What NOT to Do While Using Chopsticks! This video, titled "Are You Using Your Chopsticks Correctly? 16 Things NOT to Do When Using Chopsticks" (正しく使えてる？お箸のNGマナー16選), was produced by "Le TRONC - Outing Video Media." It introduces a manners course that teaches 16 things to avoid when eating with chopsticks. You might not notice it, but other people see how you use your chopsticks! This video will teach you proper chopstick etiquette, which most people, even the Japanese, get wrong. Watching the video, you'll notice how the improper way of using chopsticks is not as elegant as using them properly. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read all about proper chopstick etiquette! The Do's and Don'ts of Chopsticks! Photo：Japan's chopstick etiquette This video presents 16 of the most common violations of chopstick etiquette. Each breach of etiquette has its own name and reason. For the purpose of valuing the culture of chopsticks in our daily lives, it's important to understand what is incorrect, and why. Without further ado, here is a list of the 16 most common violations of chopstick etiquette! Time stamps are also included by the names, so be sure to check them out as you read on. 【#1】Yose-bashi (0:03) This is the act of moving a dish toward you with your chopsticks. To avoid this, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest and move the dish with both hands. 【#2】Kasane-bashi (0:10) This refers to eating the same dish continuously. The polite thing to do is try a variety of dishes. 【#3】Neburi-bashi (0:17) This is refers to licking or nipping the end of your chopsticks. It looks childish and makes people you are eating with uncomfortable, so definitely avoid doing this. 【#4】Utsuri-bashi (0:23) This is when you pick up one item, and without eating it, choose a different one. If you pick something up with your chopsticks, proper etiquette is to eat it. 【#5】Sashi-bashi (0:30) This is often done by inexperienced chopstick users. It refers to spearing the food rather than picking it up. This is also seen as childish and should be avoided. 【#6】Mogi-bashi (0:37) This is where you remove food stuck to your chopsticks with your mouth. Proper etiquette is to remove it with a special paper so that it is not seen by those you are dining with. 【#7】Furiage-bashi (0:44) Pointing at someone with your chopsticks. This can make people incredibly uncomfortable, so this is another one you should definitely avoid. 【#8】Watashi-bashi (0:51) This refers to resting chopsticks sideways across the top of a dish or bowl. Many people are guilty of this one. If you want to set your chopsticks down, place them on your chopstick rest. 【#9】Namida-bashi (0:57) This is letting soup or sauce drip from your chopsticks like tears ("namida" in Japanese). Use a dish to catch it instead. 【#10】Seseri-bashi (1:04) This is the act of using your chopsticks to remove food stuck in your teeth. This is simply unpleasant to look at. 【#11】Putting your chopsticks vertically in your rice (1:11) This is the act of sticking chopsticks in your rice and standing it up. This is something you do at the deathbed of someone who has passed away or at a Buddhist altar. Use a chopstick rest here too. 【#12】Oshikomi-bashi (1:18) This is to push the food into your mouth with your chopsticks. It's best not to stuff your mouth as full as possible with food. 【#13】Mayoi-bashi (1:25) This is bring your chopsticks close to something to eat it and then changing your mind and choosing something else. Proper etiquette entails that, once your bring your chopsticks towards a dish, you eat it. 【#14】Saguri-bashi (1:31) This refers to using your chopsticks to rummage through your dish to find the food you like. Avoid doing this by eating what is at the top of your dish. 【#15】Hiroi-bashi (1:38) This refers to passing food between chopsticks. This is something done at funerals and should also be avoided. If you want to share food with someone, pass it to their plate directly, or have them bring it to their plate directly. 【#16】Kakikomi-bashi (1:45) This is the act of holding a bowl to your mouth and shoveling food in quickly. It's respectful to take your time eating, to show that you are savoring the flavors. Summary of Chopstick Etiquette Photo：A family eating If you use your chopsticks properly everyone at the table will feel comfortable and can enjoy their meal. If you check out the video "Are You Using Your Chopsticks Correctly? 16 Things NOT to Do When Using Chopsticks," you'll notice that these breaches of etiquette do in fact look inelegant. We hope this article has helped you learn proper chopstick etiquette and will make you confident about your chopsticks skills!

