Kabazaiku: Traditional Crafts Portraying the Charm of Japanese Culture This video, “手技TEWAZA「樺細工」KABA ZAIKU Woodwork”, was created by “伝統工芸青山スクエア” to introduce the woodworking craft "kabazaiku." Kabazaiku, also known as Sakura-gawa-zaiku (桜皮細工, Sakura-gawa-zaiku), refers to traditional crafts mainly created in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture of the Tohoku area of Japan (東北地方・秋田県角館, Tohoku-chiho・Akita-ken Kakunodate). This area is also famous for its hot springs. Although the name “kabazaiku” is used (kaba meaning birch), in actuality, mountain cherry bark is used in the woodworking process. In Kakunodate, Akita, kabazaiku originates from the Edo period (1603 to 1868). Therefore, kabazaiku has over 200 years of history, with its drawing point being its high quality, ensuring that products are suitable for long-term use. There are many kabazaiku workshops in Kakunodate, where Japanese traditional culture can be experienced and exquisite products are brought to life. In this video, we'll introduce the the crafting process of kabazaiku in detail. Even an everyday product such as a tea caddy is crafted with great care by these expert craftsmen. Traditional Crafts: Kabazaiku Crafting Process Source :YouTube screenshot First, the cherry bark is scraped until smooth (0:15). After the surface has been scraped smooth, gluing with nikawa glue comes next (0:25). Next, a hot iron is used to heat up the glue and fasten the pieces together (1:27). After more polishing and perfecting it, the product is completed (3:00). This process is comprised of various techniques incorporating the skills of the craftsmen. The crafting techniques of kabazaiku are comprised of the mold (型もの, katamono), wood (木地もの, kijimono), and fold (たたみもの, tatamimono). The mold refers to the skill used for crafting cylindrical items such as tea caddies, and wood refers to the skill used for crafting items such as trays or boxes. Fold refers to the technique of manually pasting layers of wood together to craft an item. The craftsman interviewed in the video finds that “the greatest charm of kabazaiku lies in figuring out how each differing layer of cherry bark can be utilized to it's fullest potential." He hopes that people “will not be overly cautious with the kabazaiku products and will use them however they wish.” Purchasing High-Quality Kabazaiku Products Source :YouTube screenshot Kabazaiku are exquisite items crafted from Japan’s natural materials. Besides bigger items such as drawers and boxes, there are also tea caddies, trays, multi-tiered boxes, business card holders, tobacco cases, smartphone cases and wooden-clogs (下駄, geta). There are a multitude of products to choose from, so do choose something that suits your fancy. Kabazaiku products can be purchased at department stores in Tokyo such as the Mitsukoshi Department Store in Nihonbashi (日本橋三越, Nihonbashi mitsukoshi). These products are also available through internet retailers such as Rakuten or Amazon at good prices. At the Tomioka Store (冨岡商店, Tomioka shoten) in Akita Prefecture, there are a variety of kabazaiku products which are perfect as presents for loved ones or as souvenirs. We also highly recommend checking out the Kakunodate Birch Textile Museum (角館樺細工伝承館, Kakunodate kabazaiku denshokan) in Kakunodate. There, the origin and crafting process of kabazaiku is introduced in detail. There is even the opportunity to try kabazaiku yourself, to create your very own original kabazaiku product. Summary of Kabazaiku Kabazaiku products, which are created in traditional workshops using natural materials, can even be said to be works of art. These are highly-recommended items which can be used for years. You can see the beauty of these items from the video. Why not gain an understanding of the kabazaiku crafting process through the video, then consider purchasing some of these products? As kabazaiku products are made from natural materials, it is recommended that you take good care of these products through ways such as cleaning them regularly with a soft cloth. 【Official Website】Tomioka Shoten https://tomioka-shoten.co.jp/en/ 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Takayama Tea Whisks This video was made by Japanese Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, a shop dedicated to Japanese traditional crafts, to introduce the Takayama Tea Whisk. Photo：Chasen (Tea Whisk) In the unique culture of Japanese tea ceremony, tea whisks are used for making matcha tea. Takayama Tea Whisks are traditional instruments made of bamboo and individually hand-crafted by artisans. In this article we'll introduce the charms and manufacturing process of Takayama Tea Whisks. Be sure to follow along with the video. Takayama Tea Whisks and Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony Source :YouTube screenshot Japan has many traditional crafts with a long history. There is a wide variety of crafts including lacquerwares, ceramic wares, Buddhist altars, textiles, bamboo works, woodworks, Japanese paper, and many more. Tea ceremony utensils are traditional crafts that also have high cultural value as well. The tradition of tea drinking is said to have already started in the Heian period (794-1185 AD) in Japan. During the Kamakura period (1185 – 1333 AD), monk Eisai brought tea ceremony to Japan. As one of the most expensive tea whisks used for tea ceremony, the traditional Takayama Tea Whisk is made in Takayama in Ikoma City, Nara. The History and Cultural Value of Takayama Tea Whisks The production of Takayama Tea Whisks started around the middle of the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573 AD). The tea whisk was requested by Juko Murata, who started the tradition of Wabicha (a style of tea ceremony). Takayama Tamibe-no Jounyudo Souzetsu, the lord of Takayama’s son, accepted the request and made a special tea whisk for Murata. The tea whisk was presented to Emperor Gotsuchimikado and cherished by him. After the Edo period, the art of making Takayama Tea whisks had been handed down from artisans to only one of their children as a secret technique. In recent years however, the craftmanship has been passed down to 16 apprentices. The craft has been passed on as a handicraft of artisans in Takayama, Nara as well. The Characteristics and Manufacturing Process of Takayama Tea Whisks Source :YouTube screenshot Takayama Tea Whisks are made with many types of bamboo such as Henon bamboo, black bamboo and soot bamboo which is smoked in a hearth for many years. The edge of a bamboo pole is cracked into pieces, shaved thin, curled and fixed, then wrapped together to form a bamboo whisk. The painstakingly crafted Takayama Tea Whisks are truly works of art. Take a look at 0:29 in the video as it introduces the manufacturing process of Takayama Tea Whisks in detail. Summary of Takayama Tea Whisks The tradition of Japanese tea ceremony is also very popular outside Japan as it shows the Japanese spirit of Wabisabi. You can see that each tool made in the workshop is also a very profound traditional craft. We hope after reading this article and watching the video that we've sparked your interest in Takayama Tea Whisks. The maker of the video, Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square, sells a variety of products including Takayama Tea Whisks. If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture or tea ceremony culture, we highly recommend that you purchase a traditional Takayama Tea Whisk. 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Introducing the mysterious Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso of Kumamoto Prefecture This video, titled "上色見熊野座神社 Kami-shikimi Kumano-imasu Jinja," was released by "Shiawase Bokujo Country Bred Jedi" (幸せ牧場 CountryBredJedi). It introduces Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, one of Kumamoto's leading power spots in Takamori, Aso District. It's said that Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine was the setting and model for the theatrical anime "Hotarubi no Mori e" (Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light) based on the popular shojo manga released in 2011. This mysterious video of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine will have you feeling as though you've actually visited the sacred ground, so be sure to give it a watch! Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Photo：Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Kumamoto Prefecture After climbing the mossy steps up the mountain, you'll find many stone lanterns on the pathway to the shrine. Solemn and mysterious looking cedar trees will also come into sight. After passing through the torii gate, more than 260 steps are left before you. The photogenic Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a mysterious spot that will have you feeling as though you've crossed over into another world. From 0:05 in the video, you'll see imagery that will make you feel as though you're actually walking through Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine. The History of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Photo：Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Kumamoto Prefecture It is unknown when Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture was built. Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine enshrines Izanagi and Izanami-no-Mikoto, who appear in Japanese mythology. At the Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, there is also the "Ugetoiwa", which is said to have a large hole of 10m or more in length and width due to being kicked by Kihachi Boshi, that is also a highlight to see. What is the theatrical anime "Hotarubi no Mori e" modeled after Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, which can be seen in the video? Photo：Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, Kumamoto Prefecture The theatrical animation "Hotarubi no Mori e" is based on the manga written by Yuki Midorikawa, the original author of the best-selling "Natsume Yujincho" (Natsume's Book of Friends). The story is about a girl who went to visit her grandfather's house but ends up having a mysterious experience in the nature-filled forest of the mountain god. This animation was incredibly popular at its release, and many people, including foreign travelers visiting Japan, visited Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine as a pilgrimage to the sacred place. Summary of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine in Minami Aso, Kumamoto Photo：The Takamoridon Cedars, Kumamoto Prefecture You've probably felt the mysterious atmosphere of Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine through the video. On the hillside of Mt. Minami Gairin near Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, there are two magnificent couple cedars called the "Takamoridon Cedars," which are said to be more than 400 years old. It's said that a famous entertainer visited here and their marriage was decided. Because of this, it became a widely talked about topic that wishes for matchmaking and marriage become fulfilled here. Access to Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine is a 10-minute drive from Takamori Station on the Minami Aso Railway. There is also a parking lot so you can visit by car. Consider visiting Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, a great place for taking Instagram photos! 【Tripadvisor】Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121537-d9707472-Reviews-Kamishikimi_Kumanoimasu_Shrine-Takamori_machi_Aso_gun_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

日本の伝統工芸飴細工紹介動画について 日本が誇る伝統工芸の一つである飴細工について、『日本糖果藝術 飴細工 - 金魚，青蛙，貓，狗 東京』の動画を元に紹介をさせていただきます。 飴細工とは？ 日本が誇る伝統工芸の飴細工とは何か、まずはその詳細について紹介をさせていただきます。 飴細工は、製菓技術の一つで、起源は平安時代に京都で作られていたお供え物になります。 熱した飴を職人が自在に操って作品を作り出す様はまさに芸術の一言で、今回紹介させていただいている動画を見ても、伝統工芸の素晴らしさがはっきりと分かることでしょう。 動画内で実際に飴細工を制作されている姿をまずはご覧ください。 飴細工は飴と製菓という言葉が表す通り、芸術品でありながら食べることが出来ます。 その精巧な作りは食べる時には勿体無いと思ってしまうほどです。 しかし基本的には食べ物というよりは芸術品や美術品といった側面が強く、動画内でも猫や犬、金魚や青蛙等を題材としており、思わず飾っておきたくなるような素晴らしいものばかりです。 和と洋で違う飴細工 日本の伝統工芸としても名高い飴細工ですが、実は和菓子だけでなく、洋菓子としてもその技術が用いられています。 和菓子としての飴細工は、最小限の道具で生き物をモチーフとした一品で完成する作品が多いのに対し、洋菓子の飴細工は、バラや花等の植物を主として、一品一品を組み合わせた大規模な作品として主に制作されています。 伝統工芸としての歴史はどちらも古く、その美しさから、日本人外国人問わず、多くの人の間でお土産やプレゼントとして人気です。 日本が誇る伝統工芸飴細工の紹介まとめ 視覚でも味覚でも楽しませてくれる伝統工芸の飴細工、今回はその素晴らしさについて動画を交えてご紹介させていただきましたが、いかがだったでしょうか？ 今回紹介をさせていただいた飴細工職人の方々は、通販での販売、体験教室を開くなど、積極的に伝統工芸を後世へと伝え、残していく活動をされています。 特にその活動を積極的に行われているのが「飴細工よし原」であり、職人の人が実際に目の前で作る姿を見ることもできます。 飴細工体験教室などのイベントも開催されるので、動画を見て気になった方はぜひ「よし原」へと足を運んでみることをおすすめします。 伝統工芸を実際に触れることで、伝統工芸という日本文化に対しての理解が一層深まることでしょう。 日本の伝統工芸の一つである飴細工について興味を持っていただけたら幸いです。

The Incredible Skills of Okonomiyaki Chefs This video about Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki is titled “An Okonomiyaki Stall Bringing in Droves of Fans/2018/Craftsmanship/Street Food Japan Okonomiyaki" (その場でファンが出来るお好み焼き屋さん　2018　職人芸　Street Food Japan Okonomiyaki). The chef from the Okonomiyaki stall introduced in the video, is a full-fledged pro when it comes to making large amounts of Hiroshima style and Kansai style Okonomiyaki. Many customers gathered to see the outstanding performance, attracted by the delicious smell of the Okonomiyaki. Besides the incredible performance, the reason why Okonomiyaki is so popular is because of the relatively low prices and the filling nature of the delicious snack. Many people are impressed by the amazing performance of making Okonomiyaki. Check out the video to see the quick hands of this chef as he prepares Kansai/Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki. The performance is quite impressive. You'll probably want to see it in person after watching the video. What Kind of Food Is Okonomiyaki? Ingredients and How It's Made! Photo：Hiroshima style Okonomiyaki Okonomiyaki is a traditional Japanese food, and has been a soul food for many people for a long time. Okonomiyaki was created in Tokyo sometime between 1926 and 1941. The recipe is very simple- You simply mix all the ingredients and cook it on a teppan (iron grill/skillet) or in a pan. Later on, the custom spread from Tokyo to the Kansai region. There are two kinds of Okonomiyaki: Kansai style (Osaka area) and Kanto style (Tokyo area). What you see in the video is called Kansai style Okonomiyaki. Kansai style Okonomiyaki is made by mixing minced cabbage and batter together and cooking it on an iron pan. However, some people make it differently by flattening the batter on the iron pan and putting the cabbage on top. Modanyaki is a different type of Okonomiyaki that involves putting noodles into the mix. Modanyaki is also very popular in Japan. The recipe is pretty simple. Use flour and water to make a batter, and mix it with minced cabbage and Yamaimo (Japanese yam). From there, cook the ingredients on the iron plate after greasing it with cooking oil, adding sliced pork, noodles, green onions, eggs, and other delicious ingredients. You can simply put whatever ingredients you like in Okonomiyaki. Some other popular ingredients are seafood, cheese, and mochi (rice cakes). Once you've finished making the okonomiyaki, season it with okonomiyaki sauce, fish flakes, and dried green seaweed. Many people prefer mayonnaise on their Okonomiyaki. The most common way to eat Okonomiyaki is to cut it in small pieces using the spatula, so that it can be shared amongst friends. For the Okonomiyaki from a festival stall (like the one in the video), use chopsticks to cut the Okonomiyaki. Takoyaki, and Monjayaki are 2 popular foods in Japan similar to Okonomiyaki. The video shows viewers the entire process of making Okonomiyaki, from greasing the iron plate, to flattening the batter and adding ingredients such as sliced pork and cabbage. One of the most impressive scenes can be seen at 1:54, when the chef flips each Okonomiyaki one by one in quick succession. He's making 30 Okonomiyaki at once! Be sure to check out the video to see a detailed look at how Okonomiyaki are made. Japan's Popular Festival Stalls! Source :YouTube screenshot No festival is complete without getting some food at a local stall. And the taste of freshly made okonomiyaki from a stall is totally different from what you'd make at home. There are actually a lot of tourists who visit Japanese festivals just to enjoy different foods and see the amazing skills of the chefs. In this video, we showed you the craftsmanship of the Kansai-style and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki attracting large crowds. This Okonomiyaki stalls are very popular and often attract large lines of people. Don't be surprised when you're not the only one excited to buy this delicious treat. Summary of Japan's Delicious Okonomiyaki Trying different food at festival stalls is an inseparable part of Japanese festival culture. There are a lot of different food stalls at Japan's festivals where you can see the professional skills of chefs. The amazing skills of Japan's Okonomiyaki chefs is a must-see! This video offers a new way to enjoy the festivals- watching the craftsmanship of japan's food stall chefs! If you want to see the craftsmanship behind Japan's food stall culture, or if you want to try the mouth-watering okonomiyaki for yourself, be sure to hit up one of Japan's festivals!

Goryokaku in Hakodate! This video, titled "Goryokaku, Hakodate" (函館　「五稜郭」 Goryokaku, Hakodate), introduces the historical location, Goryokaku in Hakodate. Shown at the beginning of the video, Goryokaku in Hakodate is a fortress characterized by its beautiful star-shape. If you go up to the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, as shown at 1:34 in the video, you can see the beautiful star-shaped moat that surrounds Goryokaku Park. Don't forget to bring your camera, it'll look great on Instagram! About Goryokaku Photo：Goryokaku Goryokaku was built by the Tokugawa Shogunate to protect the Hakodate magistrates office, at the end of the Edo period. (1853 – 1868) The star-shaped Goryokaku is also called Ryohoshiki and it was designed by Takeda Ayasaburo. This is shown at 1:54 in the video. Goryokaku was called Kameda yakushodorui and Hakodate Onyakusho during its construction. It is also known as Yanagino Castle (柳野城, Yanagino-jyo) since there were a lot of willow trees in the area (柳, "yanagi," means willow in Japanese). The History of Goryokaku Photo：Goryokaku's stone walls Completed around the time of the Meiji Restoration, Goryokaku was occupied by the former shogunate's forces during the Battle of Hakodate, the final battle of the Boshin War, and became its headquarters. As you can see from 1:22 in the video, the earthwork, stone walls, and stone monuments still remain. Goryokaku was also used as parade ground for the army during the Meiji period (1868 to 1912). Highlights of Goryokaku Photo：Goryokaku, Winter Illumination Goryokaku has been the setting for many historical events since the end of the Edo period. In 1988, a TV drama titled "Goryokaku" was also produced. Goryokaku is a special national historic site, and has been designated a Hokkaido Heritage Site as the "Remains of Goryokaku and the Battle of Hakodate." It is currently managed by the city of Hakodate as a government-owned property. The magistrate’s office, which can be seen at 1:47 in the video, was reconstructed in 2010. You can see the inside, including the main hall, courtyard, and historical records, at 2:33 in the video. Goryokaku park also hosts a limited time illumination event, so we recommend lining up your visit with it if possible. Summary of Goryokaku ©Goryokaku-Tower Modifying Goryokaku, shown in the video, is a great place to enjoy seasonal scenery, including cherry blossoms in the spring, autumn colors in the fall, and snowy scenery in winter. In addition to Goryokaku, Hakodate also offers other pleasures such as the night view from Mt. Hakodate and eating Hakodate ramen, a specialty of the city. Incidentally, Tsuruoka Castle (龍岡城) in Saku City, Nagano is also designed in the shape of a star, so be sure to check it out as well! ◆Goryokaku Information◆ 【Address】44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001 【Access】15 minutes by a car, taxi, and bus from JR Hakodate Station 【Parking】None 【Tripadvisor】Goryokaku Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298151-d1439713-r68353674-Goryokaku_Park-Hakodate_Hokkaido.html

