Official Author

岩本 晃弘 （aki）

A Close up Look at This Fireworks Show This video, titled "Fireworks Show – A Fusion of Master Techniques and Modern Entertainment" (花火ショー 〜匠の技と現代エンターテインメントの融合〜), was uploaded by "Japan Video Topics – Japanese." Do you know how Japan's traditional summer fireworks are made? This is a documentary video of how the craftsmen at Marutamaya Ogatsu Fireworks, a long-established fireworks factory in Tokyo, create a fireworks show that has become a new fascination for fireworks. Find a new fascination of fireworks by watching this video! The History of Japan's Amazing Fireworks Source :YouTube screenshot The history of fireworks in Japan dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). 300 years ago, a fireworks festival was held by the shogun as a memorial to those who had died of starvation. The general public enjoyed the fireworks, so fireworks festivals became common during the summer in Japan. From 0:35, you can see fireworks in Edo (today's Tokyo) portrayed in ukiyo-e. Japan probably has some of the most advanced fireworks in the world because of its traditions and the long history of fireworks in the country. Music and Fireworks! An Entertaining Fireworks Show By a Young Craftsman! Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan, you can hear the shouts of onlookers during the fireworks. These days, on top of festivals, there are also fireworks shows with music. By collaborating fireworks with music, a new way to enjoy fireworks has been created. From the timing of the launch to the color and type of fireworks, the fireworks and the performance come together to create the best performance possible. In the interview from 1:03, you can feel the passion the fireworks craftsman has for the handmade fireworks he creates. Fireworks on Wheels! A Popular, Instagrammable Fireworks Show! Source :YouTube screenshot Fireworks are even more exciting when there's a performance to go with them. A combination of skyrockets, exhibition fireworks, and rapid volley fireworks culminate to create and exciting show for the audience. "STAR ISLAND" which was held in Toyosu, Tokyo, provides futuristic fireworks entertainment by combining "3D Sound," lighting, and "show performance" with the latest technology. The performance shown from 2:37 in the video will give you an idea of its awesomeness. A total of 12,000 fireworks were launched that night. Summary of Japan's Fireworks Source :YouTube screenshot We hope this article/video helped you learn a little about the culture/history of fireworks in Japan. One of the reasons why fireworks became popular in Japan was to comfort people after a famine that occurred during Japan's Edo period. We hope this video will help you enjoy Japan's fireworks even more!

Ryuogabuchi Pond – A Photographer's Dream Do you know of the mysterious pond deep in the mountains of Nara Prefecture? This time, we'll introduce the video "【日本の絶景】新緑の龍王ヶ淵 Ryuogabuchi Superb view of Nara Japan 4K," uploaded by "SOTOBURA." Ryuogabuchi Pond is a famous location for photography in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, thanks to its beautiful reflective water surface. The crystal-clear pond is also a popular spot for photographers as the surrounding mountains reflect off the water's surface like a mirror. It's also famous as an "instagrammable" location in Japan. And with that, let's dive into the video of Ryuogabuchi Pond! A Closer Look at Ryuogabuchi! Photo：Ryuogabuchi Pond, Nara Prefecture Ryuogabuchi is located on the hillside of Mt. Nukai, a small mountain in Yamato Fuji, and the water flowing from the approximately 530m tall mountain is crystal clear, creating a mysterious pond. At 1:08 in the video, you can see the mysterious reflection of the trees of Mt. Nukai on the surface of the pond. The pond is 150 meters across from east to west and 100 meters across from north to south, making it a popular walking course. Some parts of the trail can be marshy and sometimes wet, so be sure to wear some comfortable sneakers. The nearby Horikoshi Shrine worships Toyotama-hime, who appears in the folk tale Urashima Taro. The video shows the quiet surface of the pond, but there are a lot of tourists on holidays, so we recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quiet view of the pond. The Best Time to Visit Ryuogabuchi Pond Photo：Starry skies at Ryuogabuchi Pond, Nara Prefecture Ryuogabuchi is an amazing place to visit in the summer when the leaves are fresh and green, and in the fall when the leaves change to beautiful shades of red and orange. You can also enjoy breathtaking snowy scenery during the winter months. That being said, if you're driving in winter, you'll need to be prepared with snow tires. On a clear, windless