16:55 Today’s sunset in Kushiro 🟠 What a beautiful color!

Mount Fuji as seen from Kawaguchiko Bridge over Lake Kawaguchi on a certain day

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Videos. We are Wakeido, a specialty shop for buying and selling Japanese swords and traditional blades. We operate in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, buying, selling, and appraising nihonto (Japanese swords) and fittings. Founded over 70 years ago, we have built lasting relationships with many people through swords. In this first post, we would like to introduce who Wakeido is and what kinds of swords we handle. ■What is Wakeido? Wakeido is a sword specialist based in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, and we have provided many Japanese swords and sword fittings to customers. Our strength lies in offering authentic, NBTHK-certified items (appraisal papers issued by the Society for the Preservation of Japanese Art Swords). We have experienced sword appraisal specialists on staff who provide reliable transactions and accurate guidance based on expert judgment and trust. We strive to give first-time visitors a welcoming consultation experience, so please feel free to contact us. ■What is a Japanese sword? A Japanese sword is a traditional blade made using Japan’s unique forging techniques and is often seen as a symbol of samurai culture. Beyond being a weapon, its aesthetic form, functional excellence, and historical background have earned it high regard domestically and internationally as an art object and cultural asset. Japanese swords generally have the following characteristics. ・They use a special steel called tamahagane ・A beautiful hamon (temper line) appears on the blade ・Their structure and hardening techniques make them hard to break, resistant to bending, and very sharp ・Shapes and features vary by period and swordsmith, giving them strong appeal for collectors At Wakeido, we consider it our important mission to convey these attractions of Japanese swords with correct knowledge and to pass them on to the next generation. ■What kinds of swords and fittings does Wakeido handle? Wakeido deals in a variety of sword types, including tachi, katana, wakizashi, and tanto. We also offer many sword fittings such as tsuba (handguards), fuchigashira (collar and pommel), menuki (ornamental grip pieces), and kozuka (small utility knife handles). These items often have high value as art objects and are popular for decoration and collecting. ■What about Wakeido’s online sales? If you cannot visit the store, we invite you to use our online shop for purchases. We ship to sword enthusiasts worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, and Asia. How to order: https://wakeidou.com/pages/117/... Our official website includes product photos and detailed descriptions, so you can shop with confidence from anywhere in the country. One of our goals is to act as a bridge that shares the appeal of Japanese swords with the world. ■How can you sell or have a sword appraised? We evaluate and buy unwanted swords, swords inherited through succession, or blades whose value is unknown by assessing their condition and whether an appraisal certificate is present to arrive at a fair valuation. Estimates are, of course, free. We offer several purchase methods: in-store purchase, home-visit purchase, and mail-in appraisal services. You can choose the option that suits your convenience, so please feel free to consult us first. ■Where is Wakeido? Access information Our shop is located at 1-chome Kashiwa-cho, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture. It is about a 13-minute walk from the West Exit of Nagaoka Station, and parking is available. Business hours: 9:00–18:00 Closed: 1st and 3rd Sundays ■For Anything Related to Japanese Swords, Turn to Wakeido We at Wakeido want to connect with everyone who is interested in Japanese swords and fittings through bonds formed around swords. ・Those who want to try purchasing a Japanese sword ・Those who want to sell or have a sword appraised ・Those who want to expand their collection ・Those who want to experience a sword for the first time We welcome both domestic and international customers. We will help you enjoy the appeal of Japanese swords as a cultural asset and pass that appeal on to the future. Thank you for your continued support of Wakeido. https://wakeidou.com//

Let’s head to Okhotsk this spring! We present the Spring Flower Tour Campaign at Frespo Suzuran Plaza (Flower Tour Festival). Held at Frespo Suzuran Plaza, which opened in July 2005 in Obihiro City (Inadacho Minami 8-sen Nishi 10-1), Hokkaido, this event brings you the charms of Okhotsk centered on spring flower viewing. The event features plenty to enjoy, including pre-trip information for Okhotsk tourism, the ever-popular mascot gathering, a drift ice exhibit, a prize questionnaire, sales of local specialties, hands-on experience booths, and a coloring corner. Discover the attractions of Okhotsk over these two days. Please come and join us!!

Photographed on February 13, 2014. This is HK Tea’s lemon honey and a chocolate-banana egg waffle. Chocolate and banana go so well together. 😊🍫🍌

Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now ongoing! More areas are coming into full bloom♪ Please come and visit! Photo credit::Mr. Yasuki Okamoto

Photographed on February 13, 2026. This is HK Tea’s lemon honey. 🍋🍯 I love it. 😊

Our popular “Morning Yoga at the Temple” Rental mats for the session on Sunday, March 8 are now down to only 2 slots left! 🧘‍♀️✨ Spend a luxurious, quiet moment in the main hall of Myohoji Temple, listening to your own breath. After balancing body and mind with yoga, the deputy chief priest will offer ・a gentle, warming morning rice porridge that’s kind to the body 🥣 ・relaxing matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) 🍵🍡 as a special treat. “I’ve been feeling unusually tired lately…” “I want to reset my body and mind for spring” This is the perfect pampering plan for those feelings. Only 2 slots remain with rental mats included—first come, first served! Hurry up 💨 📅 Date and time: Sunday, March 8 — Gather at 8:20 AM 📍 Venue: Myohoji Temple (4-1-3 Nakanocho Higashi, Sakai Ward) 💰 Fee: 5,000 yen (rental mat +100 yen) 🔍 For details, search “Sakai Morning Yoga” https://www.sakai-tcb.or.jp/tourism/detail/173...

