Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

Osaka's Danjiri Festival: The Most Dangerous Festival in Japan? This video [2019 Danjiri Festival's Accidents and Unexpected Events]（令和元年　だんじり祭り　事故＆ハプニング集） is a video summarizing events that took place during Osaka's traditional Danjiri Festival. During the Danjiri festival, Danjiri festival floats are pulled along the streets at amazing speeds. They fly past the front of people's homes at full speed grazing street lights and barely avoiding crashes but unfortunately accidents do occur from time to time. This video contains a collection of exciting footage from the Danjiri festival, including accidents and other shocking scenes. Please enjoy the thrilling footage! What Is the Danjiri Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot The Danjiri festival is a traditional religious festival held in Kishiwada, Osaka in the Kansai region of Japan. It dates back to the Edo period (1603–1868AD) and originates from the shrine lanterns of the time. There are several Danjiri festivals held in the central area of the Kinki region of Japan: Kishiwada Danjiri Festival, Haruki Danjiri Festival, Kobe Danjiri Festival and Sakai Danjiri Festival to name a few. The Danjiri Festival is held every year to pray for a good harvest and attracts many viewers keen to take a look at the exciting event. The wooden floats decorated with beautiful carvings are pulled around the town on ropes and considered by many to be works of art. Accidents Are Unavoidable During the Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot Accidents and unexpected events happen almost every year during Osaka's Danjiri festival. This video contains footage of the festival floats toppling over, crashing into lamp posts and other dangerous accidents due to the high speed they are being pulled around at. A method called "Yarimawashi" (やりまわし) used to help the floats turn right-angled street corners at high speed is one of the most thrilling and suspenseful moments of the festival. Accidents are particularly prone to happening on rainy days or during the darker hours of the evening. This can be seen at 2:57, 3:18, 6:23 and 8:14 in the video. Some years accidents are so dangerous that they have unfortunately resulted in death. Source :YouTube screenshot The highlight of this video has to be at 13:36 when one of the floats crashes into a street light which breaks and falls over. You can feel just how terrifying that must have been! Again at 14:50 you can see a float crash into a street curb and topple over. There are also many moments when the floats shake violently from side to side and come close to toppling over, occasionally actually falling over in front of spectators. Attending even as a spectator can put your life at risk! As you've probably noticed from the video at 5:45, 6:45, and 7:08, those pulling the floats cannot let go of the ropes even if they fall over and as a result end up being dragged along the street. The reason being, is that there is a danger of being trampled by the float if one let's go of the ropes, therefore there is a rule that one must hold onto the rope no matter what. Danjiri Festival Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed our video compilation of the thrilling events that take place during the Danjiri fesival. With serious accidents being a regular occurrence, it's safe to say that the Danjiri festival is one of the most dangerous festivals in Japan. Even so, every year many visitors come to watch and take part in the festival. There are many food stands and the large number of spectators make this is a very lively and exciting festival! ◆Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Introduction Summary◆ 【Event date】Every year in the middle of August 【Access】JR Kishiwada station (JR岸和田駅, JR Kishiwadaeki) or JR Haruki station (JR春木駅, JR Harukieki) 【Official Website】Kishiwada Danjiri Festival https://translate.google.co.jp/translate?hl=ja&sl=ja&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.city.kishiwada.osaka.jp%2Fsite%2Fdanjiri%2F 【Tripadvisor】Danjiri Festival (September festival) https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1023471-d10019374-r362673132-Danjiri_Matsuri_September-Kishiwada_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Introducing "Iwami Kagura Orochi" In this video "Iwami Kagura Orochi – Shimane（Iwami Kagura Orochi - Shimane - 石見神楽大蛇）" they introduce the Iwami Kagura Orochi performance which is held as an offering to the gods in Shimane prefecture in the Chugoku region of Japan. The Iwami Kagura dates back over 1300 years. The themes of Iwami Kagura are based on ancient mythology, the Nihon-shoki, and the Kojiki. The most famous program in Iwami Kagura is the Orochi (or great serpent). The video gives you