day, the lake does not stir, and the surrounding scenery is said to reflect beautifully off of its surface. Because it is located deep in the mountains, you'll be able to see the stars on clear nights as well. Fishing is prohibited at Ryuogabuchi Pond, as it's considered a place of faith. Sightseeing Around Ryuogabuchi Pond Photo：Murouji Temple, Nara Prefecture There are many tourist attractions, including temples, around Ryuogabuchi in Nara Prefecture. In particular, nearby you'll find Murouji Temple and Onoji Temple, for which the nearest station, Muroguchi-Ono Station, is named. Approximately 100 mikumari cherry trees line the banks of the Hono River and they're lit up, making it a popular cherry blossom spot in the city. Ryuogabuchi is only 10 minutes away from the Hari Interchange on the Meihan National Highway (名阪国道針IC), so it's a good place to visit by car. Parking is also available, so you can visit easily. Summary of the Ryuogabuchi Area Photo：Ryuogabuchi Pond, Nara Prefecture Check out the video of Ryuogabuchi and be soothed by the clear blue skies and tranquil pond. If you're looking to relax and get away from work, be sure to visit Ryuogabuchi. You can also enjoy listening to the playful sounds of fish and frogs jumping in the pond. Just walking around the promenade while taking in the natural scenery is sure to make you feel at peace. 【Tripadvisor】Ryuogabuchi https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022867-d19690682-Reviews-Ryuogabuchi_Pond-Uda_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html

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

Introducing the Underwater World of Amami Oshima! This time, we'll introduce the video "[ 4K Ultra HD ] 奄美の海中世界 Underwater World in Amami Islands (Shot on RED EPIC)" with which you can enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery of Amami Oshima in the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture. The video was released by "AQUA Geo Graphic." The approximately 3-minute long video is packed with beautiful images of underwater coral reefs and the tropical fish of Amami Oshima, a subtropical climate. Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture Photo：A village in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture Amami Oshima, introduced in the video, is the main island of the Amami Islands located at the southern tip of Kagoshima Prefecture. There is also Amami Oshima Airport in Amami Oshima, and there are also flights from Kagoshima as well as Tokyo and Osaka. Skymark Airlines, LCC peaches, and JAL offer flights, and in recent years it has become popular as a remote island that can be visited easily. Car rental is convenient for traveling from the airport! For those who are not confident in driving or don't have a license to do so, we recommend visiting on a tour. Staying in Naze, Amami City, in the center of the island, is great as it allows you to be right in the middle of everything the island has to offer. For those who want to enjoy a private space, we recommend staying at a resort hotel that is a little more tucked away. Diving in Amami Oshima! Photo：Amami oshima The Amami Islands consist of eight inhabited islands: Kikaijima, Kakeromajima, Kakejima, Yoroshima, Tokunoshima, Okinoerabujima, and Yoronshima, and Amami Oshima which is the largest of these. Since it is located in the middle of Okinawa Island, which is about 380 km south of Kagoshima, the waters are incredibly clear and are called "Amami Blue." You can also see coral reefs and colorful tropical fish in the sea around here. It's also possible to encounter groups of clownfish, moray eels, and sea turtles like in the popular Disney movie "Finding Nemo." Many coral reefs inhabit the sea of Amami Oshima, and you can also see coral, such as "Hama coral" and "branch coral" up close. You can see the beautiful coral reefs from 1:39 in the video. In addition to diving, you can also enjoy several experience-based activities, such as whale watching and snorkeling in the sea of Amami Oshima! Attractions and Sightseeing on Amami Oshima! Photo：Exploring mangroves by canoe The charm of Amami Oshima is the beautiful sea, but that's not all it has to offer. On the island of Amami Oshima, Kinsakubaru Forest and the Amami Mangrove Forest are famous. The two of these make up the Amami Gunto National Park, a place abundant with nature. It is also home to animals so rich in character that it is called the Galapagos of the Orient, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to see the nationally protected species of the island, such as the "Amami rabbit," "Lidith's jay," and the "White-backed woodpecker" or Kagoshima prefecture's protected species, the "Amami Oshima Frog." In addition, "Ayamaru Misaki", "Tomori Beach" and "Mt. Yuwan" on the island are also great places to visit. Summary of Amami Oshima in Kagoshima Prefecture Photo：Amami Oshima Island, Kagoshima Prefecture In this article we introduced a video showing diving on Amami Oshima. Hopefully this article and video have sparked your interest in the popular Island. Amami Oshima is a place where you can enjoy gourmet food as well as scuba diving. If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see the beautiful scenery of Amami Oshima! 