Video introduction - "Hakata Gion Yamakasa" Fukuoka Prefecture This video, titled "Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2022 Ichiban Yamakasa "Ebisu Nagare" (博多祇園山笠2022　一番山笠「恵比須流」), was uploaded by "KBC Kyushu Asahi broadcast." Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a Japanese summer festival held mainly in the Hakata Ward of Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, in Japan's Kyushu region. 2022 marked the first time in three years that the festival floats, called Yamakasa, were paraded through the city of Fukuoka. This video shows the climax of the festival, called Oiyama. Yamakasa of the Ebisu school, the first Yamakasa, is carried vigorously into Kushida Shrine. After the gallant shouts of the men, a festive song, which is sung only by the first Yamakasa, can be heard throughout the area. You can feel the power of the Yamakasa and the excitement of the people in the video. Be sure to check it out to feel the passion of the people carrying the Yamakasa for yourself. What is Hakata Gion Yamakasa? History and Facts About the Unique Summer Festival of Fukuoka, Japan Photo：Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Fukuoka Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a Shinto ritual dedicated to Kushida Shrine, the chief Shinto deity of Hakata. Along with the Hakata Dontaku Festival, it's one of the most popular festivals in Fukuoka. The origin of the festival dates back to 1241. It's said to have originated when the Zen priest Seiichi Kokushi sprinkled water from a platform carried by the people and prayed for the eradication of an epidemic. (The theory according to the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Promotion Association) Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which will be held for the 782nd time in 2023, was registered as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1979, and its history and traditions have been recognized by the government of Japan. Every year, the festival attracts many spectators, both foreign and domestic, and it's estimated that as many as 3 million people attend the festival. Hakata Gion Yamakasa is characterized by the seven "nagare" that support the festival. A nagare is a regional organization comprised of several towns. The origin of these nagare dates back to when Toyotomi Hideyoshi called for the reconstruction of the war-torn Hakata area, and divided the area into districts nearly 500 years ago. Each Nagare carries its own Yamakasa (festival float), and the sight of them running through the town is truly impressive. The costumes of the men who carry the Yamakasa are different for each nagare, and the unique mizu-happi coats (a special type of happi) and shimekomi (a type of loincloth) show off the unique culture of the festival while enhancing its atmosphere. Women do not carry the Yamakasa, but they support their husbands participating in the festival from behind the scenes. Today, Yamakasa are also carried by children in order to allow them to experience the tradition and pass it on to the next generation. There are two main ways to enjoy the festival: Watch the yamakasa floats being carried through the city as fast as the carriers can run, or enjoy the decorative floats parading through the towns. What is Ooi Yamakasa? What are the highlights and ways to enjoy "Hakata Gion Yamakasa"? Photo：Decorated yamakasa floats at Kushida Shrine Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a festival with a long history. Here, we'll introduce the different things to see and do at the festival. ●View the Gorgeously Decorated Yamakasa During the festival, decorated floats are displayed at 14 locations throughout the city. The decorated Yamakasa are different from the yamakasa that are carried at high speed through the city and are beautifully decorated with dolls made by doll makers from Hakata. While historical events and Japanese folktales are often used as themes for the floats, the back side of the Yamakasa floats are often inspired by anime and TV programs. Because of this, children can also enjoy the festival by seeing their favorite characters on the floats. ●The Group Yamakasa Run The Group Yamakasa Run is an event in which the Yamakasa are carried from Hakata and into the center of Fukuoka City. The sight of the Yamakasa running one after another through the center of the city attracts many visitors, adding to the excitement, making it a popular attraction in Fukuoka. ●The biggest climax of the festival! Oki Yamakasa Oishi Yamakasa" starts at 4:59 a.m. on July 15 with the dedication of Ichiban Yamakasa to Kushida-iri to the signal of a drum, followed by eight Yamakasa making their way to Kushida-iri. Yamakasa run through the 5km course from Kushida Shrine to the goal, competing for the best time. The tense atmosphere before the Yamakasa festival begins is quickly followed by a surge of excitement and shouts of encouragement. The momentum of the Yamakasa floats and the dynamic way they run through the streets will take your breath away. This is the best part of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. If you haven't seen it yet, be sure to check it out in the video. When is Hakata Gion Yamakasa 2024? Check out the event schedule! The 2024 Hakata Gion Yamakasa will be held from July 1 to 15 as usual. In 2024, there will be an even greater variety of titled floats and decorative floats than in previous years. Especially popular will be the Hakata Station Shopping Federation's "One Piece" from the popular anime "One Piece". The Hachiban Yamakasa Kamikawabata Dori will be decorated with "Mobile Suit Gundam," an anime design that is popular worldwide and is sure to be a topic of conversation. Hakata Gion Yamakasa starts on July 1st. Starting with an event to purify the area, decorated Yamakasa will be displayed, and visitors will be able to see Yamakasa being carried every day, starting with Nagaregaki on July 10th. On the 11th, Asayama and Tanagaregaki are held, on the 12th, Oiyamanarashi, a rehearsal for Oiyama, and on the 13th, the group yamakasa event will be held in the center of Fukuoka City. On the 14th, the last Nagaregaki of the year, and at 4:59 am on the 15th, the Oiyama finale will take place, bringing Hakata Gion Yamakasa to a close. What Is Hakata? A Brief Introduction to the Ward in Downtown Fukuoka Hakata is a ward in Fukuoka, Japan with a population of 256,000. Extending from the port to the hills, Hakata is located directly in the center of Fukuoka and is rife with ancient temples and shrines, as well as various famous landmarks. Besides Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Hakata Dontaku is another famous festival that takes place in Hakata, and there are also numerous events that are held throughout the year. Hakata is also famous for its specialty Hakata Ramen which is characterized by its cloudy pork bone soup and super-thin noodles. If you're looking for things to eat in Hakata, this is a must- try! Summary of Hakata Gion Yamakasa Photo：Kushida Shrine, Hakata, Fukuoka Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a summer festival in Fukuoka with many highlights. There are 7 districts that participate in carrying the yamakasa floats, all of which have their own unique characteristics and decorations. If you're planning to go to the Oiyama finale or the group yamakasa event, be sure to prepare in advance as many residents and tourists are expected to attend the event. Be sure to check the schedule and course information on the official website before making your way to the event. And don't forget to take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the heat! There's plenty of things to do in Fukuoka Prefecture, so if you're planning on traveling to Fukuoka, consider lining up your trip with the festival. It's sure to be an unforgettable experience! 【Official Website】Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Introducing "Kappabashi Dougu Street"! “Kappabashi-Dori - Tokyo - かっぱ橋道具街 - 4K Ultra HD” is a video that gives a brief overview of Kappabashi Dougu Street in Asakusa, Tokyo. In order for restaurants and specifically Japanese restaurants to operate, pottery bowls, dishes and kitchen utensils are indispensable. Many food and beverage staff and chefs active in the suburbs of Tokyo purchase tools for sale at Kappabashi Dougu Street (Kappabashi Tool Street/Kappabashi Kitchenware Street). This video shows the scenery of Kappabashi Dougu Street. There is no background music, it is not a flashy video, but you can see the real state of the city, and it is a video that gives the illusion that you are really shopping at Kappabashi Dougu Street. What Is Kappabashi Dougu Street? Photo：Kappabashi Kappabashi Dougu Street is located in the area called Kappabashi, between Asakusa and Ueno in Taito-ku, Tokyo. It is said that the tool street, that extends for about 800 meters north-south, has "everything related to cooking and kitchen equipment." Located near Tokyo Sky Tree and Sensoji Temple (浅草寺, Sensoji), it is a popular spot for tourists as well as chefs. Tokyo Sky Tree, a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo, can be viewed from 3:51 in the video. In 2003, in commemoration of the 90th anniversary of Kappabashi Dougu Street, a statue of Kappabashi Kawataro with a Kappa motif was created and it is cherished as a great photo spot. From 6:51 in the video, you can see the Kappabashi Kawataro Statue shining in all its golden glory. What Kind of Shops Can You Find on Kappabashi Dougu Street? Photo：Fake food In Kappabashi Dougu Street, there are Asai Shoten, confectionery stores, a field kiln that handles Japanese dishes and lacquerware, a kitchen world TDI that handles knives and kitchen knives, a professional pack that handles packaging supplies, Takamura cans, and an S-CUBIC that handles commercial furniture. There are also shops and fake food shops that are introduced at 0:41 in the video. In addition to Western dishes and cutlery, there are also shops that sell cooking utensils such as frying pans, pots, sushi tubs, commercial ingredients, chef jackets, kitchen equipment, and showcases. These shops can be found throughout the video. Which store did you like the most? Summary of Tokyo's Kappabashi Dougu Street Photo：Kappabashi Kappabashi Dougu Street is featured in the video and is one of Japan's best tool streets with over 100 years of history. On the lively Kappabashi Dougu Street, the "Kappabashi Tool Festival" is also held after "Tool Day" on October 9. The Kappabashi Festival is a recommended event for those who want to get quality, affordable cooking utensils. There are many restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy lunch in the Tokyo Asakusa area with many sightseeing spots, so please feel free to enjoy your time sightseeing as well. ◆Tokyo Kappabashi Dougu Street◆ 【Operating Hours】From 9:00 to 17:00 (except some stores) 【Access】5 minutes walking from Tokyo Metro Tawaramachi Station, 6 minutes walking from Iriya Station, 5 minutes walking from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station 【Closures】Almost all shops are open on weekdays, about 10% on weekends and about 70% on Sundays and holidays 【Official Website】Kappabashi Dougu Street Official Website https://www.kappabashi.or.jp/en/index.html

What is “Funaya” in Ine-cho, Yosae-gun, Kyoto Prefecture? Sightseeing Video Introduction This tourist promotion video, titled "[Beautiful Japan] Ine Town, Kyoto," was produced by N.a., and shows views of the seaside town of Ine in northern Kyoto. Located in Kyoto in the Kansai region, Ine is a peaceful area at the northeastern end of the Tango peninsula, facing the Sea of Japan. People in this town have lived in harmony with the sea by utilizing its gifts. Fishermen in the town live in houses called “funaya” which can store their boats as you can see at 0:58 in the video. You can admire the view of the funaya, all in a row, in the video as well. It's not a very common sight, so we definitely recommend taking a look at it. Enjoy the beautiful landscape created by the funaya and the Sea of Japan! Information About Ine Photo：Funaya in Ine Ine's funaya can store boats and fishing tools on the first floor, making use of age-old wisdom that makes for a smooth and easily accessible fishing excursion. You can see a fisherman parking his boat in his funaya at 1:39 after a long day of fishing. The waters of Ine, a port town facing Ine Bay on the Tango Peninsula, are calm and serene. The landscape lined with ancient funaya is very elegant. The scenery of the boathouses in Ine, that remind us of the history of the fishing town, has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Tips for Traveling Around Ine The Funaya of Ine are best viewed from the shore where the boats are stored. When you visit Ine, we recommend taking a pleasure boat along the sea side route. There are old guest houses near the funaya of Ine as well. Okuineonsen Aburaya, which has an open-air bath with a view, is a popular spot for those who want to enjoy a relaxing time in an outstanding location. Have a wonderful time staying at the guest houses, where you can enjoy the atmosphere of good old Japan while eating seasonal seafood dishes. Summary of Ine's Funaya Photo：Ine Ine, Kyoto is lined with ancient Japanese boat houses that cannot be seen anywhere else. Be sure to keep your camera handy to take some Instagram pics! If you haven't already, be sure to watch the video; It has some beautiful scenery! When most people think of sightseeing in Kyoto, they probably think of shrines and temples in the southern part of the Prefecture. However, there are many attractive tourist destinations on the sea side of Kyoto Prefecture as well. If you enjoyed the atmosphere of Ine, consider stopping by the sea side at the northern end of Kyoto. The true beauty of Japan lies outside of its cities.

Japanese Traditional Craft "Bonsai" - Video Introduction of Interview with Bonsai Master in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture This video "Bonsai"（盆栽） was created by "Nippon Teshigotozukan". It is a video introducing the world of Bonsai featuring an interview with a Bonsai craftsman. Bonsai is the traditional Japanese art of growing miniature trees in containers which are often decorated with moss and other small decorations. Experts in the craft of making Bonsai are called Bonsai masters. The origin of Bonsai dates back to the Heian period (794 - 1185 AD). Bonsai is so popular that the Japanese word 'Bonsai' is known in many countries across the world. In this interview video, you can learn how to create and look after your own Bonsai tree. Please enjoy learning about traditional Japanese culture through this video! What is Bonsai? Let us introduce some of the special techniques required to make Bonsai! Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, we introduce the Bonsai master Okamoto Yoshimitsu, whose workshop "Kichishouen" is located in Toyota city, Aichi prefecture in the Tokai region of Japan. Okamoto Yoshimitsu is famous for his Needle Juniper Bonsai works of art. Source :YouTube screenshot Many techniques are required to complete a Bonsai piece of art, such as pruning, using wires to create bends in the tree's structure and applying paint to name a few. You can see some of these techniques from 2:07 in the video. You can also see some of the tools required for the maintenance of Bonsai from 0:23. Bonsai require special care as the seasons change, similar to other trees in nature. You can see the difference pruning makes to the Bonsai from the before and after pictures at 3:30 in the video. Interview With a Bonsai Master Source :YouTube screenshot From 3:40 in the video, Bonsai master Okamoto Yoshimitsu talks of how he feels the effort put into taking care of Bonsai can be very rewarding, similar to bringing up children. "Bonsai is a Japanese tradition, one that I do not want to die out I want young people to learn about Bonsai and understand the concept of Wabi-sabi (wabi-sabi is a Japanese term used to express the beauty of imperfection). Bonsai is a great way to express oneself through one's own style". Enjoy Looking the Fabulous Bonsai Works of Art Photo：Bonsai Tree Many people in Japan take up Bonsai as a hobby to enjoy the wabi-sabi aspect of the art. There are many varieties of Bonsai tree, from the inexpensive trees aimed at beginners to the very old trees and expensive pots used by professionals and experienced practitioners. The same type of tree, such as a Japanese white pine, can also have several structural forms: formal upright, informal upright, slanted and windswept are a few examples. Other tree types such as cherry blossom and maple trees can also be used. The charm of Bonsai comes from the individualized pruning and shaping of the trees which gives each particular tree it's personality. The combination of the natural beauty of the tree itself and the creativity and individuality of the craftsman is what makes Bonsai so interesting. Bonsai Tree Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Bonsai is a popular Japanese tradition that has been around for many generations. The Bonsai Art Museum in Saitama is growing in popularity, with more young people and foreigners visiting each year. There is also a tapioca shop which serves Bonsai Tapioca Milk Tea which is very popular with customers. Bonsai may look difficult but there are Bonsai for sale that are easy to look after, even for complete beginners. For those who are interested in the traditional Japanese art of Bonsai, why not try raising your own? ◆Kichishouen Introduction Information◆ 【Address】Yabushita 3, Nishimachi, Unebe, Toyota city, Aichi prefecture 470-1219 【Phone number】0565-21-2713 【Official Website】Saitama Bonsai Art Museum https://www.bonsai-art-museum.jp/en/

The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival of Ueda, Nagano: Video Introduction This video, titled "[4K] An Up-Close & Powerful Display! Sparks Rain From Above! The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 Highlights" ([4K] 激近大迫力！- 火の粉が上から降ってくる - 信州上田大花火大会 2018 ハイライト - Shinshu Ueda Fireworks 2018 Highlights -), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." When is the Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival 2024? Photo：Ueda from the Arato Castle Ruins Ueda, Nagano, located in Japan's Koshin'etsu region, is known as the birthplace of the three generations of Sanada, one of the most influential clans in Japanese history, and is a popular tourist destination with its historical and cultural heritage, magnificent nature, and hot springs that can be enjoyed in Japan's four seasons. The historical atmosphere of the city has led to it being used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas. Since it was the setting for the animated movie Summer Wars, some fans go on a tour of the places that served as models in the movie itself. The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is held every year on August 5 on the banks of the Chikuma River (downstream from Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, and usually attracts over 100,000 spectators. About 8,000 fireworks, including starmines, are launched into the air. The dates and times of the 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 are as follows. Date and time: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00 Street stalls and other vendors are scheduled to open in 2024. Fire sparks falling? What are the attractions and highlights of the "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival"? Photo：Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival 2018 The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival consists of a competition among three local fireworks companies. ・Beniya Aoki Fireworks (紅屋青木煙火店) ・Shinohara Fireworks (篠原煙火店) ・Musha Fireworks (武舎煙火工業) The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, which has become a summer tradition in Ueda, Nagano, is made possible by the advanced technology of three local firework companies. Normally, 3,000 stars are packed into a firework shell. If even a few of them are out of alignment, the resulting explosion will be lackluster. It is no exaggeration to say that the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a success due to the incredibly skilled pyrotechnicians. The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival – Up Close and Personal The Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is a popular fireworks display in Nagano Prefecture because of its diverse program. The night sky is completely lit up as approximately 10,000 fireworks of various sizes are launched, centering on the gorgeous starmine and musical fireworks. In addition, the finale, a series of launches, is a spectacle that captivates the audience. The powerful music and the continuous launching of fireworks herald the arrival of summer in Ueda. One of the reasons why the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival is said to be so powerful is that the spectator seats are close to where the fireworks are launched. Because of the proximity, the spectators are sometimes sprayed with sparks from the fireworks. Popular Tourist Spots in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture Here are two popular tourist attractions. Ueda Castle and Ueda Castle Ruins Park In addition to the East Toraguchi Yaguromon gate, North Yagura, and South Yagura, the stone wall with the "Sanada-ishi" stone, which is 2.5 meters high and 3 meters wide, is a popular photo spot. The "Ueda Castle Thousand Cherry Blossoms Festival" is held in spring and attracts many visitors. Rice terraces in Inakura This is a spot where you can enjoy the cityscape of Ueda City and the scenery of terraced rice paddies at the same time. The best time to view the terraced rice paddies is from late May to late October. There are several yokoana burial mounds dating back to the 700s along the rice paddies, providing an original Japanese landscape. Summary of "Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival" in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture The Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival is a summer tradition. It is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Ueda Station, where the Shinkansen bullet train stops, and is also close enough to take a day trip from Tokyo. If you would like to experience not only the beauty of the fireworks seen in this video of the Shinshu Ueda Fireworks Festival, but also the power sounds and vibrations, considering seeing the fireworks in person. ◆The 37th Shinshu Ueda Grand Fireworks Festival in 2024 Date: Monday, August 5, 2024 from 19:00 Place: Chikuma River riverbed (downstream of Tsuneda Shinbashi Bridge) Access：Public transportation: JR Ueda Station, Shinano Railway Ueda Station, Ueda Electric Railway Ueda Station→5 min. walk Car: 6 km 15 min. from Ueda Sugadaira IC of Joshinetsu Expressway via Route 144 Parking: No parking (please use pay parking lots around the venue)

Video introduction of the craftsmanship of a female dyeing artist in Kyoto, Japan Source :YouTube screenshot ANA Global Channel aired the video "Artisan of traditional dyeing/Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? CRAFTSMANSHIP" (Artisan of traditional dyeing／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? CRAFTSMANSHIP（染織家）) featuring female artisan Sarasa Yoshioka. Dyeing and weaving originated in China, India, Rome and Greece, and was introduced to Japan in the 3rd century AD. In the video (2:35), Yoshioka says that the technique is mentioned in the old text "Manyoshu" and the "Engishiki" (a Japanese book about laws and customs) which were both completed during the Heian period (794-1185). The Engishiki documented the ancient dyeing recipes. Having been designated as Intangible Cultural Property, dyeing and weaving technique and textiles such as Kimono and Obi are the important traditional crafts. In this video, female artisan Sarasa Yoshioka, talks about the history of dyeing, a traditional Japanese craft, and her passion for it. It also captures her superior artisanal skills. Magical Patterns Hand-Dyed by Artisans Source :YouTube screenshot There are two main types of dyeing and weaving: Sakizome- in which yarns are dyed first and then woven, and Atozome- in which the cloth is dyed after it is woven. The former is represented by these Kimono makers in the form of Yu-kitsumugi, Nishijin, and Nishikiori. Examples of the latter include Kyo-yu-zen and Kagayu-zen which are known for the splendid picturesque patterns. Sakizome requires a higher skill level than Atozome, and thus Sakizome textiles cost more. The Methods and Materials of Traditional Japanese Dyeing and Weaving Colors are most commonly extracted from plant sources such as roots, tree bark, and nuts. Yoshioka says the plants that are hard to grow are typically supplied by contracted experts (2:08). Indigo dye is one of the oldest and most common dyes to be used for textile dying. Since Indigo has antibacterial and insect repellent effects, it is thought that people wore indigo dyed clothing to keep insects and infections away. The Role of Dyers and Their Delicate Craftsmanship Source :YouTube screenshot The Heian period (794-1185) was the peak of the Japanese Imperial court and aristocratic culture. The garments wore by the upper classes were made by dyeing and weaving artisans. For this reason, dye artisans at that time held a high position in Japan's hierarchical society. The garments wore by the present day Emperor and Empress in the court functions are still made using this traditional technique. These formal court dresses, such as Sokutai and Junihitoe, can only be handmade since the delicate weaving cannot be done by machines. Automated weaving machines were imported to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and silk textiles were designated as a main industry. Being inferior to the Great Powers in the heavy industries, Japan relied on the techniques of the dyeing and weaving artisans to acquire foreign currency, with the aim of becoming a member of the Great Powers. The Future of Dyeing and Weaving The dyeing and weaving industry, which is both time and labor intensive, has been on the decline for quite some time. Today, however, the increasing number of universities or fashion design schools integrate it in the school curriculum in order to prevent the traditional craft from dying out. The number of young people apprenticed to a dyeing and weaving artisan is also increasing little by little. Kimono, obi, tenugui and other textile products are popular as souvenirs of Japan's overseas markets, and the more opportunities there are for dyed fabric weavers to play an active role, the more likely they are to pass on this traditional Japanese craft to future generations. Traditional Dyeing and Weaving: An Academic Point of View Photo：Dyed goods You may imagine that dyeing and weaving is mainly based on tough outdoor work, but it is also an embodiment of highly developed chemistry. As seen in the video, the majority of plant dyes requires the use of mordant such as vinegar or natural alum to enhance and fix the color in the textile fibers. In other words, dyers obtain the brilliant colors through chemical reactions between the materials. Dye artisans imagine the final product before they even begin. "The color we want to achieve is decided from the beginning, and we use our experience and sense to adjust the color closer to the desired color" says Yoshioka (7:05). In order to achieve the client's desired color, the weavers use all of their wisdom as artisans. Yoshioka says that obtaining the color desired by clients is "a mission given to dye artisans" (7:47). It is not only fabrics, yarns of silk, linen and cotton she dyes, but also washi papers. Every year, she spends the winter months dyeing papers to dedicate to the Buddhist ceremony held at To-daiji Temple in Nara prefecture (5:58). Summary of Japanese Traditional Dyeing and Weaving The video features a dyeing and weaving artisan, Sarasa Yoshioka who works in the Kyoto-based atelier "Somenotsukasa Yoshioka." Sticking to the traditions, the atelier uses only plants dyes and the traditional dyeing method. Dyestuffs are soaked and simmered in the pure spring water of Fushimi (a district in Kyoto), pumped up from 100 meters underground. In this method, a variety of colors and shades can be obtained with the same dye, and the delicacy of dyed fabric is beautiful. In this article, we introduced the history of dyeing, its production methods, origins, and the raw materials used, alongside the interview with craftswoman, Sarasa Yoshioka. In the video, you can see and hear more of what she has to say and also take a look at her technique. Be sure to check it out! Traditional Japanese textiles are available online at retailers such as amazon or rakuten. Using the traditional crafts will lead you to appreciate the value of the traditional craft, as well as the skills of its artisans. 【Official Website】Somenotsukasa Yoshioka https://www.textiles-yoshioka.com/eng/

The Female Edo-Sushi Chef If you want to eat delicious, authentic Japanese food in the United States, you gotta check out this video. This is a video produced by FCI NY titled "American female sushi craftsman holding authentic Edo-mae sushi in NY!（NYで本格江戸前ずしを握るアメリカ人女性すし職人！）" The video shows a female sushi chef working in Chelsea, New York, Manhattan. One of the attractions of this sushi restaurant is that you can eat exquisite sushi just like you can find in Japan. This female sushi chef at a hidden, famous restaurant, also rents a part of another sushi restaurant that has no name on it except for a sticker of restaurant's mascot. Who Is This Female Sushi Chef? Source :YouTube screenshot Young female sushi chef Ouna Tempest holds the authentic Edo-style sushi at Sushi by Bae, a restaurant in New York. She is a 25 year old sushi chef. Ms. Tempest's sushi restaurant was selected as one of Zagat Suebey's "Top 30 Chefs Under 30" and "New York's 10 Most Important Restaurants Opened in 2017". How Did a Female Sushi Chef in New York Become Fascinated by the World of Sushi? Source :YouTube screenshot As introduced in the video at 1:26, female sushi chef Oona Tempest was originally an aspiring artist. However, she started working part-time as a restaurant waitress in New York, where she visited for training, and she became fascinated by the world of sushi, a beautiful piece of art. She trained under master sushi chef Oguma, and opened a popular sushi restaurant with only six seats at the counter. A master respects sushi as work, as an art, and as a food, and Oona Tempest lives by those rules as well. These are the words spoken by Oona Tempest herself in an interview which can be seen from 1:37 in the video. Oona Tempest's Sushi Specialties Source :YouTube screenshot In the preparation room, which is said to be the smallest in New York, Ms. Tempest's knife skills when handling spatters is 2nd to none. This can be seen from 2:30 in the video. The skill of quickly grasping the shari and providing the seasonal ingredients quickly is vivid. You can order a handful of snacks at her shop as well. At "Sushi by Bae", only 90-minute courses are available for $ 15 / $ 100, and 90% of the seafood used is caught in Japan. While cherishing the tradition and culture of Edo-mae, the delicate flavor that does not require soy sauce, and the vivid sushi that makes use of the artist's eyes are something to be marveled. At 4:27 in the video, she says, "Omakase does not mean what the chef likes, but providing a dish that will suit the customer." As a master, she also trained in flexibility of the menu to suit the customer's preferences. Summary of New York's Female Sushi Chef Photo：Sushi Well-known Japanese restaurants in Japan value hospitality, but the same is true of Tempest's sushi restaurant located far from the shores of Japan. Although not quite the ingredients you can purchase at Tsukiji in Japan, she uses fresh seafood caught on the day and has the skill to transform it into something sublime. She has a dream of having her own store in the future, but she is still working under someone and aspires to learn more. If you want to enjoy exquisite sushi in New York, be sure to drop by her restaurant! 【Official Website】Sushi By Bae https://www.sushibybae.com/ 【Yelp】Sushi By Bae https://www.yelp.com/biz/sushi-by-bae-new-york-2?osq=Sushi+By+Bae

新潟県柏崎市紹介動画について こちらの動画は「茂野光」が公開した「新潟県柏崎市観光プロモーションビデオ」です。 この動画では新潟県柏崎市の魅力を思いっきり堪能できる一本となっています。 見応えたっぷりの動画をぜひお楽しみください。 新潟県柏崎市とは 新潟県柏崎市は、新潟県のほぼ中央に位置し人口約9万人が住む市です。 米山、黒姫、八石の刈羽三山に囲まれた刈羽平野にあり、日本海に面した42kmの美しい海岸線を持つ観光産業が盛んな地域です。 新潟県柏崎市域は、新潟県を代表する景勝地である佐渡弥彦米山国定公園の一部に指定されており、「福浦八景」と呼ばれます。 風光明媚な海岸線では、日本海の激しい波によって作り出された奇岩や洞窟を見ることができます。 米山福浦八景県立自然公園内にある鴎が鼻展望台「恋人岬」は景観を楽しむ観光名所でもあり、名のとおり恋人たちの恋愛パワースポットとして人気があります。 設置された柵に2人でプレートを付けると将来結ばれるという言い伝えがあります。 新潟県柏崎市の四季を楽しむ 新潟県柏崎市内にある赤坂山公園は、春になると400本のも桜が咲き乱れ柏崎市の観光スポットとして有名です。 日没後にはライトアップされた美しい桜を見ることができます。 新潟県柏崎市内には鯨波海水浴場、石地海水浴場、米山海水浴場などの海水浴場があり、夏になるとマリンスポーツを楽しむ観光客が多く訪れます。 秋には谷根（たんね）ダムで鮭の遡上を観察することができます。 柏崎さけのふるさと公園が隣接しており、鮭について詳しく知ることができます。 柏崎市内には「秋幸苑」「松雲山荘」「貞観園」の三つの庭園があり、柏崎三大庭園と呼ばれていますが、なかでも松雲山荘では秋に約300本ものツツジやモミジなどの紅葉が大変綺麗な観光スポットとなっています。 新潟県柏崎市のお祭り 新潟県柏崎市の祭事として有名なのは、「えんま市」と「ぎおん柏崎まつり」です。 「えんま市」は、毎年6月中旬に行われる200年以上の歴史がある夏祭りです。 目抜き通りの2kmの区間に500軒以上の露店が並び、3日間で20万人以上の観光客で賑わいます。 新潟の村上大祭や蒲原まつりと並んで新潟の三大高市の1つとしても知られています。 「ぎおん柏崎まつり」は、７月下旬に開催される祭りであり、最終日の「海の花火大会」が特に有名で越後三大花火の１つに数えられています。 新潟県柏崎市のグルメ 新潟県柏崎市はお米と綺麗な水がある地域であることから日本酒が有名で、「原酒造」「石塚酒造」「林酒造」「阿部酒造」の4つの酒蔵があります。 酒蔵見学などを楽しむこともできます。 2013年のご当地どんぶり選手権で圧倒的な人気でグランプリを獲得した新潟県柏崎市のご当地どんぶり「鯛茶漬け」は日本海の鮮魚と柏崎市の大地で生産されたコシヒカリで作られるこの鯛茶漬けは新潟県柏崎市を象徴する贅沢なご当地グルメといえます。 新潟県柏崎市紹介まとめ 魅力たっぷりの新潟県柏崎市。 動画をご覧になった方は実際に新潟県柏崎市に足を運びたくなったのでないでしょうか。 まずはこちらの動画で新潟県柏崎市の魅力を存分に満喫してください。

Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan This video, titled "Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA" (よこはま動物園ズーラシア), was released by "CityOfYokohama." It introduces the amazing animals and exciting events at Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA. There are three zoos in Yokohama, Kanagawa, located in Japan's Kanto region: Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, Nogeyama Zoological Gardens, and Kanazawa Zoological Gardens. Of these, Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA is famous for being one of the largest zoos in Japan. There are also restaurants, cafes, and stores in the park, so animal lovers can enjoy themselves all day long. The video introduces cute newborn animals, crowd favorites, and exciting events. Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019, was created based on the concept of "symbiosis of life and harmony with nature." The zoo has been managed with the hope that by recreating an environment where the animals are comfortable, visitors will be able to see them in their natural state. (Prince) Rajkumar, an Indian elephant that has been entertaining visitors since the park opened, is introduced at 1:59 in the video. You can also see a baby Francois' leaf monkey in the video. ZOORASIA - Events, Tours, and More! Photo：A bird show at Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORAISA At Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, there is also a bird show where you can interact with birds, as can be seen at 3:04 in the video. At Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, there is also a bird show where you can interact with birds, as can be seen at 3:04 in the video. There's also "Night ZOORASIA" where you can see nocturnal animals being active, and "ZOORASIA Night Market" where you can enjoy animal print illuminations and gourmet food, held on a regular basis. This can be seen at 3:23 in the video. At Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, you can feed horses, ride horses, and enjoy other hands-on experiences. There's also a "Kitchen Tour" held every Saturday. During this free tour, visitors can see how food is prepared for the animals in the zoo. Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA is surrounded by Yokohama Animal Forest Park (横浜動物の森公園) and Korokoro Lawn (ころころ広場), making it a wide-area park. There are also many hotels and other lodging facilities around the park, making it a great place for families with small children to stay the night. Interact With the Animals at Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA! Photo：A lion Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA exhibits 750 animals of approximately 100 species, divided into eight zones according to climate zone and region. These zones are: "Asian Tropical Forest," "Subarctic Forest," "Oceania Grassland," "Central Asian Highland," "Japanese Countryside," "Amazon Jungle," "African Tropical Rainforest," and "African Savanna. The animals you can see at Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA (Non-comprehensive list) In addition to the rare Okapi and the endangered Sumatran tiger, you can also see Asiatic lions, horses, elands, giant anteaters, Steller's sea eagles, giraffes, Oriental storks, chimpanzees, cheetahs, proboscis monkeys, Japanese macaques, Japanese black bears, Eastern Black Rhinoceroses, Arabian camels, polar bears, Japanese raccoon dogs, Bornean orangutans, Malayan tapirs, red pandas, and more. Access to Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA and Other Important Information Please note that pets are not allowed in the park. That being said, certified service dogs are allowed to enter the park, although access to some areas of the park may be restricted. ◇Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA◇ 【Hours】9:30 AM – 4:30 PM 【Advance Reservations】Advance reservations are required for admission on weekends and holidays 【Closures】Tuesdays (or the following day if Tuesday is a national holiday), year-end and New Year holidays 【Address】1175-1 Kamishiranecho, Asahi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0001 【Park Map】An English version of the map of the zoo can be found on the official website 【Access】Accessible by taxi from "Tsurugamine Station" or "Mitsukyo Station" on the Sotetsu Line. When accessing via JR/City Subway, take the bus bound for "Yokohama Zoo" (よこはま動物園, Yokohama Dobutsuen) from the south exit of Nakayama Station and get off at "Yokohama Zoo." 【Parking】Parking available for up to 2,200 vehicles: 1,000 yen per day, buses: 2,500 yen per day Summary of Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA's Animals and Events Photo：The Tsushima leopard cat on the verge of extinction In this article, we introduced the attractions of Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA. Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA is also working to protect and breed animals, and has succeeded in repopulating the Tsushima Leopard Cat, which is said to be on the verge of extinction. Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA also hopes to protect endangered species, which are expected to increase in number in the future. 【Official Website】Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA (Automatic translation tool available) https://www.hama-midorinokyokai.or.jp/zoo/zoorasia/ 【Tripadvisor】Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298173-d561517-Reviews-Yokohama_Zoo_Zoorasia-Yokohama_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Nagasaki Kunchi, an Autumn Festival of Suwa Shrine: Video Introduction Photo：A float at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture This video, titled "【8K UHD】Nagasaki-Kunchi Festival 8K (2018)" (【8K UHD】Nagasaki-Kunci Festival 8K / 長崎くんち（2018）), was uploaded by "8K Video Album." Nagasaki Kunchi, an autumn festival of Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, located in Japan's Kyushu Region, is a traditional event that has been held for more than 380 years since the Edo period (1603-1868). For three days from October 7 every year, the town of Nagasaki is full of festivities! A number of unique dances are performed, gathering large audiences. Be sure to check out the video to see the dances at Nagasaki Kunchi and tourist attractions in the area, which attract crowds of people to Nagasaki each year. The History of Nagasaki Kunchi and Dances During the Festival Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi is an autumn festival of Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, held for three days from October 7 to October 9 each year. It's said that the festival began in 1634 when two women dedicated song and dance to the god of Suwa Shrine. For more than 380 years since then, these dances have been handed down by shrine parishioners of Nagasaki, and has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the government of Japan. The 58 towns in Nagasaki are divided into 7 groups, with each group dedicating a dance once every 7 years, and each town having their own unique performance. The festival features many attractions, including Japanese dance to the accompaniment of nagauta (traditional Japanese music played on the shamisen), dragon dances to the sound of exotic musical instruments, and powerful floats and bearers! The festival becomes even more exciting as the audience cheers in response to the various performances. Where to See the 2023 Nagasaki Kunchi Dance Performances Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture The 2023 Nagasaki Kunchi event will be held in Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, for three days from October 7 to 9, 2023. The dances and portable shrine procession were canceled for three years starting in 2020 due to the global pandemic, but the festival is finally back in 2023 and is expected to be even more exciting than usual! In 2023, just like previous years, there will be a number of dances and performances. For these, paid spectator seats will be set up at Suwa Shrine, Yasaka Shrine, the Otabisho, and the Central Park Kunchi viewing area. The performances can also be seen at the Niwasaki Mawari (dances performed for homes, businesses etc. to share good fortune) in the town center. Around the end of September, a map/schedule with the schedule of the Niwasaki Mawari will be distributed at various locations in the city. "Kokkodesho," a Highlight of Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：Kokkodesho at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property designated as such by the government of Japan, features a number of performances, including "Kokkodesho." The following is an introduction to the performance. ●Kokkodesho "Kokkodesho" is a dynamic performance in which 36 performers carry a 1-ton palanquin, which 4 drummers ride on, vigorously throwing it into the air and catch it with one arm each. [Video] 5:32 - Kokkodesho ●Kujira no Shiofuki "Kujira no Shiofuki" is a performances based on whaling that occurred in the past. The whale-shaped float spews water 4 to 5 meters into the air and wildly rampages around. On the 9th, a whale (fake) caught in a net will be shown. ●Oranda Manzai "Oranda Manzai" is a votive dance in which performers dressed as Dutch men, and other performers with drums and dressed in yellow, dance to the accompaniment of "Minshingaku" (Ming and Qing period music popularized in Japan). ●Goshuinsen "Goshuinsen" is a votive dance based on the theme of the wedding of Araki Sotaro, a Nagasaki merchant, and a Vietnamese princess. The audience is mesmerized by the float atop which noh musicians ride. ●Hon Odori "Hon Odori" is short for "Honcho no Odori" meaning "The dance of our country," and refers to a traditional Japanese dance. The dance is performed on various themes to the accompaniment of nagauta. [Video] 3:27 - Hon Odori ●Ryu Odori "Ryu Odori" (lit "Dragon Dance") is a typical Nagasaki Kunchi votive dance performed by four towns. The dragon dancers manipulate the dragon as if it were alive and dance to the unique music played on gongs, drums, trumpets, and other musical instruments. The dynamic floats and carriers, which can only be seen once every seven years, fascinate people every year. Food During Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：An okonomiyaki stall In the past, Nagasaki Kunchi had a unique type of cuisine called "Kunchi Ryori" (Kunchi Cuisine). Kunchi Ryori includes "azuki gohan" (red bean rice), "zakuro namasu" (a vegetable dish with pomegranate seeds), amazake (sweet sake), and other traditional dishes. During the festival period, many people make these dishes at home to celebrate the festival. While you're unlikely to find them at the festival, you can still enjoy a variety of Japanese festival foods. Like most Japanese festivals, there will be a number of food stalls open where festivalgoers can purchase snacks like okonomiyaki, yakitori, candied applies, parfaits, and more. Be sure to pick up some delicious snacks when you visit! How to Get There Photo：Suwa Shrine, Nagasaki Prefecture There are several venues where Nagasaki Kunchi will take place. Below, we'll introduce how to get to each location. Suwa Shrine From Nagasaki Station, take the streetcar to Suwa Shrine (~10 mins), or walk from Nagasaki Station (~20 mins). Yasaka Shrine Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Sofukuji Temple (~7 mins). From there, it's a short walk to Yasaka Shrine. Otabisho Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Ohato Station (~7 mins), or walk from Nagasaki Station (~12 mins). Central Park Take the streetcar bound for Sofukuji Temple and get off at Meganebashi Bridge (~6 mins), or walk to Central Park from Nagasaki Station (~15 mins). Summary of Nagasaki Kunchi Photo：A dragon dance at Nagasaki Kunchi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture Nagasaki Kunchi, an autumn festival held at Suwa Shrine, begins on June 1. Caretakers and performers of the various towns involved pray for the safe completion of their major roles by undergoing purification before the deities of Suwa Shrine and Yasaka Shrine, and begin rehearsals for their performances. In 2023, the festival will be held for the first time in four years. There will be many locals as well as tourists from all over Japan and abroad looking forward to the event! If you have the chance to visit Nagasaki during the event, be sure to join in the festivities! 【Official Website】Nagasaki Kunchi｜Nagasaki Traditional Performing Arts Promotion Association 【TripAdvisor】Nagasaki Kunchi

