional Kokeshi Dolls Source :YouTube screenshot Experience the romance of Japanese history through the traditional Kokeshi dolls of Miyagi, which are deeply rooted in the culture and history of Japan. You'll be fascinated by the beauty and charm of these traditional Japanese toys.