【Official Website】Amami Oshima Tourist Guide｜Operated by the Amami Oshima Tourism and Products Federation | Relax in Amami https://www.amami-tourism.org/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Amami Oshima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g14769233-Amami_Oshima_Kagoshima_Prefecture_Kyushu-Vacations.html

The Basics of Camp Cooking in Japan: Rice Rice, the staple food of the Japanese people, is also popular when camping. In this article, we'll introduce a video how to cook rice using a mess tin. Learn about mistakes advanced campers have already made so you can avoid making them yourself! Video Introduction This video, titled "[Mess Tins] Tips to Avoid Mistakes When Cooking Rice" (【メスティン】メスティン自動炊飯で失敗しないポイントとは), was uploaded by "Second Lieutenant Nya [Demoted to Rave Reviews]" (ニャア少尉【絶賛降格中】). The video introduces how to cook rice without fail using a mess tin. It's a must-see for outdoor and camping beginners in Japan, as well as for those who have never successfully cooked rice with a mess tin. Check it out! Mess Tins - A Popular Piece of Camping Dishware Photo：Camping gear A mess tin is a piece of cookware used during camping and backpacking. Shaped like a lunch box with a handle, they're made of aluminum for high heat conduction and can be heated with a single burner. They're also compact and easy to store. They can be used for smoking foods, pasta, and even arranged recipes using cooked rice and bread. They're a popular cooking utensil for outdoor enthusiasts with a variety of cooking methods, such as simmering, steaming, baking, etc. The first time you use a mess tin, it's recommended that you file and deburr it, as they can have rough spots on them. Some campers also recommend seasoning to prevent burning and other problems. 6 Tips for Cooking With a Mess Tin Photo：Rice soaked in water The video explains 6 tips to avoid mistakes when using a mess tin for outdoor cooking and camping. Let's take a look! ・Allow Water to Permeate the Rice Thoroughly After washing your rice, you'll want to soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes during summer and 1 to 2 hours in winter in order to allow the water to penetrate the rice. [Video] 0:48 - Preparing the rice ・Solid Fuel (25g) Next is the solid fuel. Use 25g of solid fuel so that the fire won't go out in the middle of cooking. [Video] 1:24 - Solid fuel ・Next is the water. Be careful with the amount of water so that your rice isn't hard when you're finished cooking. In the video, water is added until the middle of the rivet of the mess tin for 1 cup of rice, but note that the height differs by manufacturer. [Video] 1:54 - Adding water ・Use a Wind Screen Fourth, use a windbreak to keep the heat and temperature consistent. The wind outside can make it difficult for the fire to reach the mess tin, resulting in uneven cooking, so be sure to use a wind screen. [Video] 2:24 - Wind screen ・Place a Weight on Top of the Mess Tin Lid The lid may come off when the pressure inside the mess tin rises. It's recommended that you put a weight on the lid to prevent it from coming off. [Video] 2:41 - Weights ▪ Steaming Remove from heat once steam starts to spill out or there's any bubbling sounds. To prevent the temperature from dropping too low, place the rice in a temperature retaining bag and let it steam for 10 minutes to make it fluffy and delicious. [Video] 3:52 - Steaming Warming Up Canned Goods With a Mess Tin! Source :YouTube screenshot The video shows how you can place a weight on top of the lid to prevent it from opening while the rice is cooking. In the video, canned food that is eaten with rice was placed on top of the lid instead of a weight. When the rice is done cooking, the canned food is also warmed up, so you can kill two birds with one stone! Summary of Mess Tins for the Outdoors & Camping In this article, we introduced a video of how to cook with a mess tin. A mess tin is a cooker that is handy for outdoor cooking, such as when camping, because it allows for easy outdoor cooking due to its versatility. Whether you're cooking with a mess tin for the first time or have used a mess tin before but experienced some failures, be sure to refer to this video to make some delicious rice!