Video introduction explaining “Azuchi Castle” in Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture and Nobunaga Oda This video, titled "The Phantom Azuchi Castle" (幻の安土城 HD版), was produced by "trocken ab." It's a video that recreates Azuchi Castle, the most prominent castle in the history of the Warring States period, using computer graphics. Azuchi Castle, introduced in the video, is known by many for being featured in "Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku," a Taiga drama aired in Japan in 2011. Azuchi Castle was the home of Oda Nobunaga, the uncle of Gou, and it has been the setting of countless historical TV dramas. Presently, Azuchi Castle, which no longer exists today, is said to have been a beautiful and luxurious castle. About Azuchi Castle Photo：Azuchi Castle Ruins Azuchi Castle, a five-layer seven-story castle with one basement level and six floors above ground, was built on Mt. Azuchi near Lake Biwa over a period of four years from 1576 to 1580. Azuchi Castle, which was closer to Kyoto than Gifu Castle, was a symbol of "tenka Fubu," Oda Nobunaga's personal seal, meanining "Unify the nation by force; spread military force under the heavens." It is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also involved in the construction of the castle. Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed by fire in 1582 after the Honnoji Incident instigated by Oda's traitorous vassal Akechi Mitsuhide, just two years after the construction of the castle. The ruins of Azuchi Castle, the former residence of Oda Nobunaga, has been designated as a special historical site. It is also protected as a Class 1 Special Area in Lake Biwa National Park. You can see the introduction of Azuchi Castle at 0:24 in the video. The Research Project on Azuchi Castle Shown in the Video Photo：Azuchi Castle・Kuroganemon Gate Since 1989, restoration of the stone walls and excavation of the ruins of Azuchi Castle began as part of the research and development project. From the foot of the southern side of Mt. Azuchi, shown at 0:47 in the video, there was once a great view of the entrance of the castle. Also, it was found that there were two entrances to the castle, the East and West gates, and through these discoveries, researches have been able to slowly understand what Azuchi castle would have looked like. Currently, Niomon Gate and a three-storied pagoda remain on Mt. Azuchi. More About Azuchi Castle Photo：Azuchi Castle Ruins・Ruins of the former residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi According to records of Azuchi Castle, when it existed, it was common to take the route from Dodobashiguchi to Ote-michi, then use the Kuroganemon Gate route to get to the, outer citadel, outer region of the castle, and finally the inner citadel, to reach the lord of the castle. Ote-michi, which was used to welcome the Emperor, has been restored as well. You can see the restored Ote-michi at 1:57 in the video. In the outer citadel, there is mausoleum of Oda Nobunaga where Toyotomi Hideyoshi enshrined the remaining relics of Oda Nobunaga. The shape of the inner citadel, shown in the video at 3:45, is extremely similar to the Seiryoden (a pavilion used as the emperor's habitual residence (in a Heian Palace)) of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Oda Nobunaga made Azuchi Castle a prominent castle worthy to receive the Emperor. Summary of Azuchi Castle and Oda Nobunaga Photo：Beautiful Blue Skies at Lake Biwa The ruins of Azuchi Castle are located in present day Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture. If you want to visit Azuchi Castle, shown in the video, you can also visit the Azuchi Town Castle Museum, the Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum, and the castle town of Azuchi Castle as well. You can also receive a seal stamp or castle seal when visiting Sokenji Temple located on Mt. Azuchi. ◆Azuchi Castle Facility Overview◆ 【Address】Toira, Azuchicho, Omihachiman, Shiga 【Access】25 minute walk from JR Azuchi Station, 20 minutes by car from the Meishin Ryuo Interchange 【Hours】9:00～16:00 【Admission Fee】Adults ¥700, Children ¥200 【Parking】Available（Free） 【Official Website】Azuchi Castle Ruins | Shiga Prefecture Tourist Information［Official Tourism Site ］You will understand everything about Shiga/Lake Biwa！ https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Azuchi Castle Ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023564-d1424361-Reviews-Azuchi_Castle_Ruins-Omihachiman_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

PR Video of Traditional Ryukyu Lacquerware Owned by the Urasoe City Museum of Art This video called “Okinawa: Meet Ryukyu lacquerware and art (琉球漆芸とアートに出会う沖縄　Narration+Subtitle Ver.)” produced by the Urasoe city office is to promote the Urasoe City Museum of Art, the only museum specializing in lacquerware in Okinawa. The museum is about 40 minutes from Naha airport by car. This video features the traditional Ryukyu lacquerware (琉球漆器, Ryukyu Shikki) and its history (1:57). Let's see how wonderful the Urasoe City Museum of Art, with its 1500 traditional works of art, including Ryukyu lacquerware, actually is. What Is Ryukyu Lacquerware? Its History, Origin, and Characteristics! Source :YouTube screenshot Ryukyu lacquerware has developed in tandem with the culture of the Ryukyu Dynasty (1429 to 1879). The unique techniques for Ryukyu lacquerware were introduced into the Ryukyu Dynasty during the 14th and 15th century when trade between the Ryukyu Dynasty and China was active. Ryukyu lacquerware was made from tiger's claw (Erythrina variegata), the prefectural flower of Okinawa. The unique patterning technique, called "Tsuikin," is used to thinly spread the "tsuikin mochi" (a mixture of lacquer and colored ink). There are various types of Ryukyu lacquerware, such as Suzuri-bako, tea cup holders, cups, serving plates, trays, tiered food boxes, and wooden containers using the unique shell inlay and sunken gold techniques. Some studios and long established stores accept orders to repair broken lacquerware as well. Ryukyu lacquerware, made by the master Ryukyu lacquerware artisans, in the shape of bitter melons and hibiscus, are great souvenirs of Okinawa. These Ryukyu lacquerwares are available in "Ryukyu sikki Itoman" or "Kakuman shikki" on Kokusai-dori (国際通り: International Street). These products can be also bought at online stores, such as Rakuten or Amazon, at a cost of several thousand yen (several tens of dollars). The Ryukyu Lacquerware of the Urasoe City Museum of Art Source :YouTube screenshot About 60 craft works of Ryukyu lacquerwares are displayed at the Urasoe City Museum of Art regularly. These include items such as lacquer tea boxes (白檀塗楼閣山水箔絵湯庫) (video: 2:31) , Black lacquer trays (黒漆雲龍螺鈿盆) (video: 2:48), traditional lacquer sake barrels (朱漆牡丹巴紋七宝繋沈金足付盆) (video: 3:03), lacquer food boxes (潤塗花鳥箔絵密陀絵丸形食籠) (video: 3:18) a black lacquer album cover (黒漆米軍戦車堆錦アルバム表紙) (video: 3:35), and more. Some of them were used for ceremonies at Shurijo Castle. The Ryukyu Folding Screen and The Eight Views of Ryukyu made by Hokusai Katushika in 1832 are also kept in this museum. Other art exhibitions or photo exhibitions are held in the main exhibition hall. Make Your Own Ryukyu Lacquerware! Source :YouTube screenshot If you're interested in traditional Okinawan crafts and/or culture, such as Ryukyu lacquerware, we recommend getting a catalogue of this museum. There are also some experience-based events held at the Urasoe City Museum of Art, such as "Magical museum" or the "Miniature Life Museum." At the museum, you'll find the Regular showroom, Main exhibit, Library, Laboratory room, and museum shop. You can also enjoy lunch at the café "Hana Urushi" while appreciating the works at the museum. They also offer classes throughout the year, so if you're interested in Ryukyu lacquerware after watching this video, be sure to give it a try. Summary of the Urasoe City Museum of Art Okinawa is one of most popular places for tourists. There are many other tourist spots around this city museum, such as the "Urasoe Castle Ruins," "Iso Castle Ruins," "Minatogawa Foreign Settlement," "Iso Castle Ruins observation deck," "Minatogawa Stateside Town," "Urasoe Sports Park," "Urasoe yodore," and the "Maeda Highlands." If you learn more about the traditional Okinawan crafts introduced in the video, you'll be able to enjoy your visit to Okinawa even more. As you can tell from the video, the Urasoe Art Museum in Okinawa has a beautiful exterior and garden. If you visit Okinawa, we highly recommend checking out this museum. ◆Information of Urasoe City Museum of Art ◆ 【Address】1-9-2 Urasoe-shi Okinawata 【Access】40 minutes by car from Naha Airport 【Admission fee】Adults : 200 yen, University students : 130 yen, Senior citizens (65 years+) : 160 yen, high school students and younger : Free (As of December, 2019) Additional admission fees may be required depending on events (advance tickets are available) 【Hours】9:30 to 17:00 【Parking】Available (Free) 【Telephone No.】098-879-3219 【Official Website】Urasoe City Museum of Art http://museum.city.urasoe.lg.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Urasoe City Museum of Art https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023463-d2465726-Reviews-Urasoe_City_Art_Museum-Urasoe_Okinawa_Prefecture.html

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/

Video introduction of "Katsuura Morning Market" in Katsuura City, Chiba Prefecture This video, titled "Katsuura Morning Market December 22nd, 2019"（勝浦朝市令和元年12月22日), is produced by “Uraran nohohon terebi” (うららんのほほんてれび); It's a video introducing the Katsuura Morning Market in Katsuura city, Chiba prefecture. From 0:40 in the video, you can see the horned turban, a specialty of Katsuura Morning Market. From 0:25, we're shown “Tantan Taiyaki,” “Coffee,” “Japanese lobster,” and from 0:38, “Sanga Soup.” All these various dishes and foods can be enjoyed at great prices, making the market a very popular tourist attraction in Chiba prefecture. The local people welcome tourists with the spirit of hospitality. After watching the video you'll definitely want to travel to Katsuura City, Chiba prefecture! In this article, we'll introduce recommended tourist locations at Chiba prefecture's Katsuura Morning Market. Be sure to follow along with the video! The Popular Katsuura Morning Market in Chiba Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The Katsuura Morning Market is a morning market in Katsuura city, Chiba prefecture, in Japan's Kanto Region. Along with the Wajima Morning Market of Ishikawa prefecture and the Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market of Gifu prefecture, it is known as one of the 3 biggest morning markets in Japan. The Katsuura Morning Market has a long history dating back 400 years. It's said that the market started in 1591 when the Katsuura castle lord, Yasutada Uemura opened the place as a location for exchanging agricultural and marine/seafood products. In November of 1987, the location was moved to its present location. In 1996 and 2010, the “National Morning Market Summit” was held. The Katsuura Morning Market is open every morning from 6:00 AM-11:00 AM except for New Years day (January 1st) and Wednesdays. It is held at Shimohoncho Asaichi Street during the first half of the month and on Nakahoncho Asaichi Street during the second half of the month. There are about 60 to 80 stalls selling marine products landed at Katsuura Port, which catches the second largest amount of marine products in Chiba Prefecture, as well as fresh vegetables and local gourmet foods. You can see the various stalls that are lined up at the Katsuura Morning Market from 0:04 in the video. The Katsuura Morning Market is close to a fishing port, so the seafood products are especially popular. You can buy fresh seafood such as skipjack tuna (the largest amount in the country is unloaded in the nearby port), horned turbans, and abalone here. Recommended Restaurants and Shops at the Katsuura Morning Market Photo：Katsuura Tantanmen There are shops that sell seasonal products, specialty okowa (sticky rice), and other various products at the Katsuura Morning Market. A popular food at the Katsuura Morning Market is the local delicacy Katsuura Tantanmen. This dish won the B-1 Gourmet Grand Prix in 2015 and became famous all throughout Japan. The Katsuura Tantan Noodles from “Restaurant Ishii” are a delicious local ramen that uses a healthy amount of chili oil. After eating some ramen, we recommend trying some warabi mochi at Nanbanya. It is an authentic warabi mochi that uses domestically produced warabi starch powder. It has a good consistency and it is a very popular Japanese sweet. The restaurant has various flavors for you to try besides the standard kuromitsu (brown sugar) as well. Besides that, there are restaurants where you can eat seafood rice bowls using freshly caught seafood as well. Try eating a delicious breakfast that you won't find anywhere other than Katsuura Morning Market. Information About Katsuura Morning Market Photo：Katsuura Morning Market Katsuura Morning Market is a 10-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station. There are 2 parking lots: the Tona Shiei Parking Lot and the Izumi Shiei Parking Lot. The Katsuura Morning Market closes every Wednesday. There are many facilities in the area where you can stay, such as hotels, so even if you come for sightseeing from far away, rest assured, you'll have a place to stay. Even in rainy weather, the morning market is held as usual. However, be aware that there will likely be fewer stalls. Summary of Katsuura Morning Market Source :YouTube screenshot “Katsuura Morning Market December 22nd, 2019,” released by “Uraran nohohon terebi,” is a video introducing the popular Katsuura Morning market, one of the 3 largest morning markets in Japan. It is a fun place where you can enjoy perusing the fresh seafood sent from Katsuura port, Katsuura’s comfort food, and lots of attractive food stalls. The video shows the variety of foodstuffs and the warmth of interaction with the locals at the Katsuura Morning Market, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out! 【Official Website】Katsuura Morning Market Information – Katsuura City Tourism Association https://www.katsuura-kankou.net/english-site/