The moment you open the door, a gentle aroma spreads through the lobby. Experience a moment of relaxation as you take in the scenery. Would you like to experience Kushiro at Kushiro Prince Hotel? You can book via the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

This view takes on a completely different expression from June… ✨ ☁️ Lake Kussharo Sea of Clouds Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass ☁️ Starting again this year from June! A grand sea of clouds that blankets the entire lake. The magical moment when the summit slowly clears is a luxurious experience only early risers will encounter. Join a guide and enjoy a “miraculous morning” woven by nature. 📅 Season: June to October 🚐 Guided tour departing from hotels 🌄 We will take you to the Tsubetsu Pass observation facility Make this summer an unforgettable sea-of-clouds journey.

Open-house-style presentations on the redevelopment of the Kawayu Onsen district will be held. Notice from the Tourism and Commerce Division, Kawayu Onsen District Redevelopment Office In Teshikaga Town, as we promote tourism—the town’s core industry—we have been advancing the redevelopment of the Kawayu area. In October 2023, we adopted the Kawayu Onsen District Town Development Master Plan to guide the revitalization of the Kawayu Onsen district. At the times below, panels and other displays will be available, and staff will be on hand to explain the progress of the Kawayu Onsen district redevelopment whenever you visit. No specialized knowledge is required. Please feel free to drop by! Venue Kawayu Furusato Hall 2-3-40 Kawayu Onsen Dates and times Sunday, March 1, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday, March 2, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM No advance registration is required; if you wish to attend, please come directly to the venue. The program will be the same on both days. Organizer Teshikaga Town Contact 015-482-2940 https://www.kawayu-onsen.com/news/1034/...

The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest have been announced! This time, we present three Special Prize winners and the Executive Committee Special Prize. ✶ Special Prize ✶ Erisa Nitta "The Back of MtKamuinupuri" Takashi Kuroda "Rime in May" Koji Yajima "Standing at Dusk" ✶ Executive Committee Special Prize ✶ Taiga Takahashi "Ice"

The winning entries of the 15th Teshikaga Photo Contest were announced recently. Here we present the special prize winners 👀✨ Enjoy. — ⋆⋆✶ Special Prize — ⋆⋆✶ Noriyasu Masuda "Overwhelmed by Vast Nature" Nobuyuki Yamamoto "go!go!go!" Takahiro Kori "Intermingling Plume and Cloud" Hieeda Hiromi "A World of Silence" For other winners and winning works, please check Teshikaga Navi. Congratulations to all the prizewinners‼︎ Thank you to everyone who participated‼︎ We appreciate your continued support for the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi 🙇❣️ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

March 1 (Sunday) is the opening day for yamame and small-fry fishing on the Doshi River. This year has seen unusually low rainfall not seen for decades. Although the clear waters of the Doshi River have remained low, they have started to recover after yesterday's rain. Please enjoy the Doshi River's yamame again this year. *The fee for the fishing permit has been revised.

The winning works of the 15th Teshikaga photo contest were announced recently. Today we present the selected entries for your viewing👀✨ Enjoy. — ⋆⋆✶ Selected — ⋆⋆✶ Shoichi Koike "Rays of Light" Fumiaki Nishikawa "Solitary Thoughts in the Morning Mist" Murakami Grace "Dripping Winter" Urata Marunī "Dragon’s Mist" Rie Ishida "Reflection — Capturing Summer" You can check other winners and winning works on Teshikaga Navi. Congratulations to all the prize winners‼︎ Thank you to everyone who participated‼︎ We hope you will continue to support the Teshikaga Photo Contest and Teshikaga Navi🙇❣️ https://www.masyuko.or.jp/news/photocon_r08/...

Kawazu cherry trees blooming in Tanabe City at Shinjo Park The popular playground equipment that is always full of children was wet from the rain and nobody was playing on it.

📣 Exhibition of works by artist Aju! ✨ We will display works by Aju, an artist living in Sakai City who designed the mural inside the Lawson Cafe at the Osaka–Kansai Expo venue, in Gallery Yanagi 2 at Sakai City Museum. 🗓️ Thursday, February 26 – Sunday, March 1 ⏰ 10:00 AM–5:00 PM 📍 Sakai City Museum, Gallery Yanagi 2 💰 Free admission 🔍 For details, search “Sakai City Aju exhibition”! 🔗https://www.city.sakai.lg.jp/kanko/bunka/art_kanrenjigyo/expo_legacy/artist_tenzi.html...

