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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Saijo City Summer Fireworks Festival Sponsor Names Thanks to your support and cooperation, we were able to successfully hold this fireworks festival. We sincerely appreciate everyone who sponsored this event. Your warm support has been a great strength in making the fireworks festival possible. It has also been featured on the Saijo City Tourism and Product Association's website. Thank you very much.

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 ■■■■■■■■■■■■

The Saijo City Summer Fireworks Festival will be held as scheduled today. For details such as traffic regulation maps, please check the Saijo City Tourism and Product Association's website. We sincerely look forward to your attendance. Please note that the content may change or be canceled due to weather conditions. In such cases, we will provide further information. We ask all attendees to be cautious of surrounding congestion and traffic regulations, and to enjoy the event safely. "Saijo City Summer Fireworks Festival" 〇August 17, 2026 (Monday) from 20:00 for approximately 40 minutes 〇Location: Kitagawa (Kamo River Bank Middle Embankment) 【Headquarters: Teishō-ji Temple (Kannondo) 47 Kitagawa, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture, 793-0042】

The sales of the 2023 edition Saijo Festival posters have begun. Price: 400 yen (including tax) per piece Sales location: Saijo City Tourism Exchange Center

I thought it would be beautiful if the traditional large fireworks of the Toyota Oiden Matsuri were reflected as they burst in the ramune, so I took a photo.

Gozan no Okuribi: Saidaimonji's Oya-bi This image captures the powerful figures of people carrying the Oya-bi (parent fire) of Saidaimonji during the traditional event "Gozan no Okuribi," which concludes the summer in Kyoto. Men dressed in happi coats and headbands marked with "Saidaimonji Preservation Society" carry a large, fiercely burning torch on long bamboo poles, advancing in a procession toward the fire platform on the mountain. In the darkness, the flames create a fantastical light and heat, conveying the serious expressions of the participants who uphold the tradition, along with the unique fervor and solemnity of the event. Ookitayamakagamiishichou, Kitaku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival Shinko Festival: Countless smartphones capturing the Mikoshi procession This image captures the magnificent sight of the Mikoshi procession filling Shijō Street during the "Shinko Festival" of the Gion Festival, which symbolizes summer in Kyoto. The Tōmi Mikoshi, shining in gold and white, is powerfully carried by bearers in white garments. In a bid to catch a glimpse of this historic moment, the crowd lining the streets raises a multitude of smartphones in unison. This vibrant scene represents the fusion of traditional festival culture and modern societal behavior, encapsulating the spirit of our times. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Gion Festival and Kankō-sai: The fervor and procession that fills the night in Kyoto This scene captures the grand procession that fills Shijō Street during the finale of the Gion Festival, known as Kankō-sai. As the warm light of lanterns illuminates the streets, a large number of men dressed in white garments march powerfully alongside the big tall lanterns of "Shiwaka" and the portable shrine. The gaze and excitement from the spectators resonate in the vibrant night streets of Kyoto, echoing the overwhelming fervor and vitality unique to this traditional event as they escort the deities back to Yasaka Shrine. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture.

Gion Festival and Shinko Festival: The Enthusiasm of Children Connecting to the Future This scene captures the adorable yet reliable figures of children supporting the Gion Festival's "Shinko Festival," which colors the summer of Kyoto. Dressed in matching white hanten jackets and headbands, the children stand in a line, carefully holding onto a single rope. Their serious gazes and smiles amidst the lively atmosphere convey the warmth of this traditional event, as well as the vibrant spirit that connects it to the next generation. Gioncho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Asaji Summer Festival ❚ Held on August 15, 2026 The "54th Asaji Summer Festival 2026" will take place in Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. Beloved during the Obon season, the "Asaji Summer Festival" is a summer tradition in Asaji Town, easily accessible for locals as well as families and friends visiting for the holidays. Enjoy food stalls while traditional Kagura performances and Asaji Ondo continue, culminating in fireworks that light up the summer night sky. The fireworks launched at Asaji Ground are one of the highlights, allowing for an up-close experience. 【Date and Time】August 15, 2026 (Saturday) 18:00 - 21:00 *In case of rain, fireworks will be postponed to August 17 (Monday) 【Location】Asaji Ground (Asaji Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture) 【Schedule】 18:00 - Food stalls 18:30 - Kagura 19:30 - Asaji Ondo 19:45 - Opening Declaration 20:00 - Fireworks Launch *Subject to change due to weather conditions 【Notes】 Traffic regulations will be in effect around the venue from 17:30. There may be dark areas between nearby parking lots and the venue, so having a flashlight is recommended. ■Contact Information Asaji Town Hometown Development Executive Committee Office (Bungoono City Asaji Branch) TEL: 0974-72-1111 ■■Access from Fukuoka Prefecture and Kumamoto Prefecture to the center of Bungoono City■■■ 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 tourist attractions and recommended spots in Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture ■■■■■■■■■■■■

Nishiwaki in the center of Hyogo prefecture proudly proclaims itself "The Navel of Japan." Being a bellybutton seems a little unflattering, but it is actually a hotly disputed title, since Shibukawa in Gunma prefecture contests the title with its own Navel festival, complete with painted stomachs. Weird. Nishiwaki itself has a "navel park", complete with monument, but thankfully has a lot more to indicate than its name or its relative geographic remoteness would indicate. A nice science museum and observatory is available, and the staff are very kind with on-hand demonstrations and explanations. A multipurpose community center "Mirai-e" has a large children's play area stocked with a very unusual amount of wooden toys from Sweden. If you are looking for something more cultural, Nishiwaki is a center of the Banshu-ori textile tradition, making it one of the best places to get cotton products that are grown in Japan.

Kodai Fire Festival ❚ Held on August 14, 2026 The Kodai Fire Festival will take place in Ogata Town, Bungoono City, Oita Prefecture. The lights of the kodai (small torches) will emerge fantastically from the area around Harajiri Falls, illuminating the Ogata Plains. 【Event Date】Friday, August 14, 2026 ※Postponed by one day in case of bad weather 【Location】Around Harajiri Falls and the Ogata Plains ※Traffic regulations will be enforced from 18:30 on the 14th. Please follow the instructions of the staff. 【Ignition Time】19:30, simultaneous ignition 【Number of Lights】Approximately 10,000 【Flame Sculpture Exhibition】 Around the venue, local residents will create unique torii gates and stone bridges with torches, showcasing their beauty in a competition. 【Contact for Event Inquiries】 Ogata Branch, Bungoono City, Phone: 0974-42-2111 Harajiri Falls Roadside Station Co., Ltd., Phone: 0974-42-4140 ❚ What is the Kodai Fire Festival? A traditional event passed down since the Edo period. Its origins are unclear, but it is said to be related to the memorial for the Bon festival, the wish for a good rice harvest, and the memorial for victims of uprisings that occurred during the Edo period.

Visiting Ichinomiya-ji in Kagawa Prefecture during the summer, aside from the usual pilgrimage, what I look forward to the most is the traditional summer event, the "Cucumber Blessing." As I step into the quaint temple, the first thing that catches my eye is the neatly arranged boxes of vibrant green cucumbers. Each cucumber is tied with a wish paper bearing the names and ailments of the devotees, creating a scene that is both novel and filled with a sense of sacred ritual. People firmly believe that through the master's spiritual power, they can temporarily entrust their internal pains and misfortunes to the cucumbers. Standing in front of the master's hall, I watch the devotees earnestly writing their wishes, with the rising incense and the deep, resonant chanting filling the air, even the summer cicadas seem to quiet down in this moment. The serene energy makes one naturally calm, and I silently pray for health and peace for myself and my family with my hands together. After the ceremony, these cucumbers, which carry the ailments of many, will remain at the temple, where they will be collectively buried in the Cucumber Mound. As the cucumbers naturally decay in the soil, the tormenting pains and misfortunes will also fade away into the earth. This seemingly simple tradition is wrapped in the most sincere and profound hopes of people for their health. For me, the Cucumber Blessing at Ichinomiya-ji is not just a special travel experience; it is a summer memory intertwined with the warm humanity and ancient beliefs of Shikoku.

The former Satsuma Village chief's house – Shibuya Family Residence, a nationally registered tangible cultural property – Located in Nakazatsuma 1-chome, Kamagaya City, the Shibuya Family Residence is the birthplace of Shibuya Sōji, an important figure of the Akahōtai during the late Edo period. The Shibuya family has served as village chiefs for generations since the mid-Edo period, and their residence is a grand building befitting of a chief. The main house, built exactly 200 years ago in 1826 (Bunsei 9), is the oldest existing building in the city. Its large floor plan and tall roof make it a standout in the Satsuma District. The roof features thatched roofing covered with iron plates shaped like tiles, and upon entering and looking up at the ceiling, one can still see the thatch from the Edo period. A notable feature of the Shibuya Family Residence is that the main layout has remained unchanged since its construction. The entrance hall for welcoming guests, along with the inner rooms known as Nakano-ma and Oku-no-ma, have hardly been altered and retain their original appearance. The Tokonoma (alcove), display shelves, and attached writing alcove in Oku-no-ma have also not been remodeled, creating a space of high formality. The sturdy pillars, beams, and the kamidana (household shrine) in the living room still reflect the original construction, showcasing the traditional farmhouse layout that has continued since the Edo period. The Shibuya family possesses a "house layout diagram" drawn in 1848 (Kaei 1). This valuable document not only depicts the layout of the house but also includes images of the storehouse, shed, and household deity, conveying the conditions of the late Edo period. The fact that both the building and the diagram have been preserved together is extremely valuable. Comparing the diagram with the current state reveals that the land divisions are accurately depicted, and the layout of the buildings remarkably matches the current floor plan. The building has remained largely unchanged since its construction and has been continuously inhabited, evidencing the Shibuya family's dedication to preserving this home. Furthermore, it retains the traditional landscape of a settlement built along the base of a plateau facing the highway. The depiction of the plateau in the diagram reflects the original scenery of the Satsuma settlement that still exists today. Over the years, the Shibuya Family Residence has suffered some damage. Future plans include preservation and repair work, seismic reinforcement, and renovations for community use, aiming to develop it into a place of relaxation for the region. For more details, please check the city’s website! 【Cultural and Sports Division】 https://www.city.kamagaya.chiba.jp/smph/kosodate-kyouiku/kyoikuindex/bunka_menu/sibuyakemaruya.html...

[Traditional Event] Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine in Kanbayashi Every July, the Satokagura is offered to pray for the peace of the Kanbayashi District. It has also been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the city. The Satokagura is said to have been continued since the Kamakura period, but it was interrupted once after World War II. In the 1950s, local people revived this important ritual, and this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kagura Preservation Society. The Satokagura at Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine will be offered tomorrow. Offering Date and Time: July 12, 2023 (Sunday) From 1:00 PM, the ritual Around 1:30 PM, the Kagura offering After that, there will be a children's sumo tournament and mochi throwing. *There is no parking available at the shrine. #Toon City #Kanbayashi District #Satokagura #Shiroyama Tenmangū Shrine #Intangible Folk Cultural Property #Traditional Event #Kamibayashi Kagura Preservation Society #Kagura Offering

