The New Winter Sport Snowscoot This video, titled "スノースクート最高！/ Snowscoot Is Freaking Cool! #2," produced by "Kezuhomuzu," introduces the popular winter sport "Snowscoot." Snowscoot is a new and popular winter sport that is gaining attention as a snow sport and snow activity. Dubbed a "snow bike/bicycle sled," it's a BMX-bike frame mounted on 2 boards that are independent of one another, which allows for steering. The Popularity of the Snowscoot Source :YouTube screenshot One of the reasons the snowscoot is so popular is because anyone can enjoy it; from beginners, to pros, children and adults, it doesn't matter, just get on and go! Unlike a snowboard, you can easily balance thanks to the handlebars. It's also very easy to control, so even those who are new to it, can enjoy the snowscoot with peace of mind. Currently, over 80% of domestic ski resorts have them for rent. The fact that you can begin snowscooting without any gear on hand is also what makes this sport great. Also, you can customize the frame, board, and handle with parts that fit your preference and the idea of being able to make a snowscoot that is tailored to each individual has won the hearts of many riders. In 0:07 of the footage, you can see them performing maintenance and making adjustments to a snowscoot, and from 0:24, you can see them glide down the pure white slopes at tremendous speed. The History of the Snowscoot Photo：Snow slopes The snowscoot was made in the early 1990’s in France and it was commercialized as a new winter sport following skis and snowboards. Franck Petoud, a French BMX rider, designed the frame to be similar to that of a bicycle and then attached 2 boards to the front and back of it. Attempting to fly down the slopes with this, it became the prototype of the snowscoot, and the bicycle manufacturer SUNN announced it as an official product. Afterwards, the snowscoot underwent its own development, with France being at the center of it all, and it was imported to Japan around 1994. Due to its novel appearance and high level of safety, we have been able to use them at many ski resorts in Japan. Because the origins of this sport lay in BMX, you can enjoy acrobatic tricks, such as aerials that use jumps and carving turns like the ones in snowboarding. Snowmotos, which have a similar shape, were made in America. These have a seat boom (a seat that you can put between your legs), and there is a slight difference in how you ride it. Get Your Own Snowscoot! You can buy the Snow Scoot at sporting goods stores as well as online. Prices vary by product, but entry-level snowscoots, such as the ONE-D, are priced at around 109,000 yen (~$1,000 USD) before tax. If you are concerned about the price, you can also buy used. Clothes, boots and shoes are basically the same as for skiing and snowboarding, and it doesn't require any special equipment Summary of the New, Popular Winter Sport, "Snowscoot" Source :YouTube screenshot As introduced in this article, snowscoot is a easy winter sport that allows you to glide down the mountain with the familiar feeling of riding a bicycle. You can use the snowscoot at many ski resorts, such as the Aizu Kogen Takatsue Ski Area and the Shiga Kogen Sun Valley Ski Resort, so definitely try one out! 【Official Website】SNOWSCOOT® [Snowscoot] Official｜JykK Japan Inc. https://snowscoot.co.jp/

