Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

Video introduction of "Sado Gold Mine" in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "Sado Gold and Silver Mine Promotion Video SADO GOLD & SILVER MINES For all Tourists" (佐渡金銀山のプロモーション動画「SADO GOLD & SILVER MINES For all Tourists」), was created by "Sado City Hall" (佐渡市役所). The video introduces the Sado Gold and Silver Mines located on Sado Island (佐渡島), Niigata prefecture. The mines, which were discovered in 1601 by three prospectors and mined for 400 years, were the biggest gold and silver mines in Japan. These beautiful and ancient remains with surroundings abundant in nature are likely to be added to the long list of World Heritage Sites in Japan. More About the Sado Gold and Silver Mines Photo：Sado Gold Mine, Niigata Prefecture Gold mining in the Sado Gold and Silver Mines in Niigata prefecture once flourished and became famous for the production of koban (gold coins used in the Edo period) and gold bars, however the gold resources have significantly dried up since then. The Sado Gold Mines were developed during the Sengoku period (1467AD-1615AD) (戦国時代) and in 1601 became the property of Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康). That same year, gold was also discovered in Kitayama (北山) and the Sado Gold Mines became an important source of funds for the Tokugawa Shogunate (江戸幕府). Aikawa Gold and Silver Mine (相川金銀山), the largest of all the Sado Gold Mines, has been designated a national historic site, Important Cultural Property (重要文化財), and an Important Cultural Landscape (重要文化的景観) of Japan. Highlights of the Sado Gold and Silver Mines Photo：Sado Gold and Silver Mine, Niigata Prefecture Many historic sites, such as the crushing mill "Hasaiba" (破砕場), the stamp mill "Tokoba-ato" (搗鉱場跡) from the Meiji period (1868 AD-1912 AD), "Doyunowareto" (道遊の割戸), which was blown open by dynamite, as well as various shafts, mining, and smelting facilities, remain to this day. "Kitazawafuyusen Kouba-ato" (北沢浮遊選鉱場), one of the Sado Gold Mine remains, has a characteristic appearance similar to that of ancient Rome's Colosseum. This area is particularly popular among fans of Studio Ghibli's "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" who are looking for the perfect shot to share on Instagram! Take a Trip to the Sado Gold Mines! Photo：Sado Magistrate's Office, Niigata Prefecture There are lots of spots nearby worth visiting, such as the remains of the old shopping district "Kyomachi-dori" (京町通り) and the Sado Magistrate's Office (佐渡奉行所). There are also several events held throughout the year, such as "Kouzan Matsuri" (鉱山祭り) held in late-July and "Mushukunin Kuyousai" (無宿人供養祭) held on the third Sunday in April. If you want to grab a bite to eat, we highly recommend trying the gold-leaf soft serve ice cream, or if you're looking for something savory, consider trying the curry or udon dishes served at "Kinzan Chaya" (金山茶屋) at the foot of the mountain. There are several sightseeing courses available at the Sado Gold Mines with which you can view some of the natural tunnels or historic ruins. You can also take part in a gold mining experience in the museum workshop or make some gold-leaf jewelry to take home as a souvenir! Summary of the Sado Gold Mines Introductory Video Photo：Sado Mine, Niigata Prefecture We hope you enjoyed taking a look at the stunning landscape of the Sado Gold Mines, such as the remains of the mines and the beautiful night view introduced in the video. Before setting off on your trip to the popular sightseeing spot that is Sado Island in Niigata prefecture, be sure to check opening times and access information for the Sado Gold Mines to make the most of your visit! 【Tripadvisor】Sado Gold Mines https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1021355-d1385038-r312515994-Historic_Relic_Sado_Gold_Mine-Sado_Niigata_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Check out This Video Introducing Uetsu Shinafu, a Traditional Japanese Crafts! This video, titled "Handmade Crafts "Uetsu Shinafu Weaving" / Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square," introduces uetsu shinafu. The video was uploaded by Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square. Uetsu shinafu fabric is the oldest fabric in Japan woven using tree bark fibers. They were first created during the Jomon period (14,000 BC to 400 BC), and are counted as one of Japan's Three Ancient Woven Fabrics. Today, uetsu shinafu is produced in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, the Sekigawa District of Uzen, as well as Murakami, Niigata Prefecture. In 2005, these uetsu shinafu products were designated Traditional Crafts by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Information. In