Official Author

児玉 勇（Yu Kodama）

The Tokyo Marathon and Japan's Men's Olympic Team! This time we'll look at the video, "[Fuji T.V. Official] Tokyo Marathon 2020 Live From 9:00 A.M. on Sunday, March 1, 2020!!" (【フジテレビ公式】東京マラソン2020＜コース紹介＞2020年3月1日(日)午前9時00分から生中継!!), which introduces the course of the Tokyo Marathon held in 2020. The Tokyo Marathon is a competition first held in 2007. In 2013, it was designated as a World Marathon Majors competition. It is one of the 6 major marathons in the world, along with Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. Photo：Marathon The Tokyo Marathon is more than just an invitational sports event for invited runners and the general public; it is also an important event that serves as a qualifying event for major international sporting events, such as the Olympics and the World Athletics Championships. In Japan, the Fukuoka International Marathon and the Lake Biwa Mainichi Marathon also serve as selection events to select athletes that will compete in international competitions. However, in 2020, having been designated as a World Athletics Platinum Label Road Race, it became Asia’s highest level marathon event, and in 2019, 38,000 runners participated in the event. The Tokyo Marathon was awarded Gold Label certification by the IAAF's rating system in 2010, making it one of the largest civic engagement races, on par with New York City. The 2020 men's marathon was touted as a one-on-one race between Suguru Osako and Yuta Shitara. However, in the end, Suguru Osako finished 4th, making him the highest placing Japanese runner and confirming his participation in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Tokyo Marathon Course Source :YouTube screenshot The course of the Tokyo Marathon has been drastically changed since its predecessor, the Tokyo International Marathon. The main feature of the course is that it is a flat, high-speed course with few ups and downs, with runners running on public roads in the center of the city. This video gives an overview of the course and we'll go over it below. ・[Video 0:23]　A five meter stretch starting from the front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku with an elevation difference of 35 meters. ・[Video 0:33]　A section along Sotobori-dori and Chuo-dori to reach the 10km point in Nihonbashi. ・[Video 0:40]　Running through Edo-dori, runners will pass the 15km mark of Asakusa/Kaminarimon ・[Video 0:48]　The 20 km mark of Monnakacho- the first turnaround point. ・[Video 0:59]　The decisive moment is the 30 km mark in Ginza. At this point, the pacemaker will drop out of the race and the wheeling and the tactics begin. ・[Video 1:10]　The 35 km mark at Takanawa is the last turnaround point, and the strongest runners will use their last bits of energy for bursts of speed. Every year, it's an incredibly close competition. ・[Video 1:21]　The finish line of the course is in front of Tokyo station. The front runner will break through the finish line tape while being greeted by a large crowd and volunteer staff. The Tokyo Marathon is popular among international runners because, with the exception of the starting point, it is a flat course that allows for record breaking, and also takes in the sights of Tokyo from start to finish. For this reason, the number of applicants has been increasing every year, and for the 13th marathon, the general runners’ odds of being selected to run in the race was less than a 1 in 12 chance thus making it very difficult to enter. There are three race categories: the Men's and Women's Marathon, the Wheelchair Marathon, and the Junior and Youth Marathon, with the wheelchair marathon starting five minutes before the other events. Summary of the Tokyo Marathon Course Photo：Marathon Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the Tokyo Marathon Foundation considered cancelling the 2020 marathon, but decided to hold only it with only elite athletes being considered for selection, with participation by the general public cancelled. The 2020 Tokyo Marathon was controversial, because although an entry fee is paid prior to the race, the terms state that no refunds would be given in the event of cancellation. Because the Tokyo Marathon is a race with traffic restrictions on public roads, there are fears that the date of the race could affect the capital's logistics infrastructure. However, because it is a top-level marathon race even by world standards, it has a positive economic effect, and the event continues to grow yearly. We're looking forward to Tokyo Marathons of the future! 【Official Website】Home Page｜Tokyo Marathon 2020 https://www.marathon.tokyo/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Tokyo Marathon https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g14133673-d8820386-r441644983-Tokyo_Marathon-Nishishinjuku_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Itsuki,Gokanosho - A Popular Sightseeing Spot in Kumamoto Prefecture This video, titled "[Kyushu, Tomorrow's Heritage] Itsuki, Gokanosho, Kumamoto," was released by "Nippon Archives" (ニッポンアーカイブス). In a village deep in the mountains, the fleeing Heike (Taira) warriors thought of their distant home capital... Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of the most popular scenic spots in Japan and conveys a sad history. Itsuki, Gokanosho is an area in Itsuki Village (五木村, Itsuki-Mura) and Gokanosho (五家荘, Gokanosho) in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region. The area is a natural park of mountains and beautiful valleys, and is designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. In the video, you can enjoy the rich nature and scenery of Itsuki, Gokanosho. Kureko Kodai Odori - A Traditional Japanese Culture and the Highlight of the Event Source :YouTube screenshot Kureko Kodai Odori (久連子古代踊り), which has been handed down from generation to generation in the Kureko district (久連子地区, Kureko-Chiku) of Gokanosho, known as one of Japan's unexplored regions, is said to have originated from a dance performed by the fleeing Heike warriors who lived in hiding in the Kureko district of Gokanosho, as they thought of the capital. You can see this dance from 2:18 in the video. Performers wear a white overcoat and brown Hakama, and a Hanagasa called "Shaguma" with the black tail feathers of a Kureko chicken on their heads. They dance slowly in a circle while beating small gongs and locally made Shimedaiko drums, in a somewhat melancholy manner, recreating the atmosphere of the Heike warriors as they met a tragic end. The History of Itsuki, Gokanosho, Kumamoto, a Popular Tourist Destination in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot There are many people with the surname "Ogata" in the popular tourist destination Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto, Japan. This is because when the Heike warriors fell, they changed their surname to Ogata to hide their identity after they drifted to the distant land of Kyushu. At Itsuki, Gokanosho Prefectural Natural Park, there is a quaint house called the "Ogata House" (緒方家) that is a reproduction of a house from that time. You can see it from 1:37 in the video. There is a room with an Irori fireplace on the first floor and a hidden room on the second floor, showing how the fleeing Heike warriors lived in seclusion. Take the time to learn about the history of Japan at these cultural and historical sites. Nature and Famous Sites in Itsuki, Gokanosho, a Popular Tourist Destination in Kumamoto, Japan Source :YouTube screenshot The Itsuki, Gokanosho area is located deep in the mountains, where the harsh climate has preserved an abundance of nature, and the Satoyama landscape (an undeveloped woodland area near a village) is still inhabited by wild boars and deer. Surrounded by tall mountains, Yatsushiro's attractive mountain trails and trekking courses with cherry blossoms in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, and beautifully colored leaves in the fall provide a variety of activities that we recommend checking out during your visit to Ituski, Gokanosho. After you've enjoyed these outdoor activities, you can relax in the natural open-air Onsen (hot springs) and enjoy the view of the surrounding scenery while recuperating from the fatigue of your trip. This is one of the highlights of visiting Itsuki, Gokanosho. Gourmet Spots Around Itsuki, Gokanosho, a Popular Tourist Destination in Kumamoto, Japan Photo：Tofu in miso, a local dish of Kumamoto Prefecture Popular gourmet foods around Itsuki, Gokanosho include local Kureko chicken dishes and miso-marinated tofu, a local specialty! Itsuki, Gokanosho is a hidden village where the fleeing Heike warriors who were defeated in the battle of Dan no Ura originally settled. There are not many elegant restaurants and cafes like those around Kumamoto City, but there is an abundance of fresh river fish like salmon, as well as mushrooms and wild vegetables from the mountains. Enjoy the rustic, Instagram-worthy local cuisine. Summary of Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto Prefecture, a Popular Tourist Destination in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot There are several areas called "Heike no Ochiudo no Sato" (Villages of the Fallen Heike) in various parts of Japan. Itsuki, Gokanosho in Kumamoto Prefecture is one of them. What all Heike villages have in common is that they are mountain villages that are not easily seen by people. The Heike people changed their family names here and lived in secret, hiding from the public eye. This is the perfect scenic spot to explore beautiful, unexplored scenery. The best time to visit Itsuki, Gokanosho is in autumn, when the leaves change color. The Yatsushiro Mountain Trail is now maintained for trekking and authentic mountain climbing as well. 【Official Website】Itsuki・Gokanosho Kumamoto https://kumamoto.guide/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Gokanosho https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023363-d1818501-Reviews-Gokanosho-Yatsushiro_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

Video introduction of night view of Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo The video featured here is titled "Cyberpunk 2018 TOKYO Shinjuku 4K." It was released by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." Shinjuku is home to Japan's busiest train station and is also known as the "City that Never Sleeps." At night, the city is brilliantly illuminated and the night view of Shinjuku from the skyscrapers is breathtakingly beautiful. In this article, we'll go over the spectacular night view of Shinjuku, Tokyo, the largest entertainment district in the East! On rainy days in particular, the neon lights reflected in the puddles on the road's surface create exotic scenery that reminds us of artwork from the cyberpunk movie "Blade Runner." You can watch the 4K video here to enjoy all of the beauty that Shinjuku has to offer. Enjoy! The City That Never Sleeps, Where You Can See Godzilla, the Pride of Japan! Tokyo's Kabukicho in Shinjuku and Its Neon Lights Photo：Godzilla in Kabukicho, Tokyo The symbol of Japan's All-night entertainment City is Kabukicho in Shinjuku, Tokyo. In Kabukicho, you'll find TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku where you can see a life-sized replica of Godzilla's head, and the shop Don Quijote. The district contains restaurants and sex-oriented shops and is crowded with tourists every day and night. You can see this from 0:16 in the video. The Godzilla head at TOHO Cinemas is the most Instagrammable spot in Shinjuku. The Kabukicho area also has other facilities, such as the Shinjuku City Office and Ohkubo Hospital. Most Japanese people have probably seen the famous neon sign of Kabukicho Ichibangai facing Ome Kaido Street at least once, as it has been featured in many TV programs and movies. The night view of Shinjuku's Kabukicho is one of the most famous views of Shinjuku and a symbol of Japan's nightlife culture. A Beautiful Night View of Shinjuku 3-Chome, the Most Densely Populated Restaurant District in Japan Photo：BICQLO, Tokyo, Japan Kabukicho is a popular tourist spot among foreigners, but some people may have a scary image of it. Though it has a cyberpunk vibe that makes it an ideal night view spot for those who like it, if you go to the JR Shinjuku Station side across the Oume Kaido Street, you will find the Shinjuku 3-chome area where you can enjoy eating and drinking in a safe and relaxed environment. Shinjuku 3-chome is a busy shopping and entertainment district lined with Isetan Shinjuku, a long-established department store that boasts the highest sales in Japan, major electronic and home appliance retail stores, such as BICQLO and MARUI, Shinjuku Takano, and luxury brand shops. It is said to have the largest number of restaurants in Japan, and is a popular area as a nightlife and gourmet spot where women can safely walk amongst the neon lights.

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

8 Popular Sightseeing Spots in Nara Prefecture, as Shown in the Video This video, titled "Best 8 things to do in NARA & IKARUGA," was released by "Ikaruga Tourism Association Horyuji i-Center" (斑鳩町観光協会法隆寺iセンター). Did you know that Nara Prefecture has been rapidly growing in popularity as one of the most popular tourist sites in Japan in recent years? Nara Prefecture is the site of the Heijo-kyo Capital, which is older than Kyoto, and is dotted with many famous temples and shrines, including Horyuji Temple, Chuguji Temple, Hokiji Temple, Horinji Temple, and Takida Shrine. In this article we'll introduce 8 popular tourist sites in Ikaruga, a popular destination in Nara. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #1] The Area Around Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine Photo：Todaiji Temple, Nara Prefecture Todaiji Temple, said to be the world's oldest wooden architecture, is designated as a World Heritage Site, and the surrounding area is full of historical elegance and traditional culture. The route from Todaiji Temple to Kasuga Taisha Shrine is popular for walks thanks to its rich natural scenery. This can be seen from 0:14 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #8] Traditional Sweets in Nara & Ikaruga Photo：Kuzukiri, Nara Prefecture Nara Prefecture's representative sweets and gourmet foods are kuzukiri and kuzumochi made with authentic Yoshino kudzu. Enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and tea on a break during your stroll? This can be seen from 0:32 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #3] Tasting the Sake of Nara & Ikaruga Photo：Sake brewery Speaking of sake, you may think that many famous sake breweries are in Hokuriku, Tohoku, or around the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海, Setonaikai). Yet, Yamada Nishiki, one of the principal varieties of sake brewing rice, is actually produced in Nara Prefecture. There are several unexplored sake breweries in Nara Prefecture that use the exquisite water of Yoshino and Yamada Nishiki to produce excellent sake. This can be seen from 0:51 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #4] Strolling Through Nara & Ikaruga Photo：Horyuji Temple, Nara Prefecture The Ikaruga area of Nara is rich in greenery with many temples and shrines. Check out the Townscape of Nishisato for a nice stroll. This walking route is dotted with places of history and culture, with historical buildings and fancy Japanese-style cafes. This can be seen from 1:10 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #5] Ryokans in Nara & Ikaruga Photo：Hot Springs at Ryokan When it comes to accommodations to fully enjoy Japanese culture, "Ryokan," Japan's traditional inns, are the perfect choice. For traveling in the historical town of Ikaruga, Nara, Ryokan are highly recommended over hotels. This can be seen from 1:26 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #6] A Tea Break in Nara & Ikaruga Photo：Hojicha Hojicha is becoming more and more popular in cafes and convenience stores today, and it is said that Nara Prefecture is the birthplace of this tea. Why not try a cup of tea to relieve yourself of fatigue while sightseeing in Nara? This can be seen from 1:42 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #7] Beautiful Natural Scenery in Nara & Ikaruga Source :YouTube screenshot One of the best things to do when sightseeing in Nara is to enjoy nature. The Ikaruga area of Nara is blessed with rich nature in all four seasons, and the town itself is like a beautiful nature park. Just walking around the area you can feel the history, nature, and traditional culture of Japan. This can be seen from 2:05 in the video. [Nara & Ikaruga Popular Sightseeing Recommendation #8] Deer in Nara & Ikaruga Photo：Deer Speaking of Nara Prefecture, you don't want to miss the deer! Wild deer show up not only in Nara Park, but throughout the entire area. Because of this, you can expect to bump into a deer on your way to the park as well! You'll want to make sure that you approach them gently, as they are designated as a protected species. This can be seen from 2:23 in the video. Summary of Popular Sightseeing Spots in Nara Prefecture Photo：Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Prefecture It is said that Buddhism was introduced and took root in Japan during the Asuka/Nara periods (around 592-794 A.D.), so the areas around Ikaruga, Nara have many historical heritages, including temples and ancient tombs. In this article, we introduced information on popular sightseeing spots in the Ikaruga, Nara area alongside the video. Which one attracted you the most? 【Official Website】Nara Horyuji Temple sightseeing. Ikaruga official travel guide http://horyuji-nara-ikaruga.jp/

The Powerful Sport, Jukendo! This video is titled "銃剣道 其の一 Jukendo PART1." Jukendo is a sport/martial art that looks very similar to Kendo. You wear protective gear similar to Kendo, but it uses a wooden gun with a bayonet to attack with mainly thrusting techniques as opposed to a shinai's slashing techniques. The guns are modeled after the rifles used by the old Japanese military, which had a rifle with a blade tip, and the sport is also called Jukenkakuto and other names. Because it is a very practical martial art, it has been incorporated into police and self-defense force training. Although the number of people who practice Jukendo is low, it was once a common martial arts class, and has been seen at national athletic meets, national championships, and national youth competitions. Basic Knowledge and Skills of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot The wooden gun, weighing 1.1 kg, with an overall length of 166 cm, is one of the most distinctive features of Jukendo. You can see it at 0:13 in the video. It is said that the Japanese style of Jukendo is the origin of modern Jukendo, whereas the western style of Jukendo was integrated with kendo. Historically, it is said to have originated at the end of the Edo period, when the style of fighting changed from swords to guns, and the tips of swords or daggers were attached to the tips of imported guns to be used as bayonets. The Rules of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot The rules of Jukendo were established by the All Japan Jukendo Federation, and nowadays it has become a competitive martial art. The rules are basically a one on one format, and fighters win by scoring strikes to the upper body, stomach, lower body, throat, wrist, and shoulder. Matches are held barefoot on the floor with no shoes on. You can see basic techniques at 1:03 in the video. The Appeal of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, you can see an interview with a Jukendo practitioner at 2:14, where he talks about the appeal of the martial art. Jukendo is a grueling sport, originally designed to kill with a combination of gun and sword, aiming at the left side of the chest where the heart is located, or the throat, but they all say with a smile that they are so happy when they win a match after rigorous training that all of the hardships along the way were worth it. Unlike a bamboo sword, Jukendo uses a weapon that is larger and heavier than a wooden sword, so if you're hit on the hand by your opponent, you may actually experience broken fingers. Therefore, in Jukendo, body parts that are easily targeted by thrusts are protected by thick armor. Hand wraps are also worn