元モーニング娘の高橋愛が紹介する福井県の観光動画について 「福井県観光連盟」が公開した「福の便り　～しあわせが届く故郷　福井～」は福井県出身の高橋愛が福井県の魅力を紹介している動画です。 福井県は福井県立恐竜博物館、ソースカツ丼、メガネ、越前和紙などさまざまな魅力があり、観光地としておすすめのスポットです。 美しい景観が見られる自然スポットも充実しているので、心をリフレッシュしたい人にもおすすめですよ。 こちらの記事では、高橋愛の故郷である福井県の観光名所や穴場スポットなどを動画と共に紹介します。 元モーニング娘の高橋愛が紹介する福井県で人気の歴史スポット 福井県で人気の歴史スポットといえば、曹洞宗の大本山永平寺です。 とても厳しい禅修行をする場所として有名です。 一般人でも短期間の修行体験ができ、座禅などで心身を鍛えることができます。 とても神聖なお寺なので参拝するだけでも気が引き締まり、リフレッシュできますよ。 こちらの動画の1:38より見ることができます。 一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡も福井を代表する歴史スポットのひとつ。 戦国時代に朝倉氏五代が越前の国を支配した城下町で、国の重要文化財に指定されている場所です。 当時の城下町の様子をほぼ完全な姿で再現されており、戦国時代にタイムスリップしたような感覚を味わえます。 他にも、平泉寺白山神社、旧松平家別邸「養浩館庭園」、百名城、丸岡城、羽賀城、国宝明通寺、鯖街道熊川宿、小浜三丁目など人気の歴史スポットがたくさんあります。 元モーニング娘の高橋愛が紹介する福井県でおすすめの絶景エリア 高橋愛の地元の福井を観光するなら美しい景色を見られるエリアもおすすめです。 龍双ヶ滝は「日本の滝100選」に選ばれている絶景スポットです。 落差60メートルある龍双ヶ滝の姿はとても美しく、マイナスイオンが充実した滝壺の周りにいると心が癒やされるはずです。 お花が好きな人は、足羽神社しだれ桜でゆっくり桜鑑賞するのもおすすめです。 桜の枝が綺麗なドーム型になっており、他ではなかなか見ることができません。 夜はライトアップされ幻想的な景勝を楽しめます。 他にも、金ヶ崎赤レンガ倉庫、足羽川桜並木、西山公園、花はす公園、名水百選瓜割の滝、水晶浜、水島、明鏡洞、九頭竜湖、世界三大奇勝東尋坊、百名山荒島竹、刈込池、もみじ百選萬徳寺などが福井県の見どころです。 元モーニング娘の高橋愛が紹介する福井県で人気のグルメ 福井県でおすすめのグルメはカニの王様である越前がにです。 日本海で育った立派な越前ガニは、他の産地のカニと比べて身がしっかりしていて美味しいと評判でとても人気があります。 また、高級な若狭ふぐもおすすめです。 身が締まってプリプリで刺し身やしゃぶしゃぶで食べると絶品です。 浜焼き鯖、葛まんじゅう、コシヒカリ、越前・若狭の地酒、越前おろしそばなどが福井県を代表するグルメです。 元モーニング娘の高橋愛が紹介する福井観光の記事のまとめ 高橋愛の地元である福井県には、さまざまな観光スポットやグルメが充実しています。 三国祭、三国水中花火、スーパー大火勢、いけだエコキャンドル、永平寺大燈籠流し、今庄羽曽踊りなどがあり、季節ごとにさまざまなイベントを楽しめます。 インスタ映えする景色を楽しみたい方、日本の歴史や文化を感じたい方には福井観光はおすすめですよ。

This video, titled "A Day in the Life! Flappers in the Modern Age - 1920s Modern Girl" (密着24時！現代に生きるモガ - 1920s Modern Girl), was released by "VICE Japan." The woman featured in the video, Kayo Asai, lives the life of a flapper from the end of the Taisho and Showa eras, a century ago. She lives surrounded by the electrical appliances of that time period and goes out into the streets wearing the fashion and makeup that was popular then as well. The video follows a woman living in the good old days of Japan, as if she were stuck in time.