the special opportunity to view over 30 minutes of footage taken from Iwami Kagura. Please enjoy watching this traditional Japanese performance! More About Iwami Kagura Source :YouTube screenshot When you think of a Shinto ritual offering to the gods, some solemn, dignified images may come to mind, however Iwami Kagura is a very entertaining and fun experience that anyone can enjoy. The excitement of the dancers and giant serpents moving around to the sound of the fast-paced music really draws you in! A considerably large Orochi with a length of 17 meters can be seen at 8:10 in the video. From 8:55, four of these Orochi appear on stage and dance around each other in a magnificent performance. These long Orochi are designed similarly to a paper lantern, meaning that when they are folded back they come to a length of only 1 meter. The Story Behind Iwami Kagura Orochi Source :YouTube screenshot In a land called Izumo, a deity named Susano-o told the elderly couple Ashinazuchi and Tenazuhi that seven of their daughters had been devoured by an eight-headed serpent and that their eighth daughter, Kushiinadahime would be next. Susano-o bravely slays the serpent, and presents The Sword of Kusanagi which came out of the serpent, to his sister Amaterasu and then marries Kushiinadahime. This story is told throughout the entirety of this video. Where Is the Iwami Kagura Orochi Held? Photo：Iwami Kagura Orochi You can see the traditional performance Iwami Kagura Orochi in Oda city or Hamada city in the Iwami region of Shimane prefecture. There are other famous programs in Iwami Kagura such as Ebisu, Hachiman and Noumai to name a couple. If you are interested in watching Iwami Kagura, please take a look at the performance schedule and visit one of the following performance locations: Yunotsu Hot Spring (温泉津温泉, yunotsuonsen), Tatsunogozen Shrine (龍御前神社, tatsunogozenjinja), Arifuku Hot Spring, Yunomachi Kagura Hall, Paretto Goutsu or Iwamigoya. Most of the venues have parking making it convenient to travel by car. Even those who live far away can easily enjoy sightseeing around Iwami! Iwami Kagura Orochi Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot In this video, we present over 30 minutes of footage of the Iwami Kagura Orochi performance held in Shimane prefecture. We hope you make the trip to Shimane prefecture to enjoy this wonderful performance which has been passed down for generations! 【Official Website】Iwami Kagura http://iwamikagura.jp/

Video introduction of "Aizu Fireworks Festival" in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture We would like to introduce to you this video [(4K) 2018 3rd Aizu Fireworks Display, Aizu Fireworks Contest, Ending Fireworks (Shot on Samsung NX1)] ([ 4K ] 2018年 会津花火 第3回会津全国煙火競演会 エンディング花火 - Aizu Fireworks Festival - (shot on Samsung NX1))which was shot in Aizu city, Fukuoka prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. When you think of Japanese summer festivals, impressive fireworks displays often come to mind. The gorgeous sight and tremendous sound of the fireworks can be enjoyed both up close or from a distance. In this video, we bring you footage of the Aizu Hirano Fireworks Display. The mountain range in the background makes this a truly beautiful and unique fireworks display. It is truly a work of art, and we hope you enjoy watching! More About the Aizu Fireworks Display and the History of Fireworks Displays in Japan Photo：Food Stalls The origins of Japanese fireworks displays date all the way back to the Edo period (1603-1868AD) when Tokugawa Yoshimune was Shogun. In Japan, when summer comes around, fireworks displays are held all over the country. Many people attend to enjoy the fireworks and also the food stands that are temporarily set up. However, the Aizu Fireworks Display, which has been held since 2016, is held in the beginning of winter making it rather unique. The Aizu Fireworks Executive Committee has put a lot of effort into this huge event in order to promote the restoration of the Aizu area which suffered catastrophic damage during the Great East Japan Earthquake. How Many Fireworks Are Launched During the Aizu Fireworks Display? Source :YouTube screenshot This popular fireworks display attracts roughly 100,000 spectators each year. The program starts with opening fireworks, followed by message or themed fireworks, quick-fire fireworks launched in succession over a span of 400 meters, minna no hanabi fireworks, the Japanese Fireworks Art Association's fireworks, and then the ending fireworks. Several events such as Hachigouwaremono, the Jiyuutama contest, and the Hachigousenrintama contest are also held by the top pyrotechnics in Japan. Approximately 10,000 fireworks light Aizu's night sky during this single festival. The fireworks are provided