Official Author

有田 和義（Kazuyoshi Arita）

White-tailed Eagles in the Nemuro Straits, Nemuro City, Hokkaido, Japan. This video, titled "White-tailed Eagles" (オジロワシ), was uploaded by "Gaiapress Channel." Along with footage of white-tailed eagles living in Hokkaido, it provides detailed explanations of their ecosystem. It's a great opportunity for those interested in nature and the birds of Hokkaido to learn more about the area. Be sure to read on to learn more. The White-tailed Eagle Photo：A white-tailed eagle The white-tailed eagle is a bird belonging to the Accipitridae family and the Pandionidae genus. It lives near coastlines, rivers, and lakes, and is often found alone or in pairs. It is a carnivore and feeds on fish, birds, mammals, animal carcasses, young hares, and quail chicks. [Video] 0:12 - The White-tailed Eagle The white-tailed eagles’ size ranges from 80cm for males to 94cm for females, with a wingspan of 180-220cm. They have a distinct call, with males making a "gri-gri-gri" sound and the females a "gra-gra-gra-gra" sound. White-tailed eagles that breed in northern Eurasia migrate to areas around China and the Persian Gulf for the winter. In recent years their breeding rate has decreased, and they have been designated as a domestic endangered wild animal species, as well as a protected species since 1970. The Habitat of White-Tailed Eagles and Where to See Them in Japan Photo：A white-tailed eagle catching a fish On the Nemuro Peninsula, located between the Shiretoko Peninsula and Kunashir Island, you can see drift ice that has drifted southward from the Amur River. In the video, you can see white-tailed eagles on the drift ice as well. [Video] 0:27 - White-tailed Eagles on Drift Ice The natural habitat of white-tailed eagles is Eurasia, Europe and East and West Asia. In Japan, they mostly migrate to northern Japan, and in Hokkaido, they breed in small numbers. It takes 6-7 years for white-tailed eagles to become fully mature birds. When they are young, they have brown tail feathers, but when they become adults, their tail feathers turn white and their beaks turn yellow. Feeding Habits of Japanese White-Tailed Eagles In the video, you can see white-tailed eagles congregating, targeting fish lurking under the sea ice. The Nemuro Strait is home to a thriving pollock population, and white-tailed eagles gather there to take advantage of the abundant supply of pollock. [Video] 2:07 - A White-Tailed Eagle Stalking a Walleye Pollack Birds of the hawk family that feed primarily on fish are called sea eagles. White-tailed and Steller's sea eagles are typical examples of sea eagles, and salmon and cod are their favorite catch. You can see them preying on them in the video. [Video] 2:43 - A White-Tailed Eagle Feeding White-tailed Eagles and Steller's Sea Eagles Occupying the Nemuro Peninsula On the Nemuro Peninsula, coastal areas where fishing is carried out are inhabited by crows and seagulls, but about 6 miles offshore, there are birds of prey such as white-tailed eagles and eagles. White-tailed eagles occupy and settle down in favorable locations, such as high places with good visibility or suitable winds in snowy weather. A Group of White-Tailed Eagles Flying Above a Nest Photo：A white-tailed eagle flying through the skies In the video, you can see a group of white-tailed eagles gathering in the mountains. Their nest is located in a place far from the sea. [Video] 4:25 - White-tailed Eagles Gathering in the Mountains "Kettle" is the word used to describe a group of eagles or hawks rising together like a thermal updraft and flying into the sky. In the case of white-tailed eagles, they also form "kettles" regardless of migration. One of the characteristics of white-tailed eagles is that multiple adult birds can be found perching on one tree. [Video] 4:49 - A Kettle of White-tailed Eagles Facts About White-tailed Eagles and Their Vision The video also talks about the white-tailed eagle's vision. White-tailed eagles are known for their narrow upward sight, and it's believed that their eyes do not work in situations with little contrast, such as snowstorms. [Video] 6:05 - Regarding the Sight of White-tailed Eagles White-tailed eagles are also known to fatally crash into wind turbines. Most accidents involve hitting a wind turbine from above, which seems to be related to the narrowness of their visual field. Such accidents are commonly known as "bird strikes." Difference Between White-tailed Eagles and Steller's Sea Eagles Photo：Stellar's sea eagles eyeing fish from above the drift ice The bird with white shoulders is the Steller's sea eagle, and the bird that looks brownish all over is the white-tailed eagle. Both are large birds of prey that have wingspans over 2 meters when fully spread. If you visit the Nemuro Peninsula for sightseeing, you'll now be able to tell the difference with this information! [Video] 0:51 - White-tailed Eagles and Stellar's Sea Eagles White-tailed eagles, have many similarities to Stellar's sea eagles, such as not being susceptible to avian influenza. However, there are differences in minor details, such as the fact that they move in flocks and have gentle personalities. Summary of White-tailed Eagles Hokkaido, where this video was shot, is home to a variety of wildlife and plants. On the Nemuro Peninsula, in addition to white-tailed eagles and Stellar's sea eagles, there are also tours for bird watching. You can see wild birds such as the red-crowned crane, the red-flanked bluetail, and the hazel grouse. Take a trip to the wilderness of Hokkaido and enjoy bird watching in winter!

