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On July 27th, I attempted to capture the International Space Station "Kibo (ISS)" at Shinjo Park in Tanabe City. It travels at a speed of 6 km per second, completing an orbit around the Earth in just 90 minutes. Even with a 1-second interval for comparative photometry, the light trails break unlike star trail photography. The next opportunity to see it in the Kinki region will be for just 4 minutes and 30 seconds, from 4:11:30 AM to 4:16:00 AM on the 18th of this month. It will be visible from the southwest direction to the northeast. You can also see it on the 19th. If you're interested, please wake up a little early to catch a glimpse.

【Nii Tete Boye's LIVE】 I apologize for the delay in posting, but in July, Nii Tete Boye came and performed for us! The Panlogo, a traditional instrument from Ghana in West Africa. He played it by striking the surface with his palms, and at first, I was captivated by the unique rhythm, unsure of how to move my body, watching the vivid hand movements as he struck the drum. There were several songs that allowed the audience to participate with clapping and singing, which gradually helped me understand the rhythm structure. Nii Tete Boye played the five drums effortlessly, as if the Panlogo had become a part of his body. In the middle of the LIVE, there was a special collaboration featuring a Bon song performed by Nii Tete Boye and the villagers! Their beautiful harmonies singing a challenging melody merged with the sounds of Nii Tete Boye and the bear drum. As the Bon song resonated, I felt as if I had come to a different place, experiencing a strange sensation. The performance was that captivating. That night, there was food and drink available for sale from the guesthouse GA.KOPPER! We enjoyed Jollof rice, groundnut butter soup, and chili dogs, which are beloved in West Africa 🤤 While sipping on the sweet hibiscus tea called Bissap, we had a wonderful night 🌙 #Nishiokubo Village #LIVE #Niiteteboye #Panlogo #GAKOPPER

Around 4:30 AM on August 9th This is a shot taken just before dawn in Minamiboso City, Chiba Prefecture. The spray from the waves enveloped the port town in thick fog. The ethereal atmosphere was wonderful.

Shinjo Park, located in Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, is a place of relaxation for the citizens. Throughout the four seasons, visitors can enjoy beautifully planted flowers. During the scorching summer, many people took walks early in the morning to avoid the daytime heat. In one corner of the park, sunflowers were in full bloom, surrounding a chainsaw art sculpture.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is an iced cafe latte from cafe andon.

I visited the stunning Italian restaurant 'amarancia' in Minamiawaji with a friend, overlooking the sea. The food was delicious, the staff were cool and friendly, and the restaurant had a wonderful atmosphere with breathtaking views! If you find yourself in Minamiawaji, be sure to stop by; I highly recommend it! The meal included a lunch course an assortment of appetizers marinated shrimp a choice of pasta fresh fish aquapazza a selection of grilled meats that we chose. According to my friend Hitomi, all the dishes were very generous in portion. I think it's rare for Italian restaurants in Japan to serve a course meal with appetizers to the main dish on large plates for sharing, which felt fresh and nice. The marinated shrimp was flattened, creamy yet rich in flavor, and it was my favorite dish!❣️ Since it was a special occasion, I chose the seafood oil pasta. The toppings were simple with tomatoes and mussels, but the various seafood flavors were delightful, making it a joy to eat!‼️ All three meat dishes had a wonderful charcoal-grilled aroma, each offering a unique meat flavor! By the time the main dish was served, I was nearly full, but it was so satisfying that I could have gone for some rice or bread!❣️❣️ (Hitomi's comment) Sharing delicious and hearty dishes with close friends while chatting, surrounded by a stylish interior and breathtaking views of Naruto Ohashi, with kind and cool staff. This space allows you to enjoy the joy of eating and the precious time spent with important friends through all your senses. You can have a great time at 'TRATTORIA amarancia.'

Taken on August 6, 26. CAFE ANDON offers morning service from 8 AM during the summer season. This is the Vichyssoise plate. It features Vichyssoise (cold potato soup), salad, egg, carrot rapé, and country bread, making it quite luxurious.

Event Announcement 📣 The 79th Obihiro Flat Plain Festival will be held over two days from August 14 (Friday) to August 15 (Saturday) 😊 This year's opening features a fresh and lively performance by the children of Keiko Honda's "Baton & Tap Dance Studio" 🎵 On the day, a special collaboration with street performers to enhance the festival atmosphere is also planned. A variety of events are lined up, promising plenty of highlights‼️ We hope you enjoy the exciting two days 🤗 🔶Main Events on August 14 (Friday) ・Street Performance in the Northern Land (Day 1) 13:00 - 20:00 Expect performances filled with surprises, laughter, and emotion. ・Yume Furuya (Dream Fall Night) 19:00 - 20:00 (Rain or shine) To express gratitude to the pioneers who developed Tokachi and to wish for a bountiful harvest, local youths will carry portable shrines through the night streets, enveloping the venue in a fantastic atmosphere and excitement. 🔶Main Events on August 15 (Saturday) ・Street Performance in the Northern Land (Day 2) 11:30 - 20:15 ・28th Hirahara Taiko Festival 15:20 - 17:10 (In case of rain, it is scheduled to be held at "Obihiro City Civic Cultural Hall" from 13:30) Teams gathered from all over the region will showcase powerful performances. Local teams such as "Obihiro City Local Performing Arts Hirahara Taiko," "Hiroo Jin'ya Taiko Preservation Society," "Honbetsu Yoshitsune Taiko," and "Sarabetsu Kashiwadaiko Preservation Society" are also expected to perform. ・Obihiro Bon Odori 19:00 - 20:45 (Cancelled in case of rain) In sync with the live performance of "Hokkai Bon Uta," each team will don elaborately designed costumes and dance gracefully.

Taken on August 6, 26. This is a sculpture from the Naorai Hall of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The sculptures represent offerings to the deity, including "sake," "rice," and "salt."

Taken on August 6, 26. It was so hot that I took a break. This is the Enmusubi red and white soft serve.

As the golden hour gently embraces Furano, waves of lavender bloom beneath a sky of fading light. A solitary red hut rests among the purple fields, with emerald meadows and layered mountains quietly unfolding beyond. In this brief summer glow, the landscape feels less like a place and more like a memory waiting to be kept.

It's a sunflower blooming among the grass and flowers. Isn't it beautiful?

Event Announcement📣 On Saturday, August 15th, the 44th Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryougoku Fireworks Festival will take place😊 During the day, there will be a children's festival and a beer garden featuring delicious gourmet food🍻 On the special stage, the Hokkaido idol group "FRUiTY" will perform live, along with a mimicry show by "Miracle Hikaru," adding excitement to the festival🎵 The event will be filled with fun activities for the whole family, including children's bon odori, unique costume bon odori, and a lottery draw to bring smiles to everyone😍 To conclude the festival, vibrant fireworks will beautifully light up the night sky of Ashoro🎆 Feel the summer night breeze and experience this special summer moment at the venue🤗 🔶Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026, 13:00 - 21:00 (Fireworks scheduled from 19:30 to 20:10) 🔶Venue: Town Community Center Front Green Space and Parking Lot (Food stalls, Bon Odori, Event venue) South Riverbank of the Toshibetsu River Ryougoku Bridge (Fireworks launch site) 🔶Contact: Ashoro Furusato Bon Odori and Ryougoku Fireworks Festival Executive Committee TEL: 0156-28-3863 https://www.town.ashoro.hokkaido.jp/kurashi/news/2026/2024_2.html...

The Tomakomai Port Festival has begun!✨ Today, August 8th (Saturday), is the second day! At the tourism association booth, we are waiting for you with cold drinks and the Tomachoppu lottery!✨ The Tomachoppu, the mascot of Tomakomai tourism, is also dressed in a stylish happi coat💕. We hope to see you there! (The fireworks festival has been rescheduled to October🎇)

Day trip diving at a sunken ship from Tokyo. Another Japan sleeping in the sea of Atami. About 45 minutes by Shinkansen from Tokyo. Atami, known as a hot spring resort, has a special place under the sea. A large sunken ship lies at a depth of about 30 meters. On this day, we headed to the sea of Atami with guests from overseas and divers who were diving at a sunken ship for the first time. It takes just about three minutes by boat from the port to the diving point. Right near the city, there is a sea where you can enjoy authentic sunken ship diving. Entering the water, we slowly descend along the rope. Gradually, the shape of a large ship emerges in the blue sea. Surrounding the ship are numerous fish. A large school of damselfish swims around the sunken ship. The ship's hull is visible beyond the school of fish. The view is completely different from what you see on land in Atami. It has been about 40 years since this ship sank into the sea. Having spent a long time underwater, it has now become a habitat for various living creatures. As the hull gradually changes its appearance, there are different discoveries every time you visit. If you shine a light and peek into the hull, you might find remnants of the ladders that were used back then. You may also encounter a large grouper. The first dive is on the bow side. The second dive is on the stern side. Even with the same sunken ship, changing the diving spot alters the scenery. You can swim while admiring the massive ship, navigate through schools of fish, and observe what remains of the ship. A ship from about 40 years ago and the marine life of today. The charm of diving at the sunken ship in Atami is being able to see both at once. After finishing the dive and coming out of the sea, you find yourself in Atami, one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts. While being a day trip distance from Tokyo, you can enjoy a day that is a little different from the usual Japanese sightseeing. 🌈Experience a special day by the sea in Japan. Hokulea Shonan is a small diving shop located in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture. About an hour by train from Tokyo. We guide you to the Japanese sea that can be enjoyed as a day trip from Tokyo, focusing on Shonan and Izu. The tours are small group-based and can accommodate English guidance. Why not take a look at another Japan sleeping in the sea during your trip to Japan? We will suggest the best sea for you according to your diving experience and travel schedule.