Traditional Japanese Technology - About the Karakuri Puppet intro video The video “Karakuri puppet – 4K Ultra HD,” created by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, introduces two traditional Japanese wind-up puppets: "Yumihiki Doji" (弓曳童子), the puppet of a boy drawing a bow, and "Mojigaki Ningyo" (文字書き人形), the calligraphy puppet. In this three-minute video, you can see how these famous puppets work, so we highly recommend watching the video if you're interested in the following two questions: ・How do traditional Japanese Karakuri puppets move? ・What is the history and culture of traditional Japanese Karakuri puppets? This article focuses on the traditional Japanese technology “Karakuri” puppets, which is said to be the origin of robot creation. To begin with, please take a look at the video to see delicate and intricate movements of the puppets. About the Puppets "Yumihiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo" Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot The two puppets "Yumihiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo" are representative examples of Japanese wind-up puppets, as well as the famous puppet “Ocha Hakobi Ningyo (お茶運び人形),” the teacup carrying puppet. The first puppet "Yumihiki Doji," which you can see at 0:05 of this video, grabs four arrows firmly and shoots them at its target. The puppet aims at the target carefully, sometimes raising its face and even changing its own facial expressions. From 1:52 you can see another mechanized puppet “Mojigaki Ningyo,” holding ink brushes in its mouth and hand and writing letters on paper in the other hand. You'll be amazed when it starts writing two different letters at the same time! About Karakuri Puppets- Traditional Japanese Technology Photo：A Karakuri Puppet on a Parade Float Karakuri wind-up puppets have a long history; dating all the way back to the Heian period(794-1185). Back then, hand-puppeteered Karakuri puppets were mostly used for entertainment during rituals or at theaters. It is said that this kind of wind-up puppet was developed further in the Edo period(1603-1868). Wind-up puppets were a kind of pop culture back then; they were used as toys to play in tatami rooms or placed on festival floats. Today you can see these puppets at traditional Japanese puppet shows such as Ningyo Joruri (人形浄瑠璃), Takayama Festival (高山祭り, Takayama Matsuri) in Gifu prefecture, Karakuri Ningyoshibai Hall in Gunma prefecture, Takeda Marionette Theater (竹田人形座, Takeda Ningyo-Za) in Nagano prefecture, and many more. There is a book called "Karakuri Zui" (機匠図彙), showing structures and mechanical drawings of Karakuri wind-up puppets. It includes how to make nine different kinds of puppets. The best puppet creators in the Edo period are said to be Oumi Takeda and the “Karakuri Master”(からくり儀右衛門, Karakuri Giemon) Hisashige Tanaka. Currently Tanaka's works are preserved at the National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo. Today Mr. Tamaya Shobei IX, the professional Karakuri puppet craftsman, restores, repairs, produces and sells puppets. Karakuri wind-up puppets are powered by wood, springs, and threads, and therefore don’t require electricity. The technology of traditional Karakuri puppets is highly valued, as it is said to have had a profound impact on western technology Overview of Karakuri Puppets Source of Photo :YouTube screenshot In the video "Karakuri puppet – 4K Ultra HD," you see the two automatic wind-up puppets: "Yumibiki Doji" and "Mojigaki Ningyo." The movements of both puppetss is quite interesting; It's as if the puppets are changing their own facial expressions. Also, don’t overlook the tiny puppet below Yumibiki Doji turning a lever! In addition to the two puppets in this video, there are various other kinds of Karakuri wind-up puppets: magician puppets, spirit buying puppets, airplane operating puppets, and more. If you are interested in traditional Japanese technology, please look into some of these other puppets as well!

The Discovery of Yosa Buson's Haiku "New Phrases of Yosa Buson（与謝蕪村の新発見の句）", produced by "Nara TV Channel", is a news video introducing the discovery of new haiku written by Yosa Buson, a haiku author, painter, and poet. Along with Basho Matsuo and Issa Kobayashi, the Haiku poem by Yosa Buson, one of the three major Edo poets in Edo, was spotlighted at Tenri University's Tenri Library. Currently, it is stored as a valuable document that is useful for research on Yosa Buson. In this article, I would like to introduce you to Yosa Buson, and talk about the discovery of his new haiku. The Newly Discovered Haiku of Yosa Buson Source :YouTube screenshot In 2015, 300 years after the birth of Yosa Buson, 212 newly discovered haiku were added to Yosa Buson's collection of haiku. A new haiku was discovered in a book called "Yahantei Buson Kushu," held by Tenri University's Library. You can also see from the video that various media outlets have come to the news gathering for the press conference of "Shinshu Buson Kushu Buson Kukaikou" held at Tenri University's Library. It can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Among the newly discovered materials, there are traces of corrections and inspections by Yosa Buson, which is a very valuable research material. You can see the actual haiku collection, and the traces with corrections from 0:26 in the video. A memorial exhibition "Haijin Buson- In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of his birth" was also held at the Tenri University's Library. Who Was Yosa Buson, the Famous Japanese Poet? Source :YouTube screenshot Yosa Buson is a master of Edo haiku, and is said to be the founder of the Edo Haiku Chukou. His representative works include "Rape Blossoms and the Moon in the East and the Sun in the West" and "The Spring Hine Mosuno Tarino Tarikana". His pseudonyms for haiku include "Saichou" and "Yahantei (Nisei)", and the pseudonyms he used for painting were "Shunsei" and "Shain". In 1716, Yosa Buson (real name Taniguchi) was born in Kema Village, Higashinari-gun, Settsuno kuni. At the age of 20, he studied haiku by studying with Hayano Hajin. After that, he yearned for Basho Matsuo and traveled around the Tohoku region. After years of study, he blossomed at the ripe age of 40 years old. Yosa Buson is famous as a poet, but he also worked as a painter, drawing haiga (pictures for haiku) for Basho Matsuo's works. Some of his famous emaki (picture scrolls) include works such as "Okunohosomichi" and "Yashoku roudaizu". What are haiku? Photo：Haiku poet Haiku is a short poems that sings of the seasons and nature, and is characterized by its five, seven, five structure. Haiku has a rule that involves using a seasonal word in the poem. This is called a fixed season. Like Waka and Renku (Haiku Renka), there are works that do not include seasonal words. These are called seasonless haiku. Haiku is also referred to as "17 letters, 17 sounds, and 17 words". Haiku became popular during the Edo period (1603 to 1868), but was later established by Shiki Masaoka in the Meiji era (1868 to 1912) as "modern literary haiku." Senryu, which resemble haiku, is expressed in the 5, 7, 5 structure like haiku, but it is characterized by its lack of seasonal words. The good thing about Senryu is its high degree of freedom and use of light expressions. Summary of the Discovery of Yosa Buson's Haiku Source :YouTube screenshot "Yosa Buson’s New Discovered Haiku Collection" produced by "Nara TV Channel" is a video that introduces the discovery of a new haiku by Yosa Buson. It was showered with attention when it was first announced that haiku from a famous Edo period poet had been discovered. If you're a history buff, or just love poetry, this is a must-see video! If you're interested, be sure to check it out. 【Official Website】 Tenri University Library https://www.tcl.gr.jp/eng/index_e.htm