to minimize injury. Summary of Jukendo Source :YouTube screenshot Hiratsuka Tsuchizawa Junior High School in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the only school in the country that adopted Jukendo as a class, decided to end the class in 2018, and it became a widely talked about subject. However, the topic has increased awareness of Jukendo, and now it is said that the competition population is gradually increasing, with the number of dan (titles) recipients and female players on the rise. In all Japanese martial arts, it is important to train the mind and body and start and end with a bow. In particular, foul play is severely punished because there is a risk of serious injury if an offense is committed. It can be said that the key to aspiring to and becoming strong in Jukendo lies in the steady training of the body and mind. 【Official Homepage】All Japan Jukendo Federation http://www.jukendo.info/english

Five of Tokushima Prefecture's Most Attractive Tourist Spots This video, titled "Undiscovered Tokushima, The Real Tokushima ~ Full ~," was released by "The City of Water / Tokushima City Tourism Channel" (水都・徳島市観光チャンネル). Awa Odori is a famous attraction in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, located in Japan's Shikoku region, but there are many other attractive sightseeing spots in Tokushima Prefecture as well. This time, we'll introduce 5 recommended activities to enjoy in Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture. [Tokushima Recommendation #1] Traditional Performing Arts, Historical Heritages, and Other Japanese Culture Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 0:45 in the video, Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, has a traditional culture called Awa Ningyo Joruri (a type of traditional puppet theatre), which is a nationally designated Important Intangible Cultural Property. In addition, Awa Aizome (indigo dyeing), seen from 0:39, is one of Tokushima's traditional industries. At the Aizome Craft Center (藍染工芸館, Aizome Kougeikan), you can experience aizome dyeing classes and buy craftwork that give you a sense of history and culture, as souvenirs. In addition, Tokushima is dotted with many historical heritage sites, such as ancient tombs, temples, and shrines. A valuable excavation site can be seen at Awashima Historic Park. It's a recommended sightseeing route for taking walks in Tokushima while feeling the history and culture. [Tokushima Recommendation #2] Shikoku Henro, a Temple Pilgrimage Photo：Ryozenji Temple, Tokushima Prefecture Shikoku Henro is a traditional pilgrimage in Japan. The first of the 88 temples in Shikoku, which were founded by Kobo Daishi, is Ryozenji Temple, located in Tokushima Prefecture. There are 22 pilgrimage sites in Tokushima Prefecture. The pilgrimage route also has shukuba (lodging), so if you're looking to complete the pilgrimage on foot consider staying at these. You can see images of the pilgrimage from 0:17 in the video. [Tokushima Recommendation #3] Activities To Enjoy With Children Photo：Bentenyama, Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture, is also known as the city of water. Every July, there are lots of activities that you can enjoy with your children, such as the Tokushima Hyotanjima Water City Festival (徳島ひょうたん島水都祭り, Tokushima Hyotanjima Suito Matsuri) and the Hyotanjima Cruise! The model of Hyokkori Hyoutanjima, a puppet show on NHK, was Hyoutanjima in Tokushima City. And there's another recommended activity that you can enjoy with your children! That is, climbing the mountain, Bentenyama, which is famous as the smallest mountain in Japan. Adults can reach the summit in 1 minute! If you climb the stairs, there is a shrine that enshrines Benzaiten, so why not enjoy a casual mountain climb with your kids and bring along some lunch to enjoy as well? The Tokushima Zoo, where you can experience feeding animals, is also a little-known tourist spot. [Tokushima Recommendation #4] Local Gourmet Food in Tokushima Photo：Gourmet Food in Tokushima Prefecture Tokushima is full of finger-licking-good gourmet spots! The one we recommend most is the local okonomiyaki "Mametentama," which can only be eaten in Tokushima. This is sweetly stewed Kintoki beans made into tempura (Kakiage in Tokyo style) and then made into okonomiyaki. The okonomiyaki sauce and sweet beans are a perfect match and are totally addictive. If you get tired of walking, you can always take a break and try Tokushima's famous Taki-no-yakimochi, at a cafe in Mt. Bizan. Taki-no-yakimochi is a local dessert that uses the famous water from Kinryosui Spring on Mt. Bizan, which was loved by successive generations of Tokushima feudal lords. Matcha goes great with the slightly sweet mochi. If you're hungry, try Tokushima's specialty, Niku-dama ramen, and replenish your stamina! You can see the popular gourmet foods of Tokushima prefecture from 1:21 in the video. [Tokushima Recommendation #5] The Beautiful Natural Scenery of Mt. Bizan and Awa Odori Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the whole view of the cityscape of Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture from Mt. Bizan. Also, you can climb to the mountaintop from the 5th floor of the Awa Odori Hall (阿波おどり会館, Awaodori Kaikan) by ropeway; and during this, you can enjoy traveling through the air while enjoying a spectacular view of Mt. Bizan and the sea. Awa Odori is a must-see for anyone sightseeing in Tokushima. Awa Odori has a male dance and a female dance, and the dance is performed by an organization called "Ren" (連). Every August, the city of Tokushima comes to life with many locals and tourists attending the event. You can see the scenes of Awa Odori from 1:51 in the video. Summary of the Attractions of Tokushima Prefecture Photo：Yoshino River, Tokushima Prefecture In this article we introduced 5 exciting activities to enjoy in Tokushima Prefecture, but what do you think? The Yoshino River crosses through Tokushima, the city of water, and the sea of Tokushima is a mecca for surfing in Japan's Chugoku and Shikoku regions. In Japanese mythology, Shikoku is said to have been the first Island created in the Japanese archipelago, and it is a historically valuable place. Be sure to visit Tokushima Prefecture, a place of mythology, water, culture and history! When the Awa Odori Festival is held, reservations for hotels and inns will be limited, so we recommend making reservations early. 【Official Website】Tokushima City, Tokushima Prefecture City Hall Website https://www.city.tokushima.tokushima.jp/smph/

What is the "Former Iwasaki Residence Garden" in Taito-ku, Tokyo? This video, titled "Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens – Area Information｜Video Website｜Machi Log," introduces Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, a wooden, European-style building that was built more than 120 years ago in 1896 (year 29 of Meiji), for the founder of Mitsubishi, Hisaya Iwasaki. Due to the dissolution of the zaibatsu, as directed by SCAP after the war, the Iwasaki Family residence was requisitioned and they lost much of the buildings and garden; however it was later returned to the Japanese government. Presently, there are 3 buildings left, the Western-style building (main building), the billiard room, and the Japanese-style building. They are designated as important cultural properties. The building itself was designed by the Englishman, Josiah Conder. An authentic, wooden, Western-style 2 story building with a basement was very rare at the time and it is said to have eventually had a large influence on modern day Japanese housing. All of the Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is open to the public as a metropolitan garden, and there is also a café there so it's teeming with people during lunchtime or seasons in which you can see the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The elegant Western-style building is also used for filming many TV dramas and movies thanks to its beautiful appearance. The Highlights of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Source :YouTube screenshot There are so many points of interest at Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens that we couldn't possibly cover them in one go. The architecture of the semi-Western mansion representing the wealthy of the Meiji era (1868-1912) immediately after the opening of the country, is considered to be a very modern style even by present-day standards. When you enter the house, the decorations, including vines wrapping around the wooden columns, catch one's eyes immediately. This particular design is called Jacobian-style architecture and was very popular in 19th century England. This can be seen from 1:10 in the video. The wooden billiards room is designed in the style of a Swiss mountain hut, which was rare in Japan at that time. The Japanese-style building, which was used by Hisaya Iwasaki, was decorated with screen paintings by the great Japanese artist, Masakuni Hashimoto. The billiards room can be seen at 1:58, and the Japanese-style building can be seen at 2:33 in the video. Finally, the greatest highlight of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is the rose garden that colors the entire lawn. In autumn, the Autumn Festival is held, and the scent of its roses fill the entire Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, captivating the many visitors. On the other hand, the serene Japanese-style garden has the look of a traditional Japanese garden, with garden stones, lanterns, and artificial miniature hills. At tea ceremonies, you can enjoy tea and Japanese confectioneries while enjoying the scenic nature of the seasons at the beautiful Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens. The Tumultuous History of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Source :YouTube screenshot Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens is located at Ikenohata 1-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo, where the residence of the Takada Domain was located in the Edo period (1603-1868). After the Meiji Restoration, due to the abolition of feudal domains and the establishment of prefectures in 1871, the