Official Author

鈴木 正孝（Masataka Suzuki）

Plant Hunter Seijun Nishihata If you're curious about what kind of unusual jobs exist around the world, especially in Japan, then this video is just right for you. Many people enjoy learning about unusual professions because of our interest in the unknown. We often find it inspiring to hear about people in unusual professions that are far removed from our norm. This video introduces plant hunting, an occupation that you may not have heard about before. This article will also talk about the famous plant hunter, Seijun Nishihata, and the beauty of plant hunting. Be sure to follow along with the video! Plant Hunting - Searching for Plants Across the Globe Source :YouTube screenshot Plant hunting is an unusual job that involves exploring and collecting valuable plants from around the world. In 18th century England, many products were made from plants, and they played an important role in the country's economy. This led adventurers and explorers that traveled the world in search of precious plants. The people who sought these plants, including ornamental plants and other rare plants requested by aristocrats and royalty, were known as "plant hunters." Although an unfamiliar occupation in Japan, it has quite a long history. Japanese Plant Hunter, Seijun Nishihata Seijun Nishihata is one of the most famous and accomplished plant hunters in Japan. Seijun is also the CEO of the Japanese horticultural studio, Sora Botanical Garden, where you can purchase garden plants. In the video, you can see Seijun answering questions in an interview about plant hunting and talking about his passion towards plants. Seijun hopes to bring a smile to everyone's faces through plants. Throughout his career, he has hunted a variety of plants and has brought smiles to the faces of many. He especially made many people smile at a Christmas event in Kobe. In particular, his project to bring the world's largest Christmas tree to Kobe drew a lot of attention. Be sure to check out the video to see what kind of person he is. What Plant Hunting Is All About Source :YouTube screenshot The beauty of plant hunting comes from the adventurous spirit to seek rare plants even though the environment can sometimes be very tough. In the video, you can see the passion of Seijun when he seeks plants. The appeal of plant hunting lies in the adventurous spirit of searching for rare plants, such as insectivorous plants and other rare plants, in a harsh environment that sometimes can prove to be quite a difficult task. You can feel the passion of Seijun through the video. Summary of Japanese Plant Hunter, Seijun Nishihata This video, created by "SUPER CEO," introduces Seijun Nishihata, the CEO of Sora Botanical Garden, and an honest man passionate about his job. If you are interested in learning more about Seijun after reading this article, be sure to check out the video! 【Official Website】Sora Botanical Garden https://from-sora.com/en/

A Look at Japan's Sumo Wrestling "Sumo Match - Tokyo - 相撲" is a video produced by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, featuring Japan’s national sport! Sumo is a traditional martial art loved by the masses since old times in Japan. As the matches are held internationally, the sport has many overseas fans and is capturing the world’s attention. Matches between top wrestlers in the sumo rankings such as Yokozuna or Ozeki, are very spectacular and spectators can fully enjoy the thrilling matches. The video features footage of a match between sekitori (a sumo ranking) during the New Year’s tournament held in January 2017. Check out Japan’s spectacular sport - sumo wrestling! About Sumo – Japan’s National Sport Photo：Sumo Wrestling The first written record of sumo in Japan is said to be found in a Shinto document called Kojiki. Sumo matches used to be held as rituals and festivals dedicated to the deities and was mostly loved by nobles. After gaining popularity among the masses during the Edo period (1603 – 1868 AD), sumo has been enjoyed as a form of entertainment and sport in Japan. Today, matches are held both nationwide and internationally and many Japanese and foreigners enjoy it. The manners and conventions rooted in the rituals are passed down and given special importance even in modern sumo wrestling. The Excitement of Sumo Source :YouTube screenshot As the national sport of Japan, sumo wrestling starts from matches between low-ranking wrestlers, and matches between makuuchi (senior-grade wrestlers) are held in the evening. Honbasho refers to the official tournaments that decide the rankings and rewards of the wrestlers and six tournaments are organized throughout the year: the first tournament in January (Tokyo), the spring tournament in March (Osaka), the summer tournament in May (Tokyo), the Nagoya tournament in July, the autumn tournament in September (Tokyo), and finally, the Kyushu tournament in November (Fukuoka). Many Japanese people have probably watched the official tournaments aired on NHK (the