The Jaw-Dropping Techniques of Kawatoyo Chefs The video, taken at Kawatoyo, a Meiji style restaurant situated on the way to the Naritasan (Narita Mountain) Shinshoji Temple in Narita, Chiba, shows how the chefs prepare Japanese eel (Unagi) before cooking them. There is a common saying among eel restaurant chefs that gives some insight into how difficult mastering the techniques behind their job is, it goes: “Three years of skewering, eight years of cutting, and a lifetime of grilling.” In spite of the difficulty of this job, the chefs in the video make it look easy, and even enjoyable. In just two minutes, one can easily understand how skilled the chefs at Kawatoyo are. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read the article! Grilled Eel, Narita’s Specialty Photo：Eels When most people think of Narita they think of eel. And it's no surprise either. With its 60 eel restaurants Naritasan, Omotesando has become a popular attraction for both tourists and food lovers alike, and it is conveniently located just a 15 minute walk from the JR Narita Station. Kawatoyo is a well-established shop in Narita, serving grilled eel since 1910. Crowded even on weekdays, part of its popularity is due to the show offered by its chefs working in front of diners. This can be seen in the video as well The skillful maneuvering of tools and knives done on the restaurant's large wooden cutting board, catches the eyes of many tourists, who are impressed by the fascinating sight. Source :YouTube screenshot These are the steps to prepare the eel. Be sure to follow along with the video: 1. Nailing the eel to the board 2. Cutting it open with a knife 3. Gutting it 4. Boning it 5. Slicing it to proper size Because of how difficult it is to perform this procedure both quickly and accurately, apprentices are usually relegated to applying the skewers. Unlike other fish, eels must be killed just before preparing them as their flesh tends to spoil very quickly: so quickly that the speed at which the preparation work is done ends up influencing the taste of the final product. In addition to that, raw eel blood is toxic, and while cooked preparations are safe to eat, handling and preparing the raw product requires great care on the chefs’ part. Some Final Words on Narita Eel Photo：Eel bowl On a normal weekday, the chefs at Kawatoyo prepare a staggering 400 eels for their customers, and this number doubles to a whopping 800 on weekends and holidays. The taste of the grilled eels you can have in this wooden, old fashioned traditional Japanese shop is simply amazing. There are various eel recipes and serving styles in Japanese cuisine: be it rolls, unagi sushi, eel served in traditional wooden boxes or on top of rice bowls. Did you know that grilled eel cooking methods can vary from region to region in Japan? In the East, Kanto-style eels are sliced open from the back, then steamed and only later grilled, making for a richer, more plump texture, while in the West it is more common to have them Kansai-style, following a method that focuses on fragrance and crispness by grilling the eels on their belly directly over a flame. The best you can do is walk your way through Japan and find the style or unagi sauce you like the most. And don’t forget that eels this delicious can only be prepared by skilled, seasoned professionals: do not try this at home! ◆Kawatoyo Honten◆ 【Address】Nakamachi386, Narita, Chiba, Japan,　286-0027 【Access】 By Train　 11 minutes walking from JR Narita station 11 minutes walking from Keisei Narita station By Car: 8.3 km from Narita International Airport (about 20 minutes) 3 km from Aeon Mall Narita (about 10 minutes) 2.5 km from Mega Don Quixote (about 8 minutes) 【Open】10 am to 5 pm (last order) 【Closures】None (subject to change) 【Parking】None 【TEL】0476-22-2711 【Official Website】kawatoyohonten http://www.unagi-kawatoyo.com/foreign/index.html

“Kaiyodo Figure Museum Is Full of Figures” This is the introductory video ofthe Kaiyodo Figure Museum（海洋堂フィギュアミュージアム龍遊館はフィギュアがいっぱい） created by Nyanta8355. It shows the inside of the world’s first museum specializing in figures. The museum, specializing in figures, was created by Kaiyodo, which is famous for designing and creating figures around the world. A large number of figures created by Kaiyodo are displayed in this museum. Visitors can walk around the museum while looking at colorful and artistic figures, such as a huge triceratops and anEVA. Take a look at the video and see what it's like! About Kaiyodo: The Creator of Kaiyodo Figure Museum Source :YouTube screenshot Kaiyodo is the largest figure production company in Japan. Founded as a small model shop in Osaka in 1964, it is now globally known for its elaborate figures and 3D modeling. Kaiyodo has produced many hit figures, such as Kenshiro and Raoh from Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳, Hokuto no Ken), the Evangelion series, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Megurine Luka, Fate/stay night, small toys from the Japanese animal series Chocolate Eggs, Godzilla, the manga Phoenix, Pokemon, figures of cute girls, and more. From 1:14 in the video, you can see the figure of Evangelion Unit 01 from the popular anime Neon Genesis EVANGELION. From 1:48 you can see the figure of Rei Ayanami, also from Evangelion, and some figures of cute girls like Hatsune Miku. About Kaiyodo Figure Museum Source :YouTube screenshot Kaiyodo Figure Museum is located in Kurokabe Square, a sightseeing spot in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture. It is the world’s first figure museum, focusing on diorama exhibitions. As you can see from 0:07 in this video, Kenshiro and Daimajin welcome guests at the entrance. After stepping into the museum, you enter a world full of figures, which leaves fanatics excited from the get-go. Source :YouTube screenshot Of the many figures in this museum, the most eye-catching figure is the huge triceratops lying down in the center of the floor. As you can see in this video, many elaborate figures are lined up in this museum. In addition to figure displays, the Kaiyodo Figure Museum has its museum shop and capsule toy booth, where you can buy souvenirs. Also, visitors are permitted to take photos in the museum! You can also visit the Kaiyodo Capsule Toy Museum close to this museum. Opened in 2005, the Kaiyodo Figure Museum is currently under renovation as of February 2020, and is planning to reopen again in the summer of 2020. During this renovation, you can still enjoy its displays at the Nagahama Art Center. Admission fees of the Kaiyodo Figure Museum are 800 yen for adults and 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students (as of February 2020). Each admission fee includes one capsule toy. You can stay in the museum for about one hour. It takes about five minutes to walk to the museum from Nagahama Station (長浜駅) off the JR Hokuriku Main Line. The museum doesn’t offer parking lots, so please park your car at pay-to-park lot nearby. Overview of the Kaiyodo Figure Museum Source :YouTube screenshot Before visiting this museum, you should first watch this video to see how awesome its figures are. In addition to what the video says, Kaiyodo Figure Museum offers some figure workshops, where you can try painting figures, creating dioramas, and so on. (*The workshops are walk-up and subject to fees.) Please enjoy wandering through a space full of figures of nostalgic toys and your favorite characters! ◆Kaiyodo Figure Museum◆ 【Address】8 Motohama-cho, Nagahama-shi, Shiga 526-0059 【Access】five-minute walk from Nagahama Station off the JR Hokuriku Main Line 【Admission Fee】800 yen for adults, 500 yen for kids (elementary and junior high school students) *As of February 2020 【Opening Hours】10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 【Closures】irregular holidays 【Parking】Not provided 【Phone Number】0749-68-1680 【Official website】Kaiyodo Figure Museum http://www.ryuyukan.net/

Introducing 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa! This video is titled "A Trip to 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa♪ Check Out the Famous Swimming Pool Artwork!" (金沢21世紀美術館でアートな旅♪有名なプールの作品を見に行こう！). The video is about of 2 minutes long and introduces various photogenic spots in Kanawaza, Ishikawa prefecture, with a focus on the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. The Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa in the Hokuriku region, is also called "Marubie" and "21 Beauty." Enjoy a variety of contemporary pieces at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, called "the mecca of contemporary art." The Top Works at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Source :YouTube screenshot Introduced at 0:09 in the video is "Color Activity House," an art piece of glass in the three primary colors that swirls and changes color depending on where it is viewed from. Other works of art include "Wrapping," a children's favorite at 0:45 in the video, "Maru," a spherical piece at 0:57, as well as "Crankfelt Number 3 for the Arena," a piece of art that changes colors as you look at it. The artwork introduced at 1:07 in the video is "Swimming Pool," a particularly popular piece of art at 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. There's actually a space inside the pool where visitors can go in and out, making it feel like you're underwater. For more information on other works, please see the official website. The collection policy of the collections at the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, is as follows from the catalog. ・ Works of art created after 1900 that serve as historical reference points. ・ Works produced after the 1980s that propose new values. ・ New and creative works by artists associated with Kanazawa Highlights of 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Photo：21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa has a free exhibition space, an exchange and exhibition zone, a café and restaurant where visitors can enjoy lunch and sweets, and a museum shop where Japanese souvenirs can be purchased. The see-through elevator is also one of the works of the museum. You can also take a break with art works such as cute rabbit-shaped chairs and long chairs that can be seen at 1:38 in the video. Many of the artworks on display are only available for a limited time. The ones created by TeamLab are especially popular, drawing crowds day after day. There are also long-term exhibitions that can be viewed for free. The museum also has a library and a children's studio, both of which have art on display that will keep you entertained all day long. One of the Museum is that you can enjoy the free area alone. Summary of 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Photo：21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa Summary of 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, in Ishikawa Prefecture, introduced in the video, is a great art spot for family trips and dates. Since the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, the number of Japanese and foreign tourists visiting sightseeing trips to Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture has increased. Please visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, in Ishikawa Prefecture, along with other nearby sightseeing spots. ◆21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa◆ 【Address】1 Chome-2-1 Hirosaka, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8509 【Access】10 minutes by bus from JR Kanazawa Station, a short walk from the Hirosaka bus stop, and a 5 minute walk from the Korinbo bus stop. 【Hours】Exhibition zone 10: 00-18: 00 (Friday and Saturday until 20:00), Exchange zone 9: 00-22: 00 【Stay time】1-2 hours 【Telephone No】076-220-2800 【Parking】Available (30 minutes free, 150 yen every 30 minutes thereafter, 1000 yen/night maximum) 【Admission fee】Varies by exhibition (free areas available) (advance tickets available) 【Director】Atsuhiko Shima 【Official Website】Kanazawa 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298115-d1439759-Reviews-21st_Century_Museum_of_Contemporary_Art-Kanazawa_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chu.html

