A Look at the Japanese Badger This video, titled "[Japan's Wildlife] the Ecology of Badgers｜A Cute Animal That Looks Like a Bear but Isn't (Japanese Badger)" (【日本の動物】アナグマの生態〜クマのようで熊ではない可愛い動物〜(Japanese badger)), introduces the Japanese badger. Japanese badgers look like bears, but as you'll see in the video, they are actually quite different. Let's take a look at Japan's native badger species! About the Japanese Badger Photo：Japanese badgers Japanese badgers belong to the family Mustelidae and order Carnivora. The scientific name of the Japanese badger is "Meles anakuma." The Japanese badger is 40 to 60 centimeters in length and weighs about 12 kilograms. They're light brown in color, similar to that of bears. A characteristic of the Japanese badger is their sharp claws. Japanese badgers are nocturnal and omnivorous animals and live in units called "clans." When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, they enter hibernation. They inhabit forests in Honshu (本州), Shikoku (四国), and Kyushu (九州). The average lifespan for a wild Japanese badger is 10 years. In the video you can see two cute Japanese badgers playing, running around, and taking naps. Japanese Badgers - Viewed as Pests Photo：A badger walking on snow Japanese badgers have warm personalities and do not scare easily. Unfortunately, because they often feed on the crops of farmers, they are seen as pests. Some restaurants in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kyoto actually serve badger meat as game dishes. The Diverse Wildlife Found in Japan Photo：Japanese weasel There are other animals similar to the Japanese badger, such as the raccoon dog (tanuki), masked palm civet, raccoon, and the Japanese weasel. There's a Japanese proverb that goes "Onaji ana no Mujina" (同じ穴の狢), which, translated to English, goes "Badgers of the same hole." It basically expresses that while seemingly unrelated, these animals are of the same type. It's similar to "birds of a feather" or "villains of the same stripe." Breeding Japanese Badgers? Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese badgers are quite friendly. Even when people come close to it, it sometimes moves closer to them, albeit with their tail between their legs like a cat. However, if they are provoked, they may threaten other animals with fierce warning calls. They are not prohibited from being kept as pets, but it's a bit difficult to actually keep them, as you won't be able to bring them to an ordinary vet if something happens. Summary of Japanese Badgers In this article we gave a quick overview of the Japanese badger. Recently, Japanese badgers have been featured on news broadcasts as they've been seen coming down to towns for food, due to increasing deforestation. We'll have to do our part to preserve the forests so that humans and animals can coexist.

An Introduction to Japanese Weasels! The video「二ホン イタチ(mustela itatsi)　カワウソのような泳ぎ・素早い走り　Japanese Weasel-Swimming and running　Donnola -nuoto e corsa」, was created by “AndreaNature.” The Japanese weasel (Mustela itatsi) is a mammal similar to the Japanese otter, and is endemic to Japan. Their body size ranges from 27 to 37 centimeters in length for males and 16 to 25 centimeters for females, with a weight range of 290 to 650 grams for males and 115 to 175 grams for females. Their fur is a brownish-red to a yellowish-orange, and it belongs to the genus Mustela in the family Mustelidae. It is similar to the masked palm civet or the Japanese marten in appearance, and makes squeaking sounds. Its average lifespan is 1.9 years. You wouldn't be able to tell that something so cute was so vicious, just by looking at it. A Look at the Endangered Japanese Weasel Source of photo :YouTube screenshot This video was shot in Moriya city, Ibaraki, in Japan's Kanto region. In this video, we see the Japanese weasel swimming under ice starting around 1:05, swimming in the water around 1:33, and running wildly about at 3:05. The Ecology of Japanese Weasels Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Japanese weasels don't hibernate, and are active throughout the year. They use holes and crevices as nests, but they generally just prefer any sort of hole, regardless of it being their den. Japanese weasels are solitary animals that are active during the day and night. They live near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and bogs, and are excellent swimmers thanks to their webbed hands and feet. At around 1:35 in the video, they can be seen swimming about, just like otters. They eat meat but also eat plants as well, making them omnivorous. Japanese weasels were introduced to Tokyo as a form of pest control. Its natural predators are birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and mammals larger than the Japanese weasel, such as foxes and cats. Japanese weasels didn't originally inhabit in Hokkaido. However, they were unintentionally brought there by ships that some Japanese weasels had snuck onto, and landed in the region. Most of the Ezo weasel (Ezo Itachi, エゾイタチ) species in the literature refer to the Ezo Okojo (Mustela erminea Orientalis), which is a slightly smaller species than the Japanese weasel. The Non-Native Siberian Weasels (Mustela Sibirica) Photo：Japanese weasels Siberian weasels were also introduced to the Honshu region as non-native animals. They used to only inhabit Tsushima in Japan's Kyushu region, but after the Manchurian Incident, it was introduced to Japan and raised for fur production. Unfortunately, Siberian Weasels won the competition for survival against the Japanese Weasel and expanded their territory. Therefore, Japanese weasels are listed on the IUCN Red List as a near threatened species and as endangered species in both Saga prefecture and Osaka prefecture. They are also designated as a game animal by Wildlife Protection and Hunting Management Law. There are three major differences between Japanese weasels and Siberian weasels. The first one is the tail. Siberian weasels have a longer tail (about 21 cm) than Japanese weasels. The second is weight. Siberian weasels weigh twice as much as Japanese weasels do; the largest ones can reach sizes up to 850 grams. Third is body color. Siberian weasels are more yellowish than Japanese weasels, and Japanese weasels have grey hair around their eyes. Summary of the Japanese Weasel Source of photo :YouTube screenshot What'd you think about the Japanese Weasel? Although this animal is indigenous to Japan, it's difficult to see these days. We hope you enjoy the rare footage of these cute critters!

Introducing the Minohiki! This video, titled "Minohiki (Protected Species) - An Ornamental Chicken in Danger of Extinction" (蓑曳鶏（みのひきどり 国指定天然記念物 ）～絶滅危機の観賞用ニワトリ～), introduces the Minohiki, a chicken bred for its beauty. The video was released by "Toyohashi Dot Television." The minohiki is characterized by its beautiful feathers, called minoge (saddle feathers), which grow from the center of its body. The origin of the name minohiki comes from the fact that the minoge grows to the point of dragging it on it on the ground (hiki meaning pull in Japanese). In this article, we'll introduce the minohiki in detail along with the video. What Kind of Chicken Is the Minohiki? Source :YouTube screenshot The Minohiki is a type of Japanese chicken that is said to have been bred during the mid Edo period (1700-1800s). It's a medium-sized pheasant, and is thought to be a cross between the long-tailed chicken, the shokoku chicken of China, and the game fowl of Thailand and is similar in build to the long-tailed chicken. It weighs approximately 2 kg. As shown at 1:35 in the video, the minohiki lays its eggs in the spring. There are several species of minohiki, including the Akazasa, Shojo, Shirafuji, Shiro, and Goshiki. Because the minohiki shed their feathers after summer, the best time to admire them is from spring to June. You can see a beautiful white minohiki at 2:24 in the video. On the Brink of Extinction? Source :YouTube screenshot The minohiki, a native Japanese species, was designated a protected species in 1940 (Showa 15). During the Showa Period (1926-1989), more than 1,500 chickens are said to have lived in the Mikawa region of Aichi Prefecture and the Enshu region of Shizuoka Prefecture. However, the number of bird lovers has declined and they are now on the verge of extinction. The Minohiki is difficult to raise individually, but you can see them at zoos and other places. Summary of the Minohiki Source :YouTube screenshot If you're interested in seeing the minohiki up close, consider dropping by The Toyama Family Park. The park currently raises minohiki. Japan is also home to many other unique types of chickens, such as Chabo (Japanese bantam), Shamo (game fowl), and Cochin. When you go to the zoo in Japan, be sure to keep an eye out for a variety of chicken species.