Takada Domain was dissolved and it became the property of the former Maizuru clan governor, Sukeshige Makino. However, it was bought by Yataro Iwasaki who was part of a zaibatsu, and the 3rd generation head of that family, Hisaya Iwasaki, built Kyu-Iwasaki-tei. After the war, the zaibatsu were dissolved by SCAP, the building became government controlled, and was managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It is indeed a monument that has survived a tumultuous history to the present day. Summary of Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Photo：Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens, the foundation of Japan's modern architecture, is currently undergoing restoration work on the lawn and is partly off-limits as of April 2020. Tours are still taking place; however, so why not visit Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens and get a taste of Japanese history? Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden, a pillar of Japanese architectural history, is where Japan's modern architectural culture began. ◆Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens|Facility Overview ◆ 【Address】1-3-45 Ikenohata, Taito Ward, Tokyo 110-0008 【Access】A 3-minute walk from Yushima Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (~10-minute walk from Shinobazu lake) walk from Shinobazu Pond） 【Admission Fee】General ¥400, Seniors over 65 ¥200, free for elementary school students and below and junior high school students who reside or attend school in Tokyo, and various discount rates such as group discounts 【Hours】9:00～16:30 【Closures】End of the Year, New Year’s Holiday 【Parking】Not available 【Telephone Number】03-3823-8340 【Official Website】Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens｜Let’s go to the park！ https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index035.html 【Tripadvisor】Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066461-d321036-Reviews-Kyu_Iwasakitei_Teien-Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Traditional Japanese Martial Art “Kendo” This video is "Best of Kendo~Awesome~" produced by "NAGASHI." Kendo is one of Japan's traditional martial arts. Many Japanese people know about the style of Kendo. What's so fascinating about this sport though? Kendo is a one-on-one competition where players wear a kendo uniform, armor, and use bamboo swords called "shinai." Kendo and other traditional Japanese martial arts are about valuing respect. Swords are of course weapons, but it is the human mind that controls them. Winning a match, according to the rules, means winning with the swordsmanship you've refined. The swordsman stay focused until after the match, when they've bowed to one another. This is standard Kendo etiquette. Kendo is said to be a martial art that begins and ends with a bow. The beauty of this Japanese culture may be one of the attractions of Kendo. In the video, you can see this etiquette from 0:05 and 5:57 in the second half. I hope that these videos will show the excellence of Kendo and the spirit, and harmony among Kendo fighters through their matches and practice, and at the same time, convey the beauty of Japanese martial arts as a whole. The History of Kendo Photo：Kendo Nowadays, the sport has federations all over the world, and not only schoolchildren's tournaments, inter-scholastic athletics competitions, and national championships, but matches are held all over the world. With the increase in the number of competitors, kendo's technical population has grown to about 1.7 million, but it was originally created to practice swordsmanship. It is a traditional martial art that inherited the soul of the samurai, which is said to have already existed in the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Kendo, as a competitive sport, had its own set of dan rankings and rules and instruction manuals from the Edo period (1603- 1868 AD). Gradually, the style came closer and closer to the style we have today. However, even now, having gone from martial arts to competition, it's practitioners still train their mind, body, and they still maintain proper etiquette. The Gear Required for Kendo Photo：Kendo "Men" The traditional Japanese martial art kendo requires a few pieces of gear. ・防具 Armor ・剣道着 Kendo uniform ・竹刀 Bamboo sword (sometimes wooden swords are used for training) ・小手 Kote(padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・面 Men(a face mask) ・垂れ Tare(waist protector) ・袴 Hakama(pleated and divided skirt made in fine stripes) You can purchase this gear at kendo specialty stores and kendo shops. For a moment, at 0:14 in the video, you can see the image of the camera attached inside a face mask. You can feel what Kendo is like in this scene. Japanese traditional martial art kendo rules Photo：Referee Kendo is a sport that trains the mind and body. The format of the matches are one-on-one individual matches, but there is also a team competition where 1 winner is crowned. A match in Kendo is between two players until two points are scored, or the time runs out. (One game = Three match) There are 3 valid targets to strike in order to score a point ・Men (the face mask) ・Kote(the padded gloves to protect the wrists and forearms) ・Do (the breastplate) Also, when it comes to matches for college students or older, two-sword style is also possible. It is rare in Japan, but is often seen in overseas kendo matches. Miyamoto Musashi, one of the most popular, and said to be the most powerful swordsmen in the world, was also a master of the two swords. From 0:25, the video introduces a number of matches. Not only do bamboo swords clash, but sometimes competitors are violently struck, propelling them into the air. This is not unexpected however, as it is a combat sport. Summary of the Fascinating, Traditional Japanese Martial Art, Kendo The appeal of kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, lies in the intensity of the matches. The dignified movements of these swordsmen are the result of daily rigorous training. There are rankings called "dan" in Kendo, but in order to receive a ranking, you must go through a rigorous certification test to obtain the title. The dojo where swordsmen practice everyday is packed with the lives of the swordsmen. Kendo is also said to be a lifelong sport. Please enjoy the video of the Kendo matches, that transcend both age and gender. 【Official Website】All Japan Kendo Federation https://www.kendo.or.jp/en/

What is the pride of Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Hokuriku Region, and its food culture Kami-gashi? This video, titled "Jonamagashi: Kanazawa Food Culture, Seasonal Japanese Sweets｜nippon.com" (上生菓子：四季を彩る金沢の菓子文化| nippon.com), was created by "nippon.com." Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture was a castle town of the Kaga domain during the Edo Period, and the traditional Japanese sweets produced here are some of the best in Japan, on par with those produced in Kyoto (京都府) and Matsue, Shimane (島根県松江市). There are three main types of Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets): Higashi (干菓子), Namagashi (生菓子), and Jonamagashi. Of these three types of wagashi, Jonamagashi is thought to have played an integral role in the development of tea ceremony culture in Japan. Kanazawa is a city steeped in culture and history, second only to Kyoto in Japan, and has a tradition of producing high quality, artistic Jonamagashi famously decorated with gold leaf. A high level of skill is required to make Jonamagashi, which is what makes them so special amongst Japanese sweets. They are a confectionary that appeals to all five senses and are a great way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. The History of Jonamagashi and Tea Ceremony Photo：Tea Ceremony Tea ceremony in Japan dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama Period when it was systematized by Sen no Rikyu (千利休) who is considered the founder of tea ceremony. It wasn't until the 1,700's, during the genroku portion of the Edo Period, that tea ceremony really spread throughout the rest of Japan, and Kanazawa is thought to be the birthplace of Noto (能登) Jonamagashi. Tea ceremony is held based on a particular theme, and the tools used vary depending on the chosen theme. This is called "dougugumi" (道具組). Wagashi are carefully selected and only those which complement the tools used in tea ceremony are chosen. This is also taken into consideration when creating Jonamagashi, resulting in a variety of beautiful shapes and designs. Artisan wagashi makers must channel all of their skills into the creation of one type of wagashi. You can hear Ishikawa Prefecture Tea Ceremony Association representative Sosui Oshima (大島宗翠) speak more about the subject from 0:54 in the video. How To Make Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot Second generation wagashi maker Hironobu Yoshihashi of the well-established wagashi store "Yoshihashi" (吉はし), which has been in business for over 70 years, is featured in the video from 1:17. Enjoy watching the skilled hands of the artisan wagashi makers. Since Japan has a very warm and humid climate, a high proportion of sugar is necessary to preserve the wagashi. However, in the past, sugar was a luxury product that could only be afforded by the rich and wealthy. A great deal of thought and care is put into the taste, texture, design and feel of Jonamagashi. Jonamagashi are often referred to as the ultimate wagashi, with an extremely high level of artistic quality. From 1:58 in the video, you can take a look at Jonamagashi which have been designed to represent each month of the year. Summary of Kanazawa's Jonamagashi Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:45 in the video, you can see "Ajisai" (紫陽花), the most famous Jonamagashi. This is one of the items available for purchase at Kanazawa's wagashi store, "Yoshihashi". You can purchase Jonamagashi from Yoshihashi by ordering online before visiting the store. Beautiful Jonamagashi from the wagashi store Yoshihashi are the perfect souvenir to take home from your trip to Kanazawa! Jonamagashi are also a great way to enjoy the changing seasons, a treat which is pleasing for both the eyes and taste buds!