Introducing the “Mishima Festival” in Mishima, Shizuoka This video “[Official] MISHIMA FESTIVAL JAPAN" (しゃぎり!歴史ロマン!【公式】三嶋大祭りMISHIMA FESTIVAL JAPAN) is a promotional video of a festival with a profound history that is held in Mishima, Shizuoka. Mishima Festival is held from August 15th to 17th and it is a summer tradition in Mishima, Shizuoka, in Japan's Tokai region. Please enjoy the video of the traditional Japanese parade floats. Mishima Festival Day 1: Floats and Flutes Source :YouTube screenshot Mishima Grand Festival, one of the summer festivals in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, is held from August 15 to 17 and is one of the main festivals of Mishima-taisha. On the first day of festival, you'll see floats decorated with drums, bells, and chimes parading throughout the town. Hearing the noises beckons people to continue to observe the activity. Please check the video at 0:22 and see the dynamic parade floats. They're perfect for taking Instagram photos. If you watch the video at 0:31, you'll see the sunset and the lanterns on the floats shine throughout the town. Mishima Festival Day 2: Traditional Culture August 16th is day 2 for the Mishima Festival, and it is a day for traditional culture. On the second day, there will be a parade as well as the formal ceremony of Minamotono Yoritomo raising an army. Minamotono Yoritomo is a samurai with a history in Shizuoka. Every year, a Japanese celebrity performs the role of Minamotono Yoritomo, therefore, it attracts many visitors. Please check out the video at 0:50 to see an actor playing Minamotono Yoritomo. The performance and the armor of the participants for this event is very impressive. There are more performances such as the Kid’s Flute Piece and the dedication of Ninjomai and Uyarasumai. At 1:01 in the video, we see the Tezutsu fireworks display which is truly a magical sight. Mishima Festival Day 3: The Day of Dancing Source :YouTube screenshot August 17th is the last day, and it is a day for dancing. On the last day, Yabusame Shinji is held, and many people visit to see this exciting event. Please see the video at 1:16 to see what Yabusame Shinji is. Different performances, such as folk songs and the Mishima sun parade will heat up the festival. At night, a religious ceremony will conclude the three-day festival. Summary of the Mishima Festival in Mishima, Shizuoka Source :YouTube screenshot Towards the end of the video at 1:38, many people get on Yagura (a wooden stage) and perform Mishima Bayashi. There is a raffle event at Mishima Festival. Fans are distributed to visitors, and each one has a different number on it. If you have a winning number, you can receive gift such as gift cards and more. Be sure to watch the video to see more details of the festival. The Mishima Festival in Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a grand festival that enlivens Shizuoka during the summer season. Wear a Yukata (summer kimono) and enjoy the delicious food from the different stalls scattered about the market. On the day of the festival, you can use the Mishima-taisha parking lot and the city's central parking lot, but there are traffic restrictions at nearby spots, so please leave early and plan ahead. 【Official Website】Mishima Festival https://www.mishima-cci.com/maturi/ 【Tripadvisor】Mishima Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g780865-d1313050-r606940142-Mishima_Taisha_Shrine-Mishima_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

What Is Hay Fever? If you’re allergic to cedar pollen, just watching this video might cause you hay fever symptoms. The video, titled "スギ花粉の飛散 Cedar Pollen Dispersal ( Shot on RED EPIC High-speed )," is a super high-speed video that shows detailed footage of cedar pollen dispersing. It was created by "AQUA Geo Graphic." People with cedar pollen allergies show start to flare up just after watching some yellow cedar pollen be dispersed on TV commercials for anti-allergy medicine. It’s said that there are currently 25 million people with hay fever in Japan. The most common form of hay fever is cedar hay fever, but the number of people who suffer from other types of pollens, such as cypress, ragweed, and birch pollens, has been increasing rapidly, and countermeasures for hay fever are needed throughout the year. Treatment of Hay Fever Photo：A woman blowing her nose Is there any treatment for hay fever, which causes painful attacks every year when the pollen season arrives? In short, the only way to treat hay fever at its root is sublingual immunotherapy for cedar pollen allergies. In this treatment, a weakened cedar pollen pill is placed under the tongue and gradually taken into the body, in an attempt to get the patient’s body used to cedar pollen. The therapy takes more than 2 years and those who have severe hay fever attacks can have them during the treatment, so it’s not an effective cure for all, but it’s more than 60% likely to abate symptoms of cedar hay fever. For other types of pollen allergies, symptomatic treatment with medication or evacuation to pollen-free areas (Hokkaido and Okinawa) is necessary. Regarding anti-allergy drugs, the most effective ones are prescribed drugs, but over-the-counter drugs can be sufficiently effective as well if you act preemptively by using them before the pollen in the air is at its peak. The Causes of Hay Fever Photo：Cedar pollen Cedar pollen is called wind-borne pollen because it's dispersed by the wind. At the start of the video, you can see a large amount of pollen being dispersed by the wind on the branches of a cedar tree. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, evergreen coniferous trees (cedar and cypress) are native to Japan, and their straight wood, which is not distorted, is suitable for use as lumber for wooden buildings, so large scale cedar plantations were established to revitalize the forestry industry after World War II, which led to major outbreaks of hay fever. The name "花粉症, kafunsho" ('hay fever' in Japanese), was first coined in October 1963, when the existence of allergic symptoms caused by cedar pollen was identified and presented at the annual meeting of the Japanese Society of Allergology in the fall of that year. The size of cedar pollen is just smaller than a heliozoan and can be seen with the naked eye using an optical microscope. Each cedar flower contains about 400,000 pieces of pollen, so during strong winds, large amounts are dispersed. When Do Hay Fever Symptoms Appear? Photo：Hay fever symptoms The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Public Health has been providing pollen information since 1985, and nowadays, the Japan Meteorological Agency and private meteorological forecasting services provide forecasts for the start of pollen dispersal and pollen distribution throughout the year. You can also check pollen forecasts for plants other than cedar, cypress, and ragweed on the Internet, so if you have hay fever, be sure to stay up to date. Even after December, when peak pollen dispersion has passed, early spring hay fever may come straight after the cold and flus of the year, so be sure to take countermeasures, such as keeping your room humid, ventilate and clean frequently, wash your hands, and gargle. Summary of Cedar Pollen and Hay Fever Cedar pollen allergies, which were once thought to be endemic in Japan, have spread, and are now common worldwide. Tomatoes can also worsen hay fever, so we recommend avoiding them during hay fever season!

Hokkaido Rusutsu Resort Looking to explore Japan's vast wilderness? Experiencing various activities in nature, surrounded by rivers and mountains, enjoying a relaxing vacation... doesn’t that sound nice? If so, we highly recommend that you visit one of the largest mountain resorts in Hokkaido – Rusutsu Resort. This article introduces attractions at Rusutsu Resort, one of the best travel destinations in Japan, in both text and video form. Find your favorite thing to do among the various activities that Rusutsu Resort has to offer, About Hokkaido Rusutsu Resort Photo：Snowboarding Rusutsu Resort is a travel destination in Japan located in Rusutsu Village, Hokkaido. Surrounded by rich nature, the resort is visited by many tourists every year. With a variety of facilities, such as an amusement park, ski resort, golf course, and tennis court, the resort makes for an enjoyable location for the whole family to enjoy. Playing sports while experiencing the scenic beauty of Hokkaido is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Experience satisfying activities and a beautiful view that you can only find at Rusutsu Resort. Activities at Hokkaido's Rusutsu Resort! Source :YouTube screenshot Tourists can experience various kind of activities while enjoying the landscape of Hokkaido's Rusutsu Resort during the warm summer months. In the midst of the Shiribetsu River's magnificent nature, you can enjoy rafting, family river rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing and other river activities. Horseback riding, hot air balloon flights, orienteering, Mt. Yotei (羊蹄山, Yotei-zan), Panorama Terrace and the mountain bike tour are some of the most popular activities to enjoy in the great outdoors at Rusutsu. The footage of hot air balloon flights and horseback riding starts from 2:30 in the video. Experience summer the way its meant to be enjoyed, with a trip the whole family can enjoy. The best indoor activities are bouldering and handicraft workshops. As the resort has extensive restaurants and hotels, your trip there will be a lifelong memory. Rusutsu Resort's Number 1 Activity- Rafting Photo：Rafting Among the many activities that visitors can enjoy during the summer, rafting is definitely among the best. You can see footage of this at 0:08 in the video. Participants take a raft down about seven kilometers in Shiribetsu River surrounded by the beautiful nature in the foothills of Mt. Yotei. Feel the thrill as you overcome the rivers rougher areas! Working together as a family to overcome the powerful current is an exhilarating experience. It's something that's sure to make a life long memory. The scenery of the course changes with the seasons, which is why rafting is one of the most popular outdoor sports in Hokkaido. Just watching the video you can tell how much fun they're having. Summary of Rusutsu Resort It may seem like we introduced a lot of thigns to do at Rusutsu resort, but there's still more than we could get to in this article. The video shows a lot of the activities mentioned here, so we recommend checking it out if your interested! Rusutsu Resort is surrounded by the vast nature of Japan. As shown in the video, the resort has extensive facilities that both children and adults can enjoy. It's definitely a must-see tourist destination to throw on your bucket list. ◆Rusutsu Resort◆ 【Address】13, Izumikawa, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido 048-1711 【Public transportation】About two hours from Sapporo Station by bus/About two hours from New Chitose Airport by bus 【Fee】Depends on the facility. Please check information on the official website. 【Hours】Depends on the facility. Please check information on the official website. 【Closures】Depends on the facility. Please check information on the official website. 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】 (+81) 136-46-3331 【Official Website】Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention - Rusutsu - Japan https://www.hokkaido-rusutsu.com/en-gb 【Tripadvisor】Rusutsu Resort https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1114488-d3536784-Reviews-Rusutsu_Resort-Rusutsu_mura_Abuta_gun_Hokkaido.html

This video is called "Kawachi Wisteria Garden [8KHDR]" by "Japan Explorers." This video introduces the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, which was selected as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan by the American CNN. The Kawauchi Wisteria Garden, a tourist attraction that Fukuoka Prefecture is proud of, is decorated with wisteria, and its beauty is recognized by the world. The wisteria trellises and the 110-meter-long wisteria tunnel, as well as the colored leaves in November and December, make this a place with countless breathtaking views. In this video, you can see a lot of beautiful wisteria at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Be sure to check it out!

