Dinosaur Fossils Discovered on Koshiki Island We would like to introduce the video "Dinosaur fossil discovered on the coast of Koshiki Island! The Nippon Foundation Umitonihon PROJECT in Kagoshima 2018 #09（甑島の海辺で恐竜の化石発見！ 日本財団 海と日本PROJECT in 鹿児島 2018 #09）". The National Museum of Nature and Science (国立科学博物館, kokuritsukagakuhakubutsukan) and Sendai city, Kagoshima prefecture in the Japan's Kyushu region, announced the discovery of a 70 cm long dinosaur fossil on Koshiki Island. At 0:54 in the video you can see the surprised yet delighted reaction of Miyake Yuka, a staff member at the Koshiki Museum on Shimokoshiki Island (下甑島, shimokoshikishima). Exactly what kind of fossil did they find? Koshiki Island, a Sightseeing Spot Steeped in History Koshiki Island is comprised of a chain of islands in the East China sea that lay to the west of Satsumasendai city in Kagoshima prefecture. It is a place abundant with nature and outstanding towering cliffs that rise 200 meters above the ocean floor. Kamikoshiki Island, Nakakoshiki Island (中甑島, nakakoshikishima) and Shimokoshiki Island make up the Koshiki Archipelago (甑列島, koshikirettou), a place steeped in ancient history which was formed from several uninhabited islands. The cliff shown at the opening of the video is composed of stratum that was formed from the Cretaceous period to the Paleogene period. The oldest stratum on the island dates back 80 million years. More About the Dinosaur Fossil Found on Koshiki Island Koshiki Island is attracting a lot of attention as dinosaur fossils are being discovered one after another. The joint research team from Satsumasendai city and Kumamoto University (熊本大学, kumamotodaigaku) discovered the 70 cm long dinosaur fossil in 2016, and it is the largest fossil found to date. You can see the fossil and an interview with Komatsu Toshifumi (assistant professor of the cutting edge science research department at Kumamoto University) from 1:20 in the video. You can also hear the surprised reactions of the other research team members. About the Dinosaur Research From 3:36 in the video, you can hear more about the fossil of an herbivorous dinosaur from the Ceratopsidae family (the first in Japan and third in Asia to be discovered) that was found in 2012. The ribs and teeth from a carnivorous dinosaur, part of the root of a tooth from a ceratopsian dinosaur, ammonites and other reptile fossils have also been discovered here. You can also take a look at how fossil cleaning is performed from 3:58 in the video. You can see how excited the staff member is to have the opportunity to clean such a large fossil. A year and a half after being discovered, it had become clearer what kind of dinosaur fossil they had found. The fossil dates back 70 million years and is from the femur of an herbivorous dinosaur of the Hadrosauridae family. The dinosaur is estimated to have been over 10 meters tall. You can see an artist's reconstruction of the dinosaur from 5:07 in the video. Dinosaur Fossils on Koshiki Island: Summary It is estimated that this fossil was from a dinosaur that lived close to the time of the extinction of the dinosaurs. It is thought that this fossil will become a useful resource to help us learn more about the extinction of the dinosaurs. There are still many mysteries surrounding the extinction of the dinosaurs. The continued work performed by researchers around the world is sure to uncover more information on these dinosaur fossils. In Koshiki museum's preparation room, not only can you see this ancient dinosaur fossil up close, but you also have chance to take part in many events such as a dinosaur fossil excavation tour. We highly recommend a visit to Koshiki museum to any dinosaur fans! 【Official Website】Koshiki Island Tourist Bureau's official website https://satsumasendai.gr.jp/koshiki-sight-seeing/

Beautiful Drone Footage of Nijo Castle! This video, titled "Nijo Castle Promotion Video compilation World Heritage Nijo Castle" (二条城PV 総集編「世界遺産 二条城), was published by "KyotoiitokoVideo." Built in the Edo Period (1603-1868 A.D.), the historic Nijo Castle, formally known as "Former Imperial Villa Nijō Castle" (元離宮二条城) was selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" in 1994. More About Nijo Castle - The History of the Castle Photo：Nijo Castle outer bailey, Kyoto Nijo Castle, built in Kyoto City (京都市, Kyoto-shi), Kyoto Prefecture, in 1603, was built by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The castle was built to protect the Kyoto Imperial Palace and also acted as a lodging when the shogun came to Kyoto. The castle flourished for a while, but after the third shogun, it was not used again until the end of the Edo Period. In 1867, at the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the 15th Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu declared "Taisei Hokan," a transfer of power back to the Emperor in the castle's main plaza. In this way, the castle saw both the rise and fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Famous Architecture of Nijo Castle Shown in the Video Photo：Higashi Ote-mon Gate, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Nijo Castle's Ninomaru Palace (outer bailey palace) is designated as a National Treasure. 22 buildings, including Higashi Ote-mon Gate, Karamon Gate, and the Honmaru Palace (inner citadel palace), and a total of 1016 wall paintings in the Ninomaru Palace have been designated Important Cultural Properties. The Ninomaru Garden is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty. The wall paintings are luxurious and gorgeous artworks created by the Kano School, the official painters of the Shogunate. You can see them from 1:40 in the video. Karamon Gate is decorated with the Imperial Chrysanthemum emblem as well as the Tokugawa family's triple hollyhock crest in gold-work and carvings. The main gate of the Ninomaru Palace is Kiritsuma-zukuri style with a Hiwadabuki style roof and is supported by four pillars with Karahafu. You can see the beautiful main gate full of historical elements from 0:36 in the video. The five-story castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1750, but now visitors can see the ruins of the keep. The ruins of the castle keep can be seen from 3:11 in the video. Highlights of Nijo Castle Photo：Nijo Castle inner bailey, Kyoto Nijo Castle is fully surrounded by Japanese-style gardens, Western-style gardens, and gardens with a mixture of both Japanese and Western styles. These include Koun-tei, the Waraku-an Tearoom, Seiryu-en Garden, and the Honmaru garden. The Honmaru Garden, surrounded by fresh greenery, can be seen from 2:41 in the video. In spring, approximately 300 cherry trees of 50 different varieties bloom all around the castle grounds. At Niji Castle, you can enjoy the seasonal scenery. There's plum blossoms and rhododendrons, and in the summer you'll find Japanese pagoda trees, crepe-myrtles, morning glories, and palms, in the fall, beautiful autumn foliage, and in winter, you can enjoy the beautiful snowscapes of the area. In the 2nd year of Reiwa (in 2020), the castle hosted the "Nijo Matsuri (Nijo Castle Festival)" an art aquarium castle illumination event. The 400th anniversary exhibition and collection hall is also worth checking out. Summary of Sightseeing at Nijo Castle Photo：Nijo Castle, Kyoto As shown in the video, Nijo Castle has many sights to see, including the historical buildings and the elegant gardens where you can enjoy the four seasons of Japan. Nijo Castle also launched the Nijo Castle Owners’ Fundraising Campaign to accept donations to help with construction, so if you are interested in the project, your generous support is greatly appreciated. ◆Nijo Castle｜Facility Information ◆ 【Address】541 Nijo-Cho, Horikawa-nishi-iru, Nijo-dori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto City 【Access】A 2-minute walk from Nijo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line. 【Admission】1030 yen for adults, 350 yen for middle school and high school students, and 200 yen for elementary school students. 【Hours】8:45 - 17:00（Last entry 16:00） 【Parking】Visitor Parking available 【Phone】075-841-0096 【Official Website】Nijo Castle World Heritage Site・Moto-Rikyu Nijo Castle https://nijo-jocastle.city.kyoto.lg.jp/?lang=en 【Tripadvisor】Nijo Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298564-d321408-Reviews-Nijo_Castle-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The World Heritage site, Kosuge Slip Dock This video, titled "The World Heritage site and Birthplace of the Modern Shipyard 'Kosuge Slip Dock'" (世界遺産、日本の近代造船所発祥の地「小菅修船場跡」), was released by "videopro8570495." The first Western style dock in Japan, Kosuge Slip Dock is registered as a World Heritage site. It is in Kusuage, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki prefecture, Kyushu and is the birthplace of the modern shipyard. It was completed in December 1868. This Western style dock is used for repairing ships. The pulling device, powered by the oldest steam boiler in Japan, is installed here. The Western style dock has a steam engine boiler called “a slipway” with a platform for pulling the ship. The slipway was called “Abacus Dock” because it looks like an abacus. “Abacus Dock” is shown from 0:55 in the video. Also, the boiler that makes steam and the device to pull the 1,000 ton ship is shown from 3:12 in the video. The History of the Kosuge Slip Dock Source :YouTube screenshot The Kosuge Slip Dock was planned by Thomas Blake Glover who was a Scottish trader and the Satsuma Domain Warlords, such as the Ten Great Nobles of the Restoration, Komatsu Kiyokado and Godai Tomoatsu. The foreign ship repair facility and shipyard, was completed in 1868. The next year, Thomas Glover ran out of funds in the arms trade. He sold the Kosuge Slip Dock to the Meiji Government and it became a facility managed by the Nagasaki Iron Factory and owned by Mitsubishi. After the takeover, it grew to become the current Nagasaki Dockyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, but the business scale was reduced as the ships became larger. During World War II, the company produced small military ships and managed to make a small comeback, but after the war in 1953, it was closed down. Now, the oldest brick building is designated as a historic site of Japan. Its unique brick was called a konjak brick. In 2015, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site as the “Site of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining.” The brick-building is shown from 1:11 in the video. The Mystery of the Kosuge Slip Dock Photo：Kosuge Repair Dock Old Site Kosuge, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki prefecture was the ideal place for pulling in and pulling out ships, because it has a small cove that extends into the land, but it still remains a mystery why the Satsuma clan was able to locate a shipyard in Nagasaki, which was outside of their domain. There are four theories: 1. The economic power of the Satsuma clan extended to Nagasaki 2. Kosuge was under the shogun's jurisdiction 3. The shogunate needed a ship repairing dock 4. A trader patronized by Nagasaki was an applicant for construction The Kosuge Slip Dock, a Sightseeing Location in Nagasaki Source :YouTube screenshot The Kosuge Slip Dock is famous not only for its history, but also as a tourist site. The cottage for pulling up the ships, is open during weekends. The boiler and the huge gear is really something else. You can go to Kosuge, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki prefecture by taking a Nagasaki bus from JR Nagasaki station to Kosugemachi. It's about a 15 minute ride and 5 minutes walk. There is no parking available, so we highly recommend using public transportation. Feel the History of the End of the Tokugawa Shogunate at the Kosuge Slip Dock a World Heritage Site in Nagasaki Source :YouTube screenshot Did you like the article? The breathtaking views are even more powerful if you learn more about the history and background that played an important role in the history of shipyards at the end of Edo period. Please visit the Kosuge Slip Dock World Heritage site when you go to Nagasaki! There are nearby hotels for you to stay at as well. ◆Kosuge Slip Dock◆ 【Address】5 Kosugemachi, Nagasaki city, Nagasaki Prefecture, 850-0934 【Access】A 15 minutes bus ride from JR Nagasaki station to Kosugemachi and then a 5-minute walk 【Entrance fee】None 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】095-829-1314 【Official Website】DISCOVER NAGASAKI official visitor guide https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/ 【Tripadvisor】Kosuge Repair Dock Old Site https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298568-d4952490-Reviews-Kosuge_Repair_Dock_Old_Site-Nagasaki_Nagasaki_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

The Discovery of Yosa Buson's Haiku "New Phrases of Yosa Buson（与謝蕪村の新発見の句）", produced by "Nara TV Channel", is a news video introducing the discovery of new haiku written by Yosa Buson, a haiku author, painter, and poet. Along with Basho Matsuo and Issa Kobayashi, the Haiku poem by Yosa Buson, one of the three major Edo poets in Edo, was spotlighted at Tenri University's Tenri Library. Currently, it is stored as a valuable document that is useful for research on Yosa Buson. In this article, I would like to introduce you to Yosa Buson, and talk about the discovery of his new haiku. The Newly Discovered Haiku of Yosa Buson Source :YouTube screenshot In 2015, 300 years after the birth of Yosa Buson, 212 newly discovered haiku were added to Yosa Buson's collection of haiku. A new haiku was discovered in a book called "Yahantei Buson Kushu," held by Tenri University's Library. You can also see from the video that various media outlets have come to the news gathering for the press conference of "Shinshu Buson Kushu Buson Kukaikou" held at Tenri University's Library. It can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Among the newly discovered materials, there are traces of corrections and inspections by Yosa Buson, which is a very valuable research material. You can see the actual haiku collection, and the traces with corrections from 0:26 in the video. A memorial exhibition "Haijin Buson- In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of his birth" was also held at the Tenri University's Library. Who Was Yosa Buson, the Famous Japanese Poet? Source :YouTube screenshot Yosa Buson is a master of Edo haiku, and is said to be the founder of the Edo Haiku Chukou. His representative works include "Rape Blossoms and the Moon in the East and the Sun in the West" and "The Spring Hine Mosuno Tarino Tarikana". His pseudonyms for haiku include "Saichou" and "Yahantei (Nisei)", and the pseudonyms he used for painting were "Shunsei" and "Shain". In 1716, Yosa Buson (real name Taniguchi) was born in Kema Village, Higashinari-gun, Settsuno kuni. At the age of 20, he studied haiku by studying with Hayano Hajin. After that, he yearned for Basho Matsuo and traveled around the Tohoku region. After years of study, he blossomed at the ripe age of 40 years old. Yosa Buson is famous as a poet, but he also worked as a painter, drawing haiga (pictures for haiku) for Basho Matsuo's works. Some of his famous emaki (picture scrolls) include works such as "Okunohosomichi" and "Yashoku roudaizu". What are haiku? Photo：Haiku poet Haiku is a short poems that sings of the seasons and nature, and is characterized by its five, seven, five structure. Haiku has a rule that involves using a seasonal word in the poem. This is called a fixed season. Like Waka and Renku (Haiku Renka), there are works that do not include seasonal words. These are called seasonless haiku. Haiku is also referred to as "17 letters, 17 sounds, and 17 words". Haiku became popular during the Edo period (1603 to 1868), but was later established by Shiki Masaoka in the Meiji era (1868 to 1912) as "modern literary haiku." Senryu, which resemble haiku, is expressed in the 5, 7, 5 structure like haiku, but it is characterized by its lack of seasonal words. The good thing about Senryu is its high degree of freedom and use of light expressions. Summary of the Discovery of Yosa Buson's Haiku Source :YouTube screenshot "Yosa Buson’s New Discovered Haiku Collection" produced by "Nara TV Channel" is a video that introduces the discovery of a new haiku by Yosa Buson. It was showered with attention when it was first announced that haiku from a famous Edo period poet had been discovered. If you're a history buff, or just love poetry, this is a must-see video! If you're interested, be sure to check it out. 【Official Website】 Tenri University Library https://www.tcl.gr.jp/eng/index_e.htm

Introducing Edo Castle! This video, titled “Edo Castle / Tokyo Imperial Palace in 1871 江戸城,” was produced by “LIT esperan.” It introduces Edo Castle through old photography. Edo Castle is said to be the “Number One” castle in Japan due to its size, the height of its castle tower, and the large dimensions of the palace. This article introduces the history of, and tourist spots around, Edo Castle ruins. Be sure to follow along with the video! Edo Castle existed until the Meiji Era (1868-1912), and so there are many photographs of it that still exist to this day. Before we go any further, take a second to look at the once magnificent appearance of Edo Castle in the video. Edo Castle: History Source :YouTube screenshot Edo Castle was a hirayama-style castle, built by Ota Dokan, a retainer of the Ogigayatsu Uesugi family, in 1457. Years later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi surrendered the castle, and during the Edo period (1603-1868), Tokugawa Ieyasu added to and renovated it. As a result, it became the largest castle in Japan. After it was used as the government center of the Tokugawa shogunate, it was handed over to the new Meiji era government in the 1st year of the Meiji Era (1868), and became the imperial palace in the 2nd year of the Meiji Era. This was referred to as “The Surrender of Edo Castle,” and “The Bloodless Fall of Edo.” In 1888, it became the Imperial Palace Castle, and in 1948 it was renamed as to "Tokyo Imperial Palace." Today, a section of the ruins of Edo Castle is still in use as the residence of the Emperor. The Places Related to Edo Castle in the Video Photo：Fujimi-yagura At the beginning of the video, a blue sky appears in the middle of Tokyo's skyscrapers. This is the center of the castle called the inner compound, and outside of that is the outer compound. You can see Asakusa Honganji, Sensoji Temple, Sakuradamon, Toranomon, Fujimi-yagura Ruins, Suidobashi, Shin-O'hashi, Sumida River, Hibiyamon, Asakusabashimon, Honmaru Otemon, Sakashita Gate, and Nishinomaru Nijyubashi from 0:38 in the video. These are popular spots that are well known even in the present day and are introduced through old photographs in the video. During the middle of the video, the last Tokugawa Shogun, Keiki Tokugawa can be seen from 2:05 and from 1:33, old maps showing the vicinity of Edo Castle, as well as blueprints of the castle tower, are also shown. Visiting Edo Castle Photo：Around Edo Castle Edo Castle is located in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward and is about a 5-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station and Otemachi Station on the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Parts of the Honmaru/Ninomaru/Sannomaru of Edo Castle are open to the public as the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. Kitanomaru, is now Kitanomaru Park, and many people come here as tourists or joggers. The castle tower has been rebuilt 3 times, however, it was burned down and the plans for rebuilding it have stopped after the rebuilding of the tenshudai (the stone base). The remaining Edo Castle tenshudai can be seen even in the present day. When you visit the Imperial Palace, be sure to check out the O-bansho near the palace gates, the magnificent stone walls, the ruins of Matsu corridor, located in the inner palace, famous for its depiction in the story Chusingura. We also recommend going to see the inner palace, the ruins of Wadakuramon, the Sekishitsu (stone burial chamber), and the ruins of Chujakumon. There is also a guided tour to see the Imperial palace, so try to participate in this if you can. Summary of Edo Castle Photo：Edo Castle This video, “Edo Castle / Tokyo Imperial Palace in 1871 江戸城,” introduces many photos of Edo Castle from the beginning of the Meiji Era. You can also visit the Imperial Palace by submitting an application to the Imperial Household Agency. For more information, please visit the Imperial Household Agency's website. Edo Castle boasts the largest castle in Japan in terms of size, construction period, and height of the castle tower. Hopefully after reading this article introducing the history and tourist attractions of Edo Castle, we've piqued your interest in the historical location. 【Tripadvisor】The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace（Edo Castle Ruins） https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066443-d320625-Reviews-The_East_Gardens_of_the_Imperial_Palace_Edo_Castle_Ruin-Chiyoda_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefe.html

Introducing the Tokyo National Museum! This video is titled “Haniwa, Clayware, Bronze Bell and Clay Figures: The Tokyo National Museum（埴輪・土器・銅鐸・遮光器土偶　東京国立博物館）” and was created by “brianman1955”. The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest museum in Japan, located at Ueno Park in Taito ward. It used to be called the Empire Museum and Imperial Museum. There are main sections to the Museum: themain building, Hyokeikan, Toyokan, The Heisei building, the Horyuji treasure gallery, the Kuroda memorial hall, Kuromon and the garden. National treasures such as Japanese swords, armor, archaeological monuments, and works of art, including important cultural properties, are on display at the museum. There are about 120 thousand pieces in the collection. There are also special exhibitions like the Shosoin exhibition, the imperial throne gallery, and in 2019 there was a mummy exhibition, so there are a lot of things to see. The Formally Dressed Haniwa Woman Source :YouTube screenshot At the beginning of the video, the haniwa doll, “Woman in Formal Garments” is shown. It was found at Yokozuka, Toyoshirocho, Isesaki, Gunma prefecture, in Japan's Kanto region and is displayed at the Tokyo National Museum. This haniwa is dressed in a skirt, a jacket with simple sleeves and it is decorated with beads, earrings, a necklace, and bracelets, and Its hair is tied in a Shimada-style topknot with a comb inserted in it. This decorated haniwa is very valuable and it is said to be from Japan's Kofun or "tomb" period. (350-700 B.C.) Deep, "Lipped" Style Pottery Source :YouTube screenshot From 0:42 in the video, a deep, "lipped" style jar is shown. It was found at Kamifukuoka shell mound in Fukuoka, Fujiminoshi, of Saitama prefecture, in Japan's Kanto region. This clayware was found by Yamanouchi Sugao in 1937 and through research, it is presumed to be an early Jomon period Seikan style clayware. Bronze Bells Source :YouTube screenshot A Bronze bell is shown from 1:06 in the video. It was found at Nishihonjo, Minabe, Wakayama prefecture, in Japan's Kansai region and is estimated to be from the Yayoi period. (300 B.C. to 250 A.D.) Clay Figures? Source : YouTube screenshot From 1:50 in the video, a clay figure is introduced. It was found at Ebisuda, Tajiri Kabukuri, Osaki, Miyagi prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region. It is said that clay figures were produced extensively in Japan's Tohoku region during the late Jomon period (~400 B.C.). An Overview of the Tokyo National Museum Photo：Tokyo National Museum The video about the Tokyo National Museum is only 2 minutes and 40 seconds long, but you can still feel the romance of history through the haniwa and clayware. There are other valuable materials such as records, pictures, and research journals displayed on permanent and special exhibitions at the museum. The research is making progress too, so we recommend giving the museum a visit. ◆The Tokyo National Museum◆ 【Address】13-9 Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo, 110-8712 【Access】10 minute walk from JR Ueno Park exit and Uguisudani station south exit. Or, take a city loop bus and get off at “Tokyo National Museum.” 【Entrance fee】Adults 1,000 yen/ University students: 500 yen 【Closures】Mondays 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】03-3822-1111 【Official Website】Tokyo National Museum https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en 【Tripadvisor】Tokyo National Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14134278-d320638-Reviews-Tokyo_National_Museum-Uenokoen_Taito_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

The Lives of Ordinary People in the Taisho Era! This video, “1914-1918 (Taisho 3-7) the life of the common people and "Akatonbo"（1914～1918(大正3年～大正7年)庶民の暮らしと「赤とんぼ」）”, shows how Japanese people lived during the Taisho era. The photo was taken by the American salesman, Elstner Hilton. The song used in the video is "Akatombo," a famous Japanese nursery rhyme written by Miki Rofu, and composed by Kosaku Yamada. Before the war and during the First World War, the photographic techniques were not very well developed, so these photos are quite invaluable. Please enjoy the life of Japanese people that has been passed down to the present day through about 2.5 minutes of video. What Was the Taisho Period Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Taisho era was about 100 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Taisho from July 30, 1912 to December 25, 1926. During this period in Japan, after the Meiji Restoration, "Taisho democracy" aimed for the development of democracy. Also, World War I occurred during the Taisho era. The Taisho era is a short period of only 15 years, but it is also an indispensable period for talking about modern Japanese history. The Clothes, Food, and Lifestyles of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot Clothes fashion appeared in the Taisho era, but many people still wore kimonos. At 1:16 in the video, a woman washing a kimono in the river is also shown. As you can see in the pictures, men usually have short hair and women generally have one hairstyle. At 0:28 in the video, there is also a figure of an easy-going fortune-teller on the roadside. At 0:35, a man knitting a basket of traditional handicrafts is photographed, and at 0:44, traditional Japanese daruma making is shot. In addition, the video features a series of photographs that show how people lived in Japan at the time. The hearth shown at 1:08 in the video, was indispensable for the lives and meals of the common people, and helped them survive the harsh winters. Also introduced at 1:56 is a performing arts culture called monkey loops. It was a recreation among ordinary people at the time without TV and internet. Summary of the Life of the Common People in the Taisho Era Source :YouTube screenshot This time, we introduced a video showing photos of life in the Taisho era. You can see how the common people lived at the time from the precious photographs. Many smiling people appear in the photos. In the Taisho era, a war broke out and forced many people into poverty, but even still, their hearts remained rich.

Introducing the Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition! In this article we introduce the video "Sakamoto Ryoma assassination recreation = 70 artifacts open to the public for the first time, including letters and the gun of Hitokiri Izou!（暗殺の様子再現、坂本龍馬展＝初公開の手紙など７０点披露、人斬り以蔵の拳銃も）" created by Jiji Press Ltd. (時事通信トレンドニュース). This video contains footage of the exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" which was held in Meguro city, Tokyo in 2017. Bakumatsu fans can enjoy looking at a variety of Sakamoto Ryoma's items such as his favorite sword and letters. Who is Sakamoto Ryoma? Source :YouTube screenshot Sakamoto Ryoma was a samurai of the Tosa Clan active towards the end of the Edo Shogunate (1853-1869). He was born January 3rd, 1836, and his real name was Sakamoto Naonari. After leaving the Tosa clan, he became a Shishi, and formed a teacher-student relationship with Katsu Kaishu, eventually forming the Kameyama Company, later called “Kaientai.” A few famous examples of Sakamoto Ryoma's life include the Teradaya Incident, where he narrowly escaped death, and his role in uniting the Satsuma and Choshu domains, referred to as the Satcho Alliance. His life has been portrayed in a variety of TV dramas such as the popular "Ryomaden." "Jin" is another popular historical drama based on Japan's Bakumatsu period, and Sakamoto Ryoma plays a major role throughout the story. More About the Exhibition "From the Tosa Domain! Sakamoto Ryoma Exhibition" Source :YouTube screenshot The exhibition featured in this video was held in Tokyo, as the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum (坂本龍馬記念館, sakamotoryouma kinenkan) was undergoing reconstruction at the time in 2017. Articles such as Sakamoto Ryoma's wakizashi (short sword), and a letter addressed to Shojiro Goto of the Tosa Domain, were on exhibition at the Hyakudankaidan hotel, which is listed as a Tangible Cultural Asset of Tokyo. You can also see the obi worn by Sakamoto Ryoma's older sister and the gun used by Hitokiri Izou (real name Izou Okada). Other popular exhibits include Sakamoto Ryoma's glass collodion photograph, the letter "nebutonotegami," a letter addressed to his older sister, a chart of the Battle of Shimonoseki, the Satcho Alliance endorsement, and a chronological table of events. You can see these exhibits in the video from 0:14. You Can Also See the Recreation of the Assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma in This Video! From 2:47 in the video, we're shown "Saraba, Ryoma," where we can learn more about the details surrounding the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma. The Hokushin Itto-Ryu Genbu Dojo, that carries on the Hokushin Itto-Ryu style that Sakamoto Ryoma mastered, helped direct the powerful assassination scene. You can experience the assassination of Sakamoto Ryoma, Nakaoka Shintaro and Tokichi Yamada, by the Kyoto Mimawarigumi in silhouette and sound. Sakamoto Ryoma Introductory Video Summary Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed learning more about the famous samurai Sakamoto Ryoma. You can currently see the artifacts featured in this video at the Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum in Kochi prefecture. The Bakumatsu period was one of the most dramatic time periods in Japanese history! Be sure to watch the video in detail to learn more about the fascinating samurai Sakamoto Ryoma! 【Official Website】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum https://ryoma-kinenkan.jp/country/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Sakamoto Ryoma Memorial Museum, Kochi Prefecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298234-d1818581-Reviews-The_Sakamoto_Ryoma_Memorial_Museum-Kochi_Kochi_Prefecture_Shikoku.html

The Tomioka Silk Mill - A World Heritage Site! This video, titled "Japan's Tomioka Silk Mill registered as World Heritage Site" (明治時代に生糸産業革新 世界遺産の富岡製糸場), was uploaded by "KyodoNews." It introduces the Tomioka Silk Mill in Gunma, a World Heritage Site of Japan. In 2014, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee approved the "Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites" as a World Heritage Site. The Tomioka Silk Mill is a historically important place where technological innovation and a silk industry revolution were achieved in Japan during the Meiji Period (1868-1912). About the Tomioka Silk Mill Photo：Gunma Prefecture・Tomioka Silk Mill The Tomioka Silk Mill is known as the birthplace of modern industry. Formerly known as Hara Tomioka Silk Mill, Tomioka Silk Mill Co., Ltd., Katakura Tomioka Silk Mill, and Kataoka Industry Tomioka Silk Mill, the Tomioka Silk Mill has a long history of changing names. Businessman Eiichi Shibusawa was one of the founders of Tomioka Silk Mill. The "Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites," along with, Takayama-sha, the Tajima Residence, and the Arafune Cold Storage at 4:08 in the video, are all registered as a World Heritage Sites. In addition, the entire site of the Tomioka Silk Mill has been designated a national historic site, and the early buildings have been designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. As can be seen at 0:35 in the video, the National Diet Library has a woodblock print depicting the factory at the time of its construction. During the Meiji Period, the construction of a factory that introduced foreign technology was major news in Japan. What to Do at the Tomioka Silk Mill Photo：Gunma Prefecture・East cocoon Hall The wooden-brick building of the Tomioka Silk Mill's raw silk factory is one of the largest instrumental silk mills in the world. The former nameplate of the Tomioka Mill hangs at the entrance of the building. The Inspector’s House is shown at 1:27 in the video and the east cocoon warehouse is shown at 1:45 in the video. The arch in the corridor of the east cocoon warehouse bears the engraving "明治5年" (Meiji 5, or 1872 on the Gregorian calendar) the year it was built. A replica of a reeling machine imported from France and an automatic reeling machine are preserved in the reel mill next to the east cocoon warehouse. From 3:17, you can see Bruna Museum and at 3:57, you can see west cocoon warehouse. Summary of the Tomioka Silk Mill Photo：Gunma Prefecture・Tomioka Silk Mill The video gives an easy-to-undertstand summary of the history of the Tomioka Silk Mill while also showing footage of the mill. If you're planning to go to the Tomioka Silk Mill or interested in World Heritage Sites of Japan, we recommend watching the video beforehand so you know what's in store for you. Near the Tomioka Silk Mill, you'll also find lunch spots where you can eat Gunma's specialty, Okkirikomi, and shops where you can buy silk souvenirs related to the Tomioka Silk Mill. ◆Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Tomioka, Tomioka, Gunma 【Access】Please visit the homepage for access information 【Hours】9 am to 5 pm 【Admission fee】1,000 yen for adults, 250 yen for high school and college students, 150 yen for junior high school and elementary school students 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】0274-67-0075 【Official Website】Tomioka Silk Mill http://www.tomioka-silk.jp.e.wv.hp.transer.com/tomioka-silk-mill/?_ga=2.87418712.1764734922.1592978453-1081752571.1591957850 【Tripadvisor】Tomioka Silk Mill https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021202-d1860844-Reviews-Tomioka_Silk_Mill-Tomioka_Gunma_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Inuyama Castle: A National Treasure. It’s History and Background The video "The National Treasure Inuyama Castle" (国宝犬山城　National Treasure Inuyama Castle) was produced by "SouthernValleyDiary." The national treasure Inuyama Castle was constructed in 1537 during the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), and it uses a structure implemented in some of Japan’s oldest castle towers. It was built in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture in Japan's Tokai region. It is popularly known as Hakutei Castle and not only can you see the castle town, but you also get a view of the majestic Mt. Igiyama and the entire Inuyama region from the castle tower built on the banks of the Kiso River. Photo：Aichi prefecture / Inuyama Castle It was Oda Nobunaga's uncle, Oda Nobuyasu, who built the national treasure Inuyama Castle. Later, in 1617, during the Edo Period (1603-1868), improvements were made to the castle towers by Naruse Masashige and it became what we know it as today. Naruse remained as the castle lord until the end of the Edo Period. Due to the establishment of prefectures in place of feudal domains, everything other than the castle tower was demolished. The castle suffered through some natural disasters such as earthquakes, however, through reconstruction, it was designated as a national treasure in the 10th year of the Showa period (1935). Also, due to revisions in the National Treasure regulations in the 1952, the castle was once again designated as a national treasure. Although it was once famous as a privately-owned castle, it is presently owned by the Inuyama Castle Hakutei Bunko foundation. The castle tower has a 3-tier exterior, including 4 interior floors, and 2 basement floors. Recently, the Shachihoko (an imaginary creature with a carp body and a tiger head) roof ornament was repaired and the castle's symbol was resurrected. Inuyama Castle, One of the Few Existing Castle Towers Designated as a National Treasure Source :YouTube screenshot Of the 200 castles that you can see in Japan, there are only 12 castle towers that exist from before the Edo period and that are still standing to this day. They are called the 12 Existing Castle Towers and the national treasure Inuyama Castle is one of them. Also, the 5 castle towers in Japan designated a national treasure are called the 5 National Treasure Castles and they consist of Himeji Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Hikone Castle, Matsue Castle, and of course, Inuyama Castle. The revered national treasure Inuyama Castle can be seen from 3:39 in the video. The treasured castle tower, the connecting smaller watch tower built on the stone wall, and the interior of the castle tower can be seen in the footage as well. Inuyama Castle and Places to Visit Nearby Source :YouTube screenshot On the eastern side of Inuyama Castle's castle tower, there was once a giant cedar tree. Unfortunately the tree is now dead, but it is revered as the sacred tree "Osugi-sama." The Inuyama Castle ruins are also designated as a national historic site. Some popular locations to visit near the castle are the gourmet restaurants and cafes that retain the traditional machiya (townhouse) ambience. Inuyama Castle Town can be seen from the beginning of the footage, and old, irreplaceable townhouses can be seen here as well. There are many restaurants selling soba/udon, ice cream, and gohei mochi (a type of sticky rice cake), so you will be able to enjoy seeing the sights while munching on a snack and walking around. Also, the building that once housed a famous kimono merchant, the Former Isobe Family Residence, still exists in its original state and is open to the public. The footage of the Former Isobe Family Residence can be seen from 0:18 in the video. Source :Youtube screenshot Near Inuyama Castle is the Inuyama City Museum of Cultural History, along with the Karakuri Museum, and the Castle and Town Museum. There you will be able to experience the rich history of Inuyama Castle. From 1:28 in the video, the display of the Karakuri dolls that were once used during the Inuyama Festival can be seen at the Karakuri Museum. At the Inuyama Cultural History Museum seen from 1:56, the castle town and Yama floats from the Inuyama Festival are shown, as well as a detailed diorama of Inuyama Castle, and the shachihoko. It's a 15-minute walk from Meitetsu Inuyama station and admission is only ¥100, so we definitely recommend visiting if you're going to the castle. A famous shortcut to Inuyama Castle is Sanko Inari Shrine which can be seen from 2:49 in the video. If you go through the numerous red Torii gates, you'll be overwhelmed by the sacred atmosphere. The heart shaped Ema (wishing plaques) are perfect for wishing for matchmaking and harmonious marriages, so this is a spot you should stop by if you're looking for love! There's a parking lot here as well, so if you plan on going by car, we recommend checking out the details of the parking lot. Summary of Inuyama Castle Source :YouTube screenshot What did you think? Out of the many castles Japan can be proud of, there are only 5 designated as national treasures, and the national treasure Inuyama Castle is definitely worth the visit. Experience firsthand, the castles that Japan proudly presents to the world! ◆National Treasure Inuyama Castle｜Facility Overview◆ 【Address】65-2 Inuyama Kita Koken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture 484-0082 【Access】About 15 minutes on foot the Meitetsu Inuyama Yuen Station 【Admission Fee】Adults ¥550、Elementary and junior high school students ¥110 （※As of April 2020） 【Hours】9:00～17:00 【Closures】End of the year 【Parking】Parking lots in the vicinity (Fee required) 【Telephone】0568-61-1711 【Tripadvisor】Inuyama Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g325580-d320121-Reviews- Inuyama_Castle-Inuyama_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Azuchi Castle and Oda Nobunaga! This video, titled "The Phantom Azuchi Castle" (幻の安土城 HD版), was produced by "trocken ab." It's a video that recreates Azuchi Castle, the most prominent castle in the history of the Warring States period, using computer graphics. Azuchi Castle, introduced in the video, is known by many for being featured in "Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku," a Taiga drama aired in Japan in 2011. Azuchi Castle was the home of Oda Nobunaga, the uncle of Gou, and it has been the setting of countless historical TV dramas. Presently, Azuchi Castle, which no longer exists today, is said to have been a beautiful and luxurious castle. About Azuchi Castle Photo：Azuchi Castle Ruins Azuchi Castle, a five-layer seven-story castle with one basement level and six floors above ground, was built on Mt. Azuchi near Lake Biwa over a period of four years from 1576 to 1580. Azuchi Castle, which was closer to Kyoto than Gifu Castle, was a symbol of "tenka Fubu," Oda Nobunaga's personal seal, meanining "Unify the nation by force; spread military force under the heavens." It is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was also involved in the construction of the castle. Unfortunately, the castle was destroyed by fire in 1582 after the Honnoji Incident instigated by Oda's traitorous vassal Akechi Mitsuhide, just two years after the construction of the castle. The ruins of Azuchi Castle, the former residence of Oda Nobunaga, has been designated as a special historical site. It is also protected as a Class 1 Special Area in Lake Biwa National Park. You can see the introduction of Azuchi Castle at 0:24 in the video. The Research Project on Azuchi Castle Shown in the Video Photo：Azuchi Castle・Kuroganemon Gate Since 1989, restoration of the stone walls and excavation of the ruins of Azuchi Castle began as part of the research and development project. From the foot of the southern side of Mt. Azuchi, shown at 0:47 in the video, there was once a great view of the entrance of the castle. Also, it was found that there were two entrances to the castle, the East and West gates, and through these discoveries, researches have been able to slowly understand what Azuchi castle would have looked like. Currently, Niomon Gate and a three-storied pagoda remain on Mt. Azuchi. More About Azuchi Castle Photo：Azuchi Castle Ruins・Ruins of the former residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi According to records of Azuchi Castle, when it existed, it was common to take the route from Dodobashiguchi to Ote-michi, then use the Kuroganemon Gate route to get to the, outer citadel, outer region of the castle, and finally the inner citadel, to reach the lord of the castle. Ote-michi, which was used to welcome the Emperor, has been restored as well. You can see the restored Ote-michi at 1:57 in the video. In the outer citadel, there is mausoleum of Oda Nobunaga where Toyotomi Hideyoshi enshrined the remaining relics of Oda Nobunaga. The shape of the inner citadel, shown in the video at 3:45, is extremely similar to the Seiryoden (a pavilion used as the emperor's habitual residence (in a Heian Palace)) of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Oda Nobunaga made Azuchi Castle a prominent castle worthy to receive the Emperor. Summary of Azuchi Castle and Oda Nobunaga Photo：Beautiful Blue Skies at Lake Biwa The ruins of Azuchi Castle are located in present day Omihachiman City in Shiga Prefecture. If you want to visit Azuchi Castle, shown in the video, you can also visit the Azuchi Town Castle Museum, the Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum, and the castle town of Azuchi Castle as well. You can also receive a seal stamp or castle seal when visiting Sokenji Temple located on Mt. Azuchi. ◆Azuchi Castle Facility Overview◆ 【Address】Toira, Azuchicho, Omihachiman, Shiga 【Access】25 minute walk from JR Azuchi Station, 20 minutes by car from the Meishin Ryuo Interchange 【Hours】9:00～16:00 【Admission Fee】Adults ¥700, Children ¥200 【Parking】Available（Free） 【Official Website】Azuchi Castle Ruins | Shiga Prefecture Tourist Information［Official Tourism Site ］You will understand everything about Shiga/Lake Biwa！ https://en.biwako-visitors.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Azuchi Castle Ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023564-d1424361-Reviews-Azuchi_Castle_Ruins-Omihachiman_Shiga_Prefecture_Kinki.html

About the Idojiri Ruins' Pit-House Video This video, titled "Idojiri ruins・ Pit-house（井戸尻遺跡　竪穴式住居）," was created by "Solar Kanki." It was filmed via drone to give viewers a bird's eye view of a pit-house at the Idojiri ruins located in Fujimi, Suwa county, Nagano. In this video, you can see the historical Japanese landmark in high definition. The contrast of color in the thatched roof and the green of nature is very beautiful. It is a must-see video for those who love history and nature. In this article, we'll talk about the beauty of the Idojiri ruins' pit-house. What Is the Idojiri Ruins? Photo：Idojiri ruins The Idojiri ruins is located in Fujimi, Suwa county, Nagano in Japan's Koshinetsu region. They are the ruins of a settlement from the Edo period and it is a must-see spot for people who love history. It was registered as a national historic site in 1966. There is also a stone monument in the park from when it was designated as a historic site. Many archaeological sites were created due to the need for spring water from Yatsugatake, around Idojiri ruins. It had been said that people in the Jomon period (14000 BCE to 300 BCE) hunted and gathered. An archeologist from Suwa, Nagano protested the theory that people hunted and gathered in the Jomon era, and a study of Idojiri ruins as well as Jomon ruins in the central highland have led to a new theory that people in the Jomon era farmed. What Is a Pit House? Source :YouTube screenshot Construction of a pit house begins by excavating a pit in a circle or square. Add several poles to make the framework of the house, and finally, use soil and reeds to make the roof and walls. Seeing the quaint pit house video will make you feel at peace. Please take a look at the the video at 0:06 to see this. In Europe, pit house-like buildings started being built around the Mesolithic era. In the Neolithic era, pit houses had become common globally. In Japan, it has been said that pit houses started being built around the late Paleolithic era. Highlights of Idojiri Ruins' Pit Houses Source :【Official Website】Fujimi town The Idojiri Archaeological museum and Museum of Folklore, where several important cultural properties are exhibited, are located near Idojiri ruins. Approximately 2,000 unearthed goods of cultural properties are on dispaly. The pit houses were relocated from a residential site discovered in Idojiri ruins and fully had their appearances fully reproduced. You can look inside the pit house and see the ancient fireplace which was a must-have item back then. There are also houses, food, clothing, and earthen figures from the Jomon period that you can check out. It's fun to imagine what life was like in the Jomon period by watching these items. There used to be fun events such as bow and arrow making, as well as making goods of ancient times. Around the ruins is a great place surrounded by nature. Rice fields, lotus flowers, lilies and irises are all in the vicinity. It is a perfect place if you are looking for a view that is distinct to Japan. The view of the pit house in Idojiri ruins is surrounded by lots of beautiful trees and makes for a great Instagram location! Take a look at 0:06 to see the outstanding view. Overview of the Idojiri Ruins' Pit House Photo：A Water Wheel at Idojiri Ruins The video "Idojiri ruins・ Pit-house" created by "Soloar Kanki," has a bird’s eye view filmed by a drone. The beautiful scene of Idojiri ruins park will take your breath away with the peaceful view such as the rice field and a watermill. Be sure to check out the video if you're interested in the Idojiri ruins. ◆Overview of Idojiri ruins and Idojiri Archaeological Hall◆ 【Address】7053 Sakai Fujimi cho Suwa county, Nagano 【Access】15 minutes walk from Shinano Sakai Station on JR Chuo line 【Admission】300 yen for an adult and 150 yen for a child (As of April, 2020) 【Opening Hours】 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 【Closures】Mondays, a day after a national holiday and new year’s holiday 【Parking】40 regular parking spots are available 【Phone number】0266-64-2044 【Official Website】Idojiri Archaeological Hall https://userweb.alles.or.jp/fujimi/idojiri.html 【Tripadvisor】Idojiri ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120579-d12572092-Reviews-Idojiri_Archeological_Site-Fujimi_machi_Suwa_gun_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_C.html

Goryokaku in Hakodate! This video, titled "Goryokaku, Hakodate" (函館　「五稜郭」 Goryokaku, Hakodate), introduces the historical location, Goryokaku in Hakodate. Shown at the beginning of the video, Goryokaku in Hakodate is a fortress characterized by its beautiful star-shape. If you go up to the observation deck of Goryokaku Tower, as shown at 1:34 in the video, you can see the beautiful star-shaped moat that surrounds Goryokaku Park. Don't forget to bring your camera, it'll look great on Instagram! About Goryokaku Photo：Goryokaku Goryokaku was built by the Tokugawa Shogunate to protect the Hakodate magistrates office, at the end of the Edo period. (1853 – 1868) The star-shaped Goryokaku is also called Ryohoshiki and it was designed by Takeda Ayasaburo. This is shown at 1:54 in the video. Goryokaku was called Kameda yakushodorui and Hakodate Onyakusho during its construction. It is also known as Yanagino Castle (柳野城, Yanagino-jyo) since there were a lot of willow trees in the area (柳, "yanagi," means willow in Japanese). The History of Goryokaku Photo：Goryokaku's stone walls Completed around the time of the Meiji Restoration, Goryokaku was occupied by the former shogunate's forces during the Battle of Hakodate, the final battle of the Boshin War, and became its headquarters. As you can see from 1:22 in the video, the earthwork, stone walls, and stone monuments still remain. Goryokaku was also used as parade ground for the army during the Meiji period (1868 to 1912). Highlights of Goryokaku Photo：Goryokaku, Winter Illumination Goryokaku has been the setting for many historical events since the end of the Edo period. In 1988, a TV drama titled "Goryokaku" was also produced. Goryokaku is a special national historic site, and has been designated a Hokkaido Heritage Site as the "Remains of Goryokaku and the Battle of Hakodate." It is currently managed by the city of Hakodate as a government-owned property. The magistrate’s office, which can be seen at 1:47 in the video, was reconstructed in 2010. You can see the inside, including the main hall, courtyard, and historical records, at 2:33 in the video. Goryokaku park also hosts a limited time illumination event, so we recommend lining up your visit with it if possible. Summary of Goryokaku ©Goryokaku-Tower Modifying Goryokaku, shown in the video, is a great place to enjoy seasonal scenery, including cherry blossoms in the spring, autumn colors in the fall, and snowy scenery in winter. In addition to Goryokaku, Hakodate also offers other pleasures such as the night view from Mt. Hakodate and eating Hakodate ramen, a specialty of the city. Incidentally, Tsuruoka Castle (龍岡城) in Saku City, Nagano is also designed in the shape of a star, so be sure to check it out as well! ◆Goryokaku Information◆ 【Address】44-2 Goryokakucho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0001 【Access】15 minutes by a car, taxi, and bus from JR Hakodate Station 【Parking】None 【Tripadvisor】Goryokaku Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298151-d1439713-r68353674-Goryokaku_Park-Hakodate_Hokkaido.html

Hashihaka Kofun This is the online video "Visit the History Books - Nihon Shoji - Nara / Hashihaka Kofun（史書を訪ねて　「日本書記」　奈良・箸墓古墳）" produced by the Yomiuri Shimbun. It introduces the oldest burial mound in Japan, found in Nara Prefecture in the Kansai region. The Hashihaka Kofun is a repellent round tumulus that is over 200 meters long. Hashihaka Kofun is said to have been built in the late 3rd century, between the Yayoi period (c. 300 BC to c. 250 C.E.) to the Kofun period (c. 350 to C.C. 700). The Imperial Household Agency manages it as the tomb of Emperor Korei's daughter and therefore, entry is forbidden. The greenery covering Hashihaka Kofun has been designated as a natural scenic monument of the historical site, and the surrounding moat has been selected as one of the top 100 reservoirs in Japan. Feel the atmosphere of the mysterious Hashihaka Kofun from the video. The Oldest Keyhole-Shaped Tomb Source :YouTube screenshot According to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), Hashihaka Kofun is said to be the tomb of the daughter of Emperor Korei. It is also said that there are similarities between the queen of Yamatai, Himiko, who is described in literature such as Gishi Wajinden. Some researchers have argued that there has been controversy over the birth of the Yamato kingship and the position of the Hashihaka Kofun. As you can see from 0:54 in the video, the Municipal Burial Culture Center in Sakurai City, stores a plate-shaped "Shibayama Stone" excavated near Hashihaka Kofun. Shibayama stone is believed to have been used to build the stone chamber, and it is said that it was taken from basalt excavated in Kashiwara City, Osaka Prefecture, about 18 km west of Hashihaka Kofun. In addition, many excavated items such as earthenware and wooden products have been confirmed. Muon survey of Hashihaka Kofun Source :YouTube screenshot In the past, archaeological / historical researchers and others have entered Hashihaka Kofun with permission from the Imperial Household Agency, but the mystery of Hashihaka Kofun has not been clarified. In 2012, a three-dimensional laser measuring device mounted on a helicopter was used, revealing a detailed portrait. Also, in January 2020, Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute, which studies Hashihaka Kofun, announced that it would investigate the internal structure from outside using elementary particles called "muon" that penetrate substances. Attention is being paid as to whether future research results will lead to the unraveling of Hashihaka Kofun. According to many years of research, Hashihaka Kofun is said to be a rare burial mound in Japan, with no traces of invasion from tomb raiders. Summary of Hashihaka Kofun Photo：Sakurai Line In this article, we introduced Hashihaka Kofun. There is a group of ancient tombs in the center of Machiko, located mainly at Hashihaka Kofun in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Access to Hashihaka Kofun is a 15-minute walk from Makimukai Station on the JR Sakurai Line. There is also a parking lot. Is it really Himiko's tomb? Soak in the magnificent atmosphere and solve the ancient puzzle. 【Official Website】The Official Nara Travel Guide https://www.visitnara.jp/

The Beautiful Otaki Castle! This video, titled "Sword World｜Otaki Castle｜Swords and Armor Displays" (【刀剣ワールド】「大多喜城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), uploaded by "Virtual Sword Museum [Sword World]," introduces the history of Otaki Castle in Otaki, Isumi, Chiba, as well as the museum’s collection of swords and armor. This article provides information on the history of Otaki Castle as well as tourist information, information on exhibits, and information about the opening of the Otaki Castle branch of the Chiba Prefectural Central Museum. The history of Otaki Castle and materials on swords and armor are explained in an easy-to-understand way, so even those not familiar with swords, armor, and other historical materials can enjoy it as well. The History of Otaki Castle Source :YouTube screenshot Otaki Castle was built by Mariyatsu Nobukiyo during the Tenbun period, and the castle was called Odaki Castle at that time. Afterwards, Tokugawa Ieyasu gave the castle to Honda Tadakatsu, one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Tokugawa, who improved the old castle and became the first feudal lord of the Otaki clan. The castle town prospered during the Warring States period (1467 to 1615), and the remains of the castle and its surrounding area are still visible to this day. It is said that the castle tower, which had fallen into disrepair, was destroyed by a fire in 1842. Today, the ruins of the main castle, a large well (a Chiba-designated historical site), and the Ninomaru Palace Gate remain. Otaki Castle Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The castle tower was built in 1975 on the site of the inner citadel of Otaki Castle, a Chiba Prefecture-designated historical site, and the interior is a history museum. You can see the inside of the museum at 1:25 in the video. The theme of the exhibition is "Castles and the Castle Town of Boso," and exhibits include Japanese swords, armor, and other materials related to samurai. In addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions are also held. There is a popular experience booth where you can try on armor, a statue of Lord Honda Tadakatsu donning his black armor, a painting of Honda Tadakatsu in his warrior form, which is shown at 2:15, and the "hare shaped helm," shown at 2:44 in the video. If you're looking for souvenirs, be sure to stop by the museum shop as well! Access to the castle is a 15-minute walk from Otaki Station on the Isumi Railway. There is also a paid parking lot located 5 minutes from Otaki Castle by foot. The museum is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and New Year's holidays. (Please check the official website for the latest information. Summary of Otaki Castle Photo：Otaki Castle in Spring In this video clip, you can learn about the history of Otaki Castle and its exhibits. Otaki Castle is also a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring. The red seal (goshuin) and the castle seal are also popular, and there are many restaurants where you can have lunch, as well as golf courses around Otaki Castle, making the town of Otaki popular with many visitors. Feel a sense of romance by watching the video. ◆Information◆ 【Address】481 Otaki, Otaki, Isumi, Chiba 298-0216 【Access】15 minutes from Isumi Railway Otaki Station on foot 【Admission fee】200 yen 【Hours】9 am to 4:30 pm 【Parking】A paid parking lot is available 【Telephone No】0470-82-3007 【Official Website】Otaki Castle http://www2.chiba-muse.or.jp/www/SONAN/contents/1518757587822/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Otaki Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1121125-d1314470-Reviews-Otaki_Castle_Museum-Otaki_machi_Isumi_gun_Chiba_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Learn What an Oiran Is With a Journey Back to the Edo Period! This video, titled "Nikko Edomura・The Procession of Courtesans・Uncut" (日光江戸村　花魁道中　ノーカット版　2014.4.26), was produced by "lemonnkunn" to promote the "Procession of Courtesans" performed at Nikko Edomura. Nikko Edomura, located in Nikko, Tochigi, is a theme park where you can enjoy life in the Edo period. Once you step inside this theme park, you'll discover the vivid life of the Edo period. In this video, you can see what an "oiran" (Japanese courtesan), is. What Kind of Theme Park Is Nikko Edomura? Every cast member walking in this theme park wears a kimono to entertain guests. You can see Shinsen-gumi or Ronin (a master-less samurai ) at an outdoor set. Visitors can enjoy attractions, experience popular works from the Edo period, see Ninja Crow Palace, Kabuki or Yakatabune, as well as delicious food that reminds visitors of the Edo period. The courtesan procession shown in this video is especially popular, and it is an event that teaches the audience about Yoshiwara in the Edo period. What Is an "Oiran" An oiran was a courtesan in the red-light distinct "Yoshiwara" during Japan's Edo period. A high ranking courtesan is called "tayu." The Yoshiwara red-light district was located around Nihonbashi Bridge in Tokyo and it was one of the most gorgeous areas in the Edo period. When a tayu moved from a hikitejaya (teahouse) to Yoshiwara, she wore a gorgeous kimono, black painted sandals called "Sanmaiba-geta," and took many underlings wearing "Furisode," a full dress for unmarried women. You can see the procession of courtesans in this video. Also, the journey from Shimabara, Kyoto to Shinmachi, Osaka was called "Tayu Dochu." This journey was what all women in the Edo period longed for. The oiran strolling through the street in their black sandals must have been an amazing site at the time. You can see them walking in the video at 1:13. It's said that it took at least three years to learn to walk properly, as the walking style of an oiran is very particular. You can see what the procession of courtesans, conducted in the Edo period, looks like at Nikko Edomura. This role was performed by Miyuki Shinomiya for a long time. Other Attractions at Nikko Edomura Nikko Edomura has many other attractions besides the procession of courtesans. You may have a chance to see "Nyan Mage-kun," the popular, official character of Nikko Edomura, and experience various other activities. The samurai training house where visitors can have various training experiences, including Ninja training, Shuriken (手裏剣：Ninja star) training, or samurai training. Sometimes Nikko Edomura is used for shooting historical plays as well. If you're lucky, you may get to see a play live. Other live shows, such as ninja shows or shows using water are popular among children. Another attraction called "Jiku," where visitors can cosplay as a ninja, samurai, lord, or teenage girl of the merchant class is also popular. We recommend buying Nyan Mage goods if you're looking for souvenirs. Admission, Hours, and Access to Nikko Edomura There is a one-day pass and discount ticket for senior citizens (65+). Hours vary by season. We recommend checking the official web site before visiting. From Tokyo, take the Tobu Limited Express Spacia to Kinugawa Onsen Station and from there it's a 15-minute bus ride. Also it only takes about 20 minutes to get to from the "Imaichi Interchange" off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car. It is also close to Nikko Kinugawa Onsen, the largest hot spring resort in Tochigi, where there are many inns and hotels, making it a good place to spend the night. Summary of Nikko Edomura This is the promotional video for the Procession of Courtesans, one of popular events conducted at Nikko Edomura. If you see it and hear the people chanting "O-ne ri," you'll feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo Period. Consider a trip to Nikko Edomura with your family and friends! ◆Information of NikkoEdomura◆ 【Address】470-2 Karaura Nikko, Tochiki 321-2524 【Access】15 minutes on bus from Kinugawa Onsen Station of the limited express of Tobu. 15 minutes from “Imaichi Inter Change” off Nikko-Utsunomiya avenue by car. 【Admission】One-day pass : Adult 4,700 yen, Child : 2,400 yen (A discount coupon is available on the official web page) 【Hours】3/20 to 11/30 :　9:00 to 17:00, 12/1 to 3/19　: 9:30 to 16:00 【Closures】Every Wednesday 【Avg. time spent here】5 hours or longer 【Parking】Available ( 800 yen per day) (* As of December, 2019) 【Telephone】0288-77-1777 【Official Website】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura http://edowonderland.net/en/ 【Tripadvisor】EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298182-d652994-Reviews-Edo_Wonderland_Nikko_Edomura-Nikko_Tochigi_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Introducing Osaka Castle This video, titled "[Sword World] Osaka Castle｜Swords and Armor｜Swords and Armor on Display in the Castle｜YouTube Video" (【刀剣ワールド】「大阪城」刀剣・甲冑に会える城｜刀剣・甲冑展示の城郭 YouTube動画), introduces Osaka Castle in Osaka. The castle's majestic appearance is famous as a symbol Osaka. However, most people don’t know the history of Osaka Castle. A Look at Osaka Castle Photo：Osaka Castle Osaka Castle was built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the second of Japan's "Three Great Unifiers." As shown at 0:39 in the video, it's a massive, gorgeous castle with golden shachihoko ornaments. It was often called the "Golden Castle" because of this. The castle was a symbol of great wealth and power during Hideyoshi's reign, but after his death, it became the battlefield of Tokugawa Ieyasu and the Toyotomi family. In the end, Tokugawa Ieyasu came out on top, ending the reign of the Toyotomi family. Afterwards, Osaka Castle was seized by the Tokugawa Shogunate and became the base for its control of western Japan. During the Osaka campaign, the castle was heavily damaged and had to be rebuilt by the Tokugawa shogunate. The stone walls and moats that remain today were one such section that was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Swords and Armor Displayed in the Castle Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the history of Osaka Castle. It was the end of the Warring States Period (about 1615) and whoever won the battle between the Toyotomi and the Tokugawa families would become the unifier of the country. There were several important battles between Toyotomi and Tokugawa, but the decisive battle, and most famous one, is "The Battle of Sekigahara." Sengoku Hidehisa, a former feudal lord of the Toyotomi clan who followed Tokugawa Hidetada after Hideyoshi’s death, played an important role in this battle. His armor, as well as many other weapons, armor, and historical documents, are on display inside the castle. The present-day Osaka Castle was reconstructed in 1931, but it was destroyed during the Meiji Restoration and in air raids during the Pacific War. Today, the ruins of Osaka Castle are a special historical site, and a museum in the reconstructed site houses the famous blade, "Osaka Shinto," by an Osaka-based swordsmith, which can be seen at 2:10 in the video. The museum also houses "Kamichinokami Kunisuke" which is listed as Tangible Cultural Properties of Osaka Prefecture. It can be seen at 2:26 in the video. A number of armors, mainly from the Warring States period, are also on display. The chest with black leather, purple, red, and white armor, has been designated an important art object. You can see the collection of armor in the Osaka Castle from 2:29 in the video. Summary of Osaka Castle Photo：Osaka Castle Illumination The present-day Osaka Castle still has the inner citadel, the outer citadel, the watchtowers, and other structures that have been designated as important cultural assets, and you can also see the inside of the castle, which is currently undergoing a restoration project. Osaka Castle Park, known for its cherry blossoms and for being a great place for barbecuing, is also located in the vicinity, and is crowded with tourists who come to see the illuminations and light-up events. Osaka Castle is a symbol of Osaka, both in name and reality, as the adjacent Osaka Castle Hall hosts live concerts and other events. Enjoy delicious Osaka cuisine and learn about the history of Japan at Osaka Castle, a popular tourist destination! ◆Information◆ 【Address】1-1 Osakajo, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka 540-0002 【Access】A short walk from Tanimachi 4-chome (Yonchome) Station off the Chuo and Tanimachi Lines 【Admission fee】600 yen for adults 【Hours】9 am to 5 pm 【Closures】Year-end and New Years holidays 【Parking】Coin parking lot available 【Official Website】Osaka Castle https://www.osakacastle.net/ 【Tripadvisor】Osaka Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g14127623-d320970-Reviews-Osaka_Castle-Chuo_Osaka_Osaka_Prefecture_Kinki.html

The Flame Pottery of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "Nagaoka City [Wow! Nagaoka] 80 Years Since the Discovery Flame Pots｜Sharing Jomon Culture With the World!" (長岡市「ナルホド！ながおか」－～火焔土器発見から80年～ 縄文文化を世界に発信！), was created by "nagaokacity." The Jomon period flame pots discovered in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region of Japan, were named after boldly decorated earthenware with four chicken-crowned handles and serrated protrusions, resembling a burning flame. Source :YouTube screenshot A replica monument of flame pots was set up in the high speed train concourse of JR Nagaoka Station, and the unveiling ceremony for the flame pots monument was held on January 13, 1987. Taro Okamoto, who attended the unveiling ceremony, says he had never encountered such an astounding aesthetic. This can be seen at 0:30 in the video. Approximately 80 years ago, flame pots were excavated at the Umataka Archeological Site in Sekihara, Nagaoka City in 1936. It was excavated by archeologists, Kensaburo Kondo and his parents, and later became a nationally designated historic site as the "Umataka and Sanju Inaba Archeological Site" because of the elucidation of the settlement and the discovery of pristine artifacts. The Mataka Jomon Museum opened in Nagaoka City in 2009 as a museum facility to preserve, exhibit and utilize these materials. This is the only museum in Japan with the theme of flame pots, and the museum has over 1,000 items on display. In 2014, the Emperor and Empress of Japan also visited the museum. This can be seen at 2:46 in the video. How Flame Pots Were Made Source :YouTube screenshot Looking at the designs, it's easy to tell that these are not simple designs. So then how were flame pots made? Flame-type pottery, including flame pots was used to cook food just like earthenware pots. This is known because they were found to be covered with soot and burnt residue. There are two classifications for these vessels: flame pots and flame-style pottery. Flame pots were the first vessels to be excavated by Kondo Junsaburo, while "flame-type pottery" is distinguished from similar pottery excavated thereafter. This is explained from 2:51 in the video by the Chief of the Umataka Jomon Museum. It is generally believed that flame pots are made by piling up triangles of clay to make jagged edges, and then attaching strings of clay to them and firing them to create unique patterns. You can see how flame pots are made in detail at 4:35 in the video. A similar type of earthenware is crown pots, but they have distinctly different rims and handles, and are thought to have been historically different from flame-type pottery. Sharing Flame Pots With the World Source :YouTube screenshot The Shinanogawa Flame Highway Cooperation has been working together with 4 cities and 1 town to promote the adoption of flame pot designs for the Olympic torch stand in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. At the 1964 Olympic Games in Niigata, a flaming earthenware torch stand was used, and it is still standing in the Niigata City Athletics Stadium today. These activities are widely performed by the Jomon Culture Supporters, an organization that makes 3D images of flame pots and flame-type pottery available to the public, and also holds workshops such as the Nagaoka Pottery Club to publicize their appeal. In addition, the British Museum in London has a permanent exhibition of flame pots and manholes with motifs of flame-style pottery and famous fireworks shows. Tokamachi Flame Pots: A National Treasure Flame-style pottery excavated at the Sasayama Archeological Site in Tokamachi City was recognized as a national treasure in 1999, and is preserved in the Tokamachi City Museum as an important cultural property of Japan, and as deep bowl-shaped pottery excavated from the Sasayama Archeological Site in Niigata Prefecture. Meanwhile, the story of the flame pots of Nagaoka City, "Flame -Style Pottery of the Shinano River Valley and the Culture of the Snow Country," has been recognized as a Japanese heritage. Summary of Flame Pots Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about ancient Jomon pottery? The pottery, discovered in Nagaoka City, Niigata, is incredibly beautiful and impressively designed considering when it was made. This video shows the beauty of the art and the flow of history that attracts many people. If you like pottery, be sure to visit Nagaoka City!

The Life of the Jomon People Many tourists come to Japan to enjoy the beautiful shrines, picturesque scenery, delicious food and other uniquely Japanese characteristics. Even Japanese people love to travel to places like Kyoto and Nara where they can enjoy sightseeing at historical buildings and eating delicious food. However, in this article, we'd like to take a break from the standard approach to enjoying Japan and recommend a few lesser-known spots where you can learn about the life of the Jomon people nearly 3,000 years ago. In this article, we'll introduce the Idojiri Archaeological Museum, where you can learn about the life of the Jomon. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! Who Were the Jomon People? What Were Their Lives Like? Source :YouTube screenshot The Jomon people lived all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, during the Jomon period approximately 16,000 to 3,000 years ago. In world history, this period corresponds to the Mesolithic and Neolithic ages. The Jomon were a people who devised many different ways to survive. They invented tools and objects that were passed down through the Yayoi period and into the modern day to make life easier. For example, it was in the Jomon period that bows were made, making it possible to hunt from a distance. They also invented stone tools and earthenware, which made it possible to cook and store food. It was also during this period that people began to build pit houses and settle in one place, and villages were established. In this way, the Jomon were able to use their wisdom to improve their lives. The Idojiri Archaeological Museum Source :YouTube screenshot The Idojiri Archeological Museum, which can be viewed from 0:27 in the video, is a facility where you can learn about the life and culture of the Jomon people. There are a number of exhibits on display that tell the story of life in the Jomon period, including pottery and other artifacts from the Jomon period. The earthenware and stone tools are arranged according to the age of the Jomon period, and there are also descriptions on the use of each item. There is also a section where you can see what it would have been like to live in a Jomon period dwelling, as well as a reproduction of their diet and clothing. There is also a place where you can learn about the religion and myths of the time, deciphered from the patterns of the earthenware and stone tools. It's a must-see for history buffs! Many stone hoes have been found at the Idojiri ruins as well. They can be seen at 0:38 in the video. About 4,500 years ago, these stone hoes were utilized by the Jomon people. They were a strong agricultural tribe, and used them to plow their fields. In the spring they sowed millet, and in the summer they sowed buckwheat. You can see a reenactment of their agricultural activities at 1:02 in the video. There are also weeding tools on display at the Idojiri Archaeological Museum. Source :YouTube screenshot In the fall, they used stone knives to harvest their grain (2:10). Threshed grains were transferred to a stone mill to remove the shells. The threshed grains would be hulled in a stone mortar and then cooked into porridge using earthenware, and then the whole family would eat together in the pit dwelling. In addition to porridge, the Jomon also ate river fish, wild vegetables, walnuts, and dumplings. You can check out how the tools they used when cooking were made at 4:59 in the video. Jomon pottery was entirely hand made. First, the clay is kneaded and mixed with sand to make a dough, then the dough is piled to create a pattern without any gaps. Each piece was dried for 2-4 weeks before being baked over an open fire. So how were Jomon period tools made? You can see this process at 6:23 in the video. They used oval shaped stones to hit a smaller, flat stone to break of thin pieces that will be used to make the hoes. The hoe and other stone tools of the time are shaped the same way as modern hoes. Women's necklaces and other items were also excavated from various ruins. You can also see how people would have hunted with bows during the Jomon period. The Idojiri Archaeological Museum is an interesting spot to learn about the roots of Japanese people and the lifestyle of the Jomon people. Summary of the Jomon Civilization Source :YouTube screenshot This video was created by "IDOJIRIKOKUKOKAN." We recommend it to anyone interested in learning about Japanese history! By implementing reenacted clips in the video, it's easy to understand the lifestyle of the Jomon people and how they made and used tools. Famous Jomon period ruins include Sannai Maruyama (Aomori), Kamegaoka (Aomori), Omori Kaizuka, (Tokyo), Kasori Shellmounds (Chiba), and Nabatake (Saga). If you're interested in the Jomon period, be sure to stop by!

Takeda Castle - A Castle in the Sky! The video introduced here is titled "Castle in the Sky｜An Aerial View of the Takeda Castle Ruins." It was produced by "e-picture production.com," and showcases beautiful images of Takeda castle in Hyogo prefecture taken by drone. Takeda Castle is located in Asago, Hyogo Prefecture, and is a famous tourist attraction known as the "Machu Picchu of Japan" and "Castle in the Sky." As you can see from 0:04 in the video, early in the morning, you can enjoy the fantastic scenery of the castle shrouded in mist. Tourists who come to visit the site cheer at and admire the spectacular view. About Takeda Castle - A Castle in the Sky Source :YouTube screenshot The Takeda Castle Ruins, a mountain castle located at the top of the 353.7-meter-tall Mt. Kojo to the west of Ritsunkyou, is a stone walled fortress with a central tower, with the inner and outer citadels, the outer section of the castle, and the southern outer citadel arranged in a renkaku style. You can see a full view of the Takeda Castle Ruins at 0:51 in the video. It is also called "Torafusu Castle" as it looks like a tiger waiting in ambush (虎, "tora" means tiger, and 伏す "fusu" means to wait in ambush). Takeda Castle is a national historic site, an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and one of the "Top 100 castles of Japan." In 2012, the castle was recognized as a sacred place for lovers because of its fantastic scenery, suitable for marriage proposals. In Japan, there is a ruin called Bungo Takeda Castle in Kyushu, Oita prefecture as well. The History of Takeda Castle - A Castle in the Sky Photo：Hyogo Prefecture・Takeda Castle Ruins It is said that Takeda Castle was built during the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573 AD) and the first castle owner was Otagakishi, but the history remains unclear to this day. The castle was the scene of many battles during the during the Warring States period (c. 1467 to 1615) and the Azuchi-Momoyama periods (1573 to 1598). Particularly famous are the Onin War, which started with the battle between Hosokawa Katsumoto and Yamana Sozen, and the Battle of Takeda Castle, in which Oda Nobunaga dispatched Hideyoshi Hashiba (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) to the area and later attacked Kozuki Castle and Tajima. Takeda Castle was later destroyed in the Battle of Sekigahara and was abandoned by the Edo Shogunate. Summary of Takeda Castle Photo：Hyogo Prefecture・Takeda Castle Ruins The beautiful sea of clouds at Takeda Castle is nothing short of breathtaking and would definitely look great on your Instagram! Be aware that the view will greatly depend on the weather, so be sure to check out the forecast before your visit. We recommend visiting with a feeling of "if you're lucky you'll see it, if not, it's still beautiful." In addition to the sea of clouds, you can also enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms in the spring and the autumn colors in the fall at Takeda Castle. We also recommend stopping at the nearby Takeda-jimachi-dori, taking a bus tour, or staying at a guest house or hotel. ◆Outline information of Takeda Castle◆ 【Address】169 Takeda Kojoyama, Wadayama Town, Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture 【Access】10 minutes by Sky Bus from JR Takeda Station, 15 minutes by car from JR Wadayama Station 【Hours】Varies by season 【Admission fee】Adults 500 yen, free for junior high school students and younger 【Parking】Available 【Official Website】National Historic Site "Takeda Castle Ruins" Official Homepage | Asago City http://www.city.asago.hyogo.jp/takeda/ 【TripAdvisor】 Takeda Castle Ruins https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1022837-d1239443-r23802865-Takeda_Castle_Ruins-Asago_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html

This video, titled "[Astonishing] The Discovered Photos of Japan's Last Samurai Are So Amazing! So Real You Can Barely Believe It. End of the Edo Period. Japan's Legendary Samurai Are Wicked Cool!" (【驚愕】発見された「日本最後の侍」の写真が凄すぎる！嘘のような本当の写真　江戸時代 幕末　伝説のサムライたちがヤバイ), was released by "Serious Stories Channel" (マジ話チャンネル). The technology of photography was introduced to Japan at the end of the Edo period. It's amazing that there are still photos of samurai in Japan that were taken during the Meiji Restoration and Meiji Period. The photographs shown in the video were taken by Felice Beato and Kusakabe Kimbei. They took photos of the samurai of the past, which do not exist in modern Japan. At 3:33 in the video, you can see a photo of the famous samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma. Be sure to check out the video to see how cool the Japanese samurai look in their unique outfits!

Sannai Maruyama, Aomori prefecture "[Aomori's Charm] The Special Historic Site: Sannai Maruyama Site - Truth Underground- Romance Above Ground（【青森の魅力】特別史跡三内丸山遺跡 － 地下に真実 地上にロマン）" is a video produced by "marugotoaomori". Introduced here is a large-scale photograph of a settlement in Aomori Prefecture from Japan's Jomon period. It is a wonderful tourist attraction where you can learn about the history of the village, as well as various artifacts and events. This article introduces the charm of the special historical site Sannai Maruyama. What is Sannai Maruyama? Photo：Sannai Maruyama site The special historical site, Sannai Maruyama, is located in Aomori city, Aomori prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region, and is the largest site remaining from Japan's Jomon period (14000 BC to 400 BC). It is a large-scale settlement from the early to middle Jomon period, about 5,900 to 4,200 years ago. It is said that Jomon people had been settled here for about 1,000 years. You can also see the reconstructed buildings such as the large pit building and the large pillar building, which help picture life in the Jomon period. You can see these buildings from 0:41 in the video. In addition to the restored building, you can also see various excavated artifacts such as earthenware, clay figurines, as well as accessories that would have been indispensable to those living at that time. There are restaurants and shops too, so you can enjoy a variety of different things if you feel like taking a break. Access is about 20 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station, and about 30-40 minutes by municipal bus. The entrance fee is 410 yen for the general public, 200 yen for high school and university students, and free for junior high school students and younger (* as of April 2020). Sannai Maruyama's Reconstructed Pillar Building Source :YouTube screenshot The restored large-scale pillar building that can be seen from 1:08 in the video is a building with a height of about 15m, and features huge columns. It was built by burying a chestnut tree in a large hole roughly 2m in diameter. The distance between the pillars is carefully measured at 4.2m, and the unit of length is 35cm. The intended use is unknown and encased in mystery, but a volunteer guide says that it was used as a viewing tower, lighthouse, or temple. It is said that the height at the time of the Jomon period was higher than the restored building's 15m, and was probably closer to 20m. The Sannai Maruyama Site, a special historic site, has various remains in addition to the six pillar building. You can see the ruins of a pit-type dwelling, which is said to have been inhabited by ordinary residents, and the ruins of a stilt-pillar building that was likely to have been a stilt-type building (a stilt-type warehouse). You can also visit the inside of a large-sized pit building that was probably used as a joint workshop and gathering venue. This can be seen in the video from 1:00. One of the highlights of the site is the ring stone tomb, which is said to be that of the head of the village. Highlights of the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site Source :YouTube screenshot At the Sanmaru Museum, Jomon Amusement Park and Sannai Maruyama Archeological Site in the Jomon Hill Sannai Maruyama-Mahoroba Park that can be seen from 2:11, you can see about 1,700 relics excavated from the special historical site on display. You can see ornaments such as hooks, fish bones and earrings. We can imagine that the Jomon people had a developed culture, such as using various tools to cultivate and procure food, as well as cook and decorate themselves with accessories. Summary of Sannai Maruyama Source :YouTube screenshot "[Aomori's Charm] The Special Historic Site: Sannai Maruyama Site - Truth Underground- Romance Above Ground" produced by "marugotoaomori" is a video introducing the special historical site Sannai Maruyama in Aomori City. There are plenty of places to look out for, such as the 15-meter tall reconstructed building that was likely used as a lookout tower and a watching tower. It is a must-see spot for history buffs because you can see various archaeological sites and excavated treasures! ◆Sannai-Maruyama's facility outline◆ 【Address】305 Sannai Maruyama, Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, 038-0031 【Access】 About 20 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station 【Operating Hours】From 9:00 to 17:00 【Closed Day】4th Monday of every month 【Parking Facilities】500 spaces 【Telephone No】017-766-8282 【Entrance fee】410 yen, 200 yen for high school and college students, free for junior high school students and younger (as of April 2020) 【Official Website】Special Historic Site "Sannai Maruyama" https://sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Sannai Maruyama Site https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298241-d324336-Reviews-Sannai_Maruyama_Site-Aomori_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

CT Scanning Research of the Four Heavenly Kings Statues of Nan'en-do at Kofukuji Temple in Nara! This video, titled "Unkei’s ‘mark’ found on Four Heavenly Kings standing statues," is about the Four Heavenly Kings statues at Nan'en-do in Nara Prefecture. It was published by "Asahi Shimbun." In 2017, the Tokyo National Museum conducted CT scans on the Buddhist statues of Kofukuji Temple in Nara Prefecture (奈良県, Nara-ken) to coincide with a special exhibit called "Unkei—The Great Master of Buddhist Sculpture." It opened up the possibility that the creator of the Mujaku and Seshin standing statues (無著世親菩薩立像, Mujaku Seshin Bosatsu Ryuzo), known as the most highly acclaimed Japanese sculptures, was none other than genius Buddhist sculptor Unkei. Presently in Japan, it is said that there are 31 other statues created by Unkei, but there is a likelihood that the number will rise as surveys continue. The CT Scan Research of the Four Heavenly Kings Statues Source :YouTube screenshot According to the video, by CT scanning the Four Heavenly Kings statues of Nan'en-do, and the Mujaku and Seshin standing statues of the North Round Hall (北円堂, Hokuendo), it was discovered that wooden parts containing tree cores had been combined to make both groups of statues. It is therefore said that the Four Heavenly Kings statues at Kofukuji Temple were created by Unkei. The commonality in technique used in the Mujaku and Seshin statues is an important factor to back the claim that the creator of both groups of statues is Unkei. In the video, the statue, over 2 meters tall, is neatly wrapped, and from 0:49 in the video, the x-ray CT scanning begins. From 0:10 in the video, Ryusuke Asami, section chief of the planning division at the Tokyo National Museum, says in interview, "the Four Heavenly Kings statues have never been photographed using x-rays before and the structures of the insides of the statues has also not been understood." What are the Four Heavenly Kings? Source :YouTube screenshot The Four Heavenly Kings are the four gods of Buddhism that protect the four directions and consist of the Jikokuten statue (持国天像, Jikokuten-zo) of the east, the Zojoten statue (増長天像, Zojoten-zo) of the south, the Komokuten (広目天像, Komokuten-zo) statue of the west, and the Tamokuten statue (多聞天像, Tamonten-zo) of the North. The Four Heavenly Kings statues at Kofukuji Temple were thought to be the works of Unkei’s father, Kokei, but from this research and researches on their styles, it has become increasingly believable that these were created by the hands of Unkei himself. The National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Kofukuji Temple Photo：Nara Prefecture・Kofukuji Kofukuji Temple, located in Nara Prefecture, consists of historical buildings, such as the East Golden Hall (東金堂, Tokondo), the West Golden Hall (西金堂, Saikondo), the North Round Hall, and the South Round Hall (Nan'en-do). The wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at Kofukuji were moved from the Old Golden Hall (旧金堂, Kyukondo) to the South Round Hall replacing the Four Heavenly Kings statues in the South Round Hall, which are introduced in the video. Other than these, there are many temple treasures at Kofukuji Temple which were created during the Heian period (794-1185) and the Kamakura period (1185-1333), including the Asura statue, the wooden Medicine King (Bhaishajyaraja) and Medicine Superior standing statues (薬王菩薩・薬上菩薩立像, Mokuzo Yakuobosatsu・Yakujobosatsu Ryuzo), the bronze Medicine Master sitting statue (薬師如来坐像, Yakushinyorai Zazo), Ryowakiji statue, the wooden Manjushri standing statue (文殊菩薩立像, Monjubosatsu Ryuzo), the wooden Vimalakirti sitting statue (維摩居士坐像, Yuimakoji Zazo), the wooden Twelve Heavenly Generals standing statues (十二神将立像, Junishinsho Ryuzo), and the bronze Buddha head. Summary of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kofukuji Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced the massive discovery of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kofukuji possibly being created by the genius Buddhist sculptor, Unkei. The research by the Tokyo National Museum may lead to an important discovery that unravels the mysteries of history. Nara Prefecture has flourished for more than a thousand years, back when it was called Heijokyo (平城京, Heijo-kyo), and it still has many sightseeing locations, such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine (春日大社, Kasuga-taisha), Yakushiji Temple, Taima Temple (当麻寺, Taimadera), and more. If you’re interested in Buddhist statues or Japanese history in general, we urge you to visit! 【Official Website】The Head Temple of the Hosso School (法相宗, Hosso-shu) Kofukuji Temple https://www.kohfukuji.com/english/

This video, titled "[Speed Correction + Color Correction] Life in Japan in 1919 Revisited in Color" (【速度修正 + カラー補正】カラー化映像でよみがえる1919年の日本の生活), was released by "Pearbook." This video uses a special technology to colorize old Japanese black and white films using AI. The video shows Japan in 1919, the Taisho period. In addition to scenes of Japanese people wearing kimono, the film also shows scenes of markets and interactions with the Ainu people at that time. It also includes images of tourist destinations that are still popular today, such as Matsushima, Hakodate, and Nikko. The ability to see in color what Japan was like more than 100 years ago, before imaging technology was developed, is quite a groundbreaking development!