A Wasabi Farmer Speaks About Wasabi This video is「WASABI – IS JAPAN COOL? WASHOKU – 和食（山葵）」created by「ANA Global Channel」. It shows a wasabi farmer from Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島, Izuhanto) in Shizukoka prefecture (静岡県, Shizuoka-ken) speaking about the attraction and production process of wasabi. Wasabi is an edible native Japanese plant of the Brassicaceae Wasabia family and is said to have grown naturally since the Asuka Period (AD ~538-710). In this 9-minute video, Inaba Nobuaki, owner of “Wasabi-en Kadoya,” located in Kawazu town (河津, Kawazu) of Kamo District (賀茂郡, Kamogun), Shizuoka Prefecture, explains the attraction, production process and ways to enjoy wasabi. What Is Wasabi? How Is It Cultivated? Photo：Wasabi Field There are two ways to cultivate wasabi; “Water Wasabi” (Valley Wasabi, Swamp Wasabi) cultivated in mountain streams and spring water, and “Field Wasabi” (Land Wasabi) which is cultivated in fields. The cultivation method introduced in this video is “Water Wasabi” and takes 1-2 years to cultivate. The wasabi is cultivated in flooded paddy fields, which turn to mud after one or two years. The farmers wash away the mud, level the field, and plant and harvest wasabi all year round. Water management is crucial and is a fight against the merciless forces of nature, for often typhoons and other floods strike the region. This is explained by Inaba Nobuaki of “Wasabi-en Kadoya” from 0:26 in the video. Wasabi is cultivated all year round, but the flavor and size vary by season. The best season is from autumn to winter. Wasabi was introduced in the Amagi Region (天城, Amagi), where “Wasabi-en Kadoya” is located, sometime during the mid-Edo Period. Izu Peninsula is suited for wasabi cultivation, due to its heavy rainfall and soft spring water. The reason why wasabi hasn’t spread worldwide is because this type of natural environment doesn’t exist elsewhere, as is explained by Inaba Nobuaki from 2:36. Shizuoka Prefecture is famous for its wasabi cultivation, and is the number one area for cultivation and production in Japan. The Best Ways to Enjoy Wasabi Photo：Wasabi Bowl Now that you know how wasabi is grown, you probably want to know how to best enjoy it! Most people try to enjoy delicious wasabi with expensive foods such as sashimi and sushi. But a simple and low cost way to enjoy wasabi is the “Wasabi Bowl” that “Wasabi-en Kadoya” serves. It is an extremely simple dish; dried bonito sprinkled over some fresh hot rice, with a dash of freshly grated wasabi on top. This can be seen from 4:01 in the video. The soy sauce will deprive the wasabi of its flavor, so it’s important not to pour the soy sauce directly onto the wasabi. Wasabi’s spiciness is created when the cell walls are broken, so the taste varies greatly depending on how finely you grate the wasabi. A delicious wasabi has five traits: great fragrance, spiciness, sweetness, adhesiveness, and a deep green color, as explained at 5:27 in the video. To make use of wasabi’s disinfectant qualities, you can eat vegetables with wasabi or have some wasabi ice cream for dessert. Also, the top and bottom of the wasabi stem have different tastes! The top has a mild flavor that is pleasant. The video explains at 7:50 that the best way to store leftover wasabi is not to put it in a cup of water, but to wrap it in newspaper, put it in a plastic bag, then store it in the refrigerator. If you ever visit Shizuoka, how about some wasabi products as a souvenir? “Wasabi Pickles,” “Wasabeef Chips,” “Wasabi Beads” (which are shaped like salmon roe), “Wasabi Greens,” “Tubed Wasabi,” “Hon-Wasabi,” “Wasabi powder,” and “Wasabi paste” are some of the most popular products. These are sold in Amagi Wasabi Village (天城わさびの里, Amagiwasabinosato), located inside the roadside station “Amagigoe” (天城越え,Amagigoe), Izu Town (伊豆市, Izushi) which is near “Wasabi-en Kadoya,” and also by online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. Summary of Wasabi In recent years, wasabi has come to be appreciated for its health benefits, such as weight loss assistance. Hopefully this video has helped you learn about wasabi, the integral seasoning for every Japanese household! This video also introduces the best ways to eat wasabi, so if you are interested in Japanese food or just food in general, be sure to check it out! 【yelp】Wasbi-en Kadoya https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%82%8F%E3%81%95%E3%81%B3%E5%9C%92-%E3%81%8B%E3%81%A9%E3%82%84-%E8%B3%80%E8%8C%82%E9%83%A1?page_src=related_bizes

This video, titled "Fresh Greenery at Mishakaike Pond "'A Place I Want to Visit Before I Die! Scenery of Japan" Okutateshina｜Japan's Mishakaike Pond in Summer｜Downconvert 4K Video to 2K｜Natural Landscape Photography" (新緑の御射鹿池「死ぬまでに行きたい！日本の絶景」奥蓼科 Japan Mishaka pond of summer　Downconvert 4k shot video by 2k 自然風景映像), was released by "Yatsugatake21_4K_Japan." This video introduces Mishakaike Pond, which was the motif of the famous Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama's work. Mishakaike Pond in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture was actually created at the beginning of the Showa Period (1926-1989) as an agricultural reservoir, and has now been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Ponds by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The beautiful scenery, which can be called a true mystery of nature, is unforgettable, and it is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan that you should be on your bucket list. Please enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mishakaike Pond in the video.

A Real-World Escape Game This video titled ““Real Escape Game” PV（『リアル脱出ゲーム』PV）”, created by “SCRAP”, is a promotion video of a real escape game service, which is an experience-based event. A lot of people are getting excited, because a real-world experience-based event like this has never existed before. You have to escape by using your brain to solve puzzles and it is recommended for people who are looking for something new. We'll talk a little about the appeal of a real-world escape game in this article. What Is a Real-World Escape Game? Source :YouTube screenshot The real-world escape game is an experience-based event service, registered as a trademark of SCARP. The participants have to analyze hints, think outside the box, and even use strength in order to solve the puzzles and escape, and it can be done alone or in a large group. The atmosphere of the venue is shown from 0:05 and how it is solved is shown from 0:21 in the video. Real-world escape games are held all over Japan and they all have different characteristics. Different games are introduced in the video, like a submarine escape, an amusement park escape, an undersea prison escape, and more. Mysterious letters, shapes, numbers, tools and messages are everywhere in the venue and you have to decode and analyze them, within the 60 minute time limit. There are some events with an escape rate of 1% and they are difficult to solve, which is why people like to challenge the game and get excited about trying them. Where to Experience a Real-World Escape Game Source :YouTube screenshot There are different kinds of games held in different places in Japan, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Sendai, Kanagawa, Shinjuku, Kichijoji, Ikebukuro, Shimokitazawa and Asakusa and they all have different themes. You should go and try your favorite event at least once if you're interested. There are cafes to relax at as well. Collaboration events Source :YouTube screenshot There are also events collaborated with anime, manga, and video games. In 2020, there will be events such as: Cardcaptor Sakura, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Detective Conan and Love Live! Sunshine!! In the past, there was a collaboration with Resident Evil and Mezamashi TV. Check out the homepage for more collaborated events. Real-World Escape Game Overview Source :YouTube screenshot ““Real Escape Game” PV” created by “SCRAP” is a video that introduces the real escape game which is getting popular these days. There are different kinds of real-world escape games that are based on anime and popular video games and they can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Whether you solve the puzzles or not, it's sure to be a memorable experience! There are practice questions on the official website, so if you're interested we recommend giving it a try!

This video, titled "Baikamo｜A Species Endemic to Japan｜Shinonsen] 4k" (バイカモ　日本固有種 【新温泉町】4k), was released by "e-eizo.com" (e映像制作.com). This video was filmed at the Takimi River in the Shinonsen area, northwest of Hyogo Prefecture. There are hardly any spots in Japan where so many Baikamo are in full bloom. Baikamo is an aquatic plant belonging to the buttercup family and blooms underwater and on the surface of the water. Throughout the summer, Baikamo produce many pretty plum blossom shaped flowers. Baikamo only bloom in areas with clear water or close to headwaters. It is a plant that grows in cold water and can be found in Japan in the mountains of the Tohoku and Nagano regions.