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

Aizu Hariko: A Traditional Handicraft of Aizu, Fukushima This video (TOHOKU STANDARD 03 FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE AIZU HARIKO) was created by “Tohoku STANDARD” and introduces the craftsmen of “Aizu hariko,” a traditional craft that the Aizu region of Fukushima, the birthplace of Akabeko, is proud of. Aizu paper mache is a traditional Japanese craft, local toy, and folk art. During the Warring States Period (1467 to 1573 AD), Gamo Ujisato, the lord of Aizu in the northeastern region of Japan, Fukushima Prefecture, who served Hideyoshi Toyotomi, invited puppeteers from Kyoto to learn the techniques of puppeteering, which he then used to help promote the industry among the common people. In front of Aizuwakamatsu station, there is a huge Akabeko, a traditional craft, local toy, and folk art that has taken root in the area. It is said that the reason why Akabeko is so popular in Aizu is because of the legend of "Akabeko," a herd of red-haired cows that helped rebuild the main building of Enzoji Temple (円蔵寺, Enzoji), home to one of the three major Ākāśagarbha (Bodhisattva of the void) statues in Japan, built approximately 1,200 years ago, which has been passed down through generations. In this video, two craftsmen of Aizu paper mache talk about the history, tradition, and their commitment to the craft. The beauty of the bright red Aizu paper mache is truly an art! Enjoy the beauty of Aizu paper mache! Aizu Paper Mache: Traditional Crafts, Folk Crafts, and Local Toys Source :YouTube screenshot Hariko (paper mache), is formed by attaching paper or other materials to a frame made of bamboo or wood, and is also known as "haribote" in Japanese. The floats of the famous "Nebuta Festival" are also made using this technique. The art of paper mache began in China in the 2nd century and was introduced to Asia and other countries thereafter. Folk art and local toys made of paper mache can be found all over Japan: "Rokuhara paper mache" in Iwate Prefecture, "Sendai paper mache" in Miyagi Prefecture, "Miharu paper mache" and "Inu paper mache" in Fukushima Prefecture, and "Yamagata paper mache" in Yamagata Prefecture. "Yohana" in Tochigi Prefecture, "Takasaki Maneki Neko" in Gunma Prefecture, "Kawagoe Daruma" in Saitama Prefecture, "Edo Inu paper mache" in Tokyo, " Hamamatsu paper mache" in Shizuoka Prefecture, "Paper Plastic Doll" in Toyama Prefecture, " Kobe Suma Macheko" in Hyogo Prefecture, "Dorakukan Kobo" in Okayama Prefecture, "Miyajima Macheko" in Hiroshima Prefecture, "Takamatsu Miyauchi paper mache" in Kagawa Prefecture, " Paper mache Whale Cars" in Kochi Prefecture, and "Tosa Washi" in Kochi Prefecture, “Plaster paper mache” in Okinawa Prefecture. Aizu Hariko is characterized by its bright red coloring, and is mainly made in prayer for child-rearing, good luck, thriving business, and to bring a good harvest. The two Aizu Hariko artisans in the interview in this video are the writer "Toyorin" of "Nozawa Folk Crafts" and his daughter "Minako Hayakawa." "There used to be about 30 Akabeko paper mache craftsmen, but they all had different shapes and made the same thing for 50 years," says Toyorin (0:33). However, from 1:48 of the video, Minako Hayakawa said, "Although it's necessary to inherit the parts that need to be inherited, but it is also important to innovate and make something that fits people's tastes if you want to survive. While certain things may change, the fundamentals remain the same." The interviews convey the struggle of the artisans to preserve tradition, but also their struggle to breathe new life into it due to practical issues such as the lack of successors and the decline of tradition. How Aizu Hariko Are Made Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, on top of the interview, we see the making of Akabeko at 0:31 in the video. In this article, we'll go over the steps of how to make a common Akabeko paper mache. Be sure to take a look at their delicate craftsmanship as you follow along. Materials: paper, soil, wood, straw, bamboo. 1. A wooden mold is shaped, and a number of sheets of Japanese paper are pasted to it with glue and dried. (Video: 0:31-) 2. When the glue dries, the back and belly are opened with a small knife and the wooden mold is removed. 3. After the wooden mold is removed, Japanese paper is pasted over the mold again and re-coated with a special paint. 4. A top coat of red dye or similar material is used to apply the color. (Video: 0:53-) 5. Patterns are then drawn on the surface with ink. (Video: 1:26-) 6. Finally, the head is attached and it's finished. (Video: 1:45-) The completed red Akabeko can be seen at 1:22. They're truly masterpieces! Aizu Paper Mache Source :YouTube screenshot Nozawa Folk Crafts introduced in this video, deals with various products. The new colorful folk craft, "wish balls," introduced at 0:02 in the video, were made to aid in the recovery from the 2011 triple disaster. There are various types of paper mache toys, "zodiac paper mache," which are paper mache tinctures shaped like the animals of the Chinese zodiac, such as rats and boars, and which bob their heads back and forth to bring good luck. Many different varieties are sold every year. In the year of the dog in 2018, the "Zarukaburi Dog" (A dog wearing a basket on its head) was very popular. There's "Matryoshka" toys reminiscent of babushka dolls, with eggs inside chicks, inside chickens, "Wedding Koboshi," "Okiagari-koboshi," "Aizu Tenjin," "Fukkomaru" and "Fukumasu," made to aid in the recovery of the 2011 triple disaster, as well as Akabeko, Fukubeko, Senryo-beko, Okame, and Hyottoko masks. These are just some of the different types of Aizu paper mache. These products can also be purchased via Amazon or Rakuten online shopping websites. In Yanaizu, the birthplace of Akabeko, you can see Akabeko everywhere in the city. At the "Rest House Hotto in Yanaizu," you can try your hand at painting in a special space inside the building. Why not try your hand at making your own original Akabeko? Summary of Aizu Paper Mache This traditional craft has been handed down in Japan for a long time, and the craftsmen are very particular about their work and their struggle to pass it on to the next generation. This article and video were just a small look into the world of Aizu Hariko Craftsmen. You can see from the video that the long-loved craft is made by the amazing skills of passionate craftsmen. We hope that this traditional Japanese craft will continue to be passed on for many years. 【Official Website】Nozawa Folk Crafts http://www.nozawa-mingei.com/index.html

This video, titled "A Glimpse at the Making of Hiromu Arakawa's "Fullmetal Alchemist" Illustration! [Fullmetal Alchemist Exhibition]" (荒川弘「鋼の錬金術師」イラストメイキングをチラ見せ！ 【鋼の錬金術師展 開催記念】), was released by "Square Enix" (スクウェア・エニックス). Fullmetal Alchemist is a popular manga by Hiromu Arakawa that was published in Monthly Shonen Gan Gan from 2001 to 2010. Cumulative sales had exceeded 70 million copies worldwide as of November 2017. The video showcases an illustration-making DVD by author Hiromu Arakawa, released in 2017, and you can watch a digest of how the illustrations were created.

"Higo Zogan" - A Traditional Craft of Kumamoto Prefecture For those seeking the beauty of Japan's traditional crafts, or wondering what types of traditional handmade goods Japanese artisans make, this is the video for you! This video, "手技TEWAZA「肥後象がん」Higo Zougan Inlay," was created by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸 青山スクエア). This video introduces higo zogan craftsman Inada Kentaro. In the video, he is seen using the traditional methods of higo zogan to create a chopstick rest. This is a wonderful video to get a sense of the beauty of Japanese products. An Introduction to the Traditional Japanese Craft, Higo Zogan Source :YouTube screenshot Higo zogan is Kumamoto Prefecture’s traditional craft. It is a form of metalworking where gold and silver leaf are inlaid onto iron in order to create designs. Higo zogan has a long history, and was first used in sword mounts and fixtures, gun barrels, obi fasteners, and hairpins. Now, it is used to create accessories such as tie pins, necklaces, hair pins, cufflinks, loop ties, and earrings, as well as stationery such as ballpoint pens, fountain pens, paperweights, and paper-knives. Many types of products are created using higo zogan. With higo zogan’s birthplace being Kumamoto Prefecture, in recent years, higo zogan pendants featuring Kumamoto’s mascot Kumamon have also been created. The adorable designs make these pendants perfect as gifts. The beauty of Japan’s traditional craft is perfectly paired with modern designs, leading to the creation of attractive products. The Crafting Process of Higo Zogan Source :YouTube screenshot This is an introduction of higo zogan’s crafting process according to the video. The object made this time is a chopstick rest. ・Base-making (生地作り, kiji-dukuri) (0:21) The raw material, iron, is cut and then polished to smooth its corners. ・Inlay preparation (布目切り, nunome-kiri) (0:41) Using a tool called the “tagame,” grooves are carved vertically, horizontally, and diagonally. ・Inlaying and hammering (打ち込み、叩き締め, uchikomi, tatakishime) (1:10) Using a specially sized deer antler, gold or silver is inlaid onto the iron base. ・Smoothing the surface (布目消し, nunome-keshi) (1:55) Using a tool called a “kisaki,” areas with grooves are smoothed and polished. ・Rusting (錆び出し, sabidashi) (2:11) Using iron rust coloring, the surface of the product is blackened. ・Rust-proofing (錆止め, sabidome) (2:30) The product is inserted into boiling tea for rust-proofing. ・Heating (焼き付け, yakiduke) (3:02) Heating prevents the appearance of rust after aging. ・Completion The completed chopstick rest is shown from 3:17 in the video. This is all introduced in detail in the video, so definitely check it out. Purchasing Higo Zogan Products Now, we'll introduce a place to purchase higo zogan products. We recommended "Higo Zogan Mitsusuke" (肥後象嵌　光助) in Kumamoto. At this store, you can even try your hand at making accessories. From accessories such as pendants, brooches, earrings, and gold leaf paintings, to pieces of artwork - There are a multitude of items available, so definitely check them out. In addition, Higo Zogan products are also available through the Internet, so definitely try that out too! As for how to care for the products after purchase, use a dry, soft cloth or a piece of tissue to wipe the product in order to maintain its shine. Summary of Higo Zogan, the Culmination of Craftsmen's Skills Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, the process of Higo Zogan as well as the necessary materials are explained in more detail than in this article, providing an interesting introduction to Higo Zogan. There are also many products perfect as souvenirs introduced in the video. For those who have had their interest piqued by Kumamoto’s Higo Zogan, definitely check out the video! 【Official Website】Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/

