🌸 Mother's Day, a special time to 🌸 express gratitude In the busyness of daily life, "Thank you" and "I love you" Thereare things that are difficult to convey honestly. But today is a special day. Mother’s Day. To the mother who gave me many love, With gratitude for each and every memory, I want to deliver a warm "thank you" as deep as the sea. Even on the days when you made delicious rice, Even on the days when he scolded me gently, There were days when he hugged me gently. Everything is a precious memory. Like the Unfolds of the Sea, A mother's love is endless. Stop for a moment today. Why don't you feel the happiness wrapped in that love? 🌊 Mother's Day, a special time to 🌸 express gratitude #Hokule'a Shonan #HokuleaShonan

Yachiho Lake Yachiho Lake is a managed fishery where you can enjoy catch-and-release fishing 🐟🫧 Families can have fun together, and there is a Fishing Kids Land where baited rods are available for rent 😸 You can enjoy it surrounded by abundant nature 🌸 We hope you will come and visit ✨

🌊 [GW is refreshing at the sea! ] Family refreshment course & fun dive in Kawana] 🌿✨ During this year's Golden Week, Hokule'a Shonan Held in a family refreshment course and fun dive in Kawana, Shizuoka Prefecture! ☀️ The best diving day with a blue sky. 🌞 The sea of Kawana, with its outstanding transparency, was as beautiful as a painting, with schools of sparkling fish in the water and seaweed swaying gracefully creating a fantastic landscape. 🐠🌿 From the moment we entered the sea, everyone was full of smiles. 😊✨ Those who participated in the refresher course were able to enjoy diving for the yellowtail first time in a long time and were able to dive with peace of mind with the careful support of the instructor. Confirm basic skills and practice buoyancy control in water. 🤿✨ Meanwhile, the Fun Dive team enjoyed a calm stroll in the water and enjoyed the charm of Kawana's colorful sea. 🐠🪸 After diving, everyone took a commemorative photo 📸✨ The smiles in the water and the group photo on land remained as special memories. 🌈 [Hokule'a Shonan's Refreshment Course & Fun Dive] 🌈 At Hokule'a Shonan, you can request a family refreshment class or fun dive Anytime! ✅ Those who want to enjoy diving safely for the yellowtail first time in a long time ✅ Those who want to make memories with family and friends ✅ Those who want to relax and enjoy themselves Dates and dive sites can also be tailored to your wishes. 🌊 📩 Please feel free to contact us to make a reservation for your next refresher course or fun dive. We look forward to your participation! 🤗✨ 👉 For diving Information on Hokule'a Shonan, please see our profile! #ScubaDivingAdventure #FamilyDivingExperience #RefreshDiveCourse #FunDivingJapan #KawanaDiving #DiscoverUnderwaterWorld #ScubaWithFamily #OceanExploration #DivingInJapan #HokuleaShonan #PADI

🌳Old Farmhouse in the Forest Series🌳 Yamashigi Forest A 140-year-old farmhouse stands on a sky-high site at 650 meters above sea level. There are two buildings: Shitashigi, built in the Taisho era, and Nakashigi, built in the Meiji era. A gentle forest breeze 🍃 flows through, making this a pleasant place to be. Nearby you will find tea fields, bamboo groves, and orchards, and a variety of hands-on activities let you experience mountain village life. Capacity: 2 buildings, 15 people each, total 30 people Facilities: Goemon bath, kamado hearth, irori sunken hearth *The Goemon bath and kamado hearth are available only in Shitashigi.* ◎Experiences 📍Tea picking and pan-roasted tea making The tea fields in the valley have their picking season every May. Around that time, Yama Gakkou offers tours where you can pick tea and make pan-roasted tea. Pan-roasted tea grown in Yamashigi Forest is also sold as Yamashigi Tea at places such as Donko-tei and Morokko House. 📍Ume picking and ume preparations The two plum trees have long been indispensable to daily life. In Morotsuka, households prepare ume (plums) for year-round consumption. Learning these ume preparations is a popular part of the Yama Gakkou tours. Ume syrup and pickled ume are both big hits. 📍Yuzu harvesting and yuzu processing From autumn into winter, yuzu take center stage. Whether picked green or after they turn yellow, they each serve a wonderful purpose. This is another staple of the Yama Gakkou tours held at Yamashigi Forest. You can harvest yuzu, make yuzu kosho, take a yuzu bath, and more… Enjoy yuzu to the fullest with no part wasted. *For accommodations and experiences, please contact Morotsuka Village Tourism Association in advance.* Contact Morotsuka Village Tourism Association (Shiitake Hall 21) Phone number: 0982-65-0178

🫧 A soap-bubble show is coming to “Otohime no Kyujitsu.” 🫧 Guinness World Record for soap bubbles 🏆 Achieved the world record in the "Longest Bubble Garland Wand" category ✨ The Bubble Uncle will be appearing at “Otohime no Kyujitsu” ♪ He is a soap-bubble show specialist who has appeared on numerous media outlets 📺. He will likely fill the old Sakai Port 🌊 with soap bubbles 🫧 On Saturday, May 10th, from 3:30 PM for about 30 minutes. We look forward to seeing you there 🙌