this video, the production process of uetsu shinafu is introduced in detail. Do enjoy this video showing a tradition of Japan from days past. What Is Uetsu Shinafu? Introducing the Production Process and Methods Used to Make Them Source :YouTube screenshot The raw material of uetsu shinafu is bark derived from the Japanese Linden Tree, as shown from 0:33 in the video, with other sources being the bark of the, tilia maximowicziana, as well as the tilia noziricola. Firstly, the bark is peeled and dried, then boiled in water containing wood ash. Next, as shown in the video, the fibers are scrubbed in a river then dried once more. Following that, the fibers are shredded by hand into thin threads in a process called shinasaki. These threads are then joined to form one long thread in a process called shinaumi. Then, the threads are twisted into a spool and called shinayori . The skill of the craftsman is critical in this entire process, as it is all done by hand. Lastly, the threads are placed on a platform known as the uttate, and the threads are then reeled (3:26). Finally, the threads are woven into a piece of fabric. Where Can You Purchase Uetsu Shinafu Products? Source :YouTube screenshot From 4:19 in the video, works created using uetsu shinafu fabric are introduced. Different kinds of bags, decorative items such as tapestries, name card holders, wallets, obi sashes, hats, fabric dividers – there is a wide variety of products. Besides tourist areas in Yamagata Prefecture, uetsu shinafu products can also be purchased through mail order. As for those who would like to try their hand at uetsu shinafu, the Uetsu Shinafu Promotion Council (振興協議会), the Shinaori Center (織センター), or Sekigawa Shinaori Village (関川しな織の里ぬくもり館) are all places you can visit. Summary of Uetsu Shinafu Source :YouTube screenshot Uetsu shinafu: exquisite works of art with a pleasant texture. Isn’t it unbelievable that its origins date back to the Jomon period thousands of years ago? As shown in the video, uetsu shinafu fabric is created through a complicated process, with the craftsmen ensuring that every single step is done to the best of their ability. Thus, uetsu shinafu products can be used for a long time. If this video has you interested in uetsu shinafu, do take the opportunity to purchase an uetsu shinafu product or try an uetsu shinafu experience in Japan! 【Official Website】Uetsu Shinafu Promotion Council Yamagata Prefecture-Tsuruoka City・Niigata Prefecture-Murakami City, Ancient Fabrics Village http://shinafu.jp/

What is Yuki Tsumugi? This video was created by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." It's titled "TEWAZA Yuki Tsugumi Textile" (手技TEWAZA「結城紬」Yuki Tsumugi Textile), and it introduces how the traditional Kimono "Yuki Tsumugi" is made. Yuki Tsumugi kimono are known as a high-quality Japanese textile. It is mainly produced in the Kanto region, in places like Ibaraki Prefecture and Tochigi Prefecture. This high quality textile is made of pure silk, a fabric loved by customers due to its softness and how light it is. There are many different designs as well, from simple plain designs, to elegant patterns requiring an incredibly skilled artisan. Being made from natural materials, Yuki Tsumugi kimono are incredibly comfortable and keep you warm even during the colder months of the year. This video shows viewers how Yuki Tsumugi kimono are made. The skilled techniques of the craftsman are also shown in the video; be sure to follow along! The Traditional Craft, Yuki Tsumugi: History Source :YouTube screenshot The origin of Yuki Tsumugi kimono dates back more than 1,300 years. By the Nara period (710-794), Yuki Tsumugi kimono were already being given as gifts to the imperial court as a specialty of the Hitachi Province (current day Ibaraki). Some of the original Yuki Tsumugi kimono are still safely kept at the Shosoin Repository in Nara. In the Muromachi (1336-1573) and Edo Periods (1603-1868), the tradition of Yuki Tsumugi was protected, cultivated and passed on as tradition by the Yuki family. Yuki Tsumugi was also registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property in 1956 and as a traditional craft in 1977. The Traditional Craft, Yuki Tsumugi: How It's Made Source :YouTube screenshot In Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, the home of Yuki Tsumugi kimono, silk has been used for hand woven textiles since ancient times. 1. Silk Floss Making (0:30) 2. Hand-spinning (1:27) Hand-spun yarns are spun from a material called true cotton, which is made by gently boiling silkworm cocoons. This is what is so special about Yuki Tsumugi. In the video at 0:53, one of the Yuki Tsumugi craftsmen explains that a single layer of kimono is made using 2200 cocoons, and the total length of the silk yarn is 30 km (nearly 10,000 ft). 3. Tying yarn to make patterns (1:53) The part tied with a thread will remain undyed and will be left as a pattern. 4. Dyeing yarns by beating (2:35) Beating the silk in this way allows the dye to sink into the fabric more deeply. 5. Hand weaving (3:12) The crucial component here is waist strength, as this will determine the texture of the final product. The threads are woven tens of thousands of times to create beautiful patterns. Purchasing the high quality Yuki Tsumugi Yuki Tsumugi kimono and obi have a quality unlike any other textile and are very popular items. Not only brand new Yuki Tsumugi, but also used Yuki Tsumugi kimono can be quite expensive. An official Yuki Tsumugi kimono comes with a certification stamp with a design of a woman hand spinning using silk cocoons. If you're not sure whether you're buying the correct item, check the certificate stamp and you'll know whether it's a luxury Yuki Tsumugi kimono or not. The Traditional Craft, Yuki Tsumugi: Summary Photo：A Woman in Kimono In Japan, the beautiful culture of kimono has been around since ancient times. What you see in the video is one of the most expensive and popular kimono, Yuki Tsumugi. It's very rare to see actual footage of how Yuki Tsumugi kimono are made. If you're interested in learning more about kimono, be sure to visit Japan and try on a high quality Yuki Tsumugi kimono! 【Official Website】Honba Yuki Tsumugi, Okujun Co.,Ltd. http://www.okujun.co.jp/english/ 【Official Website】Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/

Miniature Art Photographer and Illusion Artist, Tatsuya Tanaka! The video "Fresh Faces," released by "Fresh Faces – Atarashii Hito - BS Asahi," introduces the miniature art photographer and illusion artist Tatsuya Tanaka. Tatsuya Tanaka likes to use every day objects, such as stationery and food, to create the illusion of a miniature world in his pictures. For example, using onigiri (rice balls) as mountains, broccoli as trees (video 1:09), or lettuce as waves (video 1:16), he can create a small world for his miniature dolls. About Miniature Photographer and Illusion Artist Tatsuya Tanaka Source :YouTube screenshot Tatsuya Tanaka was born in 1981 in Kumamoto prefecture (熊本県, kumamotoken), but currently lives in Kagoshima prefecture (鹿児島県, kagoshimaken), working as a miniature art photographer and illusion artist. In 2011, he started a calendar art project called "Miniature Calendar" composed of a variety of his photographs. Since then, he has appeared on television in shows such as Jonetsu Tairiku, in magazines, and other media, and has gained fans from around the world. Posting pictures of his art work on Instagram and other social networking sites has gained him a lot of attention and followers. In 2017, around 830,000 people from around the world were accessing pictures of his work through SNS. Tatsuya Tanaka's creative artwork has even been featured in the title sequence of the NHK morning television drama "Hiyokko." Where Can You See Tatsuya Tanaka's Artwork? Source :YouTube screenshot You can see Tatsuya Tanaka's artwork, such as the popular "Kumowassan" (クモワッサン) (shown at 1:06 in the video), on his Instagram or other social networking sites, or by purchasing a book containing a collection of his photographs. We also highly recommend attending his miniature art exhibition, "Tatsuya Tanaka Exhibition" (田中達也展, tanakatatsuyaten). In 2017, the highly popular "Miniature Life" exhibition was held in Kyoto prefecture (京都府, kyoutofu), Hyogo prefecture (兵庫県, hyougoken), Miyazaki prefecture (宮崎県, miyazakiken), Nagoya city (名古屋市, nagoyashi), Kobe city (神戸市, koubeshi), Fukushima prefecture (福島県, fukushimaken), and many other places all over the country. The "Miniature Life 2" exhibition was due to be held in 2020; however, due to the rapid spread of the Coronavirus, the exhibition was unfortunately cancelled. Be sure to check online for information about future exhibits. Summary of Miniature Art Photographer and Illusion Artist Tatsuya Tanaka! Source :YouTube screenshot Tatsuya Tanaka's miniature artwork and clever illusions are gaining popularity around the world. You can also check out some of Tatsuya Tanaka's artwork and purchase goods on his miniature calendar website. From 2:37 in the video, you can see how his most popular piece of artwork "Kumowassan" was created. If watching this video has sparked your interest in the world of miniature art photography, consider purchasing some miniature 3D models and try to create your own miniature world! 【Official Website】Miniature Calendar Official Home Page http://miniature-calendar.com/

