Video introduction of "Nikko Edomura" in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, during a procession of oiran (courtesans) This video, titled "Nikko Edomura・The Procession of Courtesans・Uncut" (日光江戸村　花魁道中　ノーカット版　2014.4.26), was produced by "lemonnkunn" to promote the "Procession of Courtesans" performed at Nikko Edomura. Nikko Edomura, located in Nikko, Tochigi, is a theme park where you can enjoy life in the Edo period. Once you step inside this theme park, you'll discover the vivid life of the Edo period. In this video, you can see what an "oiran" (Japanese courtesan), is. What Kind of Theme Park Is Nikko Edomura? Every cast member walking in this theme park wears a kimono to entertain guests. You can see Shinsen-gumi or Ronin (a master-less samurai ) at an outdoor set. Visitors can enjoy attractions, experience popular works from the Edo period, see Ninja Crow Palace, Kabuki or Yakatabune, as well as delicious food that reminds visitors of the Edo period. The courtesan procession shown in this video is especially popular, and it is an event that teaches the audience about Yoshiwara in the Edo period. What Is an "Oiran" An oiran was a courtesan in the red-light distinct "Yoshiwara" during Japan's Edo period. A high ranking courtesan is called "tayu." The Yoshiwara red-light district was located around Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo and it was one of the most gorgeous areas in the Edo period. When a tayu moved from a hikitejaya (teahouse) to Yoshiwara, she wore a gorgeous kimono, black painted sandals called "Sanmaiba-geta," and took many underlings wearing "Furisode," a full dress for unmarried women. You can see the procession of courtesans in this video. Also, the journey from Shimabara, Kyoto to Shinmachi, Osaka was called "Tayu Dochu." This journey was what all women in the Edo period longed for. The oiran strolling through the street in their black sandals must have been an amazing site at the time. You can see them walking in the video at 1:13. It's said that it took at least three years to learn to walk properly, as the walking style of an oiran is very particular. You can see what the procession of courtesans, conducted in the Edo period, looks like at Nikko Edomura. This role was performed by Miyuki Shinomiya for a long time. Other Attractions at Nikko Edomura Nikko Edomura has many other attractions besides the procession of courtesans. You may have a chance to see "Nyan Mage-kun," the popular, official character of Nikko Edomura, and experience various other activities. The samurai training house where visitors can have various training experiences, including Ninja training, Shuriken (手裏剣：Ninja star) training, or samurai training. Sometimes Nikko Edomura is used for shooting historical plays as well. If you're lucky, you may get to see a play live. Other live shows, such as ninja shows or shows using water are popular among children. Another attraction called "Jiku," where visitors can cosplay as a ninja, samurai, lord, or teenage girl of the merchant class is also popular. We recommend buying Nyan Mage goods if you're looking for souvenirs. Admission, Hours, and Access to Nikko Edomura There is a one-day pass and discount ticket for senior citizens (65+). Hours vary by season. We recommend checking the official web site before visiting. From Tokyo, take the Tobu Limited Express Spacia to Kinugawa Onsen Station and from there it's a 15-minute bus ride. Also it only takes about 20 minutes to get to from the "Imaichi Interchange" off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car. It is also close to Nikko Kinugawa Onsen, the largest hot spring resort in Tochigi, where there are many inns and hotels, making it a good place to spend the night. Summary of Nikko Edomura This is the promotional video for the Procession of Courtesans, one of popular events conducted at Nikko Edomura. If you see it and hear the people chanting "O-ne ri," you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo Period. Consider a trip to Nikko Edomura with your family and friends! ◆Information of NikkoEdomura◆ 【Address】470-2 Karaura Nikko, Tochiki 321-2524 【Access】15 minutes on bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station of the limited express of Tobu. 15 minutes from “Imaichi Inter Change” off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car. 【Admission】One-day pass : Adult 4,700 yen, Child : 2,400 yen (A discount coupon is available on the official web page) 【Hours】3/20 to 11/30 :　9:00 to 17:00, 12/1 to 3/19　: 9:30 to 16:00 【Closures】Every Wednesday 【Avg. time spent here】5 hours or longer 【Parking】Available ( 800 yen per day) (* As of December, 2019) 【Telephone】0288-77-1777 【Official Website】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura http://edowonderland.net/en/ 【Tripadvisor】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298182-d652994-Reviews-Edo_Wonderland_Nikko_Edomura-Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Edo Period Recipes: Video Introduction Source :YouTube screenshot This video, titled "[2] Edo Period Food: Making it Just Like the Original Recipe" (【2】江戸時代のご飯 原典(レシピ)通り作ってみた), was uploaded by "Gens Bookshelf Cafeteria." This video introduces Edo Period food recreated based on recipes from three cookbooks published during the Edo Period: Ryori Monogatari, Tofu Hyakuchin, and Meihan Burui. The Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.) was a period of 260 years where Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The recipes are intriguing as they introduce meals that are similar to many found in present-day Japanese cooking, while reflecting the food culture of the time. Be sure to check out what the dishes were like in the video. How Many Meals a Day in Edo Period Japan? Shogun vs. Commoner Food Culture Photo：An oil lantern During the Edo Period, people generally ate two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the evening. However, midway through the Edo Period, it's said that three meals a day became the norm. This was due to the improvement of lanterns, which allowed people move about at night. Basic meals of the common people consisted of one soup and one vegetable dish. Side dishes consisted mostly of simmered vegetables and pickled vegetables, and fish was eaten only once every two weeks or so. The tenements where the common people of Edo lived were small and cramped housing complexes. Because of the cramped kitchens, rice was cooked only once a day to ensure efficient cooking. Farmers paid a large portion of their taxes as rice, so they had little rice to eat themselves. They often ate katemeshi, rice cooked with various grains, or mochi (rice cakes) made from various grains. The diet of a samurai varied according to rank. Low-ranking samurai had the same diet as common people, while high-ranking samurai ate a wider variety of food items and ingredients. Daimyo (feudal lords) and shogun enjoyed an even wider variety of side dishes, and some lords even enjoyed fish at every meal. Depending on their social status, they may also have enjoyed sake. Another characteristic of Edo Period food was that many people began to eat out. Food stalls selling tempura and soba (buckwheat noodles) slowly began to pop up and became common among the general populace. Other popular foods were kabayaki (grilled eel covered in a sweet soy sauce) and sushi. Together with soba and tempura, these are considered the four major foods of the Edo. 3 Edo Period Cookbooks – Cook Like They Did in the Age of the Samurai Source :YouTube