by the top fireworks specialists in Japan, featuring fireworks such as Shakudama and Sousaku hanabi. Aizu Fireworks Festival Introductory Video Summary Photo：Fireworks viewers For those interested in Japanese fireworks displays, please check out the video of this exciting festival! As you can see from the video, the fireworks display held in Aizu is one of the biggest and leading fireworks displays in the country. Watching the fireworks from a special location, wearing yukata, visiting various food stands and stalls in the area is the typical and perfect way to enjoy this Japanese festival. We also highly recommend taking part in a fireworks display tour! ◆Aizu Fireworks Display, Fukushima Prefecture◆ 【Location】Fujimuro, Machikitamachi, Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture 【Access】A shuttle bus is available from Kyuukenritsubyouinatoch. There is a temporary free of charge car park as well (Aizuwakamatsu station (会津若松駅, aizuwakamatsueki) (traffic rules and restrictions apply) 【Fireworks display time】18:00～19:00 【Seat tickets (payment necessary)】Must book in advance (free of charge seats also available) 【Official Website】Aizu Fireworks Display【4th Aizu Fireworks Display 2019/11/2】 https://aizu-hanabi.com/

Taisha Reitaisai's Shinto Ritual: "Yunobori Shinji" This video, titled "Reitaisai Kumano Hongu Taisha -Official," shows aspects of "Yunobori Shinji," a shinto ritual that is part of the traditional "Reitaisai" rituals held at Kumano Hongu Grand Shrine, in Wakayama prefecture. "Kumano Hongu Taisha," a world heritage site in Wakayama prefecture, is one of three grand shrines configuring "Kumano Sanzan" along with "Kumano Nachi Taisha" and "Kumano Hayatama Taisha." Kumano Hongu Taisha was built more than 2050 years ago, and Yunobori Shinji, the largest annual shinto festival, has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Wakayama Prefecture. This video introduces the "Kumano Hongu Taisha Reitaisai Festival" of Wakayama prefecture. If you ever wonder what kind of sacred rituals and events are held in the festival, take a look at the video and this article. Yunobori Shinji and Miyawatari Shinji - Two Shinto Rituals Source :YouTube screenshot The "Kumano Hongu Taisha Reitaisai Festival" is held for three days from April 13th to 15th every year. The festival starts with the events "Yunobori Shinji" and "Miyawatari Shinji." Starting at 0:07 in the video, it shows one aspect of the ritual where people invoke the spirit of the gods into children after they've purified themselves in the sacred water of Yunomine Onsen during "Yunobori Shinji." During the festival, the children are only allowed to put their feet on the ground while in the ritual so their fathers or brothers carry them on their shoulders and hike through 3.4 km of mountain trail called the "Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes" to get to "Oyunohara." In the afternoon, there is the traditional performance by the children called the "Yasabaki Shinto Ritual" at Yunomine Ouji which is shown in the video around 0:44. After that, the children, a Kannushi (a person responsible for the maintenance of a Shinto shrine), and people with musical instruments line up and head to “Otabisho.” Rituals of the "Kumano Hongu Taisha Reitaisai Festival" Source :YouTube screenshot The event called Funatama Taisai (船玉大祭) and the eve of the main festival are held at Kumano Hongu Taisha on April 14th. As shown in the video around 1:15, the most important event, the Hondensai (本殿祭), and the Togyo Festival (渡御祭) in which 400 people dressed in Heian style clothing for the performance participate in, are held on April 15th. A procession that recreates Kumano Gokou then heads to Oyunohara to perform sacred dances such as "Yamatomai" and "Mikomai." In the “Hondensai,” there is the "Togyosai" festival and the "Kangyo Sai" festival where you can see the Mikoshi (a portable shrine) with the flowers from "The deity of Kumanomusumi" (熊野牟須美神) (The god enshrined in Kumano Sanzan). It is said that the gods are pleased by the decorating of the Mikoshi with flowers and the swinging of the mikoshi. Starting at around 2:32, the video shows children praying for a good harvest. The festival is called "Ondasai" (御田祭, Ondasai). The video also shows the events "Gomadaki" (護摩焚き, Gomadaki) performed by monks, "Mochinage" (throwing rice cake), "Saitodaigoma" (採燈大護摩, saitodaigoma) and "Tamagushi Houten" (玉串奉奠, tamagushi Houten). which are also fun to see. Towards the end of the festival, when the sun starts to go down, people walk out of the Torii gate of "Ooyunohara" and make their way back to the shrine. After that, the last festival, "Kangyo-sai," is held (3:49). Summary of the "Kumano Hongu Taisha Reitai Festival" Photo：Kumano Hongu Taisha The video shows