The Lives of Ordinary People in the Taisho Era! This video, “1914-1918 (Taisho 3-7) the life of the common people and "Akatonbo"（1914～1918(大正3年～大正7年)庶民の暮らしと「赤とんぼ」）”, shows how Japanese people lived during the Taisho era. The photo was taken by the American salesman, Elstner Hilton. The song used in the video is "Akatombo," a famous Japanese nursery rhyme written by Miki Rofu, and composed by Kosaku Yamada. Before the war and during the First World War, the photographic techniques were not very well developed, so these photos are quite invaluable. Please enjoy the life of Japanese people that has been passed down to the present day through about 2.5 minutes of video. What Was the Taisho Period Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho era was about 100 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Taisho from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926. During this period in Japan, after the Meiji Restoration, "Taisho democracy" aimed for the development of democracy. Also, World War I occurred during the Taisho era. The Taisho era is a short period of only 15 years, but it is also an indispensable period for talking about modern Japanese history. The Clothes, Food, and Lifestyles of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot Clothes fashion appeared in the Taisho era, but many people still wore kimonos. At 1:16 in the video, a woman washing a kimono in the river is also shown. As you can see in the pictures, men usually have short hair and women generally have one hairstyle. At 0:28 in the video, there is also a figure of an easy-going fortune-teller on the roadside. At 0:35, a man knitting a basket of traditional handicrafts is photographed, and at 0:44, traditional Japanese daruma making is shot. In addition, the video features a series of photographs that show how people lived in Japan at the time. The hearth shown at 1:08 in the video, was indispensable for the lives and meals of the common people, and helped them survive the harsh winters. Also introduced at 1:56 is a performing arts culture called monkey loops. It was a recreation among ordinary people at the time without TV and internet. Summary of the Life of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot This time, we introduced a video showing photos of life in the Taisho era. You can see how the common people lived at the time from the precious photographs. Many smiling people appear in the photos. In the Taisho era, a war broke out and forced many people into poverty, but even still, their hearts remained rich.

Osaka's Danjiri Festival: The Most Dangerous Festival in Japan? This video [2019 Danjiri Festival's Accidents and Unexpected Events]（令和元年　だんじり祭り　事故＆ハプニング集） is a video summarizing events that took place during Osaka's traditional Danjiri Festival. During the Danjiri festival, Danjiri festival floats are pulled along the streets at amazing speeds. They fly past the front of people's homes at full speed grazing street lights and barely avoiding crashes but unfortunately accidents do occur from time to time. This video contains a collection of exciting footage from the Danjiri festival, including accidents and other shocking scenes. Please enjoy the thrilling footage! What Is the Danjiri Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The Danjiri festival is a traditional religious festival held in Kishiwada, Osaka in the Kansai region of Japan. It dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868AD) and originates from the shrine lanterns of the time. There are several Danjiri festivals held in the central area of the Kinki region of Japan: Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, Haruki Danjiri Festival, Kobe Danjiri Festival and Sakai Danjiri Festival to name a few. The Danjiri Festival is held every year to pray for a good harvest and attracts many viewers keen to take a look at the exciting event. The wooden floats decorated with beautiful carvings are pulled around the town on ropes and considered by many to be works of art. Accidents Are Unavoidable During the Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot Accidents and unexpected events happen almost every year during Osaka's Danjiri festival. This video contains footage of the festival floats toppling over, crashing into lamp posts and other dangerous accidents due to the high speed they are being pulled around at. A method called "Yarimawashi" (やりまわし) used to help the floats turn right-angled street corners at high speed is one of the most thrilling and suspenseful moments of the festival. Accidents are particularly prone to happening on rainy days or during the darker hours of the evening. This can be seen at 2:57, 3:18, 6:23 and 8:14 in the video. Some years accidents are so dangerous that they have unfortunately resulted in death. Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of this video has to be at 13:36 when one of the floats crashes into a street light which breaks and falls over. You can feel just how terrifying that must have been! Again at 14:50 you can see a float crash into a street curb and topple over. There are also many moments when the floats shake violently from side to side and come close to toppling over, occasionally actually falling over in front of spectators. Attending even as a spectator can put your life at risk! As you've probably noticed from the video at 5:45, 6:45, and 7:08, those pulling the floats cannot let go of the ropes even if they fall over and as a result end up being dragged along the street. The reason being, is that there is a danger of being trampled by the float if one let's go of the ropes, therefore there is a rule that one must hold onto the rope no matter what. Danjiri Festival Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed our video compilation of the thrilling events that take place during the Danjiri fesival. With serious accidents being a regular occurrence, it's safe to say that the Danjiri festival is one of the most dangerous festivals in Japan. Even so, every year many visitors come to watch and take part in the festival. There are many food stands and the large number of spectators make this is a very lively and exciting festival! ◆Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Introduction Summary◆ 【Event date】Every year in the middle of August 【Access】JR Kishiwada station (JR岸和田駅, JR Kishiwadaeki) or JR Haruki station (JR春木駅, JR Harukieki) 【Official Website】Kishiwada Danjiri Festival https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.kishiwada.osaka.jp%2Fsite%2Fdanjiri%2F 【Tripadvisor】Danjiri Festival (September festival) https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1023471-d10019374-r362673132-Danjiri_Matsuri_September-Kishiwada_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Video Introduction This video, titled "Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido｜Wild Sea Otters Floating in the Sea｜2020" (北海道霧多布岬 ぷかぷか浮かぶ 野生のラッコ 2020), was uploaded by "Shinji kawamura." The video captures endangered sea otters playfully swimming and relaxing at Cape Kiritappu, a place where you can encounter otters, foxes, and other wildlife of Japan. It's a great place for taking Instagram photos as well, so be sure to check it out. Don't forget to follow along with the video! Sea Otters – An Endangered Species on the Decline in Japan Photo：A raft of sea otters The main habitat of wild sea otters is the area from the California coast through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Overfishing has led to a decline in the wild population, and it's estimated that more than 3,000 sea otters perished when an oil tanker ran aground in Alaska. Although the number of sea otters in the wild temporarily declined to less than 2,000, active conservation efforts have helped the population recover to more than 100,000. On the other hand, the number of sea otters kept in aquariums in Japan has continued to decline from 122 in 1994, and by 2021 there will be only 4 in Japan. Sea otters, which are designated as an endangered species, are prohibited from being imported from outside of Japan. Currently, because of declining reproductive capabilities and aging populations, further breeding of sea otters kept in Japan becoming more and more difficult. Because of this, it's not unlikely that there will come a day when sea otters can no longer be seen in aquariums in Japan. Where to See Sea Otters in the Wild in Japan Photo：Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido There was a time when wild sea otters were no longer seen in the waters around Japan due to overfishing, but since 1980, there has been a string of sightings along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. In recent years, wild sea otters have been seen in Japan mainly in three areas along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. One is Cape Kiritappu, which is introduced in the video, and the others are Cape Nosappu in Nemuro, which is located on the northeast side of the cape, and Moyururi Island, an uninhabited island off the Kombumori fishing port between Cape Kiritappu and Cape Nosappu. Breeding has been confirmed on both Cape Kiritappu and Moyururi Island. Of these three locations, the highest probability of observing wild sea otters from land is at Cape Kiritappu. The sight of wild sea otters, both parents and offspring, floating in the sea, is both funny and cute. [Video] 0:19 - Wild Sea Otters Swimming With Their Offspring in Their Arms Sea Otters at Cape Kiritappu - The Best Times and Where to See Them Photo：An otter Wild sea otters can be seen throughout the year around Cape Kiritappu. However, your chances are low during bad weather, such as fog or high waves. It's said that the chance of seeing sea otters on a clear day is only a 1 in 3 chance, so weather is also an important factor. The best place to see them is where the waves are most calm. The probability of seeing them is higher on the north side of the cape and around reefs. If you're lucky, you can see wild sea otters up close, but we recommend bringing a telescope or binoculars in order to clearly see their appearance, behavior, and facial expressions. You can check out the sea otters napping and eating in the video. [Video] 1:50 - Sea Otters Relaxing and Taking Naps [Video] 4:28 - Sea Otters Eating Shellfish off Their Stomachs Summary of Otters at Cape Kiritappu The number of sea otters kept in aquariums has drastically decreased due to difficulties in breeding in Japan. Wild sea otters, on the other hand, a species that once vanished due to overhunting, can now be seen in the waters around Japan. The eastern coast of Hokkaido, where sightings are particularly common, is now quite popular. Cape Kiritappu is a popular spot to see rare wild sea otters from land. If you happen to see them during a visit to the area, consider yourself lucky! 【TripAdvisor】Cape Kiritappu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120924-d1553698-Reviews-Kiritappu_Cape-Hamanaka_cho_Akkeshi_gun_Hokkaido.html