screenshot Here are the three books on food in the Edo Period that were featured in the video. ●Ryori Monogatari (Tales of Cooking) Ryori Monogatari is a cookbook published in 1643, in the early Edo Period. It's considered to be the oldest cookbook in Japan that provides specific cooking methods. Dishes and ingredients are listed by category, such as "sea fish" and "river fish," and cooking methods are divided into "broths," "vinegared foods," etc. This method of compiling recipes influenced later cookbooks as well. ●Tofu Hyakuchin Tofu Hyakuchin is a cookbook published in 1782, in the mid-Edo Period. It lists 100 recipes for tofu. The book introduces dishes divided into six classes, including "common" and "exquisite," and describes the cooking processes in detail. The book also includes a note that a sequel was published the following year, which suggests that tofu was a popular ingredient among the people of the Edo Period. ●Meihan Burui Meihan Burui was published in 1802, in the late Edo Period. It's a cookbook specializing in recipes involving rice, and introduces more than 140 recipes for porridge, sushi, etc. It also includes columns on the characteristics of rice by production area, showing the high level of interest in cooking with rice during the Edo Period. Fish? Meat? Vegetables? What Did People in the Edo Period Eat the Most Of? Photo：Rice bran The basic diet during the Edo Period consisted of rice, miso soup, and one side dish. From the mid-Edo Period onward, as rice production increased and rice-polishing technology improved, diets shifted from brown rice to white rice. This had an impact on food culture as well, such as the spread of pickled vegetables made from the bran produced in the rice polishing process. Side dishes for the common people consisted mainly of beans and vegetables cooked in a stew. Natto (fermented soybeans) and tofu were also commonly eaten as a source of protein. Vegetables such as daikon, komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach), and leeks were common, and these are eaten even today. Soy sauce, an essential ingredient for flavoring meals in the Edo Period, also spread to the common people in the mid-Edo Period. Many of the dishes in the book are also flavored simply with soy sauce or miso. ●Nebuka-jiru Nebuka-jiru is a miso soup with green onions. Make broth with kombu and dried sardines, and add leeks. Once cooked, miso is added and the soup is complete. [Video] 2:14 - Nebuka-jiru ●Ozasa Tofu Tofu is cooked on a skewer, then cooked in a pot with broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Beaten egg is then poured over the tofu and simmered, and then sprinkled with sansho (Japanese pepper). [Video] 3:00 - Ozasa Tofu ●Tofu Noodles Tofu crumbles and komatsuna are stir-fried, then mixed with boiled somen noodles. Season with soy sauce and serve. [Video] 4:11 - Tofu Noodles In the Edo Period diet, common people ate fish dishes only a few times a month. The common people ate inexpensive and easily obtainable fish, such as sardines and tuna. Shoguns or daimyo on the other hand, ate high-end fish such as sea bream (which were said to bring good luck), sillago, and flounder. Although eating meat was prohibited for many years, it was sometimes consumed for medicinal purposes. Summary of Food Culture in Edo Period Japan Source :YouTube screenshot In this article. we introduced a video recreating Edo Period food. By learning about meals during Edo Period Japan, you can better understand how people lived, the food culture, and the social dynamics of the time. Food is one of the many perspectives from which to understand the history of any given era. If you're curious about Japanese cooking, maybe try making some of the recipes yourself! We hope you can use this article as a reference to create some delicious dishes!

Utagawa Hiroshige's "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Through this video "53 Stations of the Tokaido, Utagawa Hiroshige, Ukiyo-e" (東海道五十三次　歌川広重　浮世絵), we would like to teach you about the origins of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing and introduce some captivating Ukiyo-e art! 53 Stations of the Tokaido is a painting depicting the Tokaido, a 487.8km road that connected the cities of Kyoto and Edo. There are 53 stations located along the road which stretches from Edo Nihonbashi to Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi. Utagawa Hiroshige painted the beautiful scenery of the Tokaido after travelling the length of the road himself. Ukiyo-e paintings featuring famous spots along the Tokaido are as admired now as they were hundreds of years ago. You can take a look at these paintings throughout the video as well. Please enjoy learning more about this traditional Japanese art! More about Utagawa Hiroshige's "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Source :YouTube screenshot Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige published a collection of his works called "53 Stations of the Tokaido, Hoeido Edition" (保永堂版東海道五十三次, Hoeidoban Tokaido Gojuusantsugi) in 1833. The first edition was published by two separate publishers: Hoeido and Senjudo; however, the following editions were all published solely by Hoeido. At the time, his works were being sold at a price ranging from 12-16 sen (approximately 600-800 yen in today's currency). At 5:26 in the video you can see Utagawa Hiroshige's "Keishi," a painting depicting Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi. Ukiyo-e paintings of stations along the Tokaido, such as Shinagawa in Tokyo, Kawasaki in Kanagawa, and Shono in Mie, are also very popular. Utagawa Hiroshige also painted Ukiyo-e of the stops along the Nakasendo and Kisokaido roads called "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Nakasendo" and "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Kaido". The History of Ukiyo-e and Ukiyo-e Styles Photo：Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji Ukiyo-e is a style of artwork that flourished in the Edo period, with paintings and prints commonly portraying beautiful women or famous kabuki actors at the time. When we hear the word ukiyo-e, we think of colorful woodblock prints, however the majority of ukiyo-e in the Edo period would have been hand-painted. One of the most famous ukiyo-e prints of all time is "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" (神奈川沖波裏, Kanagawa Okinamiura), one of a series of prints from "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" (富嶽三十六景, Fugakusanjuurokkei) by the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. These paintings greatly influenced future ukiyo-e artists such as Toshuusai Sharaku, Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Hishikawa Moronobu. Summary of "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed our introductory video of the wonderful "53 Stations of the Tokaido" and learned something new about the traditional Japanese art of ukiyo-e. If you were impressed by the artwork in this video, we recommend purchasing a small card version for yourself online or there are also framed versions to decorate your home with. We hope you enjoy and have a new appreciation for the beauty of ukiyo-e. For those who would like to learn more about ukiyo-e, we recommend visiting Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum (東海道広重美術館, Tokaido Hiroshige Bijutsukan) in Shizuoka city (静岡市, shizuokashi), Shizuoka prefecture (静岡県, shizuokaken), situated in the Tokai region with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji (富士山, fujisan).