Event Announcement 📣 On July 4th (Saturday), the "White Snake Princess Festival" will be held at Lake Shikaribetsu!! This traditional arts festival was inspired by the local legend "The Tale of the White Snake Princess" 😊 The "White Snake Princess Dance" performed on the lakeside stage captivates the audience with its fantastical and mysterious world 🎵 Before the main event, Ainu traditional dances and performances of the traditional instrument "Mukkuri" will be presented, offering a glimpse into Ainu culture. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this mystical traditional art born from the local "Tale of the White Snake Princess" 🤗 📍Date and Time: July 4, 2026 (Saturday) from 17:30 to 21:15 (In case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. For more details, please check the Shikaoi Tourism Association website or Instagram.) 📍Location: Lake Shikaribetsu (Free shuttle buses to the venue will operate.) 🔶Free shuttle bus service to the venue: A free shuttle bus utilizing the local bus service will operate from "Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art" in Shikaoicho to the Lake Shikaribetsu venue. The departure times will align with the local bus schedule. Return times are as follows: Departing from Lake Shikaribetsu at 21:40, Urimaku at 22:05, Little House on the Prairie at 22:12, Takushoku Bus Shikaoi Office at 22:20, Shikaoi Town Hall at 22:22, and Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art at 22:23. 【Bus Inquiries】Takushoku Bus Headquarters TEL: 0155-31-8811 🔶Event Inquiries: Shikaoi Town Tourism Association (Shikaoi Town Hall Commerce and Tourism Division) TEL: 0156-66-4034 https://shikaoi-hakujyahimemai.studio.site//

📢 Event Announcement‼︎ Tomorrow, June 30th, at 18:30, a presentation titled "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai Tribe" will be held at the Teshikaga Town Community Center✨ We are pleased to welcome Professor Tai-Ban Sasara from the Archaeological Research Institute of National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. This is a valuable opportunity to learn about diversity based on Ainu and Indigenous cultures. A panel exhibition will also be held in the community center lobby❣️ Participation is free for both events, so everyone is warmly invited to join us. "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai Tribe" Date and Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 18:30 to 20:00 Venue: Teshikaga Town Community Center, 2nd Floor Auditorium Instructor: Professor Tai-Ban Sasara, Archaeological Research Institute, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan Participation: Free Organized by: Hokkaido University Ainu and Indigenous Studies Center 　　　GRID (Global Research Unit for Indigenous Studies and Cultural Diversity) Co-organized by: Teshikaga Town Board of Education

Matsuo Taisha Shōfūen and others... 3 Arashiyamamiya-machi, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture The gardens of Matsuo Taisha consist of three gardens called "Shōfūen," designed by the renowned garden designer Mirei Shigemori in his later years. Completed in 1975, this relatively new garden features a blend of traditional dry landscape and modern sensibilities. Kyokusui Garden expresses an elegant world with the flow of the Mitarai River and stones, reflecting the court culture of the Heian period. Upper Ancient Garden represents a mythical and ancient world with large stone arrangements and a rustic landscape. Horai-no-niwa symbolizes the ideal of longevity with its iconic stone arrangements resembling Turtle Island and Crane Island.

Tomorrow, June 30th at 18:30, a seminar titled "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai People" will be held at the Teshikaga Town Public Hall.✨ This is a valuable opportunity to learn about diversity based on Ainu and Indigenous cultures, featuring Professor Taiban Sasala from the Institute of Archaeology, National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan. A panel exhibition will also be concurrently held in the lobby of the public hall!❣️ Participation is free, so everyone is welcome to join us! "Traditions and Modern Transformations in the Hunting Culture of the Rukai People" Date and Time: Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 18:30 to 20:00 Venue: 2nd Floor Auditorium, Teshikaga Town Public Hall Instructor: Professor Taiban Sasala from the Institute of Archaeology, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan Participation: Free Organized by: Hokkaido University Center for Ainu and Indigenous Studies GRID (Global Research Unit for Indigenous and Cultural Diversity) Co-organized by: Teshikaga Town Board of Education.

The hidden gem I want to introduce is the Uda City Matsuyama Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, located along the Ise Honkaidō in Uda City, Nara Prefecture. The "Daiganji" temple here was founded during the Suiko period and is said to have been established at the command of Prince Shotoku to Soga no Umako. The area known as "Akino" in ancient times is now part of the Daida Uda district. According to the Nihon Shoki, a medicinal herb gathering (kusurigari) took place here on May 5, 611, during the 19th year of Emperor Suiko's reign. Medicinal herb gathering was a court event where materials with medicinal properties, such as deer antlers and medicinal herbs, were collected, indicating Uda's long-standing connection with medicine. In the Edo period, in 1729, the Morino family opened a medicinal herb garden, which is now preserved as the "Morino Medicinal Herb Garden." With this background, Daida Uda developed as a "Medicine Town" lined with pharmacies, and it is said that at its peak, there were over 50 pharmacies operating. The "Yakushi-no-Yakata" is a facility that utilizes the former residence of the Hosokawa family, who operated a pharmacy since 1806. The Hosokawa family boasted great prosperity, selling stomach medicines like "Tenjumaru" by 1836. Today, a beautifully crafted copper plate roof with a decorative signboard still hangs at the front of the building, conveying the grandeur of its past. Additionally, Tomokichi Fujisawa, the eldest son of Mitsu, the second daughter of the second generation of the Hosokawa family, became an adopted son of the Fujisawa family in 1882 and later founded Fuji Pharma Co., Ltd. (now Astellas Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.). Inside the facility, you can see displays of the development of Fujisawa Pharmaceuticals, the achievements of past presidents, and representative medicine packaging, allowing visitors to learn about Japan's modern pharmaceutical history. Please visit Uda City in Nara Prefecture, where you can touch upon the history of Japanese medicine (herbs) that existed 1,400 years ago.

The 118th Nitten Azumino Exhibition is currently being held at the Azumino City Museum of Art, and the end of the exhibition is fast approaching. The highlight is the opportunity to enjoy five different genres all at once! From traditional "Japanese paintings" and "Western paintings" to dynamic "sculptures," exquisite "craft arts," and resonant "calligraphy," a selection of carefully chosen works is on display. Each piece varies greatly in expression and theme, creating a luxurious space where thoughts like "I really like this" and "I wonder how it was made?" rush in one after another. After viewing, be sure to stop by the attached café! 😊 In conjunction with the exhibition, a menu featuring handmade dishes made with locally grown strawberries from Azumino is available. Drinks can be taken out, allowing you to enjoy the lingering atmosphere of the artworks while gazing at the roses. 🥰

The cherry blossoms in Bujo are at their best. Depending on the weather, I expect they will be enjoyable through the end of this week. Please do visit. Elsewhere across the city, trees are also in full bloom. Bujo Park 793-0035 Fukutake, Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture

Introduction to Shimanto Festivals in Shimanto City, Kochi Prefecture This introduces the local festivals that have been held in Shimanto City since long ago. 〇 Nakamura Region About 550 years ago, Norifusa Ichijo came down from Kyoto to the Nakamura Region, and many historic sites remain there, including streets and place names modeled after Kyoto. In the Nakamura Region, many festivals are held, including those associated with Tosa Ichijo. 1-1 Tosa Ichijo Kuge Gyoretsu (Fuji Matsuri) This event reenacts the arrival of Norifusa Ichijo, who left Kyoto in 1468 and took residence at Nakamura Gosho to restore the Hata manor, marking the foundations of Shimanto City. Modeled on Kyoto’s Aoi Matsuri court procession, the parade features a total of about 200 participants dressed in Muromachi Period costumes who march through the city. The colorful costumes, matching each role, unfold like a living historical picture. 1-2 Shimanto Citizen Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival announces summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. Organized mainly by the Shimanto Citizen Festival Executive Committee, a group of local volunteers, the festival includes citizen-participation events such as the Nakamura Dance parade and the lantern float parade. In particular, the powerful performance of the lantern floats, lit and paraded through the streets, offers inventive displays by each participating group and is well worth seeing. 1-3 All-Japan Jorogumo Sumo Tournament Long loved as a children’s summer pastime, this event is held on the first Saturday of August at Ichijo Shrine, located on a hill in the city center, as a summer memory for the children. Nationwide, this traditional event survives only in Shimanto City Nakamura and Kajiki Town in Kagoshima Prefecture. 1-4 Daimonji Bonfire The Daimonji Bonfire is an Obon custom in the Misaki district, Shimanto City, and a seasonal symbol that signals the end of summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura. On the 16th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, the slope of Todaijiyama (locally called Mt. Dainoji), where the mountain deity is worshipped, is carved into the shape of the character “大” and torches gathered from each household in the district are placed and burned. According to tradition, Fusaie, the son of Norifusa Ichijo, began this practice to console the spirits of Norifusa and his grandfather Kaneyoshi and to reminisce about Kyoto. Today, the event is run by local residents and delights many spectators as the "fire associated with Ichijo." 1-5 Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival The Shimanto Citizen Festival, which heralds summer in Little Kyoto Nakamura, concludes with the Shimanto Summer Fireworks Festival, where music and fireworks perform together and a spectrum of colorful shells blaze into the sky. The fireworks reflected in the waters of the Shimanto River, called "Japan’s last clear stream," are simply exquisite. 1-6 Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival The Fuwa Hachimangu Grand Festival features the famous "marriage of the gods," with portable shrines of the male and female deities. After the male deity’s mikoshi, paraded through the town, awaits at Hachiman Shrine and the female deity’s mikoshi arrives, rituals such as the joining of the shrines are performed. This marriage ceremony of the deities is a rare ritual nationwide, said to have been started by Ichijo-ko, who enshrined the shrine, to discourage the then-common practice of abduction marriages. 1-7 Ichijo Grand Festival Since the establishment of Ichijo Shrine in the center of Shimanto City in 1862, this major festival has been held every year and represents Shimanto City. During the festival period, the sacred flame brought from Kyoto is displayed and many events, including a procession of children in historical costume, take place. 〇 Nishitosa Region The Nishitosa Region, located upstream in Shimanto City, features scattered riverside settlements and a peaceful landscape. In Nishitosa, traditional festivals passed down through generations are held in each district. 2-1 Iwama Boat Festival This ritual takes place at the summer festival of Iwama Tenmangu Shrine, when a mikoshi is placed on a boat and carried across the Shimanto River for a ceremony on the riverbank of the Kayou area. 2-2 Kondani Nembutsu Odori This Obon memorial ritual has been passed down in the Nishitosa Gonotani area of Shimanto City since around 1665. Bells and drums accompany the chanting of nembutsu, torches are lit on the riverbank for a water festival, and segaki memorial services and rites for newly deceased are performed. 2-3 Tachibana Mikoshi Boat Crossing In the Tachibana district, two shrines—Yasaka Shrine and Shiraiwa Shrine—face each other across the river, and on the eve of the autumn festival the sacred object is transported by boat from Shiraiwa Shrine to Yasaka Shrine. On the day of the autumn festival, after the rituals are held, the sacred object returns to Shiraiwa Shrine together with the mikoshi. 2-4 Hage Autumn Festival At the Hage Autumn Festival held at Hage Tenmangu Shrine, young people and children parade across the submersible bridge with the ox demon, mikoshi, and the flower-picking dance. The flower-picking dance is then performed on the shrine grounds. 2-5 Itsushika Odori Itsushika Odori is a traditional dance passed down through generations by local children and is dedicated at Kotohiragu Shrine during the Kotohira Festival in Nishitosanishikagata, Shimanto City.

🎎 Kuwanouchi Hina Doll Exhibition 🎎 Today (February 27) I went to see the hina doll exhibition in the Kuwanouchi district.👀✨ I lost track of time admiring the dolls loaned by local residents and the artworks arranged around them.🥰 The warmth of the community seemed to shine through the hina dolls.💖

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

Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura & Kotono Shrine Night Kagura From the evening of January 10 into the morning of January 11, the Kuwanouchi Shrine Night Kagura and the Kotono Shrine Night Kagura were safely offered again this year 👹 I can still hear the drumbeat pounding in the back of my ears and the clear, high sound of the flute ringing in my mind 😆 You could hear the dancers’ breathing, see children watching intently, and feel the atmosphere of kagura as locals and returnees to Gokase gathered together ✨ We were treated to another wonderful performance this year 🥰 This beautiful night was made possible by the preservation society members who trained diligently, the local women’s association who served warm meals and drinks through the night, and the officers and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. The smiles of the visitors who return to this place each year exist because of the devoted support of these community members 👏 We would be happy to watch over this proud Gokase kagura tradition with you again next year and the year after 💕 Thank you very much to everyone who came from afar in the cold!

[2025 Rokkakudo Kiriko Festival] Scene of the "Rokkakudo Kiriko Festival" on 10/13 (Monday). You can see the historical Kiriko exhibition up close. The works created over time are detailed and delicate... I am overwhelmed by the beauty that I can't believe is human work! At dusk, when the lights are lit in the Rokkakudo Hall and I see the local people praying, I hope that this scene will continue to be passed down in the future, along with the miracle that has continued for more than 300 years.

Gion Shrine Autumn Festival "Okunchi Festival" On October 9th, the Gion Shrine autumn festival "Okunchi Festival" took place in Kuraoka ⛩ It was held under a clear, slightly warm sky 🌞 Traditional performing arts were presented, including a kagura dedication, the Usu-daiko drum dance, and yamabushi dialogue rituals ✨ The Usu-daiko drum dance welcomed walk-in participants, and many people joined in 😊 Watching participants from inside and outside the prefecture join local residents to form a circle and perform the same dance is moving every time I experience it 😭 And this year saw the revival of the "Negai-kake Kagura" (wish-offering kagura) 👹 The powerful yet solemn dance, carrying on the original custom called the "Festival of Wish Fulfillment," stirred my heart 💖 Having kagura performed to make a wish is such a wonderful tradition ✨ Everyone, please come to Gokase’s autumn festival next year! Walk-in participation is very welcome 🙌

📢 Announcement: “Miyazaki Kagura” at the National Noh Theatre — Katsura Kagura Performance On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the National Noh Theatre (Sendagaya, Tokyo) will host a performance of Katsura Kagura, a traditional performing art handed down in Morotsuka Village. Kagura is offered as a prayer to the gods. Please take this opportunity to experience its mysterious dances and sounds. 📅 Event Details ・Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 ・Doors open: 12:30 / Performance starts: 13:30 (scheduled to end around 17:40) ・Venue: National Noh Theatre (4-18-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo) ・Admission: Free (advance application required; if applications exceed capacity, attendees will be selected by lottery) 📖 Program 1️⃣ Keynote lecture (about 30 minutes) 2️⃣ Katsura Kagura performance (about 3 hours) 📝 How to Apply ・Application period: Thursday, August 14, 2025 – Monday, October 6, 2025 ・Lottery results notification: Scheduled to be sent around Friday, October 17, 2025 📞 Contact “Miyazaki Kagura — National Noh Theatre Performance” Office TEL: 0985-22-1122 (Mon–Fri) 10:00–17:00 (excluding public holidays) 🔍 About Katsura Kagura Katsura Kagura is a kagura tradition from the Katsura settlement in Miyazaki Prefecture, preserved as an offering to Katsura Shohachiman Shrine. The shrine is said to have been established in the Nanbokucho period through a dedication from the Kanto region, and it preserves a mysterious history and long-standing traditions. ⛩️ Timing of Offerings ・Major kagura (night kagura) are offered irregularly for shrine relocations, shrine rebuilding, or when prayers are answered. ・Normally, the three-part kagura is offered during the spring and autumn grand festivals.