Ginji Katsura Rakugo Performance Today, December 15, a rakugo performance by Ginji Katsura, who hails from Nobeoka and is also active in Tokyo, took place🪭✨ This event held the morning show at Kurun and the afternoon show at Kuraokakurara🤗 As a poster, this was my first time seeing live rakugo properly, and I was very excited to watch🤩✨ Rakugo uses almost no props! Performers remain seated, using only a tenugui (hand towel) and a sensu (folding fan), skillfully expressing characters through gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact😯 They make the audience imagine the scene, delivering stories that end with a punchline that makes you laugh out loud🤭 It was truly funny, and I listened with excitement wondering how each punchline would land🤣💫 The scene of eating soba was especially striking. It was incredible—he really made it seem like he was eating. It looked delicious🤤💕 lol In the afternoon, students from Gokase Secondary School also came to watch, and the venue filled with laughter✨ A boy of around five laughed out loud too, and I felt rakugo is a wonderful art that transcends gender and age😳 He kindly agreed to commemorative photos, and both the morning and afternoon shows provided a consistently enjoyable time🥹👏 I hope he will hold another rakugo performance in Gokase soon🤗✨ Thank you very much for today, Ginji Katsura👏👏👏

Today, I attended the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Monthly Festival. Preparations for the New Year 🎍 had begun, and Shichi-Go-San's shooting spots were moving.

Photographed 12/11/24. This is Hanatetsu's Hanachozu.

At the "Nayoro Snow Quality No.1 in Japan Festival" (Snow Festival) to be Held in in Nayoro City, Hokkaido in February 2025, we would like to Held in the "Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Competition", where snow sculpture carvers from all over the world compete in skill and artistic level, and liven up the Local Snow Festival and Broadcasting the wonderful snow quality of Nayoro to the world! In Nayoro City, located in the north of Hokkaido, this is the executive committee that Held in the Nayoro Snow Quality No.1 in Japan Festival (hereinafter referred to as "Snow Festival"). Held in the Snow Festival as a Local Snow Festival, this time for three days from February 7 ~ 9, 2025. We have planned various events such as a huge slide, illuminations, a huge maze of snow, and a frigid yakiniku festival where you can enjoy yakiniku in -20 degrees Celsius, and this is a major winter Events that will be celebrating its 73rd year this year! Held in the Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Contest since 2001 as the centerpiece of the Events, in which professional snow sculpture sculptors from around the world compete in the skills and artistry of snow sculptures. However, due to the recent rise in prices, it has been difficult to find the cost of running the Games, and we have a strong desire not to disrupt this unique and wonderful Events, so we Squid planned this project. Outline of the Tournament The Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Contest began in 2001 as the Japan Cup, the World Five Continent Squid Broadcasting s Snow Sculpture Competition, and in 2020 it celebrated its 20th edition, with 19 snow sculptures lined up at the venue, the largest ever. There were some years when the tournament had to be canceled due to the spread of the new coronavirus, but February 2025 will mark the 22nd edition of the historic tournament. For details, search for "Campfire Crowdfunding"! When you open the site, you can see it by searching "Nayoro"! At last Taking advantage of the wonderful snow quality of Nayoro City, the Nayoro International Snow Sculpture Sculpture Contest, which broadcasting the charm of the region to the world, is an important project that will open up the future of the region. Through this Events, we hope to let many people know the charm of Nayoro City and lead to the revitalization of the region. We look forward to your warm support.

Prayer at Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine before going to work. A wedding ceremony was taking place. This is the Hanamari of Temizuya.