Check Out the Video on How To Make Hand-Rolled Sushi! This video, titled "A Sushi Chef Teaches You in 2 Minutes! Learn How To Roll Your Own Beautiful Sushi Rolls!" (寿司職人が2分で教える！手巻き寿司を激的に綺麗に巻くコツを伝授), was released by "Sushi Technology Channel" (寿司の技術チャンネル). Sushi is a Japanese food with which you can feel Japan's unique traditional culture. Sushi comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles, but the hand-rolled sushi shown in the video is one of the most popular recipes among people of all ages. In this article, we'll introduce the ingredients and how to make delicious hand-rolled sushi alongside the video. How to Make the Beautiful Hand-Rolled Sushi Shown in the Video Photo：Hand-rolled sushi First, check the front and back of the seaweed as shown at 0:17 in the video, and place it on the makisu (bamboo mat) with the rough side (back) facing up. The key to making a good wrap is to put rice on this seaweed in a triangular shape, covering about a quarter of the area of the seaweed. This can be seen from 0:25 in the video. Following this, add wasabi, spreading it over the rice evenly and then add the other ingredients. After that, roll up the seaweed, taking the bottom right corner of the seaweed and folding it over the rice. It's recommended that you add soy sauce to the finished sushi. Making hand-rolled sushi requires skill, but after a few tries and some dedication to flavor anyone can make it. At 1:19 in the video, the hand-rolled sushi that was made is disassembled once more to show how simple it is to make. Various Ingredients to Make Your Very Own Delicious, Hand-Rolled Sushi! Photo：Ingredients for hand-rolled sushi The appeal of hand-rolled sushi is that you can enjoy making different variations by using a wide variety of ingredients. Ingredients that can be used for hand-rolled sushi include popular ingredients like tuna, salmon, thinly fried eggs, and cucumber, as well as chopped perilla and Japanese ginger, salad vegetables, and natto. It's also fun to make hand-rolled sushi using out of the ordinary ingredients, such as fried chicken, flavored ground chicken or beef, etc. The hand-rolled sushi shown in the video uses medium fatty tuna as its main ingredient. Suimono (clear broth soups) and miso soup are two dishes that go great with hand-rolled sushi. Another fun thing you can try is getting a bunch of different ingredients together and have a rolled sushi making party with friends! Summary of Japan's Delicious Rolled-Sushi Photo：Hand-rolled sushi In this article we introduced a video that shows how to make tasty hand-rolled sushi. Hand-rolled sushi is a popular dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from standard ingredients like sashimi and fried egg to slightly more unusual main ingredients. If you want to enjoy Japanese food unique to Japan, we recommend getting some ingredients you enjoy and making your own hand-rolled sushi to enjoy!

Video Introduction of “Welcoming Lanterns” at Gion Festival in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture This video, titled "Gion Matsuri Omukae Chochin Performance," was uploaded by Kyoto Fan. It introduces "Omukae Chochin," one of the events that takes place during Kyoto's Gion Matsuri (Gion Festival). Gion Matsuri is held each year at Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, yasakajinja) in Kyoto and is one of the largest festivals in Japan. Omukae Chochin, which takes place on July 10th, is a lantern parade held to welcome the Gion Matsuri mikoshi (portable shrines). We hope you enjoy watching this exciting event which attracts a large number of tourists each year! Check Out Omukae Chochin! Source :YouTube screenshot Gion Matsuri is a festival that takes place at Yasaka Shrine (sometimes referred to as "Gionsha" (祇園社)) in Kyoto. Gion Matsuri is held throughout the month of July, however, Omukae Chochin, the event introduced in the video, is always held on July 10th. After Omukae Chochin and Mikoshi Togyo (a portable shrine parade) are held on July 10th, a large number of festival floats called "Yamaboko" (山鉾) are built for future parades. During the festival month, the Yamaboko float areas are filled with musicians dressed in kimono and yukata playing flutes and taiko drums to a performance called "Gionbayashi" (祇園囃子). This can be seen from 0:27 in the video. Popular Events Held After Omukae Chochin Photo：Gion Matsuri, Kyoto Prefecture During "Yoiyama" (宵山), held on July 15th and 16th, the streets are closed off to vehicles and instead filled with a large number of food stands called "yatai" (屋台). This is a great spot to take photos of the delicious local food! Gion Matsuri's main event, Yamaboko Junko (山鉾巡行, Yamaboko Parade), takes place on July 17th