Shino Matsuda Shreddin' the Gnar This video introduces Shino Matsuda, a professional surfer. It was shown on TV Osaka’s program called [BREAKTHROUGH～ Athletes who test their limits～]（「BREAKTHROUGH（ブレイクスルー）～ 限界突破に挑むアスリートたち～」 プロサーファー 松田詩野）. As seen from 0:42 in the video, Shino Matsuda has been chosen as a SHIBUYA109 Season Visual Model. She is an ordinary high school student who loves Instagram and Twitter. However, once she hits the waves, she transforms into an awesome surfer that magically manipulates her surfboard. This article will introduce Shino Matsuda and some of her accomplishments. Who Is Shino Matsuda? What's Her Story? Source :YouTube screenshot Professional surfer Shino Matsuda is from the center of surfing, Chigasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. She is 158 cm tall. She was 6 years old when she started surfing and at the time she fully immersed herself in it, surfing from sunrise to sunset. Shino Matsuda’s family talks about it from 5:14 in the video. She turned professional at 14 and the way she rides waves is said to be like how a bird elegantly glides through the air. With her distinct flexible carving, she's nothing short of successful on the world stage. You can check out her carving from 6:20 in the video. Her sponsor is Unilever which is globally famous for its shampoo commercial. As a professional surfer she is in the spotlight nationally and internationally. Her beautiful body attracts even more interests. What Is Shino Matsuda’s Competition Record? Source :YouTube screenshot Professional surfer Shino Matsuda has been successful at many international competitions and events along with Mahina Maeda who is shown from 4:18 in the video. She's one of the famous young surfers leading the world of professional surfing. Right after starting high school, she won the Ichinomiya Chiba Open. She became the WSL Asia Junior Champion in 2017, and in 2018, she won ISA World Junior Individual Silver medal and Group Gold medal. As seen from 7:31, she has been greatly successful at White Buffalo Hyuga Pro and CT (Championship Tour) events held at Avoca Beach in Australia, one of the most famous surfing spots in the world. You can watch the world competition with the top 110 surfers competing against each other from 16:39 in the video. She finished at a disappointing 17th, however, you can still enjoy her spectacular performance. Surfing in the Tokyo Olympic Games! Photo：Surfing Surfing is one of the new sports chosen to be in the Tokyo Olympic games. Tsurigasaki Shore in Chiba has been chosen as the Olympics games venue. As of February 2020, professional surfer Shino Matsuda has been given the right to participate in the Tokyo Olympic games under the condition that she trains under coach Kaisa Kawamura as a Tokyo Olympics games candidate. At the Tokyo Olympic games, you might be able to see her awesome technique, ‘off the lip’, where she turns the board 180 degrees at the top of the wave. This is shown from 6:46 in the video. Summary of the Video on Professional Surfer Shino Matsuda Today we introduced you to the 23 minute long video featuring professional surfer Shino Matsuda. The video fully shows her happily riding the waves. You should be able to see many successful professional surfers at the Tokyo Olympic games. We hope you're looking forward to it! 【Official Website】Shino Matsuda Official Website http://shino.surf/

Yoichiro Amari - 40 Years a Puppet Craftsman This video, titled "Making Puppet Ningyo Joruri and Bunraku Puppet Heads for 40 Years｜nippon.com" (人形浄瑠璃、文楽の人形の首（デコ）を作り続けて40年 | nippon.com), was released by "nippon.com." This video is an interview with Amari Yoichiro, an Awa Deko craftsman who is known by the name "Ningyo Yo" (Yoichiro). In the interview, he talks about interesting stories and how the heads are made. Bunraku, also known as Ningyo Joruri, is a form of traditional theater Japanese puppet. "Bunraku" has been registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and Ningyo Joruri has received a lot of attention. Let's take a look at the interview with "Ningyo Yo," an Awa Deko craftsman who inherited the traditional performing art, Ningyo Joruri. After watching this video, you'll surely be captivated by Ningyo Joruri. Keeping Ningyo Joruri Alive Source :YouTube screenshot Ningyo Yo (Yoichiro Amari), interviewed in the video, was born in Tokushima Prefecture, Shikoku in 1945. In 1974, he entered Ningyo Tsuneo and honed his skills as a specialist in making Ningyo Joruri. In 1984, he was certified as an Awa Deko Ningyo Production Preservation Society (master), and in 2006, he was recognized as a Tokushima Prefecture Outstanding Technician "Master Craftsman of Awa" by Tokushima Prefecture In 2007, he was appointed as the Awa Deko Ningyo Writers Association (Vice Chairman), and is currently active as the Awa Ningyo Joruri Promotion Association (Director). The technique of making cleverly designed dolls based on photographs and other information is highly regarded, and he receives requests to make and restore dolls from all over Japan. In the video, you can see the contraptions that give the dolls their detailed expressions at 0:14. What Is Ningyo Joruri and When Did It Start? Source :YouTube screenshot Ningyo Joruri is a play in which the music from gidayu-bushi is performed together with shamisen and puppets. The stories are presented in a fun way with narrative and other elements. Ningyo Joruri started at the end of the Azuchi-Momoyama period more than 400 years ago and developed in the early Edo period. Later, Gidayu Takemoto, a native of Awaji Island, founded the Bunraku Theater in Osaka's Dotonbori district, where the theatre's form was developed and it spread around Osaka as "Bunraku." Among the many performances, "Sonezaki Shinju" (The Love Suicides at Sonezaki), which depicts the hearts of men and women by Chikamatsu Monzaemon, is one of the most representative performances. The skillful manipulation of the puppets using wigs, props, swords, fans, umbrellas, etc. has been accepted by the common people and is loved by many even today. In 1955, it was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2008, it was registered as an Intangible World Heritage under "Bunraku," and its name has spread throughout the world. Ningyo Joruri Introduction Summary Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we introduced Ningyo Joruri. The puppet theatre, which started as a form of entertainment, has attracted a lot of attention worldwide in modern times. It has also attracted many people in places such as Kyoto, as a Shinto ritual. There is also a Kabuki performance from Ningyo Joruri. We hope this video has sparked your interest in the history and culture of Ningyo Joruri. At the National Bunraku Theater and the National Theater of Japan, it's easy for beginners to puppet theatre to watch as there are earphone guides to help you understand. Why not enjoy some traditional Japanese puppet theatre and make your experience in Japan even more memorable?

石川県金沢市の世界一の金箔技術紹介動画について こちらの動画は「Nippon.com: Japan in Video」が公開した「Do-It-Yourself Gold Leafing in Kanazawa | Nippon.com: Japan in Video」です。 石川県金沢市の箔巧館では世界一の金箔技術をご覧になることができます。 石川県金沢市の箔巧館とは 2018年4月にリニューアルした体験型金箔総合ミュージアムです。 金箔の総合メーカー「箔一」の本店にあり、入場は無料です。 雨の日の観光にも最適です。 箔巧館の魅力ポイントをご紹介 ・ポイント１「見る」 箔巧館1番目のオススメポイントは「黄金の鎧兜」がある「金箔の間」。 加賀藩初代藩主前田利家が着ていた鎧兜を復元しています。 利家公は歌舞伎者といわれ、当時も派手な黄金の甲冑を来て出陣したと言われるほど。 黄金の鎧兜を中心に、利家公が金沢城に入場するまでの物語をプロジェクションマッピングでご覧になる事ができます。 ・ポイント２「味わう」 はくいちカフェでは、金箔ソフトが味わえます。 金粉ではなく「金箔」というのが凄いですね。 ・ポイント３「体験する」 日本の伝統工芸・伝統文化ともいえる金箔。 石川県金沢市の箔巧館では、自分だけのオリジナル工芸品として箔貼り体験ができます。 スタッフが付いてくれるので、初心者や子供でもできるので安心ですね。 ※予約優先のため、観光の予定に組み入れたい方は事前に連絡をおすすめします。 ・ポイント４「買う」 箔巧館ではもちろん買い物を楽しむことができます。 金沢の伝統工芸品「金沢箔」を身近に楽しめるよう、取り揃えも様々。 金箔工芸品はもちろん、コスメ・あぶらとり紙、食用金箔、箔材料など見ているだけでも楽しめます。 お土産選びにも最適ですね。 日本の旅行でも金箔をこれだけ楽しめるのは金沢だけ。 箔巧館は観光の魅力が詰まったスポットと言えるでしょう。 箔巧館へのアクセス 住所：石川県金沢市森戸２丁目１−１ TEL：076-240-8911 路線バス：北陸鉄道 ・「武蔵ヶ辻・近江町市場」バス停より57番新金沢郵便局前ゆき「新金沢郵便局前」下車、徒歩約10分 ・「武蔵ヶ辻・近江町市場」バス停より50番上荒屋西ゆき「新金沢郵便局前」下車、徒歩約15分 電車：JR ・「金沢駅」より北陸本線「野々市駅」下車　タクシーで約10分 石川県金沢市の箔巧館紹介まとめ 世界一の金箔技術を誇る石川県金沢市の箔巧館。 数々の美しい作品にあなたもきっと虜になるでしょう。

Introducing "Dekotora" This video, titled "【HD】Story of the modified vehicles～The latest Dekotora Episode②～（【HD】改造車列伝 ～最新デコトラ編②～）," was produced by "Tenku Ranbuー Custom Videosー." It introduces Japan's colorful, customized "dekotora." The beauty of dekotora, with their characteristically flashy appearances, can be seen in the video. If you're interested, be sure to check it out! In this article, we'll introduce the charms of the shimmering dekotora trucks. Be sure to follow along with the video! A Look at Japan's Dekotora Source :YouTube screenshot Dekotora is an abbreviation for decoration truck (in Japanese truck is pronounced "torakku"). Dekotora are artsy trucks that are decorated with glittering electric illuminations, and a flashy exterior. Parts such as the front deck, visor, and front bumper, are especially flashy. Dekotora culture is a unique subculture in Japan, and due to its unique appearance it has also begun attracting attention from overseas. The beautiful trucks are made by decorating the exterior in a variety of ways, such as painting the body in flashy paint, adding electrical equipment such as lanterns and marker lamps, or adding aero parts made of chrome plating and stainless steel. At 2:02, you can see both the interior and exterior of a dekotora. The interior is decorated with stickers and other gadgets, and you can see the dedication of the owner to their vehicle. However, if you put too many decorations on the vehicle, there are times when it won't pass the vehicle inspection, so dekotora fanatics have to keep this in mind when designing their trucks. You can see a variety of unique dekotora on Instagram, or at events and gatherings. There are also plastic models, radio controlled dekotora, and the truck game “Bakuso Dekotora Legend” that you can purchase, so you can enjoy dekotora at home as well. There are different styles for decorating dekotora as well. Some categories are “Gundam Art,” “Modern Art,” “Kansai-style Art,” and “Retro Art.” The History of Japan's Dekotora Source :YouTube screenshot The origin of Japan's dekotora is said to be from seafood transport trucks using stainless steel plates to fix the deterioration of the body. This deterioration was due to the effects of the snow-melting agents. The movie “Truck Guys” which was released in 1975, sparked a boom in popularity and many people began making dekotora. The famous vehicle "Ichiban boshi" which appeared in "Truck Guys," was turned into a plastic model and became very popular among children at the time. Unfortunately, the movie "Truck Guy" received complaints from the police due to its explicit depictions and the movie was discontinued. Because of this, the dekotorora craze slowly began to fade away. Currently, with movies such as "Dekotora Girl Nami" and "The Eagle of Dekotora," dekotora have once again gained public attention. Summary of Japan's Dekotora Source :YouTube screenshot In this video we showed, "【HD】Story of the modified vehicles～The latest Dekotora Episode②～,” produced by “Tenku Ranbuー Custom Videosー"; a video that introduces Japan's flashy dekotora trucks. Dekotora are decked out with beautifully illuminated electronics and paint, and their impressive appearance fascinates onlookers. These flashy dekotora go for a pretty penny, even used. Currently, dekotora are on the decline; However, videos of them on platforms such as Instagram, have garnered a lot of attention, so if you're interested, definitely check them out!

Japanese Elementary School Students Cleaning Did you enjoy cleaning when you were a kid? Maybe not, but there are actually quite a few people in Japan who remember cleaning time in elementary school quite fondly. This video, “Japanese Students Clean Classrooms To Learn Life Skills” was created by “AJ+”. As you can see in the video, it is a natural thing for elementary school students in Japan to clean their classrooms themselves! This is a custom that people overseas are surprised at. The reason being that, in many cases, schools overseas hire janitors for cleaning. Let’s take a look at the introductory video of cleaning time for elementary school students. A nostalgic scene for Japanese people, and a maybe something new for those overseas. At Elementary Schools in Japan, It's Normal for Students to Clean Source :YouTube screenshot The joy of schools in Japan, and probably most schools around the world, is lunch time! You can see this at 0:29 in the video! When students in Japan finish eating, however, they clean up the used dishes by themselves after eating delicious meals. You can see cleaning time at 0:47, after lunch has ended. In Japan, students clean starting from elementary school. They clean classrooms and hallways all by themselves. At schools overseas, usually janitors do the cleaning, but in Japan, as seen in the video, it's a a part of everyday life for students to clean their schools by themselves. Children divide up their cleaning activities, diligently wiping down windows, mopping floors, sweeping, and getting rid of garbage. In Japan, cleaning is essentially another part of studying, and this is happens everyday. Japan's Cleaning Culture Source :YouTube screenshot At schools in Japan, students learn things that can be put to practical use. On such thing is cleaning. Students learn how to use cleaning utensils at school so they can put it into practice at home and in the future. Schools are not just a place to study, but also a place where students can bond and learn how to work as a team. Elementary school students in Japan learn these things from their everyday cleaning routine as well. Overseas Reactions Source :YouTube screenshot When foreigners watch this video, their reactions are noticeably different than those of the Japanese, to whom this is commonplace. In overseas countries, most people think “cleaning = labor,” and therefore think that cleaning activities are jobs for workers. There are also many people who understand the idea behind it, and the reason for keeping things clean. What Do the Teachers Think? Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, you can also see an interview of an elementary school teacher at 0:59. “Cleaning is something you have to be able to do for yourself later in life, so it's a custom that's likely to continue into the future,” she says. Summary of Cleaning at Japan's Elementary Schools Today we introduced a video about Japan’s everyday education. Many people might be surprised by this. However, for the Japanese, this is just a part of everyday life. So what do you think? Is it a good custom? And before answering, is your room clean?

Yakisoba at Japan's Festival Stalls This video, titled "Japanese yakisoba street food japan how to make yakisoba" (物凄い焼きそば女職人 焼きそば屋台 職人芸 無修正 ノーカット Japanese yakisoba street food japan how to make yakisoba[飯テロ公式]), was released by "JAPAN FOOD 〜 The Ultimate Food Porn 〜" (JAPAN FOOD 〜最高の飯テロ〜). The video shows how yakisoba is made at food stalls at festivals in Japan. In the video, the yakisoba chef works quickly to prepare a huge amount of yakisoba, an amazing feat that you'd be hard pressed to imitate. Check out the amazing skills in the video! How Delicious Festival Yakisoba is Made! Photo：A yakisoba stand Yakisoba is a popular food that is relatively easy to make at home. Prepare some Chinese noodles and cabbage, throw it into an oiled pan, add water and fry it up. After stir-frying the noodles, season with yakisoba sauce. We recommend trying it with some mayonnaise or adding pickled ginger on the side, two authentic ways of serving it in Japan. Yakisoba sold at Japanese food stands are generally sold in small plastic containers, as shown at 3:38 in the video. What is the charm of the yakisoba stand that is shown in the video? Photo：yakisoba stand Of course, homemade yakisoba is delicious, but there's just something about the yakisoba at festivals that will have you coming back for more. The food stands found at festivals across Japan use plenty of ingredients, and season them all at once with tasty seasonings. Making a lot of yakisoba at once is a lot of work, especially when doing it for hours on end. As a staple food of festivals, yakisoba can be purchased at a reasonable price, generally costing around 200 to 500 yen, depending on the area. Different Varieties of Yakisoba Photo：Yakisoba sandwich There are many different recipes for yakisoba, so try cooking it at home or if you're in Japan, be sure to visit a specialty store. Yakisoba sanwiches with yakisoba sandwiched between a hotdog bun is popular as a light snack that anyone can enjoy. There are also local recipes from different regions of Japan, such as omusoba and sobameshi. Yakisoba can be seasoned in a number of ways. In addition to yakisoba sauce, there's also yakisoba made with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and oyster sauce, salt and pepper, and even miso. Summary of Japan's Delicious Yakisoba Stands Photo：A yakisoba stand The video introduced in this article shows how large amounts of yakisoba is made at festivals in Japan. It's quite impressive, and if you haven't eaten yet, it might just have you in the mood for some tasty noodles! Be sure to try some delicious yakisoba when visiting any of Japan's exciting festivals.