The Sightseeing Video for Kirishima Hot Springs! This video, titled "霧島温泉 PR動画 【THE MANNER IN KIRISHIMA HOT SPRINGS】," was created by "Kirishima Hot Springs Inn Association" (霧島温泉旅館協会). The video introduces Kirishima Onsen (hot springs) in Kagoshima Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region. As there are many volcanoes in Kyushu, there are, of course, many famous hot springs resorts. Oita Prefecture is the most well-known area for hot springs, but in fact, there are also many popular hot springs resorts in the neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture. These include Kirishima Onsen, Kirishima Jingu Onsen, Anraku Onsen (安楽温泉郷), Myoken Onsen, and Hinatayama Onsen (日当山温泉郷). In particular, Kirishima Onsen is known as one of Japan's top hot springs resorts. Kirishima Onsen Is a Very Lovely Place! Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, you can enjoy a playful introduction of the proper etiquette for entering the hot springs. Before entering the hot springs you must rinse your body. After leaving the hot springs, put on a kimono or yukata. In the video, "Basic Etiquette 1" from 0:57 shows you how to soak in the hot springs, while "Basic Etiquette 2" from 2:18 shows you how to voice your pleasure for maximum effect. After thoroughly relaxing in the communal bath or open-air bath, enjoy an exquisite traditional Japanese meal. If you wish to stay overnight at Kirishima Onsen, be sure to choose a lodging option with high-quality spring water. There are also hot springs which cater to visitors on day trips. If you make good use of the day-trip facilities, you can enjoy a casual trip to enjoy bathing and Japanese cuisine. Must-See Tourist Attractions Around Kirishima Onsen Photo：Mt. Takachiho, Kagoshima Prefecture If you're planning on spending more than a day in the Kirishima Hot Springs area, you should definitely check out nearby sightseeing spots as well. For example, Kirishima Shrine (霧島神宮, kirishima jingu) and Wake Shrine (和気神社, wake jinja) are the jewels of sightseeing in Kagoshima Prefecture. In addition, on Mt. Takachiho (高千穂峰, takachiho no mine) and at Maruo Falls (丸尾滝, maruo taki), you can experience the beautiful natural scenery of the area and take some amazing Instagram photos as well. The Kirishima Open Air Museum (霧島アートの森, kirishima ato no mori) and Shiobitashi Onsen Ryoma Park (塩浸温泉龍馬公園) are two hidden gems in Kirishima. Blueberry-picking at Kirishima Shinwa no Sato Park (霧島神話の里公園, kirishima shinwa no sato koen) is sure to be a fun experience as well. Summary of Kirishima Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot This video is a tongue-in-cheek production. The main character is a non-Japanese man experiencing the hot springs, and various other people enjoying themselves in the waters are featured as well. Kirishima Onsen in Kagoshima Prefecture is exceptional even amongst the many popular hot springs areas of Japan. It's a perfect sightseeing destination for those looking for some well deserved rest and relaxation. Why not book an accommodation and head out now? Kirishima Hot Springs is just 30 minutes from Kagoshima Airport by car. Soaking in the hot springs while gazing out at the beautiful scenery is an experience sure to soothe both your mind and body.

Japan's Public Baths This video, titled "Boys Stepping Into a Public Bath for the First Time. Cow Soap Commercial 'My First Trip To a Sento Bathhouse'" (銭湯、そのレトロ空間に初めて足を踏み入れた少年たちは…？牛乳石鹸CM「はじめての銭湯」篇), was released by "moviecollectionjp." Public baths, or "銭湯" (sento) in Japanese, are one of many Japanese cultures. There are many people who know the word "sento" but have never actually been to one. As the number of sento open for business decreases year after year, the opportunity to actually visit a sento for a bath is dwindling. To promote "Good Bath Day" on November 26, this video introduces the charms of Japan's sento. If you're interested in Japanese traditional culture, be sure to give it a watch! November 26, Good Bath Day Source :YouTube screenshot This video will help you learn how to enter a sento and what to be mindful about. If you're thinking about going to a sento in Japan, this video is a good place to start. In public places, such as sento, people are expected to behave in a respectful manner. Japanese and English subtitles are displayed at key points, so overseas travelers can easily understand what's happening. Learn How to Enjoy Japan's Sento in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot When you enter the bathhouse, the first thing you need to do is put your shoes in a locker, as shown at 0:19 in the video. Be sure not to lose the key! After paying the clerk, it's time for a bath! From 0:47 in the video, you can see children washing their bodies. At sento, it's good manners to wash your body before soaking in the baths. From 0:59 in the video, you can see adults and children helping to wash one another's backs, which is another charm of Japan's sento culture. It’s also important to follow proper etiquette, such as not entering the baths with a towel, and not diving into the water. After you've enjoyed your time at the bathhouse, there are certain manners to follow when getting out of the baths, such as putting away any buckets, etc. you used and wiping your body off properly. You can see a massage chair at 1:50 in the video. You can use these after a bath to revitalize your body. The video ends with the children bidding farewell to the woman at the booth. It's important to maintain good manners with people, not only in Japan's sento but when using other public facilities as well. So What Kind of Place Are Japan's Sento Exactly? Photo：A cypress bath and bucket at a sento Sento are public bathhouses in Japan. They are also called furoya (風呂屋) or yuya (湯屋) in Japanese. At sento, a boiler is used to boil a large amount of water, and tall exhaust chimneys are often a feature of a sento. Some public bathhouses use hot springs, and one of the best ways to enjoy visiting public bathhouses in Japan is to learn about the different types of spring water they use. Another appeal of Japan's sento is that you can enjoy a variety of baths, including cold water baths, denkiburo (baths with a slight electric current), waterfall baths, jet baths, medicinal baths, open-air baths, saunas, ganban'yoku, and more. Large scale public bathhouses are called "Super Sento" and often offer meals and other services. Another feature of public bathhouses is that the walls are generally decorated with special paintings and tiles. When you visit Japan, be sure to take a relaxing soak while enjoying the beautiful decorations of the bathhouse. The Roots and History of Japan's Sento Photo：Sento It is said that sento originate from the time when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The reason sento were built was for monks to cleanse their bodies. Bathhouses were set up in temples and were popular not only among monks, but also among the impoverished. Summary of Japan's Traditional Sento Photo：Sento equipment Japanese culture is very profound, and sento are no exception. Before you actually visit a sento, be sure to check out this video to learn the manners and rules of Japan's public bathhouses first. By doing so, you're sure to have a wonderful time at Japan's public baths!

The Etiquette of Light Tea and Sweets in the Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony This video, titled "【Urasenke Chado】Usu-cha and Light Sweets (【裏千家茶道】お菓子と薄茶のいただき方), was released by "Koko Chashitsu." In the traditional Japanese tea school of Urasenke, there is etiquette that says one must have omogashi (main sweets) with koi-cha (thick tea) and higashi (dried sweets) when drinking usu-cha (thin tea). Let’s check out the etiquette of Urasenke’s light tea and sweets by watching this video. The Etiquette of the Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony Photo：Matcha and Wagashi After the tea has been served by the host, the guest of honor will say "お先に" (O saki ni "Please excuse me for drinking first") while bowing to the second guest of honor, then place the tea bowl in front of their knees and say "お点前ちょうだいします" (O te mae choudai shimasu "Thank you for the tea"). This can be seen from 0:06 in the video. Following this, they take the tea bowl in their left hand, put their right hand on the side of the bowl, and drink after having rotated the bowl clockwise twice. The last sip will be sipped while making a slurping sound, cleaning off the drinking area with one's index finger and thumb, then cleaning the fingertips with a special paper called kaishi. After that, the tea bowl is placed on the outside edge of the tatami mat, returning it with both hands. One of each kind of the higashi that are served in the sweets container should be taken by hand and eaten after bowing once. If there are 2 types of higashi, proper etiquette is to take the one furthest away from you first and then the one closest to you. You can see the higashi being eaten from 0:16 in the video. The Tools Used by the Urasenke School of Tea Ceremony Photo：Tea Ceremony Other than the tea bowl, there are various tools used for tea ceremony. In the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, these include the "chasen" (茶筅, bamboo tea whisk), "hishaku" (柄杓, ladle), "chashaku" (茶杓, bamboo tea spoon), "mizusashi" (水指, container for fresh water), "kensui" (建水, container for waste-water), "futaoki" (蓋置, rest for the lid of a teakettle), and the "chakin" (茶巾, tea cloth). The tea bowl is placed before the knees and the brazier is placed directly in front of the "Katomado" (bell-shaped window). As for the "fukusa" (silk cloth) which is used when handling tools in the Urasenke school of tea ceremony, women use red or plain vermilion colors and men use a plain purple color. In addition, in tea ceremony, there are detailed teachings on the meaning of the tools and how to properly handle them, such as the "Shikaden" (四カ伝 "four transmissions"). More About the Urasenke School of Tea Urasenke is one of the grand master tea schools of tea ceremony. The name Urasenke was given because as opposed to the main family Omotesenke (omote = front) who succeeded Sen no Rikyu, Konnichian was seen from the back (ura) when looked at from the street. The Urasenke school of tea ceremony, as well as Omotesenke and other schools all have detailed differences in etiquette regarding usu-cha and koi-cha and the order in which things are done. There are events such as Ryurei and Hatsugama at the grand master tea schools, so if you're interested consider checking these out as well. Summary of Urasenke's Tea Etiquette Photo：Tea Ceremony The video goes over the method of drinking tea according to the Urasenke shool of tea ceremony. Tea ceremony may seem difficult, but there is a point in learning the etiquette, so it's easy to get hooked once you experience it. There are tea ceremony schools giving lessons all over Japan, so if you are interested, consider checking out their websites, looking for a school nearby, and learning how it's performed? You may even find yourself receiving a certificate if you study hard! 【Official Website】Urasenke Official Website http://www.urasenke.or.jp/texte/index.html

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

The Traditional Japanese Martial Art “Kendo” This video is "Best of Kendo~Awesome~" produced by "NAGASHI." Kendo is one of Japan's traditional martial arts. Many Japanese people know about the style of Kendo. What's so fascinating about this sport though? Kendo is a one-on-one competition where players wear a kendo uniform, armor, and use bamboo swords called "shinai." Kendo and other traditional Japanese martial arts are about valuing respect. Swords are of course weapons, but it is the human mind that controls them. Winning a match, according to the rules, means winning with the swordsmanship you've refined. The swordsman stay focused until after the match, when they've bowed to one another. This is standard Kendo etiquette. Kendo is said to be a martial art that begins and ends with a bow. The beauty of this Japanese culture may be one of the attractions of Kendo. In the video, you can see this etiquette from 0:05 and 5:57 in the second half. I hope that these videos will show the excellence of Kendo and the spirit, and harmony among Kendo fighters through their matches and practice, and at the same time, convey the beauty of Japanese martial arts as a whole. The History of Kendo Photo：Kendo Nowadays, the sport has federations all over the world, and not only schoolchildren's tournaments, inter-scholastic athletics competitions, and national championships, but matches are held all over the world. With the increase in the number of competitors, kendo's technical population has grown to about 1.7 million, but it was originally created to practice swordsmanship. It is a traditional martial art that inherited the soul of the samurai, which is said to have already existed in the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Kendo, as a competitive sport, had its own set of dan rankings and rules and instruction manuals from the Edo period (1603- 1868 AD). Gradually, the style came closer and closer to the style we have today. However, even now, having gone from martial arts to competition, it's practitioners