A Wedge Plow at the Aizu Railway's Yunokami Onsen Station: Video Introduction This video, titled "Wedge Plow Operation in Heavy Snow! Yunokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway" (大雪でラッセル車稼働！会津鉄道の湯野上温泉駅), was uploaded by "YAMAnoHAMA." This video was taken at Yunokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway on February 15, 2015, when it snowed heavily. The wedge plows seen in the heavy snowfall areas of Japan's Tohoku region are vehicles for snow removal. It's possible you've seen them as model trains, in picture books, in toy train sets as a kid, etc. Check out the video to see how the wedge plow works in heavy snowfall areas. A Wedge Plow in Action at Yunokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, after the Aizu Mount Express rapid train arrives at Yunokami Onsen Station, a wedge plow slowly enters the station from the other side, pushing through the snow. People who seem to be tourists are taking pictures of the wedge plow, as it's an uncommon sight. Outside of Japan's most snowy regions it's unlikely that you'll ever see one. Many people are surprised when they first see the wedge plows, as they can be smaller than you'd expect. [Video] 0:05 - The Aizu Mount Express Rapid Train Arriving [Video] 0:47 - Wedge Plow Snow Removal Wedge Plows and Their History in Japan Photo：A DE15 Wedge Plow on the Soya Main Line A wedge plow, called a "Russel-sha" (ラッセル車, Russel Car) in Japanese, is a wedge plow developed by the Russell Company in the United States. The plows have a snow removal plate (blade) at the front of the vehicle and can remove snow on both sides in the direction of travel. It's similar to a bulldozer, but for snow. In the mid-Meiji period, the Japanese government purchased a Yuki type-1 snowplow (single track, wedge plow) in Hokkaido. At that time, the vehicle was an all-wood car with a tandem axle bogie. In the Showa period, the structure was improved, and wedge plows functionality evolved. Vehicles such as the new DD13 and DD15 diesel locomotives began to be manufactured and operated in large numbers across Japan. In recent years, high-performance railroad speeders have appeared and efficiency is improving. In addition, there are various types for different applications, such as a type with a wedge plow and a rotary device, and a type with a rotary head attached to a wide wing. More About the Aizu Railway in Fukushima, Japan Photo：The Fifth Okawa Bridge, Aizu Railway in Shimogo, Fukushima The Aizu Railway is a local line that runs from Aizukogen Ozeguchi Station in Fukushima Prefecture to Nishi-Wakamatsu Station. The line is 57.4 km long, and you can enjoy rich views of nature and rural scenery from the train windows. Another feature is that you can travel to tourist attractions such as Nikko, Tochigi and Asakusa, Tokyo without changing trains, thanks to mutual access with Yagan Railway and Tobu Railway. The Aizu Railway has many unique stations. There's Yunokami Onsen Station, which has a thatched-roofed station building, and Ashinomaki Onsen Station, which gained popularity for its station master who happens to be a cat and was featured in numerous media. Yunokami Onsen Station, which appears in the video, is the closest station to Ouchi-juku, one of Aizu's most popular tourist attractions, and is therefore visited by many tourists. Also recommended is the Oza Toro Tembo, a sightseeing train where passengers can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Minami-Aizu. It's a two-car train with tatami mat seating where passengers can relax with sunken kotatsu seating, trolley seats where you can enjoy the scenery, and observation seats. There are no windows in the trolley seats, so you can enjoy the train while feeling the pleasant breeze in spring and autumn. Summary – The Wedge Plows of the Aizu Railway This time we introduced wedge plows running along the Aizu Railway in Fukushima, Japan. Wedge plows are a rare sight, even for those that live in Japan, so if you get the chance to see one, definitely take some photos. Wedge plows only operate on days with heavy snowfall, so if you get the chance to see one, consider yourself lucky! When planning a trip to Japan in winter, consider adding the Aizu Railway to your itinerary to see these awesome wedge plows powering through the snow!

Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Sapporo, Hokkaido - Video Introduction This video, titled "2018-2019 SAPPORO TEINE PV," was uploaded by "TEINE CHANNEL - Sapporo Teine Official" (TEINE CHANNEL ～サッポロテイネ公式～). Sapporo Teine Photo：Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido Sapporo Teine is a ski resort located on Mt. Teine, 1,023 meters above sea level, in Teine, Sapporo, located on Hokkaido, Japan's Northernmost Island. The summit overlooks the city of Sapporo and Ishikari Bay, making it a popular destination due to its splendid scenery. Sapporo Teine Ski Resort features 15 courses, with a total of 9 lifts and gondolas, and offers courses for beginners and advanced skiers alike. This popular ski resort is located approximately 15 km (~9 miles) from downtown Sapporo. 2 Zones Used as Venues During the Sapporo Winter Olympics Sapporo Teine is characterized by its division into two zones: "Highland" and "Olympia." The Highland Zone has hosted four technical alpine skiing events (slalom and giant slalom) during the Sapporo Olympics, while the Olympia Zone hosted the torch stand and five bobsledding and luge events. Sapporo Teine's 'Highland Zone' Photo：Snowboarding The Highland Zone features a total of seven courses. The City View Cruise allows you to enjoy skiing while looking out over the city of Sapporo. You can enjoy high-quality powder here until spring. [Video] 0:03 - Highland Zone This video shows snowboarders and skiers enjoying the powdery snow at Sapporo Teine. The conditions are perfect! [Video] 0:19 - Snowboarders and Skiers Enjoying the Powdery Snow Kitakabe is one of Sapporo Teine's most difficult courses and is loved by advanced skiers. It's full of steep slopes and uneven planes, making it challenging but enjoyable. At the Yuichiro Miura & Snow Dolphin Ski School held at the Highland Zone, staff members who know the snow well at Sapporo Teine will teach you not only skiing and snowboarding techniques, but also the charm of the snowy mountains. Olympia Zone: Great for Beginners and Families Photo：Sapporo Teine Ski Resort, Teine, Sapporo, Hokkaido The Olympia Zone, with its many gently sloping courses, is recommended for beginners and novice skiers. The popular Rainbow Course is 1,700 meters long! Beginners can enjoy skiing here at their own pace. The Teine Olympia Ski School, accredited by the Professional Ski Instructor’s Association of Japan (SAJ), allows both kids and adults to learn how to ski, so people of all skill levels can take lessons appropriate for their level. The advanced course in the Olympia Zone, the Olympic Cauldron Ocean Dive, allows you to ski steep slopes while enjoying the view of Ishikari Bay, so if you're a confident skier/snowboarder, you should definitely give it a try! The Olympia Zone's Dinosaur Kids Park! Dinosaur Kids Park is recommended for those with kids. You can enjoy the Triceratops slide, sledding, tubing, and more. Sleds and snow tubes can be rented free of charge. The 116-meter-long wind-shielded snow escalator allows visitors to easily climb gentle slopes without being hit by snow or wind. Access to Sapporo Teine Photo：New Chitose Airport Sapporo Teine is located approximately 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport and 40 minutes from central Sapporo by car. The resort features 2,800 parking spaces available for use free of charge. If you're coming from far away, be sure to check out their special rental car plans and taxi packages. Summary of Sapporo Teine Ski Resort Sapporo Teine is a ski resort with a wide variety of courses that can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced skiers alike. If you get tired from skiing, take a break at the rest house North Maple or the cafeteria Skadi in the Highland Ski Center, which seats up to 650 people. If you plan on doing some sightseeing in Hokkaido as well, we recommend making hotel reservations as early as possible. Last-minute reservations might not be possible. Sapporo Teine is a ski resort where both national and international competitions have been held. It's a place where you can enjoy skiing or snowboarding at the same venue where high-level competitions have been held. During the warmer months, the golf course offers three courses. Visitors can enjoy golfing in a place surrounded by the magnificent nature of Hokkaido. Mountain climbing is another popular activity for experiencing the outdoors of Hokkaido, and the waterfall Heiwa no Taki (平和の滝, lit. "Peace Falls") is a popular place for it. Sapporo Teine is a leisure facility that can be enjoyed throughout the year! 【Official Website】Sapporo Teine - Sapporo Teine Golf Club 【TripAdvisor】Sapporo Teine