Q Plaza Ikebukuro - A 14-Story Shopping Complex in Ikebukuro This is a news video released by "TOKYO MX" that reports on the opening of Q Plaza Ikebukuro on July 19, 2019, and the redevelopment of Ikebukuro, which aims to become a "movie and theater town" by 2020. The video is titled "New Facility [Q Plaza Ikebukuro] Opened on July 19th｜Redevelopment of Ikebukuro." Q Plaza Ikebukuro is a new landmark complex and commercial building with a movie theater with 12 screens, one of the largest in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and 16 shops, including restaurants, bakery-cafes and sundry stores. In this article, we'll introduce the movie theater and tenant information for Q Plaza Ikebukuro. Be sure to follow along with the video! The video will cover the huge screen with high quality displays and the 4DX, Japan's first screening system. Let's check it out! Q Plaza Ikebukuro Source :YouTube screenshot As shown from 1:38 in the video, Q Plaza Ikebukuro is home to Grand Cinema Sunshine, a cinema with 12 screens, the most in the metropolitan area, on the 4th to 12th floors. The 18-meter-tall, super-massive screens displaying high-resolution 4K images are the highlight of the theater. At 1:55 in the video, you can see footage of the facility still under construction in December 2018, before it was opened. Another highlight that can be seen at 2:48 of the video is the 4DX, which features a 270-degree multi-image, with wind, water spray and scents, as well as seats that move in unison with the video. These features allow for the ultimate viewing experience. The 16 Stores at Q Plaza Ikebukuro Source :YouTube screenshot Q Plaza Ikebukuro has 16 shops inside the building. AWESOME STORE, which can be seen from 0:36 in the video, is a simple and natural-themed general merchandise store with a New York City-style interior and is lined with original pop art goods. At the EDW bakery cafe, you can try "One Hundred," the world's first bread with a fluffy texture of 100 parts water to 100 parts flour. Sushi, yakiniku, Sorubin Cafe Shenzhen, Capcom Cafe, Turley's, Burger King, Espresso D Works (EDW) and other restaurants are also available at Q Plaza Ikebukuro, so be sure to stop if you're looking to grab a bite to eat. There's also batting cages! Basic Information on Q Plaza Ikebukuro Q Plaza Ikebukuro is conveniently located just a 4 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Lines. There is also a parking lot so you can visit by car. Opening hours vary by store, so please check the official website for more information. Summary of Q Plaza Ikebukuro Photo：Hareza Ikebukuro In this article, we went over the press briefing two days before the opening of Q Plaza Ikebukuro, shown in the video. Be sure to check out the video to see the largest cinema complex in Tokyo and a variety of store information. Ikebukuro is undergoing redevelopment to become a cultural city. Hareza Ikebukuro will open in July 2020, and four parks will be redeveloped as cultural hubs. Keep your eyes peeled to see what pops up next in Ikebukuro! ◆Q Plaza Ikebukuro Facility Overview◆ 【Address】1 Chome-30-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo 170-0013 【Access】A 4-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro and JR Yamanote Lines 【Hours】Vary by store 【Closures】Vary by store 【Parking】Available 【Telephone No】03-6915-2722 【Official Website】Hareza Ikebukuro https://hareza-ikebukuro.com.e.aik.hp.transer.com/

Introducing a Tourism PR Video for Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture! This video, titled ""Niihama City Tourism PR Video 'Niihama, a Town Full of Smiles'" (新居浜市観光PR映像『笑顔あふれるまち新居浜』), was released by Niihama City. It introduces tourist information for Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture. Niihama, a city in Ehime Prefecture in Japan's Shikoku region facing the Seto Inland Sea, is an attractive destination with a mild climate. Niihama is home to many historical townscapes, Instagrammable locations with spectacular views of nature, and fun events. Popular Destinations in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The cherry blossoms at Dozan Pass (銅山峰) and the strange boulders of Dozan River are great tourist destinations for those looking to discover the beautiful nature of Japan's four seasons. We also recommend viewing the ocean scenery from the Kuroshima Seaside Park Observatory. The camphor tree at Ichinomiya Shrine is a national natural monument, and the ginkgo tree at Zuioji Temple is a natural monument designated so by the prefecture. If you're looking to go swimming, we recommend Marine Park Niihama, one of the largest beaches in Japan's Shikoku region. It can be seen at 1:01 in the video. Oshima is the birthplace of Yoshihiro Murakami, the former commander-in-chief of the Iyo navy. Enjoy Interesting Experiences in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture! Source :YouTube screenshot At Yuragi-no-Mori Forest Park on Mt. Besshi, you can enjoy gourmet food made from local ingredients and visit one of the largest wisteria trellises in Japan. This can be seen at 2:20 in the video. Also, as shown at 0:32 in the video, beautiful cherry blossoms can be seen blooming here in the spring. You can also enjoy a woodworking experience at Sakuraku Crafts (作楽工房, Sakuraku Kobo) inside the park. At the Ehime Prefectural Science Museum, visitors can learn about dinosaurs and experience a planetarium. You can also visit the Tonaru Historical Museum, the Besshi Copper Mine, and the Besshi Copper Mine Memorial Museum. Check Out Sightseeing Events in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture! Source :YouTube screenshot Niihama hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Niihama Noryosho Fireworks Festival in July, the Niihama Summer Festival in August, Egao Koshien (笑顔甲子園) for high school students, Nii no Imodaki (新居のいもだき), and Todo Okuri (とうどおくり) in winter. At the Niihama Taiko Festival, introduced at 3:48 in the video, you can see the unique parade of portable shrines called Hachiman Shrine Kakikurabe, as well as the lively nighttime drumming of Ojoin. Summary of Sightseeing in Niihama, Ehime Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot When you get off at JR Niihama Station, you'll be greeted by a large monument in the plaza. Niihama is also known as the hometown of Nana Mizuki, a popular voice actress, and many of her fans visit the city as a pilgrimage to see where she grew up. Be sure to check out the video and enjoy seeing what it's like traveling around and viewing the scenic beauty of Niihama in Ehime Prefecture! 【Official Website】Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture City Hall Website https://www.city.niihama.lg.jp.e.alz.hp.transer.com/ 【Tripadvisor】 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1022350-Niihama_Ehime_Prefecture_Shikoku-Vacations.html

Haneda Airport" Video Introduction of Haneda Airport, Ota-ku, Tokyo, Connecting Tokyo Metropolis to the World This video, produced by "Tokyo MX" focuses on the uncompromising facilities and services of Haneda Airport which has been named "the World's Cleanest Airport" by the British air transportation rating organization. Haneda Airport was ranked first among almost 550 airports across the world. It's been awarded first place for the 5th time, and 3 years in a row as of 2018. This article describes the airport's uncompromising commitments to the cleanliness alongside the video. The airport cleaning staff's interview reveals their passion to keep a clean establishment, which explains why Haneda Airport has been named the World's Cleanest Airport. There are also interviews with visitors to Japan praising the cleanliness of Haneda Airport as well. About Haneda Airport Photo：Haneda Airport-International Passenger Terminal-View from the Observation Deck Located in Tokyo, Haneda Airport is one of Japan's most popular airports, connecting flights to Tokyo and the rest of the world, and it is used by many travelers. It has been awarded the World's Cleanest Airport title for 3 consecutive years by the British air transportation rating organization. Chubu Centrair Airport (Nagoya, Japan) was ranked second, and then Incheon Airport (South Korea), Taiwan's Taoyuan Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport followed. Every facility in Haneda Airport is kept clean to provide maximum comfort to travelers, as is shown in the video from 1:12. Haneda Airport has seen an increase in foreign passengers in recent years, with the number of passengers nearly tripling between 2012 and 2017. It is being prepared for an increase in passengers expected at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The cleanliness of the airport reflects the Japanese concept of "hospitality". Haneda Airport features Terminal 1 & 2 exclusively used for domestic flights and International Terminal (Terminal 3). Haneda Airport has three domestic terminals, Haneda Airport Terminal 1 and 2, and Haneda Airport International Terminal, each of which is used respectively by the airlines JAL, ANA and SKY. It has an observation deck where you can enjoy watching planes taking off and landing, as well as restaurants and shops. Haneda Airport can be reached by train from JR Shinagawa or Hamamatsucho stations, or by limousine buses in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. The hotel and parking garage make it very convenient. The Incredible Hospitabitlity of Haneda Airport Photo：Haneda Airport Terminal 2 The airport is kept clean by the cleaning staff who never cut corners. They fully commit themselves - After washing off the stains on the polished floor, they measure the glossiness of the surface with a gloss meter to keep it at a certain level. This can be seen at 1:38. From 3:11, the video captures the toilet cleaning scene using a hand-mirror as not to miss any dirt. The International Terminal Senior Manager speaks about why they keep the airport so clean from 4:17. The efforts are made not only to offer the hospitality, but also for security and safety reasons as well. If the establishment is clean and in order, suspicious objects stand out and can be spotted immediately. Owing to the efforts made by the airport staff, Haneda Airport has become an airport praised by international travelers. The video contains interviews of the cleaning staff as well as of foreign passengers. Summary of Haneda Airport Tokyo MX's video focuses on the commitment of the Haneda Airport staff that has led to it being crowned the World's Cleanest Airport. The cleanliness of Haneda Airport represents Japanese hospitality. If you watch the video, you'll be able to appreciate the fact that the cleaning staff has received rave reviews from foreigners for the great work they do. Haneda Airport Information 【Address】Hanedakuko, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0041, Japan 【Access】15 minutes from Shinagawa Station by way of the Keikyu Airport Line. 20 minutes from Hamamatsucho Station, by way of the Tokyo Monorail. 【Parking】A toll car park 【Telephone No】03-5757-8111 【Official Website】 Haneda Airport Terminal https://tokyo-haneda.com/en/

This video, titled "[Domestic Helicopter OH-1 Ninja] Japan Ground Self-Defense Force｜Akeno Garrison Air Festival 2014" (「国産ヘリコプター OH-1 ニンジャ」陸上自衛隊 明野駐屯地航空祭2014), was released by "jbanban." This video shows the aviation festival held at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Akeno Garrison. The OH-1 Ninja helicopter shown in the video was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The role of observation helicopters is to support tactics by scouting invading landed targets from low altitude. The OH-1 Ninja is equipped with an attitude control system, as it needs to be stationary while observing. OH-1 Ninjas also made headlines when they appeared in that popular movie "Shin Godzilla" to attack Godzilla in his third form.