still train their mind, body, and they still maintain proper etiquette. The Gear Required for Kendo Photo：Kendo "Men" The traditional Japanese martial art kendo requires a few pieces of gear. ・防具 Armor ・剣道着 Kendo uniform ・竹刀 Bamboo sword (sometimes wooden swords are used for training) ・小手 Kote(padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・面 Men(a face mask) ・垂れ Tare(waist protector) ・袴 Hakama(pleated and divided skirt made in fine stripes) You can purchase this gear at kendo specialty stores and kendo shops. For a moment, at 0:14 in the video, you can see the image of the camera attached inside a face mask. You can feel what Kendo is like in this scene. Japanese traditional martial art kendo rules Photo：Referee Kendo is a sport that trains the mind and body. The format of the matches are one-on-one individual matches, but there is also a team competition where 1 winner is crowned. A match in Kendo is between two players until two points are scored, or the time runs out. (One game = Three match) There are 3 valid targets to strike in order to score a point ・Men (the face mask) ・Kote(the padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・Do (the breastplate) Also, when it comes to matches for college students or older, two-sword style is also possible. It is rare in Japan, but is often seen in overseas kendo matches. Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most popular, and said to be the most powerful swordsmen in the world, was also a master of the two swords. From 0:25, the video introduces a number of matches. Not only do bamboo swords clash, but sometimes competitors are violently struck, propelling them into the air. This is not unexpected however, as it is a combat sport. Summary of the Fascinating, Traditional Japanese Martial Art, Kendo The appeal of kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, lies in the intensity of the matches. The dignified movements of these swordsmen are the result of daily rigorous training. There are rankings called "dan" in Kendo, but in order to receive a ranking, you must go through a rigorous certification test to obtain the title. The dojo where swordsmen practice everyday is packed with the lives of the swordsmen. Kendo is also said to be a lifelong sport. Please enjoy the video of the Kendo matches, that transcend both age and gender. 【Official Website】All Japan Kendo Federation https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/

Learn About Noh Theatre With the Kanze School of Noh! This video, titled "Manners and Etiquette Handed Down Through Generations of the Kanze School of Noh｜nippon.com" was created by "nippon.com." Noh is a traditional performing art of Japan. It has a long history in Japan, much like Kabuki, tea ceremony, and Buyo. There are many schools of Noh, including the Kanze school of Noh featured in the video. Style and performance can vary greatly depending on the school that an actor belongs to. In this video, we'll introduce the Kanze school of Noh. If you're interested in traditional Japanese performing arts, we highly recommend checking out this article and video! The Ever Popular World of Noh Theatre Photo：Noh stage In this video, the 26th head of the Kanze School of Noh, Kiyokazu Kanze (観世清和), talks about Noh and the importance of passing on the art to next generation. At 2:38 in the video we see Saburouta Kanze (観世三郎太) performing as a heron, one of the highlights of the video! From 1:00 in the video, Kiyokazu Kanze talks about teaching his son Saburouta. Then, at 2:20, he goes on to say that "to learn Noh, it is not enough to simply imitate a performance, one must make the performance their own and elevate it to another level." From 3:53, he explains how constantly improving one's performance until their full potential is reached is the most important aspect of Noh. You can hear Kiyokazu Kanze talk about his feelings towards his son throughout the entirety of this 5 minute long video. A Closer Look at the Traditional Performing Art, Noh Photo：Noh "Nougaku" (能楽) is the general name given to the performing arts Noh and Kyogen (狂言). It is one of Japan's oldest traditional performing arts and is registered as an Intangible Cultural Asset. There are six important features of any Noh play: ・Shosa (所作): Performance ・Utai (謡): Chanting ・Hayashi (囃子): Musical accompaniment ・Men (面): Masks ・Shozoku (装束): Costumes ・Kodogu (小道具): Props Movements in Noh involve standing up straight with ones chin tucked in in a posture called "Kamae" (カマエ). Walking without lifting one's heels off the ground, called "Hakobi" (ハコビ), is another characteristic feature of Noh plays. Back when Noh was first being performed by Kan'ami (観阿弥) and Zeami (世阿弥) in the Muromachi period (1336 AD - 1573 AD), "Kamae" had yet to even be established. "Utai" refers to the lines or speech in a Noh play performed by the lead role called the "Shitekata" (シテ方). This is important in correctly portraying the feelings of the characters in the play. "Hayashi" refers to the musical accompaniment, which usually include a flute, small and large hand drums, and taiko drums (太鼓). In some cases, the taiko drum may not be used. The music is often played at a low volume as not to interfere with the performance. "Men" refers to the masks worn during a Noh play. There may be times when masks are not worn as well. "Shozoku" is the term used for Noh costumes. White is often worn by nobles, whereas young women are often dressed in red. Many props are used on stage during Noh performances. In contrast to the larger props which must be prepared well in advance of the performance, many small, simple props are often repurposed for each performance. More About the Kanze School of Noh Source :YouTube screenshot The Kanze school is but one of many different schools of Noh Theatre. Its name originates from the Yuzaki guild (結崎座) of Yamato Sarugaku (大和猿楽). "Kanze" was the childhood nickname of Kan'ami, the founder of Noh. The Sarugaku performances of Kan'ami Kiyotsugu were what led to the creation of the Kanze School. The Kanze School of Noh's traditions and performances continue even today. Summary of Japan's Noh Theatre Performers of the Kanze school of Noh are continually working hard to perfect their performances in the hope that the traditional art continues for generations to come. If you're interested in watching a Kanze school performance, we highly recommend watching the video to get a taste of Noh theatre! There more you learn about the family trees and schools of Noh, the more interesting it becomes! 【Official Website】Kanze School of Noh https://kanze.net/en/publics/index/