岡山県倉敷をデニム忍者が紹介！ こちらの動画は「観光課倉敷市」が公開した「【English】DENIM NINJA in KURASHIKI - DENIM NINJA solves the 30 mysteries of Kurashiki!! (Long ver.)」です。 日本の観光地というと東京・京都・大阪が有名ですが、岡山県倉敷市も昔ながらの街並みがあることをご存知ですか？ 岡山県倉敷市は美観地区を中心に屋敷に水路・川舟といった日本の昔ながらの風景が残っているのです。 また、日本で初めてデニムを生産した場所として名を知られています。 では動画でデニム忍者と一緒に倉敷の観光名所を巡っていきましょう！ 岡山県倉敷市へのアクセスが良く日本の観光ルートに入れやすい 岡山県倉敷市へのアクセスは京都駅からおよそ1時間半・大阪より1時間です。 また、関西から四国や九州へ行く途中に位置していている倉敷。 日本を周遊するルートで訪れやすい観光地です。 岡山県倉敷の美観地区は川舟・屋敷が残っていて日本への観光に最適 倉敷市にある美観地区は日本でも昔ながらの街並みが残るとして有名。 川舟に乗れば数多くの屋敷や水路を楽しめます。 この美観地区ではなまこ壁の屋敷を見てみましょう。 壁の模様がなまこのように見えることが名前の由来。 また、大原美術館はヨーロッパの美術品を多数取り揃え、和と洋の昔ながらの町並みが堪能できます。 また、着物を着て観光することも可能。 着物という日本の伝統文化に触れて周辺を観光してみませんか？ 日本のデニム発祥の地、港町児島を観光してみよう 岡山県南部に位置する倉敷市。 その中でも瀬戸内海に面した港町児島地区は「日本のデニム発祥の地」とされ、駅前にはジーンズストリートがあります。 また、本州の岡山県と四国の香川県のアクセスルートとなる瀬戸大橋があるのも倉敷。 瀬戸大橋の横にそびえる鷲羽山（わしゅうざん）からの景色は瀬戸内海の自然を楽しるおすすめの穴場スポットです。 日本一の◯◯！岡山県が誇る名物をデニム忍者が堪能♫ 果物王国の岡山県！ マスカットをはじめとして桃の生産が有名です。 特にマスカットの生産量は日本一を誇る岡山県。 マスカットを使ったワインが人気でお土産にも最適です。 高級感があり日本料理をはじめとした和食にも合います。 みなさんもグルメな街・岡山県倉敷市を楽しんでみませんか。 岡山県倉敷市紹介まとめ 今回は岡山県倉敷市の観光動画を紹介いたしました。 動画をご覧になり岡山県倉敷市の観光名所が多いことに驚いたはずでしょう。 岡山県倉敷市は観光スポットが豊富です。 次は皆さんの足で倉敷を体感してみてくださいね。

Rare Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago! This video, titled "Footage of Tokyo From More Than 100 Years Ago (With Sound)" (東京の昔の映像　（音声あり）), was uploaded by "Final A." Have you ever wondered what life was like in Tokyo more than 100 years ago? Perhaps you've seen pictures in textbooks or studied it at school, but probably very few people have seen actual footage of what life was like back then. In this video, you can get a glimpse of what life was like in Tokyo around 1913-1915. The Lives of Tokyoites More Than 100 Years Ago Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:04 in the video, you can see many people walking around dressed in hakama (袴). You can also see children playing with a ball called a "mari" (毬) from 2:59. At the time, it was common for children to spend their days playing with traditional toys such as a mari (temari). As you can tell from the video, at the time, the majority of people were dressed in what would be considered traditional Japanese style clothing today. The streets were lit using fixed paper lanterns called "andon" (行灯). The population of Tokyo at the time was approximately 3 million. The population of the whole of Japan was approximately 50 million, less than half of what it is today. From 2:42 in the video, you can see how the area around Senso-ji temple (浅草寺) in Asakusa (浅草), Tokyo was just as busy then as it is nowadays. Tokyo From 1913-1915 Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho period lasted only 15 years (1912-1926) but is well known because of the Great Kanto Earthquake (関東大震災). Many other important events also took place during the same time period. The most famous of those being World War I which started in 1913. In 1914, the first department store "Mitsukoshi Gofukuten" (三越呉服店) (currently known as Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store) opened in Japan, and the familiar lion statue, as well as escalators and elevators quickly became the talk of the town. At the time, the toy industry and product development were flourishing and it was the beginning of modernization in Japan. Tokyo Station (東京駅) was also opened in 1914. The station must have been very crowded at the time due to the large number of passengers travelling to and from the station. More About the History of Tokyo Source :YouTube screenshot In 1886, Tokyo prefecture (currently known in Japanese as Tokyo-to (東京都) was given the name Tokyo-fu (東京府). From the beginning of the Taisho period, there was a dramatic increase in the population of Tokyo. During the Meiji period (明治時代, meijijidai), the Tokyo area changed a great deal as Japan changed from being a country of agriculture to a country focused on industry. In the video, you can see that the most common mode of transportation was the rickshaw, however, the rickshaw was gradually replaced with bicycles and cars. At the time, there were many water wells in Tokyo and the water quality was also very good. Summary of Tokyo From 100 Years Ago Even if you aren't Japanese it's easy to feel a sense of nostalgia from this video. This rare footage offers a glimpse at what life was like over 100 years ago in Japan. It's invaluable footage that really allows us to see how far Japan and the rest of the world has come in such a short time.

What to Look for When Choosing a Campsite in Japan Outdoor activities and camping have become very popular in Japan! Due to the corona pandemic, camping and other outdoor activities have been gaining attention as leisure activities that can be enjoyed in nature. However, beginner campers often encounter unforeseen problems. In this article, we'll go over how to choose a campsite for beginner campers with advice from a professional camper. Video Introduction This video, titled "[A Must-See for Beginner Campers] How to Choose a Campsite for a Successful Camping Debut" (【キャンプ初心者必見】デビューを成功させるキャンプ場の選び方), was uploaded by "Manpuku Manten・FULL CAMP" (キャンプ/満腹満点). This video introduces how to choose a campsite, based on the experiences of the YouTuber himself, so that camping beginners can enjoy their first camping experience as much as possible. This video is a must-see for those looking to go camping for the first time. 5 Tips for Beginner Campers When Choosing a Campsite in Japan Photo：A woman setting up a tent Based on his experiences, here are five things beginner campers should look out for when choosing a campground for their camping debut. Let's take a look! ・Choose a Campground Within 2 Hours of Your Home The first point to consider when choosing a campsite is to choose one near your home. First-time campers tend to be very enthusiastic and choose a campsite far from home. However, if you're far away, it may take longer than expected to get there due to traffic and other factors. If you arrive late, your plans for setting up your tent and preparing meals will also be delayed. Allowing plenty of time for your first camping trip will give you peace of mind so you can make the most of your time. A good rule of thumb is to go to a place that can be reached in about 2 hours from where you live. [Video] 1:48 - Go to a campsite near your home ・Auto Campgrounds Are Great for Beginners Next is the type of campsite. For beginners, we recommend choosing an auto campground. An auto campground is a type of campground in Japan where you can park your car next to your campsite. After arriving at your campsite with lots of heavy equipment, you'll be exhausted from carrying it to your campsite if it's located far away. If you choose an auto campground where you can park your car right next to the campsite, you can easily load and unload your gear and get into your car quickly if there's a sudden rain or something else happens. This is a big point of relief especially for beginners. [Video] 2:53 - Types of Campsites Photo：A campground ・Check for Toilets and Bathing Facilities in Advance The third thing to keep in mind is to check whether the campground has toilets and bathing facilities. Especially for women and those traveling with children, it's important to check if flush toilets are available. Many people have difficulty using Japanese-style toilets, so it is important to check in advance! Also, some campgrounds that have showers may have small shower rooms that cost one coin (often 500 yen but occasionally 100 yen) to use. We recommend that you check the website in advance. [Video] 4:04 - Campsite Facilities ・Staff Is Always Available The fourth tip for looking for a campground is to make sure that staff is always available. When camping for the first time, even if you have practiced setting up a tent and making a fire in advance, it's possible that things may go wrong when you arrive. Since many campgrounds are unmanned at night, it's a good idea to check if the campground is staffed full-time. [Video] 6:14 - Staff on duty ・AC power is available. The last thing to check for is whether AC power is available regardless of season, be it spring, summer, fall, or winter. The availability of electricity is especially important for beginner campers. Electricity is a strong ally until campers get used to camping and can cope adequately with energy sources other than electricity. Bringing an extension cord is a must, as the AC power source may be far away from where you're actually using electricity. Summary of How to Choose a Campsite in Japan When you make your camping debut, you'll be experiencing a lot of new things. Time and schedule management can be difficult. To avoid being rushed and having a stressful camping trip, it's important to choose your campground carefully. When you're first starting out, choose a campground with ample facilities rather than one with few or no facilities. Don't forget to find out more about the facilities if you're a woman and/or are camping with women or children. As you gain more experience in the outdoors and with camping, you can choose more advanced and distant campgrounds. We hope you have an exciting camping debut! Be sure to refer to this article when searching for a campground.