a lot about the traditional sacred festival at Kumano Hongu Taisha. Climb up the 158 stone steps and walk through the sacred gate, and you'll find Kumano Hongu Taisha. If you're looking to enjoy the atmosphere of Japan's shrines, Kumano Hongu Taisha is the perfect place to visit. Repair work was also undertaken in 2012 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the shrine being transferred to its current location. There are many hotels and Ryokan (Japanese style inn) in Tanabe City in Wakayama, near Kumano Hongu Taisha. You can have a great time feasting on the local cuisine during your lunch break. You can also go shrine hopping with your Goshuin notebook when the weather is nice. ◆Kumano Hongu Taisha◆ 【Address】1110 Hongu, Hongu-sho, Tanabe-shi, Wakayama prefecture 【Access】140 minutes from Nanki-Shirahama Airport by bus 【Hours】6:00 – 17:00 【Parking】Available (Free) 【Phone】0735-42-0009 【Official Website】Kumano Hongu Taisha http://www.hongutaisha.jp/english/

Check out the Video Introducing Maid Cafes in Japan! We'll take a close look at maid cafe culture in Japan. This is a video introducing Japan's maid cafes, “Introducing @home cafe Osaka main location PV” located in Osaka. The beginning of Otaku culture started in Japan. It has since spread all over the world and become popular worldwide. Many people are curious about this modern culture of maid cafes. Maid cafes, where maids work as waitresses, can be found in many places in Japan. However, maid cafes are mainly located in Akihabara, Tokyo and Nihonbashi, Osaka. If you are curious about Japanese modern cultures such as subculture and Otaku culture, please try visiting a maid cafe. Japan's Maid Cafe Culture Photo：Old town coffee shop It has been said that the origins of Japan's maid cafe culture started around theMeiji era (in 1912). “Cafe Lion” is the very first maid cafe, located in Ginza and Ueno in Tokyo. Maid cafes built a reputation for good looking Japanese girls wearing aprons on top of Japanese style uniforms. Throughout its long history, maid cafes have transformed and created the modern Kawaii culture of Japan. What Kind of Services Are Available at Japan's Maid Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video at 0:07, the maids are dressed in cute uniforms and give the best service. As you can see in the video at 0:45, there are several different menus available such as a photogenic cafe menu which is Instagrammable, and a rice omelet with a cute message on top. You can also enjoy having conversations with the maids and take pictures together. Some cafes hold a live singing performance as you can see in the video at 0:56. The Different Types of Japanese Maid Cafes Photo：Maid There are several different types of maid cafes in Japan. Besides the modern style maid cafe which you see in the video, there are Japanese themed cafes where they serve Japanese sweets as well. Popular maid cafes are the "@home cafe," in Akihabara and Osaka, and "Maid Ri-min" in Nagoya. It will be fun to visit different maid cafes in different cities. Each maid cafe has different prices and different menus. Japanese Maid Cafe Summary Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese maid cafes became a modern culture of Japan, and it is a symbol of “Kawaii” culture. You can get more than what you get at regular restaurants. Please check the official website of each maid cafe for the service, menu, and pricing. Many cafes are perfect for first time visitors, so please don’t hesitate if you are new to maid cafes. ◆@Home cafe Osaka main location Outline◆ 【Address】B1F SEM building 1st floor, 4-9-13, Nihonbashi, Naniwa, Osaka-shi, Osaka 【Access】5 minutes walk from the ext 1-A at Ebisucho station on Osaka metro Sakaisuji line 【Admission Fee】Adult: 700 Yen 【Hours】11:00 〜 22:00 【Closures】Irregular 【Parking】Not available 【Phone Number】06-6585-9760 【Official Website】@Home cafe https://www.cafe-athome.com/

Check Out the Introductory Video of the Genbi Shinkansen, Running Through Niigata “The ‘fun bullet train to ride’ in Niigata - Steps until its operation begins”（新潟の「のってたのしい列車」～現美新幹線・運行開始までの軌跡～） is a documentary video of the The Genbi Shinkansen. The word “Genbi” is an abbreviation of “Gendai Bijutsu (現代美術),” meaning “modern art” in Japanese. This train, limitedly operated by JR East Joetsu Shinkansen, belongs to the Niigata Shinkansen Vehicle Center. When its operation started in 2016, the Genbi Shinkansen used to run between Echigoyuzawa Station to Niigata Station only within Niigata prefecture. After 2017, however, it now runs between Niigata Station and Tokyo Station as a travel-only train. It also runs from Sendai in Fukushima to Omiyama in Saitama for a special tour. In this three-minute video, you can see the production scene of the Genbi Shinkansen until