The Cool Choice Project The Cool Choice Project is an educational activity that was launched in 2015 to introduce the efforts of the Ministry of the Environment to tackle global warming and call on all people to help fight global warming caused by carbon dioxide. Ken Noguchi, a world-famous, professional mountaineer, and the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits, talks about COOL CHOICE in a video interview titled "Our COOL CHOICE: Mountaineer Ken Noguchi｜COOL CHOICE" (私たちができるCOOL CHOICE 登山家 野口健｜COOL CHOICE). Who Is Ken Noguchi? Source :YouTube screenshot Maybe the profile of the alpinist (professional mountaineer) Ken Noguchi is more appropriate than the mountaineer Ken Noguchi. Mountaineer Ken Noguchi- No, scratch that, PROFESSIONAL mountaineer Ken Noguchi, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a Japanese diplomat father and an Egyptian mother. He first came to Japan when he was four years old, and at first, wasn't able to speak any Japanese. His parents also divorced when he was in elementary school. When he was suspended from high school, he received a copy of "Risking My Youth on the Mountains" by mountaineer Naomi Uemura and had his first mountain climbing experience. Even when he was unsure of what to do after graduating from high school, this book inspired him to enroll in Asia University with the goal of conquering the Seven Summits. Ken Noguchi is currently married, with a wife and daughter. It became a hot topic on a TV variety show when it was revealed that he and his wife had lived apart for 15 of their 16 years of marriage and that he had set up a separate house in Otsuki, Yamanashi Prefecture, far from his home, and that even when he was in Japan, he stayed there. His daughter, Eko Noguchi, is a TV personality and mountaineer that does mountain climbing activities with her father. You can find more information about Ken Noguchi and his daughter on Twitter and blog, so if you're interested, be sure to follow him. Source :YouTube screenshot Ken Noguchi Profile ・ Height 169 cm (5'6") ・ Blood type A ・ Alpinist (professional mountaineer) and t.v. personality ・ Visiting Scholar, Asia University -Biography- ・ Climbed Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the European continent, at the age of 16. ・ At the age of 17, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent. ・Set the record for the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest at the age of 25. ・ Established the Sherpa Fund for Sherpa orphans who died in 2000 ・ Established the Manaslu Fund in 2006 to support children's education in Sama Village ・ Currently engaged in cleaning and climbing the Himalayas and Mt. Fuji as a representative of NPO PEAK + AID Environmental Protection Message From Mountaineer Ken Noguchi Source :YouTube screenshot At 1:00 in the video, Noguchi talks about his reasons for wanting to clean up the environment. A truly admirable task. When climbing Everest for the first time, he noticed there was a lot of garbage, some of which had Japanese writing on it. According to the Sherpas, Mt. Fuji is famous for being one of the most trash-filled mountains in the world, and the Japanese climbers are considered a nuisance because they just kept littering. Hearing this, Noguchi's ego as an alpinist began to change. From 2:38 in the video, Noguchi says, "Above all, it's important to understand our impact on nature." Without mountains, there'd be no mountaineering. Understanding this, Noguchi desired to keep clean the mountains that he treasured so. If you love the sea, you clean the sea. The first thing to do is to discover a connection with nature, even if it's subjective, just wanting to clean the place that you love, that's a start. Summary of Professional Climber Ken Noguchi Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to his work as a mountaineer, Ken Noguchi also focuses on environmental education and organizes classes to clean up mountains around Japan, including Mount Fuji. You can see some of his activities at 2:44 in the video. We hope you take a look at Mr. Noguchi's interview and think about your own impact on the environment. 【Official Website】Ken Noguchi Official Website http://www.noguchi-ken.com/

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.

Jazz Pianist Hiromi Uehara This video, titled "Hiromi Uehara・The Trio Project feat. Anthony Jackson & Simon Phillips" is a YouTube video introducing jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara's latest work "MOVE," released in 2012. First, let's check out the video, released by Universal Music Japan, to see the trio's incredible performance! Jazz Pianist Hiromi Uehara Source :YouTube screenshot Hiromi Uehara is a jazz pianist born in Shizuoka, Japan and currently resides in the United States. Hiromi Uehara is a jazz pianist born in Shizuoka who currently resides in the United States. She was born on March 26, 1979. In Japan she just goes by "Hiromi." In 2007, she married designer Yasuhiro Mihara. The Music of Jazz Pianist Hiromi Uehara Source :YouTube screenshot Hiromi Uehara started playing the piano when she was a kid and has been successful in many Yamaha competitions. Hiromi Uehara has been playing jazz since she was eight years old, and after moving to the United States, she graduated at the top of her class at the Berklee College of Music with a degree in jazz composition. After making her international debut as a jazz pianist in 2003, she has been touring the world and giving concerts that have taken the jazz world by storm. What's Hiromi Uehara up to These Days? Source :YouTube screenshot Jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara has performed at many venues in Japan, including Kanazawa and Okinawa. She has also collaborated with Akiko Yano and performed with the Japanese music unit "Rexi." Her activities were also featured on the TV show "Jonetsu Tairiku." In 2020, she performed a solo rendition of "Sukiyaki " on Instagram, attracting a lot of attention. Summary of Jazz Pianist Hiromi Uehara Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows the amazing quality of Hiromi Uehara's jazz performances, so you can relax and enjoy the sounds. At the end of her intoxicatingly powerful performance, the audience gave him a standing ovation. This is shown at 11:01 in the video. If this article about Hiromi Uehara has you interested in her music, consider checking out her single "Kaleidoscope" or her piano album "Spectrum." If you want to experience one of her performances, be sure to do some research and find yourself a ticket! 【Official Homepage】Hiromi Uehara Official Site https://www.hiromiuehara.com/s/y01/?ima=0000

Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 The 2020 Tokyo Olympics is to be held soon! The biggest highlight of the Olympics opening ceremony is the torch relay —but do you know when and how the torch is going to reach the New National Stadium, where the Olympics will be held? The torch relay carries the hopes and dreams of not only the torchbearers, but of all the people around the globe. The video we'll introduce this time is “Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 Concept Movie（東京2020オリンピック聖火リレー コンセプト映像）” created by “Tokyo 2020”. This article will introduce the history, route, schedule and meaning behind the Relay Torch alongside the video. The Route and Schedule of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 Source :YouTube screenshot The torch of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 will be passed on by 10,000 torchbearers chosen from applicants all across Japan and handed to the final torchbearer at the Olympic Opening Ceremony held at the Olympic Stadium (National Stadium) on Friday, July 24th, 2020. Then, the Olympic Cauldron will be lit at the Lighting Ceremony. After that, the torch will be passed on from the Olympics to the Paralympics. The 2020 Tokyo Olympic “Flame of Recovery” Exhibition will be held in March 2020 in the order of Iwate Prefecture (岩手県, Iwateken), Fukushima Prefecture (福島県, Fukushimaken), and then lastly Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県, Ibarakiken). Please check the Olympic Torch Relay Schedule Official Website for more details on the schedule and map of the relay. What is the Torch Relay? What are the Flame Lighting and Torch Handover ceremonies? Photo：Torch Relay The Torch Relay begins with the Flame Lighting Ceremony, where the rays of the sun are collected to kindle the flame at Olympia, the birthplace of the Ancient Olympic Games. After that, the Torch Handover Ceremony will be held in Athens, the heart of Greece, and will be passed on to this year’s host, Japan. The flame will go on a Torch Relay across Greece, then be sent by airmail to a Self Defense Force base in Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県, Miyagiken). From there, the flame will first pass through the Tohoku Region (東北地方, Tohokuchiho) and then all across Japan, to finally arrive at Tokyo after passing through Saitama Prefecture (埼玉県, Saitamaken) and Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県, Kanagawaken). “Hope Lights Our Way” Source :YouTube screenshot You can observe the reactions of the people who held the torch that will actually be used in the relay from 0:49 in the video. You can see the joyful expressions of people all across Japan! Some ask “Is this real?”, some exclaim “Wow!”, and others pretend to run the Torch Relay holding the torch. Many Celebrities and Comedians Will Take Part in the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, in order to make the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 as exciting as possible, Olympic Judo Gold Medalist Tadahiro Nomura (1:10 in the video), Paralympian Aki Taguchi (3:06 in the video), popular actress Satomi Ishihara (3:15 in the video), and comedian Sandwich Man (2:45 in the video) are the official ambassadors and will participate in events held by the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to get everyone in the Olympic spirit. Although it isn’t mentioned in the video, in addition, actress Haruka Ayase and actor Masaki Suda are to participate in the Torch Relay as torchbearers. Summary of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 The video is edited in a way where the smiles of the people who touched the torch that will be used in the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 are passed on like a relay. It's funny how the official ambassadors sometimes appear among ordinary people in the video. The flame of the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020, as the Flame of Recovery, will illuminate the Olympics, Paralympics, and all countries that participate. 【Official Website】Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay 2020 – Tokyo 2020 https://tokyo2020.org/en/ 【Official Website】JAPAN SPORTS COUNCIL https://www.jpnsport.go.jp/corp/english/tabid/382/Default.aspx

Weathering with You - Best Animated Picture This video, titled "44th Hochi Film Award｜Best Animated Feature｜"Weathering with You," by Makoto Shinkai" (新海誠監督 第44回報知映画賞 アニメ作品賞「天気の子」), was produced by "Sports Hochi." It shows the 44th Hochi Film Award Ceremony and the acceptance speech by Makoto Shinkai. The movie "Weathering with You," won the Hochi Film Award in 2019. This article will introduce "Weathering with You," alongside the video. Weathering With You - Hochi Film Award for Best Animated Picture Source :YouTube screenshot The 2019 blockbuster "Weathering with You" received the Hochi Film Award for Best Animated Picture. As you can see from 0:10 in the video, director Makoto Shinkai was interviewed at the award ceremony, and went on to say that he wanted to create a film that would take audiences to a world full of different types of entertainment. The voice actor, Daigo Kotarou, who voiced protagonist Morishima Hodaka, and voice actor, Mori Nanana, who voiced heroine Hina Amano, also visited to congratulate him. The 2019 Hochi Film Award nominees for Best Picture included "Listen to the Universe," " Tonde Saitama," "Confidence Man JP-Romance", and "Kingdom", etc. Weathering with You Source :YouTube screenshot Weathering with You, which won the Hochi Film Award for Best Animated Picture, is a feature-length animated film about the weather. The slogan for the movie was "This is a story about the secrets of the world that only her and I know." This is the 7th film directed by Makoto Shinkai, the first in three years since his previous film "Your Name." Weathering with You is the story of how the protagonist Hodaka, who ran away from his home on an isolated island, to Tokyo, where he meets Hina, a girl who can clear the skies with her prayers, and together, they choose how to live. The film was shown on 448 screens at 359 theaters, one of the largest screenings in history. It also broke the record for first day screening attendance. In the first three days after the screening, it recorded an attendance of 1.15 million people and grossed 1.6 billion yen at the box office, surpassing Shinkai's previous work "Your Name." By April 2020, the film had earned 14 billion at the box office, making it the 12th highest-grossing film of all time. It was also released in 140 countries and territories overseas, and was the number one film at the box office in its first week in Hong Kong and Taiwan. It has become a popular work all over the world. The music was composed by RADWIMPS as in the previous work. There are 5 songs, including "Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?," "We'll Be Alright," "Grand Escape feat. Toko Miura," "Celebration feat. Toko Miura," "Voices of the wind" and the ending theme. Popular actors Shun Oguri and Tsubasa Honda also provided the voices of the characters in the film. It has become a very popular work due to the beautiful images and music. Summary of Weathering with You Source :YouTube screenshot Published by "Sports Hochi," "44th Hochi Film Award｜Best Animated Feature｜"Weathering with You" gives a look at the animated picture "Weathering with You," by Makoto Shinkai, and also shows an interview with the famed director, where he talks about his films and his thoughts on his works. We recommend the video to both those who have already seen Weathering with You and those who have plans to see it in the future! As of May 2020, Weathering with You is also available on DVD. Be sure to check it out! 【Official Website】Movie "Weathering with You" Official Site (JP) https://tenkinoko.com/

This video, titled "[Promoting Cross-Cultural Exchange Through Flowers] Flower Arrangement Artist・Shogo Kariyazaki｜nippon.com" (「花を通じて異文化交流を深めたい」 華道家・假屋崎省吾 | nippon.com), was released by "nippon.com." In this video, you can see flower arrangement artist Shogo Kariyazaki's solo exhibition. The solo exhibition is held every year, and Kariyazaki says that it's his life's work. You can check out his artistic and powerful works in this video!