Japanese Radio Calisthenics! This video "Radio Calisthenics Phase Version 06｜English Version" (「ラジオ体操第バ06_英語」), was created by Tokyu-Kensetsu (東急建設) for English speakers in Japan. In Japan, radio calisthenics (ラジオ体操, rajio taiso) is a traditional custom where people perform calisthenics to music with guidance from radio broadcasts. Radio calisthenics were introduced to Japan to improve physical strength and maintenance and development of good health. What kind of calisthenics are there? How did it start? Let’s take a look! What are Radio Calisthenics? A Look at the History Photo：Elementary school students doing radio calisthenicss The history of radio calisthenics goes back to 1920. The idea originally came from the Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. of the U.S as part of daily calisthenics. The first radio calisthenics was broadcast to the public on NHK radio in 1928. Since then, it has been modified little by little to the current Radio Calisthenics 1, established in 1951. Besides Radio Calisthenics 1, the one introduced in the video, there are other types of radio calisthenics such as Radio Calisthenics 2 and 3, and Minna no Taiso (calisthenics for everyone). The Health Benefits of Radio Calisthenics Photo：An attendance card for radio calisthenics The radio calisthenics contains of 13 types of calisthenics in a particular order. As you see in the video, the calisthenics starts with stretching (0:11) and ends with deep-breathing (2:56), a total of 3 minutes 15 seconds. It helps you stay in shape and lose weight, as it makes you stretch the muscles of your entire body. During summer vacation, local organizations and community associations gather children and perform radio calisthenicss together every morning. Each child has an attendance card and gets a stamp each time they attend the radio calisthenics gathering. The radio calisthenics serves to prevent inadequate physical activity in children, as well as have children interact with local communities. Where Can I Find Radio Calisthenics? Photo：Radio In Japan, radio channels still broadcast the radio calisthenics to music. Radio calisthenics usually begin with a piece of opening music and a greeting from the instructor, and after the music finishes, Radio calisthenics 1 begins. During the broadcast, they also introduce a supportive exercise and a neck exercise. The radio calisthenics are also broadcast on TV. Be sure to check out when it broadcasts! You can also find the radio calisthenics on an App, videos online, or CD. Choose one that is most convenient for you. The Recap of Radio Calisthenics Photo：Women doing radio calisthenics Radio calisthenics is effective for improving health, so it has long been loved by Japanese people. Even today, radio calisthenics are introduced at events for children, at offices before the day begins, and also done by people feeling they need more exercise. Be sure to check it out! It'll help you get into a daily routine and feel more awake.

Shigeru Takagi, the Japanese Man Helping to Clear Mines in Cambodia This video, titled "Shigeru Takagi Helps Clear Land Mines in Cambodia" (カンボジアで地雷除去する高木茂さん), introduces Shigeru Takagi, a Japanese man taking part in Peace-Keeping Operations (PKO) in Cambodia. Shigeru Takagi was previously enrolled in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). While serving in the JGSDF, he requested to participate in peace-keeping operations but unfortunately denied permission to do so. After retiring, he was invited by his previous boss to work for the Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS). He currently works clearing mines in a village in Cambodia near the border of Thailand. You can see the current mine situation in Cambodia and listen to Shigeru Takagi in an interview in this video. Cambodia - A Country Covered in Land Mines Left Over From the Civil War Photo：Unexploded ordnance Even now, Cambodia suffers as a result of the civil war. In the late 1900's, around 2 million people were killed in Cambodia during Pol Pot's totalitarian regime. Currently, there are thought to be approximately 7-10 million former Soviet Union and Chinese land mines buried across the country. Even now, after the war has ended, children are unable to play freely outside, as the mines pose a huge risk to their safety. From 1:13 in the video, you can see children studying in an elementary school surrounded by land mines. Shigeru Takagi has helped remove land mines from places where people are at risk of being injured. He plans to continue removing land mines in the hope of eventually clearing Cambodia of mines completely. Shigeru Takagi Teaches Cambodian Citizens How to Safely Remove Mines Source :YouTube screenshot From 2:02 in the video, you can see women wearing heavy safety clothing and helmets (weighing approximately 10 kg) searching for land mines in the scorching 35℃ weather. After a land mine is found, the area is taped off for safety and the mine is detonated. You can see an explosion at 2:32 in the video. As you can see from 2:45 in the video, Shigeru Takagi not only participates in mine-clearing activities but also teaches how to safely remove buried land mines. He currently teaches courses for Cambodian citizens and explains things, such as the differences between anti-tank land mines and anti-personnel land mines. Shigeru Takagi talks of the importance of not only removing the mines but also of working with the government to support people who have been injured by the mines. He also expresses that he hopes the number of mine-clearing vehicles and devices will increase, in order to speed up the mine-clearing process. Summary of Shigeru Takagi, the Japanese Man Helping Clear Mines in Cambodia Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by Kyodo News. It features Shigeru Takagi who is currently participating in mine-clearing activities in Cambodia. At the end of the video, Shigeru Takagi expresses his gratitude for being given the chance to participate in this huge project and says he has no regrets about joining. We hope through this video you learned more about the current land mine situation in Cambodia and about one Japanese man's efforts to bring peace to the country. The Japan Mine Action Service is currently still looking for more volunteers. If you were moved by the information in this article and would like to contribute towards mine clearance in Cambodia, consider supporting the Japan Mine Action Service! 【Official Website】Non-Profit Organization Japan Mine Action Service https://en.jmas-ngo.jp/?doing_wp_cron=1595986947.6080920696258544921875

