ギネス世界記録に挑戦！刀でイグサを切りまくる動画紹介 こちらの動画は「ギネス世界記録 公式チャンネル」が公開した「尋常じゃない動き！武道家の達人が、刀でイグサを切りまくる【ギネス世界記録】」です。 日本伝統の文化は今も尚さまざまな形で根付いています。 武道家としての道を究めた人の持つ技術は神業と呼ばれることもあります。 今回は日本刀でイグサをひたすら斬る動画を紹介します。 ギネス世界記録に挑戦！刀でイグサを切りまくる動画とは 動画で紹介されている日本を代表する居合術家の町井勲(マチイイサオ)が日本刀を用いてひたすら猛スピードでイグサを斬る動画です。 実際の居合術の様子だけでなく、町井勲のインタビューとギネス世界記録を樹立した瞬間が収められています。 世界記録を保持している武道家はどれほどすごいのか知りたい方にうってつけの動画です。 町井勲が達成したギネス世界記録は日本刀を用いた1分間速斬りの最多数。動画内の記録は87太刀です。 町井勲とはどのような人物なのか 町井勲は修心流居合術兵法創始者。 平成のサムライと呼ばれ、6つのギネス世界記録を達成したことでも有名です。 2005年に居合術道場「修心館」を開設しています。 また『最強のすすめ ～日本刀が教えてくれた日本人の生き方～』という著書をはじめ、修心流居合術兵法の初歩に関するDVDを発売するなど日本伝統の居合術を広めるために精力的に活動していることでも有名。 町井勲が樹立したその他の世界記録 町井勲は1分間速斬りの最多数の他に樹立したギネス世界記録は ・据斬 ・3分間速斬り ・最速テニスボール居合斬り ・6ミリBB弾居合斬り ・千本斬り の5つになります。 日本刀1本で世界記録をいくつも達成する神業は想像以上の努力と才能が必要です。 ギネス世界記録に挑戦！刀でイグサを切りまくる動画紹介まとめ 日本伝統の文化の1つである侍や居合術。 今回紹介した動画は世界記録を達成した日本の武道家の凄技が収められています。 この記事を通して日本伝統の文化や歴史などを学びたい、触れてみたいと感じていただけたら幸いです。

This video, titled "バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー [Back to the Future] Electone performance" (バック・トゥ・ザ・フューチャー【 Back to the Future 】エレクトーン演奏), was released by "826aska." In this video, you can watch a girl perform a song from the movie "Back to the Future" with her amazing skills, the day before her presentation. It's an incredibly popular video, with more than 5 million views. Enjoy the awesome performance in the video!

A Look at Aikido, a Traditional Japanese Martial Art This video, titled “Aikido&Jiu-Jitsu&Ninja techniques - Shirakawa Ryuji shihan,” was released by “Aikido Shinburenseijuku.” Aikido is a martial art that was first developed in the Taisho (1912-1926 AD) and Showa (1926-1989 AD) periods. The history of Aikido began with the study of martial arts by its founder, Morihei Ueshiba. Later on, when Aikido was invented, the number of people practicing martial arts increased rapidly. Today, Aikido is divided into various schools, and many people, from children to adults, practice it at schools in Japan and around the world. Try Your Hand at Aikido, a Traditional Japanese Culture! Photo：Aikido The appeal of Aikido is that it's a martial art where one can learn defensive techniques based on body movements focused on maximizing potential energy and breathing techniques. In order to master Aikido, it is important to learn the techniques one by one through training with other practitioners. In the Japanese martial arts, there is a concept called "心技体" (Shin-Gi-Tai - heart, technique, physique). This refers to the idea of growing while maintaining a balance between mental strength (精神力/heart - 心), skill (技術/technique - 技), and physique (体力, body - 体). When practicing in the dojo, it is important to not only move your body, but also to remember the rules and learn proper etiquette. The Techniques Used in Aikido Photo：Aikido The video introduces techniques such as Shiho-nage, Irimi-nage, Kotegaeshi, Ikkyo, Tenchi-nage, Kokyu-nage, Sumi-Otoshi, and Kaiten-nage. Aikido techniques are created based on scientific analysis of the human body's characteristics and motor skills. Having said that, Aikido is not about competing with others or deciding who wins or loses, so there are no matches or competitions. Summary of Aikido, a Traditional Japanese Martial Art Photo：Aikido Shinburenseijuku introduced in the video is one of the largest dojos in Japan's Tohoku region. There are Aikido dojos and classes all over Japan, making it easy for people to experience the traditional Japanese martial art. If you're interested in wearing an aikido uniform (gi) and practicing traditional Japanese aikido techniques, consider visiting an Aikido dojo in Japan!