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!

SAKE COMPETITION 2014, Japan's Largest Sake-Drinking Event This video was shot at SAKE COMPETITION 2014, Japan's largest sake-making event. At the event, the award ceremony and tasting of the award-winning breweries in each category is held, with guest presenter Hidetoshi Nakata, actor Yoshihiko Hakamada, TV personality Amie Izawa and other celebrities sharing their passion for sake. The following sake breweries won first place in each category. 【Free Style Under 5000 Division】 Sumikawa Shuzo [Toyobijin Daiginjo Jipangu] 【Free Style Division】 Matsuzaki Shuzo [Hirotogawa Daiginjo] 【Junmai Division】 Miyaizumi [Sharaku Junmai] 【Junmai Ginjo Division】 Miyaizumi [Sharaku Junmai Ginjo Bizen-Omachi」 【Junmai Daiginjo Division】 Miyagi Sake [Yamawa Junmai Daiginjo] Be sure to check out the video to see the winners being chosen!

This video, titled "Shoko Kanazawa, a genius calligrapher with Down's Syndrome - Inori no Zouko - nippon.com" (ダウン症の天才書家・金澤翔子 ー 祈りの造形 | nippon.com), was produced by "nippon.com." In this video, you can see a calligraphy exhibition by Shoko Kanazawa, a calligrapher with Down syndrome, at the Ueno Royal Museum in September 2017. Shoko Kanazawa began her calligraphy career at the age of five with her mother, a calligrapher, as her teacher. At the age of 20, she made her debut as a calligrapher, and is now considered a genius calligrapher! Check out the video to see the many wonderful works and thoughts of her mother.

The Traditional Carp Streamers of Kazo, Saitama The video "Kazo Carp Streamers [Saitama Prefectural Government Official Sightseeing Video]"（加須の手がき鯉のぼり【埼玉県公式観光動画】）” was created by “ChokotabiSaitama,” and it introduces viewers to the traditional hand-painted carp streamers of Kazo, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region. May 5th is Children's Day in Japan. People put up carp streamers to exorcise bad spirits and as a way to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. Kazo is known as the No. 1 producer of the Japanese traditional carp streamers. It also creates the dynamic hand-painted carp streamer. Carp streamers have become a Kazo specialty that every Kazo citizen is proud of. This video will show you how these hand-painted carp streamers are made! You can also visit the factory and have a factory tour. The History of Kazo's Hand-Painted Carp Streamers Kazo carp streamers were originally created in the early Meiji period (1868-1912) as a side job for craftsmen who usually made lanterns and umbrellas. This traditional high quality handmade carp streamer gradually gained popularity and Kazo became the number 1 carp streamer town. Masaru Hashimoto, a traditional carp streamer craftsman from the long-established carp streamer studio, Hashimoto Yakichi Shop in Kazo City, has been producing carp streamers for a long time. Unfortunately, his store closed down in 2016 after 109 years of business. Kazo Carp Streamers: How They're Made Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Cutting and sewing (0:32) In order to make these hand-painted carp streamers, you start by cutting the fabric into a carp shape and sewing it together. 2. Memawashi (1:07) Draw eyes by using a special compass to draw circles. 3. Sujigaki (1:22) Draw scales one by one using lightly colored ink. 4. Usuzumi (1:30) Add color to the scales. Adding colors is the part that requires the most focus. 5 Kinbiki (1:49) Add the finishing touches with a specialized brush. As you can see in the video, the technique used to finish the painting process is very precise. The masculine expression of the carp and intricate scales are drawn with the precise technique of the craftsman. Gigantic Kazo Carp Streamers As Kazo is known as the No. 1 carp streamer producer in Japan, they also make the world biggest carp streamer. The jumbo carp streamer is 100 meters long! The jumbo carp streamer, which was made by Kazo citizens, appears at the Tone river riverbed every May, at the Kazo City Heiwa Festival (Jumbo Carp Streamer swim). Check out the event to see the jumbo carp stream swimming dynamically in the sky. You can also see the carp streamers made with precise hand-painting techniques. The main venue of the event is at Tonegawa Riverbed Park. 400 parking spaces are available, however, due to the popularity of the event, it will likely be pretty packed. Even though these carp streamers are not the biggest carp streamers in Japan, you can see the carp streamers swimming elegantly under the blue sky at 2:23. These elaborate carp streamers are made through a variety of manufacturing processes, and the video shows the traditional craftsmanship that has been handed down in Japan for centuries. Kazo Carp Streamer Summary Photo：Kazo carp streamers Kazo's hand-painted carp streamers are a very artistic and beautiful creation. Every carp streamer is unique because they are all individually hand made. You can see the traditional Japanese carp streamers every May in Japan. Please come see the carp streamers or try to put one up in your house on Children's Day!

