This video, titled "[Cinematic] Joginyorai Saiho Temple - Miyagi - 定義如来 西方寺 - 4K Ultra HD" was produced by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, Saihoji Temple is locally referred to as "Teigi San". The temple honors a hanging scroll of the Amitabha Buddha, which was brought to the temple at the end of the Heian period by Taira no Shigemori. Beyond the magnificent temple gate is the distinctive hexagonal main hall. Be sure to visit the imposing five-story pagoda at Saihoji Temple as well. You can also spend a leisurely day in the garden near the five-story pagoda while enjoying a cup of green tea. Situated in the mountains, far from the city center of Sendai, Saihoji Temple is an ideal spot for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax.

Sendai Aoba Festival 2022: Video Introduction This video, titled "2022 Sendai Aoba Festival SUZUME ODORI (sendai,Japan)" (3年ぶりの開催 2022仙台・青葉まつり 仙台すずめ踊り SUZUME ODORI (sendai,Japan), was uploaded by "emeraldmiyagi II." The Sendai Aoba Festival of Sendai, Miyagi features a traditional dance called "Suzume Odori" (すずめ踊り, lit 'sparrow dance'), which has been handed for generations in Sendai. The dancers, with fans in hand, resemble cute sparrows. The dance is said to have originated as an improvised dance performed by masonry workers. This article introduces the history of Suzume Odori and its highlights. Be sure to check out the video to see what the lively Suzume Odori dance is like. What Is the Sendai Aoba Festival? The History of the Unique Japanese Festival Photo：Sendai Aoba Festival, Sendai, Miyagi The origins of the Sendai Aoba Festival, held every May, can be traced back to the Sendai Festival, a festival held at Sendai Toshogu Shrine by order of Date Tadamune, the second lord of the Sendai Domain, in 1655. At the time, the festival featured a spectacular procession of floats. The last Yamaboko floats were made in 1897, but since 1956, Sendai Aoba Festival has been held under the sponsorship of the Sendai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc. The current Sendai Aoba Festival was first held in 1985. The Sendai Aoba Festival is one of the three major festivals in Sendai, but was unfortunately canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the spread of COVID-19. In 2022, the festival was held for the first time in three years, albeit on a reduced scale, and the video shows the joy and liveliness of the people who had been looking forward to participating in it. [Video] 0:50 - Children Dancing Happily With Adults Sendai Aoba Festival – The Meaning of the Suzume Odori Dance, Clothing, and Characteristics of the Festival Source :YouTube screenshot The history of Suzume Odori dates back to 1603. It is said to have originated as an impromptu dance performed by masonry workers in front of Lord Date Masamune at a banquet that was held after the relocation of Sendai Castle. Because the dancers resembled sparrows, the dance was named "Suzume Odori," and Date Masamune's family crest was also bamboo and sparrow. It's recorded that "Suzume Odori" was danced at the Aoba Festival in 1885. However, due to a lack of successors, the dance ceased for a time in 1950. Later, with the aim of preserving the tradition as a local folk art, it was revived as Sendai Suzume Odori at the 3rd Sendai Aoba Festival in 1987. The current Sendai Aoba Festival is a two-day festival in which the Suzume Odori dance is performed on a grand scale. The clothing worn during Suzume Odori consists of women wearing their hair in buns with flower ornaments. Happi coats, etc., are worn over Koikuchi shirts with carp-like cuffs. In the video, many people can be seen wearing matching hachimaki headbands with patterns. In their hands, they hold fans with different colors on each side. The sight of a large number of people dancing together is spectacular, and is great for taking photos if you're a photographer or Instagrammer! [Video] 5:40 - Happi Coats and Koikuchi Shirts The Suzume Odori dance is performed on Jozenji-dori, a street lined with zelkova trees, which can be seen from the beginning of the video, and the costumes of the dancers are particularly noteworthy. Things to Do at the Sendai Aoba Festival Photo：Suzume Odori at the Sendai Aoba Festival, Sendai, Miyagi The Sendai Aoba Festival is a two-day festival that includes "Yoimatsuri," and evening festival, and "Hon Matsuri," the festival on the main day of the event. During Yoi Matsuri, Suzume Odori is held after the opening ceremony, and during Hon Matsuri, another version of the dance is performed. On both days, a market will be set up in Kotodai Park and other areas, where visitors can experience the traditions, culture, and gourmet food associated with feudal lord Date Masamune. Tourists can also participate in the Suzume Odori dance as well. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. You can watch the Suzume Odori dance at Sendai Civic Square. [Video] 3:25 - Suzume Odori at Sendai Civic Square When is Sendai Aoba Festival in 2023 + How to Get to Sendai Aoba Festival Photo：Kotodaikoen Station, Sendai City Subway The 39th Sendai Aoba Festival in 2023 is scheduled to be held on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday, May 21. To access the festival, visitors can walk from JR Sendai Station or Kotodaikoen Station, etc. If you are driving, parking is available at general pay parking lots. Please note that traffic regulations will be enforced around the venue during the event period. A Brief Introduction to Sendai Sendai is located approximately 1 hour north of Tokyo by bullet train. It's famous for its gyutan (thinly sliced beef tongue), Tanabata festival in August, and snacks made with zunda, a mashed paste made from boiled green soybeans. The city was founded in 1601 by Data Masamune, a legendary samurai and ruler of which a statue can be seen at Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle). May is the last month of spring in Japan, and as such, Sendai, much like Tokyo, will be getting warmer with each passing day. As such, we recommended bringing t shirts and shorts for the warmer days, as well as long-sleeve shirts, windbreakers, etc., for days when the temperature is a bit lower. Things to Do Near Sendai Aoba Festival Sendai Aoba Festival is held in close proximity to Sendai Station, and there are many things to do nearby. Here is a short list of things to do near the festival: Zuihoden Zuihoden is the mausoleum of the famous warrior and ruler, Date Masamune. It was built in 1636 by order of Date Masamune, who passed away at the age of 70. The mausoleum features gorgeous architecture and other members of the Date Clan are also entombed in nearby mausoleums on the premises. Hours: February 1 - November 30, 9:00 am - 4:50 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm) December 1 - January 31, 9:00 am - 4:20 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm) Admission Fee: General admission: 570 yen, High school students: 410 yen, Elementary and middle school students: 210 yen (Discounts available for groups of 20 or more) Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle) Sendai Castle, also known as Aoba Castle, was built in 1601 by order of Date Masamune. Throughout the castle's life it was damaged by many earthquakes and other natural disasters, but was repaired each time. It was also involved the Boshin War, however, indirectly. Many of the former buildings were destroyed by a large fire in 1882 and later in 1945 during WWII. Despite being mostly ruins, there are many attractions to see here, including the gallant statue of Date Masamune on horseback. Hours: April - October: 9:00 am - 4:20 pm (Reception closes at 3:50 pm) November - March: 9:00 am - 3:40 pm (Reception closes at 3:10 pm) Admission Fee (Aoba Castle Museum): General admission: 700 yen, Middle and high school students: 500 yen, Elementary school students: 300 yen Sendai Morning Market A morning market offering a wide variety of fresh local specialties from Miyagi Prefecture. You can enjoy purchasing souvenirs here or trying a wide range of snacks. There are also restaurants where you can eat at as well. Hours: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Admission Fee: Free Summary of the Sendai Aoba Festival This article introduced Suzume Odori, one of the main parts of the Sendai Aoba Festival. The dance, with its colorful fans, makes you want to start dancing yourself. Watching the dancing in the video, it's hard not to crack a smile. If you're planning to visit Miyagi Prefecture during the Sendai Aoba Festival, consider participating in the festival. Even if you just show up and watch, you're sure to have a great time!