A Fusion of Sports Bike and Japanese Steel - The Pride of Suzuki Motor This video, titled "KATANA official promotional video : FEEL THE EDGE | Suzuki," is an introductory video of the famous motorcycle "KATANA," produced by the world renown automobile and motorcycle manufacturer, Suzuki. At 0:07 in the video, we're greeted by the flames of a forge and a hammer striking steel. Shortly after, the beautiful design of Japanese sword appears. This is followed by a series of fast-paced scenes in which a samurai wearing a visor makes a powerful slash, creating the sharp edges of Suzuki's "Katana." At 1:32, in the video, the samurai transforms into the rider, racing down the track on the KATANA. It's a very cool video, reminiscent of a samurai riding full speed into battle. About Suzuki's KATANA Photo：Suzuki Motorcycle The KATANA, a masterpiece of a motorcycle possessing Suzuki's own sharp and aggressive form, was born in 1981, some 40 years ago. At that time, its unparalleled sharp design captured the hearts of riders and spawned a loyal following. The first classic KATANA type was the GXS110, a prototype with a cowling that was announced at the 1980 motor show in Germany. At that time, opinions on the radical design with a motif of a Japanese sword were divided, and it was said that it would never be mass-produced with such a design. However, mass production of the old KATANA began in 1981, with only the 1100cc variant being released. But its popularity grew and it was made into a series of 750cc, 400cc, and 250cc variants. The development was temporarily discontinued in 2000, but the older models are still incredibly popular to this day, and used and custom bikes are sold at high prices. The GSX250SS KATANA, a faithful reproduction of the first KATANA released in 1991, is said to be the most popular of the successive generations that have been released. More About the Latest KATANA Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Suzuki announced the long awaited production of a new model KATANA. Prior to this, the KATANA 3.0, a prototype of the new bike, was unveiled at the EICMA 2017 Milan show and generated a lot of buzz among bikers. Suzuki’s flagship model, Suzuki Naked, is used in the new KATANA’s engine. It also has a full LCD-type multi-function display, which improves the visibility and operability of the fuel consumption gauge and speedometer. The new supersport bike has a more distinctive appearance with a sharper cowling than the KATANA of yesteryear. Summary of Suzuki’s New KATANA Source :YouTube screenshot The new KATANA was launched in 2019 to the delight of many motoring enthusiasts, and thanks to improvements to the engine and suspension, it takes less time to reach top speed. The new Katana's design is sharper and more ambitious than ever before, and it's sure to attract both old fans and newcomers to the bike. The new KATANA will be available in one model and two colors, with prices starting at 1,540,000 yen. For more information, check out Suzuki's official website. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see the sharp design of Suzuki's "KATANA." 【Official Website】KATANA Special website | Suzuki motorcycle https://www1.suzuki.co.jp/motor/katana-sp/index.html

This video, titled "Japan - Aerial Shot - Takeno Beach ・ 日本 - 竹野浜ビーチ," was released by "Taru Farias - Japan Travel." In the video, you can see Takenohama Beach at the sea in Toyooka in Hyogo Prefecture. The sea at Toyooka is clear and blue even from the sky, and it is crowded with many swimmers. The view from the nearby mountains is also superb. Be sure to check it out in the video!

This video, titled "PR Video for the 500th Anniversary of Kofu's Founding "Furin Kazan" (こうふ開府500年観光PR動画『風林火山』), was released by "kofu-shingen." In 2019, Kofu City, in Yamanashi Prefecture, celebrated its 500th anniversary since its founding. The video introduces the sights and sounds of Kofu City, named after the Japanese idiom "Furin Kazan" (風林火山, "as fast as the wind, as quiet as the forest, as daring as fire, and immovable as the mountain​") which was a favorite of the warlord Takeda Shingen. The movie shows Gomi Shoyu, which has been in business for more than 150 years, Koshu Daruma, which is characterized by the carved face of Takeda Shingen, Kai Zenkoji Temple, which is associated with Shingen, and Takeda Shrine. The video also features Houtou, a local cuisine of Yamanashi, the professional soccer club, Ventforet Kofu, and the Daijingu Festival of Kofu.

This video is titled "[Eng Sub] [Cosplay] How to Go From No Makeup to Hatsune Miku (2018 Version) [Kuromu-Style]" (《Eng sub》【コスプレ】カワハギから初音ミクになる方法(2018改)【黒夢流】). The video was released by Kuromu (くろむ). The video introduces the popular cosplayer Kuromu going from zero makeup to looking just like Hatsune Miku! It shows awesome techniques that many popular cosplayers use as well! Be sure to check it out!

This video, titled "[Full view] I took a ride on the E235 Yamanote Line Counter Clockwise (Tokyo to Tokyo) " (【4K60p超高画質前面展望】E235系山手線内回り（東京～東京）), was released by "NJR新日本旅客鉄道" (New Japan Railway). This is a video of the E235 Series Yamanote Line inner (counter clockwise) route, taken on August 14, 2018. The Yamanote Line inner route starts at Tokyo Station and proceeds towards Akihabara, Ueno, and Ikebukuro. This movie shows the inner route trains on the Yamanote Line. Normal trains go back and forth, but the Yamanote Line is a circular line. The train photographed is the new E235 Series TO21 train, which started operation in 2015. Be sure to watch the video and enjoy the view from the Yamanote Line!

This video, titled "[4K] 35 Jets in Heavy Snow! Winter Plane Spotting at Sapporo New Chitose Airport / 新千歳空港 JAL ANA," was released by " j-sky on YouTube." This video shows over 30 minutes of airplanes departing from and landing at New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido. One of the features of New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido is that planes can take off and land even on snowy days. In Japan's Honshu region, flights can be cancelled when there is a lot of snow, but Hokkaido's airport is unaffected by a little snow. The Hokkaido area is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. If you want to enjoy the snowy scenery, try to get a plane ticket on a snowy day like the one shown in the video!

This video, titled "宮大工が職人技で教える初心者のための”のみ”の研ぎ方はこれだ！　Sharpening a Japanese Chisel," was released by "翠紅舎 Suikoushya." The chisel shown in this video is a tool mainly consisting of a metal blade and a handle, and is used for drilling holes or engraving in wood, stone, metal, etc. There are several types of chisels and each has its own special use. They are used often in Japanese crafts. Flat bladed chisels are called flat chisels, Other blades are made of other materials, such as soft iron or steel. In this video, you can learn about the chisel, an indispensable tool for carpenters, and how to maintain it.

This video, titled "Reverse thrust on taxi way? JAL 747 Memorial #003 : 747-446D [JA8083] at CTS/RJCC : Landing," was released by "j-sky on YouTube." It's cool seeing the large aircraft land and go down the runway, but how does an airplane land and stop in the first place? After the aircraft lands it glides for a while, then slows down and comes to a stop. When an aircraft moves on the ground under its own power, it is called taxiing. In order for an aircraft to stop successfully, they choose a runway with a headwind or a system of reverse thrusters that directly thrust upward at an angle. So many different things go into the safe landing of an airplane.

This video, titled "Magical powder to save the world," was produced by "東京YABAI." KT-POWDER is a water purification agent developed by KAWAICHI-TECH in Katsushika, Tokyo. In the video, they put KT-POWDER into a bottle of muddy water (1 gram per 1 liter of water), put the cap on and shake it, and in no time at all, the mud sinks to the bottom and the water becomes clear! The clear part of this water is also drinkable! It's amazing! KT-POWDER is made from a powder made from a mixture of 10 different minerals. It was created to help children around the world who are in need of clean water, and to help in times of water shortages during disasters.

This video, titled "Alpha JX VS TOTO C200 SW2044 Washlet Bidet Toilet Seat Comparison | BidetKing.com," was released by BidetKing. The Alpha JX and TOTO C200 are two pillars of the Bidet Seats. Alpha JX is the most trusted by BidetKing users. And the TOTO C200 is manufactured by industry giant TOTO and is one of the most popular bidet seats in the country. In this video, two affordable, yet top-quality bidet seats are compared to see which one is better. The Alpha, known for its low-profile design, sturdy lids, and LED nightlights, or the TOTO, with its superior low-profile design and functionality, which one is better?