A First in Japanese History! No.1 in the Popular Online Game "FORTNITE"! Are you familiar with e-sports? E-sports is a form of sport competition using video games. Players compete to show their mastery of the game and win massive prize pools. E-sports has actually been around for decades, but thanks to advances in technology and more and more people being connected to the internet, it has seen a surge in growth in the last 10 years, with professional teams popping up all over the globe. Japan actually has vocational schools that train e-sports players, and sends world class athletes to compete on the world stage. This video introduces Ruri, the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open Summer Smash 2020, a new tournament with 30 million yen (~$280,000 USD) in prize money at stake. What is FORTNITE? Source :YouTube screenshot Let's talk about the rules of FORTNITE, and how it's played. Starting at 0:38 in the video, you can see up close footage of the fast-paced, action-packed gameplay. FORTNITE is an online battle royale game with a twist. One of the main features of the game is called "building" which allows players to use materials they've found throughout the map to construct tactical structures that allow them to outmaneuver their opponents. The online battle royale game "FORTNITE," is developed by Epic Games in the UK. Supported platforms are PC, PlayStation 4, XboxOne, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. There is a "save the world" mode where players work together to fight off waves of monsters, and a "battle royal" mode where players fight against one another to be the last remaining. Because of FORTNITE's in-game transactions, and depictions of violence, the game has a PEGI rating of 12+. The actual game is a 3rd person shooter where characters spawn into a map and have to scavenge the area for weapons, armor, and materials. Players start every match as a blank canvas, forcing them to adapt to their environment and make do with what they have. The story is post-apocalyptic in nature, with 98% of the world's population being eradicated by a sudden storm and the emergence of monsters called "husks." The player's goal is to fight to survive and save the human race. The "Australian Open Summer Smash 2020" Featuring FORTNITE Source :YouTube screenshot Cross-platform online games like FORTNITE, which are also compatible with handheld devices, have evolved remarkably in recent years. Ruri, a member of the Japanese professional team "CrazyRaccoon," managed to win such a large scale tournament at just 16 years old. The "Australian Open Summer Smash 2020" was held at a tennis stadium in Melbourne, Australia, also used for the Australian Open tennis tournament every February. The crowed roared when the Japanese team secured their victory. The second day's solo match (a charity tournament) also drew a large crowd where spectators gathered to see the winner's Victory Royale. The rules are simple- the last player standing wins. Summary of Japan's Australian Open 2020 Fortnite Win Source :YouTube screenshot Ruri is just 16 years old but is already an accomplished player that managed to win a prestigious tournament with a massive prize pool. Players also have rankings, similar to other sports, and it's expected that we'll see Ruri aiming for #1. In the world of e-sports, opportunities for young players like Ruri continue to grow. People even talk about the future of e-sports, saying that it's only a matter of time before it's a part of the Olympics. 【Official Website】Fortnite - Play Now for Free | Official Site | Epic Games https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/home?lang=en-US

An Interview With Rola in Her LA Home This video, titled "Rola's Happy and Sustainable LA Life! Vogue Japan" (ROLAのハッピー＆サステナブルなLAライフを公開！| VOGUE JAPAN), was created by VOGUE JAPAN. Model and television personality Rola, who is now based in Los Angeles, gives us a look inside her home and at her sustainable lifestyle in this special video. Rola introduces some of the environmentally friendly kitchen tools she uses in her beautiful LA kitchen. She also takes you on a tour of her office, where she introduces her self-produced lifestyle brand "Studio R330." In this article, we'll introduce both Rola and the sustainable lifestyle she follows. More About Fashion Model and Television Personality Rola Source :YouTube screenshot Rola debuted as a model and television personality at the age of 16. Her father is from Bangladesh and her mother is Japanese. She was born in Tama city, Tokyo. She works exclusively for the talent agency "ViVi" and is well known for her carefree attitude. As well as appearing on entertainment shows, she also performs as both a singer and an actress. She actively posts messages and videos on social media regarding recent environmental and social issues. In 2013, she launched her own fashion brand "Vasilisa" and has been based in Los Angeles since 2016. More About Rola's Sustainable Lifestyle Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:24 in the video, Rola introduces her current lifestyle in her home in Los Angeles. She starts by introducing various kitchen tools made with natural materials, such as a kitchen sponge. In place of saran wrap, she uses products made from natural ingredients such as beeswax that are reusable and therefore environmentally friendly. Rola explains how she prefers to eat organic and vegan produce and enjoys gardening and growing her own vegetables. More About Rola's Original Lifestyle and Her Brand "Studio R330" Source :YouTube screenshot At 3:45 in the video, Rola shows off some of the clothing from her new brand "Studio R330," which she launched from her home office on June 5th 2020. Her brand's workout clothing, which took more than 2 years to make, is made from 83% recycled materials. Rola explains how she wanted to create a workout clothing collection as she believes exercise is important for both the mind and body. Summary of Rola's LA Lifestyle and Original Brand, Studio R330 We hope you enjoyed the video "Rola's Happy and Sustainable LA Lifestyle! Vogue Japan," featuring the cute and charming Rola at her stylish LA home. We can't wait to find out what's to come next from eco-conscious celebrity Rola's lifestyle brand! If, after reading this article you're interested in learning more about Rola or her new lifestyle brand, be sure to give the video a watch! 【Official Website】Studio R330 　 https://r330.jp/