World Karate Champion, Ayano Nakamura This video shows an interview with world champion Ayano Nakamura, about karate. Approved as an official game of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, karate is very popular internationally as a form of self-defense, mental training, and sport. Have you hear of the movie Karate Kid? If you recall, the story is about a boy who practices karate, and through that he grows as a person. Three entries were made for the blockbuster, and it captured the hearts of audiences all over the world with its themes of martial arts and spirit. Currently, there are about 70 million karate practitioners worldwide. This interview with Ayano Nakamura, winner of the 2017 Karate World Championships, introduces what karate is and what makes it appealing. What is Karate? Photo：Karate Karate is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using the hands and elbows for defense. Although there are various views on the origin of karate, it is rooted in an old Okinawan martial art called "te" (手, te) or "karate" (唐手, karate) which was popular among samurai in the Ryukyu Kingdom (present day Okinawa) as an art of self-defense. Later, it was blended with a Chinese martial art and the base for the karate we know today was formed. The martial art has adopted the three elements: spirit, technique, and physique. Karate has countless styles. The most famous ones are the four major styles of karate: Shotokan style, Goju style, Wado style, and Shito style) and the three major styles of Okinawan karate (Goju style, Uechi style, and Kobayashi style). Although the names of the kata (form of movement, posture, etc. in martial arts) are the same, each school has its own characteristics. At countless gyms and schools of karate throughout Japan, many people are practicing karate to learn about the Japanese spirit and manners as well. Two Types of Sports Karate: Kata and Kumite Sports karate has two types: kata and kumite. In kata, practitioners compete on precision and speed, while in kumite, practitioners compete on how precisely they can hit a certain body part of the opponent. Basic Kata of Karate Photo：Karate Ayano Nakamura mastered Shotokan style karate which has 25 types of kata. As the phrase goes "karate is not for attacking" every kata starts with a block instead of an attack. Trainees master basic kata such as punches, kicks, and blocks first, then move on to more complicated kata. Well-known kata are "Bassaidai," "Kankudai," "Enbi," and "Jion" etc. What Can You Learn From Karate? Learning techniques is of course important in karate. However, observing rules always comes first in the martial art. As "karate is not for attacking" implies, controlling your techniques is more important than anything else in karate. Summary of Karate Source :YouTube screenshot In this interview, Ayano Nakamura describes the traditional Japanese culture "Karate." She focuses more on the mental aspect of karate, manners, etc., rather than the aspect of karate as a martial art. Karate gives more importance what it means to be a fighter, such as making eye contact while talking and greeting. To be strong is one of the ultimate goals of martial arts. Ayano Nakamura hopes, however, that everyone develops a tender heart to care for others, and develops the courage to overcome obstacles through karate. In this video, Ayano Nakamura explains what makes karate attractive and demonstrates her karate techniques. Check out her sharp, impressive movements and powerful will!

Video introduction of “Mikagura” prayer at “Ise Jingu” in Ise City, Mie Prefecture This is a video produced by "Ise Shrine Official Channel (ISE-JINGU)" called "[Ise Shrine] Shrine Devotional Prayer Okagura ISE-JINGU" (【伊勢神宮】神宮のご祈祷　御神楽　ISE-JINGU). Ise Shrine is a shrine with a long history that has been worshipped in Japan since the time of mythology. The god of the Imperial Grand Shrine (the inner shrine), is Amaterasu Omikami, and the god of Toyokami Grand Shrine (the outer shrine), is Toyouke Omikami. This charming shrine with plenty of nature is located just past Uji Bridge, the entrance to the inner shrine, and is affectionately called "Oise-san" by tourists. Please enjoy the prayer of Ise Shrine, as it's not something you get to see every day. The Prayer "Okagura" at Ise Shrine, Mie Prefecture Photo：Miko with Kagura bells Kagura, dedicated at the Kagura Hall of Ise Shrine, is a ceremony of exorcism in which sacred sake is served before the gods. The ritual prayer, introduced at 0:35 in the video, is one of the most important rituals of Shinto. After the ritual prayer, there is a dance performance (0:53) that shows Yamato-mai, and from 1:08 a long ceremonial dance by the Prince of Lanling. After the Kagura, worshippers pray, as seen at 1:40 in the video Ise Shrine, Mie Prefecture - A Historic Tourist Attraction With Tons of Highlights Photo：Ise Shrine Many tourists visit Ise City, Mie Prefecture to visit Ise Shrine. Don't forget your shuin when you visit! After worship, it's recommended that you purchase a good luck talisman. At Ise Shrine, there are also festivals, such as the Kagura Festival, the Shin-an Festival, and the Kamigyo Festival. We definitely recommend checking these out. On the approach to the outer shrine of Ise Shrine, there's "Houonkan (1F Senokuniya, Syoujirou / 2F Magatama Tei)," "mirepoix," "French cuisine Bon Vivant," "Mitsuhashi Ponju," "Ise Kikuichi," "Akafuku