This video, titled "Japan’s "Last Ninja" Explains The Naruto Run | EVERYDAY BOSSES #9," was released by Asian Boss. Asian Boss is a media company based in South Korea, and their videos show real life in Asia. Their mission is to "bridge the social and cultural gap," and they use video to break down prejudices and stereotypes. Through storytelling, they challenges people to remain curious, think critically, and take action to bring the world closer together. Asian Boss' Hiroko introduces Kawakami Jinichi, who works as a ninja at Tenmangu Shrine. It is said that the "symbols" that Kawakami expresses with his hands are rooted in Buddhist philosophy.

This video, titled "Inside Japan's Tricked-Out DIY Truck Culture," was released by "Great Big Story." "Dekotora," introduced in the video, is an abbreviation for "decorated truck," which has been customized with paint, electric lights, stainless steel, chrome body kits, etc. In the video, you can see the trucks glowing colorfully under the night sky. The owner of a dekotora also talks about the charm of dekotora and his passion for them.

This video, titled "Gran Turismo 7 - Announcement Trailer | PS5," was released by PlayStation. This is a promotional video for Gran Turismo 7 on the PlayStation 5. Gran Turismo is a series of games in which players take on the role of a racer and enjoy racing in vehicles that can be found in the real world. In addition to racing, players can also tune up their cars, and the video shows how this is done.

This video is titled "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart - Announcement Trailer | PS5." It was released by PlayStation. In this video, you can see a trailer for the latest game in the Ratchet & Clank series for PlayStation 5. Ratchet and Clank is produced by the Japanese company Sony. Check out the video to see the depth and intensity of the game!

This video, titled "Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Announcement Trailer | PS5," was released by PlayStation. In this video, you can see the latest PS5 release of the popular comic book hero, Spider-Man, in Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales. In this video, you'll get to see Spider-Man in action in the streets of New York City. Check out the video for a glimpse at the realistic world!

Japan's Public Baths This video, titled "Boys Stepping Into a Public Bath for the First Time. Cow Soap Commercial 'My First Trip To a Sento Bathhouse'" (銭湯、そのレトロ空間に初めて足を踏み入れた少年たちは…？牛乳石鹸CM「はじめての銭湯」篇), was released by "moviecollectionjp." Public baths, or "銭湯" (sento) in Japanese, are one of many Japanese cultures. There are many people who know the word "sento" but have never actually been to one. As the number of sento open for business decreases year after year, the opportunity to actually visit a sento for a bath is dwindling. To promote "Good Bath Day" on November 26, this video introduces the charms of Japan's sento. If you're interested in Japanese traditional culture, be sure to give it a watch! November 26, Good Bath Day Source :YouTube screenshot This video will help you learn how to enter a sento and what to be mindful about. If you're thinking about going to a sento in Japan, this video is a good place to start. In public places, such as sento, people are expected to behave in a respectful manner. Japanese and English subtitles are displayed at key points, so overseas travelers can easily understand what's happening. Learn How to Enjoy Japan's Sento in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot When you enter the bathhouse, the first thing you need to do is put your shoes in a locker, as shown at 0:19 in the video. Be sure not to lose the key! After paying the clerk, it's time for a bath! From 0:47 in the video, you can see children washing their bodies. At sento, it's good manners to wash your body before soaking in the baths. From 0:59 in the video, you can see adults and children helping to wash one another's backs, which is another charm of Japan's sento culture. It’s also important to follow proper etiquette, such as not entering the baths with a towel, and not diving into the water. After you've enjoyed your time at the bathhouse, there are certain manners to follow when getting out of the baths, such as putting away any buckets, etc. you used and wiping your body off properly. You can see a massage chair at 1:50 in the video. You can use these after a bath to revitalize your body. The video ends with the children bidding farewell to the woman at the booth. It's important to maintain good manners with people, not only in Japan's sento but when using other public facilities as well. So What Kind of Place Are Japan's Sento Exactly? Photo：A cypress bath and bucket at a sento Sento are public bathhouses in Japan. They are also called furoya (風呂屋) or yuya (湯屋) in Japanese. At sento, a boiler is used to boil a large amount of water, and tall exhaust chimneys are often a feature of a sento. Some public bathhouses use hot springs, and one of the best ways to enjoy visiting public bathhouses in Japan is to learn about the different types of spring water they use. Another appeal of Japan's sento is that you can enjoy a variety of baths, including cold water baths, denkiburo (baths with a slight electric current), waterfall baths, jet baths, medicinal baths, open-air baths, saunas, ganban'yoku, and more. Large scale public bathhouses are called "Super Sento" and often offer meals and other services. Another feature of public bathhouses is that the walls are generally decorated with special paintings and tiles. When you visit Japan, be sure to take a relaxing soak while enjoying the beautiful decorations of the bathhouse. The Roots and History of Japan's Sento Photo：Sento It is said that sento originate from the time when Buddhism was introduced to Japan. The reason sento were built was for monks to cleanse their bodies. Bathhouses were set up in temples and were popular not only among monks, but also among the impoverished. Summary of Japan's Traditional Sento Photo：Sento equipment Japanese culture is very profound, and sento are no exception. Before you actually visit a sento, be sure to check out this video to learn the manners and rules of Japan's public bathhouses first. By doing so, you're sure to have a wonderful time at Japan's public baths!