“Solve the Mystery, Sakai” Leisure Ride 🚴‍♂️ 📢 The Sakai Convention and Visitors Bureau (public corporation) hosts a touring, real-world puzzle game called "Solve the Mystery, Sakai: The Spirit Kajira and the Vanished Legendary Blacksmith." Participants cycle around Sakai’s moat-ringed areas, visiting spots such as the Shimano Bicycle Museum and Sakai Densho-kan, among others, as they play along. ✨

📢Introducing a new hands-on experience✨ Make matcha with a stone mill and learn how to whisk it at a long-established tea shop🍵 At Nishio Meikouen Tea Shop, a venerable establishment in Sakai where the tea ceremony tradition still lives, would you like to try making matcha from tencha? You will whisk and enjoy the matcha you grind with the stone mill yourself🍵 A lecture by the head of the shop is included, so even first-timers can feel at ease🔰😊 In the second half, you will learn how to brew sencha to bring out its best flavor and hear stories about tea🎀 The shop offers not only tea leaves but also tea-based products perfect for souvenirs, such as “Rikyu, Sakai and Wanichabi Chocolate,” which was selected as a representative Osaka product, and jams🎁 Please join us in the delicious new-tea season🌿 This is a recommended plan to introduce Sakai to friends visiting Expo from afar ✨🔔 For details, search “Sakai matcha making”🔍

The “2025 Kiipas Satsuki Festival” will take place on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the Mihama Town Energy and Environmental Education Experience Center “Kiipas”. Experience booths run by elementary, junior high, and high school students from across the prefecture, along with fun demonstrations and exhibits from local companies, will be on display. There are plenty of hands-on activities to delight both adults and children. Outdoor offerings include food trucks and food stalls, making this an event the whole family can enjoy. 2025 Kiipas Satsuki Festival Date and Time: Sunday, May 25, 2025, 10:00–15:30 Venue: Mihama Town Energy and Environmental Education Experience Center “Kiipas” Address: 62-1 Nyu, Mihama Town. Phone: 0770-391116 1. Dining area 2. Inmotion experience (elementary school and above) 3. Morino storytelling and woodworking workshop 10:00, 13:00 — first 5 groups each session (Mihama Town Industrial Policy Division) (elementary school and above) 4. Genden experience corner (The Japan Nuclear Power Development Co., Ltd.) 5. Make and play with a balloon hovercraft! (Shimin Junior High School Science and Information Club, Fukui City) 6. Slime making (Sabae Junior High School Home Economics and Science Club) 7. Explosion Is Art! (Sabae Junior High School Home Economics and Science Club) 8. Biri-Biri Mic (Electric Shock Mic) (Mikata Junior High School, Wakasa Town) 9. Balance Dragonfly (Awara City Ashihara Junior High School) 10. Make your own original kite (Mihama Junior High School Art Club) 11. Take the global warming quiz! (Mihama Town West Elementary School) 12. Play with bows and arrows! (Mikata Junior High School, Wakasa Town) 13. Mr. K’s Science Show 13:30–14:00, 14:30–15:00 14. Make accessories with UV resin Sessions at 10:00, 10:40, 11:20, 13:00, 13:40, 14:20 15. Kiipas train: Go by magnet! 16. Mysterious experiences with radiation! (Atomic Energy Science Museum “Attohome”) 17. Create and fly drawing gliders and frisbees (Kansai Electric Power Mihama Power Station) — first 60 participants 18. Make your own disposable warmer (pokkairo) (Fukui Prefectural Mikata High School) — first 30 participants 19. Decorate your room! Make an eco art room plate to help protect the sea (Fukui Prefectural Mikata High School) — first 20 participants 20. A gift from the deer: My antler keyholder! (Fukui Prefectural Mikata High School) — first 100 participants 21. Exciting plastic keyholder making! (Tsuruga Kehi High School Science Club) — first 100 participants 22. Lecture: “To Protect the Sea of the Future” — Challenges of marine plastic pollution 12:30–13:30 (Pirika Inc.) 23. Let’s look at garbage distribution data 13:00–15:00 (Pirika Inc.) Outdoors • Battery-powered car course for trial rides • Kamado Teahouse — first 100 families. Stamp rally and survey • Food trucks • Food sales https://www.town.fukui-mihama.lg.jp/site/kiipasu/14033.html...