Hornets V.S. Japanese Honey Bees This video is titled "Small Japanese Honeybees Unite to Repel an Invading Hornet｜Nat Geo" (スズメバチを撃退するニホンミツバチ | ナショジオ). The video is produced by "National Geographic." To repel the wasps, which are several times larger than they are, the Japanese honeybees use a special technique in which they cover the body of the wasp and quite literally cook it alive. Please enjoy the awesome footage shown in the video! Japanese Honey Bees Photo：A honey bee The Japanese honey bee is an insect of the order Hymenoptera and family Apidae. It is a living species that has been inhabiting Japan since ancient times. In addition to Japanese honey bees, there are other types of bees, including the dwarf honey bee and giant honey bee. These bees help pollinate flowers and grasses and make wax from the pollen in their nests in trees and under houses. The flower nectar has been processed and sold for a long time as products such as honey, propolis, and royal jelly. Most Japanese honeybees live in the wild, and those that are kept in captivity are released into the wild to collect pollen and take it back to their hives. The non-native honey bee species, the western honey bee, often helps with pollination in agriculture. Japanese honeybees live in large areas of Japan and can be seen all over Japan, excluding Hokkaido, Okinawa, and some remote islands. In addition to living in the mountains, they can also be found in urban areas, and although they are said to be endangered, the Japanese are very familiar with them. Also, unlike the hornet, the Japanese honeybee has a warm personality and is famous for not stinging people often. Combined with their cute appearance, they have a good reputation in foreign countries. You don't need a special license to keep them, and anyone can do so, provided they file the proper documents. Japanese Hornets. How They're Different From Honey Bees Photo：Adult hornets While Japanese honeybees feed on the nectar of flowers, adult hornets feed on nutrients secreted by their larvae. The larvae feed mainly on insects, and capture and feed on smaller insects such as honey bees in order to grow. These differences in feeding habits are due to differences in the body structure of the adult hornet. Adult hornets have a narrowing between their chest and abdomen, which prevents them from ingesting solids, such as insects. It's also very different in that the larvae of the Japanese honey bee makes honey, whereas the larvae of the wasp does not. Hornets V.S. Japanese Honey Bees - The Showdown Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video at 0:13, hornets often attack honeybees to feed their young. In particular, the giant hornet is so ferocious that it invades the nest of bees and attacks not only adult bees but also larvae and pupae. The bee's response to such an attack is the killer heat ball that can be seen at 0:24 in the video. This takes advantage of the weakness of the hornets, as we all know bug types are weak to fire. The bees, rather than using their stingers, form up on the hornet, attaching themselves to it and creating a ball of bees. In the video, 500 Japanese honey bees can be seen covering the hornets. The internal temperature of the Japanese honeybee rises to 47.2° C (117° Fahrenheit), and the increase in carbon dioxide repels the hornets. Summary of Honey Bees V.S. Hornets Did you enjoy learning about the fierce war between honey bees and hornets? The amazing counter attack of the bees shows just how amazing nature is!

This video, titled "[Eng sub] 5min Easy Watercolor | Tree Painting tutorial," was released by "Watercolor by Shibasaki." In this lesson, Harumichi Shibasaki teaches tips for watercolor painting that are easy to understand even for beginners. In this lesson, you'll learn how to paint a realistic watercolor painting of a broad-leafed tree, such as the zelkova. The key to painting trees realistically is to be aware of the areas where the light from the sun hits and the areas in shadow. Then, using the dry brush strokes of a drained dry brush, I rough out the shape of the leaves. Enjoy how the colors gradually deepen on the canvas as if by magic.

This video, titled "【ENG Sub】How to make Japanese Painting "NIHONGA" -from Sketching to completion-," was released by "Nihonga Painter Miwa Hiduki." The process for making great pictures is 1. Sketching 2. Rough outline 3. Tracing 4. Outlining 5. Coloring After deciding on a motif, you can start sketching. Try expanding on the motif shown in the video and sketching. In the video she uses tracing paper and transcribes the rough sketch. The next step is to outline, an important step in Japanese painting. Once the outlining is complete, the coloring begins. Check out the beautiful sketches shown in the video. It will stimulate your creativity!

Tsuneo Matsuo is a doctor who has examined the large intestine of more than 40,000 people. He is a specialist when it comes to intestines and has published many books. Matsuo was one of the first promote "Fermented Cuisine" and "Mediterranean Cuisine" as effective in cultivating a healthy gut, and has proposed the term "Mediterranean-style Japanese Cuisine." He believes that the secret to longevity lies in certain Japanese and Italian ingredients. Bu what are these ingredients? Watch this video to find out and you'll be on your way to cultivating a healthy gut!

This video, titled "Katana long sword, with no inscription, attributed to Masamune," was released by "Virtual Sword Museum 'Sword World'" (バーチャル刀剣博物館「刀剣ワールド」). The sword shown in this video is an inscriptionless sword said to be attributed to Masamune, which is said to have been made in the early years of the Nanboku-cho period. It is said to have been worn by Emperor Komei​, the father of Emperor Meiji, and has a stylish look to it. Masamune, who is said to have made this sword, learned the techniques as a pupil of Shintogo Kunimitsu, the most famous swordsmith in Kamakura, and created a masterpiece that expresses the essence of the Soshu den　Style of swordsmithing. These master swords, with their elegant brilliance, are made with the wisdom of the swordsmith. We invite you to take a closer look at these beautiful swords.

Introducing Japan's Popular "Survival Game!" The video "Survival Game TAGATTI AIRSOFT vol. 1 Survival Game Sniper 1 Japanese Airsoft Sniper（【サバゲー】TAGATTI AIRSOFT vol1 サバスナ！サバゲースナイパーがゆく① Japanese Airsoft Sniper）," was taken by a survival game player. In Japan's survival game, Airsoft guns and pellets are used. It is a tactical team elimination game, often called "airsoft" in foreign countries. Paintball is another popular version. Origins, History, and How It's Played Photo：Survival game outfit It is said that the origin of the survival game is “playing soldier.” As you can see in the video, snipers have to wear equipment such as masks and goggles, and hide in the forest or field to take out their opponents stealthily. You can see the players and equipment at 0:10 in the video. As you can see from 0:31 in the video, the two teams shoot each other while maintaining adequate shooting range and utilizing their scopes and compete based on the number of hits they get. The bullets are consumables, so they need to be bought after the game. There Are Tournaments Too! Source :YouTube screenshot There are different rules and game types, such as capture the flag, deathmatch, defense tournament, count tournament, medic tournament, freeze call, and knife attack. Different kinds of weapons are used in the game too. There are airsoft guns, gas guns, and electro-motion guns as well. The number of players is increasing and female players have also begun to participate! How to Start Playing Photo：Survival game equipment It is necessary to pay attention to rules and manners in order to prevent unnecessary accidents. If you are interested in the game, be sure to check out the rules and manners. Besides forests and fields, you can also experience a course for beginners at a payed facility. There are guns for ages 10 and up, so even junior high school students can start playing survival games. You can also accessorize by getting clothing to suit the environment you'll be playing in, or whatever else you like. Summary of Japan's Survival Games There are survival game facilities all over Japan, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, Chiba, Aichi and Okinawa. Get ready to fight in Japan's tactical survival games!

