Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

Introducing Drone Footage of Kumamoto Castle's Reconstruction! This video, titled "Four Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake. Drone Footage of Kumamoto Castle's Reconstruction" (熊本地震から4年　修復作業続く熊本城をドローン撮影), was released by "Jiji Press Video Center" (時事通信映像センター) in 2020. Kumamoto Castle is a famous sightseeing spot in Kumamoto. It was damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake that struck on April 14th, 2016 and reconstruction is currently ongoing. Reconstruction of the exterior of the large keep will be finished by 2020, and work on the interior of the large keep and small keep will continue through 2021. During the restoration period, the castle has a special viewing corridor, as shown at 1:05 of the video, where you can see a close look at the repairs taking place. The History and Characteristics of Kumamoto Castle Photo：Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle, also known as Ginnan Castle, was built between the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598) and the Edo period (1603-1868) in Kumamoto, Akita, Higo as a flatland-mountain castle. After Kato Kiyomasa rebuilt the castle, it became the residence of the Hosokawa family of the Kumamoto Domain until the end of the Edo period. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was used as a battlefield for Satsuma Rebellion and as a school. The ruins of castle are designated as a national special historic site and the turret and gate which escaped the flames of the Satsuma Rebellion have been designated Important Cultural Properties. Condition of Reconstruction Photo：Restoration of Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake. However, the castle barely survived, being supported by a single line of stone wall. This came to be called "The Stone Wall Miracle" and became a beacon of hope for the people affected by the disaster. The total cost of repairing Kumamoto Castle is estimated to be about 35.4 billion yen. If you donate more than 10,000 yen, you will receive a "Castle Lord Card" and "Castle Lord Certificate" and your name will be listed on the digital board. As of 2019, donations have exceeded 2 billion yen. The basic plan for reconstruction was created in 2018 and included "the early restoration of the castle tower, a symbol of reconstruction, and "a plan to lay the foundation to survive at least 100 years." Sightseeing Spots Around the Castle Photo：Kumamoto Castle and Cherry Blossoms The free guide "Omotenashi Busho" is very popular at Kumamoto Castle. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors in the fall, which are very photogenic. There's also the exciting "Kumamoto Castle Marathon" in winter where you can run around the castle. Kato Shrine dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa and the Monogatari Goten on the second floor of the Kumamoto Museum Wakuwakuza are also a must-see. Also check out the "Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience." Summary of Kumamoto Castle's Restoration Photo：Kumamoto Castle Inner Citadel and Turrets The castle has 400 years of history and the castle's reconstruction has been attracting a lot of attention from castle fans in Japan and abroad. Check out the official website for information on the reconstruction, special exhibitions, and for maps. We recommend taking a look at the live camera at Josaien Wakuwakuza to check the progress. ◆About Kumamoto Castle◆ 【Address】1-1 Honmaru, Chuo, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 【Access】A 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station and 30 minutes by bus from JR Kumamoto Station 【Entrance fee】500 yen for adult and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school student. 【Hours】8:30 am to 6:00 pm from March to November, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from December to February 【Closures】December 29th to December 31st 【Parking Facilities】Available 【Telephone No】096-223-5011 【Official Website】Kumamoto Castle https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Kumamoto Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298213-d324727-Reviews-Kumamoto_Castle-Kumamoto_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