its debut. Did you know that such a beautiful train runs in Japan...? What Is the Genbi Shinkansen? A Look at Its Designs! Source :YouTube screenshot The Genbi Shinkansen in Niigata attracts the attention of many people, as it’s known as the train of the “fastest art appreciation gallery in the world.” As a train with a brand-new concept of the “moving museum,” the Genbi Shinkansen displays many modern artworks made for this bullet train. The artwork on the body of the train, which you can see at 0:40 in the video, is designed by Japanese photographer Mika Ninagawa. The inside of the train was designed and created by a lot of artists. Many artists designed and created various exteriors and interiors, which make for great photos. In 2018, the exterior design was renewed; the Genbi Shinkansen became a more attractive bullet train. As of November 2019, the Genbi Shinkansen runs as a temporary train of the bullet train “Toki (No. 451-456),” making three round trips a day, mainly on Saturdays and holidays. It operates between Echigoyuzawa Station and Niigata Station within Niigata prefecture, which takes about 50 minutes. It stops at the following five stations: Echigoyuzawa Station, Urasa Station, Nagaoka Station, Tsubamesanjo Station, and Niigata Station. The Interior of the Genbi Shinkansen! Source :YouTube screenshot As seen at 0:59 in the video, people started to work on the interior of the Genbi Shinkansen at the Niigata Shinkansen Vehicle Center in February 2016. Artists started to move their artworks into the train on the very first day. From 1:32, the video shows each interior design of the Genbi Shinkansen. The 11th car (designed by the artist Nao Matsumoto), is a reserved seat car with limited express tickets, and is designed with the concept of the “five harvests,” “festivals,” and “lights,” while the 12th car (designed by the artist Yusuke Komuta) is designed with mirrors to reflect the world through its car windows. You can also enjoy each innovative contemporary art exhibit in the 14th car (designed by the photographer Naoki Ishikawa), the 15th car (designed by the artist Haruka Kojin), and the 16th car (designed by the artist Brian Alfred). In the 13th car, there is a playing room for kids with the toy Pla-rail (designed by the artist paramodel) and a café (designed by the artist Kentaro Kobuke), where you can enjoy drinks from Tsubame Coffee by Tatsuyuki Tanaka and sweet treats of the cake shop Romi-Unie. In the café space, you can also buy some railway items, including the N-scale model railway. Please find your favorite item there. The 12th, 14th, 15th, and 16th cars have non-reserved seats where you can enjoy artworks. The Genbi Shinkansen was completed in March 2016 and its departure ceremony was celebrated on April 29, 2016, as you can see at 1:55 in the video. Summary of the Genbi Shinkansen Source :YouTube screenshot The Genbi Shinkansen, operated as Joetsu Shinkansen’s joyful train, runs at a top speed of 240 kilometers per hour. So we can definitely call it the "fastest art museum in the world." When you travel to Niigata or Sendai, please try out the Genbi Shinkansen. For more information please take a look at the official website of JR East; You can see its schedule, fares, reservations, operation days, operation routes, connections, and so on. At 2:33 in this video, you can see a colorful Shinkansen running through the nature of Japan. I know the beautiful design makes me want to take a ride at least once. 【Official Website】The Genbi Shinkansen: The fun bullet train to ride (JR East Niigata Branch) https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/destinations/niigata_sado.html

The Okayama Korakuen Genso Teien Event The video, produced by "Takashi Matsuo", catches a glimpse of the 2018 Okayama Korakuen Genso Garden summer event. Korakuen, situated in Okayama city, capital of the Okayama prefecture in Japan's Chugoku region, is one of Japan's three great gardens. A wonderful light-up event called “Genso Garden” is held in this gorgeous garden every summer, and in less than a minute the clip manages to convey the beauty of its scenery and its illumination under the night sky, all in 4k quality. What Is Korakuen? What Are Its Attractions? Photo：Okayama Korakuen Built 300 years ago by Tsunamasa Ikeda, the second daimyo of the Okayama clan, Korakuen is a historical cultural heritage and one of Japan's three most famous gardens. In addition to being designated as a national special place of scenic beauty, it has been awarded a three-star rating by the Japan Michelin Green Guide. The garden, which also goes by the name of Gokoen, is a stroll garden based on classic Japanese gardens, where the visitors can enjoy the most emblematic features of the four seasons such as cherry and plum