Experience the whole Spring Nature! 🌿🇯🇵 The "blue world" I encountered in Nishi-Izu and Pyeongtaek The other day, we held in an experience diving and fun dive tour in Pyeongtaek, Nishi-Izu. On this day, we were blessed with good weather, and it was 🌞 a great day to enjoy the whole Spring Nature First of all, in the Water, we were greeted by a "seaweed forest" that can only be seen in Only now. The fantastic scenery of softly swaying seaweed makes you feel as if you have wandered into a fantasy world under water. The transparency is also high, making it an environment where even first-timers can enjoy diving with peace of mind. Limited time scenery unique to this time of year will Impression you no matter how many times you see it. And when I looked up from the water, Mount Fuji 🗻 clearly appeared there In Nishi-Izu in Spring, when the air is clear, there are many days when Mt. Mount Fuji looks very beautiful, and you can enjoy the luxurious collaboration of diving and Mount Fuji. It is a unique attraction of this place that you can feel the "Spring of Japan" both in water and on land. On this day, we also stopped at 🌸 the Nemophila flower garden The nemophila flowers that spread all over the blue are beautiful 💙🩵 as if they are connected to the color of the sea Nature gives you the feeling that your mind is naturally aligned by being surrounded by a gradation of blue. Experience diving at Hokule'a Shonan is held in all year round, Whether you want to practice slowly in the pool or want to challenge yourself in the sea from the beginning, you can choose 😊 your favorite style For first-timers, we will give a careful lecture on how to use the equipment, so please feel free to participate. Why don't you spend time facing yourself while experiencing the Spring Nature and the beauty of the sea? Surrounded by the "blue" of both the sea and the sky, a relaxing experience awaits ✨ you #HokuleaShonan #NishiIzuDive #SeaweedForest #MountFujiView #NemophilaSeason #SpringInJapan #DivingExperience #TokyoDayTrip #ScubaDivingJapan

🌊 Impression experience in 1 hour from Tokyo! Zushi diving 🐠✨, a paradise in the sea Hello! This is 😊 Hokule'a Shonan This time, we will introduce the Scene of the diving tour in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture! 📍 Zushi is famous as a sightseeing spot, but it is actually a popular Spot for divers. Due to the intensity of the fish shadow and the good Access, it has Fascination many divers. We also went diving into the sea of Zushi! 🐟 The shadow of the fish is so dark! It's like a Water Water house One of the things that surprised me when I entered was the number of fish! The moment when you are surrounded by sparkling schools of fish is truly a "paradise in the sea" 🏝️✨ The transparency is good, and the light in the water is very fantastic. Forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city and simply drifting with the fish is a healing moment 🫧 that resets the mind and body 🚗 Excellent Access! Arrive in about 1 hour from Tokyo Zushi is only 40 minutes by car from Hokule'a Shonan shop (30 seconds walk from the south exit of JR Hiratsuka Station)! It can be accessed from Tokyo in about 1 hour, so it is 👌 a perfect area for day trip diving Many ☺️ customers are surprised that there is such a wonderful sea without having to go far 🤿 Safe for beginners! Hokule'a Shonan's Courteous Support Hokule'a Shonan is Held in a diving tour with a small number of people and beginners welcome! Experienced instructors will support you firmly. "It's my first time and I'm anxious..." "I'm worried that there is a blank ..." You can ✨ also participate with peace of mind Let's enjoy the world of the sea in a relaxed atmosphere! 🌟 Summary: Experience your own impression in the sea of Zushi The intensity of the fish shadows, the beautiful Water middle world, the goodness of the Access The sea of Zushi is full of 💙 charm that you will want to visit again and again Why don't you experience your own Impression diving in the Shonan Sea? All of our staff are looking forward to 😊🌊 your participation #ZushiDiving #ScubaDivingJapan #DiveNearTokyo #UnderwaterParadise #ColorfulMarineLife #HiddenDiveSpot #OceanLovers #HokuleaShonan #SmallGroupDiving #BeginnerFriendlyDiving

Today, 800 years after the time of the samurai, Bushido is still the spiritual prop of the Japanese people and still influences the politeness and manners of the Japanese people. Some aspire to Bushido from childhood, learning calligraphy and tea ceremony as spiritual training to become a respectable adult like a samurai, and swordsmanship as training in the martial arts. In the past, a "respected person" was called a "samurai. Others in general are simply samurai. Those who have learned bushido from abroad and aspire to become "Samurai" will be wielding Samurai swords tonight. #katana #bushido #samuraiSword

[Diving in Nishi-Izu and Tago! ] To a blue world with a transparency of more than 15 meters] Hello! This is 🌸 Hokule'a Shonan The other day, I went to the popular diving spot "Tago" in Nishi-Izu! Tago is a particularly popular area in Nishi-Izu, which is known for its rich nature and dynamic terrain. Access is a little far, but it is still understandable that there are many repeat customers who say, "It's worth going!" The sea on this day was more than 15 meters transparent! The moment you enter, you can't help but exclaim, "Wow!" at the beauty of the water. Just swimming in the clear blue sea with sparkling sunlight was a feeling that soothed my heart. And the highlight is a flock of snapdragons. Against the rocky backdrop, countless orange fish dance like a blizzard of flowers in the water. The water temperature was stable, the seaweed was growing, and the "water landscape only just now" was ✨ spreading At Hokule'a Shonan, we will guide you to diving spots that are "in season now!" at that time of year and on each day. Of course, the selection of points according to the request and the polite guide with a small number of people are also popular. Even first-timers and those with blanks can participate 😊 with confidence "Even if it's a little far away, I want to be healed by seeing the beautiful sea." "I want to encounter a scenery that can only be seen now." For such people, Tago diving is highly recommended! 🌟point🌟 ✔️ Day trip possible from the suburbs of Tokyo (early morning departure) ✔️ Safe and comfortable diving with a small number of people ✔️ Guided by an experienced instructor For those who want to be healed by the beauty of the sea, the current Tago no Kai is really recommended! Let's 🏝 go together and enjoy the view of the sea that you can only meet now #TagoDiving #NishiIzuDive #ScubaDivingJapan #HiddenGemsOfJapan #ExploreJapanUnderwater #HokuleaShonan #SmallGroupDiving #DivingNearTokyo #ColorfulReefFish #AnthiasParadise

