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Video article 2:12
Miyagi Prefecture's Traditional "Tokiwa Kongatazome" Hand Towels Attract People of All Ages! Don't Miss This Video About the Woman Carrying the Light of Tradition Into the Future!
Traditional Crafts- 140 plays
- Vimeo
The Traditional Japanese Art "Tokiwa Kongatazome" This video "Miyagi Prefecture, Tokiwa Kongatazome" ( 宮城県 常盤紺型染(ときわこんがたぞめ)), was created by "Tohoku STANDARD." The woman featured in the video is Kuniko Sasaki, a craftswoman who works at the Natoriya Dyeing Factory, a dye shop in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region. The video is an interview where she speaks about how she encountered the traditional art and craft Tokiwa Kongatazome (常盤紺型染), as well as its origin and traditions. The Traditional Japanese Art and Craft "Tokiwa Kongatazome" Source :YouTube screenshot Tokiwa Kongatazome is a technique of stencil dyeing born in the late Edo period (1750 ~1850), and developed in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. At that time, Tohoku did not have Kasuri-weaving (a textile technique in which patterns were woven using thread dyed in different colors), so people came up with the idea of creating a paper stencil based on the design patterns of Kasuri instead. It came to be called Tokiwa Kongatazome. The technique of Tokiwa Kongatazome was passed on from the dye shop "Mogamiya" (最上屋) in Akita prefecture to dye shops in Sendai city. People loved its warm fuzzy feeling and gorgeous patterns, and it made great strides from the Meiji era (1868~1912) to the early Showa era (1930~). One of its features is that it can be mass produced, unlike textiles. Tokiwa Kongatazome originated in Yokota city in Akita prefecture (Tohoku region) but developed in Sendai city in Miyagi prefecture. Source :YouTube screenshot The products dyed with the Tokiwa Kongatazome technique are called "Sendai Yukata" and are loved all over Japan. It initially only used deep blue colors for dyeing so it was named "Tokiwa 'Kon' gata" (Kon 紺, meaning "navy blue" in Japanese), but now it uses multiple colors so people sometimes call it somply "Tokiwagata" (without the kanji for navy blue). After World War II, Japanese fashion changed from Wafuku (Japanese-style) to Yofuku (Western-style), causing the Tokiwa Kongatazome technique to lose popularity. However, the dye shop "Natoriya Dyeing Factory" (名取屋染工場) uses Tokiwa Kongatazome in products like "Tenugui" (Hand towels), "Noren" (traditional Japanese fabric dividers hung on/between walls), flags, curtains, banners, "Hanten" (short, Japanese-style winter coats), and other small items. How It's Made: Tokiwa Kongatazome Stencil Dyeing Source :YouTube screenshot As it shows in the video around 0:41, first you put a Tokiwa Kongatazome stencil on a white fabric and apply starch. The starched area is going to be left white after the fabric is dyed, forming a pattern on the cloth. An example of this stencil dyeing is shown in the video around 1:49. A technique called "Itoire" (Inserting threads into a paper-stencil) is used to create a paper-stencil. This technique allows for the design of more intricate patterns. As you can tell by watching the video, everything is handcrafted by professionals. Summary of Tokiwa Kongatazome Source :YouTube screenshot Kuniko Sasaki of the "Natoriya Dyeing Factory" says in the interview that she started Tokiwa Kongatazome because she found stencils that were more than 100 years old when she was cleaning out her warehouse roughly 20 years ago, and she thought it would be a shame to lose the traditional craft. Feeling this, she decided she wanted to pass on the spirit of the craftsmen before her. Tokiwa Kongatazome products are also available online. The popular hand towels are available for purchase for around 1,000 yen (~$10 USD). Tokiwa Kongatazome is also popular among younger people and foreigners. Enjoy watching the video and get to know Tokiwa Kongatazome! -
Video article 0:53
Mt. Norikura: At an Altitude of Nearly 10,000 Feet, Boasting 60-Foot-Tall Snow Walls and Autumnal Leaves, Its a Great Place to Enjoy Nature in Every Season in Nagano and Gifu Prefectures!