and 24th. There are many other events you can enjoy during Gion Matsuri, such as "Yoiyama" which features lively musical performances, and "Hanagasa Junko," which is performed by children. If you'd like to watch the spectacular Yamaboko Junko parade up close, we highly recommend booking seats in advance. Enjoy Summer Sightseeing In Kyoto! Photo：Gozan Okuribi, Kyoto Prefecture Even after Gion Matsuri has come to an end, there are still many more events to be enjoyed in Kyoto! Gozan no Okuribi (五山の送り火), a festival held during the Bon Festival (お盆, obon), attracts many tourists each year. If you're traveling to Kyoto during summer, we highly recommend dining along the riverside, a tradition called "Kamo River Noryo-Yuka" (鴨川納涼床, Kamogawa Nouryoyuka). There are also many other cultural properties you can enjoy in Kyoto city. Unfortunately there are no fireworks displays held in the city, but if you would like to see the summer fireworks, the nearest spots are the Uji River (宇治川, ujikawa) and Kameoka (亀岡). Summary of Kyoto's Gion Matsuri Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video, Gion Matsuri is an elegant yet powerful festival which is widely popular year after year. The festival is held throughout the entire month of July (from July 1st all the way through July 31st). If you'd like to see one of the largest festivals in Japan, we highly recommend visiting Kyoto during summer! 【Official Website】Gion Matsuri Overview – Yasaka Shrine http://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Gion Matsuri https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d8820238-Reviews-Gion_Matsuri-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Heian Jingu Shrine” in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan Video Introduction This video, titled “Heian Shrine - Kyoto - 平安神宮,” was released by “TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful.” It showcases the dignified Heian Shrine in Kyoto. The contrast between the dark green roof and vermilion walls of Heian Shrine is beautiful, and it's a hot spot for Instagrammers. What kind of place is the popular destination in Kyoto? The Origins and History of Heian Shrine Photo：Soryuro at Heian Shrine, Kyoto Heian Shrine (平安神宮) was built in 1895 as the main attraction of the National Industrial Exposition held to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital. The name "Heian Shrine" comes from a plan to partially restore the inner sanctum of Heian Palace at the time of the capital's relocation. Heian Shrine was founded as a shrine dedicated to Emperor Kammu (桓武天皇), the 50th emperor of Japan, and Emperor Komei (孝明天皇) was later added as a deity. A Closer Look at the Majestic Heian Shrine Photo：Soryuro at Heian Shrine, Kyoto The main building of the shrine is a reconstruction of Kyoto's Chodoin Temple (朝堂院), which was reduced in size (about five eighths in length). After passing Keiryu Bridge (慶流橋) and the torii gate (registered as a national cultural property), the symbol of Okazaki in Kyoto, and entering the vermilion Otenmon Gate (応天門), you'll be welcomed by majestic buildings, such as the main shrine Daigokuden (大極殿, an important cultural property), the inner shrine with its beautiful hanging lanterns, Ryubidan (龍尾壇, an important cultural property), and the towers Soryuro (蒼龍楼) and Byakkoro (白虎楼) (important cultural properties). Within the precincts of the temple, there are also buildings such as the Kagura Hall (神楽殿) and Gakuden (額殿) (registered as national cultural properties), Otenmon Gate (important cultural property), and Shobikan (尚美館, a guest house). The Heian Jingu Shrine Event Hall (平安神宮会館) is also used as a venue for weddings. The Highlights and Events of Heian Shrine Photo：Heian Shrine, Kyoto The Heian Shrine Garden, created in the Meiji Period by the famous Japanese garden architect Ogawa Jihei VII (小川治兵衛) and others, is a Japanese garden with an area of about 10,000 tsubo (~30,000 square meters). The four gardens, located in the east, center, west, and south, are a "pond garden" with a spectacular view of cherry blossoms in spring, irises in early summer, and beautiful autumn foliage in the fall. In addition to the Festival of the Ages, one of the three major festivals in Kyoto, Heian Shrine also hosts seasonal events, such as Takigi Noh (a Noh play), so be sure to check them out as well. Summary of Heian Shrine Photo：Otenmon Gate at Heian Shrine, Kyoto Heian Shrine, featured in the video, is one of the most popular and famous tourist attractions in Kyoto. Be sure to pick up a marriage talisman or shuin stamp when you visit Heian Shrine. There are many Japanese restaurants and cafes around Heian Shrine, which makes it a fulfilling sightseeing experience. You can also visit Okazaki Park, the National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto, and the Kyoto City Zoo near Heian Shrine. ◆Heian Shrine｜Facility Overview◆ 【Address】Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8341 【Access】A 10-minute walk from Higashiyama Station off the Tozai Subway Line, or a 5-minute walk from the Kyoto Kaikan Museum of Art by city bus. 