Photographed 12/9/24. After Prayer to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, we visited LEC COFFEE. Black latte and kumquat Basque cheesecake. It is a beautiful latte art that looks as if it is snowing in the air. ❄️ The kumquat Basque cheesecake is also delicious. 🍊

Ceremony for the Opening of Prefectural Route Taketa–Gokase, Habu Section Today, Friday, December 13, the opening ceremony for the Habu section of the Taketa–Gokase Line took place in the Kuwanouchi area 🤩👏 The Taketa–Gokase Line is an important road that starts in Taketa, Oita Prefecture, passes through Takamori and Takachiho, and ends in Gokase Construction on the Habu section, a part of that route, has been completed, and today’s ceremony marked its opening 👏 First, a Shinto ritual was performed by the priests of Kuwanouchi Shrine and Futono Shrine to celebrate the road’s opening and pray for safety going forward 😌🙏 After that, distinguished guests cut the ribbon, and all the students of Kamigumi Elementary School opened a decorative paper ball, officially opening the road 🎊 Next, as a ceremonial first passage, Kuwanouchi kagura was performed 👹✨ This special kagura is said to be danced only at ceremonies 😳 During the kagura performance, participants released balloons, and many balloons colored the wide blue sky over Kuwanouchi 🎈👋 By the time the rituals concluded, the cold wind that had blown since morning had died down and the sun brought warm, calm weather for the opening ceremony ☀️ We hope the remaining construction is completed smoothly and that everyday life and transportation become more convenient ☺️

Photographed 12/9/24. Naka Town I and a virgin Information Center sightseeing. Otomedama is a water balloon with a swaying maiden heart (flower petals).

Nanatsugama Cave Stalactites and Stalagmites Cave [2541-1 Nakaura Kitago, Saikai City, Nagasaki Prefecture] Discovered in 1928 and designated a National Natural Monument in 1936, this cave is the only stalactite cave in Nagasaki Prefecture. Thirty-five caves have been identified around Nanatsugama Cave, some exceeding 2 km in total length. The section open to the public is the “Shimizu Cave,” which allows access up to the 250 m mark. As you move through the dim cave, you will encounter a 6 m waterfall, two stalagmites resembling Jizo statues, a massive 60 cm-diameter pillar, and stalactites that look like cascading waterfalls, offering a series of mystical sights. Hours of operation ・April to September 9:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30) ・October to March 9:00–17:00 (last admission 16:30) ※The cave is closed for the New Year holidays from December 30 to January 2. Event information ・Every March, events are held to coincide with the cherry blossoms and rapeseed blooms. ・Food vendors, handcrafted goods sales, and stage performances are held. ・From October to November each year, events such as the Autumn Festival, where you can view fields of cosmos, and Halloween events are planned and held. ♪Currently hosting “Light Cave 2024”♪ The tunnel section beyond the seabed-like interior is decorated with illuminations. You can enjoy lights that are visible even during the day. Come visit Saikai City in Nagasaki Prefecture!

At the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center, a hanging decoration exhibition is held in. It is the Seven Lucky Gods on a treasure ship. It sounds auspicious, doesn't it? 😊

Gokase Highland Ski Resort Safety Prayer Ceremony Today, Thursday, December 12, a safety prayer ceremony was held at Gokase Highland Ski Resort, which is set to reopen in eight days for the first time in three years. 🙏✨ Around 60 people boarded shuttle buses from the base to gather, and amid heavy media coverage, a Shinto ritual took place inside the ski center. 😌 The ritual proceeded smoothly, and after offering prayers for the resort’s safety and success, participants toasted together. 🍻 At the post-ceremony gathering, everyone spent a relaxed time, eagerly anticipating the ski area’s opening. 🤗 Along the road up to the resort, snow had accumulated in places, and the slopes were adorned with frost-covered trees that created a magical scene. ❄️✨ When the wind blows, it really is cold, isn’t it? 🥶 I came fully bundled up today, but cold is cold. 🤣 Still, a ski resort should feel like this! Right? 💪❤️‍🔥 Only a little time left until opening. 🤩 Let’s hold on a bit longer and wait with excited anticipation. ✨

Actually, on December 1st, Kamisuwa Shizune from the “Onsen Musume” project suddenly appeared at the Suwa City Tourist Information Center inside JR Kami‑Suwa Station!!! Her voice actress is Nanaka Suwa! ◆What Onsen Musume Is Onsen Musume is a regional revitalization project created to promote the attractions of hot spring towns and tourist spots across Japan to domestic and international audiences through various content such as anime, manga, characters, and voice actors. Previously, Shimosuwa Watanon lived in Shimosuwa Town, but Kamisuwa had not yet appeared. With yesterday’s appearance in Kamisuwa, the twins—Kamisuwa Shizune (older sister) and Shimosuwa Watanon (younger sister)—finally managed to be together yesterday! Thank you for waiting. At the information center, we sell one can badge per person (up to two) and acrylic keychains (one per person). Customers who purchase a total of 1,500 yen or more will receive an original sticker! Please come safely! We look forward to welcoming you from the bottom of our hearts!