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Opening] ⁠ Known as the source of one of the world’s finest porcelain raw materials, Amakusa Toseki, the Amakusa West Coast hosts seven scattered kilns. The 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour runs for five days from today, Friday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6. The final kiln introduced is Takahama Ware Juhogama. The Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour finally begins today. This Golden Week, please come out to the Amakusa West Coast and enjoy the season 😊 *You can view previous kiln introductions from this account’s profile!* 🌸Takahama Ware Juhogama Located in the Takahama district of the Amakusa West Coast, Takahama Ware Juhogama boasts a long history dating back to the mid-Edo Period when Amakusa Toseki was first quarried and pottery production began. Its signature products are pure white, translucent porcelain and a distinctive painted motif called mirumon, inspired by seaweed. You have likely seen pieces with this pattern around Kumamoto Prefecture. Just before the Spring Kiln Tour, the workshop buzzes with preparation to put items out for sale. During the event, you can find bargain-priced items and chances to unearth real treasures. The painted pieces are whimsical and charming, and this season many designs feature sake motifs, which makes them especially fun. Mariko Ueda, the managing director, recommends a large-capacity café au lait bowl. It’s perfect for long morning drinks or for enjoying cereal—an ideal morning vessel. On the premises stands the former Ueda family residence, once the local headman’s home. A stroll through the garden brings dazzling spring greenery into view. If you pause feeling watched, you might find a large tanuki statue sitting among the bushes. That tanuki is still awaiting a name, so why not become its namesake when you visit? 📍Takahama Ware Juhogama (Instagram 👉 @takahamaware_kilnjyuho) 598 Takahama Minami, Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2804 TEL: 0969-42-1115 ____________________ 🖌️During the Spring Kiln Tour, Takahama Ware Juhogama offers painting experiences on an ongoing basis. 🎪From Friday, May 2 to Monday, May 5 (approximately 10:00–15:00), a market, guided history and architecture tours of the Ueda family and Shiraso, mochi pounding, and various other events will take place! Details: check Takahama Ware Juhogama’s Instagram (@takahamaware_kilnjyuho). 🚗When you visit the Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, please be sure to stop by. ♩ ____________________ [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event, you’ll find new works on display and sale, special discounts, and a variety of activities. Take this opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics and the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! *A digital stamp rally qualifies for Kumamoto health points📱* *A paper-entry stamp rally at participating kilns gives you a chance to win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln)📃* [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 through Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM–5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama Pottery, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Pottery Kiln, Unshū Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama Ware Juhogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln [Inquiries] Amakusa Pottery Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

The average life expectancy a samurai in the Warring States period is said to be about 42 years. The average life expectancy for men in Japan today is about 81.5 years, and 87.6 years for women. With only about half the time compared to today's life expectancy, these Samurai ran through an era when they did not know what tomorrow's life would bring... #katana #bushido #osakacastle #samuraiSword #samuraiarmor

It snowed recently, but the cherry blossoms are starting to bloom little by little. Snow still dresses the mountains, and on clear days you can enjoy beautiful mountain views, so here are a few highlights. ■Tokachi Millennium Forest @tokachi_millennium_forest From the vast grounds you can see the Hidaka Mountain Range. During Golden Week, May 3–6, the Spring Garden Festa takes place. ■Tokachigaoka Observatory Located near Tokachigawa Onsen, it offers views of the Tokachigawa River, the hot spring town, and the Hidaka Mountain Range. It’s also a lovely spot for watching the sunset. ■Shinarashiyama Sky Park Observatory The Tokachi Plain spreads below like a patchwork quilt, making it a perfect panorama point, with the Hidaka Mountain Range visible behind. ■Obihiro Shrine @obihirojinja Cherry trees along the approach and within the shrine grounds are beginning to bloom. The hanachozu (flower-filled water basins) are decorated with pink, white, yellow, and other flowers, creating a festive scene. ■Nupuka no Sato @nupukanosato Located within Daisetsuzan National Park at an elevation of 600 meters, Nupuka no Sato offers sweeping views of Tokachi. With cottages and camping areas, it’s a place for outdoor experiences. At night you may be treated to a beautiful moon and starry sky. Events are also held during Golden Week! For event details, please check the URL below. Why not come visit Tokachi? You might even catch the cherry blossoms. https://tokachibare.jp/event/...