blossoms in spring, or moonlit skies and autumn leaves in the fall. The Enyotei house and the Yuishinzan Hill are a must-visit, and if you happen to be there at the right time you should not miss the early summer tea picking and the traditional lawn burning. The garden currently hosts eight Japanese cranes, which freely range around the park from fall to winter. Also, buildings that are generally reserved for private rental, such as the Noh Stage and the Eisho room, are open to the public once a month so that anyone can enjoy the views the they offer. The "Genso Garden Event" Source :YouTube screenshot Korakuen's "Genso Garden" is a popular sightseeing event meant to bring some extra color to Okayama’s summer. In 2019, it was held at the same time as Okayama Castle's Ujo Togenkyo. In addition to the summer event shown in the video, there is a spring version of it which is held between late April and early May. Going through the video, at 0:17 you can see some tourists walking around the Japanese garden in their light yukata. A stroll through the park featuring wind chimes (0:22) and the carp pond (0:29) will certainly make for a relaxing visit. The highlight of this video is the illuminated view of Okayama Castle, featured at 0:41. The magnificent Okayama Castle shines in its pure white tones behind two of the garden’s main features, the Asahigawa and Tsukimi Bridges. Both are sights you want to experience at least once in your lifetime. The garden hosts a number of events throughout the year, such as a beer garden, a Japanese culture experience tour and Yukata Day, and many people regularly come even just to have a nice, cool evening while strolling around the park. Other Sightseeing Spots Around Korakuen Photo：Momotaro Some of the most popular places in the area are the Okayama Castle's Castle Tower, Ujo Park, and Mt. Mikai Zenkoji Temple with its wonderful treasure towers. Many people also like strolling through the retro-style streets of Izushi-cho in Monzen-machi, or visiting the healing spots in Nishigawa Green Road Park and Edagawa Green Road Park. And since we are talking about Okayama, one can’t forget about the statue of Momotaro, the iconic Japanese fairy tale character. Pottery from Bizen is another very popular feature from this area. You can also have lunch at at one of the many nearby hotels, eat local gourmet dishes such as the castle parfait and Okayama Castle rice cakes, or savory Japanese sweets and matcha from the local cafes. Korakuen Genso Garden Video Summary In less then a minute, this video manages to capture the atmosphere of both Korakuen and the summer atmosphere of Japan. Historic Japanese gardens change radically between day and night. That being said, if you want to walk through this beautifully lit up Japanese garden, don’t miss your chance to visit Korakuen during the Genso Garden event! ◆Overview of the Okayama Korakuen Garden◆ 【Address】1-5 Korakuen, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture 【Access】10 minutes by bus from Okayama Station or 25 minute walk from the Okayama station 【Admission Fee】Adults 410 yen, seniors 140 yen, free for high school students and younger children (* 2019) 【Hours】From 17:00 to 20:30 【Average time spent here】30-60 minutes 【Parking】Available (100 yen per hour) 【Telephone】086-272-1148 【Notice】Pets are not allowed to enter the park, admission is until 20:00 【Official Website】Okayama Korakuen https://okayama-korakuen.jp/foregin_taravelers.html 【Tripadvisor】Okayama Korakuen https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298134-d321203-Reviews-Okayama_Korakuen_Garden-Okayama_Okayama_Prefecture_Chugoku.html

Introductory Video for Toyota's New "i-Road" In this article we introduce the video "TOYOTA i-ROAD driving around Tokyo!". The i-ROAD is a futuristic compact vehicle developed by the Toyota Motor Corporation that is attracting attention worldwide. The sight of the new age, electric-powered i-ROAD swiftly gliding through the streets of Tokyo is truly fascinating. Please take a look at this new and exciting model in our video! Throughout the video we will introduce you to the special features and sales strategies of the Toyota i-ROAD. More About the Toyota i-Road Source :YouTube screenshot Since being revealed to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2013, the electric-powered Toyota i-ROAD has gained huge popularity among car fanatics worldwide. Combining the maneuverability of a bike and comfort of a car, the interior of the compact, two-seater i-ROAD is surprisingly spacious. The Toyota i-ROAD features sides which can be manually opened and closed, making it comfortable to drive even in rainy conditions, however it is not equipped with air conditioning. The three-wheel vehicle (two wheels at the front and one at the