Beigoma - Traditional Japanese Tops! This video, titled "[Beigoma- 1. Tie it 2. Wind it 3. Hold it 4. Let it rip! - Tokyo Beigoma]" (「ベーゴマの、1.ヒモの作り方、2.ヒモの巻き方、3.持ち方、4.投げ入れ方　｜　東京ベーゴマ」), is created by "Tokyo Beigoma" (東京ベーゴマ). The video is an introduction to Beigoma for beginners. This video clearly explains how to play with Beigoma and also teaches basic techniques for spinning Beigoma that are often difficult for beginners. After watching the video, you'll be on your way to becoming a Beigoma master in no time! If you're a total beginner, don't worry, this video has you covered! Traditional Japanese Beigoma Photo：Beigoma showdown Koma are ancient Japanese toys said to have originated in Heian period (794-1185) Kyoto when people played by spinning shells with string. Beigoma is a kind of Koma (Japanese spinning top) made of cast metal. It was a popular toy among kids from the Taisho period (1912-1926) to Japan's economic boom. To play Beigoma, you make a playing board by stretching a thick fabric sheet partially over a bucket or a barrel, and players spin their Beigoma onto the surface and have them bang against one another. Although Beigoma is an old toy, there have been many more people playing with Beigoma, Menko (an old Japanese card game), and other old-fashioned toys, due to a revived interest in old‐fashioned goods. Also, there are "new" Beigoma based toys such as Beyblade (ベイブレード) and Beigoma Spin Heat (ベイゴマスピンヒート), which are very popular among kids and sold at toy stores and online. Beigoma competitions are also becoming popular. The smartphone app "Beigoma Stadium" (ベイゴマスタジアム) is popular among adults as well. There are various types of Beigoma. Pecha (ペチャ) is the thinnest Beigoma and is harder to control but quite strong. Pe-oh (ぺ王) is the most difficult to control but is the most powerful. Chu-daka (中高) is short but easy to spin. Maruroku (丸六) is the best for beginners. Kakuroku (角六) is easy to spin and is also quite strong. Taka-oh (高王) is about 1.5 times the size of Maruroku, and Bay (バイ) is easy to spin and lasts a long time. Beigoma players also modify their Beigoma and make their own original versions. How to Play Beigoma Source :YouTube screenshot Now we'll introduce how to play Beigoma. First, make a string to wrap around the Beigoma (video 0:07). Tie the string and make a few knots. Next up is the winding process. There are several ways to wind the string, such as Onnamaki (女巻き), Otokomaki (男巻き), and Jujimaki (十字巻き). In this video, we'll learn Onnamaki. (~2:14). First, make sure the tip of the Beigoma sits between the knots on the string. From here, press and hold the end of the string onto the Beigoma with your thumb, and wind the string around the beigoma while keeping the pointed tip of the Beigoma between the knots. Next, wrap the string counterclockwise around knots while holding the string tightly with your fingers to prevent it from unraveling. Wrap it slowly in a circle, and your done! Next we'll learn how to hold the Beigoma. Hold it with your thumb and index finger, and wrap the rest of the string around your pinky and grab ahold of it. (~3:34) Source :YouTube screenshot Finally, let your Beigoma rip! (~4:11) Make sure not to throw it at an angle when launching it onto the playing board. Place your right foot close to the board, making sure to launch the Beigoma on the board, and as soon as you launch it, pull the string tightly. Summary of Traditional Japanese Beigoma Photo：Beigoma Did you enjoy learning about Beigoma? The video gives simple instructions on how to play with Beigoma, so even if you've never done it before, don't be shy! You'll be able to throw some awesome Beigoma in no time! If you're interested in traditional Japanese toys, be sure to check out the video!

Pen Shells and Sake on an Edo-Style Hibachi This video, titled "Tairagi (Pen shell)【Japanese food at "NAGA-HIBACHI"】" was uploaded by "TEKOZO" (てこ蔵・TEKOZO). In shows how to cook delicious pen shells over a traditional Japanese wooden hibachi using charcoal. Pen shells are large, high-end shellfish with, similar to scallops, edible adductor muscles. From 0:06 of the video, you can see the pen shell before it's cooked. Just one pen shell goes for approximately 400-600 yen (~4-6 USD). In the video, you will also see the liver and other organs cooked. In this article, we'll introduce pen shells and how to cook them. Be sure to check out the video to see what kind of shellfish pen shells are! Pen Shells - A Delectable Shell Fish! Photo：A pen shell Pen shells are some of the largest bivalves in Japan in terms of edible shellfish species, reaching a shell length of 30 cm or more. There are two types of pen shells: one with fine scale-like projections on the surface of the shell (scaled type), and the other without scale-like projections and with a smooth shell surface (scale-free type). They are found in the Seto Inland Sea (Harimanada Sea, Osaka Bay, Bisan Seto, Bingo-nada Sea, Suo-nada Sea, and the Iyo-nada Sea), Ise Bay, and Tokyo Bay, and on sandy mud bottoms in inner bay areas. In Japanese pen shells are called "tairagi" or "tairagai" (タイラギ/平貝) and cost about 400 to 600 yen each. The video describes pen shell season as spring to early summer, but according to the website of the Saga Prefecture Fishery Cooperative Federation, the fishing season is from December to March. Because the number of natural pen shells is declining, aquaculture is being promoted in controlled environments, such as the Ariake Sea. The most commonly eaten part of pen shells is the adductor muscle (scallop), which is thinly sliced and served as sashimi. It is also eaten fried, as tempura, grilled with salt or butter, simmered in vinegar, eaten with miso soup, etc. The liver and other organs of pen shells can also be consumed. How to Eat Pen Shells, and Recipes Shown in the Video Photo：Edo-style Hibachi The video shows how to open a pen shell starting at 0:10. Slightly open the shell and remove the guts, followed by the adductor muscle (scallop) on one side. Be sure to set the liver and other innards aside as well if you plan on eating them. Sprinkle salt on the scallop and mantle. The pen shell in the video is grilled in a traditional, Edo-style hibachi. It is a box-shaped hibachi with drawers that was used in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), and can be used as a table when you're finished cooking. Source :YouTube screenshot Starting at 0:50 in the video, the pen shells are grilled on the Edo-style hibachi on which charcoal is placed. While sipping on some delicious sake, one scallop is grilled directly on the grill and the other on a shell filled with sake to let it simmer. The scallop cooked directly on the grill is served first with soy sauce. In the video, they mention that the taste is similar to scallops and is delicious. The scallops are grilled on the shell with butter to make them even fluffier and more aromatic. On the other shell, the mantle and liver are grilled with butter and soy sauce. The mantle is thick and tasty, while the liver is said to be light in flavor with no odor. Video Summary of Cooking Pen Shells on an Edo-Style Hibachi The above video, "Tairagi (Pen shell)【Japanese food at "NAGA-HIBACHI"】" introduces how to prepare and eat pen shells. We hope you've learned what kind of shellfish pen shells are. It's a high-end shellfish and rarely sold to the public in Japan because the number of natural pen shells is decreasing, but if you have the chance to try them, we definitely recommend it! Be sure to wash it down with some tasty Japanese sake as well!