Must-Have Equipment for Beginner Campers Japan's camping boom has brought interest in camping to a previously uninterested segment of Japanese society. However, beginner-level campers should start by asking themselves what they need to prepare for camping. In this article, we'll go over things to prepare for camping. Video Introduction This video, titled "[10 Must-Have Pieces of Camping Equipment] A Shopping List for Beginner Campers" (【最低限のキャンプ道具10種類】買い揃えるための初心者用リスト作りました), was uploaded by "From this place." In this video, beginner outdoorsmen can learn about 10 essential pieces of equipment for camping. A List of Camping Gear for Beginner Outdoorsmen Photo：A tent at a campground With Japan's recent boom in outdoor activities, camping has become increasingly popular. However, beginners often aren't sure of what kind of camping gear to bring with them. Making a list of things to get together for various styles of camping, including family, couple, and solo camping, is great place to get started. After picking out what you need, you can figure out your budget by calculating the cost of each item. The video introduces 10 different pieces of equipment by dividing the equipment into three categories: importance, lifestyle, and accommodation. It's great for beginner campers, so be sure to use it as a reference for choosing camping equipment. 7 Recommended Pieces of Camping Equipment for Beginners [Lifestyle] Photo：A tarp Let's start with the equipment you'll need for day camping, etc. ・Tarps When it's hot out, if there's no shade, there's always a risk of heat stroke. A tarp provides shelter from the sun, shelter from rain, and also serves to block the sun. Various types are available, but we recommend that you choose a product with many rope holes. The more holes in the rope, the easier it is to adjust the tarp for easier use. [Video] 0:33 - Tarps ・Table Next up is a table. The table you choose will depend on how much cooking you'll be doing when camping. If you'll be chopping ingredients, a wider table is recommended. If the table has a net underneath, you can conveniently place necessary items on the net while cooking for easy access. [Video] 1:03 - Table Photo：A woman enjoying solo camping ・Chairs Chairs like the ones they sell at home improvement stores across Japan can be bulky and are often not very durable. The video recommends Pachinox, which is lightweight and inexpensive. [Video] 1:33 - Camping chairs ・Single burners Barbecue is a popular way of cooking when camping. Many people associate BBQ with cooking with charcoal or firewood, but these methods can be time-consuming and require a lot of cleaning up afterwards. In Japan, there are two types of gas cans: CB cans and OD cans. If you're a beginner-level camper, consider trying some simple camping meals using a single burner with CB cans, as they're easy to use and obtain. [Video] 1:52 - Single burners ・Wind Screens Wind can often be a problem when cooking at camp. Windscreens can reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare a meal, so you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying some delicious food. [Video] 2:28 - Windscreens ・Cookers If you buy frying pans and other cooking equipment over time, they'll often be shaped differently and can be difficult to store. We recommend that you start with a cooker set. When you have more opportunities to camp and want to try more elaborate camping meals, you can buy Dutch ovens or other cooking equipment. [Video] 2:44 - Cookers ・Lights Lanterns and other lighting fixtures can vary significantly in price depending on whether they're fueled by gas or liquid fuel. For beginners, lights from one of Japan's 100-yen shops are a great place to start. [Video] 3:20 - Lights 3 Recommended Pieces of Camping Equipment for Beginners [Accommodation] Source :YouTube screenshot We have looked at lifestyle equipment, but what kind of camping equipment do you need for overnight stays? Let's take a look. ・Tents The most important piece of equipment for overnight stays is the tent. Some tents can take beginners a long time to set up and take down. For beginners or those just looking for shelter and a place to drop their sleeping bag for the night, a simple one-pole tent can get the job done. If the inner tent is mesh or some other type of fabric that allows airflow, it can also keep insects out, which is convenient. Furthermore, if the tent has an entrance-like area, you can store your shoes in it. [Video] 3:51 - Tents ・Bedding Bedding is important for reducing fatigue so you don't feel tired the next day. Using an air mattress and sleeping on an elevated surface will make sleeping more comfortable and prevent inadequate sleep. If you have a cot, you can place it directly on the ground. Sleeping is an important aspect of camping. Be sure to prepare a sleeping area that suits you best. [Video] 4:47 - Bedding ・Sleeping Bag Nighttime can be colder than you might think when camping. You can use a down sleeping bag in winter and a synthetic fiber sleeping bag at other times of the year, but it's safer to use a sleeping bag that can withstand as low a temperature as possible. Be sure to check what temperatures your sleeping bag can handle when purchasing one. [Video] 5:33 - Sleeping bags The Cost of a Complete Set of Camping Equipment Source :YouTube screenshot If you purchase the 10 products introduced in this article via major mail-order sites in Japan, it can all be purchased for around 50,000 yen. The selection criteria for this equipment is such that the items were chosen so that they would last as long as possible without the need be replaced, so it's a bit more expensive than other lists perhaps. Be sure to use this video/article as a reference when buying camping equipment. [Video] 6:00 - The cost of these 10 pieces of camping equipment Summary In this article, we introduced 10 pieces of camping equipment that beginner campers should have. More and more people are getting into camping and cooking outdoors. If you're a beginner and not quite sure what to buy, consider renting first. Then you can purchase the gear you need if you decide you want to continue camping. Don't be afraid to get started, take the plunge and make your camping debut!

For Campers Who Have Difficulty Lighting a Campfire Making a fire gets easier the more you do it, but it can be difficult for novice campers. Campfires and barbecues are two of the best parts about camping and the outdoors. In this article, we'll introduce how to use a chimney starter so that those new to the outdoors and those who are finding it difficult to start a fire, can do so with ease. Video Introduction This video, titled "The Easiest Way to Start a Campfire｜How to Light Charcoal Without Fail Even for Beginners" (1番簡単な火おこしのやり方｜初心者でも絶対に失敗しない炭に火をつける方法), was uploaded by "Izu no Nushi Tsuri" (伊豆のぬし釣り). If you're like most campers you've probably struggled to light a fire at some point when camping or enjoying the outdoors. With the help of this video, you can learn how to easily light a campfire using a chimney starter. What is a Chimney Starter? Source :YouTube screenshot Chimney starters are also called charcoal starters. They're an excellent tool for easily starting a fire using the chimney effect (stack effect). In the video, a Uniflame Charcoal Starter is used. The video shows how easy it is to start a fire, even if you're new to using a chimney starter. This video shows how to start a fire without failure using a chimney starter. Using Oga Charcoal - Long Lasting But Hard to Start Photo：Oga Charcoal Although oga charcoal burns long and can be used for 2 to 3 hours, it can be difficult to light. In this video they use said oga charcoal. If you can master how to use it, you can start building fires efficiently. How to Use a Chimney Starter Source :YouTube screenshot So, without further ado, let's take a look at how to use a chimney starter. ・Stand the chimney starter up vertically and place the coals inside in an upright position. By placing the coals upright, they will burn more efficiently due to the rising air currents. [Video] 0:06 - Placing charcoal in the chimney starter ・Place the igniter under the chimney starter and light it. Underneath the chimney starter, there's a space for the igniter. After lighting the igniter, place the chimney starter on top of the igniter so that the flames rise into it. Then just let it sit for about 20 minutes. It's incredibly easy. [Video] 0:55 - Lighting the igniter The fire spreads from the igniter to the charcoal placed on top. Even a novice outdoorsman can light oga charcoal with a chimney starter. The idea behind the chimney starter is to use the air flow and the rising air currents to stimulate combustion. If you use the chimney starter to light a fire when you arrive at your campsite, you can start the BBQ (barbecue) when you've finished setting up your tent and other equipment. Use Air Flow to Efficiently Start a Fire Photo：A campfire When it comes to camping, outdoor cooking is what it's all about. Family campers and solo campers alike can enjoy cooking a variety of different foods. Some experienced campers make their own chimney starters using the chimney effect. However, beginners should start with a commercially available chimney starter. A chimney starter can start a fire in a short time and can be conveniently packed. The stainless-steel design also makes it rust-resistant. Summary of How to Use a Chimney Starter In this article, we introduced how to light charcoal using a chimney starter. You may have been surprised at how much easier this method can be. If you're struggling to build a campfire or not feeling confident about your fire making skills, it might be a good idea to have a chimney starter so you can enjoy your time camping in the outdoors while relaxing around a fire and eating delicious barbecue instead of worrying about getting your fire started. For some people, building a fire is one of the best parts of being outdoors, but if you prefer to prioritize mealtime over the time spent on starting a fire, consider picking up a chimney starter.