Video introduction of "Edo Castle" in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo This video, titled “Edo Castle / Tokyo Imperial Palace in 1871 江戸城,” was produced by “LIT esperan.” It introduces Edo Castle through old photography. Edo Castle is said to be the “Number One” castle in Japan due to its size, the height of its castle tower, and the large dimensions of the palace. This article introduces the history of, and tourist spots around, Edo Castle ruins. Be sure to follow along with the video! Edo Castle existed until the Meiji Era (1868-1912), and so there are many photographs of it that still exist to this day. Before we go any further, take a second to look at the once magnificent appearance of Edo Castle in the video. Edo Castle: History Source :YouTube screenshot Edo Castle was a hirayama-style castle, built by Ota Dokan, a retainer of the Ogigayatsu Uesugi family, in 1457. Years later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi surrendered the castle, and during the Edo period (1603-1868), Tokugawa Ieyasu added to and renovated it. As a result, it became the largest castle in Japan. After it was used as the government center of the Tokugawa shogunate, it was handed over to the new Meiji era government in the 1st year of the Meiji Era (1868), and became the imperial palace in the 2nd year of the Meiji Era. This was referred to as “The Surrender of Edo Castle,” and “The Bloodless Fall of Edo.” In 1888, it became the Imperial Palace Castle, and in 1948 it was renamed as to "Tokyo Imperial Palace." Today, a section of the ruins of Edo Castle is still in use as the residence of the Emperor. The Places Related to Edo Castle in the Video Photo：Fujimi-yagura At the beginning of the video, a blue sky appears in the middle of Tokyo's skyscrapers. This is the center of the castle called the inner compound, and outside of that is the outer compound. You can see Asakusa Honganji, Sensoji Temple, Sakuradamon, Toranomon, Fujimi-yagura Ruins, Suidobashi, Shin-O'hashi, Sumida River, Hibiyamon, Asakusabashimon, Honmaru Otemon, Sakashita Gate, and Nishinomaru Nijyubashi from 0:38 in the video. These are popular spots that are well known even in the present day and are introduced through old photographs in the video. During the middle of the video, the last Tokugawa Shogun, Keiki Tokugawa can be seen from 2:05 and from 1:33, old maps showing the vicinity of Edo Castle, as well as blueprints of the castle tower, are also shown. Visiting Edo Castle Photo：Around Edo Castle Edo Castle is located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward and is about a 5-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station and Otemachi Station on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Parts of the Honmaru/Ninomaru/Sannomaru of Edo Castle are open to the public as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Kitanomaru, is now Kitanomaru Park, and many people come here as tourists or joggers. The castle tower has been rebuilt 3 times, however, it was burned down and the plans for rebuilding it have stopped after the rebuilding of the tenshudai (the stone base). The remaining Edo Castle tenshudai can be seen even in the present day. When you visit the Imperial Palace, be sure to check out the O-bansho near the palace gates, the magnificent stone walls, the ruins of Matsu corridor, located in the inner palace, famous for its depiction in the story Chusingura. We also recommend going to see the inner palace, the ruins of Wadakuramon, the Sekishitsu (stone burial chamber), and the ruins of Chujakumon. There is also a guided tour to see the Imperial palace, so try to participate in this if you can. Summary of Edo Castle Photo：Edo Castle This video, “Edo Castle / Tokyo Imperial Palace in 1871 江戸城,” introduces many photos of Edo Castle from the beginning of the Meiji Era. You can also visit the Imperial Palace by submitting an application to the Imperial Household Agency. For more information, please visit the Imperial Household Agency's website. Edo Castle boasts the largest castle in Japan in terms of size, construction period, and height of the castle tower. Hopefully after reading this article introducing the history and tourist attractions of Edo Castle, we've piqued your interest in the historical location. 【Tripadvisor】The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace（Edo Castle Ruins） https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066443-d320625-Reviews-The_East_Gardens_of_the_Imperial_Palace_Edo_Castle_Ruin-Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefe.html

Introducing the Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition! In this article we introduce the video "Sakamoto Ryoma assassination recreation = 70 artifacts open to the public for the first time, including letters and the gun of Hitokiri Izou!（暗殺の様子再現、坂本龍馬展＝初公開の手紙など７０点披露、人斬り以蔵の拳銃も）" created by Jiji Press Ltd. (時事通信トレンドニュース). This video contains footage of the exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" which was held in Meguro city, Tokyo in 2017. Bakumatsu fans can enjoy looking at a variety of Sakamoto Ryoma's items such as his favorite sword and letters. Who is Sakamoto Ryoma? Source :YouTube screenshot Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai of the Tosa Clan active towards the end of the Edo Shogunate (1853-1869). He was born January 3rd, 1836, and his real name was Sakamoto Naonari. After leaving the Tosa clan, he became a Shishi, and formed a teacher-student relationship with Katsu Kaishu, eventually forming the Kameyama Company, later called “Kaientai.” A few famous examples of Sakamoto Ryoma's life include the Teradaya Incident, where he narrowly escaped death, and his role in uniting the Satsuma and Choshu domains, referred to as the Satcho Alliance. His life has been portrayed in a variety of TV dramas such as the popular "Ryomaden." "Jin" is another popular historical drama based on Japan's Bakumatsu period, and Sakamoto Ryoma plays a major role throughout the story. More About the Exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" Source :YouTube screenshot The exhibition featured in this video was held in Tokyo, as the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum (坂本龍馬記念館, sakamotoryouma kinenkan) was undergoing reconstruction at the time in 2017. Articles such as Sakamoto Ryoma's wakizashi (short sword), and a letter addressed to Shojiro Goto of the Tosa Domain, were on exhibition at the Hyakudankaidan hotel, which is listed as a Tangible Cultural Asset of Tokyo. You can also see the obi worn by Sakamoto Ryoma's older sister and the gun used by Hitokiri Izou (real name Izou Okada). Other popular exhibits include Sakamoto Ryoma's glass collodion photograph, the letter "nebutonotegami," a letter addressed to his older sister, a chart of the Battle of Shimonoseki, the Satcho Alliance endorsement, and a chronological table of events. You can see these exhibits in the video from 0:14. You Can Also See the Recreation of the Assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma in This Video! From 2:47 in the video, we're shown "Saraba, Ryoma," where we can learn more about the details surrounding the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma. The Hokushin Itto-Ryu Genbu Dojo, that carries on the Hokushin Itto-Ryu style that Sakamoto Ryoma mastered, helped direct the powerful assassination scene. You can experience the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma, Nakaoka Shintaro and Tokichi Yamada, by the Kyoto Mimawarigumi in silhouette and sound. Sakamoto Ryoma Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed learning more about the famous samurai Sakamoto Ryoma. You can currently see the artifacts featured in this video at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum in Kochi prefecture. The Bakumatsu period was one of the most dramatic time periods in Japanese history! Be sure to watch the video in detail to learn more about the fascinating samurai Sakamoto Ryoma! 【Official Website】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum https://ryoma-kinenkan.jp/country/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, Kochi Prefecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298234-d1818581-Reviews-The_Sakamoto_Ryoma_Memorial_Museum-Kochi_Kochi_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

The Hairdresser Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles This video, titled "Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles," was created by "The Art Institute of Chicago." From 0:27 in the video, professional hairdresser Tomiko Minami appears. She is highly skilled at recreating the hairstyles portrayed in ukiyo-e prints of the Edo Period. Ukiyo-e prints were created by Edo-era artists such as the famous Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎). The beautiful renditions of women in ukiyo-e prints have gained admiration not only in Japan but also worldwide. As seen in the video, hairdressers like Tomiko Minami use the techniques of old to bring ukiyo-e hairstyles to life in the present day. More About Professional Hairdresser Tomiko Minami Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Tomiko Minami of Minami Hairdressing. She is part of a group of Japanese hairdressers known as "yusoku biyoshi" (有職美容師), who specialize in studying and maintaining historical traditions of the imperial court and samurai families with regards to hair and clothing. Tomiko Minami is not only proficient in traditional Japanese hairstyles, but also well-versed in the ornaments and clothing styles of each era. She is even responsible for hairdressing and garments at the Ise Jingu Festival (伊勢神宮祭). At the Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) and the Heian Shrine (平安神宮) Jidai Matsuri, she is in charge of more than 150 different types of hairstyles. Her recreations of ukiyo-e hairstyles are extremely detailed and intricate. With participants strolling around with their beautiful hairdos and traditional garments, these festivals of Kyoto are a wonderful sight, bringing to life the atmosphere of times past. The Amazing Hairstyles Yusoku Biyoshi Can Recreate Source :YouTube screenshot During the early Edo Period, people generally let their hair flow freely without tying it up. However, from the mid-Edo Period, hairstyles, such as those seen in ukiyo-e prints, began to increase in popularity. There were styles such as the the kamome tabo (鴎髱, Seagull's Tail), the yoko-hyogo (横兵庫, Butterfly), and the torobin (燈籠鬢, Lantern Locks) resembling a traditional lantern. In the later Edo and Bakumatsu Periods, elaborate hairstyles ,especially for high-ranking courtesans, were created as well. The hairdressers skillfully make use of combs and hairpins to create traditional Japanese hairstyles, such as suberakashi (垂髪), as well as the shimada and katsuyama styles favored by geisha and maiko. At 1:37, 3:19, and 5:02 in the video, you can see the finished hairstyles carefully dressed by the talented hairdresser. Summary of the Hairdressers Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles The hairdressers shown in this video make use of techniques used in the Edo Period to accurately recreate the hairstyles of that period. Their incredible skill has gained attention from around the world. Be sure to take a look at the video and take in the skills of the hairdressers and understand the depth of Japanese culture!

Video introduction of "Ogaki Festival's Tentative Events" in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan This video, titled "[Full Version] Ogaki Festival [Main Ver.]" (【完全版】大垣祭の軕（ヤマ）行事【メインVer.】), shows the Ogaki Festival in Gifu prefecture. The Ogaki Festival is a traditional Japanese festival held in Ogaki, Gifu in May each year. In this article, we'll go over the history and characteristics of the festival in detail! ・What are the dates and location of the "Ogaki Festival Ceremony" in 2024? The "Ogaki Festival Dori Event" is held on the Saturday and Sunday immediately before May 15 every year. 2024 will be held over two days, May 11 and 12. It will be held at Ogaki Hachiman Shrine in Nishiogai-cho, Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, and other locations throughout the city. What Kind of Festival is the Ogaki Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The Ogaki Festival is said to be one of the few festivals of its kind in Japan because of the presence of tamen, which are given to the feudal lords of Ogaki, as well as yama, which are used by the townspeople. The tamen, which have unique features, such as a tamen with a puppet carousel and a tamen with children's dancing, parade through the castle town in the spring. Let's take a look back at the history of the Ogaki Festival, now a representative festival of Gifu Prefecture. The Ogaki Festival is a historic castle town festival that is said to have started around 1648 in the Edo Period. Several floats were lost due to earthquakes during the Meiji Period (1868-1912) and World War II. The nine surviving floats and accessories have been designated as Important Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Gifu Prefecture. In 2015, the festival was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2016, the Ogaki Festival was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage as one of the yama (山), hoko (鉾), and yatai (屋台) float festivals of Japan. Ogaki is the place where Matsuo Basho wrote his last haiku for "The Narrow Road to the Deep North." In spring, Ogaki holds the "Basho Festival" in honor of the great poet. How many yama (portable shrines) are paraded in the "Ogaki Festival Parade"? What are the highlights and features? Source :YouTube screenshot There are a total of 13 tents for the Ogaki Festival. Here are the characteristics of each. The three tamen, which were given by the lord of the Ogaki domain, are "Kagura tamen", "Daikoku tamen", and "Ebisu tamen", which lead the procession. The two most spectacular children's dance troupes are "Tamanoi-dama" and "Shochiku-dama". The children dancing in white makeup and gorgeous kimonos are a must-see. The following "karakuri tugs" can be seen changing their appearance quickly. The "Aioi Tento," with its fascinating "masked costume" that changes its face in an instant, the "Hotei Tento," in which a man stands on his head and opens a fan with one hand, the "Sugawara Tento," in which characters are written with a brush, the "Catfish Mountain," where an old man tries to catch a catfish, the "Sakaki Mountain," where mother goddess Amaterasu takes sakaki and bell, the "Urashima Taro," who opens a ball-shaped box, the "Atago Tento," where pigeons appear from the box Atago," in which a pigeon appears from a box, and "Shojo" in which a man sticks his head into a pot of sake. We hope you will enjoy the highlight scenes of each of these unique puppet caricatures. On the day of the parade, 13 dolls will parade through Ogaki City. The decoration of each teddy is also a highlight of the festival, which is made with traditional craft techniques such as metalwork, lacquerwork, and sculpture from the Mino region. What are the "Tengaku", "Hongaku", and "Yomiya" of the Ogaki Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The first day of the Ogaki Festival's ttegaku procession with traditional Japanese performing arts is called "tengaku" and the second day is called "honraku". The route of the parade changes on each day. The "Yomiya" is held on the night of both days, and the "Yamamawashi," in which the lanterns of each tamen are lit and the tamen are rotated from side to side, is a different sight from the daytime. During the festival, each float plays lively music with gongs and drums, karakuri dolls perform tricks, and there's music played by the hayashi bands. The karakuri dolls can be seen at 2:05 in the video. On the day of the festival, many food stalls line the streets, so you can enjoy eating different types of Japanese food cart snacks! Summary of the Ogaki Festival Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video, the Ogaki Festival is an elegant yet powerful festival in the Mino region of Gifu prefecture. Throw on a yukata and head over to Ogaki in early summer to see this beautiful, traditional Japanese festival! 【Official Website】Ogaki Festival Executive Committee https://www.ogakikanko.jp/event/ogakimaturi/english/

