From Himeji to the world Needless to say, the famous Himeji Castle, which is a world cultural heritage site The wedding was being held, so I took a picture. They were a very happy couple, and I was so happy to see them.

~ SAMURAI⚔HONOR Staff ~ These are heretical samurai gathered together so that even foreigners can easily understand and experience ``Bushido,'' which is the crystallization of virtue, pride, and ideals that modern Japanese have lost. 〜SAMURAI⚔HONOR Staff〜 These are Japan maverick samurai gathered so that even foreigners can understand and experience "Bushido", which is the crystallization of virtues, pride, and ideals that people have lost in modern times.

Japan's world-class "fireworks" Japan's fireworks are famous all over the world, and fireworks craftsmen from various countries are invited to launch them into the night sky This photo is one of the photos at the "Moerenuma Art Fireworks" held every summer in Hokkaido One of Japan's best fireworks craftsmen blooms in the summer night sky

Tsumagoro inn Wakihonjin Okuya in Minami Kiso, Nagano Prefecture It is also designated as an important cultural property of the country, and the building of Edo seems to have traveled back in time to the present day as it is. It is said that the light shining into the house shows the role of a sundial.

【The Book of Resignation】 A "resignation calligraphy" is a brush stroke that a samurai writes down as his last words in this life when he foresees his death.

We have started accepting reservations for New Year's Eve! 2023 is coming to an end in the blink of an eye. If it is an annual payment, you will want to reward yourself for working hard for a year, but New Otani Inn Sapporo has prepared the perfect New Year's Eve for such an important gift for yourself. This year's New Year's Eve is a new "Blessing of the Sea and Earth," which combines seafood such as salmon roe and shrimp, and earthly foods such as Furano Wagyu beef and shiitake mushrooms. You can enjoy a variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese flavors. * "Blessings of the sea" and "Blessings of the earth" You can purchase them one by one. In addition, the Western-style two-tier "Party Hors d'oeuvres" has been renewed and revived. It is recommended for customers who want to eat Western and Chinese food made by the hotel chef. Until 12/25, reservations are only accepted from the hotel website. The delivery period will be December 31, 2023 The last special meal of the year is "more luxurious than usual" Why don't you fill your heart and stomach with New Otani Inn Sapporo's New Year's 🎍 Eve? For reservations and details, please visit the hotel's official website or 📞Tel: 011-222-1522!

History and Cultural Heritage of Izena Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era ■ vol.3 “Sakata” Born into a farmer’s family, Machigani (also read as Matsukane) was industrious from childhood and devoted himself to rice farming and other agricultural work. One year, the island suffered a drought and the water in every paddy dried up, yet only Machigani’s rice field remained full of water. One story says that the island’s young women, who admired Machigani for his diligence and good looks, carried water to his fields every night. In reality, his fields were terraced, and a spring gushed from the upper terrace so that water continuously flowed down to the lower paddies, preventing them from drying out. While the other young men’s fields were larger in area, they lacked water and relied on prayers, Machigani’s smaller field prospered and the rice ears ripened. This suggests he was clever and resourceful. However, the island youths who envied his popularity accused him, saying “The reason his water never runs out is that he is stealing from other paddies,” and they heaped false charges of water stealing on him, criticizing him in chorus and even plotting to get rid of him. This is the “misunderstanding” described in vol.2. Feeling his life was in danger, Machigani decided to leave the island. This terraced field remains almost in its original form and still produces a continuous flow of water. It is now managed by the village board of education, and each year the island children’s association experiences rice planting through harvest there. (Suspended during the COVID-19 period.) At this site, a monument engraved with poems remains, composed by the miyārabi (island maidens) of the time who sang about Machigani after he left the island; the monument reveals that Machigani was both admired and loved by the island’s young women. Content of the monument “We wish we could have seen Machigani working more, wearing his short garment.” This poem expresses the maidens’ romantic longing for Machigani and their loneliness after his departure. *Machigani (Machigani) = the name of Shō En during his youth on Izena Island. *Kanamaru = the name Shō En used after leaving the island. *Shō En = the name he took when he became king. *Miyārabi = young women, maidens

History and Cultural Heritage of Izanami Island during the Ryukyu Kingdom Era Vol. 1 “Mihoso Place: Birthplace of King Sho En” This is the site of the former residence where the man who would become King Sho En of the First Sho Dynasty—known locally as Nishinumachigani (North Matsukane)—was born in 1415 in the village of Moromi, Izena Village. Three kuba (screw pine) trees, three fukugi (Garcinia) trees, and three stones stand within the grounds. One of those three stones is said to contain his umbilical cord buried within it. This site was constructed while Sho Shin—his son and the third king—was on the throne. Right next to this mihoso house is a well called Shiohira Gaa (Sunjagaa). In Okinawan dialect, gaa means well. The well believed to have been used as the newborn bath for Matsukane, later King Sho En, when he was born in 1415 remains as it was at that time. Because these places mark the site of the house where a future Ryukyu king was born, they are regarded as sacred and stand among Izanami Island’s most important places of worship.

🏒The 12th Women’s Japan Ice Hockey League 2023–24 SMILE JAPAN LEAGUE Takes Place🏒 From Thursday, November 23 to Saturday, November 25, the second phase of the Women’s Japan Ice Hockey League was held at the nepia Ice Arena in Tomakomai City!🏒 Both teams played fiercely without giving an inch, producing an intense match that fired up the fans as well!😆✨ If you have never watched an ice hockey game, we highly recommend you give it a try!!🙌 Tomakomai City is also home to a professional ice hockey team called Red Eagles Hokkaido!!🦅 They are currently competing in the Asia League Ice Hockey 2023–2024 regular season, so if you have the chance or are interested, please search for Red Eagles Hokkaido!!💻🖱

Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video, nice to meet you! We are the Izena Island Tourism Association. Izenami Island lies north of Okinawa’s main island. The island’s coastline measures 17 kilometers, and you can drive around it in about 20 minutes. The village of Izena in Shimajiri District, Okinawa Prefecture, consists of the main island Izena and three uninhabited islets: Yagaji Island, Gushikawa Island, and Furuji (Orikami) Island. The population of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture, was 1,322 at the time of the 2020 survey. The island is also known as the birthplace of King Sho En, the first king of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In this first post, we introduce Izena Island and highlight its attractions, sightseeing spots, and activities. ■■Sightseeing spots on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Futamigaura Coast (a dramatic view of two neighboring Gitara rocks) “Gitara” means a sheer rock or cliff. The prominent rocks on the sea and on land are called “umi Gitara” and “agi Gitara.” The approximately 1-kilometer-long Gitara Coast hosts many of these sea and land Gitara formations. With the pairing of sea Gitara and land Gitara and the pleasing arrangement of broadleaf trees, this coast has been selected as one of Japan’s 100 Best Beaches. Also in the Gitara Coast area, Mattera Beach is a hidden gem with white sand and crystal-clear blue water. A campsite is available there as well. ◆Gitara Observatory Located in the Gitara Coast area, the Gitara Observatory is a popular lookout point. It offers a rare panoramic view of the two opposing sea and land Gitara formations. At night, the starry sky and town lights are a must-see. ◆Izena Castle Ruins The Izena Castle Ruins sit 70 meters above sea level in the southeast of Izena Island. They are said to have been built in the Gusuku period (11th–14th centuries) by Samekawa, the ancestor of King Sho En. The site rises in a pyramid shape with cliffs on three sides, and it was once called an impregnable fortress. From the summit of the Izena Castle Ruins you can enjoy spectacular ocean views. At the foot of the ruins stands Izena Tamaudun, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. ◆Izena Beach (Izena no Hama) On the island’s south side, this beach opens onto cobalt-blue waters. It’s a popular spot for swimming and camping, with toilets and showers available. ※From July 2023, some areas are closed due to coastal reinforcement work. ◆Shoen-ō Oniwa Park (Park commemorating King Sho En) This park opened in 1996 to commemorate the 580th anniversary of King Sho En’s birth. Visitors still come to Shoen-ō Oniwa Park frequently. The park includes Sunjaagar, the tidal spring said to have been used as King Sho En’s baby bath. It’s a sightseeing spot where you can feel the history of the Ryukyu kings. ◆Mekaru Family Residence The Mekaru family residence, designated as a nationally important cultural property, was the home of the direct line of the Mekaru family. Because it escaped war damage and was well preserved, it was rebuilt in 1906 (Meiji 39). ◆Samuree Path The Samuree Path is a 2-kilometer ancient road used from the 12th to 13th centuries as the only living route connecting the Izena settlement with the island’s southwest. In the Ryukyuan dialect, “Samuree” refers to warriors associated with the royal family. The path’s siliceous rock paving resembled the footprints of warriors, which is how the Samuree Path got its name. The Samuree Path also served as a pilgrimage route for the Mekaru family, relatives of the Sho clan, when performing the ancestral grave-visiting ceremony called the Kōji Shimeisai (shīmī). It links to Izena Tamaudun, the royal tomb. ◆Shirasagi Observatory Facing the sea, Shirasagi Observatory offers wide views of Gitara Coast (Futamigaura) and the ocean. It’s a popular viewpoint where you can also see the Izena Castle Ruins and Yagaji Island. ■■Activities on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Bicycle rentals Because Izena Island is mostly flat, renting a bicycle is a great way to tour the sights. Enjoy the island as you ride through its tranquil scenery. ◆Diving and snorkeling With its clear waters, Izena Island is perfect for marine activities. You’ll find coral reefs, luminous caves, and plenty of underwater attractions. Beginners to advanced divers can all have a great time. ◆Sea fishing Izena Island has many good spots for catching black sea bream (kurodai). The Izena Island Tourism Association’s official website publishes an Izena Island fishing map, so please make use of it. ■■Gourmet information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Awamori Awamori, produced throughout the Ryukyu Islands, is also brewed on Izena Island. Please enjoy the mellow flavor of locally produced awamori. ◆Izena-style Okinawa soba You can enjoy Okinawa soba made with plenty of mozuku seaweed, or noodles made using rice grown on Izena Island—unique local takes on Okinawa soba. ■■Festivals and events on Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆Izena 88 Triathlon This is Izena Island’s largest event, drawing about 600 athletes each year. Anyone aged 18 or older and in good health may participate regardless of nationality. The intense 7-hour competition is a sight to behold. ◆Unna Festival Unna is Izena Island’s traditional festival praying for a bountiful rice harvest. The event features dramatic displays such as tug-of-war with a giant rope, the snai match fought on carried boards, and Okinawan-style sumo tournaments. ■■Accommodation information for Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ Izena Island offers a variety of lodging, including hotels, minpaku guesthouses, and guesthouses. You can choose places that overlook the beach or stay in cozy, homey accommodations to suit your preference. ■■Traditions of Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ One of Izena Island’s charms is a tradition called Ihyajutee. Ihyajutee means “the people of Izena are compassionate.” Historically, islanders welcomed visitors from elsewhere without distinction and shared the bounty of their catches, a longstanding hospitality tradition. You can still experience Ihyajutee on the island today. Hosts may invite you into a garden where tea waits on the engawa veranda; you can sit, sip tea, listen to island stories, and enjoy slow, relaxed time—the unique hospitality of Izena Island. ■■Access information to Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture■■ ◆By private car From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours, then take a car ferry from Unten Port (Nakijin Village) for about one hour. ◆By taxi From Naha Airport, take the expressway and drive north for about two hours (fare: about 16,000 yen). From Nago city to Unten Port about 25 minutes (fare: about 2,400 yen and up). You can also use buses and express buses from Naha Airport. For details, please check the Izena Island Tourism Association official website. On Izena Island you’ll find rental shops for cars, bicycles, and mopeds. They are useful for sightseeing. We will continue sharing information about Izena Island, Okinawa Prefecture on Cool Japan Video, so thank you for your continued support!

Ritsurin Park seen from Feirai Peak, which was taken in Ritsurin Park in March of this year. The sky was a little cloudy on this day, but the weather was very good for walking. You can feel the seasons in the garden where time flows slowly, and the newly rebuilt Engetsu Bridge was very beautiful. Location: Ritsurin Park, Kagawa

We are currently distributing the winter version of the Clear Red Seal. Please note that the quantity is limited. If you would like to send it by mail, please contact the company office. ☎0154-41-4485 First fruits fee 500 yen Shipping fee 180 yen 〒085-0842 1-3-18 Yonemachi, Kushiro, Hokkaido To Itsukushima Shrine

I summoned Shisa to Okinawa. This is Cape Zanba Park in Okinawa Prefecture. A huge Shisa watches over the 🤤 town of Okinawa

Chusonji Temple, one of the most popular temples in Tohoku It is a temple of the Tendai sect Tohoku Daihonzan located in Hiraizumi Town, Nishiiwai District, Iwate Prefecture. In 2011, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Chusonji Temple is famous for its gorgeous golden hall, but there are many other attractions such as Benkei-do, Yakushi-do, and Hondo. 　 By the way, the photo is "Benzaitendo" in the precincts of Chusonji Temple. It is said that it was donated in 1705 by Senhime of the Sendai feudal lord Date Tsunamura. This is a famous photo spot that is crowded with photographers.