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa touseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour invites you to visit seven scattered kilns along this coast. Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Located in the Shimoda-minami area of the Amakusa West Coast, Jurou Kiln sits right by the sea where you can feel the ocean breeze. The kiln owner, Goh Kameyama, shapes and fires his pieces with a powerfully refined technique that gives the work a quiet tension. Meanwhile, Sanae Kameyama’s painted brushwork is delicate and graceful yet carries a distinctively modern sensibility that lends the vessels a soft expression. From sturdy, no-nonsense wares to charming, smile-inducing painted scenes, the couple’s contrasting sensibilities resonate to produce pieces that gently speak to both viewers and users. Location: Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln 426 Shimoda-minami, Amakusa-machi, Amakusa City, Kumamoto 863-2802 TEL: 0969-42-3143 _______________________________ On Sunday, May 4 at Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln! Sanae will perform an impromptu whale painting and in-situ blue-and-white underglaze dyeing, “whale painting 🐳 impromptu dyeing.” Please feel free to drop by and watch 👀 For details, search Instagram: Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln @takahamaware_kilnjyuho ⚠️ Please note this event will not take place at Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln. _______________________________ This is the final introduction to the participating kilns tomorrow 😿 Please be sure to take a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event, each kiln will offer new works for display and sale, plus special discount offers and other activities. Take this chance to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln, and savor the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! ※ A digital stamp rally qualifying for Kumamoto health points📱 ※ A stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Juhou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurou Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

2025 Green Season Sahoro Resort @tokachi_sahoro_resort_official A notice has arrived from Bear Mountain announcing the start of operations. Open from Saturday, April 26, 2025 🐻 Hours: 9:00–16:00 (Last admission 15:20) For reservations and inquiries, please visit the official website or call 0156-64-7007. A very large brown bear greets visitors. The light rain did not bother it at all. It enjoyed its meal heartily. You can see the brown bear's claws up close. There are also rare exhibits, so please come and see them 🐻 #Hokkaido #Hokkaido Gourmet #Hokkaido Sightseeing #Hokkaidō #Tokachi #Tokachi (local) #Tokachi Sightseeing #Tokachi Gourmet #Shintoku Town #Shintoku #Sahoro Resort #Bear Mountain #brown bear #bear #Welcome to Shintoku Town #Welcome back to Shintoku Town #hokkaido #hokkaido_lovers #hokkaido_love #ilovehokkaido #hokkaidotrip #hokkaidolikers #hokkaidolove #hokkaidosgram #hokkaidofood #hokkaidotravel #tokachi #shintoku #welcomeshintoku

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone, Amakusa tōseki. Over five days, from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour will take place across seven kilns dotted along this scenic shore. This time we introduce one of the participating kilns, Mugen Kiln. Please take a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 In upcoming posts we will also introduce the two kilns participating from Amakusa Town! 🌸 Mugen Kiln Mugen Kiln is the creative studio where potter Seiko Tanaka, who once aspired to be a poet, nurtures her distinctive artistic vision. Inspired by poetry and the arts, her pieces serve as everyday tableware while carrying the presence of true works of art. Tanaka’s unique motifs, born of her deep knowledge of earthenware and mingei folk crafts, give each piece a sense of story and message. Her work gently sparks the imagination of whoever holds it and leaves a lingering, mysterious afterglow. Mugen Kiln’s vessels speak in quiet tones, each quietly infused with Tanaka’s sensibility and poetic spirit. 📍 Mugen Kiln 588-1 Shirakio, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2506 TEL: 080-1703-6886 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions and sales of new works and special discount sales. Please take this opportunity to visit, enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln, and take in the wonderful scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! * Digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * Stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshuu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahamayaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Secretariat of the Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce, Industry and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famous as one of the world’s leading sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa porcelain stone. Using seven scattered kilns along this coastline as venues, the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour will run for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Unshu Kiln! 🌸 Unshu Kiln Tomioka, Reihoku Town. Unshu Kiln sits by the sea that locals fondly call the West Sea. The kiln owner, Mr. Miyoshi, practices pottery here. Unshu Kiln’s unique technique presses wild flowers and grasses into clay to transfer their patterns, capturing the breath of nature directly on the vessels. The simple, gentle pieces blend quietly into daily life and add a calm joy to ordinary moments. Friendly conversations with Mr. Miyoshi are one of the pleasures of visiting. Among the old photos on display, you can even see Mr. Miyoshi’s father-in-law taking part in the shark fishery once active in Tomioka, known as fuka-gari. During the Spring Kiln Tour, vendors will sell local agricultural products, and stalls offering antiques and succulent plants will also appear. Enjoy a relaxed time with the gentle air of the West Sea. 📍 Unshu Kiln 2829 Tomioka, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2507 TEL: 0969-35-0945 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will present new works for sale and special discount sales, among other attractions. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelain from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run at the same time! * Digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 * Stamp rally to win products from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries: Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of the porcelain raw material Amakusa porcelain stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, running for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Here is an introduction to one participating kiln, Tenjiku Kiln! Please have a look 💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 🌸 Tenjiku Kiln Tucked away in the mountains of Kobaba in Tororo, Reihoku, Tenjiku Kiln sits quietly in a peaceful setting. The kiln owner, Mr. Sumida, brings a warm sense of humor, and the many cats that greet visitors create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Drawing hints from Mr. Sumida’s everyday life, the kiln produces freely conceived vessels whose shapes and colors show distinctive personalities. They blend gently into daily life. The pottery classes held weekly attract many regulars, making Tenjiku Kiln a warm place rooted in the local community. The pottery, the people, and the cats alike all convey a friendly, comforting charm. 📍 Tenjiku Kiln 6121 Tororo, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2611 TEL: 0969-36-0860 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event you can enjoy new work exhibitions and sales, special discount offers, and other activities. Take this chance to visit and appreciate the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln against the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run concurrently! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally with a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Five kilns in Reihoku) Uchida Sarayamayaki, Koubou Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubou Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Juro Kiln Inquiries Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council Secretariat (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

[Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour Announcement] ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast, famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain stone “Amakusa toseki,” will host the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour at seven scattered kilns from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. Introducing one of the participating kilns this time: Kobo Kaze. Please take a look💁‍♀️💁‍♂️💁 🌸Kobo Kaze Kobo Kaze sits quietly amid the verdant nature of Reihoku Town. The workshop’s simple, warm aesthetic harmonizes with the natural beauty around it. The kiln owner, Mr. Hayashida, favors works produced by a carbonization firing technique that lines charcoal around the vessel during the main firing to create unique textures and tones. In recent years he has also focused on new Oribe pieces with rich green glazes, presenting tableware that is calm yet full of character. During the Spring Kiln Tour, you can also enjoy locally grown produce, woodworkers’ pieces, bamboo dragonfly crafts, sweets, and other items for sale, offering a chance to fully experience handiwork rooted in everyday life. Be sure to take in the fragrant scent of the trees and flowers that surround the workshop with all your senses. 📍Kobo Kaze 2915 Shiki, Reihoku Town, Amakusa District, Kumamoto 863-2503 TEL: 0969-35-2041 [Amakusa West Coast 🌸 Spring Kiln Tour] During the event we will feature new works for exhibition and sale, special discount offers, and various other activities. Please take this opportunity to visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa ceramics from each kiln and the stunning scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points📱 * A stamp rally that gives you a chance to win items from your chosen kiln (entry forms are available at each kiln📃) [Period] Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM [Venues] (Five kilns in Reihoku Town) Uchida Sarayama-yaki, Kobo Kaze, Mugen-gama, Tenjiku-gama, Unshu-gama (Two kilns in Amakusa Town) Takahama-yaki Jubogama, Amakusa Karatsu Juro-gama [Inquiries] Secretariat, Amakusa Porcelain Stone Research and Development Promotion Council (inside Reihoku Town Hall, Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 ⁠ The Amakusa West Coast is famed as one of the world’s premier sources of porcelain raw material, Amakusa Pottery Stone. Against this backdrop, seven kilns dotted across the area will open their doors for the 30th Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour, held for five days from Friday, May 2 to Tuesday, May 6. We will share introductions to the participating kilns, so please take a look 💁‍♀️ 🌸 Uchida Sarayama Ware In the Meiji era, Naohiko Kiyama began mining with advice from Yukichi Fukuzawa, laying the foundations for the pottery here. In 1970, the third generation, Katsuhiko Kiyama, discovered an Edo-period kiln site and reopened production. Subsequent excavations revealed a history of porcelain production that began around 1650 and continued for about a century. Carrying that history into the present is Uchida Sarayama Ware. Now in the hands of the fourth generation, Kentaro Kiyama, the kilns still quarry Amakusa Pottery Stone and Shiki clay themselves. From materials nurtured by Amakusa’s land, they craft each piece with care. The lineup pairs traditional techniques with a modern sensibility. For this Spring Kiln Tour, you can expect seasonal treasures such as pieces decorated with raised itchin patterns that convey three-dimensional texture, and charming May picture plates made for Children’s Day. Take this opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of vessels shaped by Amakusa’s history and landscape. 📍 Uchida Sarayama Ware 554-1 Uchida, Reihoku, Amakusa District, Kumamoto Prefecture 863-2505 TEL: 0969-35-0222 Amakusa West Coast Spring Kiln Tour 🌸 During the event we will offer a variety of attractions, including exhibitions of new works and special discount sales. Please visit and enjoy the beautiful Amakusa porcelains from each kiln along with the splendid scenery of the Amakusa West Coast. Two stamp rallies will run simultaneously! * A digital stamp rally eligible for Kumamoto Health Points 📱 * A stamp rally where you can win products from your chosen kilns (entry forms are available at each kiln 📃) Period Five days from Friday, May 2, 2025 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM Venues (Reihoku: 5 kilns) Uchida Sarayama Ware, Kobo Kaze, Mugen Kiln, Tenjiku Kiln, Unshu Kiln (Amakusa: 2 kilns) Takahama Ware Juho Kiln, Amakusa Karatsu Jurogama Inquiries: amakusa_pottery_stone_research_and_development_promotion_council_office (inside reihoku_town_hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0969-35-3332