【Hours】Garden viewing hours: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 【Admission Fee】Adults ¥600, children ¥300 【Parking】Available (Paid) 【Telephone】075-761-0221 【Official Website】Official] Heian Shrine - Kyoto｜Information on Heian Shrine and Shinto wedding ceremonies｜Prayers for the Seven-Five-Three Festival and other events, and introductions to the scenic Shinto garden http://www.heianjingu.or.jp/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Heian Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d1386117-Reviews-Heian_Shrine-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Utagawa Hiroshige's "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Through this video "53 Stations of the Tokaido, Utagawa Hiroshige, Ukiyo-e" (東海道五十三次　歌川広重　浮世絵), we would like to teach you about the origins of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing and introduce some captivating Ukiyo-e art! 53 Stations of the Tokaido is a painting depicting the Tokaido, a 487.8km road that connected the cities of Kyoto and Edo. There are 53 stations located along the road which stretches from Edo Nihonbashi to Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi. Utagawa Hiroshige painted the beautiful scenery of the Tokaido after travelling the length of the road himself. Ukiyo-e paintings featuring famous spots along the Tokaido are as admired now as they were hundreds of years ago. You can take a look at these paintings throughout the video as well. Please enjoy learning more about this traditional Japanese art! More about Utagawa Hiroshige's "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Source :YouTube screenshot Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige published a collection of his works called "53 Stations of the Tokaido, Hoeido Edition" (保永堂版東海道五十三次, Hoeidoban Tokaido Gojuusantsugi) in 1833. The first edition was published by two separate publishers: Hoeido and Senjudo; however, the following editions were all published solely by Hoeido. At the time, his works were being sold at a price ranging from 12-16 sen (approximately 600-800 yen in today's currency). At 5:26 in the video you can see Utagawa Hiroshige's "Keishi," a painting depicting Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi. Ukiyo-e paintings of stations along the Tokaido, such as Shinagawa in Tokyo, Kawasaki in Kanagawa, and Shono in Mie, are also very popular. Utagawa Hiroshige also painted Ukiyo-e of the stops along the Nakasendo and Kisokaido roads called "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Nakasendo" and "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Kaido". The History of Ukiyo-e and Ukiyo-e Styles Photo：Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji Ukiyo-e is a style of artwork that flourished in the Edo period, with paintings and prints commonly portraying beautiful women or famous kabuki actors at the time. When we hear the word ukiyo-e, we think of colorful woodblock prints, however the majority of ukiyo-e in the Edo period would have been hand-painted. One of the most famous ukiyo-e prints of all time is "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" (神奈川沖波裏, Kanagawa Okinamiura), one of a series of prints from "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" (富嶽三十六景, Fugakusanjuurokkei) by the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. These paintings greatly influenced future ukiyo-e artists such as Toshuusai Sharaku, Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Hishikawa Moronobu. Summary of "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed our introductory video of the wonderful "53 Stations of the Tokaido" and learned something new about the traditional Japanese art of ukiyo-e. If you were impressed by the artwork in this video, we recommend purchasing a small card version for yourself online or there are also framed versions to decorate your home with. We hope you enjoy and have a new appreciation for the beauty of ukiyo-e. For those who would like to learn more about ukiyo-e, we recommend visiting Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum (東海道広重美術館, Tokaido Hiroshige Bijutsukan) in Shizuoka city (静岡市, shizuokashi), Shizuoka prefecture (静岡県, shizuokaken), situated in the Tokai region with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji (富士山, fujisan).

