Introducing the Open-Air Capybara Bath of the Izu Shaboten Zoo This video, titled "Capybara with mandarin orange on head in the open-air bath☆みかんを頭にのせるカピバラ 伊豆シャボテン動物公園【元祖カピバラの露天風呂】," was released by "HIRO@sea." The video shows capybaras enjoying a relaxing soak in an open-air bath. The capybaras can be found at the Izu Shaboten Zoo, in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan's Tokai Region. Just like humans, the capybara enjoy a warm bath. The water is filled with yuzu, a type of citrus fruit. You can see the capybara with a yuzu on its head at 1:46 in the video! In this article, we'll introduce the Izu Shaboten Zoo and its open-air capybara bath. The Izu Shaboten Zoo Photo：Izu Shaboten Zoo The Izu Shaboten Zoo is a theme park in Futo, Ito City, Shizuoka. The Zoo is known for animals and cacti. The zoo was opened around 60 years ago, in October of 1959. The 200,000-square-meter park, which opened around 60 years ago in October 1959, has a greenhouse with cacti and succulents from all over the world. There's also kangaroos, capybaras, anteaters, squirrel monkeys, red pandas, chimpanzees, ponies, wild birds, the ever-popular motionless bobwhite stork, and a variety of other animals. The zoo is home to around 800 animals and birds, including flamingos, peacocks, and fennec foxes. The cacti are divided into five sections: the South American Pavilion, the African Pavilion, the Madagascar Pavilion, the Mexico Pavilion, and the Forest Cactus Pavilion. There are edible cacti available for tasting as well. In 2016, the official Japanese name of the zoo was changed from the former "Izu Shaboten Park" (伊豆シャボテン公園) to the current "Izu Shaboten Zoological Park" (伊豆シャボテン動物公園). A little to the east of Izu Shaboten Zoo, there's Izu Granpal Park, Izu Kogen Tabi no Eki Granpal Port, New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden, and the Izu Oceanic Park Diving Center as part of the Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group. Izu Shaboten Animal Park also has life-size replicas of a sculpture of ancient American civilization, and the entire Izu Shaboten Zoological Park Group has a wide range of attractions, from animals and plants to artifacts, park golf, the "Ship-shaped 3D Maze KAiZOKU," "Zip Line 風KAZE," "Water Balloons," and more. There's also "Wan Wan Park," a dog run where you can enjoy taking your dog, and the "Izu Kogen Grand Illumination," a hands-on style illumination. Nearby, the official hotels "Izu Shaboten Village" and "Izu Shaboten Village GLAMPING" can be found. You can fully enjoy your Izu Shaboten experience with an overnight stay at either one of these locations. The Open Air Capybara Bath Photo：Open-air capybara bath Firstly, what exactly are capybaras? Capybaras are members of the caviidae family of rodents, native to South America. They can be found from Panama to the northeast of Argentina. They are large (106-134 centimeters in length), have a gentle nature and are known to be very friendly towards humans. They tend to be found in groups of 10 to 20. A group of capybaras can be seen soaking in the bath together from 0:07 in the video. The open-air capybara bath shown in the video has been a tradition of the Izu Shaboten Zoo since 1982. At that time, the zookeepers were washing the exhibit with warm water when the capybaras began to soak in the puddles. Thereafter, the zookeepers came up with the idea of preparing warm baths for the capybaras. Now, the capybara bath has become a winter tradition. Nowadays, many zoos in Japan have introduced their own capybara baths, but the originator is none other than the Izu Shaboten Zoo. The zoo even has a capybara mascot known as "Capyba." Summary of the Izu Shaboten Zoo Source :【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo Due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, to uphold social distancing rules, capybara and red panda plush toys are placed between seats at the zoo as well as the restaurant "Forest Animal Restaurant GIBBONTEI." The adorable image of the plush toys seated in the restaurant has generated buzz online, and has even been shown on the news. The plush toy and calendar can be purchased at the gift shop within the zoo. Many goods are also available on the official online shop "IZU SHABOTEN HONPO," so do take a look! Take a moment to relax and check out this heartwarming video. ◆Izu Shaboten Zoo Facilities Overview◆ 【Address】1317-13 Tomido, Itou City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】From JR Atami Station, get off at JR Ito Station on the Ito Line, and take the Tokai Bus for Shaboten Zoo (~35 minutes). 【Admission Fee】Adults: 2,400 yen Elementary School Students: 1,200 yen Children (over the age of 4): 400 yen Discounts for groups, seniors, and persons with disabilities, as well as coupon deals, are also available. 【Hours】9:00-17:00 【Closures】None 【Avg. Time Spent Here】2+ Hours 【Parking】400 regular spaces, 500 yen｜Buses: 18 spaces, 1,000 yen 【Official Website】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://izushaboten.com/lang/index.html 【Tripadvisor】Izu Shaboten Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298123-d1196864-Reviews-Izu_Shaboten_Zoo-Ito_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Jigoku Meguri, Located in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture This is an introductory video of Beppu Onsen's Jigoku Meguri, produced by "Japan Explorers." Hot springs are a must when traveling in Japan. Oita prefecture’s Beppu City is popular among tourists from both Japan and overseas as one of the most famous hot spring places. Let’s check out the video about Jigoku Meguri, where you can fully enjoy the greatness of Kyushu's Beppu Onsen. This video introduces the hot springs that are literally called "Hell." Does it really look like hell though? Find out for yourself! What Is Jigoku Meguri? Photo：Oniishibozu hot springs Beppu Onsen's Jigoku Meguri is a sightseeing course where you can visit places called “Hells,” among Oita, Beppu's hot springs. There are 7 hot springs referred to as "Hells": Sea Hell (about 98℃), Oniishi Bozu Hell (about 99℃), Kamado Hell (about 90℃), Oniyama Hell (about 99.1℃), White Pond Hell (about 95℃), Blood Pond Hell (about 78℃), and Tornado Hell (about 105℃). The qualities of each "hell" is different. For example, the Sea Hell contains iron sulfate, creating a bluish color. The blue Sea Hell is introduced in the video at 0:18. The water lily that younger elementary school children can stand on is quite famous. Beyond the gate of Hell lays Blood Pond Hell. This spring contains magnesium oxide turning the mud within it red. The red Blood Pond Hell is introduced in the video at 1:03, and you can see how creepy it is in the video. People used to cook rice using the steam from “Kamado Hell.” Here there are many hot springs spanning several blocks (1 chome- 6 chome). You can eat hot spring eggs cooked using the steam from these springs. The History of Oita Prefecture’s Jigoku Meguri in Beppu City The history of Beppu city’s Jigoku Meguri goes back quite far. There are records that shows these hot springs were called “hells” even during the Edo Period (1603-1868). From the Meiji Period, many villas developed near Beppu Onsen. By this time, the natural hot spring "hells," with their boiling water, had become popular among hot spring visitors, not for bathing, but for sightseeing purposes. On the Jigoku Meguri course, there are spots where you can enjoy a foot bath heated just right, which is perfect for taking a break during your sightseeing. Sightseeing at Oita Prefecture’s Jigoku Meguri at Beppu Onsen Photo：Beppu's hot springs at night At Oita prefecture’s Beppu Onsen area, you can see steam from hot springs rising up from all over the area. Beppu Jigoku Meguri, where you can enjoy the unique landscape of the hot spring area, is a secret sightseeing course perfect for people who want to enjoy relaxing in Japan’s hot springs. Make wonderful memories by checking out the unique landscape of these "hells," a sight you won't find anywhere else. “Blood Pond Medical Cream,” made from the mud of Blood Pond Hell, is said to be good for skin disorders, and we recommended it as a souvenir. Be sure to check it out when you're souvenir hunting! We also recommend taking a bath at the day-use hot spring accommodation “Oniishi no Yu.” The spring's natural minerals are effective against cold sensitivity and aid in recovery from fatigue, so if you're feeling weary, be sure to drop by! Summary of Oita Prefecture’s Jigoku Meguri at Beppu Onsen 5 of the 7 sightseeing spots at the hot springs of Jigoku Meguri can be visited by foot, but Blood Pond Hell and Tornado Hell are located in the Kamegawa Area, which is a little far to walk to. That being said you'll want to use the local transportation, such as buses. Be sure to check out all of the sightseeing spots and enjoy the supreme relaxation that Japan’s hot springs has to offer. The admission tickets that allow you to visit all 7 hells, is sold at 2,000 JPY (~$20 USD) for adults (as of November, 2019). Hours are from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We we're only able to talk about the red and blue hot springs in this article, but the video has a lot more to offer, such as the green and brown hot springs. Enjoy watching the hell-like scenery of Oita Prefecture's Jigoku Meguri, in the video! ◆Beppu Jigoku Meguri Basic Information◆ 【Address】559-1, Kannawa, Beppu City, Oita, ZIP 874-0000 【Access】15 minutes by taxi from Nippou Line’s Beppu Station 【Admission fee】 Adults 2,000 JPY (as of November, 2019) 【Hours】8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 【Closures】None 【Parking】Free parking for up to 690 cars among the 7 hells 【Telephone No】0977-66-1577 【Official Website】Beppu Jigoku Meguri Official Website (Beppu Jigoku Association) http://www.beppu-jigoku.com/ 【Official Website】Beppu City, Oita Prefecture City Hall Official Website https://translate.google.com/translate?depth=1&hl=en&rurl=translate.google.co.jp/index.html&sl=ja&tl=en&u=https://www.city.beppu.oita.jp/