This video, titled "[Astonishing] The Discovered Photos of Japan's Last Samurai Are So Amazing! So Real You Can Barely Believe It. End of the Edo Period. Japan's Legendary Samurai Are Wicked Cool!" (【驚愕】発見された「日本最後の侍」の写真が凄すぎる！嘘のような本当の写真　江戸時代 幕末　伝説のサムライたちがヤバイ), was released by "Serious Stories Channel" (マジ話チャンネル). The technology of photography was introduced to Japan at the end of the Edo period. It's amazing that there are still photos of samurai in Japan that were taken during the Meiji Restoration and Meiji Period. The photographs shown in the video were taken by Felice Beato and Kusakabe Kimbei. They took photos of the samurai of the past, which do not exist in modern Japan. At 3:33 in the video, you can see a photo of the famous samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma. Be sure to check out the video to see how cool the Japanese samurai look in their unique outfits!

秋田県の武家屋敷「石黒家」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful」が公開した「Ishiguro Samurai House - Akita - 石黒家 - 4K Ultra HD」です。 世界に代表する日本の文化といえば、”サムライ”。 サムライ文化は今や存在だけでなく、住んでいた住居スペースとなった武家屋敷も海外から注目を集めています。 武家屋敷には古きよき日本の伝統が織り込まれており、日本の歴史の魅力を再発見することができます。 秋田県の武家屋敷「石黒家」とは 秋田県の「石黒家」とは秋田県仙北市の史跡にも指定されている武家屋敷です。 江戸時代に佐竹義隣の用人として仕えた石黒勘左衛門直起が暮らしていました。 仙北地域では多くの武家屋敷がありますが、石黒家がある角館町では武家屋敷には今もなお住人が暮らしているため、武家屋敷の中を知ることができません。 石黒家はこの地域で唯一、江戸時代の日本文化・日本伝統公開をしている施設で、実際に家に上がり武家屋敷の内部を肌で感じることができます。 動画内では、武家屋敷で使用されていた着物も展示物として飾られている様子をご覧になれます。 これは、管理者が石黒家の直系家系の方が管理しているからこそ、先祖代々伝えられた品を惜しみなく展示することを可能としています。 秋田県の武家屋敷「石黒家」紹介まとめ 日本の歴史を肌で感じることのできる秋田県の武家屋敷「石黒家」。 ぜひあなたも足を運んでみてはいかがですか。

江戸木版画紹介動画について こちらの動画は「伝統工芸 青山スクエア」が公開した「手技TEWAZA「江戸木版画」EDO MOKUHANGA Woodblock Prints／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square」です。 日本を代表する伝統工芸品の一つがこの動画で紹介されている「江戸木版画」です。 浮世絵は直接布や紙に筆で描かれる事もありますが、有名な作品には木版画が多いのです。 代表的な江戸木版画の作家は葛飾北斎、喜多川歌麿、歌川広重、東洲斎写楽など、いずれも世界の芸術や文化に多大なる影響を与えた偉大な日本のアーティストたちです。 江戸木版画とは 江戸木版画は400年以上の歴史をもつ伝統工芸です。 そしてその名の通り「江戸」で発展した技法です。 江戸時代といえば日本の歴史の中で最も天下泰平が長かった時代と言われています。 平和な世の中で文化や芸術が大きく花開きました。 江戸の町では人気の歌舞伎役者や芝居小屋の役者さんのポスターやブロマイドは飛ぶように売れていたと伝えられています。 そう、このブロマイドやポスターというのが江戸木版画で刷られた浮世絵です。 まだ印刷技術が未発達だった時代に木版画は絵や本を大量生産できる革新的な印刷方法でした。 これは文化的な革命といっても過言ではありません。 このように江戸木版画は江戸時代の重要な産業の一つだったのです。 江戸木版画の歴史 写楽や北斎は当時から絶大な人気のあった絵師ですが、版画浮世絵というのは彼らが一人で作成したわけではありません。 江戸木版画は分業制で、絵師が描いた下絵を元に彫師が木の板に掘り、摺師が一枚の版画絵に仕上げていくのが特徴です。 ともすれば絵師の名前だけが有名になりがちですが、作品の出来を左右するのは彫師と摺師（すりし）の腕だと言われています。 指定された色やパーツごとに彫師が彫刻刀や短刀などの道具で版木を作り、摺師はそれを何度もすり上げてあの繊細な細工が施された芸術作品が生み出されるのです。 江戸木版画紹介まとめ 江戸木版画という文化は日本の伝統工芸の一つですが、現在でもその流れは途切れていません。 こちらの動画で紹介した「高橋工房」さんでは伝統工芸士に指定された絵師、彫師、摺師が後継者の育成を行っています。 また、常設しているギャラリーでは日本が世界に誇る伝統工芸、江戸木版画の魅力をあますところなく体験することができます。 さらに、高橋工房さんでは名所江戸百景や富嶽三十六景など誰もが知るあの名画の復刻版の販売を行っています。 動画にも登場してきた熟練の彫師さんが丹精込めて掘った版木（素材は山桜）を使い、人間国宝の手によって漉かれた和紙へ摺師が魂を込めて刷った最高級の浮世絵名画の数々を、その目と手で実感してみてはいかがでしょうか？

A Video Comparing Past and Present Tokyo! This video, titled "[Tokyo Tokyo Concept Video] Old meets New - Full version," was released by "Tokyo Tokyo." The video introduces and compares the past and present culture of Tokyo in a comical manner. The one-minute video is packed with many elements, including the historical culture of Japan, current pop culture, and subculture. If you're interested in Japanese culture, be sure to check out this video to compare past and present of Tokyo. Look Out for Information on the History and Culture of the Edo Period! Photo：Image of 36 Views of Mount Fuji In Tokyo, where the shogunate was established during the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan's unique culture continuously flourished. Kimono and traditional crafts, Kabuki and Noh, and traditional performing arts such as ikebana and tea ceremony have been loved for hundreds of years. In addition, Japanese food, such as sushi, developed greatly as a historical gourmet food favored by the common people in the Edo period. Ukiyo-e and Japanese paintings are the art of the Edo period. Japanese paintings drawn with a unique touch are still attracting attention from many history and art fans. The Contemporary Culture of Tokyo Introduced in the Video Photo：Cosplay Over many years new Japanese cultures continue to be born one after another in present day Tokyo. Particularly noteworthy is Japan's pop culture and subcultures, which have developed mainly among young people. The interesting culture unique to Tokyo, such as video games, special effects movies, idols and cosplay events, etc., is attracting a lot of attention not only from within Japan but also from abroad. In the video, there's Kendo and modern video games shown from 0:12, Maneki Neko and Hello Kitty from 0:24, and things like kaiju and Giant Robots, Ukiyo-e and Hatsune Miku, Noh and Kyari Pamyu Pamyu, etc. are compared with the past and introduced as contemporary culture. The video also introduces recommended gourmet foods to eat in present-day Tokyo. From 0:10 in the video, rice balls and the cute Kyaraben (character bentos), soba and tsukemen, and sushi and other Japanese cuisine is shown. There are many famous restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy mouthwatering ramen, so we recommend finding your favorite restaurant. Besides that, we recommend checking out popular foods like cotton candy and tapioca drinks that can be eaten at sightseeing spots, such as Harajuku. Summary of the Past and Present Tokyo Shown in the Video Photo：Downtown Tokyo from above This article introduced an interesting video that unravels the history of Tokyo. Lifestyles and cultures have changed drastically in Japan and unique cultures that were unthinkable a decade ago continue to be born. Suffice it to say, culture evolves alongside history. In the future, new cultures will continue to flourish in Tokyo.

Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture! This video is titled "A Town Full of Culture and History - Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture." It introduces Yakage, Okayama, located in Japan's Chugoku region. Yakage Town is referred to as the "back seat of Kurashiki." Yakage, Okayama prefecture is a historical lodging town, where Princess Tenshoin Atsu is said to have stayed. In Yakage Town, Yakage Honjin and Waki Honjin, which were official lodgings for Daimyo, still exist today. They also hold an event called the Yakage Shukuba Festival Daimyo Procession in autumn. The main attraction at the festival is the luxurious Daimyo Procession shown from 0:07 in the video. The procession goes through town shouting "Kneel! Kneel!" You can hear this throughout the video. Okayama Prefecture is known for fine weather. It has more nice weather than other places in Japan, making it the perfect place to visit on the weekends. Enjoy the video of Yakage, Okayama, a town full of culture and traditional Japanese scenery. A Look at Yakage Source : YouTube screenshot Yakage, Okayama has various historical buildings from the Edo Period (1603～1868), Meiji Period (1868～1912), Taisho Period (1912～1926), and the Showa Period (1926～1989). You can experience all of the different eras within one town, which is one of the things that makes Yakage so interesting. This is explained by the town guide at 2:40 in the video. Traditional Japanese Kimono such as those shown in the video match very well with the traditional Japanese atmosphere of the streets, which are perfect for taking Instagram photos. You can also enjoy a leisurely stroll around Yakage Town Hall and the Rural Environment Improvement Center. Eraya is a hole in the wall spot that you can visit if you're into plastic models. Yakage, Okayama Is Full of Popular Tourist Attractions! Photo：Kibino Makibi Park (Yakage Town) In Yakage, where the streets of Edo remain, we recommend visiting the Old Yakage Headquarters Ishii Family Residence and Old Yakage Waki Headquarters Takakusa Family Residence. Other places to visit include Koian, where you can see antique art, Yakage Town House Exchange Center (やかげ町家交流館 Yakage Machiya Koryukan), Yakage's Local Art Museum (やかげ郷土美術館 Yakage kyodo Bijutukan), Unai Firefly Park (宇内ホタル公園 Unai Hotaru Koen), History Park (歴史公園 Rekishikoen) and Kibino Makibi Park (吉備真備公園 Kibino Makibi Koen). We recommend visiting Yakage for the Camelia festival (つばき祭り Tsubaki Matsuri) in April and the Kibikosai Festival (吉備公祭 Kibikosai) in May, as well. There are many hot spring facilities in the Yakage Town area. We recommend staying at Yunohana Hot Springs (湯の華温泉 Yunohana Onsen) to relax and unwind. Create your own sightseeing route in Yakage Town, Okayama Prefecture and enjoy sightseeing, nature, and culture! Delicious Food in Yakage, Okayama! Okayama prefecture is famous for its soy sauce. The video shows you how they make soy sauce at 2:30. Why not try some delicious Yubeshi dumplings, a local specialty of Okayama Prefecture, dipped in some locally made soy sauce? After strolling through town, enjoy lunch at a one of the old fashioned cafes or restaurants in the area. You can also pick your own fruit at Suisha no Sato Fruits Topia (水車の里フルーツトピア). Summary of Yakage, Okayama Source :YouTube screenshot In Yakage Town, Okayama prefecture, you can stroll around the historical Japanese streets and sightseeing locations with amazing views. Plan a memorable trip to Okayama using the information in this video! There are also hotels and inns nearby, so we recommend staying overnight! 【Official Website】Yakage Town, Okayama PR Website https://japan-yakage.jp/en/ 【TripAdvisor】Yakage Town https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1121388-Yakage_cho_Oda_gun_Okayama_Prefecture_Chugoku-Vacations.html

Edo Kiriko There are a variety of traditional crafts in Japanese culture, including "Edo Kiriko," a highly artistic piece of artwork that shines like a jewel. This is a video interview with an artisan of the traditional craft "Edo Kiriko," in which he talks about the process of making Edo Kiriko and the traditions of the craft. This article will briefly introduce Edo Kiriko alongside the video. Enjoy the beautiful art of Edo Kiriko, which has been handed down in Japan since ancient times. Edo Kiriko - A Compilation of Traditional Crafts Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft that has been handed down as part of traditional Japanese culture, is a historic traditional craft with beautiful jewel-like designs cut into glass. Edo Kiriko is said to have started in the late Edo Period (1750-1860 A.D.) when emery was used to engrave designs on the surface of glass. It gets its name from the cutting of the glass (切, pronounced "kiri," means cut in Japanese). Source :YouTube screenshot From the Taisho Era (1912-1926) to the early Showa period (around 1930), cut glass became popular, and a variety of products, such as tableware, became very popular. Now, prices vary from a few thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen for the glass types and several millions of yen for jar types. Since each piece is hand crafted by an artisan, they are more expensive than regular glasses. Edo Kiriko is produced using Kagami crystal and soda lime glass. There are a very rich variety of patterns and colors used in the pieces. The video also includes an overview of the work in an Edo Kiriko workshop, and rare sketches can be seen at 3:10 in the video. The patterns show each artisan's sense of craftsmanship, and each artisan creates his or her own tasteful designs. The reason why many of the pieces are said to be high quality works of art is because of the skill of the artisans that create them. In the Edo period, the glassware was monochrome, but these days, they use glass with a colored surface layer. This is called "irogise" (color-dressing). Artisans design the colorful glasses while keeping in mind how they will look when drunk from. In the video, the Edo Kiriko artisan emphasizes that it's a traditional craft to be enjoyed by the eyes, which is why this part is so important. Although Edo Kiriko is an ancient Japanese culture, it is not a hereditary system; rather, it is passed down from generation to generation by apprentices who are serious about glass working. At 5:17 in the video, the artisan in the interview describes how he would like to continue to share his approach to Edo Kiriko with the next generation. Edo Kiriko - How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot The following is a brief explanation of how Edo Kiriko is made. 1. Waridashi (Indexing) The glass is placed on a turntable and basic lines are drawn with a magic marker or similar writing instrument. This process is explained by the Edo Kiriko artisan at 3:10 in the video. 2. Arazuri (Rough Cutting) Making basic cuts that will be the basis for the pattern on the glass. 3. Sanbanzuri (Fine Cutting) Fine cuts are made into the glass. 4. Sokoishikake (Fine tuning of cuts) Smooth out the cuts so there are no irregularities. 5. Migaki (Polish) Polishing the glass to give it a nice shine. 6. Arai (Washing) Wash the glass. 7. Completed And it's finished! Edo Kiriko Makes a Great Gift, Souvenir, or Keepsake Photo：Edo Kiriko We highly recommended Edo Kiriko as a souvenir or gift. They can be purchased online and also at physical stores in Asakusa and Ginza, where you can see them up close and get a better look at their beauty. "Hanasho," with its main store in Kameido, and the "Sumida Edo Kiriko Museum" in Sumida, are famous for their shops, while the Edo Kiriko Cooperative in Kameido has a showroom where you can view various types of Edo Kiriko. Edo Kiriko includes glass cups, wine glasses, rock glasses, chilled sake cups, sake cups, sake glasses, sake bottles, lipped bowls, tumblers, beer glasses, and other items to suit your taste. Handmade Edo Kiriko would make a great gift for people of all ages. At the Edo Kiriko classes in Asakusa and Nihonbashi, you can experience the techniques of Edo Kiriko and draw patterns such as cherry blossoms and roses on glass. You can also learn the artisanal skills at the Edo Kiriko workshop and give a gift full of Japanese culture. At the Edo Kiriko Exhibition and the Edo Kiriko Museum, you can see many artisanal works of craft. If you want to see the craftsmanship in person, this is a great place to visit. You can also buy your favorite pieces as souvenirs. Like Edo Kiriko, "Satsuma-Kiriko" is another popular type of cut glass. These pieces are more suitable for ornamental purposes than Edo Kiriko. Summary of Edo Kiriko This article introduced the history of Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft in which Japanese craftsmanship truly shines. We recommend getting a pair of Edo Kiriko glasses that you can use for a variety of occassions. Due to the delicate nature of Edo Kiriko glass, they must be cared for more carefully than normal glasses. This video talks about the uncompromising dedication of Edo Kiriko artisans and the appeal of Edo Kiriko, which cannot be described in such a short amount of time. Please enjoy the video and learning about the depth of the ancient Japanese craft.