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?

The White-Tailed Eagle of Hokkaido! The video "White-tailed eagle Akan Japanese Crane Center" introduced in this article, shows some white-tailed eagles living around Akan Lake (阿寒湖, Akan ko) in Kushiro, Hokkaido. The white-tailed eagle circling leisurely in the sky with its glistening white tail feathers outstretched is truly a majestic sight. Let's take a closer look at the white-tailed eagle, which, along with the Steller's sea eagle, is known as one of the largest eagles in the world, and learn more about its biology. The video also shows white-tailed eagles catching fish at the Akan International Crane Center. The White-Tailed Eagle Photo：A white tailed eagle from the side The white-tailed eagle is a member of accipitriformes order, accipitridae family, and Haliaeetus genus, and can be found in the northeastern part of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a protected species and is currently listed as a rare wildlife species in Japan, and is listed as an endangered species on the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment. White-tailed eagles are 70 to 98 centimeters in length, with a wing span of 180 to 240 centimeters, and weigh 3 to 7 kilograms. They have white plumage and a slightly muffled call. Young birds are covered entirely with brown feathers and have white spots, but the spots disappear with age. They are carnivorous and have an average lifespan of about 20 years. More About the White-Tailed Eagle Photo：White-tailed eagle There are approximately 1,700 white-tailed eagles wintering in Hokkaido. As shown in the video, white-tailed eagles can be seen living not only in the Akan area, but also in Sapporo City. In rare cases, they also fly from northern Honshu to the Chubu and Kyushu regions. The Akan International Crane Center Gloss, introduced in the video, is a facility that provides information on a variety of wild birds, including the Japanese crane, which is shown at 0:44 in the video, and we definitely recommend giving it a visit. It's also well known among aviation fans that the JASDF's Phantom aircraft had a white-tailed eagle pattern painted on its vertical stabilizer. In the video, the white-tailed eagle is seen flying in a circle over the heads of the Japanese cranes, but it's actually aiming at its prey, and at 2:00 in the video, it finally goes after it. This is the highlight of the video, so be sure to check it out! Another white-tailed eagle appears with the white-tailed eagle that the camera had been following, and in a moment, grabs the catch of the first one with its feet and flies away. This can be seen in slow-mo at 2:25 in the video. Summary of Hokkaido's White-Tailed Eagle Photo：A Steller's sea eagle and a white-tailed eagle In this article, we introduced a fascinating bird you can find in Hokkaido, the white-tailed eagle. If you want to see the beautiful white-tailed eagles shown in this video, why not plan a bird-watching trip to Hokkaido? If your trip to Hokkaido is for white-tailed eagles, you can also purchase white-tailed eagle caramel cookies made by Nemuro cafe as a souvenir. ◆Akan International Crane Center General Information◆ 【Address】40 Akancho Kamiakan, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0245 【Access】25 minutes by bus from Kushiro Airport 【Admission fee】Adults (high school students and older) 480 yen, elementary and junior high school students 250 yen (*as of December 2019) 【Hours] 】9:00～17:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】Available 【Telephone】0154-66-4011 【Official Website】Akan International Crane Center-Wix.com https://aiccgrus.wixsite.com/aiccgrus/english-page