Among the hanging dolls, I was curious. If you look closely, it is the 12 zodiac signs. 🐭🐮🐯🐰🐉🐍🐎🐏🐵🐓🐶🐗

Photographed 12/9/24. At the Naka Towns Tourist Information Center, a hanging decoration exhibition is held in until the 14th.

Photographed 12/9/24. It is Town Hanachozu of Naka Information Center sightseeing.

Hakkenden Stamp Rally runs until Friday, December 13! In Tateyama City, the setting for the film "Hakkenden" and the classic tale "Eight Dogs of Satomi," a stamp rally invites visitors to tour restaurants and related sites while enjoying the locale. Join by ordering a Hakkenden collaboration menu at participating eateries! https://www.tateshoku.com/hakkenden/... Staff at the tourist information center have personally tried various collaboration menu items and are sharing photos ☺

[e-Sports Trial Event 🎮] Today (December 10) an "e-Sports Trial Event" took place in the Sakamoto area.💡 At first, many faces looked tense—perhaps from unfamiliar games and the cold—but as the rounds went on people relaxed and smiles grew.😁✨ Some teams shone with individual skill, others with outstanding teamwork, and each team had its own style. The crowd cheered loudly whenever other teams played, creating a lively atmosphere.😆 Hearing comments like "That was fun!" and "Let’s do it again!" made us very happy.😄

Photographed 12/9/24. It is Hanachozu of Naritasan Kawagoe Betsuin.

Photographed 12/9/24. It is the sacred tree of Kawagoe Hachimangu. The carpet of Ginkgo leaves is very beautiful.

Call for participants for ♪ the "Yamahiko Falls Night Tour" The 28-meter-high Yamabiko Falls freezes in the middle of winter and becomes a huge icicle. Enjoy a Light up and fantastic figure. ◇Held in date and time Saturday, January 18, Saturday, February 1, Saturday, March 1 17:30~18:30 each day ◇ Meeting point Yamabiko Hot Spring Car Parking Lot *Please register at least 15 minutes in advance. ◇ Number of applicants and participation fee First 40 people each day, junior high school students and older: 2,000 yen, elementary school students: 1,000 yen (including guide fee and insurance fee) ◇ How to apply December 16 (Mon) 8:45 a.m. ~ Reservations start Please apply by Phone. ◇Other Please dress appropriately for the cold. There are cancellation in case of bad weather. Application / Inquiries Engaru Town Marusebu General Branch　 Phone: 0158-47-2211

Photographed 12/4/24. This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. Shot from a different angle.

Photographed 12/4/24. This is the love water of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine. It was redecorated for winter. ❄️

Photographed 12/4/24. Every Wednesday, we visited Maestro, who operates at Resona Coedo Terrace. It is a financier of Kawagoe tea (yuzu), Buckwheat noodles and matcha. I received a prototype of Garrett. The galette is also delicious.

Photographed 12/4/24. After the dedication ceremony, we visited the Tomori Shokudo at Benten Nagaya. It is chicken cutlet and grated ponzu sauce. There are many side dishes, and it is a luxurious rice set. 😊

Prayer to Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine before work. 💛 Ginkgo leaves.

Photographed 12/4/24. At the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a potato dedication ceremony was held. This is Kawagoe Imo Lottery. With the number enclosed in the fortune teller, you can receive a strip of the Imo Lottery Extra Edition. It seems that you can understand the potato language, potato knowledge, and lucky potato items.