national broadcaster in Japan). Some may have a stiff image of the national sport, but that's not true at all. Spectators can enter the venue at any time and watch the match in a relaxed manner while eating and drinking. Matches between senior-grade wrestlers are a must-watch and you'll surely get excited watching the spectacular matches between well-built wrestlers. Spectators get excited during matches, especially when a maegashira (the lowest grade of the highest ranking sumo class) wins against a yokozuna (the highest ranking sumo class) champion, as well as in deciding matches. Tickets and information of those exciting sumo wrestling matches are available on the official website of Nihon Sumo Kyokai. The Flow of a Sumo Match Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see at 0:22 in the video, wrestlers step into the ring with their colorful ornamental aprons before a match. As businesses can offer rewards to support wrestlers, the “reward banners” with the names of those businesses go around the ring as you can see at 3:14 in the video. With the company names printed on the program of the matches and publicly announced, those businesses play a similar role to sponsors in other sports. Before a match, a ritual called "chirichouzu" is held. You can see this at 3:08 and 7:52 in the video. This is a declaration "to fight fair and square without any weapons." Source :YouTube screenshot Next, the wrestler creates distance from the opponent, bends forward, and places his hands on the ground. This is called "shikiri" (仕切り). Then, with the signal of the referee, the wrestlers push each other. This is called "tachiai" (立合い). This series of events can be seen in the video. There are different means of attacking, such as thrusts, slapping, and body strikes. Kimarite (決まり手, winning move) refers to the move that the opponent is defeated by. Punching and grabbing the opponent's hair are prohibited moves in sumo. Summary of Japan’s National Sport Photo：Sumo "Sumo Match - Tokyo - 相撲," produced by TokyoStreetView – Japan The Beautiful, features conventions before matches and match footage of Japan’s national sport. From the cultural aspect of sumo that originates from Japanese Shinto to the spectacular matches, the video shows the sport at its best. Sumo is a fascinating martial art that a wide range of people including those who are interested in Japanese culture and martial arts lovers can enjoy! 【Official Website】Nihon Sumo Kyokai Official Website http://www.sumo.or.jp/En/

About the Popular Location “Itoman City,” in Okinawa Prefecture “Itoman City Tourism Promotion Video_Meals (Japanese Version)” (糸満市観光ＰＲムービー＿食事編（日本語版)) produced by “itomancityhall” is a video introducing popular cuisine that can be enjoyed in Itoman City (糸満市, Itoman-Shi), Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県, Okinawa-Ken). There's tons of delicious food introduced in this video, such as classic Okinawan cuisine, and deserts that are ranked highly on Japanese review sights. We recommend taking notes! Enjoy delicious food near the ocean of Okinawa! In this video, two women visit sightseeing spots in Itoman City, Okinawa, and introduce exquisite gourmet dishes. Which one has your mouth watering? Classic Cuisine of the Popular Japanese Tourist Destination “Itoman City, Okinawa” Photo：Okinawa Soba Noodles Itoman City in Okinawa Prefecture, has a lot to offer when it comes to gourmet food. Since the cultures and recipes of China, Southeast Asia, and the Unites States have had influence on Okinawan cuisine, it is quite different from what you can find in other parts of Japan. There are many restaurants and eateries in Itoman City that serve delicious Okinawan food. Let's take a look and see what they've got! If we're talking Okinawan dishes, there's “Goya Chanpuru,” a type of bitter melon and fried meat, “Okinawan Soba,” and “Soki Soba Noodles” characterized by its refreshing soup, are some of the famous dishes of the area. In the video, you can see the delicious “Okinawa Soba Teishoku (Set Meal)” and “Honejiru (Bone Soup),” at 0:06 in the video. Here are some recommended locations with traditional Okinawan cuisine: “Rafuthy”- a typical Okinawan meat dish, “Ishigaki Beef”- excellent to eat as a steak, “Taco Rice” with tomato-based salsa over rice, “Pork Egg,” “Ninjin Shirishiri” (Grated carrot stir-fried), “Irabu-jiru (Soup), and “Tofuyo” (Okinawa-style fermented Tofu)- a classic menu item of Okinawan dinner. As introduced from 2:22 in the video, if you enjoy these typical Okinawan dishes with Okinawa's Awamori at night, you're sure to be satisfied with your trip. Enjoy sightseeing and Japanese food in Itoman City! Popular Ingredients and Deserts in “Itoman City, Okinawa” Source :YouTube screenshot There are some slightly different ingredients and cooking methods, as well as some delicious desserts. The Farmer's Market “Itoman Umanchu market,” in Nishizaki town (西崎町, Nishizaki-Cho) in Itoman City, is a place where you can purchase fresh Okinawan ingredients like “Shima