Mie Prefecture’s Traditional Handicraft- Iga Kumihimo This video is “TEWAZA- Iga Kumihimo Braided Cord,” introducing Iga Kumihimo, produced by “Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square.” Iga Kumihimo is a traditional handicraft that has gained a lot of attention thanks to the popular animated movie “Your Name.” It has been popular since ancient times, used to make Kimono accessories, such as Obi straps. Kumihimo’s charm lays in its beautiful design, which has been hand-braided using elaborate techniques. Let’s peek into the beautiful world of Iga Kumihimo, where the craftman’s amazing attention to detail is packed into his crafts, and enjoy the traditional Japanese culture. The video shows a craftsman carefully making Iga Kumihimo by hand. It's rare footage that allows us an inside look at Iga Kumihimo The Charm of the Iga Area, Home of Iga Kumihimo Photo：Ise Shrine Iga City (伊賀市, Iga-Shi), a major producer of Iga Kumihimo, is a small town located in the mountains of Mie Prefecture. Mie Prefecture (三重県, Mie-Ken), in the Tokai region of Japan. It is said that the Iga Area was once home to many Ninjas, and is still attracting people’s attention as the “Ninja Village.” In the neighboring area Ise City, there is Ise Shrine, which has been worshiped since ancient times. There are many other attractive sightseeing spots in Mie prefecture as well, such as Nabana no Sato, and Meoto-Iwa. Take your time and enjoy the area. The History of the Traditional Handicraft, Iga Kumihimo Source :YouTube screenshot Braiding has a long history in Japan, dating back to the introduction of Buddhism during the Nara period (710-794 AD). The technique of Iga Kumihimo, which is said to have originally been used for Buddhist robes and sutras, has changed over time as it has been used for Japanese clothing accessories such as obi fasteners. At present, Iga Kumihimo is popular not only for making obi fasteners, but also in making accessories, necklace key chains, straps, charms, accessory cases, ties, bracelets, neck straps, and so on. You can see some of the finished products from 3:11 of the video. The Process of Braiding Iga Kumihimo Source :YouTube screenshot The main process of making Iga Kumihimo braids is to use silk or gold thread and to braid it up using a traditional tool called a “Kumidai.” You can see the threads dyed in various colors at 0:29 in the video. "Thread measuring" is the next step you can see from 0:36 in the video. This determines the length and number of threads. In this video, nine thin threads are bundled together to make a single thread used for Kumihimo braiding. Finally, it becomes a “Braid.” This process is introduced at 0:54 in the video. Each workshop braids by following the instructions called “Ayagaki,” which have been passed down from one generation to the next. The craftsman says that the “High loom,” used in the “braiding” in the video, can catch many more bobbins compared to other stands, and that lets them create complicated patterns. In order to knit beautiful IGA braids, the skill of a craftsman who has been making braids for many years is essential. You can learn about the history and culture of Iga Kumihimo, its techniques, and how to make it at the “Iga Tradition Hall –Iga Kumihimo Center Kumi-no- Sato” located in Iga City. You can also experience making various kinds of works such as key chains and bracelets with Iga Kumihimo. Summary of Iga Kumihimo Source :YouTube screenshot The craftsman explains at 2:42 in the video that, "Kumihimo can stretch because of the diagonal lattice weave. It adapts to the body," and that "a cord made properly with a high loom will stay snug, from morning until you come back home." Iga Kumihimo is a traditional handicraft that is popular among many people due to its high degree of perfection. Each hand-braided piece is truly a work of art. If you are interested in this traditional handicraft after reading this article, why not try it yourself? You can purchase by mail order, and they offer beginner kits so those who have never tried it before can experience the traditional Japanese culture of Iga Kumihimo! 【Official website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/