Gekumae Special Shops” and other places where you can enjoy lunch and local gourmet! You can enjoy Japanese sweets such as Akafuku mochi and dumplings, and even eat around. After visiting the geku, go to the naiku where Amaterasu Omikami, the guardian deity of the Japanese people who reigns over the other the eight million gods, is enshrined. "Chōzuya," "Ujibashi," "Isuzu-gawa Mitarashi," "Takimaturinokami," "Goshogu," and "Kazahino minomiya," are full of attractions! There are hotels and inns such as "Toba International Hotel", "Shima Kanko Hotel Bay Suite" and "Ikadaso," so you can enjoy your trip to Ise-Shima even if you're staying overnight. Be sure to enjoy the "profit spot" and the power spot as well. Sightseeing Around Ise Shrine Photo：Okage Yokocho lanterns The area around Ise Jingu is also home to other attractions such as Tagamiya Shrine, Sarutahiko Shrine and Sarume Shrine, which are separate shrines on the grounds. If you have the chance, you should also check out the Imperial Grand Shrine, Ara Matsuri Shrine, Koyasu Shrine, Futami Okitama Shrine, and Meotoiwa in the Ise-Shima area. There are souvenir shops and delicious eateries in Okageyokocho and Oharai town, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. Summary of Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture In 2013, Shikinen Sengu was held at Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture. This is the largest festival at Ise Jingu, where the Great God is relocated to the shrine pavilion, which is rebuilt once every 20 years. In May 2016, key figures from various countries gathered to hold the "G7 Summit," a meeting to discuss global economic and international issues, In Ise City. Ise Shrine is a very popular tourist spot in Japan, and we highly recommend visiting it. If you visit at the right time, you may be able to see the elegant prayers shown in the video, or see the Kagura exorcism. ◆Ise Shrine Introduction of facility outline◆ 【Address】1 Ujikancho, Ise City, Mie 516-0023 【Access】Geku is a 5-minute walk from Ise-shi Station, Naiku is a 30-minute walk from Isuzugawa Station 【Hours】5: 00 - 18: 00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available 【Telephone No】0596-24-1111 【Entrance fee】Free 【Official Website】Ise Shrine https://www.isejingu.or.jp/en/index.html 【Official Website】Ise City Tourism Association https://ise-kanko.jp/main/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Ise City https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g303159-Ise_Mie_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu-Vacations.html

What Does Top Kendo Athlete, Yukiko Takami, Have to Say About Kendo? In this video "KENDO - Yukiko Takami／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? DOU (剣道 - 鷹見 由紀子), Yukiko Takami, one of the top Kendo practitioners in Japan, introduces the sport representative of Japanese martial arts. What does this female Kendo practitioner have to say about the sport? About Yukiko Takami Source :YouTube screenshot Yukiko Takami is a Kendo practitioner who has won world championships in both single and group Kendo competitions and is regarded by many to be one of the top Kendo practitioners in Japan. In this video, she talks about the traditional martial art. The Ancient Japanese Martial Art, Kendo Kendo is a Japanese martial art where one fights using a bamboo sword whilst wearing a Kendo uniform which includes protective equipment such as a mask and gloves. The martial Kendo was developed hundreds of years ago (near the end of the Edo era: 1750 AD-1860 AD) in Japan as a way of practicing sword fighting using bamboo swords whilst wearing protective equipment. It has grown in popularity over the years with many competitions being held all over the world. One can compete in Kendo in both single and group competitions, much like other martial arts such as Judo and Karate. One does not simply improve at Kendo by winning matches, training is geared towards improving not just physical strength but also fighting spirit and technique. Moving up the ranks in Kendo also requires more than just strength. There are more than 1.7 million Kendo practitioners competing in Japan, which is more than ten times the number of Judo practitioners currently competing, which number around 160,000. Photo：Kendo The ancient martial art of Kendo is taught to children in Japan as an after-school club activity. There are Kendo halls and classes held all over the country, where one can learn not only technical sword-fighting skills but also about etiquette and Japanese spirit. Yukiko Takami talks in the video of how she used to let her performance in competition affect her emotionally. However, she describes that now, the process is more important than the end result in Kendo, and that learning to respect one's opponent is necessary to grow. From 3:45 in the video, Yukiko Takami talks about the importance of respecting one's opponent instead of focusing on winning or losing. Kendo, the Japanese Martial Art That Begins and Ends With a Bow Photo：Kendo One of the appealing features of Kendo is that it is a martial art one can continue practicing for a lifetime. Yukiko Takami explains that in Kendo, one fights not only using power and speed, but also one's spirit, and that this feature sets Kendo apart from other martial arts such as Karate or Judo. As Kendo is a martial art that wouldn't exist without an opponent, learning to respect each other is a key part of training. In the training hall, known as a dojo, it is custom for students to bow to the shrine and train with their opponents safety in mind. A Top Kendo Practitioner's Thoughts – Summary We hope you enjoyed watching the video of top Kendo practitioner Yukiko Takami! She explains in detail the history of the martial art and also her personal feelings regarding the practice and training. Yukiko Takami also explains in detail the techniques and rules involved in Kendo. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this ancient Japanese martial art.