This video, titled "Wonder Festival 2020 Winter.This is the world’s biggest festival for figures.ワンフェスWF2020冬ワンダーフェスティバル," was released by "emoma!" Wonder Festival is the world's largest exhibition and seller of production kits (models and figures) sponsored by Kaiyodo, one of Japan's largest figure production companies. Both professionals and amateurs are welcome to participate. In addition to the exhibition and sales space, there's a cosplay free zone. Cosplayers dressed in game and anime costumes will be taking photos and interacting with each other. Many of the cosplayers at Wonder Festival have incredibly realistic cosplays, so be sure to check them out in the video!

An Introduction to Hand-painted Kyo-yuzen Kimono This video, titled "How to Make Hand-Painted Kyo-yuzen｜how to make Kimono" (手描き京友禅の作り方-how to make Kimono (熨斗 - 引き振袖)　有限会社　琢磨), was released by "Yuzen Takuma." Kyo-yuzen is a dyeing method used to color kimono and was designated as a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1976. Kyo-yuzen, which originated in Kyoto, along with Kaga-yuzen (加賀友禅) and Tokyo-yuzen (東京友禅), are the three most famous types of Yuzen in Japan. Yuzen refers to the traditional dyeing process used to add color and designs to kimono. The History of Kyo-yuzen Photo：Kyoto hand painted Yuzen The Kyo-yuzen method of dyeing originated in Kyoto in the late 17th century, during the Edo Period (1603 AD - 1868 AD). Yuzen Miyazaki, who was a fan painter at the time, decided to paint some of his popular designs onto kimono and thus, Yuzen kimono dyeing was born. At a time when the shogunate had prohibited luxury or extravagance through sumptuary laws, the new Yuzen process, which was exempt from this law, was welcomed by kimono craftsmen and women who enjoyed wearing kimono. Kimono Decoration Using the Kyo-yuzen Method at the Famous Kimono Store "Takuma" Source :YouTube screenshot The well-established kimono store Takuma featured in this video, which has been in business for more than 40 years now, gives us insight into how kimono are dyed using the Kyo-yuzen method. As you can see from 0:32 in the video, the material used to create the kimono is of the highest quality, from the producer "Otsuka" (大塚). Next, you can see how patterns are first sketched out and then transferred to a different sheet that will become the final copy to transfer the design onto the kimono. From there the fine details are added, after which a paste and powder are added to certain parts of the design to prevent colors from seeping into spaces they should not be. A special kind of temple is then affixed to the fabric to hold it in place after which hot water is applied to the fabric to complete the preparations for the dyeing process. Next, a base color is applied to the fabric. A small section of fabric is dyed to test the color, then the dye is applied by brush. The fabric is then steamed to allow the dye to sink into the fabric, after which the fabric is then washed in water to get rid of any remaining dye or chemicals. The beautiful designs are then carefully hand-painted and finished with gold leaf to make the kimono even more luxurious. Takeyamachi embroidery (竹屋町刺繍) and Kinkoma embroidery (金駒刺繍) are then added to complete the look. You can take a look at the final product at 6:48 in the video. Summary of Kyo-yuzen Traditional Dyeing Photo：Ninenzaka, Women in Kimono Kyo-yuzen is a beautiful, traditional Japanese method of dyeing. Please enjoy the techniques and methods used by the Kyo-yuzen masters in the video. Kimono can be purchased online, however, if you would like to order a custom-made kimono, we highly recommend visiting the store to speak with the store owner. The beauty of Kyo-yuzen kimono is as appreciated today as it was hundreds of years ago when it was first developed. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this traditional craft!