Traditional Japanese Cultures – Tea Ceremony, Flower Arrangement, Calligraphy, Kendo, and Archery: Video Introduction This video, titled "IS JAPAN COOL? DOU - 道 (THE TANGIBLE MANNER)," was uploaded by "ANA Global Channel." The video begins with an atmospheric Japanese bamboo grove, followed by scenes of martial arts such as iaido and kendo using Japanese swords, as well as calligraphy and archery. The beautiful images and the sound of taiko drums provide a glimpse into the various "Ways" of Japanese culture, including the classical Japanese performing arts of Noh theatre and Nihon buyo (classical Japanese dance). In Japanese "Dou" (道, Road/Path), in the context of traditional Japanese cultures, means "The Way." Some of the most common of these traditional cultures are as follows: Kendo (剣道) Kendo (剣, Sword) (道, Path) or "The Way of the Sword" Sado (茶道) Sado (茶, Tea) (道, Path) or "The Way of Tea" Kado (華道) Kado (華, Flower) (道, Path) or "The Way of Flowers," a type of flower arrangement Shodo (書道) Shodo (書, Writing) (道, Path) or "The Way of Writing," more commonly known as calligraphy Kyudo (弓道) Kyudo (弓, Bow) (道, Path) or "The Way of the Bow," more commonly known as archery Traditional Japanese Cultures and 'The Way' Photo：The kanji for 'Way' When it comes to Japanese culture, many people probably think of things like kendo and tea ceremony. "Dou," or "The Way" helps convey the history and wisdom contained within these traditional Japanese cultures. In fact, it's still not widely known that there are numerous "ways" in Japan. For starters, calligraphy (書道, Shodo), tea ceremony (茶道, Sado), and flower arrangement (華道, Kado), widely known as traditional Japanese culture, are collectively referred to as Sando (三道) or "The Three Ways." Even today, they are popular as training activities. There are also nine types of budo (武, War) (道, Path) or "The Way of War," including judo, which is popular around the world as an Olympic sport, kendo, kyudo (traditional Japanese archery), sumo, karate, naginata, aikido, jukendo, and shorinji kenpo. In addition, there are iaido, jodo, tatedo, and kobudo. There is also kodo, (香, Aroma) (道, Path) or "The Way of Aromas," which involves burning incense to enjoy their fragrance. There are many lesser-known forms of martial arts in Japan as well. Did you know that there are more Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan than there are convenience stores in the entire country? Even Japan's native religions, Shinto (神, Gods) (道, Path) or "The Way of the Gods," Butsudo (仏, Buddha) (道, Path) or "The Way of Buddha," and Shugendo (修, Discipline) (験, Test) (道, Path), or literally "The Way of Discipline and Testing." Learning More than Simply the 'Way' Photo：A judo gi So what is learned from these traditional Japanese cultures? Let's take the aforementioned "Budo" (martial arts) as an example. Japanese martial arts are similar to sports, as they are competitive and use a set of established rules. However, budo emphasizes spirituality. It's said that Budo is a form of "Bushido" (武士道), the "Way of the Warrior," a way to improve one's spirituality and character, particularly civility and morality. Budo is not only about winning matches, but also about becoming a better person by training one's mind, techniques, and physique through daily practice and discipline. Let's take a look at what you can actually learn by studying martial arts. ●Etiquette and Perseverance Martial arts are said to begin and end with a bow. Through martial arts, students learn to be considerate of others while keeping their emotions in check, and through repeated training, they also acquire patience and perseverance. ●Increased Concentration When competing against an opponent, one must pay attention to the opponent's movements and be ready to respond to the opponent's attack. This requires a high level of concentration. By continuing to practice, you will strengthen your ability to concentrate. Other benefits include increased flexibility of the shoulder blades and hip joints and increased metabolism, and it can also be practiced by men and women of all ages. If one's spirituality is enhanced through "budo," one may be able to calmly deal with unpleasant situations in real-life relationships or at work. Not limited to martial arts, in Japan, there are countless classes and dojos related to "ways," such as kado (華道, flower arrangement), sado (茶道, tea ceremony), and kyudo (弓道, archery), and many people practice them because they enable them to learn the Japanese spirit of harmony and etiquette. Popular Japanese Cultural Experiences Among International Tourists Photo：Kado Here are some Japanese cultural experiences that are popular among tourists visiting Japan. First, there's tea ceremony. Tea ceremony is a uniquely Japanese cultural experience that is popular among foreign tourists because of its refined etiquette and the Japanese spirit of wabi-sabi. Flowers are universally loved. In kado, a type of flower arrangement and purely Japanese culture, one learns not only how to arrange flowers, but also how to entertain guests and how to appreciate life by decorating flowers and plants. Unlike standard flower arrangement, the artistic ikebana experience, which also teaches the beauty of the space between the flowers, is becoming more and more popular every year. Another popular Japanese cultural experience among foreign visitors to Japan is kimono. As you can see in the video showing traditional Japanese dance and Noh theatre, many people associate Japan with kimono. In Kyoto and other sightseeing spots, people are often seen wearing kimono as well. Summary of Traditional Japanese Cultures and 'The Way' Have you checked out the video to learn about the different "ways" of Japan? It's a beautiful video filled with the charms of traditional Japanese cultures, dignified movements, and wabi-sabi. Like we mentioned, there are many "ways" that even Japanese people are not familiar with. The traditional Japanese cultures or "ways" aren't just about techniques, but also growing as a person and honing one's character. Perhaps you can use the inspiration you've found from this article to find your own path?

The Mouthwatering Coconut Crab of Yatai Mura on Kokusaidori This video, titled "Japanese Street Food - GIANT COCONUT CRAB Seafood Okinawa Japan," was uploaded by "Travel Thirsty." It introduces the coconut crab sold at food trucks in Okinawa. Coconut crabs are huge crustaceans that live in Okinawa Prefecture. They have a history of being eaten as a delicacy in parts of Okinawa since ancient times. At Yatai Mura, a popular destination on Kokusaidori in Naha, Okinawa, you can eat gigantic coconut crab dishes. Sometimes called "Okinawa's strange specialty," coconut crab is surprisingly delicious thanks to its plump texture and the delicious broth that can be made from it. How is Okinawa's Coconut Crab Prepared? Photo：Coconut crab cuisine Coconut crab dishes can be eaten at Okinawan food stalls for a few thousand yen. Coconut crab dishes are made in much the same way as normal crab dishes; however, the shells of coconut crab are hard, making them difficult to prepare sometimes. At food stalls, coconut crabs are usually steamed whole, then removed from the shell and eaten with seasonings, such as sauce or soup stock. This can be seen at 8:09 in the video. What Kind of Creatures are Okinawa's Coconut Crab? Photo：Coconut crab Coconut crabs look like crabs, but they're actually a type of hermit crab. In Japanese, they're called "yashi-gani" (椰子蟹 in kanji or the more common ヤシガニ in katakana). Coconut crabs inhabit Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, and Iriomote Island in Okinawa Prefecture, and the largest crabs can grow more than 40 cm in length and weigh more than 4 kg! The coconut crab is said to be the strongest crustacean, and the clamping force of its giant pincers is about 90 times its weight, which is about as strong as a lion's bite! Fisherman must be very careful when catching coconut crabs, as not to get injured. Points of Caution When Eating Coconut Crab at a Food Stall Photo：Coconut crab cuisine Because coconut crabs are omnivores and eat dead or rotten fish carcasses, they can accumulate pathogens in their bodies. Coconut crabs that have accumulated these pathogens can cause food poisoning if eaten, even after cooking them, so be careful. Coconut crab is a valuable food item that is rarely eaten nowadays, partly because it is listed as an endangered species. Summary of the Coconut Crab at Okinawa's Food Stalls Photo：Coconut crab cuisine The Okinawan culture of eating giant coconut crabs dates all the way back to ancient Japan. Seen at 4:40 in the video are some of the unique gourmet specialties at Okinawan food stalls, including dishes like chanpuru, rafute, mimigaa (pig's ear) and umibudo (sea grapes). If you’re traveling to Okinawa, be sure to try the coconut crab sold at one of the many food stalls! ◆Kokusaidori, Yatai Mura｜General Information◆ 【Address】3-11 Makishi, Naha 900-0013 Okinawa Prefecture 【Access】A 4-minute walk from Yui Rail Makishi Station. 【Hours】Varies depending on other restaurants at the location 【Closures】Varies depending on other restaurants at the location 【Parking】None 【Tripadvisor】Kokusaidori, Yatai Mura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298224-d11848458-Reviews-Kokusaidori_Yataimura-Naha_Okinawa_Prefecture.html

The All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima! This is a video of the 35th All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima, released by Ryukyu Shimpo. 1,700 athletes participated in the rigorous competition in Miyakojima, Okinawa, on April 14th, 2019; Some aiming for glory, and others aiming to just finish. Starting at Yonaha Maehama Beach, athletes rushed through the 3 events, swimming, biking, and running through the 202.195 km course, to the goal at Miyakojima City Track and Field. With voices of cheering spectators on the roadside giving them strength. The Miyakojima Triathlon Photo：Traithlon A triathlon is a sport that involves swimming, cycling, and running. The international distance (used at the Olympics) is 51.5 km long. However, the Miyakojima triathlon is not a normal triathlon. It is classified as an Ironman Triathlon, and covers a total distance of 202.195 kilometres- 3 km swimming, 157 km cycling, and 42.195 kms running. The origin of its name is the combination of the suffix tri, meaning 3 in Greek, and athlon which means "an event." The history of triathlons is relatively short, with the world’s first triathlon held in San Diego, California in 1974. After that, events, such as the World Championship series and World Cup, started to be held in various places. Triathlons Are a Brutal Sport! Photo：Triathlon There are other kinds of triathlon, for example the standard distance mentioned earlier, as well as the Sprint-Distance (27.75km), and the Ultra-Triathlon (226km). The Triathlon, which consists of 3 events- swimming, cycling, and running, is a brutal race, and the name "Ironman" fits it quite well. Because of this, the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima is also called "STRONGMAN." The All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima Photo：Traithlon・Ikema Bridge The All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima is an event held in Miyakojima, a popular resort location in Okinawa. As seen at 0:08 in the video, the race starts from Shimoji Miyakojima City Yonaha Maehama Beach, known as a diving spot, and the course goes around Miyakojima’s sightseeing spots, finally finishing at Miyakojima City Track and Field, as seen from 1:10 in the video. Summary of the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima When traveling to Ishigakijima or Miyakojima, be sure to stop by the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima course! If you are interested in sports, you can train for the All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima, and get wetsuits and marathon clothing in preparation! 【Official Website】All Japan Triathlon Miyakojima https://tri-miyako.com/en/

Nippon Sports Science University's Shudan Kodo This video, titled "Nippon Sport Science University Shudan Kodo 2017" (日体大 集団行動2017), is a recorded video of shudan kodo, uploaded by “nogutan2.” Some people might have heard or seen shudan kodo on TV or on a news website before. Shudan kodo is synchronized movements performed by students from Nippon Sports Science University. Students make perfect lines and march while changing formations and crossing paths without disturbing the lines. Check out the video of the world-class beautiful performance. Nippon Sports Science University's Historic Shudan Kodo Source :YouTube screenshot It all started about 40 years ago when the idea of shudan kodo was brought up at Nippon Sports Science University. Shudan kodo was started to practice disciplined movement, and every year the quality of the performance increases. You can hear the audience cheering during this beautiful performance of high quality shudan kodo. Several reactions from both Japan and different countries after they have seen the performance of shudan kodo. Many people say it's impressive, and some people even mention getting goose bumps from the performance. It's also very reminiscent of precise military marching. The Rigorous Practice of Shudan Kodo Source :YouTube screenshot Shudan kodo is not forced on students at Nippon Sports Science University. Students who are willing to participate gather and practice on a daily basis. There are actually too many students who are willing to join the club, therefore, auditions are held in order to decide who can participate. The current coach of shudan kodo at Nippon Science University is Nobuhiko Kiyohara. Since Kiyohara became coach 5 months ago, the total length of walk in the practice is said to have increased to over 1,000 km. Recently, more research towards the performance of shudan kodo is being conducted, and it has been evolving and becoming more precise and beautiful. At Nippon Sports Science University, a sports research presentation is held every other year to show the audience the results of practice. The performance of shudan kodo is one of the most popular performances at this demonstration. There is a world tour of shudan kodo as well, and it has become very popular globally. The Highlight of Shudan Kodo Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the beautiful performance born of the hard work of the students in this video. Make sure to also pay attention to 0:40 in the video to see the walking performance. The movement of the arms and swinging of the legs is perfectly aligned. Also, don't miss the skill of the performers crossing paths with each other while at a trot. There are so many more impressive performances in this 10 minutes video, so we recommend not skipping anything. Find your favorite performance! Summary of Shudan Kodo Shudan kodo continues to gain attention, as some other schools have already started new club activities like shudan kodo, such as Shudan Taisou (Gymnastics), and mass games. The presentation of Nippon Sport Science University's shudan kodo has been very popular and it's very difficult to purchase tickets. If you wish to watch the live performance of shudan kodo, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see the amazing performances of shudan kodo!