The Traditional Art Form Nihon Buyo! Nihon buyo can be described simply as a dance performed while wearing a kimono to traditional Japanese music. Nihon buyo has been loved by the Japanese people for hundreds of years along with other Japanese art forms such as Noh (能), Kyogen (狂言), Kabuki (歌舞伎) and Bunraku (文楽). This video, created by ANA Global Channel, features an interview with the Japanese Buyo dancer Rin Hanayagi. We hope you enjoy learning about this beautiful art form which has been passed down for generations. The Origins and History of Nihon Buyo Source :YouTube screenshot Traditional Japanese dances date back to mythological times. Since the Heian period (794 AD-1185 AD), dances such as Dengaku (田楽) and Sarugaku (猿楽) have been performed by the common people and later evolved into the popular art forms Noh and Kyogen. The first official mention of Nihon Buyo in Japanese history was during the Edo period (1603 AD-1868 AD). 400 years ago, Izumo no Okuni (出雲阿国) started putting on kabuki performances in Shijo Kawara, Kyoto (京都の四条河原). At the time, it wasn't considered proper for women to perform on stage and so she traveled the country, performing dressed as a man. Her kabuki performances popularized dance throughout Japan. During her interview in the video, Rin Hanayagi explains in detail about the history and origins of Nihon Buyo. Nihon Buyo Schools There are currently more than 200 Nihon Buyo schools in Japan, all with their own characteristic techniques and traditions. The number of schools dramatically increased since the start of the Taisho Period (1912 AD-1926 AD) continuing to branch off into different styles of dance. There are five main schools (五大流派, godairyuuha) which include the Hanayagi school (花柳流), Fujima school (藤間流), Wakayagi school (若柳流), Nishikawa school (西川流) and Bando school (坂東流). The traditions and dances of the schools have been passed down for generations with the names of the schools taking on that of their successors. Nihon Buyo Dancer Rin Hanayagi on Japanese Tradition In the video, Nihon Buyo dancer Rin Hanayagi talks about her feelings towards Japanese tradition. She talks of how her repeated training has increased her knowledge and has been drilled into her behavior. She comments that would like to bring the spirit of Japan to the people through her dance and put on a performance that the viewers can enjoy. At 3:03 in the video, Rin Hanayagi talks of how much thought and detail is put into her outfit, makeup, hairstyle, and more, to make it easy for the viewers to understand what kind of role she is trying to portray in her performances. She wants to work hard to make sure that this beautiful and ancient art form is passed on to future generations and is not forgotten. Nihon Buyo in Recent Years Photo：Buyo From the Meiji Era (1868 AD-1912 AD) to the Showa Era (1926AD-1989AD), and even today, the traditional art form is practiced by people all over the country. Not only can one learn how to dance, but proper manners and etiquette are also taught during Nihon Buyo classes, making it a popular pastime for women and children. There are also many fans of Nihon Buyo outside of Japan. In recent years, the number of foreigners visiting Japan in order to take part in Nihon Buyo workshops and watch Nihon Buyo shows has been increasing. Donning a kimono and trying out a traditional Japanese dance is a great way to remember your trip. Summary of Nihon Buyo Nihon Buyo performances are currently being held all over the country. We recommend checking out the Nihon Buyo Kyoukai (日本舞踊協会) website to find out what kind of performances are taking place. If you're interested in Nihon Buyo, we highly recommend watching a live dance performance! Don't forget to watch the video and enjoy watching a traditional Nihon Buyo performance! It can be seen from 11:51 in the video!

Introducing the Traditional Japanese Theater, "Noh" I reckon that many international tourists who visit Japan are interested in experiencing a traditional Japanese performing art. If you're one of those people, I recommend catching a Noh performance that integrates a number of performance elements handed down over the centuries. "ANA Global Channel" aired the promotional video "NOH- Yaemon Yamashita／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? " (NOH - Yaemon Yamashina／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? DOU（能 - 山階 彌右衛門), (English subbed) featuring Noh actor, Yaemon Yamashita. The video contains his interview where he talks about the history and charms of Noh as well as his actual performance of "Aoi no ue" from 9:29 which is even more eloquent than he describes. Noh: Origins Yamashita talks about the history of Noh from 0:34. The classical Japanese performance art, Noh was formalized into the present-day's form (known as Kanzeryu) during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) by Kan'ami and his son Zeami. Noh involves chants, drama, dance, basic movement patterns (known as Kata) or narration (known as Katari) and actors convey the emotions of characters using the entire ensemble. The audience is increasingly captivated by the effects. According to Yamashita, Noh can be compared to western theater, such as opera or musicals, that is loved around the world. Noh was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1957, and as a UNESCO intangible Cultural Heritage in 2001. Noh is often confused with Kabuki outside of Japan. While Kabuki performances are attended by the general public, Noh is a refined performance art meant for the upper classes and was later made the official ceremonial art by the shogunate. Noh is a comprehensive art form that involves dance, music and drama, just like western theater, but what makes it unique is that it is based on a stylization of the external expressions. The Charms of Noh Photo：Noh Yamashita speaks about the Noh performance from 1:13. On a mysterious stage known as Noh Butai, a story unfolds through the performances of Shite (the leading character) and Waki (the supporting actor), where plots are usually drawn from legend, history, and literature. Shite is also a main organizer of the Noh performance, and furthermore, a prop maker. The instrumentalists (known as hayashi) play the four Japanese instruments used in Noh theatre: transverse flute, hip drum, the shoulder-drum, and the stick-drum. Kyogen is a comedy piece performed at intervals between the main Noh performance. Thus, a Noh program usually includes both Noh and Kyogen, and offers 2 types of entertainment. Shite wears a mask as seen in the video from 3:14. The masks tell the audience what kind of character he portrays, such as a divine, old man, old woman, villain, or demon. Although there are a few roles Shite plays without wearing a mask, such as Musashibo Benkei (a Japanese warrior monk from the 12th century), Yamashita says that an actor plays the part without any facial expression as to convey emotion through only movements and body language (3:42~). The masks cover an actor's facial expression, but this stimulates the imagination of the audience. Plot development and the accompanied music induces a variety of emotions and creates an illusion of reality. Another interesting aspect of Noh is that each viewer has their own understanding of the scenes being portrayed. From 5:13, Yamashita says that an essential part of Noh performances is to maintain a stable posture, known as "Kamae," while using the basic Hakobi step where the feet are slid across the floor one after another without lifting them. In Noh performance, the beauty must lie in the visible elements (movement, body language or posture) rather than on the inside of actors, and this external beauty is what brings out the internal beauty. - This is the Noh aesthetic handed down for generations. Noh Is Performed at Theaters Called "Nohgakudo" Noh is typically performed at theaters called "Nohgakudo." There are plenty of renowned Noh theaters including Kongo-Nohgakudo in Kyoto, National Nohgakudo and Hohsho Nohgakudo in Tokyo, and Nagoya Nohgakudo in Nagoya. The visit will afford you the opportunity to experience Noh performance. Source :YouTube screenshot Summary of Noh Theatre The video captures Yaemon Yamashita's performance of "Aoi no ue" from 9:29, after his interview. The video deepens our understanding and gives the performance depth. It's worth watching to get an idea about the history and aesthetics of Noh. It leads us into the profound beauty of the art form. If you want to experience a Noh performance, "Nohgaku Dairengin" is a great program to check out. It allows beginners to take a 4-month training of "Takasago" and perform it on stage. If you want to know more about Noh, check the lineup of items published from Nohgaku Shorin, a publishing house specialized in Noh. It also stocks the audiovisual materials such as CDs, DVDs and cassette tapes that non-Japanese speakers can enjoy, as well as a variety of Noh props and stationary goods.