SENDAI Pageant of Starlight: Video Introduction This video, titled "SENDAI Pageant of Starlight Introductory Video" (SENDAI光のページェント紹介動画), was uploaded by "SENDAI Pageant of Starlight" (SENDAI光のページェント). This video, released in 2020, introduces the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight and Starlight Fantasy: The Story of Santa's Forest held in Sendai, Miyagi, in Japan's Tohoku region. SENDAI Pageant of Starlight is a winter festival held at the main venue on Jozenji Street (定禅寺通, Jozen-ji Dori) in Sendai. It features fantastic, gentle illuminations and the smiling faces the festival's participants. The subtitles explain the festival and introduce the city of Sendai, the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region. There is also an English version, so be sure to check it out as well. ※The English version can be found in the video description. [Video] 0:10 - Explanation About SENDAI Pageant of Starlight SENDAI Pageant of Starlight – The History and Meaning of the Winter Festival Photo：SENDAI Pageant of Starlight, Sendai, Miyagi Here we'll introduce the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight, which has become a winter tradition in Sendai, Miyagi, the largest city in Japan's Tohoku region. The SENDAI Pageant of Starlight began in 1986, when citizens of Sendai volunteered to decorate the trees lining Jozen-ji Street and Aoba Street (青葉通, Aoba Dori) with lights in the hope of making the City of Trees the "City of Light." At the time, approximately 300,000 lights were used to illuminate 44 zelkova trees on Jozenji Street and 114 zelkovas on Aoba Street. The festival organizers opted to use the English word "pageant." However, the word "pageant" does not have the meaning of "illumination." Thus, the event was named "Pageant of Starlight" as opposed to "Illumination of Starlight" because it was named with the hope of bringing smiles to the faces of children who have been moved by the sight of something so beautiful. SENDAI Pageant of Starlight, which will be held for its 37th year in 2022, is supported by citizen donations and corporate sponsorships. In addition to donation boxes placed throughout the city, volunteers collect donations on the streets, and crowdfunding has helped this winter festival continue for more than 30 years. SENDAI Pageant of Starlight 2022 – Festival Dates, Venue Information, and Lighting Hours Photo：Jozen-ji Street during SENDAI Pageant of Starlight The 2022 SENDAI Pageant of Starlight will feature 125 zelkovas lit up along Jozen-ji Street in the center of Sendai with approximately 470,000 LED lights! Below is a brief description of where the festival will take place and what time the lights will start at. 【Event Period】For 17 days, from Friday, December 9 to Sunday, December 25 【Event Location】Jozenji Street in Sendai, Miyagi (from Sendai Mitsukoshi to Jozenji Garden Hills Wedding Hall) 【Lighting Hours】Monday - Friday: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. / Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. The theme for the 2022 festival is "Look up, Keep SMILE!" The SENDAI Pageant of Starlight is held with the hopes that everyone who comes to SENDAI Pageant of Starlight and looks up at the warm lights spreading across the night sky will be able to smile. We hope for the same! Don't miss the Starlight Wink event, in which all the lights are turned off and then simultaneously turned on again! The Main Attraction at SENDAI Pageant of Starlight – The Story of Santa's Forest Source :YouTube screenshot Starlight Fantasy "The Story of Santa's Forest," is the most popular attraction of the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight. Citizens and marching bands dressed up as Santa Claus and his reindeer parade down the illuminated Jozen-ji Street to the sound of music. Many spectators come to enjoy the winter night in Sendai. Unfortunately, the event is canceled in 2022 due to the global pandemic. [Video] 1:21 - Starlight Fantasy: The Story of Santa's Forest Summary of SENDAI Pageant of Starlight The Sendai Pageant of Starlight, a winter tradition in Sendai, Miyagi, will be held in conjunction with the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight at Kotodai Park on the east side of Jozen-ji Street. Although the 2022 event will be held on a reduced scale, a large number of visitors are still expected to participate in the festival. Please enjoy the warmth of the winter illumination event in Sendai, which is filled with the wishes of the people. In order to ensure that everyone has a good time, it is important to be mindful of others and take precautions to avoid spreading infectious diseases. ◆SENDAI Pageant of Starlight◆ 【Access】 ・Car Drive towards the Prefectural Government Office and City Hall via Nishi Road from the Sendai-Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway. ・Public Transportation From JR Sendai Station's West Exit, take the Namboku Subway Line toward Izumi-Chuo Station, get off at [Kotodai Koen Station], and walk for 1 minute.