rear) drives like a motorcycle but with more stability, automatically leaning to maintain balance when turning corners for a safe and secure ride. You can watch the i-ROAD's smooth and stable corner turns from 0:25 in the video. The Toyota i-ROAD was designed to meet the needs of generations young and old. From 0:59 in the video, you can watch an interview with an individual who took a test ride in the i-ROAD. Watch the i-Road Drive Around the Streets of Tokyo! Source :YouTube screenshot In this 2-minute long video, you can watch the i-ROAD glide through the streets of Harajuku , Akihabara, Shibuya, the area surrounding Tokyo station, the National Diet Building (国会議事堂, kokkaigijidou), Asakusa, and Odaiba . You can check out the exhilarating footage of the i-ROAD traveling around all of the famous spots in Tokyo from 0:10 and 1:34 in the video. After watching this video i'm sure you'll want to take the i-ROAD for a drive yourself! Unfortunately, the i-ROAD is still a concept car undergoing field trials, and therefore only a small number of models have been produced. A few have been sold to regular customers, however, the majority have been sold to companies and local governments. How to Drive the i-Road Since 2015, Toyota has been offering an i-ROAD sharing service and a test drive monitor service. For those who are hesitant about whether to purchase an i-ROAD or not, we recommend making the most of Toyota's car rental service (which comes at an affordable price), or testing out the comfort and feel of the i-ROAD at an exhibit during the Tokyo Motor Show. As long as you hold a regular driver's license you will qualify to drive the i-ROAD. Unfortunately, those who hold a driver's license for a moped or motorcycle license do not qualify. Toyota i-Road Introductory Video Summary Photo：Toyota This video explains in detail all about the new i-ROAD vehicle which has been developed by Toyota. Please enjoy watching the i-ROAD with its chic style and eye-catching colors effortlessly gliding through the streets of Tokyo. In 2017, Toyota released their new model i-TRIL which we highly recommend checking out as well! Look forward to news of original and exciting micro-car development from Japanese car manufacturers in the near future! 【Official Website】TOYOTA i-ROAD | Toyota Motor Company https://global.toyota/en/detail/1225223?_ga=2.148155319.1464172541.1586412657-302881253.1586412657

Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, Japan The video "JG 4K Asahiyama Zoo, Hokkaido" (JG 4K 北海道 旭山動物園 Asahiyama Zoo, Hokkaido), introduces Asahiyama Zoo, a popular tourist spot in Hokkaido. Asahiyama Zoo is 15 hectares. It's the size of about 3 Tokyo Domes. There are over 650 animals (100 species) bred in the park. The 20-minute video contains plenty of cute animals, so be sure to check it out! About Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Photo：Asahiyama Zoo Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo, known as the northernmost zoo in Japan, is a historical zoo that opened in 1951. The special feature of Asahiyama Zoo is the "Behavior Exhibit" where you can see the behavior and life of the animals. The facility is designed to allow visitors to get up close and personal with animals that move around freely. To achieve this goal, penguins roam the park freely, and they hold an event to display meal time called "Munching Time." Another characteristic of Asahiyama Zoo's exhibition is the "mixed exhibition" in which different animals are raised in the same place. The Asahiyama Zoo was in danger of closing in 1994 (Heisei 6), but by incorporating these exhibits, the Asahiyama Zoo has recovered brilliantly. During its big boom, it became the nation's top zoo, attracting 3 million visitors annually. Currently, you can see behavior exhibits at zoos around the country. The Animals of Asahiyama Zoo Photo：Asahiyama Zoo From 0:25 in the video, you can see the popular penguins, and from 2:04, you can see the awesome appearance of the polar bears at the Polar Bear Hall. In the video, you can see the tiger at the "Fierce Animal House" (もうじゅう館) (15:29-), a snow leopard (15:38), an Ussuri brown bear (15:48), elephants, seals (9:41), red pandas (18:08), snowy owls (18:46), cranes (19:10), and eagles (19:27). The park is quite large, and visitors can enjoy a variety of facilities, such as the 360-degree underwater tunnel, a hippopotamus building, a wolf forest, flamingo house, monkey house, giraffe house, a suspension bridge, and a marine way. Although not shown in the video, you can see reindeer, hippos, giraffes, chimpanzees, ostriches, Japanese macaques, foxes, raccoons, capybaras and other animals as well. One of the attractions of the Asahiyama Zoo is its various events that are held throughout the year. During the Obon