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

Okazaki Castle" Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture Video Introduction The video this time is titled "[Touken World] 'Okazaki Castle'｜Swords and Armor｜Sword and Armor Displays in the Castle｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「岡崎城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), released by "Virtual Sword Museum 'Touken World'." It introduces Okazaki Castle at Okazaki Park in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, in Japan's Tokai region. Okazaki Castle is known as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is famous for being the base of operations for Tokugawa Ieyasu, who returned to Mikawa (present-day Aichi Prefecture) after the Battle of Okehazama and used it as his base for unifying the country. This Okazaki Castle was deified as "the birthplace of the gods," and the Daimyo who became the lords of Okazaki Castle were proud to serve as its ruler. As you can see from 1:33 in the video, there are various exhibits of swords and armor related to Okazaki Castle. One of the most famous swords from the Muromachi period (1336-1573), "Kanemoto," with its impressive temper, resembling majestic mountains, can be seen at 1:51 in the video. At the The Ieyasu And Mikawa Bushi Museum in Okazaki Park, which can be seen at 2:09 in the video, visitors can learn about the history of the Matsudaira family, the ancestors of the Tokugawa family, from their beginnings to the unification of the Tokugawa family. A Kindami Gusoku (type of body armor), made of gold leaf, is also on display. A Look at Okazaki Castle Photo：Okazaki Castle Okazaki Castle is a Japanese castle located in the Mikawa Kuni Okazaki Domain (present-day Kosei Town, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture). Also known as "Ryujo," it was owned by the Matsudaira family during the Warring States period (1467-1615 AD) until the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598 AD). Okazaki Castle is said to have been built by Saigo Tsuguyori, a descendant of the Niki clan in Mikawa Province, and his son Yoritsugu Saigo At that time, it was called "Ryuzu Castle." Tokugawa Ieyasu was born inside the castle in 1542. Therefore, it is called the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. In the Edo period (1603 to 1868), it was written as "岡竒城" as oppsed to the current kanji "岡崎城" (same pronunciation). After the Meiji Restoration (1853-1867 AD), most of the castle wall at Okazaki Castle was demolished, but in 1959 the castle tower was restored to a three-layer, five-story building, and in 2006 it was listed as one of "Japan's Top 100 Castles." You can get to Okazaki Castle by foot from Meitetsu Higashi Okazaki Station or Okazaki Koen Station, or by local bus from Okazaki Koenmae Bus Stop. Vista Line Connecting Okazaki Castle and Taiju Temple Photo：Tokugawa Ieyasu・Daiju-ji Daiju-ji, a temple located around Okazaki Castle, is where Tokugawa Ieyasu, who, broken from his defeat in the Battle of Okehazama, attempted to commit ritual suicide, but was dissuaded by the chief priest. This 3-kilometer-long line that connects Okazaki Castle and Daiju-ji is known as the Vista Line, and it has been preserved for 370 years as a historical spot and a historical view. In modern times, the Vista Line has been drawn using laser light, and an event called the "Vista Line of Light" has also been held. Facilities Around Okazaki Castle Photo：Cherry blossoms at Okazaki Castle Okazaki Park, where Okazaki Castle is located, is famous for its cherry blossoms, and has been selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom sites in Japan. A famous place in Okazaki Park is the Yachiyo Honten, where you can eat dengaku cuisine using Hatcho miso. Yachiyo Honten is a long-established Japanese restaurant that has been in business for more than 120 years. The Kinome Dengaku, grilled with the traditional technique of Yachiyo Honten, is an exquisite local specialty that can only be found at this restaurant. Also, in the castle town, there is an area called Hatcho Village, and there are traditional shops such as Hatcho Miso and Kakukyu Hatcho Miso, so please enjoy gourmet food and lunch. There are also temples and shrines, such as Rokusho Shrine, Takisan Toshogu Shrine, and Ise Hachimangu Shrine in the surrounding area, so we recommend visiting these to anyone collecting red seal stamps, after visiting Okazaki Castle. Summary of Okazaki Castle Photo：Okazaki Castle In the video you can learn more about Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Okazaki Castle is a historical spot that we highly recommend visiting, as it is associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, a famous warlord from the Warring States period. If you're interested, be sure to stop by Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture. ◆Okazaki Castle Facility Overview◆ 【Address】561-1 Koseicho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, 444-0052 【Access】15 minutes walk from Meitetsu Higashi Okazaki Station 【Hours】 9:00-17:00 【Closures】End of the year (December 29-December 31) 【Admission fee】200 yen for adults 【Parking】Paid parking available 【Telephone No】0564-22-2122 【Official Website】Okazaki Castle Home Page | Okazaki Castle (Main Tower) | Special Features | Okazaki Park | Okazaki Outing Navigation-Okazaki City Tourist Association Official Site https://okazaki-kanko.jp/en 【Tripadvisor】Okazaki Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g788304-d1309910-Reviews-Okazaki_Castle-Okazaki_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Video Introduction of "Akasaka Rikyu, the State Guest House" in Minato-ku, Tokyo This video, titled "Akasaka Palace: 108 Years After Its Foundation - A Walk Through the Main Building" (迎賓館赤坂離宮: 今年で創建108年 本館内を歩く), was produced by the Mainichi Shimbun in 2017. It shows footage of the interior of Akasaka Palace's main building, and the summit meetings of major countries that have been held at it. Akasaka Palace is a breathtaking, modern, western-style building, designated as a national treasure and a facility of the Cabinet Office. This article will introduce the facilities of Akasaka Palace, an official guest house of the Japanese government. The video shows the unique architecture of Akasaka Palace, which is a mixture of Western palace architecture and Japanese architecture. When you will see the real thing in a beautiful and solemn atmosphere, you'll be amazed. About Akasaka Palace Source :YouTube screenshot Akasaka Palace is Japan's only neo-baroque palace building, built in 1909 as the Crown Prince's Palace. It was built to promote civilization and national prestige during the Meiji period. After the war, it underwent major renovations and reopened as a state guesthouse in 1974. Akasaka Palace is located in Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo, and is a 7-minute walk from Yotsuya Station on the JR Chuo Line and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line. There is a paid parking lot in the vicinity. Akasaka Palace's Main Building is open to the public and can be visited without reservation (admission fee charged). You can also enjoy "afternoon tea" at the garden café in the front garden of Akasaka Palace, which consists of a three-tiered tray of sandwiches, scones, sweets, and tea. Those wishing to have afternoon tea, lunch, or tea at the garden café will need to pay a separate fee to visit the garden. Akasaka Palace's Main Building Source :YouTube screenshot At the beginning of the video, you can see the main building of Akasaka Palace. At 0:13 in the video, we enter the building from the front entrance and go up the central stairs. The main hall on the second floor is a gorgeous, gilded arched ceiling decorated with gold leaf and chandeliers. At 0:55 in the video, we see "Hagoromo no Ma," a room with a large mural on the ceiling depicting a passage from the Noh play "Hagoromo" (Robe of Heaven). The last general meeting of the 12th Summit of Developed Nations (Tokyo Summit) in 1986, was held in Hagoromo. This is shown at 1:19 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot In 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin and former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa held a summit meeting in "Sairan no Ma," which can be seen at 1:31 in the video, with its impressive reliefs of Japanese elements, including traditional armored warriors painted with gold leaf. In "Hanatori no Ma," there are cloisonne frames depicting flowers and birds. There's also "Higashi no Ma," "Nishi no Ma, "Asahi no Ma" as well; all of which are worth checking out. You will be amazed by the splendor of the museum, which is decorated with national treasures, including artifacts and paintings that will take your breath away. It takes about an hour to tour the main building, the main garden, and the front garden. Special exhibitions are occasionally held at the Akasaka Palace's gardens as well. Since the secretariat of the organizing committee for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was established at Akasaka Palace, the Akasaka Palace Special Exhibition (History and Photographs) was also held at Akasaka Palace. Summary of Akasaka Palace Photo：Akasaka Palace "Akasaka Palace: 108 Years After Its Foundation - A Walk Through the Main Building," introduces the beautiful halls of Akasaka Palace. In addition to the main building of Akasaka Palace, there's also a Japanese style annex which requires an advance reservation to visit. For opening days and admission fees, please visit the official website. If you want to experience the glamorous stage of Japanese diplomacy, where kings and presidents from all over the world are welcomed, be sure to check out the video! Taking wedding photos in front of the Akasaka Palace is also quite popular. Some travel agencies offer tours to Akasaka Palace's gardens, so consider joining one if you're interested! ◆Guesthouse Akasaka Imperial Villa Facility Overview◆ 【Address】2-1-1 Moto-Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0051, Japan 【Access】A 7-minute walk from the Akasaka exit of Yotsuya Station on the Chuo and Sobu Lines 【Admission fee】Adults 1,500 yen, junior and senior high school students 700 yen (as of April 2020) 【Hours】10：00～17：00 【Closures】Wednesdays 【Parking】There is a paid parking lot in the vicinity 【Phone number】03-3478-1111 【Official Website】Guest House Akasaka Palace | Cabinet Office https://www.geihinkan.go.jp/en/akasaka/