Video introduction of "Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki" in Chuo-ku, Tokyo This video, titled "[Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura｜Yoshinoyama] Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki｜Annual Dedication Performance｜Heisei 30" (「義経千本桜　吉野山」　平成３０年 新富座こども歌舞伎 例大祭奉納公演), was produced by "machihito." Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki was established in 2007 (the 19th year of the Heisei period) to provide children in the community of Chuo Ward (中央区, Chuo-Ku), Tokyo, with an opportunity to experience the performing arts of their hometowns. Every year during the Setsubun Festival in February and the Annual Festival in May, the children dedicate popular performances, such as "Shiranami Gonin Otoko" (Benten Kozō) at the Kagura hall of Teppozu Inari Shrine. The video shows a 30-minute performance of the Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki's annual dedication performance. It's well worth the watch, so be sure to check it out. The History of Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki Source :YouTube screenshot Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki was originally founded in 1875 as a stock company theater renamed from Morita-za. In 1872, it moved to Shintomi (新富町) and was officially renamed to Shintomi-za. In April 2007, local children gathered to form Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki, and on February 3, 2008, they presented "Sanninkichi Satomoeno Shiranami." The Child Actors of Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki Source :YouTube screenshot The child actors who participate in Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki are chosen from children who attend Taimei Elementary School and other schools in the Ginza (銀座) area. The children rehearse music and performances in preparation for the big event. On the day of the show, they wear traditional costumes and makeup to perform on stage. It's very difficult for children to study the old Japanese language and express the uniqueness of Kabuki with their movements. However, the video shows the children performing a highly advanced performance with a great deal of skill. The performance is filmed in full and starts from 1:13 in the video, so enjoy the show! The Story of Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura Photo：Ningyo-Joruri Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura (Yoshitsune and the Thousand Cherry Trees) is a Ningyo-Joruri (traditional Japanese puppet theatre) and Kabuki performance. The story depicts the tragedy of the Heike warlords who survived after the Genpei War (a battle between the Taira and Minamoto clans) and those who were involved. The fourth chapter depicts the journey of Shizuka Gozen and Tadanobu Sato on their way to Yoshino. This performance is rather long, but has a fascinating story that draws in the crowd. "Yoshitsune Senbon Zakura" has been made into Japanese film and stage play, and has been performed by famous Kabuki actors such as Danjuro Ichikawa. Summary of the Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki, Shintomi-za also hosts events such as Terakoya. If you want to experience traditional Japanese art and culture, be sure to check out information regarding Shintomi-za Children's Kabuki and consider buying tickets to the next performance!

A Look at Wonderful Nature Village! This is a video titled "Wonderful Nature Village Promotional Video" (わんダフルネイチャーヴィレッジプロモーション映像), created by "Wonderful Nature Village." Wonderful Nature Village is an outdoor facility inside Akikawa Kyuryo, located next to Tokyo Summer Land in Akiruno, Tokyo. The expansive grounds include a dog run, as well as facilities such as a dog pool, hiking trails and a campground. Wonderful Nature Village is the perfect outdoor complex for those who want to spend a fun-filled day playing with their dogs. The Facilities at Wonderful Nature Park Source :YouTube screenshot The dog run at Wonderful Nature Village, one of the biggest dog runs in Tokyo, is incredibly popular. Not only does it have an all dog area, but also a medium and large dog area, a small dog area, and a covered area, so you and your pal can make all different kinds of friends. The dog pool featured at "Wonderful Point 6" at 3:24 in the video includes a dog beach and doggy pool where you and your pal can play with fountains and cascading water. At "Wonderful Point 1," shown at 0:25 in the video, features a pathway made of Oya stones that don't get hot on hot summer days. The Activities at Wonderful Nature Village Source :YouTube screenshot At Wonderful Nature Village there's a Lakeside Auto Camping Field and Hilltop Auto Camping Field where you can stay with your pet, a spot for canoeing/kayaking, sport fishing and regular fishing, and a kids' area where kids can play in the athletic areas for hours of fun. If you want to enjoy the seasonal scenery of Wonderful Nature Village, you can take your dog on the 2 km hiking trail featured at 2:23 in the video. You'll also find dog-friendly facilities such as dog stations, showers, and a poop box at the park. Enjoy a Wonderful Time at Wonderful Nature Village! Source :YouTube screenshot Shown at 3:46 in the video, Wonderful Nature Village also has BBQ pits where you can bring your own food and enjoy a delicious day of barbecuing! There is also the cafe/restaurant, AZEKIRI, where you can enjoy a menu that uses locally produced vegetables. The dishes made with locally grown ingredients from Tama are exquisite. There is also a souvenir