The Popular Saruhashi Bridge in Yamanashi Prefecture This video, titled "Kai Saruhashi Bridge – Yamanashi" (Kai Saruhashi Bridge - Yamanashi - 甲斐の猿橋), introduces the beautiful scenery of Saruhashi Bridge in Yamanashi prefecture. Saruhashi Bridge is a famous sightseeing spot in Otsuki city (大月市, ootsukishi), Yamanashi prefecture, in the Kanto region of Japan. Together with Kintaikyou and Kiso no kakehashi, Saruhashi Bridge in Yamanashi prefecture is one of the three most unusual bridges in Japan and is nationally recognized as a scenic place of beauty. Its beauty was even captured by the famous ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige in the artwork "Koyosaruhashinozu" painted in the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). In this video, you can see footage of Saruhashi Bridge at the beginning of fall, just as the leaves of the surrounding trees have begun to change color. The Origins and Characteristics of Saruhashi Bridge Photo：Saruhashi Bridge Saruhashi Bridge is a 30 meters long, 3.3 meters wide, and 31 meters tall, and crosses a deep gorge in Otsuki city, Yamanashi. As you can see from 0:43 in the video, the bridge has no piers and is instead supported by four pairs of cantilever beams called Hanegi, giving it a very unique design. It is still unclear as to when this bridge was built; however, there is a legend in the local area that it was built by a gardener who saw monkeys supporting each other's bodies to build a bridge during the era of Emperor Suiko (~600 BC.). The name "Saruhashi" was derived from this legend (猿, "Saru," means monkey in Japanese and 橋, "Hashi," means bridge). The bridge has been rebuilt several times since the Edo period. Popular Sightseeing Spots Near Saruhashi Bridge Photo：Pumpkin hoto There are many Maple, Japanese Zelkova and Ginkgo trees in the area surrounding Saruhashi Bridge, and in the fall, when the leaves begin to change, you can enjoy taking a relaxing stroll through the autumn foliage The shots of the red-leaved maple trees seen near the end of the video are particularly beautiful (2:33). For those visiting during fall, make sure to take photos of the Japanese lantern events held in the evening to share with your friends on Instagram! When the weather's nice, you can enjoy viewing the scenery of Saruhashi Bridge from Katsura river (桂川, katsuragawa) by boat. There are a variety of local delicacies for you to try in Otsuki city, such as Hoto, Koshu wine beef, Koshu beef, and fresh fruit. The grapes in this region are particularly delicious! After trying the local cuisine, you can stay at one of the many hot spring resorts in Yamanashi prefecture, a perfect way to end your trip! After visiting Saruhashi Bridge, if you have time to spare, we recommend visiting one or more of the following sightseeing spots, all of which are easily accessible from Saruhashi Bridge: Yatsuzawa waterway bridge, Shin-Saruhashi Bridge, Iwadonosan, Takagawayama, Sasagotougeno Yatatenosugi , Otsuki city tourist information center (大月市観光案内所, ootsukishikankouannaijo), Sasago Tunnel, Saruhashikinrin Park (猿橋近隣公園, saruhashikinrinkouen), Iwadonosan Maruyama Park (岩殿山丸山公園, iwadonosanmaruyamakouen), Chigootoshi and Otsuki city museum (大月市郷土資料館, ootsukishikyoudoshiryoukan). Summary of Saruhashi Bridge Source :YouTube screenshot Saruhashi Bridge is known for being one of the most unusual bridges in Japan; however, it can also be called one of the most beautiful. As you can see from the video, the fall scenery is spectacular. Also not to be missed is the sight of the cherry blossoms and hydrangea in full bloom in spring and early summer! There is free parking available in the area making it the perfect destination for a day out! ◆Saruhashi Bridge Information◆ 【Address】Saruhashi town (猿橋町, Saruhashimachi), Otsuki city, Yamanashi prefecture 【Access】A 15 minute walk from Saruhashi Station (猿橋駅, Saruhashi eki) on the JR Chuo Main Line (JR 中央本線, Chuo Honsen) 【Parking】Free parking available 【Telephone】Otsuki City Industrial Tourism Section: 0554-20-1829 【Tripadvisor】Saruhashi https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1021442-d2102822-r451183982-Saru_Bridge-Otsuki_Yamanashi_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

Matsusaka City Is More Than Just Matsusaka Beef This video was created by the Matsusaka Tourist Association. This video will introduce you to Matsusaka, Mie, in Japan's Tokai region. It's called "Matsusaka-city tour video [Japanese]" (松阪市観光動画【日本語】). Matsusaka city is located in the center of Mie prefecture. Matsusaka is a gateway to Ise Shima, and it is about 15 minutes by train to Ise, a castle town with a traditional atmosphere. In this video, two beautiful ladies tour Matsusaka in order to introduce you to gourmet food, tradition, and culture. You'll be raring to visit Matsusaka after watching the video. The Gourmet Food Found of Matsusaka Photo：Sukiyaki Lots of good food can be found in Matsusaka city. We especially recommend Matsusaka beef, introduced in the video at 0:33. A world-famous brand, Matsusaka beef comes from Matsusaka cows that drink beer and get massages. This peculiar way of raising cows gives the meat an amazing flavor, and no other beef has the same taste. It is so soft that if you touch the beef, the fat starts to melt. In the video at 1:02, Shigenobu Kajio from the Matsusaka Tourist Association talks about the beautiful marbling, sweetness, and top quality of Matsusaka beef. If you're visiting Matsusaka, the most famous Matsusaka beef dish, sukiyaki, is one you've gotta try! They show how to cook this at 1:21 in the video. Of course, there's more ways than just sukiyaki to enjoy Matsusaka beef. Other ways include steaks, yakiniku, and more! Matsusaka local food includes Japanese sweets like Oinotomo, Matsusaka tea, Monaka Ice cream (wafers filled with bean jam), and there's the popular Japanese sweets store, Yanagiya Hozen, where you can buy some of these. There are also many restaurants serving lunch as well as popular ramen stores throughout the area. A restaurant called “Kappo Ryokan Yachiyo” serves many different Matsusaka beef dishes such as shabu-shabu, steaks, rare, lightly roasted beef, and beef stew. Matsusaka is full of flavor! Historical Spots in Matsusaka Photo：Gojoban Yashiki After filling up at a local restaurant, enjoy a walk around the city and admire the history. During the warring states period (late 1400s to late 1600s), Matsusaka City in Mie Prefecture prospered as a merchant city under the command of Gamo Ujisato, a military commander of the Warring States period. At the "Matsusaka Cotton Hand Weaving Center" introduced in the video, they sell Matsusaka cotton textiles, such as dresses, accessories, Kimonos, and Yukata (summer Kimono). You can also try the weaving experience to get more in touch with Japanese culture. In the castle town, Matsusaka, there are number of tourist spots where you can enjoy the city’s history such as Gojoban Yashiki, Matsusaka Castle Ruins, Ozu Yasujiro Seishunkan Museum, Matsusaka City History and Folklore Museum, Former residence of Hasegawa, Ozu Seizaemon, Hasegawa Jirobei, and the birthplace of the Mitsui Family. You can see the details in the video at 3:39. There are many great places for taking Instagram photos as well. Norinaga Motoori, a famous person in the Kojiki (A record of ancient matters), was from Matsusaka, and there are facilities related to Motoori Norinaga such as the Museum of Motoori Norinaga, and the former residence of Motoori Norinaga "Suzu-no-ya." Japanese explorer, Takeshiro Matsuura, who was the first person to document the inner reaches of Hokkaido, was also from Matsusaka. He is the one that named Hokkaido "Ainu." Access to Matsusaka It's more convenient to use trains to get to Matsusaka. From Osaka or Kyoto, it takes just under 2 hours, while from Nagoya it's only a 70 minute journey. From Kansai International Airport, change at Namba Station, and from Chubu International Airport Centrair, change at Nagoya Station. It is also easily accessible from Kyoto and Nara. Festivals in Matsusaka Source :YouTube screenshot There are many events in Matsusaka. Take a look at the video at 4:48 to see some of them. The Ujisato Festival held in autumn in memory of Gamo Ujisato is a very powerful event! There is also the Hatsuuma Festival, the Norinaga Festival, and the Matsusaka Gion Festival. Many people come to the Matsusaka Beef Festival where they auction off Matsusaka cattle. The Matsusaka City Marathon is also very popular. Other Tourist Spots Around Matsusaka There are number of tourist spots that weren't introduced in the video. If you want to relax, we recommend visiting Mie Ureshino hot springs and Matsusaka Kumano-no sato hot hprings. If you want to buy souvenirs and Matsusaka goods, you can visit roadside stations Iitaka and Chakura, or places like Matsusaka Bell Farm, Matsuzakashi Santaro, and local street markets. We highly recommend having lunch at Matsusaka's local restaurants! There are more exciting spots in Matsusaka as well: Matsusaka Castle Ruins, Matsusaka Park, Chubudai Athletic Park, Komyo-ji Temple, Matsusaka City History and Folklore Museum, wealthy merchant town Matsusaka, Matsusaka Tourist Information Center, Takeshiro Matsuura Museum, ceramic art space “Niji no Izumi,” Matsusaka Suzu no Mori Park, and Mount Takami. Find your favorite place amongst the beautiful scenery of Matsusaka. Overview of Matsusaka Interested in checking out Matsusaka city? Don't forget to try Matsusaka's local cuisine, Matsusaka beef when you visit! Check out the video to see the delicious Matsusaka beef. We don't recommend watching it on an empty stomach! 【Official Website】Mie Prefecture Matsusaka city, city hall https://www.city.matsusaka.mie.jp/site/userguide/foreignlanguage.html