season, they extend their hours of operation to allow you to observe nocturnal animals in a different way than you do during the day. There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy lunch and a souvenir shop where you can purchase limited edition animal merchandise. Take your time and enjoy the sights along the tour. Summary of Hokkaido's Asahiyama Zoo Photo：A King Penguin Hokkaido has a variety of sightseeing spots, including Sapporo City, Furano, and Hakodate, so be sure to visit Asahiyama Zoo if you're headed that way. There are a number of sightseeing tours offered, but since your time at the zoo is limited to 2-3 hours, it may not be enough to enjoy all that the zoo has to offer. In winter, business hours are shorter, so please check the weather and other information before visiting. There are restaurants and hotels in the surrounding area, so it's a good idea to stay in Asahikawa and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. As of March 31, 2018, the Asahiyama Zoo Live Camera was discontinued, so please take the time to enjoy the animals' ecology through this video. ◆Asahiyama Zoo◆ 【Address】 Kuranuma, Higashi Asahikawa Town, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido 【Director】Gen Bando 【Access】About 40 minutes by bus from Asahikawa Station (2 hours from Sapporo). There is also the "Asahiyama Zoo Train" that runs between Sapporo and Asahikawa. 【Hours】Summer 9: 30-17: 15, Winter 10: 30-15: 30 【Admission Fee】Free for junior high school students and younger, 820 yen for high school students and older (special discount coupon available for senior citizens) 【Parking】Available (free) 【Phone number】0166-36-1104 【Official Website】Home | Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo https://honyaku.j-server.com/LUCAKC/ns/tl.cgi/https://www.city.asahikawa.hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/index.html?SLANG=ja&TLANG=en&XMODE=0&XCHARSET=utf-8&XJSID=0 【Tripadvisor】 Asahiyama Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g319103-d780529-Reviews-Asahiyama_Zoo-Asahikawa_Hokkaido.html

The PR Video for "Chusen," a Traditional Japanese Dyeing Technique This video, titled "Chusen - Hand-dyeing technique (Japan)," produced by "IKIDANE NIPPON" features one of Japan's traditional dyeing techniques. "Chusen" is a traditional dyeing technique that originated in Sakai (堺市：Sakai-shi), Osaka in the early Edo Period. Chusen is also called "Sosogi-zome." Dyed textiles are used not only for rolls of cloth and clothing like Yukata, and Jinbei, but also for commonly used items like dish cloths or handkerchiefs. 　 This video clip features the traditional dyeing technique Chusen. We hope you enjoy this rare footage! The Chusen Dyeing Technique Source :YouTube screenshot Chusen is a traditional dyeing technique whereby you dye each piece one by one, and requires highly skilled craftsmen to create perfect, even dyeing. First, place the material cloth on the board and apply anti-dye adhesive to the non-dyeing areas using patterned paper. (0:05). After the pastes are dried, set a frame to an area to be dyed (1:08) and pour the dye compounds onto the cloth. If cloths are dyed twice, in a distinct way, by layering them on top of each other by the bellows, a beautiful color will be produced, and the back side will have a vivid appearance. Dyed textures are washed with water and dried. You can see the completed product in the footage from 3:04. Chusen uses the same technique to dye yarns, therefore, it does not lose its elasticity and breath-ability. Let's Use Chusen Dyed Products Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from this video clip, these traditional dyed products are made by hand, one by one. These Chusen products, with an air of Japanese culture, are very popular as souvenirs. Chusen products are available on online shopping sites. In recent years, MUJI has introduced a new line of chusen items that have attracted a lot of attention. If properly cared for, Chusen products will change into a beautiful color and can be used for a long time. We also recommend trying a Chusen experience class to see what Chusen dyeing is like. Summary of Chusen, the Traditional Hand Dyeing Technique Source :YouTube screenshot The footage from 3:11 features various Chusen products. Chusen has many different types of patterns such as such as small crests, stripes, chidori patterns, and floral patterns. There are also various techniques, such as using multiple dyeing compounds to make colors brighter, or discharge dyeing to make colors dark. There is another traditional dyeing method in Japan besides Chusen; it is called "Nattsen." Definitely check out some chusen products if you have the chance! 【Official Website】Tenukuri kobo |Tokyo Wasarasi Sozokan https://souzou-kan.info/en/