Video introduction of "Suigo Shihoroi Iris Festival" in Shihoroi City, Ibaraki Prefecture The title of the video is "Wedding Boat Summary - A Bride from Itako Goes by a Boat- (Suigo Itako Iris Festival)（嫁入り舟ダイジェスト～潮来花嫁さんは舟でゆく～ （水郷潮来あやめまつり））” When the rainy season starts, irises are in bloom and the Suigo Itako Iris Festival is held in Suigo Itako Iris Garden (水郷潮来あやめ園). The beautiful bride, wearing a pure white dress is shown in the video. Enjoy Japanese tradition and culture by watching this video. What is the "Yomeiri Boat," one of the highlights of the Suigo Shihoroi Ayame Festival? Photo：The Wedding Boat of Itako The Suigo Itako Iris Festival is famous for the wedding boat. The video shows what a traditional marriage in Itako looks like. As shown in the video from 1:09, at the festival, a bride, a boatman and a mediator go through the park full of irises. They then row a boat across the river towards where the groom is waiting. The boat move slowly and it is watched over by people who came to enjoy the festival. It is quite the site. After meeting with the groom, wearing a hakama with a family crest, they take hands and promise everlasting love. This is shown from 3:38 in the video. When is the best time to see irises at Suigo Shihoroi Iris Garden? How to enjoy them Photo：The Suigo Itako Iris Festival At the Suigo Itako Iris Garden in Ibaraki, people can enjoy 500 different kinds of over a million irises. It is a very popular spot and was selected as one of “the 500 most beautiful roads in Japan.” The best time to view the irises at Suigo Shihoroi Iris Garden is usually from late May to late June, with June 10 being the best time. The official Instagram account of the Tourism and Commerce Division of Ibaraki Prefecture's Ushiori City provides information on the blooming status of the irises and the status of the Yomeiri-Bune (bride-to-be boats). If you would like to visit Suigo Shihoroi Ayameen in 2024 when the irises will be in full bloom, please check the instagram account in advance. During the Iris Festival, the Iris Festival is also illuminated from 6:30 p.m. This is recommended for those who wish to see the fantastic sight of the area illuminated by light, which is different from the daytime. The "Yomeiri Boat" is the main attraction of the Suigo Ushioi Ayame Festival, and on Saturdays, the "Yoi no Yomeiri" (evening wedding ceremony) is held after sunset. On Saturdays, the "Yoi no Yomeiri" is held after dark, and the sight of a bride in white kimono being carried on the boat in the pale light is sure to leave a lasting impression on the viewer. Also, you can enjoy various events during the Iris Festival, such as performances of the Oyame Odori dance and the Ushioi Gion Matsuri Rei dance, roboat tours, and iris sales events. A spot for romance in Ushioi City, Ibaraki Prefecture? WAiWAi Fantasia Source :This article Video Fountain spot "WAiWAi Fantasia" which is across the garden, is popular as a spiritual site for love and marriage. It's shown from 3:50 in the video. After sharing their vows, the groom and bride lock the "key to happiness" in the fountain. Summary The Suigo Itako Iris Festival, introduced in the video, is a very popular event and 800 thousand people visit it annually. Enjoy looking at the beautiful Japanese bride wearing a pure white dress. If you want to visit the Suigo Itako Iris Festival, we recommend first checking out the bloom conditions, the schedule of the festival, sightseeing spots and then booking a hotel. ◆Suigo Itako Iris Garden Information◆ 【Address】Iris 1-5 Itako city Ibaraki prefecture 【Access】A 3-minute walk from JR Itako Station. Buses available during the time of the festival 【Parking】Available (A toll parking lot is available during the Suigo Itako Iris Festival) 【Telephone No】0299-63-1111 【Entrance fee】Free 【Official Website】Suigo Itako Iris Festival https://english.ibarakiguide.org/itako-iris-festival.html