An Introduction to Miyagi’s Traditional "Kokeshi" Dolls This video is called ‘Tohoku STANDARD 07 Kokeshi dolls of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (東北STANDARD 07 宮城県 仙台こけし)’ made by Tohoku Standard (東北STANDARD), and it shows you Miyagi Prefecture's Traditional Kokeshi doll. Miyagi's traditional Kokeshi doll has a long history. Its origins trace back to the mid-Edo Period (1603～1868). It was originally a souvenir from onsen hot spring towns in Japan's Tohoku Region. There are five traditional Kokeshi dolls in Miyagi Prefecture: Naruko Kokeshi dolls, Sakunami Kokeshi dolls, Tohgatta Kokeshi dolls, Yajiro Kokeshi dolls, and Hijiori Kokeshi dolls. Their colors and shapes vary by craftsman. Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces you to Kokeshi doll craftsman, Akira Suzuki from the Ganguan Kokeshi Doll Studio at the Akiu Crafts Centre at the Akiu hot springs in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. He has been working on the restoration of Enakichi Kokeshi dolls by Meiji Period craftsman Enakichi Takahashi. In the interview, Akira Suzuki explains the characteristics of Kokeshi dolls and the tradition that he has been passed on. Watch the video to enjoy the traditional Japanese culture that has been pass down for generations. Sendai's Kokeshi Dolls Photo：Kokeshi doll Kokeshi dolls are popular wooden toys with a simple shape, generally consisting of a spherical head and a cylindrical body, which are used and sold for girls to play with. The body is made in a shape that can be easily held by children. One of the origins of the word, Kokeshi doll is said to be "Kohukeshi," a nickname for them in the Naruko region. Kokeshi dolls have various regional names such as Kiboko, Deku, Kogesu and Hohko. In 1940, at the first local meeting of the Tokyo Kokeshi Society, researchers and artisans debated on the name for the doll and finally decided on "Kokeshi." Source :YouTube screenshot The Kokeshi doll made by Akira Suzuki in the video is a Sakunami Kokeshi doll and it belongs to the category of Sendai Kokeshi dolls. As seen from 0:33 in the video, the characteristics of Sendai Kokeshi dolls are their thinner lower bodies that can easily be held and the simple use of black and red colors. In addition to traditional Kokeshi dolls, Akira Suzuki also creates pretty Kokeshi dolls such as Hyakuso Kokeshi doll shown from 0:57 in the video. Some Kokeshi dolls are made using the traditional techniques and skills passed down through many generations and have maintained their original shapes. Others have a more modern look to suit current tastes, with variations depending on people’s interests at the time of creation. How Kokeshi Dolls Are Made Kokeshi dolls use mainly Cornel and Japanese Maple as materials. It requires the skills of a master craftsman. Production Step 1 - Tamakiri (Crosscutting) and Kidori (conversion) Cutting the dry timber to the suitable length is called Tamakiri, while adjusting the shape of the timber suitable for use for Kokeshi dolls is called Kidori. You cut the timber with a tool such as a saw, then make it into a cylindrical shape by cutting off the corners. This is the foundation of Kokeshi dolls. Source :YouTube screenshot Production Step 2 - Wood turning (~0:14） Set the head and body on the lathe and use a plane to shave the wood. Production Step 3 - Finalizing the shape Once the wood is ground to a certain shape, it is cut and shaped with a finishing planer called a "Bankaki." Next, you use sandpaper to smooth the surface. Source :YouTube screenshot Production Step 4 - Painting (~0:41) Using the lathe, draw lines on the body and add a face on the head carefully. Production Stage 5 - Finish Make a hole in the head and attach it to the body. Other Information About Kokeshi Dolls Photo：Kokeshi doll painting experience In Naruko Onsen, where Naruko Kokeshi dolls are made, they hold the National Kokeshi Doll Festival. Traditional Kokeshi dolls from nationwide gather at the festival, and a festival parade and Kokeshi doll workshops and sales booths are set up. At Kokeshi no Shimanuki in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, you can buy various local folk art and crafts from Japan's Tohoku region. You can also try a Kokeshi doll painting workshop. They sell various Kokeshi doll goods, such as Kokeshi doll in Can, which has a traditional Kokeshi doll packed in a can, and Akari Kokeshi dolls, whose bodies light up and can even be used in emergencies. These items sold at Kokeshi no Shimanuki can also be bought at their online shops. Other popular Kokeshi doll goods include local Kokeshi doll clips made of paper, masking tapes, Kokeshi doll key rings, and Kokeshi doll cakes. Kokeshi dolls with a Sendai Accent which is quite popular, and its postal stamps and LINE stamps are sold. Sendai dialect Kokeshi, a unique character that speaks in the dialect of Miyagi Prefecture, is also popular, and stamps and LINE stamps are also available. The Sendai dialect variation is quite popular because the actress Satomi Ishihara uses it. Summary of the Sendai Kokeshi Dolls Source :YouTube screenshot In the interview (~1:24), Akira Suzuki says, "You can’t keep the tradition alive just by passing it down. We conserve our tradition through innovation." Kokeshi dolls have been popular as a children’s toy for many years. Nowadays, they are popular overseas as souvenirs and collectibles from Japan. If this video has you interested in Tohoku Kokeshi dolls definitely visit the Nihon Kokeshi Doll Museum in Naruko Town. We highly recommend it! Mr. Akira Suzuki looks rather serious in this video's interview, but at the end of this 2 minute video you can tell he is full of love for Kokeshi dolls. By the time you finish this video, we're sure you'll be a fan of Kokeshi dolls too! 【Official Website】Traditional Folk Art of Miyagi – Traditional Kokeshi doll - Miyagi Prefecture Official Website https://www.pref.miyagi.jp/soshiki/shinsan/01kokesi.html

The Traditional Japanese Art "Tokiwa Kongatazome" This video "Miyagi Prefecture, Tokiwa Kongatazome" ( 宮城県 常盤紺型染（ときわこんがたぞめ)), was created by "Tohoku STANDARD." The woman featured in the video is Kuniko Sasaki, a craftswoman who works at the Natoriya Dyeing Factory, a dye shop in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region. The video is an interview where she speaks about how she encountered the traditional art and craft Tokiwa Kongatazome (常盤紺型染), as well as its origin and traditions. The Traditional Japanese Art and Craft "Tokiwa Kongatazome" Source :YouTube screenshot Tokiwa Kongatazome is a technique of stencil dyeing born in the late Edo period (1750 ～1850), and developed in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. At that time, Tohoku did not have Kasuri-weaving (a textile technique in which patterns were woven using thread dyed in different colors), so people came up with the idea of creating a paper stencil based on the design patterns of Kasuri instead. It came to be called Tokiwa Kongatazome. The technique of Tokiwa Kongatazome was passed on from the dye shop "Mogamiya" (最上屋) in Akita prefecture to dye shops in Sendai city. People loved its warm fuzzy feeling and gorgeous patterns, and it made great strides from the Meiji era (1868～1912) to the early Showa era (1930~). One of its features is that it can be mass produced, unlike textiles. Tokiwa Kongatazome originated in Yokota city in Akita prefecture (Tohoku region) but developed in Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture. Source :YouTube screenshot The products dyed with the Tokiwa Kongatazome technique are called "Sendai Yukata" and are loved all over Japan. It initially only used deep blue colors for dyeing so it was named "Tokiwa 'Kon' gata" (Kon 紺, meaning "navy blue" in Japanese), but now it uses multiple colors so people sometimes call it somply "Tokiwagata" (without the kanji for navy blue). After World War II, Japanese fashion changed from Wafuku (Japanese-style) to Yofuku (Western-style), causing the Tokiwa Kongatazome technique to lose popularity. However, the dye shop "Natoriya Dyeing Factory" (名取屋染工場) uses Tokiwa Kongatazome in products like "Tenugui" (Hand towels), "Noren" (traditional Japanese fabric dividers hung on/between walls), flags, curtains, banners, "Hanten" (short, Japanese-style winter coats), and other small items. How It's Made: Tokiwa Kongatazome Stencil Dyeing Source :YouTube screenshot As it shows in the video around 0:41, first you put a Tokiwa Kongatazome stencil on a white fabric and apply starch. The starched area is going to be left white after the fabric is dyed, forming a pattern on the cloth. An example of this stencil dyeing is shown in the video around 1:49. A technique called "Itoire" (Inserting threads into a paper-stencil) is used to create a paper-stencil. This technique allows for the design of more intricate patterns. As you can tell by watching the video, everything is handcrafted by professionals. Summary of Tokiwa Kongatazome Source :YouTube screenshot Kuniko Sasaki of the "Natoriya Dyeing Factory" says in the interview that she started Tokiwa Kongatazome because she found stencils that were more than 100 years old when she was cleaning out her warehouse roughly 20 years ago, and she thought it would be a shame to lose the traditional craft. Feeling this, she decided she wanted to pass on the spirit of the craftsmen before her. Tokiwa Kongatazome products are also available online. The popular hand towels are available for purchase for around 1,000 yen (~$10 USD). Tokiwa Kongatazome is also popular among younger people and foreigners. Enjoy watching the video and get to know Tokiwa Kongatazome!