Hoshuzan Risshakuji Temple, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "Risshaku-ji Temple Temple 4K - Risshaku-ji in Yamagata" (宝珠山立石寺 4K - Risshaku-ji in Yamagata), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." It explores Risshaku-ji Temple, a National Site of Scenic Beauty in Yamagata Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan. Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture is an ancient temple opened by a monk in 860 A.D. It is one of the most famous temples in Japan's Tohoku region. It is most famous as the temple that Matsuo Basho made a haiku poem about, in his poetry book "Oku no Hosomichi." The poem goes like this- Deep silence the shrill of cicadas seeps into the rocks The temple suffered damage from fire several times between the Kamakura Period (1185～1333) and Muromachi Period (1336～1573). In the Edo Period (1603～1868), the temple was given a territory of 1,420 koku by the government and rebuilt the temple buildings. The temple currently owns a land of 330,000 tsubo where around 30 various sized buildings are built. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Yamagata Prefecture. Built on top of the tall steep stone cliff, Risshaku-ji Temple lays within the beautiful natural landscape of Zao Quasi-National Park. Here you can enjoy the beautiful seasonal views and elegance of nature. Yamagata Prefecture proudly boasts the temple as a National Site of Scenic Beauty in Japan. The video captures the beautiful Risshaku-ji Temple in stunning 4K quality. The sound of the piano adds to the beauty of Risshaku-ji Temple. The "Four Temple Pilgrimage" of Yamagata Prefecture Photo：Spring scenery at Risshaku-ji Temple Risshaku-ji Temple is spiritually associated with Hiraizumi Chuson Temple (平泉中尊寺 Hiraizumi Chusonji), Moutsu Temple (毛越寺 Moutsuji), and Matsushima Zuigan Temple (松島瑞巌寺 Matsushima Zuiganji), and the pilgrimage route to visit the four temples has become a popular tourist activity in Yamagata. There are many spots along the route that are great for taking Instagram pictures as well. Your trip isn't complete until you've collected a shuin stamp from all four temples! Making a trip to all four temples is sure to be an unforgettable experience. The Pilgrimage Route for Risshaku-ji Temple Photo：Yamadera (Yamagata Prefecture) The recommended route to visit Risshaku-ji Templeis shown below. 1. Start of the trail：Start here. The pilgrimage to Risshaku-ji Temple is more like climbing a mountain. (0:48 in the video) ↓ 2. Konpon Chudo Hall (根本中堂 Konponchudo) ↓ 3. Basho Mound (芭蕉塚 Bashozuka) ↓ 4. Treasure House (宝物殿 Takaramonoden) ↓ 5. Mountain Gate (山門 Sanmon) ↓ 6. Cicada Mound (せみ塚 Semizuka) ↓ 7. Nio Gate (仁王門 Niomon) ↓ 8. Inner Sanctuary (奥の院 Okunoin) (1:22 in the video) ↓ 9. Three-storied Pagoda (三重の小塔 Mieno kotou) ↓ 10. Kaizan Hall (開山堂 Kaizando), Nokei Hall (納経堂 Nokeido) (1:31 in the video) ↓ 11. Godai Hall (五大堂 Godaido) The route takes around 1.5 hours to complete, and you have to climb up 1,050 stone steps! From the start of the trail to the peak, you'll only walk up the steps. You won’t need special attire, just normal clothes and shoes are fine. You can complete a pilgrimage and get some light mountain climbing in at the same time! Take your time enjoying the history and culture of Risshaku-ji Temple. Other halls include Shoso Hall (性相院, Shosoin), Kinjo Hall (金乗院, Kinjoin), Chusei Hall (中性院, Chuseiin), and Kazo Hall (華蔵院, Kazoin). You can check the official website to see the map showing the exact locations of each hall. Tourist Attractions and Dining at Risshaku-ji Temple Photo：konjac at Risshaku-ji Temple The most famous dishes at the ancient Risshaku-ji Temple area are wild vegetable dishes and Japanese Soba - buckwheat noodle. The temple is well-known for being a mountain temple surrounded by the steep cliffs and magnificent mountain views. You can taste delicious Japanese dishes using wild vegetables grown on the mountain. Access to Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata prefecture Train：30 minutes by bus or taxi from JR Yamagata Station Car：15 minutes from the Yamagata Expressway Air：30 minutes from Yamagata Airport Risshaku-ji Temple is on top of a very steep cliff. There is a free car park for visitors. However, it is very small, so we recommend that you use public transport when possible. Hotels Around Risshaku-ji Temple If you're visiting Risshaku-ji Temple for a pilgrimage or sightseeing, we recommend staying at a hotel near JR Yamagata Station or JR Yamadera Station on the JR Senzan Line. Summary of the Serene Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata Prefecture Photo：Jizo statue Risshaku-ji Temple in Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture has been connected with Hie Shrine (日枝神社 Hie Jinja) by Shinbutsu-shugo. It is now completely merged with Risshaku-ji Temple, and In May every year, they have an event called the Sanno Festival. The Harsh climate of Yamagata brings the seasonal beauty of nature- cherry blossoms and plum trees in spring, fresh greenery in summer, beautiful autumnal foliage in fall, and snowy scenery in winter. It's a place where you can enjoy the natural landscape of Japan and majestic views year round. The views from Risshaku-ji Temple are shown at 1:57 in the video. With an elevation difference of approximately 160m, the view from Risshaku-ji Temple on top of the steep cliffs is something special. The video also shows the solemn atmosphere of the mountain temple and the beautiful changes that each season brings. Be sure to check it out if you haven't yet! ◆Risshaku-ji Temple◆ 【Address】4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata, 999-3301 【Access】30 minutes from Yamagata by car 【Parking】Available. 10 free spaces 【Telephone No.】023-695-2843 【Official website】Risshaku-ji Temple https://www.rissyakuji.jp/

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

Japan's Flying Squirrels This introductory video, titled "3 Flying Squirrels" (匹のモモンガ), was created by Shinji Kawamura. It captures footage of three flying squirrels. The Ezo momonga (Ezo flying squirrel), native to Hokkaido, Japan (known in Japanese as "Ezo Momonga," scientific name: Pteromys volans orii) are small mammals who are members of the order Rodentia, family Sciuridae, and subfamily Sciurinae and belong to the tribe Pteromyini. The characteristic feature of the flying squirrel is its gliding membrane which allows it to glide distances of 20 to 50 meters. They are nocturnal animals who are very active at night. They tend to live in small groups, and as you can see in this video, these three flying squirrels live in the same tree burrow. They reach about 15cm in length, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. They are omnivorous animals, feeding on mainly tree leaf buds, flowers, leaves, bark and seeds. At 0:49 in the video, you can see how they grasp the twigs carefully in their tiny hands and nibble away at the buds. The sight of them grasping the branches with their nimble fingers is adorable! See for yourself! Differences Between the Wild Ezo Momonga and Popular Pet Sugar Glider Photo：Ezo flying squirrel Flying squirrels and Sugar Gliders are similar in appearance but they differ in their scientific classification. Flying Squirrels are members of the Rodentia order, and Sciuridae family, whereas Sugar Gliders are members of the Marsupialia order, and Petauridae family. In other words, flying squirrels are rodents similar to squirrels whereas sugar gliders are marsupials, similar to kangaroos and other animals with a pouch used to carry their young. The sugar gliders you find in most pet stores are friendly and used to being around humans, making them easier to care for than flying squirrels. The cost of buying a sugar glider varies depending on the color of its coat, although a typical brown sugar glider usually costs around 20,000 yen. The average life expectancy of a sugar glider is 5 to 7 years and they feed mostly on fruits, nuts and berries. They communicate through various calls; however, they are relatively quiet animals and easy to look after making them popular as pets in recent years. Differences Between Wild Flying Squirrels and the Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel Photo：Japanese giant flying squirrel Flying squirrels and the Japanese Giant flying squirrel are both members of the Rodentia order, and Sciurinae subfamily and belong to the Pteromyini tribe; however, the Japanese Giant flying squirrel also belongs to the Petaurista genus. In the past they were thought to be of the same species. The Japanese Giant flying squirrel has a larger body than a flying squirrel, roughly double the size. Thanks to its size, the Japanese Giant flying squirrel can also glide significantly further, up to a distance of 100 meters. The Flying Squirrels Native to Japan and the Southern Flying Squirrel The wild flying squirrels of Japan are under threat from the Southern flying squirrel. There is concern over the cross-breeding of Southern flying squirrels and wild Japanese flying squirrels. Southern flying squirrels are an invasive species and the importation of such species is prohibited in order to prevent any damage to the ecosystem of the Japanese flying squirrels. Summary of Japan's Flying Squirrels Source :YouTube screenshot How did you find the video? We hope it helps you understand the difference between the Ezo Momonga and other small, similar-looking mammals. This video gives you a great view of the white, fluffy-coated Ezo Momonga as it plays in the tree tops. I think the footage at 1:06 of them slipping into their tiny tree burrow will bring a smile to your face! Enjoy taking a close look at the wonderful Ezo Momonga, an animal that, because of its small size, is hard to catch a glimpse of in nature!

An Eye-Catching Introduction to Japan This approximately 4-minute video, focusing on modern-day Japan as seen by foreign tourists and travelers, boasts a level of quality that has attracted major interest not only in Japan but in various countries throughout the world. This video's footage goes above and beyond other Japan PR videos and keeps viewers glued to the screen. By the video's end, you'll most likely feel an indescribable surge of emotions, such as those experienced after viewing a magnificent movie of epic proportions! Highlights of the Japanese Introduction Video, "in Japan" This video, "In Japan," taken in 2015 by German filmmaker/creator Vincent Urban, is a nearly 4-minute collection of footage of his 3-week journey in Japan to locations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. In taking a look at images of landscapes and scenery natural and commonplace to Japanese people which are projected from a foreigner’s perspective, even we as Japanese natives can perceive such images as unknown, brand new discoveries and never-before-seen sights and scenes, and this video therefore allows us to learn about the appeal and charm of Japan in a brand new light. Viewers of this video can also agree that its high quality BGM and camera work is yet another reason for its high acclaim both in and out of Japan. This video condenses a wide variety of discoveries in Japan ranging from regularly seen daily scenery and landscapes to famous tourist spots. Examples of such sights include Asakusa Temple in the Shitamachi area of Tokyo, festivals, Kendo (Japanese martial art with bamboo swords), Buddhist temples, Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine as well as convenience stores, Tokyo Tower, street performances, Tokyo Skytree, sumo wrestlers, clubs and idols, in addition to shinkansen (bullet trains), natural landscapes, the Atomic Bomb Domes in Hiroshima & Nagasaki, Mt. Fuji and metropolitan night scenes. Japan as Seen Through Cultural Changes Photo：Sumo Learning about shifts in modern Japanese culture gives us deeper insights into the allure and attraction of Japan as a nation in the present day. Japan of yore once had superb classic culture primarily consisting of artistic traditional crafts, and as you can see in the video, festivals and martial arts passed down to Japan from ancient times have been regarded as symbolizing the very culture of "Nihon no Wa," or "The Spirit of Japan." It is also well-known that Japan is the birthplace of kendo and sumo wrestling which are now sports famous all the world over. In addition, present-day Japan is going through transitions in which its forms of entertainment, such as manga (Japanese comics/cartoons) and anime (Japanese animation), formerly considered to be types of sub-culture, have been disseminated throughout the globe to be cherished by multitudes of people as pop culture. This signifies shifts in the image of "Japan" in the eyes of foreigners abroad from that of a land of ninja and samurai to an anime & manga nation. The Akihabara area, now the "Mecca" of anime and manga which serves as the center of Japanese contemporary culture, has become a well-known tourist location which draws huge numbers of sightseers visiting Japan, and it's also popular as a town for shopping. Japan as Seen Through Tourist Meccas & Architectural Buildings Photo：Sensoji Temple and women If you're watching this video you probably know that Japan, due to its also being famous as a country abound with history and nature, sees immense numbers of foreigners who visit for sightseeing on a daily basis. Locations in Japan shown in the video, such as Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo and the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima, are highly recommended tourist spots in Japan which are renowned even on a global scale. The existence of temples and shrines in Japan, whose number is too great to mention here, attracts hosts of foreign sightseers day by day, and this is proof of how Japan enjoys deep-rooted popularity as a tourist destination amongst abroad residents all over the world. Japan as Seen Through Nature ©Izu City Modifying The richness and abundance of nature, amongst other aspects, is definitely a thing to behold here in Japan. Japan's largest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and its bamboo forest, also featured in the video, are without a doubt natural tourist spots that represent the glory of Japan. The view from Mt. Fuji's summit, in particular, is easily summed up by the words "magnificent scenery," and once you experience climbing this mountain on your own, you'll be able to appreciate the thrill and excitement of this spectacle all the more. Such natural splendor is just one more example of a globally sought-after sightseeing attraction highly recommended in Japan, a fact testified to by the unceasing droves of tourists from abroad who visit day-to-day without end. Japan Introduction Video Summary We hope you enjoyed this video introduction of Japan with its simple yet profound delivery of information. Year after year, Japan sees increasing numbers of tourists from abroad coming in search of such fascinating sightseeing spots as well as world-renowned gourmet Japanese food. Japan still has yet a great deal of appeal which, unfortunately, we can't completely encapsulate into such a short introductory video on Japan’s culture, history, entertainment, nature and festivals. We truly hope that this video and article have piqued your interest in Japan more than ever before!