About Esashi, a "Japan Heritage" "Esashi, Sightseeing Promotional Video, Japan Heritage" (北海道江差町　観光ＰＲ動画（日本遺産)), is a video created by the "Esashi Municipal Department of Tourism." Esashi, in the Hiyama District of Hokkaido, is the first place to be registered as a Japan Heritage in Hokkaido, and is also a place of scenic beauty. It sits on the coast of the Sea of Japan, with a population of 7,561. (2019, May). It's said that Esashi is the origin of Hokkaido's culture and thrived thanks to it's herring fishing during the Edo Period. In 2014, the mayor of Esashi became the youngest mayor in Japan at just 29 years of age. In this video, the attractions of Esashi are packed into just 3 minutes of footage. Enjoy the nature and history of Esashi, Hokkaido. What Are "Esashi Herring"? Source :YouTube screenshot Esashi is surrounded by the ocean, and in the Edo period (1603-1867) it was a place where herring fishing was going through a boom. This is explained at 0:26 in the video. At the time, herring was a good fertilizer. Esashi was busy, especially in May, because herring was a seasonal fish in May and many ships from Edo (Tokyo) and Osaka, came to fish for them. Because of this, the popular phrase "Even Edo is not as busy as Esashi in May" was coined. Many of the leftover goods remain in the storehouses of merchants from the time, demonstrating their prosperity and showing just how successful the business was. Even now, herring soba is popular as a local dish in Esashi. Check out the video at 0:51 to see the merchant's warehouses. Tourist Attractions in Esashi! Source :YouTube screenshot There's Kamamome Island where ships called "Kitamaebune" docked during the herring fishing season, Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社, Itsukushima jinjya), where sailors prayed for safety at sea, and the strangely shaped Heishi Rock (瓶子岩, Heishiiwa). There's a legend of Heishi Rock, that says when the sailors couldn’t catch any herring and were facing starvation, they poured divine water into the sea causing a swarm of herring to appear. Since then, every July a ceremony is held where they replace the "Shimenawa" (a rope used to cordon off consecrated areas or as a talisman against evil​) at Heishi Rock. This can be seen at 1:27 in the video. The Ubagami Grand Shrine (姥神大神宮, Ubagami Daijingu) which overlooks the port of Esashi, is famous for its summer festival, the Ubagami Grand Shrine Togyo Festival, which is said to be the oldest festival in Hokkaido. From 2:01, the festival song "Esashi Oiwake," which has been passed down since the Edo Period, can be seen being performed. It has a nostalgic melody reminiscent of Edo and because of that, it's said that "Esashi Oiwake" is the king of folk songs. The herring fishing song "Soran Bushi" and "Hokkai Bonuta" also represent the culture of Hokkaido. We recommend visiting Esashi during the summer festival where you can check out the big floats and the Ohayashi band. Recommended Tourist Attractions Photo：Esashi Inishie Kaido Street There are many historic places and buildings that remain in Esashi, such as shrines, temples and houses. Walking down Inishie Kaido Street, next to the ocean, will take you to those historic places. For example, The Former Nakamura Family Merchant House, Yokoyama House, and the Esashi Town Historical Museum are all attractive spots that retain a good old-fashioned Japanese atmosphere. Visiting Esashicho Bunka Hall, Esashi Town Meeting Hall, Esashi Oiwake/Yama Museum, and the Esashi Town Historical Museum to learn about the history is another great way to enjoy oneself. The Kaiyo Maru from Netherlands can be seen near Kamome Island. It was a battleship of the Shogunate's navy at the end of the Edo Period. (About 1860) You also get a great view, surrounded by the ocean waves, when the weather is nice. Don't forget your camera! Summary of Esashi Photo：A school of fish As you can see in the video, Esashi, Hokkaido is a fishing town with many and festivals and historic places left over from the old days of Japan. Enjoy seeing the attractions of Hokkaido through the video. At 2:36, we learn that, in 2017, a school of herring were seen for the first time in 104 years in Esashi, and a new light began to shine on Esashi once again. Esashi is a sort of hole-in-the-wall destination in Hokkaido, but has easy access from Hakodate by train or bus. If you're headed this way, we recommend checking out Hakodate as well! Also, if Esashi interests you, check out the local products of Hometown Tax Donation Program. There are attractive local products like queen crab and gasa shrimp. 【Official website】Esashi Town hall homepage https://www.hokkaido-esashi.jp/ 【Trip Advisor】Esashi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1120309-Esashi_cho_Hiyama_gun_Hokkaido-Vacations.html