Odakyu Family Fun Festa 2024 Starting tomorrow, a hugely popular two-day event will bring railway companies from across the country together in Ebina! On both days, Isehara City offers a multicolor woodblock printing experience, and the sparkling Kururin will also appear—catch the stage around 3:30 PM (planned)! Yoshikawa Brewery will be on site Saturday the 7th, and Happy Pan Life will be there Sunday the 8th. Enjoy a full lineup of family activities, including the Fuma Ninja Show and Fuma Ninja experience, Odakyu’s child-support mascot Koron’s stage, and a stationmaster dress-up experience. Odakyu Line offers a flat pediatric IC fare of 50 yen!! Enjoy two days packed with fun events🌈 Date and Time: Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Venue: Ebina Central Park Access: A short walk from Ebina Station on the Odakyu and Sotetsu lines Organizer: Odakyu Electric Railway Co., Ltd. Ebina Central Park Designated Manager

Photographed 12/3/24. At the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a potato dedication ceremony was held. The Kawagoe Imo Lottery is handmade by everyone at the Kawagoe Imonoko Workshop.

Nov. 27th in 2024 Today, the gluttonous Kasai went to a Japanese sweets shop for research again!!! It's Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch! But, everyone, do you notice anything in the pictures? Look! Look!!! I was so excited to go to Engetsu-dou that I forgot to take a picture of the shop's exterior... I'm really driven by my appetite... I'm ashamed... I'll make sure to do it next time! I spoke with Mrs. Katagiri, the proprietress of Engetsu-dou Hompo! It seems that they started with a different shop name 78 years ago (Showa 21), before it became Engetsu-dou. At first, it was in front of Kamisuwa Station! Four years later, they expanded to Kowada, and eight years after that, to Shimizu. Now, they have the Shimizu store and this Fukushima store, which opened in 1992, offering Japanese sweets at two stores in the city!!! The proprietress's recommendations are the revived "Kojou Monaka" and "Kabuto Monaka"!!! There are about four types of Monaka, and there are many different kinds. According to the proprietress, "Each Japanese sweets shop has a different red bean paste, so it's fun to try and find your favorite!" Also, she said "Recently, the number of foreign customers has been increasing little by little, and I think they may be paying attention to red bean paste because it is lower in calories than Western-style cream." ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ◎ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 Nov. 27th in 2024 Today I went to Engetsu-dou Hompo which is Japanese traditional sweets (Wagashi) shop in Suwa city! “Wa” means Japan. “Gashi” means sweets. So, Japanese traditional sweets call Wagashi? They have two shops in Suwa, Shimizu-machi area and Fukujima area. I went to Fukujima location. Don’t you notice about pictures??? Did you? I was focus for Wagashi… That’s why I forgot to take a picture about Engetsu-dou’s exterior… That’s big mistake! Horrible!!! I’m so sorry about that. I’m gluttony. Wagashi was right front of me, I lost from Wagashi’s temptation. So, I forgot took the shop’s exterior photo… Ms. Katagiri (landlady) introduce her shop and Wagashi. They founded in 1946. About 78 years. The shop was front of Kamisuwa station. They started with the different name of the shop. It became Engetsu-dou in 1950. Shimizu-machi branch opened in 1958. Fukujima branch opened in 1992. I asked her, “what is your recommendation Wagashi?” She told me Kojou Monaka and Kabuto Monaka. Monaka is a Japanese sweet that is bean‐jam‐filled wafers. Also, she said “You can enjoy Wagashi every season, and each shop has original sweetened red bean paste. So, you can enjoy to find your favorite shop. Now, gradually increasing foreign customers. I think they realized Wagashi is less than calories compare to cake.” ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Fukushima branch 📍Nakasu-Fukushima, 5398-1 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-58-1547 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00 ◎ Regular holiday: Shimizu and Fukushima stores, every Tuesday ★ Engetsu-dou Hompo Shimizu branch 📍Shimizu 1-2-12 Suwa city, Nagano Pref. ☎ 0266-52-1543 ◎ Business hours: 9:00 ~ 19:00

Photographed 12/3/24. We interviewed HK Tea Hong Kong Tea. It is a triple chocolate with lemon honey and egg waffles. Honey lemon tastes better when it is HOT. 😊🍋🍯