shop in the park, so if you're interested in buying goods for your dog, be sure to stop by. Summary of Wonderful Nature Village Photo：Dog run Wonderful Nature Village has a lot of facilities for the whole family to enjoy. It has a good reputation and is a popular tourist spot in Tokyo. The reputation is really good and it is a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo. You can enjoy the facilities even on rainy days, so you can play without worrying about the weather. If you're looking for some fun for you and your pup and/or family, be sure to drop by! ◆Information◆ 【Address】600 Shiraiwa, Kamiyotsuki, Akiruno, Tokyo 【Access】30 minutes bus ride from JR Hachioji Station 【Admission fee】850 yen for adults, 450 yen for children and 850 yen for dogs. (450 yen for 【second and after dog) 【Hours】10 am to 5 pm (depends on season) 【Closures】Every Thursdays 【Parking】Available. 700 spots (700 yen/car) 【Phone number】042-558-5861 【Official Website】Wonderful Nature Village! https://www.wnv.tokyo/

Introducing Japan’s kabuki production “Shi-Shi-O”! This video, “Wonder Kabuki Spectacle『獅子王SHI-SHI-O』in Las Vegas,” depicts scenes from the 2016 Las Vegas performance of Japan’s kabuki production “Shi-Shi-O.” Following the success of the 2015 performance of “Koitsugami”(鯉つかみ, Koitsugami), less than a year later, the next performance “Shi-Shi-O” was revealed. The performance, combined with a fountain show, was magnificent sight, capturing the hearts of the audience at the MGM Grand. What Is Kabuki? Source  :YouTube screenshot Kabuki is a type of traditional Japanese theatre, long-beloved by the commoners of the country. Kabuki’s roots trace all the way back to Kyoto during the Warring States Period (1467-1615), originating from a dance form created by Izumo no Okuni. At the time, this form of dance was known as “katamuki (傾き)”, with the performers being known as “katamuki-mono (傾き者).” Women’s kabuki, young boy’s kabuki, men’s kabuki and more – the types of kabuki increased as the years passed. The performers’ roles camed to be labeled as male characters (男型, otokogata), female characters (女形, onnagata), and protagonists (立役, tachiyaku). The traditional art of kabuki is now registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. Modern kabuki performances incorporate dynamic stage effects, featuring water, fire, acrobatics, quick character changes and more. These effects draw loud cheers from the audience. The Story of “Shi-Shi-O” Source :YouTube screenshot The story of “Shi-Shi-O” is derived from the Japanese legend “Stone Bridge” (石橋, Ishibashi). “Shi-Shi-O” tells the story of the offspring of the lion that appeared in the original legend. The story is set at Mount Seiryo, Tenjiku (天竺清涼山, Tenjiku Seiryo-zan). Shi-Shi-O, the lion king serving the deity Monju (文殊菩薩, Monju bosatsu), devises a monster extermination trial for his offspring. His offspring change into human forms to carry out their trial and retrieve their treasure. The performance incorporates special effects such as the wire action seen at 2:48 in the video, as well as dynamic acting bristling with energy. From 9:00, you can see the standing ovation and excited reactions of the audience at the end of the performance. The Actors Who Appeared in “Shi-Shi-O” Source :YouTube screenshot Some of Japan’s most famous kabuki actors appear in Shi-Shi-O. For example, Ichikawa Somegoro (市川染五郎), interviewed at 9:36 in the video, as well as Nakamura Karoku (中村歌六), Ichikawa Komazo (市川高麗蔵), Nakamura Kasho (中村歌昇), Otani Tomoemon (大谷廣太郎), Nakamura Yonekichi (中村米吉), and Nakamura Hayato (中村隼人). “Shi-Shi-O,” the product of numerous rehearsals and brought to life by these popular kabuki actors, is truly a spectacular sight. Other than “Shi-Shi-O,” in recent years, many kabuki actors have taken part in novel performances both in Japan and overseas. In recent years, the show “Nausica,” based on the Ghibli film, as well as a kabuki show based on the hugely popular manga and anime “One Piece,” have garnered much attention. Summary of the Overseas Performance of Shi-Shi-O Photo：Kabuki-za Theater In Japan, there are many famous kabuki actors; the most famous being Ichikawa Ebizo (市川海老蔵). If you visit theaters such as Kabuki-za (歌舞伎座, Kabuki-za), you can view these awe-inspiring kabuki performances in person. If you're interested in watching a Kabuki performance after reading this article, be sure to check out prices and locations for your visit to Japan or Vegas! Ticket prices are surprisingly reasonable, and even those watching kabuki for the first time are sure to enjoy their experience. 【Official Website】Kabuki Official Website https://www.kabukiweb.net/

Introducing Hollywood Actress Sukezane Kiki! This video, titled "Sukezane Kiki Prepares for Her Trip! What's Inside the Hollywood Actress' Suitcase?!" (ハリウッド女優の豪快な旅支度。祐真キキのスーツケースの中身とは？), was released by "VOGUE JAPAN." Sukezane Kiki is attracting worldwide attention as an actress who achieved the American Dream. What kind of talent is the Japanese Hollywood actress who has starred in hit American TV dramas? In this article we'll take a look at her career and what she's up to, as well as what's inside her suitcase! The Career and Activities of Sukezane Kiki! Source :YouTube screenshot Sukezane Kiki, real name Sukezane Kie, is a Hollywood actress from Kyoto. During her second year of high school, she moved to the United States alone, where she worked on humanitarian and environmental issues. When she was 23, she moved to Los Angeles, auditioning for a wide range of roles. Then, in 2015, she gained popularity when she was selected to play Miko Otomo, a main role in the American NBC TV drama "HEROES REBORN." She reportedly learned English through her boyfriend's after moving to the US, but they have apparently separated and she now lives with a different man. In 2019, it was reported that she was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and had surgery to remove a tumor. Sukezane Kiki's Overseas Activities! Source :YouTube screenshot Sukezane Kiki, with her bewitching looks, has appeared in movies, dramas, and commercials, including the popular American TV drama series "HEROES REBORN." One of the charms of Sukezane Kiki is her beautiful, dance-like sword fighting and action moves. Sukezane Kiki comes from a family of Kyoto samurai, and she's no stranger to action filming. Sukezane Kiki appears in "HEROES REBORN" as well as in the Netflix drama "Lost in Space." Be sure to check it out! he video showcases the contents of Sukezane Kiki's suitcase when she went overseas. It's packed full of various things, such as her party bag shown at 1:08, and the alarm clock at 1:22. There are also scripts, souvenirs, sweets, and fashionable makeup tools. Summary of Sukezane Kiki Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about Sukezane Kiki, the popular Japanese actress active in Hollywood? You can find out more about Sukezane Kiki's personal life on her Instagram. Be sure to check out the popular Japanese actress Sukezane Kiki!

Introducing the Top Goals of 2019; As Chosen by Fans! This video "Top Goals of 2019; As Chosen by Fans!" was created by the J.LEAGUE.jp editorial department and contains a compilation of the top ten goals of 2019, according to fans. The "Top Goals of 2019 Ranking" was voted for by soccer fans via online questionnaire on Youtube. In this article, it's our pleasure to introduce to you, that video! Check Out the J League's Top Ten Goals of 2019! Source :YouTube screenshot Ranking number 10 of the top ten goals of 2019 is the over-head kick by Leandro Damian of Kawasaki Frontale! At number 9, from 0:29 in the video, you can see Yuta Koike of the Kashima Antlers. Coming in 8th, 7th and 6th place are Koji Miyoshi, Erik Lima and Keita Endo of the Yokohama F. Marinos. Number 5 is the goal scored in extra time by Miki Yamane of the Shonan Bellmare. From 2:59 in the video, you can see the number 4 goal by Douglas, of the Shimizu S-Pulse. and at 3rd place the shot from David Villa of the Vissel Kobe. Coming in at number 2 is the shot from Junya Tanaka of the Vissel Kobe after a nice pass from teammate Andrés Iniesta. Finally, in 1st place is the beautiful goal from Teruhito Nakagawa of Yokohama F. Marinos as he rips past the defense. You can check this goal out at 4:57 in the video. The History of J League and the Soccer Players Featured in This Video Photo：Soccer stadium J League is the name of Japan's professional soccer league. It is sponsored by the Japan Football Association (JFA), and the Japan Professional Football League. J League began in 1993 with only 10 clubs, but has grown to include 56 clubs split into 3 separate leagues: the J1 League, the J2 League and the J3 League. The top players in the J League are chosen to represent Japan in the World Cup and other important soccer competitions around the world. Players chosen in the past to represent Japan include Kazuyoshi Miura, Keisuki Honda, Hideotoshi Nakata , and Masashi Nakayama. They attracted many fans with their amazing performances. J League fans can check dates of upcoming matches, club ranks, and transfer information online and support their favorite team. Recently, you can purchase J League and Gundam collaboration goods, which are proving to be quite popular overseas as well as in Japan. J League Top Goals of 2019 Compilation Summary Source :YouTube screenshot The J League 2020 season has unfortunately been postponed. However, many fans look forward to cheering on their favorite teams again whether it be on TV or at the stadium once this year's season commences. We look forward to watching many of the amazing shots to come! If you found yourself fascinated by the goals in this video, we highly recommend checking the upcoming game schedule, purchasing tickets and going to watch a game live!

The Martial Arts Tourism Gaining Popularity Among Tourists Visiting Japan This video, titled "[Japan Sports Agency] Foreign Visitors to Japan Taking Interest! A Report on the 'Budo Tourism' That Can Only Be Experienced in Japan" (【スポーツ庁】訪日外国人が注目！ 日本でしか体験できない「武道ツーリズム」の現場をレポート), was released by "Japan Sports Agency" (スポーツ庁). Budo Tourism refers to foreign visitors to Japan going on sightseeing trips to experience traditional Japanese martial arts. In addition to sumo, Japan's national sport, Japan has various traditional martial arts, such as kendo, judo, karate, and aikido, which attract a lot of interest from foreign tourists. With Budo Tourism, some foreigners visit Japan to try Kyudo, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata and Iaido. Karate, A Martial Art Gaining Popularity in Budo Tourism Photo：Martial arts Karate, seen from 0:34 in the video, is one of the most popular forms of martials arts in Budo Tourism, and has also officially been made into an event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It is said that there are around 130 million karate enthusiasts around the world, and the number of foreign tourists visiting to experience karate through Budo Tourism is increasing year after year. There are various theories about the origin of karate, but it is believed that the history of Japanese karate begins with the self-defense techniques of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which can be seen in the video. The Chinese martial art "Toude," which was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom, later become what we know as traditional Okinawan karate. Eventually, karate was divided into several schools, and performances and matches began to be held throughout the country. The Appeal of Budo Tourism Photo：Karate The fascinating experience of practicing in a dojo while wearing traditional uniforms typical of Japanese martial arts is not something you can easily experience outside of Japan. What kind of experience are foreign tourists looking for when training in classes held at traditional martial arts dojos? One reason is that Japanese martial arts place a large importance on etiquette and many people feel that they can experience spiritual growth through these experiences. Japanese martial arts have the idea of "Shin-Gi-Tai" (心技体: heart, technique, strength) This is a term that refers to the three qualities of a martial artist: mental strength (心, heart), skill (技, technique), and physical strength (体, body). It is said that training the mind and body in a well-balanced manner is the most important thing to consider when practicing martial arts. Summary of Japan's Budo Tourism Photo：Karate, kata As mentioned before, the number of foreign tourists interested in traditional Japanese martial arts, such as karate and kendo, is increasing year after year. Many Japanese people and foreign tourists are looking forward to seeing traditional martial arts at the Tokyo Olympics. Going forward, Budo Tourism will become a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world.

Introducing Sitting Volleyball! An Official Event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics! This is an introductory video to women’s sitting volleyball (シッティングバレーボール, Sitting Volleyball). In sitting volleyball, athletes with disabilities, such as paralysis in their hands and/or legs, play volleyball while sitting on the floor. Sitting volleyball, which is an authorized event of the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), is an official event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. A Look at Sitting Volleyball! Source :YouTube screenshot As seen from 0:06 in the video, Taito City's "Taito Riverside Sports Center," a tournament venue in Taito Ward that aims to promote sitting volleyball, hosted the international tournament "WORLD SUPER 6" in 2019. Japan, sitting at 10th place in the world rankings, managed to place 3rd, taking home the bronze medal. Yoshihisa Mano, the sitting volleyball women's national team coach in Japan, is shown at 1:00 in the video. In his video he talks about the amazing efforts of the athletes. Sitting Volleyball- An Introduction to Its History and Rules! Source :YouTube screenshot Sitting volleyball is a sport played while, you guessed it, sitting. It was established in the Netherlands, in 1956. In 1967, an international sitting volleyball match was started by the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD). In Japan, the Japan Sitting Volleyball Association was established in 1992, and since then, the numbers of players has only increased. Currently, there are active sitting volleyball teams in areas such as Chiba and Osaka. The Charm of Sitting Volleyball Source :YouTube screenshot The charm of sitting volleyball is that it's a sport that both those with and without disabilities can enjoy. The rules and equipment used are similar to that of six-player indoor volleyball, with players battling with serves, volleys, and spikes. However, the size of courts and the height of nets are different from that of regular volleyball, and the use of kicking is prohibited, so attack and defense are slightly different from that of regular volleyball. Summary of Sitting Volleyball Photo：Japan National Stadium At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, you can see many exciting events, such as men’s & women’s sitting volleyball, and other events like wheel chair basketball. Unfortunately, the Olympics has been postponed to 2021, but that's all the more time to learn about new sports, their top athletes, and highlights. Are you looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics? 【Official Website】Sitting Volleyball – JPVA Japan Para-Volleyball Association http://www.jsva.info/contents/spoting_events/sitting.html