Rakkyo” (a type of leek), and “Umi Budo” (sea grapes) at affordable prices. This is introduced in the video from 0:28. In addition to Okinawan ingredients, fresh vegetables are also sold. The fish market “Osakana Center” near Umanchu Market, which is introduced at 0:48 in the video, sells fresh seafood. It is a luxurious place where you can enjoy fish dishes while eating and walking around in style. This is a must-see spot for those who love to eat. Additionally, in Itoman city, desert menus such as “Red Beni Tarts,” “Sata Andagi (Okinawan Donuts),” shaved Ice, “Shirokuma,” and Mango are also popular. After lunch, why not try these deserts to top off a delicious meal. Eat plenty of delicious food in Itoman city, with its amazing Okinawan cuisine! Summary of the Popular Japanese Tourist Destination “Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture” Photo：Bibi Beach Itoman “Itoman City Tourism Promotional Video_Meals (Japanese Version)” produced by “itomancityhall” is a video introducing gourmet food that can be enjoyed at the popular Japanese tourist destination “Itoman City, Okinawa Prefecture” Good meals are an important thing to consider when traveling. You can dine at hotel restaurants or local ramen shops, but don’t you think that you'll be able to enjoy your trip even more by trying some of the local cuisine? Come visit Itoman City, Okinawa, and visit its many tourist attractions, including “Okinawa Peace Memorial Park,” “Himeyuri Peace Memorial Museum,” “Himeyuri Tower,” and “Bibi Beach Itoman.” 【Trip Advisor】Itoman City https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1023466-Itoman_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html

An Introduction to Okashi no Machioka 「「おかしのまちおか」 Okashi no Machioka」, is a video created by 「IKEBUKURO GOURMET」. It introduces the sweets shop "Okashi no Machioka" which is a very popular destination for those visiting Japan. Over 1000 varieties of sweets are sold here at extremely low prices, making this the perfect place for sweet lovers, or those who are looking to buy Japanese souvenirs. This article will introduce the charm of Okashi no Machioka. What is Okashi no Machioka? Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Okashi no Machioka is a popular sweets shop in Japan managed by the Minoya Corporation (株式会社みのや, Kabushiki-gaisha Minoya), and there are over 150 Okashi no Machioka locations throughout Japan. A wide selection of snacks from various brands are sold here. As seen from 1:27 in the video, snacks such as candies and gum are sold at very reasonable prices. This shop is popular among people of all ages, from the young to the elderly. The Greatest Attraction of Okashi no Machioka: Unbelievably Low Prices Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Sometimes, up to a 90% discount is available for selected sweets. Information about limited-time campaigns or opening sales is available on online or on flyers, so do make sure to check those frequently. The secret behind the low prices of Okashi no Machioka is that products are displayed in bulk in cardboard boxes, thus reducing the need for additional fixtures and cutting operating costs. You can see the products lined up in the shop from 0:09 in the video. The Products of Okashi no Machioka Source of photo :YouTube screenshot Okashi no Machioka is also popular with foreigners. These visitors mostly purchase sweets as souvenirs. Matcha KitKats, Assorted Kit Kats, Chiroru Chocolate, Matcha Mochi, Kororo, Hi-Chew, and Matcha Oreo are some of the most popular items. Every year around the start of the new year, "lucky bags" are sold for 1,000 yen (~$9 USD). The bags are stuffed to the brim with sweets, making them well worth the price. These bags have received favorable reviews from many satisfied customers as well. Besides this, "dagashi," (駄菓子, Japanese penny candy), and sweets assortments, are also popular. Where is Okashi no Machioka? Photo：Highrises in Shinjuku There are Okashi no Machioka shops in cities all over Japan. Besides the inner Tokyo shops in Kichijoji, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and more, there are also shops in Kawasaki, Musashi-Kosugi, Kita-senju, Funabashi, as well as other locations in the prefectures of Chiba, Kyoto, Saitama, and Osaka. The opening hours vary by location, so we recommend double checking this information on the Okashi no Machioka official homepage. Okashi no Machioka summed up The video 「「おかしのまちおか」 Okashi no Machioka」, by 「IKEBUKURO GOURMET」, introduces Okashi no Machioka, a popular sweets shop in Japan. Sweets are sold at extremely low prices, and with over a thousand varieties of sweets available, just taking a stroll through the shop makes for an enjoyable experience. If you want to eat lots of sweets at reasonable prices, or buy sweets as souvenirs, then this shop is exactly what you're looking for. The producer of the video can also be seen purchasing sweets at 2:24 of the video. If this article has piqued your interest, definitely check out the video!