沖縄県のうるま市にある勝連城跡紹介動画について こちらの動画は「うるま市秘書広報課」が公開した「【うるま市公式】世界遺産 勝連城跡～World heritage Katsuren jo site～」です。 沖縄といえば美しい海があげられますよね。 その沖縄の海を一望できるような、インスタ映えスポットを探している方はいませんか？ そのような方に、沖縄県のうるま市にある世界遺産の勝連城跡を紹介いたします。 沖縄を観光するときには勝連城跡はかならず訪れるべき！ 沖縄のうるま市にある勝連城跡は、ユネスコ世界遺産に登録されている歴史ある城跡です。 12世紀ごろに築城され、廃城となるまで貿易の舞台になっていたと言われています。 当時、琉球王国が安定していく過程で、国王に最後まで抵抗していた有力按司（あじ）である阿麻和利が住んでいたグスク（城）として有名。 自然の地形を利用しながら、石炭岩の石垣を巡らせた城壁が特徴で、とても立派な名城の跡地となっています。 うるま市の勝連城跡は、標高が高い城跡なので眺めがよく、沖縄の美しい景色を一望できます。 沖縄旅行の際には自然や歴史、文化を楽しめる勝連城跡に訪れてみるのはいかがでしょうか。 沖縄県うるま市の勝連城跡は美しい海を眺められる絶景スポット 沖縄といえばオーシャンブルーの海を想像する人が多いですよね。 その綺麗な沖縄の海を一望できる名所がうるま市の勝連城跡にあります。 日本の観光地である勝連城跡の一番高い場所は、98mあります。 ここでは、勝連城跡の周辺にある町並みや沖縄の海を見渡すことができ、うるま市に訪れたら必ず行きたい絶景スポット。 ビーチから見る沖縄の海とは一味違った景勝を見ることができ、続日本100名城にも選ばれている勝連城跡はおすすめの観光地です。 沖縄県うるま市の勝連城跡は歴史ある建造物を楽しめる名所 沖縄県うるま市の勝連城は、難攻不落の城と言われ、城跡の高さやしっかりした石積みの城壁から当時の鉄壁の守りを感じることができます。 按司の屋敷跡や御嶽（ウタキ）などグスクで重要と言われていたスポットも鑑賞することができ、歴史好きにはたまらない観光スポット。 沖縄県のうるま市にある勝連城跡紹介まとめ 沖縄観光の際には必ず訪れたい勝連城跡。 駐車場もありアクセスも便利。 沖縄の絶景を楽しみたい方はぜひ訪れてみてください！

Video Introduction This video, titled "Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN" (【石川／自然景勝地】千里浜なぎさドライブウェイ - Chirihama Nagisa Driveway in ISHIKAWA, JAPAN -), was uploaded by "channel WASABI." Driving on the Beaches of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Photo：Chirihama Nagisa Driveway The magnificent 8-kilometer-long Chirihama Beach is located in Noto Hanto Quasi-National Park on the west coast of the Noto Peninsula. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a popular sightseeing spot in Noto where cars and motorcycles can enjoy a ride along the seashore. Enjoy the blue sea and skies while driving next to the beach as the waves lap against the shore. It's like a scene from a movie. Which is why it's no surprise that Chirihama Nagisa Driveway was selected as the No. 1 beach in Japan in "Travelers' Choice World's Best Beaches 2016." You can also capture Instagram-worthy photos and videos when visiting. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is popular among couples, but it is also crowded with families in summer as they can enjoy swimming, fishing, and clam digging. The campgrounds along the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway are also popular. From the high ground, you can enjoy watching the sunset over the sea. Sightseeing Attractions Around Chirihama Nagisa Driveway! Photo：Freshly-caught seafood being grilled One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is the food you can find at different cafes, and restaurants. The Noto-Chirihama Resthouse is a great place to grab a bite to eat and look for souvenirs. It's located at the end of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. The wooden deck overlooking the Sea of Japan offers a sense of freedom and a spectacular view of the sunset that's sure to look great on Instagram. The café, which is produced by SSTR, Japan's largest touring event, offers fresh seafood grilled on the beach. It's popular among motorcycle enthusiasts as well as general tourists. Furthermore, with a space for selling souvenirs and a coworking space, this spot is used for a wide range of purposes from sightseeing to business. We also recommend Roadside Station Noto Chirihama, located near the Chirihama Nagisa Driveway. In addition to lunch, a café, and souvenirs, visitors can enjoy a footbath here as well. In the information space, you can also watch the driveway on a live camera. There are also facilities available for you to wash your tires after a drive along the beach. Tolls, Closures, and Information About Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Photo：Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is essentially a tourist road that can be accessed by private cars, rental cars (some companies prohibit the use of rental cars due to erosion concerns), motorcycles, bicycles, buses, etc. It is open 24 hours a day, and there is no fee. However, please note that the road will be closed when it is deemed unsafe to dive on, such as when waves are high. For access information, call the Ishikawa Hakui Public Works Office (Japanese only) or check Ishikawa Michi Information Network (Japanese only). Summary of Chirihama Nagisa Driveway Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is a popular tourist spot where you can drive your car along the sandy beach and experience movie-like scenery. Park your car by the beautiful Chirihama Beach on a sunny day to take Instagrammable photos, or enjoy marine activities, such as swimming and clam digging with your family. When you visit Noto and Kanazawa, be sure to stop by Chirihama Nagisa Driveway as well. 【Official Website】Chirihama Nagisa Driveway https://www.city.hakui.lg.jp/soshiki/sangyoukensetsubu/syoukoukankouka/12/1/2505.html 【TripAdvisor】Chirihama Nagisa Driveway https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021238-d1237921-Reviews-Chirihama_Nagisa_Driveway-Hakui_Ishikawa_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html

Niyodo River: The Best Water Quality in Japan! This video, titled "[4K] 仁淀ブルー：奇跡の清流 仁淀川（高知県 仁淀川水系）Niyodo River,the best water quality river in Japan.," was created by "AQUA Geo Graphic." When asked about famous rivers in the Shikoku region, most people picture the Shimanto River (四万十川, shimantogawa), but did you know there is an even prettier river in the area? I'm of course referring to the Niyodo River. As the third largest river in Shikoku, after the Shimanto River and Yoshino River (吉野川, yoshinogawa), it ranks number one year after year as the river with the best water quality in Japan. As you can see in the video, the crystal clear water of the Niyodo River is absolutely stunning and has been given the name "Niyodo Blue" after its mystical blue color. In the video, you can enjoy viewing the river from both above and below the surface of the water! Serpent Sanctuaries and Instagrammable Spots Near the Niyodo River Photo：Niko Deep, Kochi Prefecture Mt. Ishizuchi's (石鎚山, ishizuchisan) Omogo River in Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県, ehimeken) is the main water source for the Niyodo River and the streams that run through the valleys of Kochi Prefecture (高知県, kouchiken). Niyodo River is 124 kilometers long and has a surface area of 1,560 square kilometers. The river runs through mainly mountainous regions and the combination of both the beautiful natural surroundings and stunning blue color of the river makes the area very picturesque. From 1:50 in the video, you can see the basin of "Nikobuchi" (にこ淵), which is thought to be the home of the legendary eight-headed serpent Yamata no Orochi. On a sunny day during the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, the light shines directly into the pool and the blue color of the river is even more prominent. We highly recommend visiting Nakatsu Gorge (中津渓谷, nakatsukeikoku) and Yasui Gorge (安居渓谷, yasuikeikoku) during the fall to see the beautiful scenery. There are many beautiful spots along Nakatsu Gorge, such as Uryu Falls (雨竜の滝, uryuunotaki), Momiji Falls (もみじだき) and Ryugubuchi (竜宮淵). The special rocks called "Ishibashira" (石柱) are another great sightseeing spot. The pool of water known as "Suishobuchi" (水晶淵) along Yasui Gorge changes color from blue to green depending on the season and time of day. The contrasting colors of the fall foliage and the river attracts many visitors and the area has become a very popular tourist destination. In the second half of the video, from 2:09, you can see some of the low-water crossings found along Niyodo River. A distinguishing feature of these types of bridges is that they have no sides or guard rails, which allows them to blend easily into the surrounding nature creating a beautiful landscape. The Niyodo River Is Popular Among Both Locals and Tourists! Photo：Niyodo River, Kochi Prefecture In recent years the number of tourists visiting the Niyodo River has increased dramatically, but the river is still just as popular among the locals. The Niyodo River area has a population of approximately 110,000. In the middle reaches of the river, there's the multi-purpose Odo Dam (大渡ダム) and facilities for flood control and power supply development, which support the lives of people living in harmony with the Niyodo River. There are also several campsites in the area for those who'd like to spend the night in the beautiful outdoors. There are many fun activities to take part in, such as canoeing and rafting or you can simply go for a swim. There is also a stone skipping competition held here each year. The locals can often be seen playing in the river. In 2002, the Niyodo River was the most visited river in Japan. Not only is it the most beautiful river in Japan, it's also the most loved river by its locals. Summary of the Niyodo River Photo：The Niyodo River and a low-water crossing, Kochi Prefecture The mystical blue water of the Niyodo River captivates all who look upon it. The majority of the river is surrounded by mountains making it fairly difficult to access via public transportation. We recommend renting a car or taking a trip to the river by bike! There is a roadside station near the river with hot spring facilities where you can also spend the night, a perfect place to relax after a long day of sightseeing. For those who don't have a valid driver's license in Japan but still wish to visit the Niyodo River, please check out the Niyodo River Tourist Association (仁淀川観光協会, niyodogawa kankou kyoukai) website for more information on how to access the river via public transport (※Unfortunately the website is only in Japanese). Some of the roads from the car park to the spots introduced in the video can be slippery so please be careful when walking. If you still haven't yet, be sure to enjoy the mystical world of the beautiful, blue Niyodo River in the video. 【Tripadvisor】Niyodo River https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298233-d10383500-Reviews-Niyodo_River-Kochi_Prefecture_Shikoku.html