Introduction of Fuchikashira from Wakedo Item Number: F380904 Title: Ebi zu Fuchikashira Maker: Sominsai Tokinari (kao) Certification: N.B.T.H.K. Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Fuchikashira Height 38.5mm, Width 22.5mm, Thickness 14mm Head Height 34mm, Width 16.5mm Period: Late Edo Period School: Omori School Description Arai Tatsujiro was a disciple of Omori Terutoki and excelled in high carving of the Yokoya-style red-copper fish. The Omori School is a prestigious lineage in the Yokoya style, alongside the Ishiguro and Yanagawa schools, founded by Eisho, who trained under Yokoya Somin, and flourished with the second generation, Omori Teruhide. Many disciples emerged from this lineage, including Tatsujiro. This piece also features a high carving of an Ise lobster on a Yokoya-style red-copper fish base, showcasing impressive power and high skill.

Introduction of Menuki from Wakedo Item Number: M380904 Title: Zodiac Menuki Signature: Mumei Teijo Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Tokubetsu Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Left: Height 38.5mm, Width 17mm Right: Height 39.5mm, Width 17mm Period: Early Edo School: Goto main family, 9th generation Description Teijo Mitsumasa, the 9th generation of the Goto family, was born in the 8th year of Keicho (1603) as the legitimate son of the 7th generation, Kenjo. He was known by the childhood names Toraichi and Minamoto Ichiro, later adopting the name Rihei. He served the Kaga Maeda family, contributing to the development of the Kaga Goto school while also managing the engraving and financial affairs. Interestingly, he became the 9th generation head after the death of the 8th generation, Sokujo, when his son, the 10th generation, Renjo, was still a child, placing him in the same position as his father, Kenjo. This piece is a Zodiac Menuki made of shakudo, featuring a beautiful color and finely detailed representations of each zodiac sign.

Introduction of Kozuka from Wakedō Item Number: K380903 Title: Oyako Kohyo Zu Kozuka Signature: Mon Teijō Mitsuyoshi (kao) Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 97mm, Width 14.5mm Size: Length 97mm, Width 14.5mm Period: Early Edo Period School: Goto 9th Description Gotō Teijō Mitsumasa, the ninth generation of the Gotō family, was born in the eighth year of Keichō (1603) as the legitimate son of the seventh generation Kenjō. He was known in his youth as Toraichi and Minamoto Ichirō, later adopting the name Rihei. He served the Kaga Maeda clan and worked on both the metalwork and financial aspects of the clan, contributing to the development of the Kaga Gotō School. After the death of the eighth generation Sokujo, his son the tenth generation Renjō was still young, so Teijō became the ninth generation and served as Renjō's guardian, a position similar to that of his father Kenjō. This piece is a Kozuka with a tiger and leopard motif crafted by Teijō and perfected by the fifteenth generation Mitsuyoshi of the Gotō family. As expected from Teijō, the work on the tiger and leopard is meticulous, showcasing excellent chiseling techniques.

[Notice of Closure] Thank you for always visiting Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden. We will be closed on September 3rd (Thursday) at both Yachiho Highland Nature Park and the Flowering Tree Garden. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to those who planned to visit, and we appreciate your understanding.

Taken on August 16, 26. This is Andon Chicken Curry from cafe andon.🍛 I took a three-day summer vacation and explored Kawagoe.

Photographed on August 16, 2014. This is the flower water ceremony of the Senba Toshogu Shrine Grand Festival held on August 17.

Announcement of the Onneto Guide Walk 📣 If you want to learn about the rich nature of Hokkaido and Onneto, or if you wish to take a leisurely walk along the quiet lakeside and forest for some relaxation, the "Onneto Guide Walk" is perfect for beginners. Join a guide from Hotori LLC and rediscover the charm of Onneto while strolling by the lakeside. The walk is 3.7 km around Onneto and takes about 2 hours. 🔶 Dates: August 3, 2026 - October 31, 2026 (Please check Hotori LLC's social media for the operating days) 🔶 Location: Lakeside Rest House at Onneto 🔶 Fee: 6,600 yen per person (including insurance), 【10% off for social media followers】 *Free for ages 3 to under 6 🔶 Times: ① 10:00 AM, ② 1:00 PM 🔶 Group Size: 1 to 5 people 🔶 Application Method: Please apply through the application form. 🔶 Other: We are currently not accepting group bookings. Thank you for your understanding. 🔶 Contact: Hotori LLC (Contact: Fuke) TEL: 0156-28-0115 (10:00 AM - 5:00 PM) *If the person in charge is unavailable, we will return your call. 🔶 Hotori LLC's Instagram → @hotori.onneto https://forms.gle/UY2jCNbv693KUe1o7...

The morning in Azumino and sunflowers In this season filled with greenery, the yellow petals stand out The mornings in Azumino are cool and pleasant, perfect for a walk 😄

Taken on August 17, 26. This is the banana espresso latte from LEC COFFEE and the salted caramel banana basque cheesecake.🍌 The three-day summer vacation is over, and it's back to work starting today...🫠

Nagano's soul food, "oyaki" is a local dish from Nagano Prefecture made with a dough of wheat or buckwheat flour, wrapped around various fillings such as vegetables, wild plants, mushrooms, and sweet red bean paste. Today, I would like to introduce you to the oyaki from "Azumidō" 😄 They offer over 40 different types of oyaki throughout the year. Inside the shop, there is an irori (traditional sunken hearth) where you can grill and enjoy the oyaki you purchase.♫ Located right by the Azumino Interchange, make sure to stop by Swan Garden when you visit Azumino!

This was taken on August 17, 2026. It is the salted caramel banana basque cheesecake from LEC COFFEE.

Taken on August 17, 26. This is the banana espresso latte from LEC COFFEE. Highly recommended.🍌

Hello everyone, this is the Shosenkyo Gorge Tourism Association. Yesterday in Shosenkyo was a day with lots of clouds, making it relatively cool and comfortable. 🌿 During the Obon holiday, many of you visited Shosenkyo. Thank you very much to everyone who came! The hot days are still continuing, so please remember to stay hydrated and take care of your health. ☀️ When you feel like going somewhere a bit cooler, please do visit Shosenkyo. ⛰️ Enjoy the rich greenery and the scenic views of the gorge while taking your time to relax. We look forward to your visit! 😊 Date of photography: August 17th.

Introduction of Tsuba from Wakedo Model Number: T380801 Title: Ryugu Shisya zu Tsuba Signature: Syo yo ken Mitsutoshi Nobukatsu Certification: [N.B.T.H.K.] Hozon Tousougu Dimensions: Length 71mm, Width 68mm, Thickness 4.1mm Period: Late Edo School: Yagami school Description Mitsutoshi Nobukatsu of the Yagami school is the younger brother of the first Hizen Yagami Mitsuhiro. He traveled extensively and became a disciple of Nanjo Toshiyuki's family in Edo, marrying Yoshiko, the daughter of the Miyamoto family. After the death of his elder brother, he returned to Hizen Yagami, took over the family business, and adopted the name Naganosuke, becoming the second Mitsuhiro. The Yagami school specializes in iron tsuba and is known for its skill in depicting monkeys, but this piece features intricate high-relief color inlays with a design of the messenger from the Dragon Palace, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and high skill. Nanjo Toshiyuki became part of the Hamano school, so this remarkable work can indeed be said to be a masterpiece by the second Mitsuhiro, who trained in the Hamano style in Edo.

Reiwa 8 Summer Special Exhibition "Bungo-Ono's Place of Learning" ❚ Until October 4, Reiwa 8 The Reiwa 8 Summer Special Exhibition "Bungo-Ono's Place of Learning" is being held at the Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum in Mie Town, Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture. This exhibition allows you to explore the history of education in Bungo-Ono through historical materials carefully preserved at the museum from the Edo period to before World War II. In Reiwa 7, all elementary and junior high schools in the city became integrated schools, marking a new milestone in the community's education system. This exhibition invites you to reflect on the educational memories that have nurtured children at a time when the shape of schools is about to change significantly. 【Period】Until October 4 (Sunday), Reiwa 8 【Location】Bungo-Ono City Museum Geopark Museum (881 Uchida, Mie Town) 【Opening Hours】9 AM to 5 PM 【Closed】Mondays and holidays (September 21-23) 【Admission Fee】Free ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungo-Ono City■■■ Approximately 3 hours by car from JR Hakata Station, Fukuoka Prefecture Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Kumamoto Station, Kumamoto Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Beppu Station, Oita Prefecture Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Yufuin Station, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■ Introducing tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungo-Ono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Taken on August 17, 26. This is the quiche plate from LEC COFFEE. It features quiche with ratatouille and two types of sausage. Accompanied by a salad with edamame🫛, homemade bread, and chilled corn potage.

Manda Pit is recommended for a day trip from Kumamoto City. You can experience a different aspect of Kumamoto's modernization history, unlike nature and hot springs. Why not add a touch of intellectual exploration to your usual Kumamoto trip? This is a unique spot in Arao City where you can actually walk and view a UNESCO World Heritage site. [Visiting Information] 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM) / Closed: Mondays (the following weekday if a holiday) and during the New Year holidays / Admission: 410 yen for adults and university students, 310 yen for high school students, 210 yen for elementary and middle school students / Manda Pit Station (free exhibition room and ticket sales) #KumamotoDayTrip #AraoCityTourism #HistoricalTourism #LearningTrip #IndustrialHeritage #ModernizationOfJapan #MandaCoalMine #Kumamoto #AraoCity #KumamotoTravel #JapanTravel #VisitJapan #WorldHeritage #JapaneseHistory

【Late Summer!】 This summer, head to the not-too-hot Minami-Izu 🌊☀️ ● About beach activities https://x.gd/Yiubz... ● Minami-Izu Town continues to have zero extreme heat days (as of August 17)! https://x.gd/WewOB... ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🏖️ Beach ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A stunning beach with white sands and blue pines, selected as one of Japan's top 100 beaches and top 100 bathing spots! Yumigahama Beach 📅 July 18 - August 30 This year, Yumigahama Splash Water Park is back 🛟 Enjoy water activities and swimming together. Yumigahama Splash Water Park 📅 Until August 23 (Sunday) ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤿 Activities ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ A hidden beach accessible only by boat 🚤 Thanks to the Kuroshio Current, it boasts excellent visibility and is a snorkeling paradise with abundant fish 🐠 📅 Until September 30 (Wednesday) 🚢 Hirizo Beach swimming tour now accepting applications! Departure dates: September 19 - 21 Adults 6,500 yen / Children 5,500 yen Tour application here https://x.gd/ZH3a4... Yagawahama and Tawara-hama ferry (Mera) July 18 - August 31 * Starts July 25! IZU THE SOUTH 34°N: https://www.izu34n.jp// * Summer posters are also on sale! B1 (Iro Shrine) 500 yen, B2 (Hammerhead Shark, two types of fireflies from Ihama) 300 yen (Free distribution for Minami-Izu residents) 📷 Photo contest is also underway! Winning entries will receive luxurious prizes. Application here https://x.gd/LRM7Q...

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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.

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/...

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

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.

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😋