Introducing the Interior of the Tower of the Sun The video "Opening of the Interior of the Tower of the Sun," (「太陽の塔」内部を公開), released by SankeiNews, is a video about the reopening of the interior of the Tower of the Sun after the repairs and refurbishing completed in March 2018. The Tower of the Sun is a major work of art by artist Taro Okamoto, and is registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan. This article introduces the interior of the exhibit. The video introduces the restored 'Tree of Life' and the 'Sun of the Underworld'. The dynamism of the interior takes viewers to another world. About the Tower of the Sun Source :YouTube screenshot The Tower of the Sun was built together with the "Tower of Mother," the "Tower of Youth" and the "Big Roof" as part of the Japanese theme pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka in 1970. At 70 meters tall, with 25-meter-long arms, it's a gigantic piece of art. The golden face, located at the top, represents the future, and is 11 meters in diameter. The Face of the Sun, resting between 2 arms, represents the present, and the face on the back (the Black Sun) represents the past. Xenon arc lamps were used in the eyes of the Golden Face during the Expo. Originally, another face, the 'Sun of the Underworld' was located at the basement floor, but it went missing after the Expo. This 'phantom face' was eventually restored in the refurbishing work. The newly restored 'Sun of the Underworld' appears in the video at 0:50. The gallery inside displays the massive piece "Tree of Life" (1:13), which represents the evolution of creatures. Modern technology enabled these objects, originally attached to the artwork, to be restored. Only a model of gorilla with a damaged head (1:35) remains the same. The video navigates viewers through the tower's artistic interior, reminiscent of another dimension. The Tower of the Sun: Visitor Information Source :YouTube screenshot The Tower of the Sun is located at the Expo Commemoration Park in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. It has been off limits since the event ended, but the prefectural government began refurbishing the tower's interior in 2017 and reopened it in March 2018. An event called 'Rebirth of the Tower of the Sun' was held to celebrate its reopening. Admission is by internet reservation only, and tickets are not sold on the day. To go by train, get off at Osaka Monorail Line Banpaku-kinen-koen Station and follow the slope to the park. Most people visiting by car use the Nihonteien-mae Parking Lot. Summary of the Tower of the Sun Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Opening of the Interior of the Tower of the Sun," introduces the reopening of the inside of the amazing artwork that has been loved as a symbol of the park for years. Enjoy the masterpiece of Taro Okamoto shown in the video. Go to the official website of the Tower of the Sun for more information and tickets. A museum shop located inside of the artwork stocks a variety of exclusive goods, including the popular "Tower of the Sun figurine" We hope this article has inspired you to visit the amazing work of art! ◆The Tower of the Sun - Museum Info◆ 【Address】1-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826 JAPAN 【Access】Banpaku-kinen-koen Station 【Admission fee】Adults: 720 Yen (~$7 USD), Children: 310 Yen (As of April 2020) 【Opening Hours】10:00～17:00 【Closures】Please see the official website 【Parking】None 【TEL】0120-197-089 【Official Website】The Tower of the Sun https://taiyounotou-expo70.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】The Tower of the Sun (Banpaku kinen koen) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023474-d1407905-Reviews-The_Tower_of_the_Sun-Suita_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

This video, titled "[Handmade] How to Make a Bamboo-Copter" (【手作り】たけとんぼの作り方), was released by "Ekapyon Maru" (えかぴょん丸). There are many bamboo forests in Japan, and various tools and toys have been made from cut bamboo since long ago. The bamboo-copter shown in the video is a popular toy that is easy to make. Bamboo-copters require thin blades that act as propellers and a stick that is used to build up momentum. The way in which the wings are shaved changes the way the bamboo-copter flies, so it's important to make the wings very thin. The finished bamboo-copter can be flown and played with as shown at 6:48 in the video. If making your own is too difficult, you can buy bamboo-copters from grocery stores, candy stores, and online as well!

A Recipe for the Popular Neapolitan Pasta! This video, titled "Quick and Authentic! The Family Favorite Neapolitan Pasta! One-Pan Dish! Party Kitchen Cooking Recipes" (簡単本格！懐かしの『ナポリタン』の作り方【ワンパン】【料理レシピはParty Kitchen】), teaches you how to cook the popular Neapolitan pasta with easy to follow instructions and a touch of humor! Neapolitan spaghetti is, contrary to what most people expect of pasta, a traditional Japanese-style pasta dish using vegetables and tomato ketchup. Neapolitan spaghetti is a typical dish served at cafes and European-style restaurants all over Japan. After watching this video, you're sure to want to have a go at making this delicious pasta dish which has evolved with Japanese cuisine over the years. How Did the Neapolitan Pasta Dish Come to Be a Part of Japanese Cuisine? Photo：Neapolitan pasta Neapolitan pasta, named after the city Naples in Italy, may lead many people to believe it's an Italian recipe; however, this dish was actually created in Japan. It dates all the way back to post-war Japan. Due to the lack of food resources after the war, hotels had to come up with new ways to provide delicious food at a relatively low cost, and in doing so, created the Neapolitan spaghetti dish. Neapolitan spaghetti gained huge popularity in the Showa period (1926-1989 AD) in Japan. Hachioji city (八王子市, hachioujishi) in Tokyo even has its own special version of the dish using locally sourced ingredients called Hachioji Neapolitan which is quite popular. How to Make Neapolitan Spaghetti Source :YouTube screenshot One of the great things about this dish is that it can be made in a single frying pan, and tastes just as good as a dish you'd get at a restaurant. Check out the video to find out how it's made! For starters, as you can see at 0:13 in the video, you'll need to fry sliced onions, green peppers (sliced into rings), mushrooms, and thickly sliced bacon in a pan with some olive oil. Next, boil the pasta following the instructions on the packet (1:28) and once the boiling water has evaporated add in the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. From there, add in the already softened vegetables and mix to cover the spaghetti and vegetables in the sauce. Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper, adding a little butter for creaminess and top it with powdered cheese and parsley to finish. Just looking at the prepared dish with its deep red sauce and healthy amount of vegetables is enough to make your mouth water! You can see the completed dish at 2:40 in the video. Summary of the Neapolitan Pasta Recipe Photo：Neapolitan pasta ingredients We hope you enjoyed the Neapolitan pasta recipe video. Be sure to have a go at making this surprisingly easy yet delicious Japanese dish the next time you feel like having some italian! Don't forget to use the video as a guide too! If you're coming from overseas, we highly recommend trying out this Japanese classic. There are many well-established restaurants specializing in Neapolitan spaghetti that are well worth the visit!

Japanese Adventurer Ogita Yasunaga! This video, titled "'The Earth is Huge!' Mr. Ogita, who walked to the South Pole" (「地球って大きいな」歩いて南極点に立った荻田さん), was created by "ANNnewsCH." It's a news broadcast about Japanese adventurer, Ogita Yasunaga, who reached the South Pole solo, with no resupply aid. He walked 1,130 kilometers across the Antarctic continent by himself, being the first Japanese person to best the journey without aid. After achieving the feat, he says in the interview "The earth is huge." This can be seen at 0:10 in the video. About Ogita Yasunaga Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese adventurer Ogita Yasunaga is from Hokkaido, Japan. He has walked the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and Hokkaido alone. From 2000 to 2019, he went to the North Pole a whopping 16 times! In April 2019, he traveled 600 kilometres in the Arctic Circle with young travelers. He is noted as Japan's only Arctic adventurer and gives various lectures and talk events. In 2000, he participated in "Adventure Walk aiming for North Magnetic Poles," a 700 km walk from Resolute to the North Pole. In 2003, he walked to Victoria Island in the Canadian Arctic Circle, and in 2004, he went on a dog sledding trip in Greenland. In 2011, he received the Faust A.G. Award for Adventurer of the Year and in 2017, he received the Naomi Uemura Adventure Award. He appeared in "Crazy Journey" on TBS, "News Watch 9" from NHK and WOWOW's "Nonfiction W." When he appeared in Crazy Journey, Matsumoto Hitoshi, the host of the show, was amazed by his feats and the episode was well received by audiences. The DVD is available on Amazon, so check it out if you're interested! The First Japanese Person to Reach the South Pole Unassisted Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, he was the first Japanese person to reach the South Pole unassisted. He left the coast of Antarctica in November 2017 and pulled a 100 kg sled loaded with food and other supplies, and skied roughly 1,130 km in 50 days. He reached the South Pole as planned, despite being faced with difficult conditions, including strong headwinds and snowfall. You can see Ogita Yasunaga posing with his fist in the air after reaching the South Pole at 0:17 in the video. During the Journey, his daily diet was 1 kg of food/day, roughly 5000 kilocalories. He had oatmeal for breakfast, biscuits, nuts, and chocolate bars for lunch and instant rice for dinner. He was able to survive and complete his journey by eating foods high in calories. At the end of the video he introduces his next goal. To make it to the North Pole unassisted! Summary of Ogita Yasunaga Photo：Base in Antarctica The video introduces Ogita Yasunaga the Japanese adventurer who reached the South Pole completely unassisted. His achievement was widely covered by the media. If you want to learn more about the awesome Japanese adventurer Ogita Yasunaga, be sure to check out his official website and Instagram! 【Official Website】Ogita Yasunaga https://www.ogita-exp.com/english/

This video, titled "Trying the STAR ROAD special make with Akira Iida and Daijiro Inada ｜Full Throttle on the Winding Road and Nighttime Street Driving in the 30Z!" (飯田章 と 稲田大二郎 の STAR ROAD 特製 極上30Z で ワインディング全開走行 ＆ 夜のストリート爆走), was released by "VIDEO OPTION." Akira Iida, one of Japan's leading racers, and Daijiro Inada, a car tuning commentator, test drive the 30Z tuned by STAR ROAD and introduce the ride quality. This is a fascinating video that allows you to enjoy the amazing techniques of the racers. If you want a Japanese car, but don't know which one to buy, we recommend checking out this video! Even if you're not planning to buy a car, check out the video to get a taste of what it's like to drive a Japanese car! It's an action packed video that's well worth the watch!

This video, titled "A Unique Building in Ginza: Based on the Theme of 'Sukashibori' (16/06/15)" (銀座にユニークなビル出現・・・「透かし彫り」がテーマ(16/06/15)), was released by "ANNnewsCH." The Ginza Place building, which opened in 2016 at the Ginza 4-Chome intersection, has 11 floors above ground and two basement levels, and is based on a traditional craft called "Sukashibori" (openwork/pierced work/fretwork) that involves creating patterns on thin sheets of wood. It contains a Sony showroom, an event space, restaurants, and many other areas, and as a "landmark for creating the Ginza of tomorrow," it serves as a base for contributing to the creation of a district in Ginza that communicates new values and a future for the world from Japan. The architect in charge of the exterior design was Klein Dytham Architecture, an internationally acclaimed firm with a deep knowledge of Japan.

This video, titled "Three Japanese Winners at the Lausanne International Ballet (10/02/2019)" (ローザンヌ国際バレエで快挙　日本人の3人が入賞(19/02/10)), was released by "ANNnewsCH." The news featured in this video is that three Japanese teenage dancers won prizes at the Lausanne International Ballet Competition, a gateway to young dancers, in 2019. Third place went to 18 year old Sumina Sasaki, from Higashi Osaka City, fourth place went to Yu Wakizuka, 17, from Osaka City, and eighth place went to 18 year old Mio Sumiyama, from Tokyo, who is currently studying at a ballet school in Zurich, Switzerland.

Video Introduction This video, titled "[Beginner Camping 2020 Ver. (6)] How to Choose a Stake Hammer for Camping [Comparing and Reviewing 8 Hammers]" (【2020年版はじめてのキャンプ(6)】キャンプ用ペグハンマーの選び方【8個を比較レビュー】), was uploaded by "OUTDOOR BUYER's GUIDE by WEST." Stake Hammers for Camping Photo：Stake hammer With Japan's unprecedented camping boom, more and more people are getting in to solo or family camping. In this article, we'll introduce stake hammers, a useful tool for camping. If you're new to camping, you might be wondering, "What's a stake hammer?" or "Can't I just use a cheap rubber hammer from a 100-yen store instead?" To answer the first question, a stake hammer is a tool for hammering stakes (metal wedge-like tools that are driven into the ground to secure the ropes of a tent or tarp) into the ground. The difference between a stake hammer and a common hammer is that a stake hammer is also used for removing stakes. At first glance, stake hammering and stake removal may seem like very simple tasks, but depending on the compatibility of the stakes and hammer used, setting up and taking down tents and tarps can become surprisingly efficient, making your camping experience even more enjoyable. This article will introduce stake hammers that can be used by both beginners and experts while keeping in mind various things, such as specifications, popular models, weight, size, and design. This is a must-see for those looking to enjoy camping in the future, as well as for experienced campers looking for a reliable stake hammer. How to Choose the Right Stake Hammer Photo：Setting up a tent While being lightweight is often a priority for outdoor goods such as camping equipment, in the case of stake hammers, it's important to evaluate the overall durability, safety, and ease of use when purchasing a stake hammer. In addition, it's important to consider stake removal when choosing a stake hammer. We recommend choosing one that allows you to hook stakes with the other side of the hammer, opposite the striking surface. Also, if you have more than one stake hammer, you can decrease the amount of time it takes to set up your tents/tarps, etc. by having the other people you're camping with help hammer the stakes into the ground. When purchasing a tent or tarp, some products come with a rubber-headed stake hammer. However, they often cannot be used for stake removal, so it's better to purchase a special stake hammer at a home improvement center or specialty store for mountain climbing. 8 Stake Hammers Recommended by a Camping Professional Source :YouTube screenshot Here, we'll go over the stake hammers introduced in the video. ・Snow Peak PRO. S Stake Hammer The steel head makes it easy to hammer stakes into the ground. It has a beak-shaped stake puller, so it works well with compatible stakes or stakes with large hooks; it is not suitable for Y-stakes, etc. [Video] 1:11 - Snow Peak PRO. S Stake Hammer ・Snow Peak PRO. C Stake Hammer The striking portion of the snow peak PRO.S stake hammer is made of copper. Copper is softer than steel, so it's effective at reducing impact when striking. However, the softness of copper causes more wear and tear, so the striking portion should be replaced routinely. The PRO.C is priced higher than the PRO. S. [Video] 4:23 - Snow Peak PRO. C Stake Hammer ・Coleman Stake Hammer A stainless-steel stake hammer with a stake puller. Recommended for smaller hands. It's relatively lightweight, but the center of gravity is at the top, so it feels good to use. The stake puller may not be suitable for some stake shapes. [Video] 6:32 - Coleman Stake Hammer ・CAPTAIN STAG Aluminum Stake Hammer (Blue) Aluminum is used for the grip while the head is cast metal. This lightweight stake hammer is great for female campers and is compatible with lightweight stakes such as Y-stakes and X-stakes. On the other side of the striking surface is a small scoop, which is very useful when removing stakes, with some campers using this hammer exclusively for removing stakes. [Video] 8:12 - CAPTAIN STAG Aluminum Stake Hammer (Blue) ・CAPTAIN STAG Rubber Hammer The head is made of rubber. This is the same type of stake hammer generally included with tents and tarps. The head is soft, so it is very safe, but it is not suitable for hitting hard stakes. Also, it doesn't come with a stake puller, so you may want to think of it as a camping tool that kids can use. [Video] 10:55 - CAPTAIN STAG Rubber Hammer ・CAPTAIN STAG Forged Sledgehammer (2 lb) Weighing about 1 kg, it should be considered a stake hammer for hard stakes only. Because it's heavy, it's not very easy to carry, and it doesn't come with a stake puller. That being said, it works great for campsites with hard ground. [Video] 12:15 - CAPTAIN STAG Forged Sledgehammer (2 lb) ・MSR Stake Hammer Suitable for lightweight stakes and for removing stakes. Compact and lightweight for easy storage, recommended for solo camping or as a backup stake hammer. [Video] 14:09 - MSR Stake Hammer ・NEMO Meldr Hammer A well-balanced hammer, with a hole on the back of the head and stake puller on the grip end that doubles as a bottle opener. [Video] 16:04 - NEMO Meldr Hammer Summary of Stake Hammers for Camping in Japan In addition to those shown in the video, there are also other types of stake hammers that use brass on the striking surface to soften the impact, as well as products with cases for easy storage. Tool selection is very important when camping. Whether you're a beginner to camping and considering purchasing a stake hammer, or an experienced camper looking for a stake hammer that's easier to use, be sure to check out the video to see how each hammer can be used and find the hammer that's right for you!

Kaleidoscope Artist Koji Yamami The video shown here is a solo exhibition of Koji Yamami, the leading kaleidoscope artist in Japan, titled "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors," published by "oricon." The kaleidoscope introduced in the video is a toy that contains two or more mirrors, in which beads and colored paper are placed, and when you turn the device while looking into it from behind, you can enjoy seeing the beautiful patterns that it creates. In Japanese, the kaleidoscope is known as "mangekyo" (万華鏡, roughly meaning "Ten Thousand Shining Mirrors"). The History of the Kaleidoscope Photo：A Child playing with a kaleidoscope The kaleidoscope was accidentally discovered by a physicist named David Brewster during his experiments with polarized light, and it was patented in 1817. Initially used as a scientific tool, the kaleidoscope rapidly developed into a plaything, and many kaleidoscope artists were born. They began to be imported to Japan in 1819 and were also called "hundred-color spectacles" (百色眼鏡, hyaku-shiki megane) or "brocade spectacles" (錦眼鏡, nishiki megane). In the beginning, kaleidoscopes were mainly popular as souvenirs, but as talented kaleidoscope artists began to emerge, the artistic value of the kaleidoscope increased in Japan as well. Introduced in the video, is Koji Yamami, one of the most talented kaleidoscope artists in the world. There is the privately run Japan Kaleidoscope Museum in Kawaguchi City, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region (関東地方・埼玉県の川口市, kanto chiho・saitama-ken no kawaguchi-shi), as well as "Otarugan," the world’s largest kaleidoscope gallery, located in Otaru, Hokkaido (北海道の小樽市, Hokkaido no otaru-shi). Kaleidoscopes can be made easily with just mirrors, tubes, colored paper and beads, and workshops to do so are held all over Japan. kaleidoscope production kits are also sold online, making kaleidoscopes very popular. They are especially popular among women. Who is Koji Yamami? Source :YouTube screenshot What kind of person is kaleidoscope artist Koji Yamami? Let’s take a look at his resume. Koji Yamami was born in Tokyo in 1961, studied in the United States in 1984, and returned to Japan to open a stained glass studio. In 1994, he opened the kaleidoscope specialty store "Little Bear" in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and began his career as a full-fledged kaleidoscope artist. Koji Yamami's works are characterized by their overwhelming visual beauty and unpredictable design using glass and jewelry. His works are called "kareido," a play on words based on the Japanese pronunciation of "(kaleido)scope" and using the Kanji "華麗動," meaning "華麗: Magnificent/Splendid, 動: Motion/Change/Confusion. He even has numerous fans overseas, and is nicknamed "The KAREIDO Artist" in English. He has appeared on many media outlets such as NHK, and in 2018 he appeared on the popular TBS program "The World Unknown to Matsuko" (マツコの知らない世界, matsuko no shiranai sekai), catapulting him to fame. The video introduces Koji Yamami's solo exhibition, "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors" (万華鏡小宇宙～鏡の中の美の世界～, mangekyo sho-uchu～kagami no naka no bi no sekai～) which was held in 2015. His masterpiece, based on Tokyo Tower, can be seen at 0:52, and his rendition of The Golden Pavilion (金閣寺, kinkaku-ji) can be seen at 0:17. His work based on Venus is also well-known. In the video, you can see many beautiful, glittering kaleidoscopes. Summary of Koji Yamami's "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors" Source :YouTube screenshot This video showcases Koji Yamami's solo exhibition, held in Nakano Broadway’s "GALLERY Little High," in 2015. Besides kaleidoscopes, Koji Yamami also creates teleidscopes, which incorporate the colors and shapes of one's surroundings to form beautiful images. Koji Yamami's exquisite kaleidoscopes are available for purchase on his official website and other online retailers. Definitely check them out. The ever-changing images formed by light and mirrors are sure to take your breath away!

School Lunch in Suginami, Tokyo This video, titled "School Lunch in Suginami - How the Delicious School Lunches Are Prepared" (杉並区の学校給食～おいしい給食ができるまで～), was created by Suginami's Official Channel (杉並区公式チャンネル). The video introduces the cafeteria at a Japanese school, along with interviews with the cooks and fun quizzes. School lunches are meals provided to students at lunchtime at schools. School lunches in Japan serve many purposes, and, while they of course contribute to children's nutritional intake, health maintenance, and proper eating habits, they also promote knowledge of local ingredients, pass on food culture, and teach dietary education. This video introduces the process of preparing safe, nutritious, well-balanced and delicious school lunches in Suginami, Tokyo. The video takes us inside the school kitchen, which is usually only accessible by school lunch cooks. You can see how school lunches are made, recipes, and more. Let's take a look! A Look at How School Lunches Are Made Source :YouTube screenshot In this article, we'll go over how school lunches are prepared. Be sure to follow along with the video! 1. Menu Planning (video 0:39) Together, the nutritionist from the Board of Education and the nutritionist of each school creates a monthly menu based on nutritional balance and season, and each school adjusts the menu according to its own standards. 2. Preparation & Hand Washing (1:10) Cooks wear clean white coats and use a roller to remove dust and hair stuck to them. After that, they carefully wash their hands. 3. Cleaning (2:01) The cooks clean and sanitize the kitchen before cooking. This is the end of preparation. Source :YouTube screenshot 4. Inspecting Ingredients (The video 2:14～) Ingredients for school lunches, such as vegetables, meat, fish, and other ingredients are delivered from neighboring vendors and received and inspected by staff wearing a special apron. The ingredients are frozen and stored in 50-gram packages to help identify the cause of food poisoning in case of an outbreak. The food is then changed from the delivery container into a clean container specially designed for the school kitchen. From here, vegetables are trimmed of their stems and roots to prevent soil and dirt from entering the lunchroom. 5. Food Prep (3:25) The cooks wash the vegetables under running water at least three times and measure and wrap seasonings. They also write the name of the menu item they will be used with on the package, so there are no mistakes. When touching meat or fish, the cooks wear a special apron and always wear disposable gloves. When breaking eggs, the cooks put them in a small container one at a time to make sure there are no shells or blood in them before moving them to a larger container. You can see a quiz taking place at 4:25 in the video. Check it out! 6. Cooking (The video 5:06) In Suginami, even large quantities of vegetables are cut by hand one by one. This process brings out the flavor of the vegetables. Rice is also cooked at the school and served fresh. One pot of rice can serve 80 people. Source :YouTube screenshot There's a second quiz at 5:52 and 7:28 in the video. The quiz is about the equipment that is essential for making fried bread or a large amount of curry. Hamburgers and fish are cooked one at a time, using a steam convection oven that allows for a variety of cooking methods, including steaming and baking, as well as grilling. 7. Allergy Check (8:39) Children with allergy are provided an allergy-free meal. They check very carefully and make sure that there will be no mistake. 8. Taste-testing (9:11) 30 minutes before serving school lunch, the principle of the school checks the taste, quantity, if it's cooked adequately and checks for foreign objects. 9.Distribution (9:46) The food is weighed according to the number of people in the class and distributed. 10. Lunchtime (10:14) The students come and pick up their meals from the cart and lunchtime begins. You can see the completed lunch in the video around 10:29. 11. Clean up (10:55) After lunch, the dishes are washed in the dishwasher and then placed in a hot-air sterilized storage unit. Summary of Japan's School Lunches Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, we introduced how school lunches are prepared in Suginami, Tokyo. You can see interviews with one of the school cooks at 11:20 in the video, and hear what their job means to them. What was your favorite thing on the school lunch menu? Pizza? Rice? Noodles? If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to learn all about Japan's school lunches! 【Official Website】School Lunch Suginami Official Website https://www.city.suginami.tokyo.jp/kyouiku/gakko/1007751.html

The Powerful Sport, Jukendo! This video is titled "銃剣道 其の一 Jukendo PART1." Jukendo is a sport/martial art that looks very similar to Kendo. You wear protective gear similar to Kendo, but it uses a wooden gun with a bayonet to attack with mainly thrusting techniques as opposed to a shinai's slashing techniques. The guns are modeled after the rifles used by the old Japanese military, which had a rifle with a blade tip, and the sport is also called Jukenkakuto and other names. Because it is a very practical martial art, it has been incorporated into police and self-defense force training. Although the number of people who practice Jukendo is low, it was once a common martial arts class, and has been seen at national athletic meets, national championships, and national youth competitions. Basic Knowledge and Skills of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot The wooden gun, weighing 1.1 kg, with an overall length of 166 cm, is one of the most distinctive features of Jukendo. You can see it at 0:13 in the video. It is said that the Japanese style of Jukendo is the origin of modern Jukendo, whereas the western style of Jukendo was integrated with kendo. Historically, it is said to have originated at the end of the Edo period, when the style of fighting changed from swords to guns, and the tips of swords or daggers were attached to the tips of imported guns to be used as bayonets. The Rules of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot The rules of Jukendo were established by the All Japan Jukendo Federation, and nowadays it has become a competitive martial art. The rules are basically a one on one format, and fighters win by scoring strikes to the upper body, stomach, lower body, throat, wrist, and shoulder. Matches are held barefoot on the floor with no shoes on. You can see basic techniques at 1:03 in the video. The Appeal of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, you can see an interview with a Jukendo practitioner at 2:14, where he talks about the appeal of the martial art. Jukendo is a grueling sport, originally designed to kill with a combination of gun and sword, aiming at the left side of the chest where the heart is located, or the throat, but they all say with a smile that they are so happy when they win a match after rigorous training that all of the hardships along the way were worth it. Unlike a bamboo sword, Jukendo uses a weapon that is larger and heavier than a wooden sword, so if you're hit on the hand by your opponent, you may actually experience broken fingers. Therefore, in Jukendo, body parts that are easily targeted by thrusts are protected by thick armor. Hand wraps are also worn to minimize injury. Summary of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot Hiratsuka Tsuchizawa Junior High School in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the only school in the country that adopted Jukendo as a class, decided to end the class in 2018, and it became a widely talked about subject. However, the topic has increased awareness of Jukendo, and now it is said that the competition population is gradually increasing, with the number of dan (titles) recipients and female players on the rise. In all Japanese martial arts, it is important to train the mind and body and start and end with a bow. In particular, foul play is severely punished because there is a risk of serious injury if an offense is committed. It can be said that the key to aspiring to and becoming strong in Jukendo lies in the steady training of the body and mind. 【Official Homepage】All Japan Jukendo Federation http://www.jukendo.info/english