"Bo-Taoshi," the Famous Sport Played by Students of the National Defense Academy of Japan This video was created by ‘wasabiesince2002’ and was entitled ‘Punch! Kick! Hurl! And choke! "Bo-taoshi" of National Defense Academy of Japan is a combat sport!! 2013 National Defense Academy of Japan, the 61st Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival, Bo-taoshi, 1st Match, 1st Game, No.4（殴る！蹴る！投げる！絞める！防衛大学校の棒倒しは格闘技だ！！ H25年 防衛大学校 第61回 開校記念祭 棒倒し 第１回戦第一試合 No.4）’. Usually locked by airtight gates leaving common people with no clue on what’s inside, the National Defense Academy of Japan, introduced in this video, is, in a sense, an unexplored location left in modern-day Japan. Annually, the academy hosts a famous event that is broadcast on TV as well. That event is called "Bo-taoshi" and it is performed during the autumn academy festival: ‘Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival’. Bo-taoshi, that leaves spectators breathless, is more of a combat sport than something you'd see at a school festival. A chaotic brawl of punches, kicks, throws, and chokes leaves many injured! But watching this traditional sport, the students of the National Defense Academy of Japan don’t fail to assure that they are the guardians of Japan's future. Please enjoy the powerful battle between these future self-defense officers in the video. It's sure to be very exciting. The History of the Extreme "Bo-Taoshi" Photo：Self-Defense Officer Bo-taoshi is a traditional event with a long history played in the Imperial Military Academy, Imperial Military Air Force Academy, and the Imperial Naval Academy. It is a precious game that brings the history of modern Japan to the present. Bo-taoshi in the National Defense Academy has been played since 1954 at the ‘Founding of the Academy Festival’ and it is considered one of the three major games of the academy along with the ‘Cutter Games’ and ‘Long-Distance Running’. What Exactly Is "Bo-Taoshi’" Source :YouTube screenshot The autumn academy festival in National Defense Academy is similar to a sports festival. However, Bo-taoshi is a literal fight between youngsters, whose shoulders bare the burden of the security of Japan, and a town sports fesitval comes no where close to this level of brutality. The game is a team sport played by battalions. Each battalion, both the attacking and the defending side, consists of 150 people. The rules are simple: the pole, which is the target of attack, is erected at the center of the field and the attacking side wins if they manage to make it fall within 2 minutes. The defending students, equipped with headgear, first surround the pole and 1 person climbs to the upper end of the pole. Next, 4 students climb to the second stage. This can be seen from 0:10 in the video. At the fire of the starting pistol, the attacking battalion charges fiercely to the pole. This is shown from 1:11 in the video. The defending battalion prevents the charge, and the fight, quite literally, is on. The student at the top of the pole is forcefully brought down from 1:47, and you can see the ferocious onslaught of the attacking side as they attempt to knock the pole down. Some of the students shed tears after the competition, showing that this is the result of the rigorous training they do every day. Becoming the champion is an irreplaceable honor for them. Simple, Yet Complex! Bo-Taoshi and Its Refined Tactics Source :YouTube screenshot At a glance, the attack may seem like a reckless charge, but, in fact, it is thoroughly planned out into a sophisticated strategy. The defending battalion, too, consists of the robust and trained students of the National Defense Academy, so a reckless charge would easily be taken in stride. Because of this, the offense and defense plan out their tactics and act accordingly during the 2-minute game. Here, we'll introduce some basic strategies used in Bo-taoshi. ・Offense Scrum: The attacking battalion forms a scrum and leads the charge toward the pole. The scrum acts as stepping stones after the charge so pole attackers can jump over the barrier and get closer to the top of the pole. Pole attackers: Attackers who jump at the pole and attempt to bring it down. General support attackers: Do anything they can to weaken the defense of the defending battalion. ・Defense Pole support: Hold the pole in the upright position and keep it from being brought down. Ninja: This is the single man at the top of the pole who tries to kick off the pole attackers jumping onto the pole. Killers: Harass and interrupt the attacking enemies. Scrum Disablers: Do whatever they can to invalidate the scrum of the attacking battalion. The Warriors of the Future! Summary of Bo-Taoshi The National Defense Academy’s autumn festival, the ‘Founding of the Academy Memorial Festival,’ which is introduced in this video, is a very important event for the academy. On the day of the event, the academy will be open to the public and anyone can walk around campus. Booths and stands will open inside the property which make for a lively and exciting atmosphere perfect for a school festival. The main event is of course Bo-taoshi, the specialty of the National Defense Academy! Many people visit just for the sake of watching it! Battalions of 150 people brawl over the pole, punching and kicking, and the battalions wear shirts of different colors so that people can see what’s happening more easily. Spectators cheer on the team they want to win with a massive cheer or, at other times, by screaming. Please take your time and enjoy the spectacular game of Bo-taoshi shown throughout the video. 【Official Website】National Defense Academy of Japan – Ministry of Defense・Self-Defense Force https://www.mod.go.jp/nda/english/index.html

Kei Truck Gardens If you're looking to get a taste of Japanese culture or see some traditional Japanese crafts, then look no further than Kei Truck Gardens! This video will introduce you to the art of Japanese landscaping... in the back of a truck! The video is called "Kei Truck Gardens. Transform the bed of your truck!" (軽トラガーデン　軽トラックの荷台を庭に！). It was created by "yuji kuroda 96TV." It's an interesting video that introduces a unique take on gardening. Probably not very many people have heard of this before, so let's take a look at what it's like! In this article, we'll give you an overview of the Japanese kei truck garden. We will explain the outline of the kei truck garden as well as its appeal. What is a Kei Truck Garden? Source :YouTube screenshot The kei truck garden, a new type of Japanese landscaping, is a unique garden created in the bed of a kei truck. Kei truck gardens started about 10 years ago to increase the publicity of gardening. The unexpectedness of a garden located in a small space in the back of a truck attracted a lot attention, and the gardens received high praise from overseas as well. In addition, the kei truck garden is not only unexpected, but also allows you to move the garden from place to place as is. It also has the advantage of being able to be exhibited at events and contests/shows. These small works of art a definitely worth a watch. Be sure to check them out in the video! How to Make a Kei Truck Garden The charm of the kei truck garden is having the beauty of a Japanese garden condensed into a small space. The gardeners use sand, rocks, pines, and moss to create gardens in the limited space (2m×1.4m). Every detail of the garden is handcrafted by the gardener, and it's hard to believe you can fit it all in the back of a kei truck. The video shows the viewer a variety of beautiful works in different kei trucks. Source :YouTube screenshot You can also see a wide variety of gardens at the regularly scheduled kei truck garden contests. Find different features such as tasteful water dripping landscaping. The Instagram-worthy trucks lined up in a row with their beautiful gardens and flowers makes for an amazing sight. Where Can You Find the Unique Kei Truck Garden Contest? Source :YouTube screenshot The unique kei truck garden contest takes place in many places in Japan. In the past, contests have been held at the World Expo and in Osaka, Toyama, and Shiga. This contest started at the plants event in Toyama in 2011. The Kei Truck Garden Contest was first held in 2011 as part of a greening event in Toyama Prefecture, and has since been held at greening and skills events in various regions across the country, with 2018 and 2019 being held in Akita and Osaka, respectively. More information can be found on the website of the Japan Federation of Landscape Contractors, so if you're interested in the Kei Truck Garden Contest, be sure to check it out. Summary of the Kei Truck Garden We hope that this video has piqued your interest in Japanese gardening. It's quite a unique style of gardening, but it's very interesting what people come up with. The contest, in which gardeners compete for skills, has become a popular event and there was even a show made about it. Be sure to check out the event and find your favorite garden! 【Official Website】Japan Federation of Landscape Contractors https://www.jflc.or.jp/english.php

Introducing the Bullet Trains of Japan! This video is called "Bullet trains from around the nation in 38 minutes" (全国の新幹線を38分で見る)　Shinkansen 2018 (シンカンセン 2018)　Super-Express Shinkansen). We especially recommend it to Japanese bullet train fans. The first bullet train in Japan was introduced on October 1st, 1964. They have been evolving throughout their long history. There are many varieties of trains, and you'll never get bored with them. Be sure to watch the full video to enjoy all of the eye-catching bullet trains to the fullest. Types and Nicknames of Bullet Trains! Photo：Doctor Yellow For Tohoku Shinkansen Lines, they use the ‘Hayabusa’ carriages shown from 00:34 and 02:46, the ‘Komachi’ carriages shown from 05:31 and ‘Yamabiko’ shown from 07:40 and 08:31. Tsubasa shown from 10:28 is a carriage used in the Yamagata Shinkansen Line. Toreiyu Tsubasa shown from 13:51 is a special tourist carriage. Max Toki shown from 14:40 and the Genbi Shinkansen shown from 16:17 belong to the Joetsu Shinkansen Line. The Kagayaki shown from 16:50 is from the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line. East Eyes shown from 18:44 and Doctor Yellow shown from 19:21 are carriages that inspect the railway tracks. You don’t really come across these carriages, so if you see one, it's considered very lucky. The Tokaido Shinkansen Line that runs through Tokyo Station and Shinosaka Station owns the Nozomi Shinkansen shown from21:14, Kodama shown from 24:46 and 28:02 and Rail Star shown from 31:20 in the video. Tsubame is shown from 33:36 and Mizuho by Kyushu Shinkansen Line is shown from 35:01 in the video. Trivia and Facts About Japan's Bullet Trains! Photo：Shinkansen The definition of bullet trains is ‘railway trains that can run at speeds exceeding 200 km/h. The maximum speed of the current bullet trains in operation is 285km/h. However, there may be a bullet train that exceeds 300 km/h in the future. The history of bullet trains goes back to October 1st 1964 when the dream super-fast express Tokaido Shinkansen Line was launched. Japan has been a leading player in the world of bullet train development for more than 50 years, improving speed, comfort and safety of the trains. In 2027, as a replacement for bullet trains, high-speed linear motor cars are scheduled to launch between Tokyo and Nagoya. In addition to the bullet train lines shown in the video, there are various bullet train routes throughout Japan such as the Hokkaido bullet trains, Akita bullet trains and the San'yo bullet trains. There are also special routes in Japan where bullet trains run on the local train lines such as the Hakata Minami Line and the Joetsu Line. Summary of Bullet Trains in Japan There are many kinds of bullet trains in Japan. Each line has a different color and carriage shape. Find your favorite bullet train as you watch the video. If you are traveling in Japan, you should definitely use a bullet train for long journeys to enjoy the ride comfortably and in a timely manner. When you take a bullet train, check the route map, timetable, fares, price of ticket books, reservations for reserved seats and Green carriage seats, vacancy of non-reserved seats and operational statuses on the official website as well as the Midorino Madoguchi Ticket Offices at large stations. 【Official Website】JR East：East Japan Railway https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

About Susaki, Kochi Prefecture This is a promotional video for Susaki city, Kochi prefecture, located in Japan's Shikoku region, created by Shinjo-kun. Shinjo-kun is a popular mascot that represents Susaki city! What kind of sightseeing spots are there in Susaki? In this article, we'll introduce spots around Susaki where you can enjoy the picturesque scenery and also recommend places where you can try the local cuisine. Enjoy a look at the beautiful scenery and delicious seafood available in Susaki city. Let's Take a Trip to Susaki! Photo：Image of the view from Yokonami Kuroshio Line A great way to enjoy the scenery in the Kochi area is to drive along the Yokonami Kuroshio Line, a road that connects the cities of Tosa (土佐市, Tosashi) and Susaki. The refreshing drive allows you to take in the sights of the natural scenery while providing smooth access to many of the tourist attractions in Susaki. If you're travelling by car, be sure to stop by Roadside Station Kawauso-no-sato (Otter Village) Susaki (かわうその里すさき, Kawausonosatosusaki), where you can try some of the local food and enjoy shopping. In 2018, a new attraction called Comodo Uranouchi (an inflatable obstacle course on the water) was opened and it has been increasing in popularity quite quickly. 58 seconds into the video you can see Sakoda knives (迫田刃物, Sakodahamono) being made, one of the many traditional crafts you can experience in Susaki, Kochi prefecture. Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Susaki City Photo：Otonashi Shrine In the Susaki city area, there are many temples and shrines you can visit, such as Otonashi Shrine (鳴無神社, Otonashi jinja), Suga shrine (須賀神社, Suga jinja), Daizenji temple (大善寺, Daizenji), and Hosshoji temple (発生寺, Hosshouji). If you would like to try something fun and exciting, why not visit Susaki when the Kamo shrine (賀茂神社, Kamo jinja) fall festival or Susaki festivals are being held? If you take part in one of these big events, you might get the chance to meet Susaki's popular character Shinjo-kun! If you're planning on staying at a hotel, we highly recommend a relaxing stay at the Soudayama Hot Springs (桑田山温泉, Soudayama onsen). Local Cuisine in Susaki Source :YouTube screenshot Looking out onto the vast Pacific Ocean, the warm waters of Susaki city are overflowing with fresh seafood. You can see fishing starting from 0:23 in the video. The town has a tradition of eating the highly nutritious moray eel. We recommend trying the deep fried Moray eel (ウツボの唐揚げ, Utsubo no karaage)! We also recommend trying Frigate tuna (ソウダガツオ, Soudagatsuo), known as Mejika in this area. Susaki city is also famous for producing soy sauce, a condiment that compliments the seafood caught in this area very nicely. A bottle of soy sauce, which has been produced in Kochi prefecture for over 100 years, is a great idea for a souvenir as well! At 1:19 in the video, you can witness the soy sauce manufacturing process at the Marukyou Miso and Soy Sauce Distillery (丸共味噌醤油醸造所, Marukyou miso shouyu jouzousho). As shown at 1:47 in the video, you can enjoy the taste of freshly caught fish in Susaki city by dipping it in the locally produced soy sauce. There are many restaurants in Susaki serving the local specialty Nabeyaki Ramen. You can't find it outside of this region, so definitely consider giving it a try. Summary of Susaki City, Kochi Prefecture This video introduces the beautiful natural scenery that changes season by season and delicious seafood unique to Susaki city. Watching this video will surely make you want to take a trip to Kochi prefecture! It's time to plan a visit to Susaki, a city where you can rediscover the charm and beauty of Japan. 【Official Website】Susaki city hall https://www.city.susaki.lg.jp/language/

The Out-Of-This-World Omurice-Making Skills of “Yokohama Tachibanatei” This video is titled “Graceful Skills, Yokohama Tachibanatei, Omelette Rice Performance, Uncut ｜ Awesome Cooking Demo of Fluffy Japanese Omurice（華麗な技 横濱たちばな亭 オムライスパフォーマンス ノーカット | Awesome Cooking Demo of Fluffy Japanese Omelette Rice）” created by “LifeWith505” and it introduces the omurice-making process of “Yokohama Tachibanatei,” a famous Japanese restaurant introduced in television programs and magazines. The quick hands when stir-frying the chicken rice in the pan and the incredible skill of making the fluffy omelette that is placed atop the chicken rice is artistic and flashy. What is Yokohama Tachibanatei? Photo： Yokohama Minatomirai｜Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Yokohama Tachibanatei, located in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Cubic Plaza Shin-Yokohama in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a famous restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Western dishes in Japan and whose most popular dish is its omurice. It’s always crowded during lunch, and its artistically-made omurice is enjoyed not just by the Japanese, but by foreigners as well. The key to its popularity is not just its aesthetic beauty, but also the fact that you can watch the live performance of the omurice being cooked, as this video introduces. In fact, omurice is said to be a Japanese dish made in Japan and its recipes and ingredients differ from restaurant to restaurant. However, this omurice “Omurice of a Western Food Restaurant” uses a recipe where a runny half-cooked egg is placed on the top of some chicken rice. In this video, you can see the amazing performances of the omurice-professionals of Yokohama Tachibanatei, a source of pride for Japan. The Chicken Rice Recipe of Yokohama Tachibanatei Source :YouTube screenshot The key to making the chicken rice, which will become the foundation of the omurice, is to stir-fry it with lots of butter and to make use of the savory flavor of the sauce and ketchup! While stir-frying the rice on a pan with hot butter, you add the first sauce (0:37). After adjusting the flavor with some salt and pepper and then giving it a mix, you add the second sauce at (1:13). Their ability to shake the frying pan without dropping a single piece of rice is truly the skill of a professional. The Fluffy Half-Cooked Egg Recipe of Yokohama Tachibanatei Source :YouTube screenshot The cooking process of the omelette that will be placed on top of the chicken rice begins at 2:28. You make the runny half-cooked eggs by putting a generous amount of mixed eggs in a pan with hot butter and then adjusting the intensity of the heat while finely shaking the chopsticks and the pan. This is the biggest highlight of this video! When the cooked egg flies through the air and lands on the chicken rice, the omelette splits beautifully, showing its fluffy, runny insides! This amazing cooking skill, that separates the amateurs from the pros, will make you go wild. You can see this from 3:21 in the video. If you want to carefully observe the omelette being placed on the chicken rice, we recommend watching the slowed-down version from 3:25. Summary of Yokohama Tachibanatei's Omurice “Yokohama Tachibanatei,” is a Western restaurant where you can enjoy not just the delicious omurice made with a special recipe, but also the incredible professional skills of the cooks. An original demi-glace sauce full of savory deliciousness is poured over the omurice, and you you'll be filled with satisfaction for the mere price of 880 yen (~$8 USD). Yokohama Tachibanatei, the restaurant introduced in this video, is located in Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which is overflowing with diverse foreign cultures, gives the feeling of being inside a Western-style house, and is a popular restaurant highly rated on gourmet websites. In addition to the omurice, the menu also has dishes such as cutlet sandwiches and curry rice. In the Shin-yokohama restaurant, you can also get some take-out dishes such as tonkatsu bento (pork cutlet lunchbox). It’s a popular restaurant, so you may need to reserve some seats depending on the time you visit, but please visit the restaurant and enjoy the delicious taste of the omurice and the amazing cooking skills that you can watch live, both the pride and joy of Japan! ◆Yokohama Tachibanatei, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Restaurant◆ 【Address】First floor of Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Building No.2, 1-1-2 Shinko (新港, Shinko), Naka Ward (中区, Nakaku), Yokohama City 【Access】6 minutes by foot from Minatomirai Line Bashamichi Station (馬車道駅, Bashamichieki), Nihon-Odori Station (日本大通り駅,Nihonodorieki) 【Hours】11:00〜21:00 【Closures】None 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】045-650-8752 【Official Website】Red Brick Warehouse Restaurant ｜ Western Food Yokohama Tachibanatei https://yokohama-tachibana.net/akarenga/

Taiyaki - A Traditional Japanese Confectionary! This video, titled "薄皮たい焼きの作り方 Japanese Pancakes fish shaped TAIYAKI," produced by "Sushi Bomber TV クッキング最前線," shows taiyaki being made at a food stall. This video is a compilation of taiyaki demonstrations at "Gin no An" at Osu Shotengai, a shopping street in Nagoya city (名古屋市: Nagoya-shi, Aichi prefecture (愛知県: Aichi-ken). Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese confectionery in the shape of a fish, and there are many famous shops in Japan that sell the delicious snack. Be sure to watch this video to learn how it's made! The Origin and Types of Taiyaki Photo：Taiyaki In Japan, “Imagawayaki, a round pancake filled with red bean paste, has been eaten since the Edo period (1603-1868). One day, a long established imagawayaki store changed the shape of their pancakes from a round shape to a fish shape. After changing the shape, the snack quite literally sold like hotcakes. The nursery rhyme Oyoge Taiyaki-kun was also a popular song for children in the Showa era. Taiyaki has a long history, and the variety of taiyaki is expanding rapidly, from the more orthodox ones with azuki beans in between, to chocolate taiyaki and even cream taiyaki. How to Make Taiyaki Source :YouTube screenshot Taiyaki are baked from a mixture of ingredients, including flour, baking soda, sugar, and water. The batter is poured into a metal baking mold specially made for taiyaki, followed by a generous amount of sweet bean paste, as shown at 0:45 in the video. When the batter is sufficiently cooked, the two sides of the mold are combined and it is further baked, as shown at 1:27 in the video. This can be a bit difficult to prepare at home, as the average homeowner doesn't have a taiyaki machine available. At 2:46 in the video, you can see the popular croissant taiyaki being made. The cooking process differs from regular taiyaki in that the ingredients are pre-prepared and can be baked as is. Each taiyaki contains about 220 calories and costs around 120-150 yen. Taiyaki is inexpensive and easy to eat, making it a great snack. Summary of Taiyaki Source :YouTube screenshot If you're planning a trip to Japan, we recommend that you taste a variety of Japanese food and sweets to gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. there are a number of taiyaki shops, such as Gin no An, all over Japan that offer taiyaki sales demonstrations.> Once you've experienced the artisanal skills of these taiyaki chefs, be sure to try their freshly baked taiyaki! At 3:32 in the video, a customer breaks his taiyaki in half and shows us what's inside... It looks so yummy! ◆Gin no An - Osu Syotengai◆ 【Address】 2-17-20 Osu Naka-Ku Nagoya-shi Aichi ken 460 - 0011　 【Access】A 7-8 minute walk from Osu-Kannon Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Maizuru Line 【Hours】[Weekdays ] 11:00 to 20:00, [Weekends and National holidays ] 10:30 to 20:00 Open 7 days a week 【Telephone】052-209-9151 【Parking】None 【Official Website】Gin-no An http://www.ginnoan.com/

Why Japanese Food Is Loved Around the World This video, titled "日本食ドキュメンタリー　江戸前穴子　Documentary of Japanese "ANAGO SUSHI" 日本美食记录-江户前穴子," introduces the splendor of Japanese food with a focus on Edomae anago (conger eel). In this video, Chef Eiichi Ueda, a sushi chef in Ginza, shows everything from purchasing ingredients to preparation and talks about his passion for Anago. The answer to why Japanese food is loved by so many people around the world may be found in this video. What Is Edomae Anago? Photo：Anago Sushi “Edo” is the old name for Tokyo and Anago was caught in what is now Tokyo bay which is in front of Edo. “Mae” means “in front of” in Japanese. The Edomae Anago absorbs nutrients from the river flowing into Tokyo Bay, and is considered a seafood gourmet that is a symbol of Edomae and is backed by history and culture. Eiichi Ueda, the sushi chef from Ginza, who is also the star of this video, was fascinated by anago, and says that when he purchases anago at Tsukiji fish market, he uses anago caught off the coast of Haneda in Tokyo Bay, and through this, we get an understanding of his dedication to his craft. A Commitment to the Art of Japanese Cuisine Source :YouTube screenshot One of the reasons why Japanese food is as popular as Western food around the world is because of its artisan's extraordinary attention to detail. In this video, Mr. Ueda mentions the significance of the process of buying fish from a trusted supplier, processing it himself, and cooking it using time-tested cooking methods. He is committed to cooking Edomae Anago, and the pride of being a craftsman of Japanese food, is the reason why Japanese food has become one of the most popular gourmet foods in the world today. The Merits of Japanese Food Source :YouTube screenshot The beauty of Japanese food lies in the preparation of each and every ingredient. The pride and responsibility to devote time, effort, and gratitude to every ingredient served to the customer, and to cook with the pride and responsibility of a craftsman is considered to be the essence of Japanese cuisine. They are also very particular about the way they prepare their rice and how to process and prepare fish. Chef Ueda, also says that cooking with gratitude for the ingredients is the only way to bring out the best in them and provide customers with the best food possible. Summary of Edomae Anago In the video, The Japanese craftsmans, Chef Ueda Eichi, shows us Edomae Anago, and what makes Japanese cuisine such an amazing gourmet experience. Watch this video to find out all about why Japanese food has become one of the world's leading gourmet foods. We explained just a small fraction of the video’s contents in this article, so we recommend watching the full video to get the full story. Thanks to Edomae Anago, perhaps even more people will begin to understand and appreciate Japanese cuisine. ◆Sushi Ueda◆ 【Address】Shonan Building B1F 1-14-10 Ginza Chuo Ward Tokyo 【Access】30 minutes walk from Ginzaicchoume Station 【Hours】17:30～23:00 【Closures】Sunday, holiday 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】03-5524-3311 【Yelp】Sushi Ueda https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13106255/

The Udon Prefecture - Kagawa! This video, titled "VISIT KAGAWA Promotion," was produced by "Udon Prefecture" (うどん県), the official channel of Kagawa Prefecture. As you may or may not know, Kagawa Prefecture is famous for its Sanuki udon. You can see delicious looking udon, such as kake udon or kamaage udon during this video (0:34). However, Kagawa Prefecture has more to offer than just its delicious udon! Art and History in Kagawa Photo：A Woman Traveling Around Shrines and Temples Naoshima (直島: Naoshima), shown in the video (1:00), is a famous island where you can enjoy modern art. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of art, we recommend visiting Kagawa Prefecture's Higashiyama Kaii Setouchi Art Museum, the “Marugame Genichiro – Inokuma Museum of Contemporary Art,” and Kagawa Prefectural Art Museum.” Also, don't miss the Hyoryu Post Office, with a collection of unaddressed letters, and Zenigata Sunae of Kannongi City (観音寺市: Kannongi – Shi ). Kagawa Prefecture, is also famous for Shikoku Henro, a pilgrimage through the 88 temples of Shikoku. You can visit famous historical temples, shrines, and castles such as Kotohiragu, Zentsuji, Marugame jyo and Takamatsu jyo. We also recommend checking out Japanese traditional art and culture at the former Konpira Grand Theatre, the oldest theatre in Japan. Art Appreciation in Kagawa Prefecture! Photo：Ogijima seen from Megijima Ogijima (男木島: Ogijima), known as "Cat Island," and Megijima (女木島: Megijima) with the Onigashima cavern are two more famous tourist spots in Kagawa. Shodoshima (小豆島: Shodoshima), famous for "Angel Island", and Tsushima (津島: Tsushima), known as a power spot of Tsushima Shrine are also great places to visit. From a ferry, you can see a beautiful view of Seto Shirube (The guide of Seto), a famous red light house. Also, Yashima (屋島：Yashima) in the middle of Seto O-Hashi bridge is another spot where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean! Tons of Sightseeing Locations in Kagawa Prefecture! Photo：Low tide at Chichigahama Kagawa Prefecture has many scenic locations to visit, such as Kuribayashi park, Sanuki Manno National Government Park, Flower Park Urashima, and the Shotsuji Mountain observation deck. Also you shouldn’t miss Chichibugahama (父母ヶ浜: Chichibugahama), an instagrammable location known as the “Salar de Uyuni of Japan,” and Honenike Dam, a dam with the oldest masonry in Japan. If you have children, we recommend visiting New Reomaworld or Sanuki Kodomonokuni. Kagawa Prefecture Summary Kagawa prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea, has more than enough tourist locations to see during a one or two day trip. We recommend lining up your visit with the Sanuki Takamatsu Festival, the Kotohira Festival, the Sanuki Toyohama Chosa Festival, and other popular festivals and events if possible. 　 There is various transportation, including buses and trains, in Kagawa prefecture as well. You can go anywhere you want without needing car. Also there are many places to stay as well, making Kagawa Prefecture very tourist friendly. If you want to see beautiful views and rare contemporary art, be sure to visit Kagawa Prefecture! 【Official Website】Official Website run by Kagawa Prefecuture https://www.pref.kagawa.lg.jp/ 【Official Website】Udon Prefecture Travel Net: Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association Official Site https://www.my-kagawa.jp/en/

A Rickshaw Ride Through Asakusa! The video "Asakusa Viewing on Rickshaw!! 浅草を人力車で iPhone Creative 4K,"released by "Studio Hakugeiスタジオ白鯨," is a video showing sightseeing in Asakusa, a popular tourist destination in Japan, by a rickshaw. The rickshaw featured in the video is "Ebisuya," in Asakusa. As you can see in the video, the number of rickshaw pullers who can show you around in English has been increasing in recent years. In addition to Asakusa, where this video was taken, you can also try out rickshaws at other popular sightseeing spots in Japan, including Kamakura and Arashiyama in Kyoto. In addition to the Ebisuya rickshaw shop featured in this video, the Jidaiya's rickshaw shop is also popular. Enjoy sightseeing in Asakusa by rickshaw through the amazing 4K footage! The Rickshaw: History and How It Works! Photo：Asakusa・Rickshaw Rickshaws are the perfect option for those looking to explore popular tourist spots but find it difficult to walk around, or for those who want to experience a different kind of sightseeing tour. Rickshaws are called "jinrikisha," in Japanese, written "人力車." The characters mean: 人: Person 力: Power 車: Vehicle Which basically comes out to be "A human powered vehicle." A rickshaw has two large wheels and a comfortable pedestal, and has a cover that protects passengers from the rain. Rickshaws were first introduced in Nihonbashi in 1872, approximately 150 years ago, and were used as one of the main modes of transport during the Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods (around 1930). It was also used to transport geisha and maiko in the Karyukai world (Kagai). You might be worried riding one of these bad boys is expensive, but the price is actually quite reasonable, starting at around 3,000 yen per person, and sometimes you can find discounts for couples. If you make a reservation before sightseeing, you can rest easy knowing you'll have a great time sightseeing. Famous Attractions in Asakusa! Source :YouTube screenshot In the video, rickshaw puller guides you through popular sightseeing spots in Asakusa in English. Starting at 0:51 in the video, the famous golden object you see is the Asahi Breweries Headquarters. At 1:21 in the video, there are spots where you can take a picture of Tokyo Sky Tree. The kabuki character seen at 1:44 in the video, belongs to a souvenir shop where you can buy tabi socks and so on. Of course, don't miss out on Sensoji Temple, which is very popular with tourists visiting Japan. It's introduced at 3:33 in the video. Asakusa has a rickshaw lane on the road, so you can enjoy sightseeing without getting stuck in traffic jams. Summary of Rickshaw Rides in Asakusa Source :YouTube screenshot Many of the part-time rickshaw drivers were once talked about as being good-looking. If you go around the sightseeing spots of Japan by rickshaw, you're sure to have a good time! It's also a good idea to specify your destination, or ask the rickshaw drivers to show you hidden gems that only they know about. In addition to the rickshaws shown in the video, you can also take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, houseboat, or other unusual vehicles when you visit Japan. 【Official Website】Tokyo Asakusa Store | If You're Sightseeing by Rickshaw... | Rickshaw Ebisuya http://ebisuya.com/en/ 【Official Website】Asakusa Tourism | When It Comes to Rickshaws, Nothing Beats Jidaiya https://jidaiya.biz/index-e.html

Tanbo Art in Inakadate! Check out the video "Japanese Rice Paddy Art - Inakadate Tanbo Art（Japanese Rice Paddy Art - Inakadate Tanbo Art 田んぼアート）." All the artistic work is made using the rice on a rice field. At 0:37 in the video, you can see the giant work of art from 2017, depicting “Momotaro,” a traditional Japanese folktale. The Tanbo Art event of Inakadate is gaining popularity all over Japan. What Is Tanbo Art? A Look at Its History and How It's Done Photo：Tanbo Art The rice field is used as a canvas and different colors of rice are planted to create words and pictures. At first, wild rice and Tsugaru rice was used for Tanbo Art. This limited the art to only 3 colors. These days however, there are seven different colors, and design drawings and the laws of perspective are used. Because of this, the art has become more dynamic. Kumamoto and Akita also do Tanbo Art and there's also a National Rice Field Art Summit event. Highlights of Inakadate's Tanbo Art Source :YouTube screenshot There are two places with Tanbo Art in Inakadate- Inakadate village hall, and roadside station Inakadate. As you can see from 1:50 in the video, there are different kinds of themes, such as Yamata no Orochi, and Susanoo (2 Japanese myths), and Shin Godzilla based on the movie of the same title. In 2019, the drama “Oshin” and a character “Garapikopu” from “With Mother” was drawn. Stone art is created near the Tanbo Art in Inakadate as well. The actor Ishihara Yujiro and Princess Diana are created in stone art. This can be seen from 1:17 in the video. These amazing works of art are best viewed from the Inakadate village observation deck and the Yayoinosato observatory which is introduced at 1:39 in the video. This way you can take some amazing Instagram photos! Participating in the rice transplanting experience and trying to create your own art is a lot of fun! Summary of Inakadate's Tanbo Art Photo：Summer rice field The best time to see Tanbo Art is between July and August, when the ears of rice are at their largest. You can use the Tanbo Art station during the on season and go sightseeing. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the observatory was closed temporarily in 2020. Make sure to look up opening hours, ticket information, and merchandise information beforehand. 【Tripadvisor】Inakadate-mura https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g1120403-Inakadate_mura_Minamitsugaru_gun_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku-Vacations.html

The Cute Akita Dogs of Japan This video, titled "Akita dogs - Loyal Japanese Dogs" (秋田犬 〜忠誠心に厚い日本の犬〜), is an introductory video that shares the charm of Akita dogs, famous for Shibuya Station’s Loyal Dog Hachiko. The video was produced by "JVT Channel." The Akita is a Japanese dog that has been designated a national natural treasure and is very familiar to the Japanese people. Loyal and gentle, the Akita is a popular dog in other countries as well. In this article, we'll take a look at the adorable Akita! The Akita Photo：Akita dog Akita, not to be confused with the prefecture of the same name, are a Japanese dog breed. Their gentle and loyal nature has made them a popular dog around the world. They have a lovely round face, triangular ears, and a curled-up tail. The Akita Dog comes in a variety of coat colors, such as brindle, but the most common color is red fawn. The red variety has a reddish-brown tinge around the forehead and on the back. They are sold at pet stores at prices ranging from 60,000 to 120,000 yen. It is the only large dog among the six types of dogs native to Japan and stands about 61-67 cm tall, with a life span of 10-13 years, which is the average for large dogs. Contrary to its larger size, their gentle characteristic are one of the main reasons for their popularity. You can see the features of the Akita dog at 0:07 in the video. The Akita dog's ancestors lived in the city of Odate, Akita Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of Japan. After dogfighting became popular in Japan, the Akita was crossed with the Tosa Inu and Mastiffs and became larger, which led to their current form today. Since they are large dogs, they need to be trained from when they are puppies and need to be walked regularly, as they were originally hunting dogs. The Charm of Akita Dogs - Obedient and Energetic Pets Photo：Akita Dog The charm of Akita dogs are their cute faces and gentle nature. There are several types of Japanese dogs, including the small Shiba Inu (dog), and the medium-sized Kishu inu, Shikoku inu, Hokkaido inu, and Kai inu, but among them, Akita dogs are considered the most loyal and gentle. At 0:47 in the video, you can see the bronze statue of Hachiko in front of Shibuya station in Tokyo, where he waited for his master every day, for nearly 10 years after his master had already passed away. His loyalty is still praised today. The original Akita dog was bred as the Akita Matagi (a hunting dog), but the number of Akita dogs has declined dramatically in recent years due to the growing popularity of small, easy-to-keep dogs and other indoor breeds. However, in recent years, the Akita has begun to attract attention again! There was a news that an Akita dog was sent as a gift to the Russian figure skater gold medalist Alina Zagitova, and she named it "Masaru." In addition to Zagitova, many foreigners have become fascinated by the Akita, and more and more people are adopting them as pets. Source :YouTube screenshot The city of Odate in Akita Prefecture, the birthplace of the Akita dog, is also working to promote the dog's appeal to a wider audience. They visit nursing homes and elementary schools to allow communities to interact with them. You can see this at 2:10 in the video. In Odate, you can also visit Akita Inu no Sato (Akita Dog Visitor Center) and interact with the dogs. Summary of the Cute and Gentle Akita Dogs Photo：Akita Dog The video, "Akita dogs - Loyal Japanese Dogs," produced by "JVT Channel" is an introductory video that shares the charm of Akita dogs. Although the number of Akita dogs is decreasing due to the popularity of small, easy-to-keep dogs, the Akita is by far the cutest and most loyal. They are loyal to their owners, and their gentle nature attracts many people. If you're a dog lover, this video is a must watch!

Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hair Styling! The video, “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” was released in 2018 by “KyodoNews.” It's news coverage of Kazuhiro Tsuji receiving the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2018 Academy Awards. Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of the special effects make-up of Gary Oldman, who played the role of Winston Churchill in the film “Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. The make-up he did on Gary Oldman received recognition and he became the first Japanese person to win the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. In the video, you can see him giving an elated speech during his interview. In this article, we'll talk about Kazuhiro Tsuji, winner of the 2018 Academy award for hair and makeup. Be sure to follow along with the video! Kazuhiro Tsuji- Personal History and Career Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji is a make-up artist and contemporary artist from Kyoto city, Kyoto prefecture in Japan's Kansai region. He is an American citizen, living in Los Angeles, and goes by the name “Kazu Hiro.” During his high school years, he happened to look at a film magazine that had an article of special effects make-up done by the world-renowned make-up artist Dick Smith, and from that, he became interested in make-up. Thus, he began learning about special effects make-up. He was a teacher at the Yoyogi Animation Academy, and was in charge of make-up on the Japanese film “Sweet Home.” He emigrated to the United States in 1996. He studied under Dick Smith and worked on many Hollywood movies such as “Men in Black” and “Planet of the Apes.” He was also in charge of the make-up for movies such as “How the Grinch stole Christmas,” “Click,” and “Norbit.” He became an American citizen in 2019, and after naturalizing in America, he also changed his name to Kazu Hiro. He has an Instagram account where you can see some of his make-up and art as well. Kazuhiro Tsuji's Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling Source :YouTube screenshot Kazuhiro Tsuji was in charge of actor Gary Oldman’s special effects make-up in the English film, “The Darkest Hour,” released in 2017. This can be seen at 0:26 in the video Kazuhiro Tsuji had actually retired from the film industry in 2012 and had been active as a contemporary artist but after receiving a passionate offer from Gary Oldman, he decided to return to the industry. It took more than 4 hours to put on the special effects make-up that transformed Oldman into the former prime minister Winston Churchill. The transformation of Oldman to look like former prime minister Churchill, was recognized and as it's shown in the video, he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 90th Academy Awards in 2018. This is the first time a Japanese person has won an Oscar at the Academy Awards since the film “Okuribito” won the Foreign Language Film Award at the 81st Academy Awards. From 1:03 in the video, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji’s delighted expression as he comments on his achievement. He also comments on the Oscar statue at 1:59. In 2019, he was in charge of the special effects make-up on "Scandal" at the request of Hollywood actress, Charlize Theron. This was also recognized as high quality, near-perfect make-up and he received the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, for the second time, at the 92nd Academy awards. Summary of Academy Award Winner Kazuhiro Tsuji Source :YouTube screenshot In the video “Kazuhiro Tsuji, [So Excited to Have Received the Award] Academy Award Report（「辻さん、アカデミー賞報告 「うれしかった」）,” produced by “KyodoNews” in 2018, you can see Kazuhiro Tsuji at a press conference held when he returned to Japan for a visit. At the end of the footage, he says that he will be holding an exhibit in 2020. His exhibition is something to look forward to seeing, as he is also a renown contemporary artist. 【Official Website】The Darkest Hour http://www.bitters.co.jp/churchill-movie/

An Introduction to Miyagi’s Traditional "Kokeshi" Dolls This video is called ‘Tohoku STANDARD 07 Kokeshi dolls of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture (東北STANDARD 07 宮城県 仙台こけし)’ made by Tohoku Standard (東北STANDARD), and it shows you Miyagi Prefecture's Traditional Kokeshi doll. Miyagi's traditional Kokeshi doll has a long history. Its origins trace back to the mid-Edo Period (1603～1868). It was originally a souvenir from onsen hot spring towns in Japan's Tohoku Region. There are five traditional Kokeshi dolls in Miyagi Prefecture: Naruko Kokeshi dolls, Sakunami Kokeshi dolls, Tohgatta Kokeshi dolls, Yajiro Kokeshi dolls, and Hijiori Kokeshi dolls. Their colors and shapes vary by craftsman. Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces you to Kokeshi doll craftsman, Akira Suzuki from the Ganguan Kokeshi Doll Studio at the Akiu Crafts Centre at the Akiu hot springs in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. He has been working on the restoration of Enakichi Kokeshi dolls by Meiji Period craftsman Enakichi Takahashi. In the interview, Akira Suzuki explains the characteristics of Kokeshi dolls and the tradition that he has been passed on. Watch the video to enjoy the traditional Japanese culture that has been pass down for generations. Sendai's Kokeshi Dolls Photo：Kokeshi doll Kokeshi dolls are popular wooden toys with a simple shape, generally consisting of a spherical head and a cylindrical body, which are used and sold for girls to play with. The body is made in a shape that can be easily held by children. One of the origins of the word, Kokeshi doll is said to be "Kohukeshi," a nickname for them in the Naruko region. Kokeshi dolls have various regional names such as Kiboko, Deku, Kogesu and Hohko. In 1940, at the first local meeting of the Tokyo Kokeshi Society, researchers and artisans debated on the name for the doll and finally decided on "Kokeshi." Source :YouTube screenshot The Kokeshi doll made by Akira Suzuki in the video is a Sakunami Kokeshi doll and it belongs to the category of Sendai Kokeshi dolls. As seen from 0:33 in the video, the characteristics of Sendai Kokeshi dolls are their thinner lower bodies that can easily be held and the simple use of black and red colors. In addition to traditional Kokeshi dolls, Akira Suzuki also creates pretty Kokeshi dolls such as Hyakuso Kokeshi doll shown from 0:57 in the video. Some Kokeshi dolls are made using the traditional techniques and skills passed down through many generations and have maintained their original shapes. Others have a more modern look to suit current tastes, with variations depending on people’s interests at the time of creation. How Kokeshi Dolls Are Made Kokeshi dolls use mainly Cornel and Japanese Maple as materials. It requires the skills of a master craftsman. Production Step 1 - Tamakiri (Crosscutting) and Kidori (conversion) Cutting the dry timber to the suitable length is called Tamakiri, while adjusting the shape of the timber suitable for use for Kokeshi dolls is called Kidori. You cut the timber with a tool such as a saw, then make it into a cylindrical shape by cutting off the corners. This is the foundation of Kokeshi dolls. Source :YouTube screenshot Production Step 2 - Wood turning (~0:14） Set the head and body on the lathe and use a plane to shave the wood. Production Step 3 - Finalizing the shape Once the wood is ground to a certain shape, it is cut and shaped with a finishing planer called a "Bankaki." Next, you use sandpaper to smooth the surface. Source :YouTube screenshot Production Step 4 - Painting (~0:41) Using the lathe, draw lines on the body and add a face on the head carefully. Production Stage 5 - Finish Make a hole in the head and attach it to the body. Other Information About Kokeshi Dolls Photo：Kokeshi doll painting experience In Naruko Onsen, where Naruko Kokeshi dolls are made, they hold the National Kokeshi Doll Festival. Traditional Kokeshi dolls from nationwide gather at the festival, and a festival parade and Kokeshi doll workshops and sales booths are set up. At Kokeshi no Shimanuki in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, you can buy various local folk art and crafts from Japan's Tohoku region. You can also try a Kokeshi doll painting workshop. They sell various Kokeshi doll goods, such as Kokeshi doll in Can, which has a traditional Kokeshi doll packed in a can, and Akari Kokeshi dolls, whose bodies light up and can even be used in emergencies. These items sold at Kokeshi no Shimanuki can also be bought at their online shops. Other popular Kokeshi doll goods include local Kokeshi doll clips made of paper, masking tapes, Kokeshi doll key rings, and Kokeshi doll cakes. Kokeshi dolls with a Sendai Accent which is quite popular, and its postal stamps and LINE stamps are sold. Sendai dialect Kokeshi, a unique character that speaks in the dialect of Miyagi Prefecture, is also popular, and stamps and LINE stamps are also available. The Sendai dialect variation is quite popular because the actress Satomi Ishihara uses it. Summary of the Sendai Kokeshi Dolls Source :YouTube screenshot In the interview (~1:24), Akira Suzuki says, "You can’t keep the tradition alive just by passing it down. We conserve our tradition through innovation." Kokeshi dolls have been popular as a children’s toy for many years. Nowadays, they are popular overseas as souvenirs and collectibles from Japan. If this video has you interested in Tohoku Kokeshi dolls definitely visit the Nihon Kokeshi Doll Museum in Naruko Town. We highly recommend it! Mr. Akira Suzuki looks rather serious in this video's interview, but at the end of this 2 minute video you can tell he is full of love for Kokeshi dolls. By the time you finish this video, we're sure you'll be a fan of Kokeshi dolls too! 【Official Website】Traditional Folk Art of Miyagi – Traditional Kokeshi doll - Miyagi Prefecture Official Website https://www.pref.miyagi.jp/soshiki/shinsan/01kokesi.html

The Japanese Passport - The Strongest Passport in the World! The video in this article is titled "The World's Strongest Passport 'The Trustworthy Japanese' (18/12/29)" (世界最強パスポートを支える「日本人の信頼」(18/12/29)). In 2018, the Japanese passport became the world's strongest passport, beating out Singapore in the number of countries which you can visit without a visa. The Japanese passport can now take you to 190 countries without visas. In this article, we will introduce information about the Japanese passport. Be sure to follow along with the video as you read on! Research on Visas Photo：Blue City Introduced is a survey by a UK company that ranks the "most travel-friendly passports" in order of strength. According to the survey, conducted in January 2018, Japan was granted visa-free travel to Uzbekistan, famous for the ancient city of Samarkand, also known as the "Blue City," which can be seen at 0:59 in the video, and in October 2018, to Myanmar, which is shown at 1:22 in the video, leading to it being ranked first in the world! As a result, the Japanese can now visit Myanmar's famous world heritage site, the Shwedagon Pagoda, without a visa. Why Is the Japanese Passport Trusted? Source :YouTube screenshot At 2:05 in the video, we're shown an interview with Taro Kono, Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs. According to the interview, the increase in visa-free travel to these areas is largely due to the economic power and reliability of the Japanese people. This means that the world expects and welcomes Japanese tourists because they are safe and trustworthy. Passports and Visas Photo：Passport A passport is an identification certificate that contains information about a person, such as their nationality, etc. When you travel abroad, you need to apply for a passport at your local passport center and have it issued to you. It's important to remember that it takes some time for a passport to be issued and that it's only valid for a certain amount of time. Recently, registration for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is also required to visit the U.S. A visa is an entry permit, and depending on the destination, you will not be able to leave the country without one. Different Kinds of Passports Source :YouTube screenshot The passport introduced at 3:17 in the video, is an official passport, called a "diplomatic passport" for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, which is different from the red and blue passports (general passports) that most people have. Also, as introduced in the video at 4:57, the imperial couple is treated as head of a state, and therefore do not have passports. Summary of the Japanese Passport Today, we introduced the Japanese passports - Now the strongest passport in the world! The fact that Japan has the strongest passport in the world is just a testament to the trust that Japanese tourists hold around the world. It's great to know that Japanese people are welcome in 190 countries and regions. Do you know how many countries you can visit with your passport?

Imizu City's Kamaboko This video, titled "Shinminato Kamaboko- Imizu City, Toyama" (新湊かまぼこ -富山県射水市- Shinminato Kamaboko -Imizushi,Toyama,Japan-), was produced by "_kashi77." It shows the manufacturing process of kamaboko (fish cake), a local specialty of former Shinminato, Imizu city, Toyama, in the Hokuriku region. Kamaboko is a kind of "kneaded paste product" that is made by making white fish meat into surimi (minced meat) and then kneading it. It's also a Japanese food used in New Year's dishes for New Year's celebrations. In this way, it is an indispensable and popular Japanese food. Cod, shark, golden threadfin, wrasse and other white fish are used as ingredients; however, "Shinminato Kamaboko" uses surimi made from tile fish to enhance the flavor of the minced meat. It's called "Kamaboko" when steamed, "chikuwa" when baked, and "satsuma-age (a type of tempura) when fried and eaten. The origin of the word kamaboko comes from wrapping the surimi around a bamboo stick in a tubular shape. Because the shape resembled the ear (boko) of a cattail (kama), it came to be called "Kamaboko." Making Kamaboko Source :YouTube screenshot Here, we'll introduce how kamaboko are made. 1. Preparation Cut the raw fish into three pieces, removing the bones, innards, and skin. 2. Cut it up into smaller pieces Finely chop it with a knife. 3. Soak in water Soak the minced fish in water to get rid of the odor This is an important part of the process to bring out the elasticity of the kamaboko. 4. Drain Remove water from the fish until it is dried. 5. Surimi Grind it down finely. 6. Seasoning Season with salt, egg whites, and other ingredients. 7. Molding There are different types of kamaboko such as "Ita Kamaboko," which involves molding the ingredients into a half cylindrical shape, onto a small board made of wood such as cedar; and "Sumaki Kamaboko," which involves wrapping straw around the ingredients. As you can see at 0:12 in the video, each Kamaboko is made by hand, one by one, into the shape of a fish. 8. Steam The kamaboko is then steamed. This can be seen at 0:55 in the video. 9. Decorate As you can see at 1:06 of the video, they decorate the steamed kamaboko with colors, such as the pink of a sea bream and other colors and patterns. More About Kamaboko In Toyama Prefecture, kamaboko is famous as a gift for celebratory occasions, and it is used as a gift for engagement ceremonies and wedding receptions. In addition, kamaboko is often presented at births and milestones in life, such as entrance exams, graduations, coming of age ceremonies, housewarmings, and at Buddhist ceremonies. It is said to be customary to cut kamaboko that was received as a wedding gift and to distribute it to people who are close to you and to neighbors in order to share the joy. Toyama prefecture’s consumption of kamaboko is said to be the 6th highest in Japan. Kamaboko is often given as an end-of-the-year gift or present and it's possible to purchase it from online retailers such as Amazon or Rakuten. Fishing and Cuisine Around Imizu City Photo：Firefly squid with vinegar miso Toyama prefecture, where Imizu city is located, is home to Toyama Bay where you can catch delicious and nutritious seafood. The seafood caught in Toyama Bay consists of, white shrimp, firefly squid, and yellowtail caught in the cold season. Himi’s cold season yellowtail is rich in fat and melts in your mouth. Himi's yellowtail is a gourmet's delight, with its fatty, melt-in-your-mouth taste. Trout sushi is another popular local specialty in Toyama. Summary of Kamaboko, the Local Specialty of Imizu City, Toyama Japan has its own unique culture that has been nurtured by the customs of each region. Kamaboko, a craft perfect for celebrations, is a tradition in Imizu City, Toyama and Miyagi Prefecture. The Shin-Minato Hikiyama Festival, which heralds the arrival of autumn in Imizu City, Toyama Prefecture, is introduced at 2:02 in the video. This festival, along with kamaboko, is part of traditional culture that has been handed down through generations in Imizu city. What did you think of Izumi's kamaboko? At Yume Terrace Kaiou, a museum of food and health in Imizu City, around 40 different kinds of kamaboko, such as kelp-wrapped kamaboko and sea bream-shaped kamaboko, as well as local marine products and healthy teas, are available at reasonable prices. You can also visit the kamaboko factory that shown in the video, and experience making kamaboko yourself. At the Yume Terrace Kaio, there are no restaurants or cafes, so you will not be able to have lunch; you can buy some kamaboko as a souvenir and eat it to keep yourself nourished. A popular souvenir is the kamaboko chips. When you visit Toyama prefecture, be sure to try the Shinminato Kamaboko introduced in the video!

Introduction video that can be enjoyed in Tokyo "Ameyoko" This video, titled "Ameyoko・Tokyo Sightseeing - TOKIYO travel" (【アメ横・東京観光　TOKIYO travel】), was produced by "Sunshine Channel." It was filmed while walking around "Ameyoko," a shopping street in Ueno, Tokyo. Ameyoko is a shopping area with about 400 stores, centered on a 500m underpass from Ueno Station to Okachimachi Station on the JR Yamanote Line. A variety of genres are found in the store, making it a very popular tourist spot not only for the Japanese but for tourists as well. This video was shot for about 7 minutes while entering the shopping area from the center building on the Ueno station side, looking into the shops. The footage will make you feel as if you are walking beside the Ameyoko, and you're sure to want to give it a visit. What is Ameyoko? Photo：Ameyoko Ameyoko, located in Taito ward, Tokyo, is a valuable shopping street with a history that developed from the black market after the war. Ameyoko is formally called "Ameya Yokocho", and it is said that its origin comes from the fact that there were many candy shops and that there were many imported goods from the United States. It is also known as a discount city, and at the end of the year, many people come to the market for fresh food such as New Year's goods and crab. The transportation access is a short distance from the nearest stations: Ueno Station and Okachimachi Station, and it is a convenient location because Ueno Station also has a subway. Stores at Ameyoko Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video, there are a variety of stores randomly throughout Ameyoko, these include restaurants as well, so if you want to take a break from shopping you can sit down and grab a bite to eat. They buy a cute panda meat bun at 3:31 in the video. There are many shops dealing with fresh foods, seasonal ingredients, clothing and shoes, specialty shops such as sweets, used clothes, jewelry, sports goods, brand goods stores, long-established dry goods stores, processed food stores, and there are also souvenir shops. In addition, trendy fashion, general stores and tapioca drink stores are also dotted about the area, and there are various unique atmospheres for workers and visitors. Many izakaya and other eateries are also shown throughout the video. You can also enjoy lunch at happy hour as well. Programs often feature Shimura Shoten's Chocolate Tackle, which can be seen from 2:01 in the video, Hyakkaen, which sells fresh cut fruits, Kojimaya, a dried fruit shop, as well as restaurants like "Minatoya" and so on. Opening hours vary by store. Shopping at Ameyoko Summed Up Photo：[Tokyo] Ushino Park Shinobazu Pond and Sakura "Ameyoko / Tokyo Sightseeing - TOKIYO travel" introduces the vibrant atmosphere and shops of Ameyoko, a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo. If you're wondering what kind of place Ameyoko is, be sure to check out the video. At Ueno Station, where Ameyoko is located, there is Ueno Zoo, famous for its pandas, Shinobazu Pond, and Ueno Onshi Park, known for its art museums. In this article, we introduced the access, food, and store information of Ameyoko. The video walks down the main street, but there are many shops under the overpass and inside buildings as well, so you can enjoy Ameyoko's unique atmosphere. If you're planning on coming to Ameyoko, don't be shy and remember to explore all the little nooks and crannies hidden throughout the street.

Nintendo Live 2019 This video, titled "Nintendo Live 2019 DAY1 Digest" (Nintendo Live 2019 DAY1 ダイジェスト), was produced by "Nintendo Official Channel." In this video, you can see the first day of Nintendo Live, an event held by Nintendo on October 13th and 14th, in 2019 at the Kyoto International Conference Center. At Nintendo Live 2019, you can experience a world of games, such as Nintendo's popular Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Super Mario, and more. You can also try out new software, too. Competitions for popular games, such as Splatoon and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate have been held as well. The video showcases these hot battles. Be sure to watch the video of all the participants smiling and enjoying Nintendo games. If you love games, then you definitely don't want to miss this! A Look at Nintendo Live Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the beginning of the video, the turnout for Nintendo Live was massive, and there was a huge line of people waiting to enter. Nintendo Live 2019 is divided into four main areas, with the New Hall offering new game experiences and, as introduced at 0:17, a photo booth where you can take photos with popular Nintendo characters such as Pikachu, Mario, Tom Nook from Animal Crossing and more! NintendoSwitch's Dr kawashima's Brain Training for Nintendo Switch, NintendoLabo, and Ring Fit Adventure can be enjoyed by both children and adults. You can watch the ring-fit adventure experience at 0:24 in the video. Splatoon Koshien takes place in the Event Hall, and you can watch game fans from all over the country compete against one another. You can see a heated battle taking place in the event hall at 0:50 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot As shown at 1:32 in the video, the Annex Hall hosted a tournament, including Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Super Mario Maker, and Luigi's Mansion 3 , on a special stage live in the evening. This can be seen at 2:43 in the video. In front of the Annex Hall, there was a sale of Nintendo merchandise, including popular T-shirts and tote bags! Nintendo Live 2019 Stage Event Was a Blast! Source :YouTube screenshot On the second day of Nintendo Live 2019, comedy talent "Yoiko" performed a hot event, called "The Life of Mario Maker Artisan Yoiko" on stage. Also, the Splatoon Koshien Ikas Cultural Festival was a great opportunity for everyone, kids and adults alike, to enjoy the very popular Splatoon. Admission Fees and Access to Nintendo Live 2019 Source :YouTube screenshot Admission to Nintendo's Nintendo Live 2019 was free. When the venue became crowded, there were restrictions on entry, so we recommend coming early if you're visiting for the next event. The Kyoto International Conference Center, the venue for the conference, is a five-minute walk from the nearest station, Kokusai-Kaikan Station on the Karasuma Subway Line. Due to the limited number of parking lots, it's best to use public transportation. Nintendo Live 2019 Summary Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced Nintendo Live 2019 held by Nintendo in October, 2019. Watching this video, it's clear that Nintendo's games are loved by people of all ages and genders. This is a great event for game lovers to try out new software and game competitions. The next time you're in town, be sure to head over to Nintendo Live! 【Official Website】Nintendo Live 2019 | Nintendo https://www.nintendo.co.jp/live/

日本三大火祭りの那智の扇祭りを紹介 こちらの動画は「ANA Global Channel」が公開した「NACHI-NO-OGI MATSURI - IS JAPAN COOL? MATSURI - 祭 （那智の扇祭り／和歌山）」です。 こちらでは和歌山県東牟婁郡那智勝浦町の熊野那智大社で執り行われる、那智の扇祭りを紹介します。 和歌山県の無形文化財にも指定されている、那智の扇祭りの歴史や魅力について説明します。 日本三大火祭りでもある那智の扇祭りの動画共にお楽しみください。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りについて 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、那智の神さまを清め、もとにいた場所に戻って貰うための神事です。 松明や扇神輿を使った御火行事や、笛や腰太鼓で演奏する日本芸能の那智田楽などさまざまな行事を行います。 歴史のある伝統文化の那智の扇祭りですが、那智の火祭と呼ばれる御火行事は、とても迫力がありインスタ映えする風景。 インパクトのある光景が楽しめる那智の扇祭りを、一度見学してみてはいかがでしょうか？ 重要無形民俗文化財にも指定されている、那智田楽も必見！ 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りの歴史 熊野那智大社にいる那智の神さまは、もともと那智の滝にてお祀りされていました。 その那智の神さまを今から1700年前に那智山の中腹にお遷ししました。 大松明を炎で燃やすのは、那智の神さまが遷られている扇神輿を清めるため。 日本の伝統文化の那智の扇祭りで、迫力のある光景だけでなく、歴史を学んでみてはいかがですか。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りの魅力とは 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、一度は見ておくべきインパクトのある例大祭です。 大きな松明から炎が燃え盛り、乱舞する炎に目を奪われるでしょう。 また、那智田楽は笛や腰太鼓など日本伝統の楽器で演奏し、それに合わせて踊る日本らしい民俗芸能。心地よいリズムや伸びやかな踊りに心が癒やさます。 魅力たっぷりの那智の扇祭りで、迫力ある風景や癒やされる文化を楽しみましょう！ 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭り紹介まとめ こちらの動画は、那智の扇祭りの歴史や魅力を紹介しており、那智の扇祭りの概要を知ることができます。 日本の伝統文化である那智の扇祭りは、とてもインパクトのあるお祭りなので興味を持った方は是非お祭り会場へ足を運んでみてはいかがですか。

Introducing Itasha! Have you ever heard the word "Itasha"? In this article, we'll introduce the Japanese pop culture "Itasha" alongside the video, titled "OTAKU CAR HEAVEN 痛車天国2019," produced by "Rescue the Princess!" The video is an introduction to the Itasha event "Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2019" held at the Odaiba outdoor special venue in 2019. Itasha is a form of otaku culture, and is a car with an exterior designed with an anime or game theme, featuring beautiful girl characters or heroines. The name "Itasha" (痛車) comes from the characters "痛" (pain) and "車" (car), literally meaning "painful car," as some people find them painful to look at. Source :YouTube screenshot There are small itasha with stickers on the hood, doors and other parts of the body, as well as fully-wrapped cars with film affixed to the entire car. You can see a number of Itasha throughout the video. In the past, "otaku" culture used to have a somewhat negative image, but now, with the popularity of Japanese anime and manga overseas, "otaku" are respected as authorities and professionals in their field. Fully-wrapped vehicles and airplanes have also appeared in public transit agencies such as airplanes, trains, buses, and motorcycles, and they are very popular with young children and in the otaku community. These vehicles, which are derived from the Itasha and wrapped with characters, are called "Itansha" (motorcycles) and "Itadensha" (trains). In addition to Itasha, you can see a custom bicycle (Itacheri) at 0:22 and a scooter bike (Itansha) at 1:02 in the video. Making Itasha Source :YouTube screenshot Since Itasha designs are based on characters that appear in other works, they are copyrighted. However, since the character Hatsune Miku, which often appears in videos, is a free license, there is no copyright issue if you design your own vehicle with Hatsune Miku. Also, each vehicle can be designed however the owner wants it to be, but if you're a hardcore otaku, you can make your own design with paint and cutting sheets. Recently there are even companies that specialize in Itasha design. Even if you're not an otaku, you can just get a professional to do it for you. In some cases, companies produce itasha by advertising and collaboration, and collaboration itasha, such as Evangelion and Re:Zero, (Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World) were also a hot topic. As for Shinkansen, there is an Evangelion train called "Type EVA" vehicle, and the interior even uses the colors of Evangelion's first mech. Some manufacturers have asked for image collaborations with luxury cars for popular works. In particular, anime and games such as Gundam, Macross, and Super Mario prove the importance of Japanese culture through Itasha. Event Information and Summary of Odaiba Itasha Heaven 2019 Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows cosplay models in a variety of poses, dressed in gorgeous cosplay to add to the appeal of the Itasha. As you can see from 3:21 in the video, there's also a talk show with songs and voice actors on the event stage, so you can see that this isn't just an event to look at the cars. More than 1,000 Itasha participated in the event, the largest of its kind in Japan, in Odaiba that day. Otaku culture, which originated in Akihabara, has now taken off from Japan and is attracting attention around the world. In other words, Itasha Heaven is the largest exhibition of Itasha in the world. As long as there is anime and manga culture in Japan, so too will there be an Itasha culture! Itasha are also known as "Moesha" (cute cars) among otaku, and to otaku "cute" is justice!

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!