Video Introduction of "Aogashima," a Hidden Tourist Spot in Tokyo Photo：Aogashima's rich natural scenery If you're looking to enjoy the sights and sounds of Japan but looking for a less crowded location with all sorts of beautiful scenery, then look no further than Aogashima Island, a hidden gem located among Tokyo's Izu Islands! You're actually not alone in this thinking. While Japan is full of beautiful temples and shrines, stepping away from the cliche sightseeing destinations to enjoy some lesser explored locations is something many people want to do. The problem is that they don't know how... Popular tourist sites are so packed with people that it can often be difficult to relax during your vacation, especially if you aren't good with crowds. Which is why we're introducing this video, titled "Aerial view of Aogashima Volcano, Aogashima Aerial Drone Footage [4K]" (Aerial view of Aogashima Volcano,青ヶ島 ドローン空撮【4K】). It's a video showing the entirety of Aogashima from up high. It's hard to believe this is actually part of Tokyo. This article will give you an overview of Aogashima, one of Tokyo's best-kept secret sites, including its attractions, and how to get to it. Aogashima Island Near Hachijojima Island, Tokyo Located 358 kms from Tokyo, Aogashima is a unique island with rich natural scenery. Aogashima is an isolated island with a distinctive double caldera topography. The unique shape of Aogashima, which was created by an active volcano, is growing in popularity, both inside and outside of Japan, as this type of landscape cannot be seen in many other places, especially in one so beautiful. In the olden days, the island was forbidden to women, and they say there was a time when it was called "Onga-Shima" (男ヶ島, Onga-Shima), meaning roughly "Man's Island." The island has the smallest population of any village in Japan, and is full of beautiful scenery. Aogashima - An Isolated Island in Tokyo Photo：Aogashima Observatory Park Aogashima, a hidden tourist site outside of Tokyo, has a variety of attractions. First of all, Aogashima offers a spectacular view of the island's natural scenery. Aogashima has a number of observation decks, which are famous places where you can admire the island's distinctive scenery and spectacular views of the beautiful ocean. When you travel to Aogashima, the observation decks are a must-visit. Tokyo's Aogashima is also famous for its beautiful starry sky. The starry sky seen from the vicinity of Ikenozawa (池ノ沢, Ikenozawa) is spectacular and you'd be missing out if you didn't take the opportunity to admire it. Aogashima is a great spot for those who want to enjoy the beautiful scenery as the area is still relatively untouched humans. The Isolated Island of Tokyo - How to Get to Aogashima, the Hidden Gem in the Izu Islands Access to Tokyo's Aogashima Island is as follows: First, take a ship from the mainland, passing Miyakejima Island (三宅島, Miyakejima) and Mikurajima Island (御蔵島, Miyakejima), to Hachijojima (approx. 11 hours). Alternatively, you can fly to Hachijojima from Haneda Airport. This takes about 50 minutes. From the relay point on Hachijojima, you take a helicopter to Aogashima, which takes about 20 minutes. It takes some time to get to the island, and you may feel it's inconvenient, but once you are surrounded by the stunning nature of Aogashima, you'll feel that it was worth the effort. Summary of Aogashima, a Hidden Gem in the Izu Islands Source :YouTube screenshot The video "Aerial view of Aogashima Volcano, Aogashima Aerial Drone Footage [4K]," produced by winteroptix, is a 4K video that captures the charm of Aogashima. You'll be absolutely amazed at what you can see and discover. It will have you wondering if it's really part of Tokyo. If you're curious about Aogashima, the hidden sightseeing destination in Tokyo, be sure to check out the video!