🌸Spring Mountain School — Now Accepting Participants🌸 ~A casual hands-on experience in traditional pan-fried tea picking and hand-rolling🍵~ On Saturday, May 10th, we will hold a hands-on tour to make traditional pan-fried tea by hand-picking and hand-rolling the pan-fried tea that has long been handed down in Morotsuka Village. This rare tea, accounting for only about 0.02% of Japan’s production, invites you to try making it by hand-picking and hand-rolling in an atmospheric traditional house. 《Pan-Fried Tea Experience in Morotsuka Village, Miyazaki Prefecture》 ◎ How to make handmade pan-fried tea🍵 1. Tea picking Pick one bud and two leaves. Start at the tip of the new shoot and pick the second or third leaf from the top. 2. Initial pan-frying Heat the pan, add the fresh leaves, and stir-fry while mixing to prevent burning. Heat the pan until you hear a popping sound the moment the fresh leaves hit it. 3. Hand-rolling Spread the leaves on a mat to cool, then press down with your body weight and roll vigorously. If clumps form, break them apart (untangling the balls). 4. Drying and final frying With the heated pan, rub the tea leaves against the bottom of the pan with your hands while frying. As the moisture gradually evaporates and the leaves begin to dry, stop rubbing and dry the leaves while stirring them by hand so they do not burn. Why not take this chance to experience making pan-fried tea, something you rarely get to taste? We look forward to your participation 🤗 *For applications and more details, please check Morotsuka Navi.*

Children’s Day! Come play at Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza! 2025 Information 😄 This is the annual opening event at Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza!! On the vast lawn we provide play areas using equipment to give children a place to play. On the day there will be demonstrations of a model rocket launched with powder and a PET bottle rocket launched with air!! How far will they fly?? Look forward to finding out!! • First show 11:00 • Second show 14:00 We also offer loaner play equipment, so come with your family and run around to your heart’s content! Date: Monday, May 5, 10:00–15:00 (held rain or shine) Location: Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza (10-1 Aikoku-cho, Obihiro) Who it’s for: Infants through elementary school students and their guardians Fee: Free admission, free equipment loan Note: Many play items available for free loan, including kite flying, badminton sets, flying discs, and strikeout games Contact ☎️ Data Management Co., Ltd. (designated manager of Kita-Aikoku Exchange Plaza) Phone: 0155-67-7868 (Contact: Yoshida) e-mail: kita-aikoku@data-g.com

【Hokule'a Shonan|Water Photo Tour📸 Osezaki】 Hello! This is Hokule'a Shonan. The other day, at the popular Spot "Osezaki" in Nishi-Izu, we Held in 😁 a Water Photo Tour Speaking of Osezaki, it is a diving Spot where rich Nature spreads out that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to advanced divers. The transparency was high on this day as well, making it a perfect shooting day! What I would like to recommend this time is that when taking photos in water, "dare to take pictures of things that you usually tend to avoid." For example, seaweed. In normal diving, seaweed is often avoided as much as possible to create compositions, but by daring to incorporate it, you can 📷 take photos with a different atmosphere than usual With seaweed in the background, it creates a story in the photo, It makes the subject stand out more. By making good use of what is in nature, the range of water photography will Unfolds significantly. The photographic equipment used is a Tg-7+ ring light. While it is a compact digital camera that is easy to handle even for beginners, Authentic photos can be taken depending on the ingenuity of this camera, which is also an attraction 📷 The sea of Osezaki today is truly a treasure trove of photogenics! Colorful creatures, softly swaying seaweed, A fantastic scene with light... Please take your camera and dive in 👀✨ 🌸 If it's Hokule'a Shonan, We will do our best to support those who want to take their time shooting in the water! ✔ I want to take my time and shoot until I'm satisfied. ✔ I would like you to carefully teach me the basic operation of the camera. ✔ I want to enjoy photography without difficulty only in shallow areas. Such requests are also welcome 😊 "What is a photo tour like?" and "Can I do it?" If you are worried, please feel free to contact us first! Let's 📸 give shape to your "I want to take a picture!" together A piece that can only be found in the water world, just for you. In Hokule'a Shonan, we will bring you a special photo dive experience! #UnderwaterPhotoTour #OceanPhotography #DivingInJapan #UnderwaterAdventure #NaturePhotography #ExploreTheOcean #CaptureTheMoment #HokuleaShonan

Learning calligraphy is said to help children develop concentration, correct posture, etiquette and the ability to express themselves. It also helps children to learn to write beautifully, leading to increased confidence and ambition. - Benefits of learning calligraphy: Improved concentration➤ Writing requires attention to stroke order and balance, which can improve concentration. Correct posture➤ Calligraphy is done sitting on the floor, which helps to develop correct posture. Courtesy➤ Students can learn etiquette such as how to hold a brush, ink rubbing and paper handling. Improved self-expression skills➤ Allows students to express their feelings and thoughts through writing. Developing self-confidence➤ Being able to write well and achieving goals can boost your confidence and aspirations. Relaxation➤ Writing letters with a brush and ink in a quiet environment helps to relax and relieve stress. Preparation for primary school➤ It is also an opportunity to practise pencil holding and writing order before entering primary school. #Calligraphy #kanji #kimono #shodo

Horticulture LABO Hill GW Festa on May 3 GW Festa 2025 invites visitors of all ages to enjoy Golden Week at Horticulture LABO Hill with seasonal flower potting, craft and cooking workshops, and outdoor events. Come join us! Date and Time: Saturday, May 3 (national holiday) 10:00–15:00 Location: 35-32-1 Kukako, Mihama Town (adjacent to the Horticultural Research Center) Inquiries: 0770-47-6162 Event Details: ・Seasonal Mini Planter Registration opens: 9:30 Time: (1) 10:00–11:30, (2) 13:30–14:30 Capacity: First 15 people per session Fee: 500 yen ・Adorably Cute Magnets Registration opens: 10:00 Time: (1) 10:30–11:30, (2) 13:30–14:30 Capacity: First 15 people per session Fee: 300 yen ・Strawberry Daifuku Making Registration opens: 10:30 Time: 11:00–14:00 Capacity: First 50 people (walk-in participation) Fee: 300 yen ・Garden Walk Quiz Rally Registration opens: 11:00 Time: 11:00–15:00 Capacity: First 200 participants Fee: Free In addition, enjoy balloon art, a bingo tournament, live concerts, the Mihama Ota Soba Fair, food trucks, and many more fun and tasty activities!!