Rare Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago! This video, titled "Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago (With Sound)" (東京の昔の映像　（音声あり）), was uploaded by "Final A." Have you ever wondered what life was like in Tokyo more than 100 years ago? Perhaps you've seen pictures in textbooks or studied it at school, but probably very few people have seen actual footage of what life was like back then. In this video, you can get a glimpse of what life was like in Tokyo around 1913-1915. The Lives of Tokyoites More Than 100 Years Ago Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:04 in the video, you can see many people walking around dressed in hakama (袴). You can also see children playing with a ball called a "mari" (毬) from 2:59. At the time, it was common for children to spend their days playing with traditional toys such as a mari (temari). As you can tell from the video, at the time, the majority of people were dressed in what would be considered traditional Japanese style clothing today. The streets were lit using fixed paper lanterns called "andon" (行灯). The population of Tokyo at the time was approximately 3 million. The population of the whole of Japan was approximately 50 million, less than half of what it is today. From 2:42 in the video, you can see how the area around Senso-ji temple (浅草寺) in Asakusa (浅草), Tokyo was just as busy then as it is nowadays. Tokyo From 1913-1915 Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho period lasted only 15 years (1912-1926) but is well known because of the Great Kanto Earthquake (関東大震災). Many other important events also took place during the same time period. The most famous of those being World War I which started in 1913. In 1914, the first department store "Mitsukoshi Gofukuten" (三越呉服店) (currently known as Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store) opened in Japan, and the familiar lion statue, as well as escalators and elevators quickly became the talk of the town. At the time, the toy industry and product development were flourishing and it was the beginning of modernization in Japan. Tokyo Station (東京駅) was also opened in 1914. The station must have been very crowded at the time due to the large number of passengers travelling to and from the station. More About the History of Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot In 1886, Tokyo prefecture (currently known in Japanese as Tokyo-to (東京都) was given the name Tokyo-fu (東京府). From the beginning of the Taisho period, there was a dramatic increase in the population of Tokyo. During the Meiji period (明治時代, meijijidai), the Tokyo area changed a great deal as Japan changed from being a country of agriculture to a country focused on industry. In the video, you can see that the most common mode of transportation was the rickshaw, however, the rickshaw was gradually replaced with bicycles and cars. At the time, there were many water wells in Tokyo and the water quality was also very good. Summary of Tokyo From 100 Years Ago Even if you aren't Japanese it's easy to feel a sense of nostalgia from this video. This rare footage offers a glimpse at what life was like over 100 years ago in Japan. It's invaluable footage that really allows us to see how far Japan and the rest of the world has come in such a short time.

Video Introduction This video, titled "[Kazumi Style] How to Put on a Yukata for Men" (Kazumi流男ゆかたの着かた How to put on Yukata for men), was uploaded by "kazumiryu." There are few chances to wear yukata in Japan, summer festivals, fireworks displays, and other summer events, are a few such occasions. You might also get the chance when staying at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) or hotel during a vacation. However, since there are so few opportunities to wear yukata, even in Japan, when it comes time to put one on it can be quite the challenge. Being able to wear a yukata cool and comfortably will make you look nice and stylish! If you're looking to learn how to put on a men's yukata, then you came to the right place! Be sure to check out the video as you follow along! How to Properly Put on a Yukata. Right? Left? Which Side Goes on the Outside? Photo：A man and woman wearing yukata at a hot spring inn Yukata are always provided when staying at a hot spring resort in Japan. Many people do not know how to properly wear one, so they just throw it on and call it good. Some may say, "Well, no one's watching so, who cares?", but there is one point you need to be aware of. While it might be okay to throw it on without caring about how well it's shaped, you should at least know which side goes in and which side goes out. As long as you remember right hand in, left hand out, you shouldn't have too many problems. It may be easy to make a mistake when wearing a yukata or kimono if you're not used to the undergarments, etc. In the case of yukata, kimono, and other Japanese-style clothing, it's said to be bad luck to wear the left side in and the right side out. This is because this is how the deceased would be dressed in burial clothes. Be careful not to make this mistake! Wearing a yukata at a ryokan is fairly easy, but it's important to first select a yukata that is appropriate for your height. Since the length of the yukata is can't be adjusted like women's yukata, choose a size that sits above your ankles when worn. 1. Wear the robe so that it is evenly distributed on both sides. 2. Wrap the right side of the robe around the left hip while holding both sides of the yukata. While doing this, hold the left side firmly so your other hand is taut. 3. Wrap the left side of the yukata around the right hip, and tie the obi (sash) in a bow above the hip bone or below the belly button. 4. If you are a man and want to wear the yukata in a cool way, turn the knot clockwise and shift it to either the left or right side of the back. Be careful not to turn the obi around to the opposite side, as this will cause the yukata to become loose. Everything You Need for Wearing a Men's Yukata! Photo：Yukata at a hot spring inn Next, we'll go over how to make a yukata look more dignified. we'll explain, how to look cool while wearing a men's yukata. First, here's what you'll need in order to put on a yukata: ・Yukata ・Hadagi (undergarments) ※If you don't have hadagi, a v-neck shirt will do ・Koshi-himo (waist cord) It's recommended that you wear undergarments that fit to prevent the yukata from clinging to your body due to perspiration. A koshi-himo (waist cord) will keep the yukata firmly in place and keep the yukata looking great without falling out of place. In recent years, there are elastic waist cords whose length can be adjusted as well. Tips for Putting on a Yukata for Men Photo：A man wearing a yukata There are several points to keep in mind when wearing a yukata as a man. Let's look at them together. ・Right Side In As mentioned above, the yukata should be worn with the right on the inside. Be careful not to get this backwards. ・Wear a Yukata Appropriate for Your Height For men, it's especially important to choose a yukata that is appropriate for their height. This is because men's yukata are not adjustable like women's yukata. ・Be Careful Where You Tie the Waist Cord The waist cord should be tied above the hip bone or below the belly button. If you tie it too high, it will look childish. How to Put on a Yukata for Men + Pointers Photo：Putting on a yukata Now that you have everything you need to wear a yukata and you're familiar with some of the do's and don'ts, it's time to put it on. Below we will tell you how to put it on, along with some tips. In particular, a beautiful V-line around the neck will make you look cool in a yukata. 1. Put on the undergarments. 2. Put on the yukata and keep the waist cord over your right shoulder. 3. To wrap the yukata tightly around the hips, grasp the collars firmly with both hands and pull them forward. At this time, make sure the left side seam is hanging straight down. 4. Check the position of the yukata in your left hand, as this will be the side that goes on the outside. Once the yukata is in place, return your hands to their original positions while making sure that the height does not change. 5. Pull the yukata held in your right hand diagonally down to the left, and hold it around your left waist with the side held in your left hand on top, as if to cover the yukata. 6. Place the koshi-himo (waist cord) in front of the stomach, slightly above the hip, and wrap it around your waist on both sides. Cross it behind your back and tighten it once. When tightening, pull in your stomach and tighten it really tight so that it knocks a little bit of air out of you, and then bring the waist cord to the front. 7. Tie the waist cord in one knot on either side, avoiding the middle. The end of the cord should be tucked inside. 8. Finally, place your right hand inside the bosom of the yukata and lightly tap it downwards to adjust the shape of the yukata. A tight collar is recommended for beginners. Summary of How to Put on a Yukata for Men This video ends with only the dressing of the kimono, but on kazumiryu's channel, they explain and obi knot called "kai no kuchi." This knot is often used for men's yukata, be sure to check it out with us! If you want to wear a yukata to a festival, Bon Odori, fireworks display, or other traditional Japanese event, but don't have one, you can always use a kimono rental store. When you wear a yukata, you'll naturally look more graceful. Women tend to be noticed for their gorgeous yukata, but as a man, if you know how to wear a yukata properly, you'll stand out just as much. One of the most important parts is getting that defined v-line to make the yukata look even better. If you go out to one of Japan's summer festivals dressed in yukata while wearing geta shoes, you're sure to have a memorable experience!

Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano, Japan: Video Introduction Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "[4K] Mysteriously Spectacular Views｜Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond - (shot on BMPCC6K)" ([4K] 神秘の絶景 天空の湖 白駒池の紅葉 - Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond - (shot on BMPCC6K)), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." Shirakoma Pond in Nagano Prefecture is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. The reflection of the colorful trees on the surface of the lake is so beautiful you'd only expect to see it in a painting. Shirakoma Pond is blessed with abundant nature, and is a popular location for hiking as well. The pond is a popular tourist spot that attracts many visitors throughout the year because of its wonderful scenery that changes with the seasons, especially during autumn. Enjoy the beautiful contrast of between the green, yellow, and fiery red autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake in this 2-minute long 4K video. Where is Shirakoma Pond? Location of the Pond in Nagano Famous for Its Autumn Leaves Photo：Shirakoma Pond from Takami-ishi, Nagano Prefecture Shirakoma Pond is located in the eastern part of Nagano Prefecture, on the border between the towns of Koumi and Sakuho. Located on the Yachiho Highland (Yachiho Kogen) at an elevation of 2,115m (~6,900 ft), Shirakoma Pond is the highest and largest natural lake in Japan. The pond is also known for its extremely high transparency, allowing visitors to see as deep as 5.8 meters below the surface. Shirakoma Pond is easily accessible despite its location on the Yachiho Highland. With a well-maintained promenade, it's becoming a popular tourist attraction. When to See Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond – Best Season and Photo Spots Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture The area surrounding Shirakoma Pond is known as one of Japan's three largest virgin forests, and during autumn, when the leaves change color, the virgin forest, filled with azaleas, birch trees, and maples, changes color to brilliant shades of red and yellow. Every year, the area is crowded with tourists who come to view the autumn foliage. If you're planning to visit Shirakoma Pond, autumn is definitely the best season to come so you can see the beauty of the autumn leaves. In the high elevation areas of Japan's Chubu region, the best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September at the earliest, and from early October on an average year. Since the forecast for autumn leaves at elevations above 2,000m is said to be largely unchanged, the best time to view the autumn foliage at Shirakoma Pond in 2023 is expected to be from late September to mid-October. During autumn, when the leaves are in season, Shirakoma Pond is crowded tourists. If you're looking to take photos, there are two great spots in front of the mountain lodges "Shirakoma-so" (白駒荘) and "Seitai-so" (青苔荘) that overlook the lakeside area. The two lodges, situated on opposite sides of Shirakoma Pond, are well known for their sunrises and sunsets which can be photographed together with the pond in the foreground. Hiking at Shirakoma Pond! Photo：The moss forest around Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture There are several hiking trails around Shirakoma Pond that can be enjoyed even by beginner hikers. We recommend the route from Shirakoma Pond (白駒池) to Takami-ishi (高見石), which has a minimal elevation change and can be easily hiked. The hike takes about 2 hours and departs from the Shirakoma Pond parking lot. The hike proceeds along a trail on which hikers can admire the beautiful mosses growing in the area. Once you reach a fork in the road, head toward Takami-ishi Lodge (高見石小屋). After hiking up behind Takami-ishi Lodge, you'll arrive at Takami-ishi. From Takami-ishi, you can enjoy a spectacular view of Japan's Northern and Central Alps and Shirakoma Pond. After admiring the view, descend from Takami-ishi toward Shirakoma Pond. Follow the boardwalk circling the mystical Shirakoma Pond before returning to the parking lot to end the hike. Although the trail around Shirakoma Pond is well maintained, it becomes slippery when it rains. When visiting Takami-ishi, a series of rock formations, in particular, extreme care should be taken to avoid injury or accidents. Please be prepared to wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes that are easy to move in, and check the weather before you go out. Additionally, because the area around Shirakoma Pond is mountainous, temperatures can vary greatly. Please bring warm clothes to adjust for the temperature changes. After enjoying hiking in the magnificent nature of Nagano, we recommend taking a breather at one of the hot spring resorts in the area. The Shirakoma Pond area is dotted with facilities where you can enjoy hot springs and take in the beautiful scenery. It's a great way to relax after a nice day of hiking. Camping at Shirakoma Pond Photo：The tent campsite at Takami-ishi Lodge, Nagano Prefecture In addition to hiking and viewing the autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, there are also a few locations where you can enjoy camping. Seitai-so Seitai-so, the mountain lodge mentioned earlier, has a tent site located right next to it where you can set up a tent right by the lake. The tent site is available year-round and you can even enjoy a beautiful starry sky with a view of the pond frozen over in the winter. Keep in mind that the tent site is reservation only and all garbage must be taken with you when you leave. Lodge Hours: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. ※Hours may vary by season. Fee: The tent site is free of charge. General lodging starts at 5,500 yen/person for adults. Takami-ishi Another campsite is the Takami-ishi Tent Site, located beside Takami-ishi Lodge. Unlike the tent site at Seitai-so, Takami-ishi does not accept reservations, and is open to campers on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, the owners of the lodge provide commentary about the stars at night on the terrace, and invite guests to join them to listen. While not located directly next to Shirakoma Pond, it's only about 10 minutes from the pond by car. Lodge Hours: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Fee: Tent site: 600 yen/person. General lodging starts at 5,500 yen/ person. Both of the above facilities also having standard accommodations as well, so if you want to stay the night and enjoy the starry skies and autumn leaves, but don't want to stay in a tent, you can always book a room in the lodges. Parking and Crowding at Shirakoma Pond During the Autumn Foliage Season Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture To get to Shirakoma Pond, it's best to use the parking lot on Route 299. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the pond on foot from the parking lot. That being said, because it's a famous spot for viewing the autumn leaves, more than 180,000 people visit Shirakoma Pond during the autumn foliage season, and the parking lot becomes incredibly crowded, especially on weekends. At the same time, many cars are entering and exiting the parking lot, resulting in heavy traffic congestion on the surrounding roads. The most crowded hours at Shirakoma Pond are between 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekdays, and 9:00 am to 2:00 pm on weekends and holidays. If you visit Shirakoma Pond to see the autumn leaves on a weekday, it may be better to go between 6:00 am and 9:00 am. On weekends and holidays, it might be smoother to go between 6:00 am and 8:00 am. However, in the past, there have been some reports that the parking lots were full as early as 9:00 am, so be sure to check the real-time parking conditions when visiting. For real-time information on congestion around Shirakoma Pond, you'll have the most luck using Twitter. Look up "白駒池" (Shirakoma Pond) in the Twitter search box to check the latest tweets. It's also recommended that you check live cameras installed at the Shirakoma Pond parking lot. Access the official website of the Shirakoma Pond toll parking lot to view the live camera, which is updated every 5 minutes. This is useful for checking the status of the parking lot and the weather in real time. Although it is convenient to drive to Shirakoma Pond during the fall foliage season, you may want to consider using public transportation if you're trying to avoid crowds and traffic jams. Summary of Autumn Leaves at Shirakoma Pond Photo：Autumn leaves at Shirakoma Pond, Nagano Prefecture Shirakoma Pond, located in Nagano Prefecture and famous for its autumn foliage, is the highest natural lake in Japan at 2,115 meters above sea level. During the fall foliage season, the azaleas and birch trees change color beautifully, creating a picturesque landscape. The Shirakoma Pond area is also famous for its "moss forest," which is home to 485 species of moss. The best time to see the mosses is from mid-June to the end of July, after Japan's rainy season, and visitors can enjoy the moss forest until early November every year. We invite you to experience the mysterious beauty of Shirakoma Pond as expressed in the video. 【TripAdvisor】Shirakoma Pond

Video introduction of the original capybara open-air bath at Izu Shaboten Zoological Park in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This video, titled "Capybara with mandarin orange on head in the open-air bath☆みかんを頭にのせるカピバラ 伊豆シャボテン動物公園【元祖カピバラの露天風呂】," was released by "HIRO@sea." The video shows capybaras enjoying a relaxing soak in an open-air bath. The capybaras can be found at the Izu Shaboten Zoo, in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan's Tokai Region. Just like humans, the capybara enjoy a warm bath. The water is filled with yuzu, a type of citrus fruit. You can see the capybara with a yuzu on its head at 1:46 in the video! In this article, we'll introduce the Izu Shaboten Zoo and its open-air capybara bath. The Izu Shaboten Zoo Photo：Izu Shaboten Zoo The Izu Shaboten Zoo is a theme park in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka. The Zoo is known for animals and cacti. The zoo was opened around 60 years ago, in October of 1959. The 200,000-square-meter park, which opened around 60 years ago in October 1959, has a greenhouse with cacti and succulents from all over the world. There's also kangaroos, capybaras, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, red pandas, chimpanzees, ponies, wild birds, the ever-popular motionless bobwhite stork, and a variety of other animals. The zoo is home to around 800 animals and birds, including flamingos, peacocks, and fennec foxes. The cacti are divided into five sections: the South American Pavilion, the African Pavilion, the Madagascar Pavilion, the Mexico Pavilion, and the Forest Cactus Pavilion. There are edible cacti available for tasting as well. In 2016, the official Japanese name of the zoo was changed from the former "Izu Shaboten Park" (伊豆シャボテン公園) to the current "Izu Shaboten Zoological Park" (伊豆シャボテン動物公園). A little to the east of Izu Shaboten Zoo, there's Izu Granpal Park, Izu Kogen Tabi no Eki Granpal Port, New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden, and the Izu Oceanic Park Diving Center as part of the Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group. Izu Shaboten Animal Park also has life-size replicas of a sculpture of ancient American civilization, and the entire Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group has a wide range of attractions, from animals and plants to artifacts, park golf, the "Ship-shaped 3D Maze KAiZOKU," "Zip Line 風KAZE," "Water Balloons," and more. There's also "Wan Wan Park," a dog run where you can enjoy taking your dog, and the "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination," a hands-on style illumination. Nearby, the official hotels "Izu Shaboten Village" and "Izu Shaboten Village GLAMPING" can be found. You can fully enjoy your Izu Shaboten experience with an overnight stay at either one of these locations. The Open Air Capybara Bath Photo：Open-air capybara bath Firstly, what exactly are capybaras? Capybaras are members of the caviidae family of rodents, native to South America. They can be found from Panama to the northeast of Argentina. They are large (106-134 centimeters in length), have a gentle nature and are known to be very friendly towards humans. They tend to be found in groups of 10 to 20. A group of capybaras can be seen soaking in the bath together from 0:07 in the video. The open-air capybara bath shown in the video has been a tradition of the Izu Shaboten Zoo since 1982. At that time, the zookeepers were washing the exhibit with warm water when the capybaras began to soak in the puddles. Thereafter, the zookeepers came up with the idea of preparing warm baths for the capybaras. Now, the capybara bath has become a winter tradition. Nowadays, many zoos in Japan have introduced their own capybara baths, but the originator is none other than the Izu Shaboten Zoo. The zoo even has a capybara mascot known as "Capyba." Summary of the Izu Shaboten Zoo Source :【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, to uphold social distancing rules, capybara and red panda plush toys are placed between seats at the zoo as well as the restaurant "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI." The adorable image of the plush toys seated in the restaurant has generated buzz online, and has even been shown on the news. The plush toy and calendar can be purchased at the gift shop within the zoo. Many goods are also available on the official online shop "IZU SHABOTEN HONPO," so do take a look! Take a moment to relax and check out this heartwarming video. ◆Izu Shaboten Zoo Facilities Overview◆ 【Address】1317-13 Tomido, Itou City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】From JR Atami Station, get off at JR Ito Station on the Ito Line, and take the Tokai Bus for Shaboten Zoo (~35 minutes). 【Admission Fee】Adults: 2,400 yen Elementary School Students: 1,200 yen Children (over the age of 4): 400 yen Discounts for groups, seniors, and persons with disabilities, as well as coupon deals, are also available. 【Hours】9:00-17:00 【Closures】None 【Avg. Time Spent Here】2+ Hours 【Parking】400 regular spaces, 500 yen｜Buses: 18 spaces, 1,000 yen 【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://izushaboten.com/lang/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298123-d1196864-Reviews-Izu_Shaboten_Zoo-Ito_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