SAMURAI⚔TEA🧉 Samurai TeaThe sword is Yagyu, the illustration is Kano, and the tea is Sekishu.Samurai tea ceremony is a tea ceremony that spread among samurai during the Edo period as part of their training to develop their character and as their favorite tea.

Shodoshima, Kagawa Prefecture is the stage for many movies and dramas It is a scene of sending insects that appears in the movie "Cicada of the Eighth Day", but I had a valuable experience participating with the locals. I would 😌 like this kind of traditional culture to be preserved forever

I would be happy if you could experience "Honmamon" by appreciating the traditional performing arts of Japan on the stage, which is a comprehensive art. Traditional Japanese performing arts, By appreciating the stage, which is comprehensive art from,"Honmamon"the real thing it would be great if you could experience.

Minamiawaji City, Hyogo When you come to Minamiawaji, you can always see onions When you drive by car, onions are one of the attractions of Awaji everywhere 😌 you look

Water turbine in Shinno, Kamikawa, Hyogo It's a place where 😌 you won't get bored no matter how many times you come And my daughter has been watching it since she was a child, like a local

Water turbine in Shinno, Kamikawa, Hyogo New slopes have been built, and in the winter I play in the snow with my children, in the summer I visit for camping and leisure, and in the spring the cherry blossoms are beautiful, and there is a yodel forest nearby. 😌

Water turbine in Shinno, Kamikawa, Hyogo When I come here, for some reason, I feel calm, and the water is very beautiful 😌, such as the flow of water and the plum blossom algae that bloom in the clear stream

Water turbine in Shinno, Kamikawa, Hyogo There are quite a lot of attractions in Kamikawa Town, and I have come 😌 to see this water wheel many times if I have time

Water turbine in Shinno, Kamikawa, Hyogo A unique scene awaits you.

Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture Famous Kinosaki Onsen It is my favorite place in Hyogo Prefecture, and the number of people from overseas is increasing 😌. Kinosaki Onsen in summer

It is a bouquet of roses made of red origami. This is an example of how origami, a traditional industry in Japan, can make a wide variety of things.

It is Mt. Houyo in Tottori Prefecture. The autumn leaves from Kagikake Pass are always Japanesque!

Katsuoji Temple / Minoh Katsuoji Temple, which is famous for its "Victory Daruma", was even more crowded with tourists as the autumn foliage season began. This is one of the photos I took at Katsuoji. This is the most confident photo I took on my first outing in a long time! By the way, Katsuoji Temple is crowded with tourists around noon, so considering the cold, I think it's just right to arrive around 2 o'clock in the afternoon!

Fushimi inari taisha is one of the top most tourist destination of Japan. It looks very beautiful and truly represents the cultural aspects of Japan. Always very crowded and I recommend you to visit early morning. This is real gem of Japan.

The other day I went to “Hachihaku” with a group of new students. The official name of Hachihaku is the Sōto Japan Heritage Center Hachioji Museum, a museum where you can learn about Hachioji’s culture and history. At Hachihaku we tried puppet theater and a weaving experience. Located right in front of Hachioji Station, it is said to be very popular as an easy-to-visit facility.

Ancient procession Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri in front of Shureimon / This is a scene of an ancient procession at the "Ryukyu Dynasty Festival Shuri", one of the three major festivals in Naha City held on Culture Day in Shuri, the birthplace of Ryukyu culture. It is a reproduction of the procession of the King of the Ryukyu Kingdom visiting three temples under Shuri Castle to pray for the well-being of the country. It is as if you have traveled back in time to the Ryukyu Dynasty, and you will parade under Shuri Castle from the Shuri Castle Main Hall through the Shureimon Gate. I play an instrument called "cow bra". It has a bass like a tuba, and then a high note like a trumpet with an instrument called a "horse bra".