Video introduction of Nakano Broadway in Nakano Ward, Tokyo This video, titled "【Nakano, Tokyo】Walking around Nakano Broadway（【中野 東京】中野ブロードウェイを散策）," allows you to experience the famous out-of-the-way tourist destination in Nakano Ward (中野区, Nakanoku), Tokyo: Nakano Broadway. They say Nakano Broadway has everything. And it's probably not much of a stretch to say so. It's a chaotic place where everyone’s needs are met. It has become particularly famous for its subculture, which attracts huge numbers of foreign tourists visiting Tokyo. It is known as "the mecca of subculture", "post-Akihabara" and so on. In this article, we will introduce Nakano Broadway in detail alongside the video. What Is Nakano Broadway? And What Does Is Look Like? Source :YouTube screenshot Nakano Broadway is a commercial complex constructed at the end of Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Center (中野サンモール商店街, Nakano Sun Mall Shotengai) in 1966, which combined a shopping center with housing. The lower floors are dedicated to the use as a shopping center and the floors above are for housing. You can actually live in Nakano Broadway as some rooms are up for rent, although it is a bit pricey due to its location. From 0:33 in the video, you can take a walk through Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Center from the North Exit of JR Nakano Station. At first, you might be surprised at the number of shops in the shopping street. Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Center is famous for having countless watch shops, but besides that, there are many bubble tea stands, cafes, soft-serve ice cream shops, and restaurants offering lunch. Photo：Nakano Broadway Nakano Broadway stands right in front at the end of Nakano Sun Mall Shopping Center. This can be seen from 4:05 in the video. Take a step in and a chaotic world in a different dimension greets you! Around 300 shops squeeze inside the building. They specialize in manga, anime, figures, toys, and recently, 3D printers and Bitcoin. Curious as to why Nakano Broadway came to be known as the epicenter of pop culture and subculture? A company called "Mandarake," which played a major role in bringing Nakano Broadway to the world stage, was a particularly important stakeholder in regards to this. What Is Mandarake? Photo：Nakano Broadway, Mandarake Mandarake, which inextricably shares history with Nakano Broadway, started as a secondhand bookshop. At first, its specialization didn’t match the surrounding environment, but it became exceedingly popular as many Otaku, more interested in subculture than in pop culture, visited the place partly due to its location. Soon, the company Mandarake was founded. It gained a lot of fans by contributing to the permeation of subculture through launching many new shops inside Nakano Broadway dedicated to manga and anime for popular demand, and figures, diorama, video games and gaming arcades for hard core fans. As a result, it has grown to be known today as "the mecca of subculture," and a stunning number of foreign customers visit every day, thanks to the global popularity of otaku culture. Walking around and visiting the many different shops is certainly exciting, but you can even sell your own goods using the "rental showcase" system. Mandarake can be seen throughout the video, so if you’re interested, be sure to check it out. Summary of Nakano Broadway in Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we introduced Nakano Broadway, now one of the most famous otaku sites, not only in Tokyo, but in all of Japan. It's the epicenter of pop culture and subcultures in Japan, and many people, both Japanese and foreigners alike, visit it every day, owing partly to its easy accessibility, being located near JR Nakano Station. A whopping 10 million people visit there annually. Nakano Broadway guarantees a fulfilling experience for every visitor! If you're traveling to Tokyo, we highly recommend visiting Nakano Broadway! ◆Nakano Broadway Facility Information◆ 【Address】5-52, Nakano, Nakano Ward, Tokyo 161-0001 【Access】5-minute walk from JR Nakano Station 【Hours】10:00-20:00 (Be careful as this varies by location) 【Closures】Vary by location 【Parking】No parking lot provided 【Telephone No】03-3388-7004 【Official Website】Mandarake HOME – MANDARAKE https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/?lang=en

The Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, Shimane This video, titled "足立美術館　日本一の庭園　ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART - The Best Japanese Garden [4K60p]," was released by "Japan Explorers." The Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, Shimane is a registered museum of Shimane Prefecture, focusing on modern Japanese paintings. The museum is famous for its 130 works by Yokoyama Taikan and its Japanese gardens, known as the best in Japan. It has been highly evaluated in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and on Japanese garden rankings, and has become famous as a place to visit in Shimane Prefecture. The History of the Adachi Museum of Art Photo：Adachi Museum of Art, Shimane Prefecture The history of the museum, located in Yasugi, Shimane in Chugoku area, began in 1970, when local businessman, Adachi Zenko was 71 years old. There are 130 works by the artist Yokoyama Taikan, who is known to be the best in Japan in terms of both quantity and quality. There are also rare works and traditional crafts at the Adachi Museum of Art. In addition to Yokoyama Taikan’s works, the museum also displays works by modern Japanese art masters, such as Takeuchi Seiho, Hashimoto Kansetsu, Kawai Gyokudo, and Uemura Shoen, as well as other famous paintings by children, woodcarvings, and pottery. The Gardens at the Adachi Museum of Art Photo：A Japanese Garden at the Adachi Museum of Art, Shimane Prefecture Adachi Zenko dedicated his life to building the museum. It is famous for its gardens, which is said to be the best in Japan, as well as for its famous collections. The huge museum is divided into five areas: The "Dry Landscape Garden" is shown from 0:11, the "Moss Garden" is shown from 0:18, the "White Gravel and Pine Garden" is shown from 0:45, the "Pond Garden" is shown from 1:45 and the "Kikaku Waterfall" is shown from 2:18 in the video. Adachi Zenko believed that a garden is also a piece of art, and the gardeners and museum staff work hard to preserve it every day. The gardens are full of different faces in every season. The red leaves in autumn and the snow-covered grounds of the gardens in winter show us a different aspect of the gardens. You can get information about the current landscapes of the gardens through the live camera on the official website. Be sure to take a look at them if you're planning on visiting. Summary of the Adachi Museum of Art Photo：Adachi Museum of Art, Shimane Prefecture There are other sightseeing spots around the museum as well. Saginoyu Onsen where you can relax and unwind, Gassantoda Castle where you can enjoy learning about Japan's history, and Adachi Vineyard where you can enjoy a family grape picking experience. The Adachi Museum of Art is easy to access and there are free shuttle buses from Adachi Station. Bus tours are held frequently as well, so consider stopping by the Adachi Museum of Art when you travel to Shimane! ◆Information◆ 【Address】320 Furukawacho, Yasugi, Shimane 692-0064 【Access】20 minutes by shuttle bus from Yasugi Station 【Hours】9:00 am to 5:30 pm from April to September and 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from October to March 【Closures】None 【Parking】400 standard parking spaces, and 40 spaces for buses 【Admission Fee】2,300 yen 【Phone】0854-28-7111 【Official Website】Adachi Museum of Art https://www.adachi-museum.or.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Adachi Museum of Art https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023585-d1371499-Reviews-Adachi_Museum_of_Art-Yasugi_Shimane_Prefecture_Chugoku.html

Explaining how to spin a top The video “How to Spin the Top（【改訂版】コマのまわし方（ヒモの巻き方）【 How to spin the top 】）” was created by “Seiai Kindergarten - Fussa, Tokyo” and it explains how to wrap a string and how to spin a top. The video is for kids, so the basics of how to play with the top is easy to understand. This article introduces how to wind a top up and spin it. Be sure to follow along with the video! Traditional Japanese Tops Photo：Old-fashioned top Traditional Japanese tops are a toy played with by attaching a spindle to a circular piece of wood and using a string to spin it. The tip of the stem is thin, maintaining the balance in the center while the top spins. There are tops all around the world and each country has their own version with unique characteristics. For example, there are gasing in Malaysia that adults use and make bets with, diabolos in China that are known for their acrobatics, and spinning tops, used in performances, in Japan. The top has a very long history and it is said that they originally started from the spinning of snail shells. The oldest top in the world, was found in Egypt, and said to have been used around 2000 to 1400 B.C. It is believed that “finger twirling,” tops twisted using one's fingers, were the first kinds of tops invented. In fact, the oldest top is a simple hand-spun top made of carved wood. The whip top is still created as a Japanese folkcraft and wooden toy in Japan. How to Wind up and Spin a Top Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video from 0:03, hold the top in your left hand and the string in your right. The string will have a knot at the end. Put the string on the left side of the stem and pull the knot towards your body on the right side of the stem. From there, place the long end of the string over the knot that you just pulled to the right side of the stem. It's difficult to explain, but you can see this at 0:18 in the video. Then, turn the top to the side while keeping the string tight, and hook the string on the stem on the bottom of the top. After wrapping the string tightly twice on the bottom stem, gradually wrap the rest of the string to cover the bottom of the top. When wrapping the string, it's easier to move the top to wrap it, as opposed to wrapping it using the hand holding the string. When you've finished wrapping it, you'll know you did it correctly by the nice pattern on the bottom of the top. How to Spin and Throw the Top Source :YouTube screenshot After winding the top up, it's finally time to let it rip! As shown in the video, hold the top in your left hand and dangle a bit string. Hold the dangled string between your right ring and pinky fingers, and make a fist around the string. Make a finger gun with your hand and hold the top with your thumb and index finger. After that, face the direction where you want to throw the top, open your legs slightly wider than your shoulder, lower your body and throw that sucker! It is better to throw it as horizontally as possible. Be careful not to throw it straight down as it won't spin and you might break your top with the force. You can watch how to throw it starting from 2:45 in the video. You can see man in the video doing tricks, such as placing the spinning top on the palm of his hand, and rope-walking, from 4:14. Summary of Japan's Traditional Tops Photo：Whip Top The video “How to Spin the Top,” created by “Seiai Kindergarten - Fussa, Tokyo,” introduces how to spin a top, a toy often used during New Years in Japan. The video explains how to wrap the top string as well, so it's great for beginners. It can also be enjoyed by advanced top users since there are difficult tricks in the video.

About the Enticing Promotional Video of Nishiki There's probably a lot of people who want to enjoy an amazing experience Japan, yet don’t know where to go... For a fulfilling trip to Japan, you're gonna want to do at least a little bit of research about the country. This can be done through a variety of methods such as books, review sites, and videos that introduce aspects of Japanese culture. In this article, we'll introduce the video “Nishiki, Kumamoto Japan　錦町プロモーション”, created by “NISHIKI KUMAMOTO JAPAN.” This video contains information about Kumamoto Prefecture, specifically Nishiki Town, in the Japan's Kyushu region. Whether you’re specifically interested in Nishiki, or if you’re interested in touring Japan as a whole, definitely check out this video. Highlights of the Video Source :YouTube screenshot “Nishiki, Kumamoto Japan　錦町プロモーション” is a 2-minute 50-second video about Nishiki As it introduces all the unique features of Nishiki, do take the time to view this video before visiting Japan. There are a multitude of Insta-worthy, scenic areas of abundant nature. As for crafts, from 0:35 in the video, the process of a potter creating one of his works is shown, and from 0:46 in the video, a craftsman creating a knife in a foundry can be seen. From 1:23, a swordsman appears, carrying a powerful sword. What is Nishiki? Source :YouTube screenshot Nishiki can be found in the southern area of Kumamoto Prefecture. To the south is a mountainous area reaching an elevation of 1,000m, and to the north is the Hitoyoshi Basin that the Kuma River runs through. This is a sightseeing area famous for its swordsmen and fruit villages. Fruit-picking is available in certain seasons, so for those interested, definitely check this place out. Nishiki’s Ohira Valley is a famous spot where you can enjoy camping. Savor the magnificent scenery of Nishiki to your heart’s content! The fireflies in summer, the red-and-gold leaves of the Shingu-ji Temple, and the gingko trees in autumn are all beautiful sights shown from 1:13. For those who want to experience the mysteries of nature, we recommend the Nishiki Himitsukichi Museum shown at 0:31 in the video. As seen from 0:54, you might even get the chance to see bats. Source :YouTube screenshot For those who want to learn more about Japan’s history, definitely check out the Kuwahara Family Residence . The residence is built in the architectural style of the later years of the Edo period (around 1750 to 1850), and has been designated as one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. At the Hitoyoshi Naval Air Station Secret Base Museum , visitors can find out more about Japan in the final stages of World War 2. The Tsuchiya Kannon-do , with more than 550 years of history, is another spot we recommend. There's some delicious food waiting for you when you get to Nishiki as well. Be sure to check out Nishiki Horumon Street, where there are many restaurants serving horumon (beef or pork offal) dishes. Things to Note When Visiting Nishiki Source :YouTube screenshot Here are some things to note before going sightseeing in Nishiki. Before setting off, besides the video introduced here, there are other sources to check for information. Nishiki’s homepage contains information about various sightseeing areas. When planning your sightseeing schedule, be sure to pay attention to each area's opening hours as well as regular holidays. The next point of note is what to do in Nishiki. For those who enjoy physical activity, there are places such as the Rafting HEART sports complex, as well as Nishiki Kurando Park. For those who want to check out Nishiki’s specialty products, make sure your stop by the Roadside Station Nishiki Farmer’s Market. Located right beside Roadside Station Nishiki, various specialty goods can be purchased at the market. This area is also known for its abundant wild roses, the sight of which can be enjoyed from late May to early June. Also, do make sure to plan the right time for your trip if you hope to view autumn scenery, summer fireflies, or take part in events such as the Nishiki Festival. Furthermore, traditional crafts such as akazu yaki, as seen from 0:35 in the video, are also famous. At the Toshogama Factory, you can even try your hand at pottery. Summary of the Introduction to Nishiki Source :YouTube screenshot In Nishiki, there are many charming sightseeing spots, so do include this town on your list of places to visit in Japan. There are so many interesting areas that it’s impossible to visit them all in one day. Around Nishiki there are many hotels and ryokans available, so we recommend planning an overnight stay. Furthermore, the Hometown Tax is applicable to souvenirs, the local cuisine, as well as fruits such as peaches, pears and chestnuts. Definitely check those out as well! The video introduced in this article neatly captures the charm of Nishiki, so for those interested in Japanese culture and/or wilderness, do take a look. You're sure to feel the urge to make a trip to Nishiki. 【Official Website】 Kumamoto Prefecture Kuma Village Office http://www.kumamura.com/gyousei/

Togakushi Shrine" in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture Video Introduction This video, titled "Togakushi Jinja - Oku Sha" (戸隠神社・奥社 Togakushi Jinja - Oku Sha), was created by "sirousaghi." Togakushi Shrine (戸隠神社, Togakushi Jinja), located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, has an upper shrine and a middle shrine at the foot of Mt. Togakushi (戸隠山,Togakushiyama), which is said to have taken its present form from "Amano-Iwato," when the gods still walked the earth. At the end of the 270 stone steps is a shrine with a history of more than 2000 years, made up of five shrines, including Hoko-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, Hinomiko-sha, and more. In the days of Shinbutsu-shugo, a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, it was called Togakushiyama Kenkoji and was a sacred site for Shugendo, and was widely worshipped until the separation of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. The upper shrine is dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao, who opened Amano-Iwato with his divine power. As the head shrine of Togakushi Shrine, the upper shrine is said to have the power to bring good luck, fulfill wishes, bring bountiful harvest, and bring victory in sports. The video starts from the Ikkan Ryuoshi, which can be seen at 0:43, and Zuishinmon Gate can be seen in the middle of the 2km long approach. This is followed by a line of around 150 Japanese cedar trees on the right and 130 on the left. Beyond that, there is Iizuna Shrine (飯縄社, Iizuna Jinja), which is shown from 1:39 in the video. In front of the upper shrine, there is Kuzuryu Shrine dedicated to Kuzuryu. The exact date is unknown, but it has been dedicated and worshipped as a Jinushigami since before Ame-no-Tajikarao was enshrined. The History of Togakushi Shrine Photo：Togakushi upper shrine shrine approach, Nagano Prefecture Togakushi Shrine is made up of five shrines around Mt. Togakushi, in northwestern Nagano. It is registered as a "Kokuhei Shosha" (a Shinto shrine that receives money from the national government or prefectural governments). There are many theories about the origin of the shrine, and one of them is that current upper shrine was built in 210 B.C., but Kuzuryu Shrine is said to be even older than the upper shrine. There is also a legend that Ame-no-Tajikarao was welcomed by Kuzuryu, the Jinushigami of the area. The name of Mt. Togakushi, which is also an object of worship of Togakushi Shrine, comes from the legend that Amaterasu-Ookami was angry with her brother Susano-o-Mikoto, who was hiding in Amano-Iwato, so, Ame-no-Tajikarao threw it with all his might, and a part of it flew away and became a mountain. There are two important cultural properties stored at Togakushi Shrine: the incomplete remains of "Hokekyo" volume 4 by Fujiwara no Sadanobu and |"Geshaku" which is one of the five ivory shaku existing in Japan. Access to Togakushi Shrine Photo：Togakushi upper shrine, Nagano Prefecture Access to Togakushi Shrine is as follows. 【Access via car】 If you're going via highway, get off at the Nagano Interchange or the Shinanomachi Interchange. We recommend getting off at the Shinanomachi Interchange. There is little traffic this way and getting to the shrine is easy. Take Route 18 towards downtown Nagano, turn right at the "Issa Memorial Museum Entrance" (一茶記念館入口) intersection, and pass through the foot of Mt. Kurohime (about 30 minutes). It's possible to drive to Togakushi Shrine, but you'll have to walk to the upper shrine, so please be aware that the parking lot can get quite crowded. 【Access via walking】 if you're coming on foot, you can take the train, bus, taxi, or use a car rental service. There is a local bus from JR Nagano Station to Togakushi Shrine, which takes about 70 minutes (Bus stop No.7 at Nagano Station). Sightseeing Information for Togakushi Shrine Photo：Zaru Soba There are a lot of sightseeing destinations around Togakushi Shrine: ・Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden ・Togakushi Folk Museum ・Togakushi Ninja Museum ・Ninja Trick Mansion ・Kagami Ike Pond ・Togakushi Campground ・Chibikko Ninja Village These are just a few famous sightseeing sites in Nagano. You can also enjoy specialties of Nagano, such as soba. Summary of Togakushi Shrine Photo：A row of cedar trees at upper Togakushi shrine, Nagano Prefecture While you can of course enjoy the history of Togakushi Shrine, it's also popular sightseeing spot for couples because of the two Japanese cedar trees, which are believed to bring good fortunate to couples. There's also "Togakushi Shrine Daidai Kagura," an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano. Togakushi Shrine is also one of the most famous power spots in Nagano. You can visit to collect shuin or buy good luck charms as well. There are many other amazing sightseeing locations, so be sure to explore the area during your visit to Nagano! 【Tripadvisor】Togakushi Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298565-d1371708-Reviews-Togakushi_Shrine_Okusha-Nagano_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html