Nature Travel- 172 plays
- Vimeo
Mt. Norikura This video, titled “Mt. Norikura in one minute” (乗鞍岳登山を一分でまとめてみました。), was created by “odenkuuuuuuun.” It introduces Mt. Norikura, a part of the Hida Mountains, or Northern Alps. Mt. Norikura is one of "Japan’s Top 100 Famous Mountains," and stretches through Nagano Prefecture’s Matsumoto City to Gifu Prefecture’s Takayama City. The video summarizes "odenkuuuuuuun's" climb of Mt. Norikura in September. Although the video is only 54 seconds long, it’s brimming with the allure of Mt. Norikura. Matsumoto Prefecture・Gifu Prefecture’s Mt. Norikura Photo:Summit of Mt. Norikura Mt. Norikura is a complex volcano encompassing 7 lakes and 8 plains. The highest of its 23 peaks is Kengamine Peak, at a height of 10,000 feet. The mountain was chosen as one of "Japan’s Top 100 Famous Mountains," and its popularity extends to foreign visitors as well. Its most recent eruption is said to be the Mt. Ebisu eruption over 2000 years ago. The mountain lies in the Hida Mountains. At the top of the mountain is the Norikura Shrine (乗鞍神宮, Norikura jingu), which has been a place of worship since long ago. This can be seen from 0:47 in the video. In the Shinshu Province, the mountain is also known as “Asahidake,” due to it being the first mountain touched by the light of the morning sun. (朝日, Asahi "Morning sun," 岳, dake "Mountain/Peak"). The starting point of the trail is Tatami-daira, which is 8,800 feet above sea level, and it takes about 1.5 hours to reach the summit, depending on which trail you take, making it an easy climb even for beginners. However, at an altitude of 10,000 feet, the weather can be quite unpredictable, and the temperature is low year round, so you'll need to wear warm clothes. Mt. Norikura’s popular trekking courses include the route from Tatamidaira to Kodamadake to Kengamine (approximately one and a half hours), and the route from the Norikura Kogen highlands to the peak of Mt. Norikura (approximately five hours and forty minutes). There are hiking courses available as well. Behind Tatamidaira is a national park where alpine flora and fauna are blooming, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of the flower gardens while strolling around the lake or through the promenade. Autumn at Mt. Norikura provides stunning views of autumn leaves. The peak viewing period is from mid-September to early October. During the summer season, July to September, buses begin operating early in the morning, enabling visitors to be able to enjoy the sunrise from the 10,000 ft. tall mountain peak. It's great for taking pictures. Be sure to post them on your Instagram! On Mt. Norikura, there are a few mountain huts, so climbs with overnight stays are also possible. Many of these huts are fully-equipped with facilities such as baths, so visitors can feel as if they're resting at a hotel or ryokan. For the sake of nature preservation, access to Mt. Norikura by personal vehicles is limited, so you will need to use a tourist bus, shuttle bus, or taxi to get there. As the entrance of private cars is prohibited, of course, the usage of the Tsurugaike Parking Lot is not permitted. Visitors can head to Mt. Norikura from the Honokidaira Bus Terminal or the Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal. The bus terminals can be found at Hirayu Onsen of the Okuhida Onsen Village. Roads leading to Mt. Norikura include the Norikura Skyline (乗鞍スカイライン, Norikura sukairain) from Gifu Prefecture, as well as the Norikura Eco Line from Nagano Prefecture. Travelling on road bikes or bicycles is also possible. Cycling events are held as well, such as the “Mountain Cycling in Norikura,” and the “Norikura Skyline・Cycling Hill Climb. Sightseeing Around Mt. Norikura Photo:Mt. Norikura Snow Wall Norikura Kogen highland’s Norikura Skyline is open from mid-May to mid-June, visitors can view the snow wall "Yuki no Kairo" (雪の回廊, yuki no kairo) as well. At its highest, the snow wall can reach up to 60 feet, towering over the Norikura Skyline. Visitors can even walk amongst this magnificent sight. As seen from 0:17, snow remains on Mt. Norikura even in September, and summer skiing, where visitors climb the mountain on their own and ski at the peak, is also possible. Of course, in winter, ski resorts are opened as well, and visitors can enjoy winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding. Mt. Norikura also boasts the 50-meter “Sanbon Falls (三本滝, Sanbon-daki), which is counted among "Japan’s top 100 waterfalls." It has been a place of worship since olden times, and it is said that ascetics come to practice discipline at this waterfall. The “Starry Sky Observation Event” at Tatamidaira is also popular. Visitors can gaze up at the night sky full of stars while listening to the guide’s explanation of the sights. Summary of Mt. Norikura What'd you think of this article about Mt. Norikura? From the video, you can see the mountain from the view of a mountain climber, but you don't need to be a mountain climber to enjoy the natural beauty of Mt. Norikura. Although only 54 seconds long, the video is full of the sights and sounds of Mt. Norikura, so definitely check it out! 【Official Website】Mt. Norikura, Norikura Skyline Official Site https://norikuradake.jp/en.html 【Tripadvisor】Mt. Norikura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298102-d2318270-Reviews-Mt_Norikura-Chubu.html -
Video article 2:15
Tsushima Invades Japan as an Ultra-High Quality Game! There's a Reason Why Ghost of Tsushima Has Been Called One of the Best Playstation Games Ever!