Introducing Hokkaido’s "Hamanasu"! This video, titled "Debut of the New Limited Express Sightseeing Train "Hamanasu": JR Hokkaido" (観光用にも使える新型特急車両「はまなす編成」がデビュー：JR北海道), was released by "nippon.com." It's a news video introducing JR Hokkaido's new limited express sightseeing train "Hamanasu." From October 2020, the Hamanasu finally began its journey to Abashiri, Kushiro, Hakodate and Wakkanai as a regular limited express train. The Hamanasu is expected to support many people as a new means of travel to Hokkaido. What is the Hamanasu? Photo：The Hamanasu, Hokkaido The KiHa 261-5000 series of the Hamanasu is a multi-purpose diesel locomotive based on the KiHa 261 express locomotive. This train features a cute pink coloring that evokes the image of the Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa, beach rose), called "Hamanasu" (ハマナス) in Japanese. Two 5-car trains were produced and named "Hamanasu" and "Lavender." Commemorating the 140th anniversary of Hokkaido's railroads, the Hamanasu began trial operations in July 2020, and made its commercial debut on Saturday, October 17, 2020, as the "140th Anniversary of Hokkaido's Railways" dedicated day-trip sightseeing train. Starting October 24, the Hamanasu is scheduled to operate with the limited expresses "Okhotsk," "Taisetsu," "Ozora," "Hokuto," "Soya," and "Sarobetsu" operated regularly by JR Hokkaido. The Hamanasu looks like a green car, but there are no plans to add a green car to the train for a while. Enjoy a Wonderful Time Sightseeing on the Hamanasu Source :YouTube screenshot The interior of the Hamanasu is introduced at 0:22 in the video. Car No. 1 is a free space called the "Hamanasu Lounge" and is a multi-purpose room. Car No. 1 also has private rooms with sunken kotatsu-style tables and a counter selling local specialties, and is a great space to enjoy conversing with friends and family during your sightseeing trip. Cars 2 to 5 are equipped with general seating, and each seat is equipped with an electrical outlet and an arm table, and there is also free WiFi available. You can also use your computer or smartphone on the train, making it convenient for business purposes. Summary of Hokkaido’s Newest Sightseeing Train, Hamanasu Photo：The Hamanasu, Hokkaido This article introduced the Hamanasu, a newly launched train that debuted in 2020. The Hamanasu is planned to be very active in the future as a new means of transportation for travelers to Hokkaido. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, we recommend taking the popular Hamanasu for an amazing journey!

A Look at Japan's Currency Manufacturing Technology This video, titled "Japanese Currency Manufacturing Technology" (日本の貨幣製造技術), was released by "Japan Video Topics - 日本語". Japanese currency is created in accordance with the "Acts on Currency Units and Issuance of Coinage" (通貨の単位及び貨幣の発行等に関する法律). Currently, 6 types of coins and 4 types of banknotes issued by the Bank of Japan are in circulation, and 3 billion banknotes are printed every year. The History and Unique Characteristics of Japanese Currency Source :YouTube screenshot Today's Japanese banknotes are made through a method in which design and engraving specialists create the original designs with a brush, design a copper plate similar to a woodblock print and it is then printed by the National Printing Bureau. You can see the production process of these banknotes from 0:48 in the video. Throughout the long history of Japan, such as the Showa and Heisei periods, coinage technology of has dramatically improved. The value of Japanese coin manufacturing technology is recognized around the world, and in recent years, coin manufacturing has become a typical Japanese culture, with some people being asked to manufacture foreign coins as well. The Unique Ingenuity Incorporated Into Japanese Currency Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese banknotes and silver coins are actually packed with many innovations that bring together the advanced technology of traditional Japanese manufacturing. For example, Japanese bills have a watermark that makes a portrait appear when held over light. Ink is used for banknotes to create bumps when printing, so even blind people can touch the banknote and know what type it is. In addition, advanced anti-counterfeiting technology is used for Japanese floral patterns, such as the use of "Bank of Japan" micro-lettering, which cannot be color-copied, and "diagonal jaggedness" on the sides of the coins. Other advanced technologies such as "latent imaging," "fine lining," and "fine dotting," are also used in Japanese currency manufacturing. This amazing technology has been praised around the world for its ability to check the latent images and holograms of the 10,000-yen bill and the portraits and vertical bars of the 1,000-yen bill by touching, tilting, or holding them up to light. Summary of Japan's Currency Manufacturing Photo：Japanese money Japan's coinage is not something that can be seen often, so be sure to check it out if you still haven't yet! In Japan, the notes are scheduled to change in 2024, so keep an eye out for the new designs! In addition, commemorative coins are likely to be issued at events, such as the Olympics, so be sure to get one if you visit!