The Basketball Robot, CUE4, in Action! This video, titled "CUE4, a Basketball Robot Powered by Cutting Edge AI Technology, Takes on the World's First 3-Point Contest! B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR 2020 IN HOKKAIDO" (最先端の AI テクノロジーを結集したバスケットボールロボットCUE4が世界初3ポイントコンテストに挑戦！ B.LEAGUE ALL-STAR 2020 IN HOKKAIDO), released by "B.LEAGUE," introduces the latest basketball robot. The first thing you see when you play the video is the amazing sight of an AI basketball robot making a spectacular shot. Let's take a look at this basketball robot, which moves with the dexterity of a professional basketball player! The Basketball Robot, "CUE4" Source :YouTube screenshot CUE4, the basketball robot sinking shots left and right, was created by a group of Toyota volunteers, and is an AI technology robot filled with the wisdom of its development team. CUE4 is the fourth robot in the CUE series, and joined Alvark Tokyo, a professional basketball team in the B1 professional basketball league, in 2018 as a professional basketball player. CUE4 made a whopping 12 successful shots in the few minutes shown in the video. What Kind of Activities Is CUE4 Used For Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows footage from the B-League All-Star game held at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center. CUE4, a basketball robot wearing a team uniform, makes a spectacular shot at the half-time show, as shown in the video. It uses an avant-garde system in which sensors determine the location of the hoop and artificial intelligence takes a series of shots. In the video, the robot grabs the balls lined up next to it and makes free throws with impressive form. You can also see it smoothly glide across the court at 0:39 in the video, exciting the fans! His fluid movements are like those of a real professional basketball player! CUE4, the first robot to play professional basketball, made headlines when he was loaned to the Levanga Hokkaido in 2020. CUE4's uniform number is "94". CUE4 Certified in the Guinness Book of World Records! Photo：Guinness CUE4 was registered in the Guinness Book of World Records under the category "most consecutive free throws made by a humanoid robot." The previous record was held by his predecessor, CUE3. In the future, the team aims to improve the power, speed and accuracy of CUE4 so that it may take on the 3-point contest. Summary of the Basketball Robot, CUE 4 Source :YouTube screenshot CUE4, featured in the video, is a professional basketball robot developed by a team at Toyota. The video, which is only about 2 minutes long, has been played over 1 million times in the months since its release. Check out the amazing skills of CUE4 as he sinks shots left and right! 【Official website】B.LEAGUE https://translation2.j-server.com/LUCBLEAGUE/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.bleague.jp/?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XJSID=0