About the Demonstrational "Dragon Beard's Candy" Video This video features footage of a professional making traditional dragon beard's candy by hand at a food stall in the Shin-Okubo area of Shinjuku, Tokyo (東京都新宿の新大久保). The delicate sweets, which are known for being difficult to make, are a traditional sweet in Korea which are also known by the name Kkul-tarae (クルタレ) or Ronshutan (ロンシュータン). In this video, you can see the techniques used to make dragon's beard candy and learn more about the history and characteristics of this traditional sweet. We hope you enjoy the video! What Is Dragon's Beard Candy? Source :YouTube screenshot Dragon's beard candy is a traditional sweet which has been eaten in countries such as China, Korea and Taiwan for hundreds of years. Its popularity has spread to other foreign countries, such as the US, Taiwan, Singapore, Canada and Hong Kong. Dragon beard's candy originated in China over 2,000 years ago, when the delicate treat was originally prepared for the emperor; however, it eventually came to be eaten by ordinary citizens and has been loved to this day. The main ingredient used to make dragon beard's candy is maltose syrup, known as "mugi mizuame" in Japanese. Cornstarch is also an essential ingredient. It's made by stretching a hard piece of candy over and over again to create a candy with a light and crunchy texture. The mildly sweet Dragon's beard candy is often given as a gift (lucky charm) in Seoul, Korea. Watch the Amazing Skills of This Professional Dragon Beard's Candy Maker in Shin-Okubo! Source :YouTube screenshot Each piece of dragon's beard candy is carefully handmade by craftsmen. As can be seen in the video, the street vendor first prepares the maltose syrup candy. He creates a hole in the hard candy and proceeds to stretch the candy using this hole. You can take a look at the stretching process throughout the video. The vendor then stretches the candy over and over while continually covering it in cornstarch until the threads of the candy reach the thickness of what is thought to resemble a dragon's beard. Only highly skilled professionals can make the candy incredibly thin without it breaking or snapping. A single piece of candy is stretched into an amazing 16,384 strands. From 4:26 in the video, the street vendor explains that this is the perfect number of strands to create the most pleasant melt-in-your-mouth texture. At 2:20 in the video, he begins to fold the candy to create the 16,384 strands, which he completes in roughly 35-40 seconds. The highlight of the video has to be when the professional dragon's beard maker shows off the finished product to the customers, at which point it looks beautifully smooth like threads of silk. Many customers are amazed by the look of the finished product! You can take a look at this in the video at 4:18. If you get a chance to see it up close, be sure to take a video of your own and share it with your friends! Source :YouTube screenshot After stretching out the candy, crushed peanuts, almonds, sesame seeds, or coconut can be added as a filling. One piece of candy costs approximately a few hundred yen (a couple bucks (USD)). There are very few people who know how to make the candy as the skills required are so difficult to master. Summary of Dragon Beard Candy There are food stalls in Shin-Okubo and Yokohama's Chinatown (横浜中華街, yokohamachuukagai) where you can watch dragon beard's candy being made right before your eyes. You can also buy dragon beard's candy online, sometimes sold under the name "Dragon Candy." For those interested in tasting and experiencing the delicate texture of dragon beard's candy, we highly recommended purchasing some and trying them out for yourself! Watching how the amazing dragon beard candy is made is guaranteed to pique your curiosity! Be sure to check it out in the video!

About the Introductory Video of Kyudo This video titled “KYUDO – Mariko Satake/Interview – IS JAPAN COOL? DOU” is created by the ANA Global Channel as part of a video series introducing traditional Japanese art and martial arts. This video focuses on the introduction of Kyudo (弓道), including an interview with a master of Kyudo- Ms. Mariko Satake, and some techniques, forms and manners of Kyudo. Ms. Satake in this video is more than 70 years old, but you’ll be amazed at her breathtaking posture, physique and quiet, unwavering aim. Following the video, we introduce Kyudo in this article. Kyudo - A Traditional Japanese Martial Art Photo：Kyudo Kyudo is a traditional Japanese martial art in which archers shoot an arrow with a Yumi (弓) (Japanese bow). Originally, Yumi were used to hunt game, but gradually came to be used in shinto rituals as well. In the Edo period (1603-1868), Kyudo was practiced as a martial art for a samurai’s physical and spiritual training. A series of correct forms is important to hit the target; The basic concept is called “orthogonal hit,” which means that an arrow shot with the correct form will definitely hit its target. Kyudo archers wear Kyudo uniforms for practice and competitions, and they wear Kimono during examinations to achieve higher ranks and titles. Kyudo is mainly divided into Reisha groups (礼射系, Reishakei) and Busha groups (武射系, Bushakei). In addition, there are many schools, such as the Ogasawara School (小笠原流, Ogasawararyu), the Heki School (日置流, Hekiryu), the Honda School (本多流, Hondaryu), the Yamato School (大和流, Yamatoryu) and more. Some Kyudo archers (弓道家, Kyudoka) don’t belong to any schools, but almost all archers learn the shooting method defined by the All Nippon Kyudo Federation. Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot According to the rules of Kyudo, each target is 36 centimeters in diameter and located 28 meters from the archer. If archers succeed in hitting the target, they will get one point. If they miss it, they will receive zero points. At 0:25 in this video, Ms. Satake explains how "...for many practitioners, kyudo is a means of spiritual and physical self improvement." Kyudo lessons are also quite popular in Japan; There are many Kyudo classes and training institutes. Most schools in Japan have a Kyudo practice area for the school Kyudo club. These places enable people to learn and experience Kyudo from the beginning, and we can refine our mind and body. Moreover, the All Nippon Kyudo Federation hosts the Kyudo national tournament, so Kyudo is also taught at schools as a sport. Currently there are about 130,000 Kyudo archers in Japan, and the practice has begun to gain traction overseas as well. Outside of Japan, there is also a sport called archery; It is similar to Kyudo in that bows are used. However, unlike archery, practitioners of Kyudo refine their mind, whereas archers in archery only focus on improving their aim. The Instruments of Kyudo Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot In order to practice Kyudo, archers need a Japanese bow, arrows, Yugake (bow strings), Kyudo uniforms and a Hakama. The bow is very long and beautiful; and has long since been deified due to its unique Japanese form. From 1:40 of this video, Ms. Satake says that it is important to draw the bow while listening to its voice. Bows are made of bamboo or carbon, and arrows are made of bamboo, carbon or duralumin. Strings are stretched over the bow. Sometimes a string may break, so archers need to prepare several strings. Yugake is a glove made of deer leather. Archers wear it on their arrow drawing hand. This plays a very important role during the match. Makiwara is the target archers use during their practice. You can get to know these Kyudo items in more detail from 0:50 this video. The Eight Stages of Shooting in Kyudo Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot Shaho (射法) is a basic movement in Kyudo and there are eight basic movements that go into firing a single arrow: Ashibumi (足踏み), Dozukuri (胴造り), Yugamae (弓構え), Uchiokoshi (打起し), Hikiwake (引分け), Kai (会), Hanare (離れ), and Zanshin (残心). Each move has an important meaning. From 6:02 in this video, you can see Ms. Satake’s beautiful shooting process from beginning to end for about two and a half minutes. Please look at her elegant form when she shoots! Overview of Kyudo, a Traditional Japanese Martial Art Some people practice Kyudo to refine their mind and body. Ms. Satake also says in this video that Kyudo archers are strictly taught, “Shooting is the shadow of your heart,” which means archers can see their everyday lives through their shots. She regards this teaching as very important. During her interview, we can see that she practices the teaching, “All of your actions shape your body for Kyudo.” Take a look at her awesome form while shooting in a tense atmosphere.

An Introduction to Northern Pika! This is a video on the ecology of Northern Pika, an endangered species in Hokkaido. The video, titled "Keep it up! Northern Pika - He can do his best. Pika" (頑張れ！エゾナキウサギ　He can do his best. Pika), was released by "Shinji Kawamura." The Northern Pika, is a small mammal of the ochotonidae family, and its identifying characteristic is its high pitched cry. In Japan, they only live in high lands like Mt. Daisetsu, Mt. Yubari, and Mt. Hidaka in Hokkaido. Their distinct high pitched cry can be seen in the video from 1:09. The Northern Pika is said to have arrived in Japan from the Siberian continent during the ice age. In this video, you can see the lives of cute, wild Northern Pika. Please enjoy the video showing the ecology of Northern Pika. What is the Northern Pika? Photo：Northern Pika The Northern Pika is also called the "God of Rocky Lands" due to its habit of running around the rocky land of their natural habitat. Hokkaido’s aboriginal Ainu people used to call the Northern Pika "Cicit Cu Kamuy" (チチッ・チュ・カムイ, roughly "The Cheeping God") in Ainu language. The mouse-like Northern Pika is very small, weighing only about 60-150 grams, with a length of 10-20 cm, and a lifespan of about 4-5 years, which is shorter than most pika. They are full of curiosity but very timid, so they are very rarely seen in public. Their natural habitat is the cold wind caves of the Daisetsuzan mountains located high above sea level that don't freeze during the winter. In Japan, these critters are also known to only inhabit Hokkaido. Their breeding period is once a year from spring to summer, and they give birth to 1 to 5 kittens at a time. How Northern Pika Survive Winter The Northern Pika is entirely vegetarian, feeding on every plant in the mountains and is sometimes called "the pacifist of the mountains." In the video from 0:42, there is a scene of an Northern Pika with leaves in its mouth. Northern Pika do not hibernate so they must make winter preparations before the snow piles up. This involves stocking their houses with food. They have the intelligence to dry plants such as leaves, turning it into a dry-grass-preserved food which allows them to survive up to 6 months of harsh winter. They store about a bucketful of food in each of the several locations in their territory. You can see this in the video from 1:49. Where Can I See Northern Pika? Photo：Beautiful Autumn Leaves at Daisetsuzan Northern Pika live in only limited parts of Hokkaido, so the possibility of encountering them is very low. If you do mountain climbing or participate in nature tours and go to photo points, you may have a chance to see them. Northern Pika only live in the wild, and it is said that they cannot be raised in zoos and laboratories. It is also impossible to keep them as pets. If you are attracted to the cute Northern Pika, we recommend that you buy a plush toy or photo book as a souvenir of your trip to Hokkaido. Summary of the Northern Pika In the introductory video, you can see scenes of Northern Pika running around busily searching for food. There's something soothing about looking at this little critter squeaking about. These animals are hard to find in the wild, so be sure to take the time to check out the videos and enjoy their cuteness!

Video Introduction of “Giant Salamander” Appeared in Kamogawa River, Kyoto, Japan This is a video of the Giant Salamander, a protected species, that appeared in Kyoto's Kamo River. The giant salamander is the world’s largest amphibian. The characteristics of giant salamanders is their large body, which is approximately 150cm (~5 ft.) long. Giant salamanders have not changed in form since ancient times, and as such, they are referred to as "living fossils." What Are Giant Salamanders? Photo：Giant salamander Japanese Giant Salamanders belong to the animalia kingdom, chordata phylum, and amphibia class. They are also referred to as "Hanzaki" in Japanese. It is an endemic species living in the south western part of Japan. The mucus giant salamanders secrete on their skin smells like Japanese pepper (Sansho), so they are called "Sansho Uo" in Japanese. Chinese giant salamanders are very similar to Japanese giant salamanders. There's not much difference between Japanese giant salamanders and Chinese giant salamanders, and it is difficult to identify them based on appearance. In China, there is a theory that earthquakes occurs when giant salamanders appear. Are There Many Giant Salamanders Living in Kyoto's Kamo River? Photo：Kyoto As you can see in the video, giant salamanders are often seen in Kyoto's Kamo River basin. However, according to genetic research in the Kyoto area, the native species are extinct and the ones currently living in the city are likely to be non-native, hybrids, or a new species. In Kyoto, heavy rains and typhoons often cause the Kamo River to flood. After it rains, you can find salamanders that were washed downstream from Kumogahata village. The video begins with a giant salamander, over 1 meter in length, walking slowly along the path. It stops moving after 0:07, but you can see it slowly raising its head a couple of times. Giant Salamanders at the Kyoto Aquarium! Photo：Giant salamander At Kyoto Aquarium, there is a special display area of giant salamanders, and if you're lucky, you may even hear their low guttural call. You can also buy stuffed giant salamanders at the aquarium's souvenir shop. At the aquarium, more research is being done on giant salamanders. According to studies, the average life expectancy of a Giant Salamander is 80 years, but some live more than 200 years. Summary of the Giant Salamander at Kamo River Source :YouTube screenshot Many of you may have been surprised by the sheer size of the salamander in the video. There are many reports of salamander sightings along the Kamo River, so it's a good place to stop by when sightseeing in Kyoto. You can also visit the Kyoto Aquarium to learn more about the biology of the Japanese giant salamander. 【Official Website】Kyoto Aquarium- A short walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/

The Life of an International Student at a Japanese High School This time, we would like to introduce the video "A day in a Japanese High School // japan vlog # 1," where you can see the life of a Canadian high school girl studying in Japan. With over 3 million views, this video has become popular all over the world. Sophia, the person who took this video, studied Japanese through textbooks and YouTube education channels before studying abroad. She went to Japan for a study abroad program called Rotaly and stayed there for 11 months. We can see the life of Japanese high school girls from the perspective of foreign students. It's a chance for even Japanese people to learn something they might not have noticed about their daily lives. Let's take a look at the daily scenes and routines of international students attending Japanese schools. Japan's School Uniforms Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 0:16 in the video, high schoolers in Japan have uniforms designated by the school. Among high school girls who care about fashion, finding fashionable ways to wear their uniforms is part of everyday life. Sophia also looks in the mirror in the morning to make sure everything is in order. Many school uniforms are sailor uniforms or blazers. In fact, school uniforms are so important that some students choose a school strictly based on how cute or cool the school uniform is. The Daily Commute for a High School Girl in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot Next is the school scene in Japan, which you can watch from 0:45 in the video. Japanese high school girls go to school by train, bus, bicycle, or on foot. This video shows a group of girls going by train. Sophia seems to have about a 20 minute commute to school. The Everyday Classroom Life of a High School Girl in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot You can see Sophia arriving at school around 2:29 in the video and greeting her friends. Japanese classrooms generally have about 40 students per class, with wooden desks arranged in 5-6 rows. Even now, many schools still use blackboards and chalk, but they are gradually switching to electronic blackboards and whiteboards. Students study all day in these classrooms. You can also see children diligently doing class work and preparing for exams. They also study English as well, but the high school students in the video seem to be quite shy. Source :YouTube screenshot One of the fun things in school life is lunch time. You can see this at 5:42 in the video. Japanese high school students bring their own lunch boxes or buy and eat lunch at the school cafeteria or shop. As you can see at 7:08, when all the lessons are over, students clean the classroom by themselves. Groups of four or five students are assigned to clean the school grounds each week, and when it's their turn, they stay until all of the cleaning is finished. This cleaning custom is one of the characteristics of Japanese school life and has been very well received by the international community. Many elementary and junior high schools also have this practice. Summary of a Day in the Life of a High School Girl in Japan Photo：School classroom How'd you enjoy a day in the life of a high school girl in Japan? We think that it's good to get a glimpse of the daily lives of those who grew up in a different culture, in order to see a different perspective. If you look at school life in Japan from the perspective of an international student, there's probably a lot of differences. Learn about the life of a high school girl in Japan through this video!

Japanese People Smiling 100 Years Ago (Taisho Period): Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "Japanese people's smile from 100 years ago (colorization / extended definition)," was uploaded by "笑顔のおっさんチャンネル A Smiley Daddy's Channel." The photos in the video were taken approximately 100 years ago, from 1914 to 1918, by Elstner Hilton, an American who went to Japan to sell sawmill machines. At this time, the world was in the midst of war as World War I had broken out. Japan was in the midst of a war economy and enjoying the "Taisho Roman style," a reimagining of traditional Japanese clothing worn in modern styles. Taisho Period Japan is very similar to the roaring 20's (1920s) of America, with the country experiencing a renaissance of arts, cultural, and political ideology. Flappers, a subculture of young women in the west at the time who yearned for an independent lifestyle, can even be seen in the so-called "Moga" (Modern Girl) of Japan, that arose during this time, both in ideology and fashion. Check out the colorized and high-resolution video showing Japanese people smiling while going about life 100 years ago. Smiles on the Faces of Japanese People in the Taisho Period Source :YouTube screenshot The people who appear in the video were living in the same period as World War I. Incidentally, this is the same time period as the setting of the popular anime/manga "Demon Slayer." Because these people are living in a time of war, their smiles are very strong and leave a lasting impression. The video shows various black & white photos that have been colorized. Let's take a look at some of the most impressive photos. Work Clothing and Clothes Worn in Everyday Life in Taisho Period Japan Source :YouTube screenshot A number of the photographs show men and women working during the Taisho Period. They can be seen making waraji (traditional shoes), plowing fields, harvesting rice, and winnowing rice. They wore kimono called noragi, and women wore work pants called monpe, and they often tied up the sleeves of their kimono using a cord called a "tasuki." Much of the clothing they wore made it easier for them to move around. [Video] 0:37 - A Man in a Straw Hat Plowing a Field Many women working in this period wore tenugui (handkerchiefs) around their heads to protect their heads, in what was called "hokkamuri." [Video] 0:42 - A Female Farmer Wearing a Kimono and a Handkerchief [Video] 1:31 - Women Picking Tea Leaves With Their Kimono Sleeves Tied Up [Video] 2:43 - Two Girls Winnowing Rice In summer, the people can be seen wearing short-sleeved kimono. [Video] 2:25 - A Woman in a Short-Sleeved Kimono, and a Man in a Straw Hat and Short Pants in Summer The photo, "Flower Vendor with Cart," shows two children and a man selling flowers. [Video] 2:48 - A Man Selling Flowers and Children in Kimono [Video] 2:55 - A Woman Holding a Basket and Wearing a Kimono and Monpe Work Pants Japanese Men's and Women's Festival & Event Clothing: Cultural Clothing in the Taisho Period Source :YouTube screenshot For New Year's attire and other occasions, single women wear furisode, which is considered formal attire, and wear their hair in a traditional Japanese style with hair ornaments. Men wore haori and hakama and yamatakabo (bowler hats) or flat caps. [Video] 0:02 - A Girl Wearing a Furisode [Video] 0:07 - A Woman Wearing Furisode and a Traditional Japanese Hair Style [Video] 0:48 - Women Wearing Kimono at a Tea Party We can also see young women enjoying some snacks with smiles on their faces. They're wearing kimono with vertical stripes and other small patterns, and for some reason, they are wearing tenugui (hand towels) around their necks. Perhaps a fashion trend at the time? [Video] 0:55 - Stylish Women With Traditional Japanese Hair Styles, Hair Ornaments, and Tenugui Around Their Necks [Video] 1:00 - A Group Photo Featuring Women With Hair Ornaments and Men in Hats Japanese Children's Clothing in the Taisho Period Source :YouTube screenshot Children's smiles are always heartwarming. Let's take a look at the clothing of children of the Taisho Period in the video. Many of the boys are wearing kasuri-patterned kimono and sandals, and some of the children wear maegake (aprons) to keep their kimono clean. There are also some girls wearing kimono with a haori of the same pattern as the kimono, which may be a kasuri or komon. [Video] 0:15 - A Girl in a Kimono Beside a Man Making a Waraji Sandals [Video] 0:21 - A Boy Wearing a Kimono and Maegake Apron, and a Girl Wearing a Kimono [Video] 1:13 - Boys Wearing Kimono [Video] 1:26 - A Girl Wearing a Kimono Behind the Azaleas Various Seasonal and Situational Clothing in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot The photo called "Dressed for Rain" is one that shows the lifestyle of the time. We can see that men wore straw raincoats even in this period. The woman holding a shamisen and smiling at a festival is very memorable. You can feel the liberating atmosphere of the festival. [Video] 1:19 - A Woman Participating in a Festival With a Shamisen [Video] 1:37 - A Man Wearing a Straw Raincoat and a Woman With an Umbrella [Video] 2:13 - A Woman in a Short-Sleeved Kimono on the Porch During Summer [Video] 3:01 - A Woman Taking a Bath in a Wooden Tub Bringing Historic Photos to Life With Colorization Technology Source :YouTube screenshot The photos featured in the video are all black and white photos that have been colorized using colorization technology that converts them into color photos with natural coloration. This colorization technology was established through the research of Professor Hiroshi Ishikawa, Assistant Professor Satoshi Iizuka, and Assistant Professor Edgar Simo-Serra of the School of Science and Engineering at Waseda University. This technology is based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology called deep learning, which automatically colors the target image and colorizes it. Natural colorization is achieved on various images as well as black-and-white photos, and the colorization results have even been evaluated to have an accuracy of approximately 90%. Until now, colorizing was done on film or performed manually, which was not inexpensive. However, with the development of this technology, it's now possible to colorize black-and-white photos simply by using an application available for free on the Internet. Summary of Clothing and Smiles of Japanese People 100 Years Ago Source :YouTube screenshot The beautiful colors that emerge are so beautiful that it's hard to believe that they were taken 100 years ago. They're truly invaluable photos. Colorization technology is a wonderful technique that transforms old black and white photos into vibrant color photos. Old family photos and historical photos can be brought to life as well. The smiling faces of Japanese people who lived 100 years ago in the Taisho Period are captured in color so vividly that it is almost as if they were people living today. The color images also add to the glamour of the outfits. You can easily colorize your own memorable photos, so if you're interested, consider giving it a try!

Chopstick Rubber Band Guns! This video is titled "Easy★How to Make Chopsticks Rubber Guns★Handmade Toy" (簡単★ 割り箸ゴム鉄砲の作り方 ★手作りおもちゃ). The chopstick rubber band gun is a popular toy among Japanese children. It uses chopsticks, which is a very familiar item for Japanese people, to create a gun shape by tying them together with rubber bands. They're not too difficult to make, so try to follow along and make your own as we explain the process. Making a Chopstick Rubber Band Gun Source :YouTube screenshot First, prepare 3 wooden chopsticks, a few rubber bands and a pair of scissors. If the chopsticks are still stuck together, break them apart so we can begin making the rubber band gun. As you can see at 0:37 in the video, we'll be using the chopsticks and rubber bands to assemble it. The grip of the gun is made by cutting the chopsticks into pieces with scissors. This is shown at 2:11 in the video. The firing mechanism of the chopstick rubber band gun is simple, and you can make the rubber band fly far by hooking one to the finished gun and shooting. When you finish making one, use a laundry clip as a scope to aim at your target. You can see the rubber band gun being shot at 5:45 in the video. Making a Strong Chopstick Rubber Band Gun Photo：Chopstick Rubber Band Gun You can make cool handmade guns other than the one in the video, such as a laundry clip pistol, a multi-fire pistol, dual handguns, and a gatling gun. There are even crazy strong guns like machine guns, sniper rifles, and semi-automatic gun. Use the internet to search how to make the more advanced rubber band guns and try making one with your friends! These days, there are classes and workshops for chopstick rubber band guns. We recommend giving one a try! Rubber Band Gun Competitions The Japan Rubber Band Gun Shooting Association was established in November 2000. It is an organization that aims to popularize rubber band guns, including the chopsticks rubber band gun variation. The Japan Rubber Gun Shooting Association has established three rules: Matchbox, Fly Shoot, and Coin Pendulum, as official rubber band gun competitions, and there are also events and competitions held. Summary of Rubber Band Chopsticks Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we talked about how to create chopstick rubber band guns. The chopsticks rubber band gun is a handmade toy that can also be enjoyed by adults. We recommend making one during your summer vacation! Check out the video to see how to make chopstick rubber band guns and try to create a powerful device! 【Official Website】Japan Rubber Band Gun Shooting Association http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/jrbgsa/syagekitop.html

A Japanese DJ wins the World Championship! This video, publicized by "ANNnewsCH’, is entitled ‘“Unique” Japanese DJ Tops, Wins World Championships (19/09/29)（“独創的”日本人DJが頂点に　世界大会で優勝(19/09/29)）". DJ Matsunaga won ‘Battle for World Supremacy 2019’ of ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’, one of the biggest DJ championships in the world which decides the top DJ in the world, held in London in September 2019, showing off his incredible techniques. ‘DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS’ is a competition where DJs from all over the world compete with their techniques within a time limit. DJ Matsunaga had earlier won the Japanese competition ‘DMC JAPAN FINAL’ and had procured the right to represent Japan. At such a prestigious competition, DJ Matsunaga beat K-Swizz, the defending champion from New Zealand, enchanting the entire venue with his unique and funky style, despite it being his first time competing. In the interview after becoming the new champion, which can be seen from 0:25 in the video, DJ Matsunaga says “I’m yet to accept this as a reality, so I guess, for now, I’ll prepare to appreciate the feeling when it comes.” From 0:08 in the video, watch the performance that gave him the victory. Who Is DJ Matsunaga, Now a World-Champion DJ? Source :YouTube screenshot DJ Matsunaga’s full name is Kunihiko Matsunaga. He was born in August 1990 and he is 29 years old as of April 2020. His blood type is B. He participated with a casual outfit in this competition, but his characteristic is that he wears suits even during his performances. The reason for this he says, is that he is in his most perfect form when wearing a suit. He is very well-humored and when being introduced as the DMC Champion, he was mistakenly called as DJ Nakamura by the MC but spun it in a humorous light. ‘Creepy Nuts’, a DJ hip-hop unit of 1MC1 to which he belongs, has a regular radio program despite being a group of musicians, and open up an exhilarating talk with ‘R-Shitei (R-指定, R-Shitei)’, the other member. DJ Matsunaga as a DJ Source :YouTube screenshot What’s surprising about DJ Matsunaga’s career is that he accomplished the feat of becoming a champion of the DMC DJ Championship in Hokkaido in 2010, only 3 years after he embarked on his journey of becoming a DJ. Until 2016, he was simultaneously working as a TOC live DJ for the hip-hop unit Hilcrhyme. And in 2019, as mentioned earlier, he topped at DMC JAPAN, which is also a qualifier for DMC WORLD, and he was given the title of ‘Japan’s Number 1 DJ’ on his official profile. His title eventually changed to ‘World’s Number 1 DJ’ after being crowned as the champion at DMC WORLD. Success with Creepy Nuts Source :YouTube screenshot In the hip-hop unit Creepy Nuts, DJ Matsunaga unleashes his worlds-best technique as a trackmaker and turntablist. ‘R-Shitei’, the other member, topped at free-style rapping in a program called Free-Style Dungeon, and together they light up the hip-hip world. Having showed a formidable presence in clubs and live-houses, they participated in the large-scale rock-festival ‘Fuji Rock’ in 2014, and debuted on a major label in 2017 with the single ‘High School Debut, Uni Debut, We Failed All but Major Debut. (高校デビュー、大学デビュー、全部失敗したけどメジャーデビュー。, Koko-Debyu, Daigaku-Debyu, Zenbu Shippai Shita-kedo Meja-Debyu.)’. Check out the Worlds-Best-Performance of DJ Matsunaga! So what did you think? Do you feel like listening to the world's best DJ, DJ Matsunaga? DJ Matsunaga can be described as one of few people that changed the prevailing perception of the hip-hop world being formidable and distant, into a more familiar, pop-like image. Enjoy the techniques of the world’s best DJ. 【Official Website】DMC World DJ Championships - The Home Of The Worlds Biggest DJ Competition http://www.dmcdjchamps.com/

Amanohashidate - One of the Three Most Scenic Spots in Japan This video, titled JG☆☆☆☆☆4K HDR Kyoto, Amanohashidate (Special Scenic Beauty)" (JG☆☆☆☆☆4K HDR 京都 天橋立(特別名勝)), created by “JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC” is a promotional video that introduces “Amanohashidate,” a sandbar in Miyazu Bay (宮津湾, Miyazuwan), Tango, on the Sea of Japan, in northern Kyoto, as well as nearby sightseeing spots. Along with “Mutsunomatsushima” in Miyagi and “Akinomiyajima” in Hiroshima, “Amanohashidate” located in Miyazu, Kyoto is listed as one of the "Three Views of Japan," attracting many tourists with its mystical scenery. Located about two hours from Kyoto Station by train, Amanohashidate is an area where you can enjoy spectacular natural landscapes, historical sites, and mysterious power spots, which are quite different from sightseeing in downtown Kyoto. It is said that from about 7 to 8,000 years ago, the sand from rivers was deposited in an almost straight line due to collisions of ocean currents, and then an earthquake 2-3,000 years ago caused the accumulated sand to appear on the sea, and has continued to grow even to this day. It took thousands of years to create Amanohashidate as we know it today. You can see the mysterious and beautiful scenery that nature has created in 4K. Other sightseeing spots around it are introduced as well. There are so many spots to see around Amanohashidate! Two Observatories Where You Can Try “Matanozoki” at Amanohashidate Photo： Matanozoki at Amanohashidate Amanohashidate, with its sandy pine tree and spit beaches, is 20-170m wide and 3.6 km long, and is called "Amanohashidate" because of its slender, bridge-like appearance from the sky (The kanji roughly translates to "heavenly bridge"). Amanohashidate can be seen from the observatories at Amanohashidate View Land and Amanohashidate Kasamatsu Park. If you try “Matanozoki” (looking at Amanohashidate from between your legs upside down), you'll have to face away from Amanohashidate to see it. This makes the sky and the ground upside down and it looks like a bridge in the sky when viewed from “Kasamatsu Park” in the north, and it looks like a dragon flying in the sky when you look at it from “Amanohashidate View Land” in the south. At Kasamatsu Park, you can climb up to the observatory using a lift or cable car while looking at the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms in spring. You can also enjoy seasonal flowers, such as hydrangea and beautiful autumn leaves. The top of the mountain where Amanohashidate View Land is located, can be reached by a lift, a ropeway and a cable car. On top of the mountain, there is a facility that even children can enjoy, with a ferris wheel and go-carts. You can see the ride to the top and a view of Amanohashidate at 0:28 in the video. Don't forget to bring your camera if you go! Historical Locations and Sightseeing Around Amanohashidate Photo：Three Views of Japan, Amanohashidate, Rotating bridge Chionji Temple is known for the wiseman Monju-san, and is visited by many students before taking their entrance exams. Monjudo Hall (the main hall) and Amanohashidate are depicted in the national treasure "Amanohashidatezu" by Sesshu. Also, Manai Shrine, located in the inner shrine of the prestigious Kano Shrine, called Moto Ise, is a famous power spot. Shishizaki Inari Shrine, with its red torii gate and approximately 1,000 "Mitsuba Azaleas" that turn the surface of the mountain pink in spring, and Seisouji Temple, with its magnificent five-story pagoda, are popular tourist spots. The temples and shrines around Amanohashidate are introduced at 1:52 in the video. Another popular tourist spot is Kaisen Bridge. It's a bridge that rotates to let ships pass, and connects “Amanohashidate” and “Monjudo.” It's a very popular place for taking photos. You can watch the bridge rotating at 2:05 in the video. Next to Kaisen Bridge is Amanohashidate Hot Spring Street. Chie-no-yu is a facility with an outdoor hot spring and an open-air bath, and there are other hot spring facilities where you can take a day trip to relax and recover from the fatigue of your travels as well. Amanohashidate is lined with 5,000 pine trees and has a sandy shore, making it a popular destination that many people visit every summer. The bridge can be crossed on foot or by bike. Isomizu is popular among tourists because of its mysterious fresh water gushing up from the sand surrounded by the sea. Many of Japan’s top 100! Famous place in “Amanohashidate” Kyoto “Amanohashidate” is home to many "top 100's." Amanohashidate is listed as on of the “100 Best Pines in Japan,” and “Isomizu” is listed on “Japan's 100 remarkable waters,” “Top 100 Roads of Japan”, “100 Best White Sands and Clear Pines in Japan,” “100 Best Historical Sites of Beautiful Japan,” “100 Best Historical Parks in Japan,” and “Top 100 Geological Sites in Japan.” Summary of Amanohashidate Photo：Amanohashidate, Lift and cable car This article introduced the history and sights of Amanohashidate alongside the video. We hope this article has shown you the beauty of Amanohashidate. There is a lot more information about sightseeing that we couldn't include in this article in the video. It's a beautiful 4K video, so be sure to take a look and see the sights we introduced in this article! Amanohashidate is a must visit spot where you can fully enjoy the beautiful sea and natural scenery. Consider putting it on your itinerary for your next trip to Japan! ◆Amanohashidate◆ 【Address】314-2 Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto 626-0001 【Access】A short distance from Tantetsu Amanohashidate Station 【Parking】Payed parking lot available 【Telephone】0772-22-8030 【Tripadvisor】Amanohashidate https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023393-d1164917-Reviews-Amanohashidate-Miyazu_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html