⭐️ Popular American influencer iJustine is visiting! On my first trip to Japan, I chose "Atami wreck & cave diving" Hello! This is 😊 Hokule'a Shonan The other day, we went to our favorite diving Spot "Atami"! On this day, a special guest from the United States participated 🇺🇸✨ iJustine, who has fans all over the world on YouTube and social media, came to us! For my first trip to Japan and my first dive in Japan, I am truly honored 🙏 that you chose Hokule'a Shonan from among the many shops iJustine is a global influencer with about 7 million subscribers to her YouTube channel and more than 1 billion total views. Especially in the field of technology, he is familiar to many fans as a "father" who can be said to be the "original". We are filled with Impression and gratitude that she chose Hokule'a Shonan as the place for her first diving experience in Japan. 🚢 At the wreck point, you can have an exciting water experience! The first stop is to the wreck point, which is also a Specialties of Atami. iJustine was also very excited 🤩 by the large schools of fish and the dynamic scenery With a GoPro in hand, he shot 📸 many scenes 🤿 Try your first cave dive! In the second one, I tried cave diving! Scenes seemed a little nervous at first, but as soon as I got into the water, I went into relaxation mode. The moment I returned to the ship after diving, the first word I said was "Very fun!!" It was ✨ very impressive 🩵 The joy of being connected through the ocean Diving with international guests is many moments when the heart connects beyond words. It was a 🌊 day when I was reminded of the special power of the field of "the sea" iJustine, thank you very much There is a for having a wonderful time! I hope you enjoy 🗾💕 the rest of your trip to Japan 🇯🇵 The sea in Japan is still deep! In fact, there are still many attractive diving spots in Japan. Next time you come to Japan, let's go look for a new sea together! At Hokule'a Shonan, we offer a safe diving experience for first-timers. Whether you are a foreigner living in Japan or have come to Japan on a trip, please feel free to contact us 😊 #iJustine #YouTubeStar #TechInfluencer #GlobalCreators #DiveAtami #FirstTimeInJapan #HokuleaShonan #JapanDiving #EnglishFriendlyDiving #PADI5Star #ExploreJapan

Komadeike Campground is OPEN 👏 Komadeike Campground, nestled in the sublime natural beauty of Yachiho Kogen, opened for the 2025 season on Friday, April 18th, 2025! Komadeike Campground is a site embraced by what is said to be Japan’s finest birch forest, where people of all ages can enjoy truly comfortable, memorable moments. Choose from five free-site settings around the pond or along the stream, or relax in the spacious auto sites that offer sunny or shaded options. We also offer bungalows and cottages, plus a full lineup of day-trip activities. "We want you to enjoy a peaceful outdoor life with the people who matter most." This is the concept and heartfelt wish of Komadeike Campground. Come and visit us!

Shark Scramble 🦈 You can go on a day trip! Shark swimming adventure in Tateyama, Chiba The other day, members of Hokule'a Shonan went to 🫧 "Shark's Scramble" in Tateyama, Chiba As the name suggests, it is a very impressive dive site with many sharks coming and going in front of you! On this day, guests from overseas also participated 🇯🇵 "I can't believe I can swim with sharks in Japan!" and I was very 😊 impressed by the impression The point is the diving Spot "Ito" in Tateyama. Here, you can observe the sharks that gather in search of food and swim around in front of you. Encounters with a wide variety of creatures such as tiger sharks, spiders, and rays are attractive, and it is a popular sea with many repeaters as well as first-time visit. And if Hokule'a Shonan ... Diving to Tateyama is also OK for a day trip! Some people may think, "Isn't Chiba far from Kanagawa?" We will guide you by Car from JR Hiratsuka Station and can also accommodate pick-up at stations along the way. Therefore, it is a big attraction 🚗💨 that you can easily participate even from the Tokyo and Kanagawa areas Some people are worried, "Aren't sharks dangerous?" Rest assured that the sharks here are accustomed to people and are not of an aggressive kind. After thorough safety management, we support even beginners so that they can enjoy it with peace of mind! "I want to swim with sharks someday!" Such a dream comes true with this Shark Scramble in Ito. Why don't you experience the power and mystery of the sea world together? 😊 📍 Held in by request! Please feel free to contact us 🌸 ▶ 【Experience Diving, Fun Diving, Sense Course Accepting】 #SharkDive #SharkScramble #DiveWithSharks #JapanDiving #ChibaDive #OnlyInJapan #HokuleaShonan #DiveJapan #PrivateDiveExperience #ExploreTheBlue #OceanLovers #UnderwaterAdventure #SafeDiving #BeginnerFriendly #SeaYouSoon