国内外問わず注目を集めている日本のブルーインパルス ブルーインパルスとは、日本の航空自衛隊に所属をしている曲技飛行隊（アクロバット飛行チーム）を指す愛称です。 統率の取れた飛行機が織りなすアクロバット飛行の数々は、人々の目を惹きつけ、今では日本でも屈指のイベントとして人気を集めています。 今回紹介をさせて頂いている動画は、日本の入間基地で行われた『入間基地航空祭』でのブルーインパルスの演技です。 ブルーインパルスの主なプログラム 動画の5:00のアクロバットはダイヤモンド・テイクオフと呼ばれるもので、ダイヤモンドの形のまま4機の飛行機が離陸をします。 そして、動画の9:08は、レインフォールと呼ばれるもので、垂直に降下した5機の飛行機がそれぞれの方向へと開花するアクロバット飛行となります。 次に、動画の13:10からご覧になれるのがフォー・シップ・インバートと呼ばれる、4機の飛行機全機が180度回転してからの、背面飛行を行う飛行です。 そして13:38からはブルーインパルスから出されているスモークによって空に描かれる絵の数々を見ることができます。 空に描かれる大きなハートとスターは、それだけでロマンがあります。 最後は、動画の22:12でご覧になれる、2機の飛行機がすれすれで交差する、スリル満点のタッククロスとなっています。 入間基地航空祭とブルーインパルスまとめ 入間基地航空祭ではブルーインパルス以外にも、多くの展示機を見ることが出来ます。 基本的には11月3日、日本では文化の日となっているので、多くの人が参加しやすい日取りとなっています。 航空ショーでは、オープニングフライトでの曲技飛行は勿論のこと、降下展示での落下傘降下も見ごたえがあるものとなっており、一度見れば思い出になること間違い無しでしょう。 日本のみならず、世界でも高い評価を受けているブルーインパルスの展示飛行を見ることが出来る機会の一つである入間基地航空祭。 ブルーインパルスに興味を持たれた方は、ぜひ展示飛行のスケジュールを確認して、足を運んで見てはいかがでしょうか。

This video, titled "[HD] C-1 ド派手な記念塗装機 新田原基地航空祭 2018 / JASDF Nyutabaru Air Festa 2018 - C-1 Demo Flight," was released by "j-sky on YouTube." The C-1 transport aircraft is the first domestically produced post-war military transport aircraft deployed by the JASDF. Japan's defeat in the war sealed off the technology for developing aviation, but the ban was finally lifted in the 1970's and the first jet-powered transport aircraft made its debut. The C-1 features a loading system that allows the vehicle to be loaded quickly and, with metal rods on the floor, it can transport up to 36 patients at a time. The aircraft has been dispatched to many disasters and is a reassuring tool in the event of a recent spate of disasters and epidemics. Check out the awesome kabuki paint job in the video!

This video, titled "Japanese University Team Wins Gold With Their Breathtaking Dance [FISU 1st World University Cheerleading Championships] Team Cheerleading and Hip Hop Dancing" (日本人大学生チームが息の合ったキレキレダンスで金メダル獲得　「FISU第1回世界大学チアリーディング選手権大会」 チームチア・ チームヒップホップ), was released by "oricon."br> You can watch the dance performances of Soka University students who represented Japan at the FISU (Federation of International University Sports) 1st World University Cheerleading Championships in Poland in 2018.br> The Soka University dance team won gold medals in two competitions: the Team Cheer/Hip Hop Doubles and the Team Cheer/Team Hip Hop.

This video, titled "[4K] 縦横無尽に飛び回るF-15！ 新田原基地航空祭 2018 事前公開 / JASDF Nyutabaru Air Festa 2018 - F-15 Demo Flight," was released by " j-sky on YouTube." Air festivals are regularly held at JASDF bases around Japan. The gallant F-15 shown in the video was shown to aviation fans at the air festival at Nitta Air Base, which is shown in the video. The F-15 was developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) of the United States and is commonly known as the "Eagle." Fans cheered as the F-15, which has a maximum speed of Mach 2.7, flew through the skies. At 4:38 in the video, you can see the F-15 flying in a beautiful line of clouds, so check it out!