Chopstick Rubber Band Guns! This video is titled "Easy★How to Make Chopsticks Rubber Guns★Handmade Toy" (簡単★ 割り箸ゴム鉄砲の作り方 ★手作りおもちゃ). The chopstick rubber band gun is a popular toy among Japanese children. It uses chopsticks, which is a very familiar item for Japanese people, to create a gun shape by tying them together with rubber bands. They're not too difficult to make, so try to follow along and make your own as we explain the process. Making a Chopstick Rubber Band Gun Source :YouTube screenshot First, prepare 3 wooden chopsticks, a few rubber bands and a pair of scissors. If the chopsticks are still stuck together, break them apart so we can begin making the rubber band gun. As you can see at 0:37 in the video, we'll be using the chopsticks and rubber bands to assemble it. The grip of the gun is made by cutting the chopsticks into pieces with scissors. This is shown at 2:11 in the video. The firing mechanism of the chopstick rubber band gun is simple, and you can make the rubber band fly far by hooking one to the finished gun and shooting. When you finish making one, use a laundry clip as a scope to aim at your target. You can see the rubber band gun being shot at 5:45 in the video. Making a Strong Chopstick Rubber Band Gun Photo：Chopstick Rubber Band Gun You can make cool handmade guns other than the one in the video, such as a laundry clip pistol, a multi-fire pistol, dual handguns, and a gatling gun. There are even crazy strong guns like machine guns, sniper rifles, and semi-automatic gun. Use the internet to search how to make the more advanced rubber band guns and try making one with your friends! These days, there are classes and workshops for chopstick rubber band guns. We recommend giving one a try! Rubber Band Gun Competitions The Japan Rubber Band Gun Shooting Association was established in November 2000. It is an organization that aims to popularize rubber band guns, including the chopsticks rubber band gun variation. The Japan Rubber Gun Shooting Association has established three rules: Matchbox, Fly Shoot, and Coin Pendulum, as official rubber band gun competitions, and there are also events and competitions held. Summary of Rubber Band Chopsticks Source :YouTube screenshot In this article we talked about how to create chopstick rubber band guns. The chopsticks rubber band gun is a handmade toy that can also be enjoyed by adults. We recommend making one during your summer vacation! Check out the video to see how to make chopstick rubber band guns and try to create a powerful device! 【Official Website】Japan Rubber Band Gun Shooting Association http://www007.upp.so-net.ne.jp/jrbgsa/syagekitop.html

Video introduction of fireworks production at Sanshu Kikou in Nukata-gun, Aichi Prefecture, Japan "Nippon Teshigoto Zukan x Sanshu Kakou" (ニッポン手仕事図鑑 × 三州火工), is a video interviewing craftsmen of Sanshu Kakou, located in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture. The handheld fireworks date back to the Edo Period(1603-1868). At 14:50, You can see the beauty of the traditional Japanese fireworks made using gunpowder. What Is Sanshu Kakou? Source :YouTube screenshot Sanshu Kakou is a historical fireworks factory in Kota, Nukata, Aichi, in Japan's Tokai region. The fireworks are 100% domestically produced. These days, there are a lot of inexpensive fireworks that are imported. But the fireworks made by the hands of Japanese craftsmen second to none when it comes to quality and beauty. The 100% domestically produced sparkler “Oedo Botan” is especially pretty thanks to its lovely colors. Fireworks merchant, Yamagata Shoten in Tokyo, and fireworks factory Sanshu Kakou in Aichi, are cooperating in order to make a new, domestically produced sparkler. You can see the craftmanship at 6:32 in the video. Surprisingly, the gunpowder is hand-wrapped one by one. Let’s Buy Some Fireworks! Source :YouTube screenshot Many Japanese people get excited about letting off fireworks in the summer. There are different kinds of fireworks in Japan, such as fireworks moving like a dancing octopus, skyrockets, repeating fireworks, jet fireworks, and smoke fireworks as well. You can get handheld fireworks that can be used at home, at the supermarket, convenience stores, the toy section at department store, and at online retailers like Amazon and Rakuten. Summary of Japan's Traditional Fireworks Photo：Sparkler Sanshu Kakou is a historical studio that makes traditional Mikawa fireworks in Aichi. The fireworks made by the craftsmen, using traditional techniques and gunpowder, are of the highest quality. If you're curious about trying out some traditional Japanese fireworks, be sure to visit some of the places we listed above!