Modern Culture- 20 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "'Ghost of Tsushima' An unprecedented upheaval hits Japan." (『Ghost of Tsushima』 未曽有の動乱、日本上陸。), was released by "PlayStation Japan." Ghost of Tsushima was developed by the American video game company Sucker Punch Productions and released in July 2020 for the PlayStation 4. The best part of Ghost of Tsushima is that you can play as a samurai, and once you pick up the controller, you'll find yourself in the world of the samurai. Please note that due to the overly realistic depictions, the game was given a CERO rating of "Z," which specifies that the game is made for those 18 years of age or older. -
Video article 2:54
Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, the Anime That Captivated Anime Fans Around the World, Is Back in a New Edited Edition! Watch the Adventure Story of a Reclusive High School Student Summoned to Another World!
Modern Culture- 13 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled ""Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World" Season 1 new edit edition|PV" (『Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活』第1期新編集版PV), was released by "KADOKAWAanime." Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World, introduced in this video, is a light novel by Tappei Nagatsuki. In April 2012, he began writing a series of novels on the website "Shosetsuka ni Naro" (Let's Become a Novelist). Re:Zero is an adventure story about a reclusive high school student who is summoned to another world. The TV anime aired from April to September 2016, and the new edited version of the first season of "Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World," which is featured in the video, aired from January 2020. -
Video article 1:30
The Popular Manga "Jujutsu Kaisen" Has Been Made Into an Anime! The Exciting Video That Many Fans Have Been Waiting for Is Finally Out!
Modern Culture- 57 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "TV Anime 'Jujutsu Kaisen' PV Part 1" (TVアニメ『呪術廻戦』PV第1弾), was released by "TOHO animation channel" (TOHO animation チャンネル). Jujutsu Kaisen, featured in this video, is a work by Gege Akutami, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, since 2018. The total number of sales of the single-volume manga exceeded 4.5 million copies as of May 2020. This is a fantasy battle story about a sorcerer's struggle to exorcise ghosts and curses using magic. The TV anime featured in the video is scheduled to air from October 2020. -
Video article 2:16
The Final Chapter of "Attack on Titan" Is Set to Air in the Fall of 2020! the Final Battle That So Many Fans Have Been Waiting for Is About to Begin!
Modern Culture- 48 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "TV anime 'Attack on Titan' The Final Season|PV" (TVアニメ「進撃の巨人」The Final Season PV), was released by "ぽにきゃん-Anime PONY CANYON." Attack on Titan, introduced in this video, is a work by Hajime Isayama, which has been serialized in the Bessatsu Shonen Magazine published by Kodansha since September 2009. The manga exceeded 100 million copies sold worldwide as of December 2019. It's a dark, fantasy-type story about fighting mysterious "titans." The TV anime has been airing since 2013 and the fourth season, which is featured in the video, is scheduled to air as "The Final Season" starting in fall 2020. -
Video article 1:50
Introducing All the Popular Characters From the Hit Anime Series, "Demon Slayer"! What Is It That Makes This Show So Awesome?!
Modern Culture- 37 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "TV Anime "Demon Slayer" Hashira Intro PV" (TVアニメ「鬼滅の刃」柱解禁PV), was released by "Aniplex" (アニプレックス). Demon Slayer (Kimetsu no Yaiba), introduced in this video, is a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, from November 2016 to 2020. It has sold a total of 60 million copies (*as of June 2020). The story follows the protagonist as he fights "demons" who killed his family, and searches for a way to turn his sister back into a human after she was turned into a demon. The TV anime aired from April to September 2019. -
Video article 0:33
The Final Chapter of the Popular "Rurouni Kenshin" Movie Series Is Set to Release in 2021! Is This the Last Time You'll See the Classic, Which Sold 72 Million Copies, on the Big Screen?
Modern Culture- 35 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "Rurouni Kenshin Final Chapter: The Final / The Beginning - Special Report" (映画『るろうに剣心 最終章 The Final/The Beginning』特報), was released by "Warner Bros. Official Channel" (ワーナー ブラザース 公式チャンネル). Rurouni Kenshin, introduced in the video is a work by Nobuhiro Watsuki, which was serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994 to 1999. It's often abbreviated as "Ruroken" in Japanese. The manga about Japan in the early Meiji period has sold more than 72 million copies. "Rurouni Kenshin: The Final/The Beginning" will be released during Golden Week in 2021 and is the final part of the "Rurouni Kenshin" film series which has earned a total 12.5 billion yen at the box office. The cast includes Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei, Mackenyu, Yū Aoi, and Yōsuke Eguchi. -
Video article 0:32
The Popular Manga "Shaman King" Will Return as a New Anime in 2021! The Shonen Jump Manga That Captured the Hearts of Children Is Back as a High Quality Anime!
Modern Culture- 20 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "SHAMAN KING special PV" (『SHAMAN KING』特報PV), was released by "KING AMUSEMENT CREATIVE official channel." Shaman King, introduced in this video is a popular manga that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, published by Shueisha, from 1998 to 2004, and sold a total of 35 million copies. The story is about a shaman who participates in 'Shaman Fights' and aims to become the Shaman King with omniscient and omnipotent powers It is scheduled to be broadcast as a completely new anime from April 2021.