This video, released by "Muscle Chef's Simple Recipes, Fish Cuisine" (筋肉料理人の簡単レシピ、魚料理), is titled "How to make Nagasaki-style Sara Udon, a large plate of noodles for everyone to eat and also a great snack with spirits!" (長崎風皿うどんの作り方、皆で食べる大皿盛り、お酒のつまみにもいけます。). This video introduces how to make Nagasaki-style Sara Udon, a dish of fried, crispy, thin noodles with a thick sauce on top. Nagasaki-style Sara Udon is a standard menu item served at family gatherings in Nagasaki and is very popular not only among children but also among adults as it pairs well with spirits. It's a memorable dish that conjures up images of a table full of friends and family. The video shows you how to make the dish for 6 people. Try making Nagasaki-style Sara Udon with crispy thin noodles and plenty of vegetables on your own!

This video, titled "Tamatsukuri Onsen Promotional Video (Long Ver.)" (玉造温泉プロモーション（Long ver.）), was released by "Tamatsukuri Hot Spring (Shimane Prefecture) Tourist Information Site 'Tamanavi'" (玉造温泉（島根県）観光情報サイト・たまなび). If you want to get into one of Japan's historic hot springs, we recommend the Tamatsukuri Onsen in Shimane Prefecture. Tamatsukuri Onsen has been in Japan since the Heian period, and is considered one of the three best hot springs in Japan in the Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon. At Chorakuen, introduced in the video, there is the largest mixed bathing open-air bath in Japan, and you can take a bath with your family, friends, or loved ones while wearing a towel. The water of Tamatsukuri Onsen is said to be very effective in cultivating beautiful skin, as it is thick like a lotion. After taking a hot spring bath, you can enjoy a stroll through the onsen town and enjoy delicious seafood bowls!

This video, titled "Fresh Greenery at Mishakaike Pond "'A Place I Want to Visit Before I Die! Scenery of Japan" Okutateshina｜Japan's Mishakaike Pond in Summer｜Downconvert 4K Video to 2K｜Natural Landscape Photography" (新緑の御射鹿池「死ぬまでに行きたい！日本の絶景」奥蓼科 Japan Mishaka pond of summer　Downconvert 4k shot video by 2k 自然風景映像), was released by "Yatsugatake21_4K_Japan." This video introduces Mishakaike Pond, which was the motif of the famous Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama's work. Mishakaike Pond in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture was actually created at the beginning of the Showa Period (1926-1989) as an agricultural reservoir, and has now been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Ponds by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The beautiful scenery, which can be called a true mystery of nature, is unforgettable, and it is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan that you should be on your bucket list. Please enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mishakaike Pond in the video.

This video is called "Kawachi Wisteria Garden [8KHDR]" by "Japan Explorers." This video introduces the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, which was selected as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan by the American CNN. The Kawauchi Wisteria Garden, a tourist attraction that Fukuoka Prefecture is proud of, is decorated with wisteria, and its beauty is recognized by the world. The wisteria trellises and the 110-meter-long wisteria tunnel, as well as the colored leaves in November and December, make this a place with countless breathtaking views. In this video, you can see a lot of beautiful wisteria at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Be sure to check it out!

This video, titled "Matsumoto Castle - 松本城 - 4K Ultra HD," was released by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Unlike other castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle is not built on a hill or mountain plateau, but on flat ground. Originally built as Fukashi Castle in the Warring States period (1467-1568) by the Shinano Protectorate of Ogasawara City, Matsumoto Castle once fell during the invasion of Takeda City in Kai Province. However, it was later rebuilt and is now one of the most beloved castles in Japan. The castle tower was built by Naomasa Matsudaira, the feudal lord at that time, and it is the only existing national treasure with a moon viewing tower in Japan. Many events are held in the nearby Matsumoto Castle Park throughout the year, so we recommend visiting during these events.