石川県能登に伝わる日本の伝統「あばれ祭り」とは？ こちらの動画は「和倉温泉 多田屋 WAKURAONSEN TADAYA」が公開した石川県能登町宇出津に伝わる、「あばれ祭り」を紹介した「あばれ祭 - のとつづり」です。 あばれ祭りは350年以上の歴史がある日本の伝統行事で、無形民族文化財にも指定されています。 このお祭りは、キリコ祭りの先陣を切って行われる勇壮な祭りで、2日間に亘っておこなわれます。 1日目は約40基のキリコ山車が大松明（おおたいまつ）の火の粉を浴びながら無病息災を祈願し、御囃子や掛け声、太鼓に合わせて街を練り歩きます。 2日目には宮神輿が登場し、いやさか広場にキリコと神輿が集結しクライマックスを迎えます。 あばれ祭りという名前は宮神輿を水中や炎の中に投げ込んだり、地面に叩きつけるなどの過激なしきたりから由来しています。 祭りの期間は花火やライブ、屋台なども出て、能登の街はあばれ祭り一色になります。 石川県能登地方に伝わるキリコお祭りとイベント情報 あばれ祭りはキリコ祭りのオープニングを飾る祭りです。 キリコとは巨大な灯篭を模した山車のことで、キリコ吉祥文字と言われる地区ごとの願いや祈りを込めた文字を記し、御囃子や太鼓で祭囃子を鳴らしながら能登の街を練り歩きます。 キリコ祭りは石川県能登地方の住民にとって最も重要な夏祭りと言われていて、毎年祭りの時期には帰省し祭りに参加するしきたりなのだそうです。 特に宮神輿は一年を通じて石川県能登地方の祭りに参加し、貢献した担ぎ手だけが持つことを許されている特別な神輿です。 あばれ神輿の歴史と日本神話のつながり 江戸時代にかけて石川県周辺の能登地方は日本海に面した海上交通の要所でした。 加賀百万石と称された金沢を有し人の往来が絶えない豊かな地域でしたが、降水量が多くたびたび疫病の流行に悩まされていました。 そこで本格的に疫病が流行る前にキリコに魔を封じ、炎で清めたのがキリコ祭りの始まりと言われています。 昔から八坂神社では無病息災の祈祷が行われてきたのですが、肝心の宮神輿にまで悪鬼が取り付いてしまったので、神輿を乱舞させ地面に叩きつけ病魔ごと葬ったというのが神輿の扱いに関する由来です。 八坂神社の御祭祀、素戔嗚命（スサノオのミコト）は神仏習合により牛頭天王と同一格となり、京都八坂神社の祇園社信仰と結びつき、全国に広がりました。 素戔嗚命はヤマタノオロチを退治したことでも有名な日本神話を代表する神様で仏教では薬師如来が同格です。 このため、無病息災、悪鬼退散などのご利益があると言われています。 石川県能登に伝わる日本の伝統「あばれ祭り」のまとめ 石川県能登に伝わる日本の伝統奇祭「あばれ祭り」は1997年に「能登のキリコ祭り」として国から「無形民俗文化財」に指定され、その後2015年に文化庁から日本遺産の最初の18件の1つに選ばれました。 動画では2016年に行われた迫力ある祭りの模様を紹介しています。 来年はあなたも浴衣や、はっぴで石川県能登の「あばれ祭り」に足を運んでみませんか？ 日程やイベント情報、当日の駐車場情報は「能登町観光ガイド」でご確認ください。

Video Introduction of “Sumi Craftsman's Sumi Ink Making Technique” in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture This video, titled "Japanese ink artisan／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL CRAFTSMANSHIP（墨職人）," was created by "ANA Global Channel." The video shows the process of creating the inksticks used in Japanese calligraphy. Japanese calligraphy is well-known both in Japan and overseas as a hallmark of Japanese culture. In Japanese calligraphy, ink is, of course, essential. Japanese calligraphy has a rich history, dating back more than a thousand years. The reason why works of calligraphy from such a long time ago can be appreciated even now, is the incredible skills of the craftsmen who created the paper and ink used for them. The traditional techniques for making high-quality ink have been passed down for generations. In the video, one ink artisan explains his craft, and you can see the entire inkstick-making process with the artisan pouring his heart and soul into his creations. The Process of Creating Inksticks Source :YouTube screenshot The main material used in the ink for both Japanese calligraphy and as a dye is the soot and glue collected after burning oil. Pine resin and charcoal are occasionally used as well. The very best craftsmen carefully select materials in order to create the highest-quality inksticks. To create the ink, first the soot is dissolved, then mixed and kneaded well with the glue. Following that, the mixture is inserted into a mold and left to harden. During this process, the artisans’ hands are stained completely black. The hardened mixture is left to dry for one to a few months, then polished and shined to create the final product. This process can be seen from 2:43 in the video. Where to Buy the Inksticks Shown in the Video? Source :YouTube screenshot In elementary schools in Japan, calligraphy is a compulsory subject for practicing penmanship. Therefore, Japanese calligraphy instruments and inksticks are readily available. Besides the solid inksticks, there is a liquid variation known as "bokuteki" (墨滴), as well as other variations. Popular companies such as Kuretake (呉竹) and Kaimei (開明) offer various inksticks at reasonable prices. For those thinking of starting their Japanese calligraphy journey, go for these affordable materials. Japan's inksticks have the distinguishing feature of not fading over time. However, because of that, if clothes are stained by the ink, the stain will not disappear even after washing, so do be careful. Summary of Japan's Ink Artisans Photo：Calligraphy As seen from the video, the ink used in Japanese calligraphy is created through the painstaking work of craftsmen. The art of writing words beautifully with a brush and ink is a tradition the Japan prides itself on. From 6:19 in the video, rare colored inksticks made using natural ores are shown as well. If you're interested in Japanese culture, why not try purchasing inksticks and other necessary materials, and give Japanese calligraphy a try?

The Distress of the Ottoman Frigate Ertuğrul This video was published by “WakayamaPref.” It shows the Turkish ship "Ertuğrul" connecting Japan and Turkey, which led to the creation of a strong bond between the two countries. The title of the video is "Japan and Turkey. A Bond Transcending Time ~ Stories of Friendship Connected by the Ertuğrul." (日本トルコ 時を越える絆 ～エルトゥールル号が繋ぐ友好の物語～). Turkey is located between East Europe and West Asia, and is known as a pro-Japanese country. The history between Japan and Turkey began when an incident between the Turkish battleship, Ertuğrul, occurred near Oshima in Kushimoto, Wakayama 130 years ago. A typhoon hit the ship whilst returning home from a visit to Japan in September 1890. The ship hit a reef and sank by the shore in Kashinozaki. The friendship between the two countries began when local residents rescued the Turkish sailors who were going down with the ship. Kushimoto Saved Ertuğrul Source :YouTube screenshot The local people who tried to save the Turkish crews on the ship were from the Kashino area of Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Upon hearing of the incident, they immediately decided to rescue and treat the Turkish crew members. You can learn more at 1:26 in the video. At a time when they were not rich, they provided clothing and food for the Turks, even though typhoons prevented them from going out to fish and their reserves were low. The "morobuta," a container in which rice balls were served at the time, has also been preserved. You can see one at 2:43 in the video, in an interview with the son of a resident who helped rescue the Ertuğrul. The History of the Iran and Iraq Wars During the Iraq war in 1985, Japanese residents in Tehran, Iraq were rescued. A Turkish airliner was sent by the Turkish government to rescue 215 Japanese stranded in Tehran, the capital of Iran. This incident was also a repayment of the debt of gratitude for the rescue of the Ertuğrul, which created long lasting bonds between the two countries and resulted in a pro-Japanese Turkey. The Memorial Service for the Ertuğrul Incident Photo：Turkish Memorial and Museum As you see from 5:33, a memorial service for the Ertuğrul incident was conducted by the local people every year. In recent years, the memorial service is held every 5 years to commemorate the friendship. Local people work together to prepare this service in Kushimoto, Wakayama. In 2015, the Kushimoto Turkish Memorial and Museum was reopened, as well as an exhibit of the newly discovered artifacts found from the ship (6:49). Because Ertuğrul was a wooden ship, all of the artifacts sank to the bottom of the ocean. Searches have been conducted to look for more artifacts since 2008. Through these diligent searches, there have been a total of 7 exhibition events in both Japan and Turkey. During the 2015 excavation, which can be seen at 9:04 in the video, they worked off Kashinosaki, where the ship had gone missing at the time, and found 311 artifacts in 51 dives. These items have been investigated at the Ertuğrul Research Center, and local children helping with the conservation work. Source :YouTube screenshot At the only elementary school in Oshima, students learn about the exchange between Japan and Turkey during cultural exchange classes. Please check the video from 7:34 to see what students learn in school. You can also see a Turkish lady working at Kushimoto town hall at 7:50. Kushimoto town also invented a new type of rose and named it “Ertuğrul” as a symbol of friendship between two countries (8:16). Turkey and Japan: A Bond That Transcends Time Photo：Turkish warship memorial As seen in the video, the Turkish Culture Association in Kushimoto, Wakayama has been creating different events for interacting with Turkish culture, such as learning the Turkish language and popular dances. There was a movie called “125 Years Memory” in memory of the 125th year of friendship between Japan and Turkey. There are also several books and novels about Turkey and Japan. Please visit Wakayama to learn more about the history of Japan and Turkey. Wakayama prefecture has beautiful scenery and some World Heritage spots as well!