Photographed on February 13, 2026. This is Udon Tatsu-mi’s COEDO bukkake. This udon is something I crave regularly. 😊

Notice of closed days in March. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. - Notice of closed days in March. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. - Notice of closed days in March. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. - Notice of closed days in March. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

Signs of Spring at Forest Museum “Mokumu” The temperature has risen suddenly and the sunlight already feels like spring’s warmth… It’s still midwinter, but there’s a place where you can feel spring even more. When you enter Forest Museum “Mokumu,” the first thing that catches your eye is the profusion of blooming cherry trees. All around the museum, various hina dolls smile at visitors. If you’re curious how many hina dolls there are in total, try counting them. A room with large flowers mounted on the wall is also well worth seeing. They’re stylish decorations made using scrap paper 🌸 - SASAKI Craft Exhibition Now On! - Forest Museum “Mokumu” Winter opening hours: 10:00–16:30 Last admission accepted until 16:10 Admission fees: 500 yen for high school students and older 300 yen for 4th–6th graders and junior high students 100 yen for ages 3 through 3rd grade elementary school Free for children under age 3 #Forest Museum Mokumu #Cherry blossoms #Hina Festival

Spring Star Concert A concert by Erhu and Song artist Rinko Announcement of the concert📢 Rinko visited Nishiokoppe Village last November. In addition to a mini concert, she spent time introducing the erhu to children at the elementary school and nursery. At this upcoming concert, enjoy the erhu accompanied by piano and violin. - Performance date: Saturday, March 21 Doors open: 18:00 / Start: 18:30 Venue: Nishiokoppe Village Community Center Plum Hall Performers: Erhu and vocals — Rinko Piano — Motoki Fukuda Violin — Shota Sakaji Tickets: Nishiokoppe Village residents: Free General (non-residents): 2,000 yen Junior high school students and younger: Free Reservations: Please fill out the form via the QR code or call the phone number below to apply. 090-8904-8798 (Takahashi) *Phone reservations are accepted only between 17:00 and 20:00.* - This concert is part of Nishiokoppe Village’s 100th anniversary celebrations and was planned at the suggestion of village residents. We would be delighted if many people could hear the sound of the erhu. We look forward to your attendance. #Concert #Erhu #Village 100th Anniversary

Good morning ☀ This morning in Tsukigase Tsukigase Plum Valley Plum Festival Now on! In full bloom! February 14, 2026 – March 29, 2026 Photo: Yasuki Okamoto

Photographed on January 19, 2014. These are the hanachōzu (flower-filled hand-washing basin) at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.

Have you ever visited Eastern Hokkaido in winter? Silence becomes sound. A winter scene in Hokkaido you must see at least once. A lake without a sound. Biting, icy air. And an unexpected encounter. In winter, Lake Kussharo feels like another world. 📍 Kussharo Prince Hotel https://www.instagram.com/kussharo_ph/... 📸 Recommended for scenic-photo lovers

Now accepting applications for the 32nd Tokachi Blue Sky Lady!! ☀️ Applications for Tokachi Blue Sky Lady have been extended!! There are only two days left until the deadline on Friday, February 27!! Would you like to apply to be Tokachi’s PR ladies, the Tokachi Blue Sky Ladies, who promote Tokachi’s tourism and local products by participating in events across Tokachi, taking part in product fairs inside and outside Hokkaido, and appearing in media? If you’re interested, please feel free to apply 🤗 We look forward to your application!! 📌 Eligibility 📍Women aged 20 or older living in Tokachi who are physically and mentally healthy, can agree to all the Tokachi Blue Sky Lady program rules and guidelines, and can take part in tourism events and product fairs both inside and outside the region (married or unmarried) 📍Holders of a regular driver’s license who have obtained permission from their workplace and family to participate in activities as a Lady 📌 How to Apply Please attach a photo to your resume, write your motivation for applying, and include information confirming you meet the eligibility requirements, then mail or deliver it to the Tokachi Tourism Federation Office by Friday, February 27. https://tokachibare.jp/20506/...

If you stay in Kushiro. A location with views of one of the world’s three greatest sunsets. A port town’s scenery seen from guest rooms. A front-row moment that stretches from dusk into night. A place where the stay itself becomes a travel memory. 📍Kushiro Prince Hotel Reservations available from the profile URL. https://www.instagram.com/kushiroprincehotel/...

Daiichi Nagisa Park at Lake Biwa, where early-blooming rapeseed flowers blossom. The contrast between the white snow and the yellow flowers is striking.

Two patches of the native spring flower setsubunso, which signal the arrival of spring, are now in full bloom in Soryo Town, Shobara City, Hiroshima Prefecture! 🌼 Other spots are progressing and are about 30% in bloom, too—so come and see! The Setsubunso Festival will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2025. We hope you can join us! ▶ Event details here https://www.shobara-info.com/event/5451... ▶ Setsubunso bloom updates (updated regularly) https://www.shobara-info.com/special/4467... ▶ Featured in our editorial report! Published 2025.03.06 “The Scent of First Love” Visiting Setsubunso: Exploring the wild colonies and nearby lunch spots https://www.shobara-info.com/report/4967... Access: About a 15-minute drive from Shobara IC on the Chugoku Expressway 🚗

Photographed on January 19, 2014. These are the floral hand-washing basin displays at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine.