Saijo City Summer Fireworks Festival Sponsor Names Thanks to your support and cooperation, we were able to successfully hold this fireworks festival. We sincerely appreciate everyone who sponsored this event. Your warm support has been a great strength in making the fireworks festival possible. It has also been featured on the Saijo City Tourism and Product Association's website. Thank you very much.

On August 14, 2026, the Komatsu Fire Festival was held in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. This fire festival, believed to have originated in the Edo period, is a traditional event dedicated to the memorial of the village headman who fell victim to a rebellion, as well as a prayer for abundant harvests. At 7:30 PM, the flames lit up the wide fields, slowly rising and creating a unique landscape of Ogata Town. It was a night that felt both lively and, in some way, serene. ■■Access to the center of Bungoono City from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing sightseeing and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture, Kyushu ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The nature interaction event "Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature" will be held! The nature interaction event "Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature" - Stories of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - will take place on September 12th at the Kawayu Visitor Center! The natural environment of the Mashu area is shaped by a dynamic connection where forests grow and lakes are born on land created by volcanic activity. In this course, we will introduce the nature of this region (including topography, plants, and animals) while looking at photographs and materials, clearly unraveling "What kind of nature is here, and why can we see this landscape?" This is a time to reflect on the familiar nature of Mashu. We aim to provide an opportunity for a "rediscovery" that makes the landscapes we always see appear slightly different. Nature Interaction Event at Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center Lecture and Rediscovery of Mashu's Nature - Stories of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - Date: September 12th (Saturday) Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Kawayu Visitor Center Instructor: Kawayu Visitor Center Staff Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 15 people Application Deadline: September 4th (Apply at Teshikaga Town Public Hall. Phone: 015-482-2340) *Please make sure to apply by phone to Teshikaga Town Public Hall in advance, and note that the event will be held at Kawayu Visitor Center.

Today, I visited LEC COFFEE. They are selling character bookmarks from K2M for charity. All proceeds will be donated to Kumamoto and Venezuela, which were affected by earthquakes. I also contributed to this cause.

Kushiro River Kawamachi Jumbo Rally in Teshikagacho THE Riverside The event will be held for three days on August 18 (Tuesday), 19 (Wednesday), and 22 (Saturday) at the Kushiro River Interaction Plaza in Teshikagacho. There will be plenty of activities for everyone from children to adults, including ride events, river play, and treasure hunting! It's an event where people from inside and outside the town can interact and experience the charm of Teshikagacho. Schedule ■August 18 (Tuesday) 15:00 - 20:30 Experience enjoying rivers and water / Oni Kiri Cyan LIVE / Watermelon smashing / Makomo steaming experience / Sparkler fireworks, etc. ■August 19 (Wednesday) 13:00 - 20:00 Fish touch pool / Watermelon smashing / Kushiro River Sparkling Operation / Makomo steaming experience, etc. ■August 22 (Saturday) 10:00 - 20:00 Disaster prevention experience / Water battle & watermelon smashing / Oni Kiri Cyan LIVE / Dance performance, etc. The "Kushiro River Sparkling Operation" starting at 15:00 on the 19th is free to participate with a capacity of 20 people! Participants will receive a 1,000 yen gift certificate for Lake Mashu products 🎁 Please check the flyer for more details. We look forward to your participation!

Introducing a classic travel route in Hokkaido, covering Kushiro Prince Hotel, Kussharo Prince, Kushiro Shitsugen, Roadside Station, Mt. Io, and Sunayu. Based at Kushiro Prince, explore the unseen landscapes and natural wonders waiting in Kussharo. For estimated travel times, check from the profile👆 Follow us to receive the latest updates from 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel!✨ https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

How about waking up to a sweet aroma in the morning? On the buffet table, you'll find colorful vegetables, Hokkaido potato butter croquettes, and fluffy scrambled eggs made with local eggs. And, pancakes that you can cook yourself. Enjoy a breakfast featuring Hokkaido ingredients, savoring the blessings of nature🍚✨ Take a leisurely morning in Kussharo, a slightly luxurious time. May such moments add color to your journey☀ Please follow us to receive the latest information from Kussharo Prince Hotel🌿 https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/...

【Kawayu Shrine Grand Festival】 The 'Kawayu Shrine Grand Festival' will be held from August 27th to 29th, 2026, at Kawayu Onsen! Enjoy the Kawayu Bayashi, a children's sumo wrestling competition, karaoke, and dance shows! There will also be food trucks and Kato Suisan's shop, so delicious food and drinks will be available! 🍽️🥤✨ Join us for this annual festival at Kawayu Onsen🪅 and have a great time over the three days!

The 33rd Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 23, 2026 The "Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival" will take place at Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Starting with sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies in the evening, the festival will be filled with exciting taiko performances, kagura, and torch throwing, creating a lively atmosphere as night falls. One of the highlights is the "Rooster Imitation Contest," inspired by local legends. Participants don handmade costumes (though costumes are not required) and showcase their unique performances imitating rooster sounds in a fun event. Enjoy the nostalgic and rich atmosphere of this fire festival at the venue. 【Date】Sunday, August 23, 2026 【Location】Sugao Stone Buddha Front Square (Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Parking】Parking is available in front of Sugao Elementary School (a free shuttle taxi will operate to the venue) 【Event Schedule】 15:00 Sacred rituals and Buddhist ceremonies 15:10 Oni Welcoming 15:20 Opening Ceremony and Mochi Throwing 15:30 Toyokai Taiko 16:00 Rooster Imitation Contest 17:00 Torch Throwing 18:00 Okubata Kagura 20:00 End ▶ Rooster Imitation Contest Participants Wanted 【Participation Fee】Free (Participation prizes available) 【Application Deadline】Thursday, August 20, 2026 【Prizes】1st place: 30,000 yen; 2nd place: 20,000 yen; 3rd place: 10,000 yen in gift certificates 【Additional Prize】Roadside Station Mie gift certificate Applications can be made through the Sugao Regional Promotion Council 【Organizer and Contact Information】 Sugao Regional Promotion Council TEL: 090-7455-4739 ❚ What is the Sugao Stone Buddha Fire Festival? It is organized by local residents to promote regional revitalization and raise awareness of the Sugao rock-carved Buddha. The "Rooster Imitation Contest" is based on local legends. According to the legend, an oni (demon) that had settled in the area demanded, "Give me a village girl as a bride!" The troubled village chief consulted a monk, who told the oni, "If you carve five stone Buddhas into the cliff in one night, I will give you a daughter as a bride; if not, you must leave the village." Concerned villagers went to check at night and found the oni carving the fifth statue. They had the village's rooster imitation master imitate a rooster's crow, tricking the oni into thinking it was morning, causing it to flee. ■■ Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City ■■■ About 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture About 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station in Kumamoto Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station in Oita Prefecture About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station in Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Kushiro River Kawamachi Jamboree in Teshikagacho THE River Floor This event will be held from August 18 (Tuesday), 19 (Wednesday), and 22 (Saturday), 2026, at the Kushiro River Fureai Square in Teshikagacho. With a variety of activities for both children and adults, including ride events, river play, and treasure hunting, there is something for everyone to enjoy! It’s an event where people from both inside and outside the town can interact while experiencing the charm of Teshikagacho. 【Schedule】 ■August 18 (Tuesday) 15:00 - 20:30 Experiences enjoying the river and water / Cyan Onikiri LIVE / Watermelon smashing / Makomo steaming experience / Sparkler fireworks, etc. ■August 19 (Wednesday) 13:00 - 20:00 Fish touch pool / Watermelon smashing / Kushiro River Sparkling Operation / Makomo steaming experience, etc. ■August 22 (Saturday) 10:00 - 20:00 Disaster prevention experience / Water battle & watermelon smashing / Cyan Onikiri LIVE / Dance performance, etc. The "Kushiro River Sparkling Operation" starting at 15:00 on the 19th is free to participate, with a limit of 20 participants! Participants will receive a 1,000 yen gift certificate for Lake Mashu stamps 🎁 Please check the flyer for more details. We look forward to your participation!

The nature interaction event "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" will be held! At Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center, the nature interaction event "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" - A Story of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - will take place on September 12 at Kawayu Visitor Center! The nature of the Mashu area is shaped by a dynamic connection where forests grow and lakes are born on land created by volcanic activity. In this course, we will introduce the region's nature (including topography, plants, and animals) while looking at photos and materials, clearly unraveling "What kind of nature is here, and why can we see this landscape?" It’s a time to take a fresh look at the familiar nature of Mashu. We aim to provide an opportunity for "rediscovery," where the scenery you always see may look a little different. Nature Interaction Event at Teshikaga Town Public Hall and Kawayu Visitor Center "Lecture: Rediscovering the Nature of Mashu" - A Story of Volcanoes, Forests, and Lakes - Date: September 12 (Saturday) Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Kawayu Visitor Center Instructor: Kawayu Visitor Center Staff Participation Fee: Free Capacity: 15 people Application Deadline: September 4 (Apply at Teshikaga Town Public Hall. Phone: 015-482-2340) *Please make your application by phone to Teshikaga Town Public Hall in advance. The event will take place at Kawayu Visitor Center, so please be careful not to get it mixed up.

For many western travelers, a surprisingly common habit when going to a new country is to find a local McDonalds. I am definitely guilty of this myself! It seems very counterintuitive. Why go to the other side of the world to have the kind of forgettable fast food you could have had at home? But, just as many Japanese take instant noodles or other comfort foods with them when they go abroad, there can be an anchoring sense of familiarity to something, even if it isn't great at the best of times. But the good news is, Japanese McDonalds has many things to set it apart as well! The Teriyaki Burger or the "Samurai Mac" with soy sauce can be reliably found at any time, but depending on when you visit you might find the "Moon-viewing" Tsukimi Burger with egg, the Macaroni and white cream croquette (!) Gurakoro Burger, or even a Cherry Blossom flavored Pie! In the past there have been various takes on "international" flavors, like New York and Texas themed burgers that invariably focus on extra meat, as well as Kebab and Taco-flavored burgers. Rare dipping sauces such as Black Garlic, Setouchi Lemon Tartar Sauce, Cheese Curry and even Takoyaki Mayo can make simple nuggets feel more exotic as well. As a bonus, Japanese McDonalds prices are very favorable to similar portions in the US or Europe! Nowadays, with translation apps and a boom in foreign visitors, the old phenomenon of a language barrier and not knowing what to order at Japanese Restaurants is less common, but it can still be a relief to step into somewhere you know exactly what to expect, and all the more so if it has its own special twist that reminds you that you are in Japan. Finally, anecdotally I find the staff working at McDonalds in Japan work to a higher standard than anything I have been familiar with in Western countries, where to a large degree a lack of effort is accepted and expected from staff, since its "just McDonalds". The famous Japanese work ethic and attention to quality shines through here, meaning that even with an identical order it is more likely to be made correctly and with care.

When it comes to "pigs," it's hard not to think of the stereotypes of being gluttonous, loving to roll in the mud, and being dirty and smelly. However, after visiting in person this time, I realized I had completely misunderstood them! A few days ago, I visited Japan's first mini pig café, "mipig cafe," and as soon as I walked in, my heart melted. The café follows a "pig first" principle, meaning you can't chase or pick them up; you can only quietly wait for a connection. I watched as the little pigs leisurely strolled around the space, finding their favorite corners to lie down and rest, and it was just too adorable. Not long after I sat down, one little fellow climbed up onto my lap without hesitation and fell asleep contentedly! Watching its little belly rise and fall with each breath made me hesitant to breathe too heavily, and I couldn't help but smile. In just an hour of interaction, I felt all the accumulated stress from daily life melt away thanks to these little cuties. Lastly, a small reminder for friends planning to visit: to protect these adorable little pigs, the café has strict health protocols. If you are a visitor from a country affected by African swine fever, you won't be allowed in for the first two days after arriving in Japan. So, friends who want to have fun with the mini pigs should plan their visit for "after the third day of entry." Although there's an extra procedure, knowing it's to protect their health gives me peace of mind.

The Saijo City Summer Fireworks Festival will be held as scheduled today. For details such as traffic regulation maps, please check the Saijo City Tourism and Product Association's website. We sincerely look forward to your attendance. Please note that the content may change or be canceled due to weather conditions. In such cases, we will provide further information. We ask all attendees to be cautious of surrounding congestion and traffic regulations, and to enjoy the event safely. "Saijo City Summer Fireworks Festival" 〇August 17, 2026 (Monday) from 20:00 for approximately 40 minutes 〇Location: Kitagawa (Kamo River Bank Middle Embankment) 【Headquarters: Teishō-ji Temple (Kannondo) 47 Kitagawa, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0042】

[Hilarious Imitation Live] On Saturday, August 22nd, a hilarious imitation live performance by Kenji Kurita and Seira will be held! At Hotel Rimu Plum Hall Doors open at 5:30 PM / Show starts at 6:00 PM Admission fee: 3,000 yen (Free for junior high school students and younger) Food and drinks will be sold separately. Tickets are now on sale! You can purchase tickets at Hotel Rimu and Q Mart Nishiokoppe Store 🎫 For inquiries, please contact 090-8707-0944 (Takahashi). We look forward to your attendance! Organized by Record Listening Club #Nishiokoppe Village #Hilarious Imitation Live #Imitation #Kenji Kurita #Seira

Photographed on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chimes for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Photo taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chime display for matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

As a child, I peered into the small universe of marbles every time I drank ramune. As an adult, I tried to capture the grand fireworks illuminating the night sky of Yokohama and the beautifully lit sailing ship Nippon Maru within that small marble. The collaboration of the retro ramune bottle and the vibrant night view of Minatomirai. It's an unforgettable summer night memory where nostalgia and novelty intersect.

The blue, clear summer sky and the vividly shining green fields create a scene reminiscent of Japan's original landscape, where a retro vehicle quietly stands. The torii gate visible in the distance adds a sense of narrative and nostalgia to this scenery, capturing a moment of summer in Japan, where the sound of cicadas seems to echo.

Photographed on July 26, 2026. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, clouds on the ground.

From Osaka to Kochi Prefecture to Ehime Prefecture🚗 I visited the stunning summer spots, Cape Ashizuri and Kashiwa-jima. The sea is blue! It was refreshing🌊 The hotel was not far from the John Mung Museum. In Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, I enjoyed food walking at Dogo Onsen♨️! I had the tempura of Ichiroku Tart for 200 yen (tax included). It was incredibly delicious😋

Taken on July 26, 2014. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a shining river.🌌 I want to go take pictures again.

This is the "Yanai Goldfish Lantern Festival" in Yanai City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Cute "Kingyo Chochin" lanterns decorate the street corners, creating a fantastical atmosphere with the soft light spilling from the lanterns. On the other hand, during the "Bakusō Neputa" on August 13th, the adorable "Kingyo Neputa" transforms and performs a wild and frenzied run. (laughs)

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illumination of the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's matchmaking wind chimes. I found a red thread wind chime.

Summer settled over the village like a green silence. The mountains slept beneath the endless blue sky, while cicadas sang from the trees as if they had been singing there forever. Bright flowers bloomed along an empty roadside, leading somewhere unknown. A lazy afternoon, a gentle breeze, and the delicate sound of wind chimes drifting through Okutama made this summer feel a little more magical.

The Wind of Hokuto Pro Wrestling Blows At the end of July, a Hokuto Pro Wrestling event was held in Nishiokoppe Village. This was a continuation from last year, but the number of attendees was nearly double that of last year! During the day, the wrestlers visited the day service, and it felt like the distance between them and the villagers was greatly shortened. With their well-trained bodies, they performed stunning acts, dropping from great heights with a loud "bang!" and engaging in brawls outside the ring, making for a spectacular event. Hokuto Pro Wrestling matches not only excite the wrestlers but also draw cheers from the audience, energizing the entire venue. That’s why the spectators became increasingly engrossed in the matches, pouring their energy into their cheers and applause. The drinks and food we prepared were also purchased in abundance, proportional to the intensity of the matches.🙌 The children in the village who watched the wrestling have become fans, even making their own championship belts.🤩 Thank you to everyone who came out!

【Kuraoka Area Fishing Tournament🎣】 Today (August 15th), the Kuraoka Area Fishing Tournament was held for the first time in two years😊 It seems that a significant number of fish were released this year, and everyone was catching one after another🐟 The children were cheering each time they caught a fish, running to their parents saying, "Help me with the hook!"😆 A "Fish Catching" event for kids was also held✨ The fish swimming freely in the river posed quite a challenge for the children😂 Especially eels, which would slip away from their hands even after being caught, made it quite difficult🤣 However, some kids figured out a strategy to throw the fish and eels they caught onto the riverbank💡 Many families were seen heading home with a lot of fish, saying, "It's going to be a hassle to clean them later!"💦 Everyone is in for a feast tonight😋

The "Suhōten Festival" at Iminomiya Shrine, known as "the extraordinary festival of the world," boasts a history of over 1,800 years. Men carry bamboo poles that can reach up to 30 meters in length and weigh over 100 kilograms! Everyone, be careful not to knock over the bamboo, "Total Concentration: Bamboo Breathing!" Filming location: Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

A pear PR event will be held at KamaSta! The first 1,000 visitors will receive delicious 🍐 Kamagaya pears 🍐 as a gift! At the exhibition booth in front of the stadium, we also plan to sell pears and more✨ Join us for a special day where you can enjoy both Kamagaya pears and KamaSta. 【Date】Saturday, August 22 【Venue】Fighters Kamagaya Stadium 【Opponent】Chiba Lotte Marines #Chiba Prefecture #Kamagaya City #Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters #Nippon Ham #KamaSta #lovefighters #baseball #farm league #tourism #Chiba tourism #event #pear 【Fighters Farm Collaboration Promotion Office】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kanko-bunka-sports/sports/Fightersrenkei/kamasutakamagaya-day.html...

Taken on July 26, 2026. This is the illuminated wind chime display at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. I looked up at the wind chime corridor from below.