「大谷焼」紹介動画 こちらの動画は「伝統工芸 青山スクエア」が公開した「手技TEWAZA「大谷焼」Otani Pottery／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square」だ。 伝統工芸である大谷焼は徳島県鳴門市で生産されている陶器であり、歴史的文化の深い焼き物として多くの日本人に親しまれている。 大谷焼の起源は1780年にまで遡り、豊後の国（現在の大分県）で作られた物が始まりとされている。 伝統工芸である大谷焼の材料は鉄分の多い堆積粘土だが、もともとは赤土で作られていた。 大谷焼とは 大谷焼の特徴は、その大きさである。 伝統工芸である大谷焼は、酒器・かめ壺・植木鉢などの大きな陶器が有名だ。 この大きな大谷焼を作り方は「寝ろくろ」と呼ばれる独特の文化的製法で作られる。 「寝ろくろ」は、巨大な陶器を制作するために考案された文化的製法であり、陶器を制作する職人に加え、ろくろを回す職人の2人で行われる。 ろくろを回す職人は、横に寝て足でろくろを動かすことから「寝ろくろ」と言われる。 現在では陶器を作るろくろは、機械で回すことが多い。 しかし文化的製法で作られる大谷焼は、人間のリズムでろくろを回すことにこだわっている。人間の作るリズムは機械では再現できるものではなく、職人たちの匠の技があってこそだ。 歴史的文化を大切にする大谷焼は、職人の手技によって作られ、機械は使っていない。 ろくろはもちろんのことだが、こて・亀板（きばん）・柄杓（ひしゃく）など昔ながらの文化的道具を現在でも使っており、伝統文化を大切にしている。 伝統工芸である大谷焼は、阿波地方の伝統工芸「藍染」と深い関係がある。「藍染」は藍を原材料にし、衣類等を染める技法だ。 「藍染」では染料を保存する大きな陶器が必要なため、伝統的にこれに大谷焼が使われてきた。 「藍染」は非常に手間がかかるものの、「藍染」特有の柔らかい緑がかった青色は、現在でも多くの方に愛されている。 「藍染」で使われる大谷焼は「藍甕（あいがめ）」という名称で使われている。 徳島県鳴門市では毎年11月の第2土曜・日曜に「大谷焼窯まつり」が開催されている。 大谷焼陶業協会が主催するこの祭りでは、様々な大谷焼を販売している。 「大谷焼」紹介まとめ 伝統工芸である大谷焼は、大きな陶器として有名な焼き物であり、一般的には美術品として親しまれている。 しかし現在では、日用品などの小さな陶器も作られている。 「大谷焼窯まつり」では、皿・徳利・茶器などの大谷焼が市販の2～3割引で販売されており、祭りの目玉になっている。 また、大谷焼の文化的製法を体験できるイベントや大谷焼名陶展などもあるので、日本の伝統工芸に直に触れたいという方にはおすすめの祭りだ。

Video Introduction to Sunpu Castle, built by Ieyasu Tokugawa in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture The video, titled "Top 100 Castles of Japan｜Sunpu Castle," was created by "castle shrine." It introduces Sunpu Castle in Aoi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka. Sunpu Castle is a castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu and has been chosen as one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. The castle is also called Fuchu Castle and Shizuoka Castle. During the Edo period (1603 to 1868), the Sunpu domain and head of Sunpu Castle were established. At present, the site of the inner citadel and the ruins of the outer citadel have been transformed into Sunpu Castle Park. Public facilities such as the prefectural government office and the Shizuoka District Legal Affairs Office are located in the outermost area of the castle. About Sunpu Castle and Its History Photo：Sunpu Castle Ruins park・Statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu Shizuoka City in Shizuoka Prefecture was ruled around the 14th century by the Imagawa clan, the Suruga Protectorate of the Muromachi Shogunate. In 1585, Tokugawa Ieyasu, the ruler of Suruga, moved the castle from Hamamatsu Castle to the present site and began to build Surpu Castle in 1585. Sunpu Castle was completed in 1589, but Tokugawa Ieyasu was transferred to Kanto by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Nakamura Kazuuji became the lord of the castle. In 1605, Tokugawa Ieyasu handed over the title of Shogunate to Tokugawa Hidetada, who designated Sunpu the seat of government for the imperial family. He expanded Sunpu Castle and laid the foundation for the present-day cityscape by dividing Sunpu Castle Town into sections and creating a flood control project for the Abe River. In honor of his career, a bronze statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu was erected in the castle. It can be seen at 2:43 in the video. The interior of Sunpu Castle has been extensively reconstructed, and in 2016, an excavation of the castle tower was carried out to determine the condition of the tower's stone walls and to collect academic data. You can see the site of the excavation work at 2:50 in the video. Highlights of Sunpu Castle Photo：Sunpu Castle There are a lot of things to see at Sunpu Castle. The East Gate, which can be seen at 1:39 in the video, was restored in 1996. Tatsumi Tower, reconstructed in 1989, is one of the few castles in Japan with an L-shaped layout, and was an effective turret for the protection of Sunpu Castle. The complex waterway of the Ninomaru channel, which was discovered during research, is another highlight of the castle. Hitsujisaru Yagura is located in the southwest of Sunpu Castle's Outer Citadel Tower Although it looks like a double-roofed building, it is actually three stories high, and at the time it was used to defend against attacking enemies as an armory and a lookout. At the end of March 2014, it was restored using traditional wooden construction methods from that time period. All of the flooring and ceiling material on each floor have been removed, and some of it is glass, so you can see the subfloor structure of the tower. There's also Jodai Bridge and the Outer Citadel Gate too! You can also experience VR in the space-time room. At the attached Momijiyama Park, you can experience the atmosphere of a daimyo's garden. In spring, you can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the seasonal changes in the cherry blossoms and other flowers. In the garden's teahouse, you can enjoy a variety of events such as tea ceremony, flower arranging, and haiku. Sunpu Castle General Information Photo：Mt. Shizuhata・Kunozan Toshogu Shrine Sunpu Castle is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Mondays. Admission is ¥360 for adults and ¥120 for children for all three facilities (East Gate/Tatsumi Yagura, Hitsujisaru Yagura and Momijiyama Garden). The castle is a 15-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station and a 12-minute walk from Shizuoka Railway Shin-Shizuoka Station. By car it's about 17 minutes from the Shizuoka Interchange of the Tomei Expressway and 18 minutes from the Shin-Shizuoka Interchange of the New Tomei Expressway. There is no parking lot available, so please use the parking lot in front of the Civic Cultural Center (市民文化会館). Nearby Sunpu Castle is Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a national treasure. This is the shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu was buried and the temple used to be the site of Kuno Castle. At Rinzai Temple (臨済寺, Rinzaiji), located at the foot of Mt. Shizuhata, there are tombs and a memorial tablet of the Imagawa clan. Summary of Sunpu Castle Photo：Sunpu Castle Park and Mt. Fuji What'd you think of Sunpu Castle, built by the great general of the Warring States period, Tokugawa Ieyasu? Why not visit Sunpu Castle and get a red seal stamp from one of "Top 100 Castles of Japan"? Sunpu Castle is the great place to revisit the history of the Warring States period and learn about the history of Japan! ◆Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Sunpujokoen, Aoi, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 424-0855 【Access】A 15-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station and a 12-minute walk from Shizuoka Railway Shin-Shizuoka Station 【Admission fee】Tickets for all three facilities (East Gate/Tatsumi Yagura, Hitsujisaru Yagura and Momijiyama Garden) are ¥360 for adults and ¥120 for children. 【Hours】9 am to 4:30 pm (East Gate, Tatsumi Yagura and Momijiyama Garden) 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】054-251-0016 【Official Website】Sumpu Castle Park https://sumpu-castlepark.com/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sumpu Castle Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298124-d1568848-Reviews-Shizuoka_castle-Shizuoka_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Grand Seiko, Nagano, Japan - Watchmaker Video Introduction This video is "Inside Grand Seiko, Episode One: The Master Craftsman" produced by "Hodinkee". It is a valuable video that shows us the state and production process of the workshop that makes the world-class precision watches "Grand Seiko." The commitment of these Watchmaker's cannot be overlooked! The Japanese Micro-Artist Studio Behind Grand Seiko Watches Source :YouTube screenshot Seiko Epson's Shiojiri office in the Koshinetsu region and the Suwa region of Nagano prefecture, introduced in this video, was established with the aim of inheriting the techniques of the watchmaker "Micro Artist Studio." "Every one must be beautiful," says watchmaker Yoshifusa Nakazawa, a watch assembler who continues to produce watches in this studio (0:50 in the video). Mr. Nakazawa has been active as a watch assembler since joining the company in 1978, and in 1981 won the World Skills Competition in Japan. In this workshop, the assembly of the movement (the part that controls the driving of the wristwatch), the installation of the dial, and the case insertion are all performed consistently, so that steps such as maintenance and overhaul can be easily performed. From 1:06 of the video, you can see how precisely each watch is assembled, sometimes using a microscope. From 3:23 in the video, he says, "Mr. Nakazawa inherits 100% of the technology of assembling watches, and the best watches are assembled neatly." What Is Grand Seiko's Original Mechanism the "Spring Drive"!? Source :YouTube screenshot The mechanism “spring drive” mounted on Grand Seiko, which can be seen from 2:51 in the video, is said to be a third engine that combines machinery and quartz. It has a history of 20 years as a model symbolizing the Grand Seiko brand. The model called "44GS" established the design of Seiko style in 1967. It lists three policies, which are as follows: 1. Design consisting of a plane and quadratic surface, with a plane as the main body. Cubic surfaces are not used in principle. 2. Increase the area of the flat surface as much as possible over all cases, dials and hands. 3. In principle, each surface is a mirror surface, and distortion from each mirror surface is minimized as much as possible. Based on this policy, the 44GS was designed with nine features. This Seiko style is designed to spice up the beauty of Japan. It considers the "light" of Japanese people, and those who hold it can feel the beauty of the Japanese in its undistorted, flat planes. Grand Seiko can be called a work packed with the aesthetic sense of Japan. Master Shops Where You Can Buy Limited Items From Grand Seiko Photo：SEIKO The Grand Seiko Master Shops refer to about 140 shops in Japan that have signed a contract with Seiko, and there are several types of limited models sold only to that master shop. Not only men models, but valuable diver models and ladies' models are popular as well. For a list of watches, see the official website. In addition, you can apply for battery replacement from the official website, so please check it out. Of course, Grand Seiko can also be purchased online. Summary of the Popular Japanese Watch Grand Seiko Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's proud Grand Seiko watches have a high reputation in Japan and around the world as watches with a history and ideology. At the end of the video, Nakazawa says, "I imagine that those who use Grand Seiko watches will hand them over to the next generation and pass them on." Why not get your own watch? One that has been created as a work of art that inherits Japanese technology. 【Official Website】Grand Seiko Official Site https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en