Introduction of video demonstration of omelette rice at “Kichi Kichi”, a western-style restaurant in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. This is a video created by "Sushi Bomber TV Cooking Frontline" that introduces an omelet recipe made by the famous chef of the super-famous restaurant “Kichi Kichi Omurice.” “Omurice” is a national dish that was born in a Japanese Western restaurant during the Meiji era (1868-1912 AD) and is favored by many Japanese. The recipe introduced here is an omelet from “Kichi Kichi Omurice" in Nakagyo ward, in Kyoto City that uses a special demiglace sauce. You can see the cooking process of Kichi Kichi Omurice's omelet, which has been featured on many TV programs, in this under-5-minute video. Don't miss the ultimate omelet introduction video that'll make your mouth water! The Recipe for the Famous Fluffy Omelet Is Open to the Public! Source :YouTube screenshot Kichi Kichi Omurice's specialty is the omelet, but it's no exaggeration to say that the chef's talk is another highlight of the experience. Also in this video, the chef explains how to make it. First, you fry the ingredients. When the frying pan warms up, add the chicken and fry it, raise the flame, fry the chicken, and saute some onions. This can be seen at 0:06 of the video. After that, add ingredients like green soybeans, which are rare in most omelets, boiled mushrooms, and after stir-frying, add rice to fermented butter, salt pepper and black pepper. After seasoning the rice, placing it in a mold and placing it on a plate, you've got an omelet that both looks and smells amazing. This can be seen from 3:07 in the video. The food is of course delicious, but the chef's light-hearted banter is what keeps customers coming back for more. Look at Those Quick Hands! The Climax Is a Fluffy Egg! Photo：Omelet Once the rice is ready, it is time for the climax, the egg. The making of the eggs starts at 3:27. Spray vegetable oil on a frying pan and put in plenty of eggs. Mix the eggs quickly so that they do not burn. The omelet is shaped properly with fast, yet delicate hands. When the egg is completed, put it on the chicken rice and here comes the climax. Now, here is the biggest highlight of this video! Check out 4:31 in the video to see it! When you cut the egg with a kitchen knife, the fluffy simmering eggs flow like a waterfall! Finally, add the demiglace sauce full of umami and parsley and you're done! Summary of the Ultimate Omelet! Source :YouTube screenshot Watching this video, you'll want to go to Kichi Kichi Omurice when you visit Kyoto. Although Japanese food has a strong image of Japanese food, there are many famous restaurants and chefs in Japan who serve Western food that is second to none. The price of Kichi Kichi Omurice’s omelet is 2700 yen (~$27 USD)! The shop is easily accessed, as it's only about 5 minutes from Sanjo / Kawaramachi Station in the center of Kyoto. There is no parking so we recommend going by public transport. Also, don't forget to make a reservation on the homepage, since Kichi Kichi Omurice is reservation only! The video features a very tasty omelette recipe, so be careful watching it when you're hungry! ◆ The Western Restaurant Kichi Kichi Omurice ◆ Store Overview ◆ 【Address】185-4 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 604-8017, Japan 【Access】5 minutes by foot from Keihan Sanjo Station 【Hours】From 17:00 to 21:00 【Closures】Irregular holidays 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】075-211-1484 【Tripadvisor】Kichi Kichi Omurice https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g14124519-d3788825-Reviews-The_Youshokuya_Kichi_Kichi-Nakagyo_Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html 【Yelp】 Kichi Kichi Omurice https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%82%B6-%E6%B4%8B%E9%A3%9F%E5%B1%8B-%E3%82%AD%E3%83%81%E3%82%AD%E3%83%81-%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%B8%82-2

This video, titled "[4K] 芦屋名物 T-4 イルミネーションフライト 芦屋基地航空祭2018 航空自衛隊 / Ashiya Air Show 2018 - T-4 Illumination Flight," was released by " j-sky on YouTube." The JASDF's (Japan Air Self Defense Force) top gun group is the well-known Blue Impulse, and the T-4 aircraft flown by the Blue Impulse is a purely domestic aircraft. Despite being a training aircraft, it is an essential part of the JASDF's pilot training program. Compared to the F-15, the T-4 has a slightly rounder design, and is therefore nicknamed the "Dolphin." An aviation festival is held at the JASDF's Ashiya Base every year, and the exhibition flights by T-4s are a specialty of Ashiya Base. The climax of the festival is the illuminated flight of 7 aircrafts, which even Blue Impulse (6 aircrafts) does not do. Enjoy the video!

Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA 2022! Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA was held at Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center's exhibition hall in Niigata Prefecture on November 5 (Sat.) and 6 (Sun.), 2022. The expo is a gathering of cutting-edge information in all fields related to 'Cool Japan' and is held in Niigata Prefecture. The event allows exhibitors with a variety of products and business solutions to interact with visitors from various industries, professions, and positions. With approximately 175 booths, it's a major gathering of 'Cool Japan' contens from all across the country. This year's Cool Japan Expo in NIIGATA also brought together all manner of genres, from modern cultures, such as anime and video games, to traditional crafts that Japan has long preserved. We, the staff of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS, personally attended the event, and in this article, I'll go over the live atmosphere of the event with lots of photos! In the last part of the article, I'll introduce some of the delicious foods and sightseeing spots you can find in Niigata that I enjoyed between interviews, so I hope you stick with me until the end. What is 'Cool Japan'? 'Cool Japan' is a term used in the "Cool Japan Strategy," a brand strategy to achieve economic growth in Japan by capturing international attention through the dissemination of information about the cool things that Japan has to offer, as well as overseas expansion, and inbound tourism promotion. Reference: Wikipedia The Main Genres of Exhibits at Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA had a large number of booths from a variety of different genres on display. ・Koi ・Sake ・Beer ・Wine and other spirits ・Agricultural products ・Agricultural, forestry, and fishery products ・Manga ・Anime ・Traditional crafts ・Cosplay ・Fireworks ・Embassies ・International companies ・Household goods, interior design, health care, etc. ・Leisure ・Entertainment, lodging, tourism, transportation, hands-on experiences, etc. ・Cosmetics, hair care, etc. ・Manufacturing, craftsmen, etc. ・Clothes, watches, accessories, etc. ・Artists, creators, venture companies, etc. ・Food, beverage, etc. Tsubame-Sanjo Booth at Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA: World-Class Traditional Crafts and Metalworking Products At the Tsubame-Sanjo booth "Tsubame Sanjo Factories," 15 companies from the Tsubame-Sanjo area (Gyokusendo (玉川堂), Marunao (マルナオ), Tojiro (藤次郎), Tadafusa (庖丁工房タダフサ, Hocho-Kobo Tadafusa), Mura no Kajiya (村の鍛治屋), Fujinos (フジノス), Yamazaki Kinzoku Kogyo (山崎金属工業), OHIZUMIBUSSAN (大泉物産), TSUBAME BUSSAN (燕物産), Dots and Lines (ドッツアンドラインズ), MGNET, MARUTO HASEGAWA KOSAKUJO (マルト長谷川工作所), As it is, Nakano Kagaku (中野科学), PLUS Y'S (プラスワイズ), and Guardians of the Artisans all gathered at the event. The Tsubame and Sanjo areas of Niigata Prefecture are famous for metalworking, and their products have many overseas fans due to their high quality and functionality. The history of hardware in the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata dates back many years, and the area has flourished as a metalworking and manufacturing town since around the early Edo period (1600 AD). Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA featured a variety of metal products, such as kitchen knives, glasses, spoons, etc., and their beauty is simply astonishing. Traditional crafts in the Tsubame and Sanjo areas of Niigata Prefecture have also been introduced in articles by COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Be sure to take a look at them as well. Video article 4:19 Tsubame-Tsuiki Copperware - A Traditional Craft From Niigata Prefecture That's Been Passed Down for More Than 200 Years! Watch as a Plain Iron Plate Becomes a Beautiful Teapot Through Masterful Craftsmanship! YouTube Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA allowed visitors to see the refined skills of artisans at the Niigata Prefecture Traditional Crafts booth At the Niigata Prefecture Traditional Crafts booth, visitors were able to see engravers, maki-e artisans, kazari-shi metalworkers, and other craftsmen performing their work from up close. I couldn't take my eyes off the delicate craftsmanship of the artisans! Beautiful Koi Fish Decorating the Event Site of Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA At the opening of the exhibition, beautiful koi of all colors swam in a special booth lit up with lights. The large variety of koi, measuring approximately 90 centimeters long and weighing about 25 kilograms, were a sight to behold. Koi (colored carp) were created through crossbreeding, and the patterns of today's koi emerged in the late Edo period (1800s A.D.). Today, the high-class ornamental fish, also referred to as "living art" or "swimming jewels," has become very popular outside of Japan, especially among wealthy people in Europe and the United States. Overseas exports have increased nearly five-fold in the past 20 years. The birthplace of these globally popular koi, is right here in Niigata. Koi from Niigata have also been introduced in articles by COOL JAPAN VIDEOS. Be sure to take a look at them as well. Video article 4:19 Koi Are Often Called "Swimming Jewels" and "Swimming Art" in Japan... A Look at the Secrets of These Beautiful Aquarium Fish, Including the Different Varieties and Their Characteristics! YouTube Enjoying Some Sake, Wine, and Whiskey From Niigata... Niigata is a major rice-producing region, which means you know it has great sake! There were many booths run by various sake breweries, and enjoying the various tastings was a dream for sake lovers! I was in the midst of covering the event, but couldn't help but do a little tasting myself. Niigata's local spirits include more than just sake! Local beer, wine, whiskey, and gin were also on display at the event. After finishing my work, I enjoyed some drinks along with some delicious delicacies of Niigata! And a bit more sake... Delicious Niigata Delicacies at Food and Beverage Booths at Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA The food and beverage booths were lined with shops offering hegi soba, Italian cuisine, ramen, and more. All of the shops attracted many customers, who were eager to taste the delicious flavors of Niigata. I enjoyed a bowl of rice topped with half-cooked salmon roe and totomame-don from Sushi Tokiwa! This was sooo good! The salmon roe totally melts in your mouth. I've never had such a delicious salmon roe bowl before, and I'm not exaggerating! On the second day, I tried a delicious bowl of ramen from the ramen restaurant Suzu to Rin (鈴と凛) topped with mouthwatering slice of char siu. It was a tasty shrimp broth and the strong aroma of the seashore had my stomach growling for seconds! Many Very Popular Entertainers Performed on Stage! The stage set up at the event site was filled with popular entertainers. Main Performances Saturday, November 5, 2022 ・OURIN ・Furumachi Geigi ・RYUTist & courtesea ・CHIBIUNITY ・Shinobu Enami x Furumachi Geigi ・ASHITAKA ・Jonnobi Community Corp. ・Albirex Niigata ・YOUNG CABBAGE ・Nangu & NiigataNeesan Sunday, November 6, 2022 ・Show Aikawa ・The Sato Brothers ・Toshihiko Nakazawa ・Eri Ogawa ・NGT48 ・Hinata & Rafvery ・Jackpot ・Hirokazu Nakamura I saw the popular TV personality OURIN and NGT48 right before my eyes♪ Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA – Venue Information Date & Time: November 5 (Sat.) & 6 (Sun.), 2022 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (2 days) Venue: Toki Messe Niigata Convention Center Exhibition Hall Address: Bandaijima 6-1, Chuo-ku, Niigata City 950-0078 Admission: Free Access by train: Approximately 20 minutes from Niigata Station on foot. Official Website: https://cje-niigata.jp/en/ Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA – Event Information Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA was an event that brought together tradition, culture, sake, gastronomy, entertainment, and other aspects of 'Cool Japan' that can be found in Niigata. The venue was filled with the passion for sharing the attractive culture of Niigata with both other parts of Japan and with people around the world. I had a chance to talk with many of the exhibitors, and although everyone was from a different field, they all shared the same desire to inform more people about the products, goods, and cultures that they have proudly developed. It was chilly in Niigata as it's nearing winter, but the venue was nice and warm! It was such an awesome two-day event. On a final note, here are some photos from the event that I couldn't cover in this article. I Also Enjoyed Sightseeing in Niigata and Some Delicious Local Fish! In between work, I had a chance to do a little sightseeing and enjoy some delicious local fish. This was my first visit to Niigata, so everything during these two days was fresh and exciting! Niigata is all about sake and fish, so I decided to enjoy some delicious sushi and sake! I couldn't get enough of the fresh, mouthwatering fish! I haven't been able to eat out much in the past few years due to the Coronavirus pandemic, but it was totally worth the wait! For lunch on the second day, I had a nodoguro-don (blackthroat seaperch over rice) at Sushi Marui in Niigata City. The bowl of rice topped with a generous helping of seared seaperch was a flavor you could never experience in Tokyo! I highly recommend trying it if you visit Niigata. When I went for a leisurely drive in Niigata City, I stopped by the Sea of Japan, where I was able to see Sado Island in the distance because the weather was so nice. On the way home, I saw many people visiting Niigata Gokoku Shrine for Shichi-Go-San. Near the Cool Japan EXPO in NIIGATA venue, there's also a photogenic "What's NiiGATA" monument! You can buy souvenirs at Minato Marche Pier Bandai! This is a good place to visit when sightseeing in Niigata, as you can enjoy shopping, as well as a variety of different restaurants. You can also buy fresh fish here. The new coronavirus has prevented me from traveling and sightseeing for nearly three years, but going on a trip like this allowed me to spend some much needed time away in an atmosphere far removed from my daily life. Although I was not able to do any "proper" sightseeing, I'm sure I'll be coming back to Niigata after seeing how much it has to offer. I'm definitely looking forward to it!