The Long History of the Japanese Kimono This video, titled "Kimono inspired by the ‘street’, Jotaro Saito | V&A" was created by "Victoria and Albert Museum." The kimono is an important part of Japanese culture. The knowledge and techniques required to create beautiful kimono have been passed down for centuries. Have you ever heard of Jotaro Saito? The video will introduce the kimono designer, whose work is famous both inside and outside of Japan. In the article, we'll provide supplementary information about Jotaro Saito. If you're interested in traditional Japanese culture, we highly recommend checking out the video! Introducing Jotaro Saito Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, Jotaro Saito talks about how his kimonos are made. There are English subtitles available for those who don't speak Japanese. Jotaro Saito was born in Kyoto in 1961. His family owns a well-established dyeing store that has been in business for over 80 years. He was brought up in an environment surrounded by kimono. In the interview, Jotaro Saito talks about how his kimono are designed to bring out a woman's sexiness. He also explains that "street" is the main source of inspiration for his designs from 0:46 in the video. From 2:56 in the video, Jotaro Saito touches on the manufacturing process and areas of specialization, such as embroidery, that make up the design of his kimonos. You can also take a look at how the designs are hand-drawn onto the kimono in the video. It's a very informative video for anyone wanting to learn more about the kimono-making process and how kimono patterns are created. More About the Famous Kimono Designer Jotaro Saito Source :YouTube screenshot Jotaro Saito is a kimono designer who was born in Kyoto prefecture. His grandfather, Saizaburo Saito (斉藤才三郎) was a dye artist and his father, Sansai Saito (斉藤三才), a kimono designer. At the young age of 27, Jotaro debuted as a kimono designer and began creating modern kimono to fit the lives of people today. His kimono designs are based on the Yuzen dyeing method (友禅) which he learned from his father. This method of dyeing is combined with special weaving techniques to create truly unique kimono designs. Jotaro Saito is also famous for his interior design work in buildings such as the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (ザ・リッツ・カールトン京都) and the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa (グランドプリンスホテル新高輪). He also runs his own café called JOTARO SAITO in Ginza (銀座). Make sure to stop by during your trip to Japan and have a look at some of the Jotaro Saito goods for sale! Jotaro Saito's work is being recognized worldwide and his kimonos have been featured in Japan Fashion Week in Tokyo and he has even had the opportunity to create outfits for Lady Gaga. Learn More About Japanese Culture! Source :YouTube screenshot Jotaro Saito is a world-renown kimono designer. For those interested in traditional Japanese clothing, such as kimono, furisode and yukata, we highly recommend taking a look at some of Jotaro Saito's beautiful kimono in the video!

Introducing Japan’s kabuki production “Shi-Shi-O”! This video, “Wonder Kabuki Spectacle『獅子王SHI-SHI-O』in Las Vegas,” depicts scenes from the 2016 Las Vegas performance of Japan’s kabuki production “Shi-Shi-O.” Following the success of the 2015 performance of “Koitsugami”(鯉つかみ, Koitsugami), less than a year later, the next performance “Shi-Shi-O” was revealed. The performance, combined with a fountain show, was magnificent sight, capturing the hearts of the audience at the MGM Grand. What Is Kabuki? Source  :YouTube screenshot Kabuki is a type of traditional Japanese theatre, long-beloved by the commoners of the country. Kabuki’s roots trace all the way back to Kyoto during the Warring States Period (1467-1615), originating from a dance form created by Izumo no Okuni. At the time, this form of dance was known as “katamuki (傾き)”, with the performers being known as “katamuki-mono (傾き者).” Women’s kabuki, young boy’s kabuki, men’s kabuki and more – the types of kabuki increased as the years passed. The performers’ roles camed to be labeled as male characters (男型, otokogata), female characters (女形, onnagata), and protagonists (立役, tachiyaku). The traditional art of kabuki is now registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. Modern kabuki performances incorporate dynamic stage effects, featuring water, fire, acrobatics, quick character changes and more. These effects draw loud cheers from the audience. The Story of “Shi-Shi-O” Source :YouTube screenshot The story of “Shi-Shi-O” is derived from the Japanese legend “Stone Bridge” (石橋, Ishibashi). “Shi-Shi-O” tells the story of the offspring of the lion that appeared in the original legend. The story is set at Mount Seiryo, Tenjiku (天竺清涼山, Tenjiku Seiryo-zan). Shi-Shi-O, the lion king serving the deity Monju (文殊菩薩, Monju bosatsu), devises a monster extermination trial for his offspring. His offspring change into human forms to carry out their trial and retrieve their treasure. The performance incorporates special effects such as the wire action seen at 2:48 in the video, as well as dynamic acting bristling with energy. From 9:00, you can see the standing ovation and excited reactions of the audience at the end of the performance. The Actors Who Appeared in “Shi-Shi-O” Source :YouTube screenshot Some of Japan’s most famous kabuki actors appear in Shi-Shi-O. For example, Ichikawa Somegoro (市川染五郎), interviewed at 9:36 in the video, as well as Nakamura Karoku (中村歌六), Ichikawa Komazo (市川高麗蔵), Nakamura Kasho (中村歌昇), Otani Tomoemon (大谷廣太郎), Nakamura Yonekichi (中村米吉), and Nakamura Hayato (中村隼人). “Shi-Shi-O,” the product of numerous rehearsals and brought to life by these popular kabuki actors, is truly a spectacular sight. Other than “Shi-Shi-O,” in recent years, many kabuki actors have taken part in novel performances both in Japan and overseas. In recent years, the show “Nausica,” based on the Ghibli film, as well as a kabuki show based on the hugely popular manga and anime “One Piece,” have garnered much attention. Summary of the Overseas Performance of Shi-Shi-O Photo：Kabuki-za Theater In Japan, there are many famous kabuki actors; the most famous being Ichikawa Ebizo (市川海老蔵). If you visit theaters such as Kabuki-za (歌舞伎座, Kabuki-za), you can view these awe-inspiring kabuki performances in person. If you're interested in watching a Kabuki performance after reading this article, be sure to check out prices and locations for your visit to Japan or Vegas! Ticket prices are surprisingly reasonable, and even those watching kabuki for the first time are sure to enjoy their experience. 【Official Website】Kabuki Official Website https://www.kabukiweb.net/

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。