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Video article 1:40
Check Out the Documentary Film About World Famous Japanese Composer and Musician, Ryuichi Sakamoto. What Was It That So Drastically Changed His Musical Expression?
Japanese Celebrities Entertainment & Music- 39 plays
- YouTube
The Documentary Film About Japanese Musician and Composer, Ryuichi Sakamoto This video, titled "[Ryuichi Sakamoto CODA] Trailer – Released November 4th (Sat)" (「11/4(土)公開『Ryuichi Sakamoto CODA』予告編」), introduces the documentary produced by the world-famous Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. The film "Ryuichi Sakamoto:CODA (2017)," directed by Stephen Nomura Schible, introduced in this video, is a valuable work that portrays how Ryuichi Sakamoto pursues his music creativity. In this video, we'll go into detail about Ryuichi Sakamoto, a musician and composer who has produced numerous famous songs that touched the hearts of many. Ryuichi Sakamoto Source :YouTube screenshot Ryuichi Sakamoto was born in Tokyo, and his ex-wife and daughter are also musicians. Ryuichi Sakamoto is characterized by his center-part hairstyle and glasses, and is known as "the world’s Sakamoto" and "Professor." In 2014 he revealed that he was diagnosed with stage three throat cancer. More About Ryuichi Sakamoto Source :YouTube screenshot Ryuichi Sakamoto is a former member of YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra) as a keyboard player and synthesizer. He is also a pianist, drummer, composer, songwriter, singer, record producer, actor, and TV star. In addition to being a guest professor at his alma mater, Tokyo University of the Arts, he is also an environmental activist, music critic, political commentator, and social activist, and is known for his participation in demonstrations against the restart of nuclear power plants. Ryuichi Sakamoto’s Most Famous Piece Source :YouTube screenshot Ryuichi Sakamoto works in a diverse range of styles, including classical music, techno-pop, rock, folk music, and contemporary. He has also held numerous concerts and world tours. His most successful work was The Last Emperor, which won the 31st Grammy Award for Best Original Score, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award. Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, which can be heard in the video around 0:20, is another masterpiece of his that won a British Academy Film Award. He is also known for the soundtrack of the movie Nagasaki: Memories of My Son, and the song of the well-known TV commercial "Energy Flow." About the Documentary Film Ryuichi Sakamoto: Coda Source :YouTube screenshot The film 『Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA』is a documentary that follows Ryuichi Sakamoto for five years, starting from 2012. The trailer begins with a piano that was damaged by the tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011. Inspired by the piano, Ryuichi donned a protective suit and went to the area near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant wearing protective gear. The film gives us a glimpse into Ryuichi Sakamoto as a musician and social activist. Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA was an official entry in the 74th Venice International Music Festival and is also available on DVD. Summary of Composer and Musician Ryuichi Sakamoto Ryuichi Sakamoto: CODA is a documentary film that captures the journey of his musical and speculative pursuits. From 0:37 , you can see rare footage of him in his younger days. The in-depth video includes plenty of private footage and photos of the musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, so be sure to check it out! -
Video article 6:42
Rare Footage of Legendary Samurai From the End of the Edo Period! Enjoy Japan's Samurai Culture That Attracts So Many Foreigners!
History- 186 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "[Astonishing] The Discovered Photos of Japan's Last Samurai Are So Amazing! So Real You Can Barely Believe It. End of the Edo Period. Japan's Legendary Samurai Are Wicked Cool!" (【驚愕】発見された「日本最後の侍」の写真が凄すぎる!嘘のような本当の写真 江戸時代 幕末 伝説のサムライたちがヤバイ), was released by "Serious Stories Channel" (マジ話チャンネル). The technology of photography was introduced to Japan at the end of the Edo period. It's amazing that there are still photos of samurai in Japan that were taken during the Meiji Restoration and Meiji Period. The photographs shown in the video were taken by Felice Beato and Kusakabe Kimbei. They took photos of the samurai of the past, which do not exist in modern Japan. At 3:33 in the video, you can see a photo of the famous samurai, Sakamoto Ryoma. Be sure to check out the video to see how cool the Japanese samurai look in their unique outfits! -
Video article 4:35
Travel Back to the Jomon Period and Experience the History of Restored Buildings and Excavated Treasures From the Large Settlements of Aomori's Sannai Maruyama!
History- 92 plays
- YouTube
Sannai Maruyama, Aomori prefecture "[Aomori's Charm] The Special Historic Site: Sannai Maruyama Site - Truth Underground- Romance Above Ground(【青森の魅力】特別史跡三内丸山遺跡 - 地下に真実 地上にロマン)" is a video produced by "marugotoaomori". Introduced here is a large-scale photograph of a settlement in Aomori Prefecture from Japan's Jomon period. It is a wonderful tourist attraction where you can learn about the history of the village, as well as various artifacts and events. This article introduces the charm of the special historical site Sannai Maruyama. What is Sannai Maruyama? Photo:Sannai Maruyama site The special historical site, Sannai Maruyama, is located in Aomori city, Aomori prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region, and is the largest site remaining from Japan's Jomon period (14000 BC to 400 BC). It is a large-scale settlement from the early to middle Jomon period, about 5,900 to 4,200 years ago. It is said that Jomon people had been settled here for about 1,000 years. You can also see the reconstructed buildings such as the large pit building and the large pillar building, which help picture life in the Jomon period. You can see these buildings from 0:41 in the video. In addition to the restored building, you can also see various excavated artifacts such as earthenware, clay figurines, as well as accessories that would have been indispensable to those living at that time. There are restaurants and shops too, so you can enjoy a variety of different things if you feel like taking a break. Access is about 20 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station, and about 30-40 minutes by municipal bus. The entrance fee is 410 yen for the general public, 200 yen for high school and university students, and free for junior high school students and younger (* as of April 2020). Sannai Maruyama's Reconstructed Pillar Building Source :YouTube screenshot The restored large-scale pillar building that can be seen from 1:08 in the video is a building with a height of about 15m, and features huge columns. It was built by burying a chestnut tree in a large hole roughly 2m in diameter. The distance between the pillars is carefully measured at 4.2m, and the unit of length is 35cm. The intended use is unknown and encased in mystery, but a volunteer guide says that it was used as a viewing tower, lighthouse, or temple. It is said that the height at the time of the Jomon period was higher than the restored building's 15m, and was probably closer to 20m. The Sannai Maruyama Site, a special historic site, has various remains in addition to the six pillar building. You can see the ruins of a pit-type dwelling, which is said to have been inhabited by ordinary residents, and the ruins of a stilt-pillar building that was likely to have been a stilt-type building (a stilt-type warehouse). You can also visit the inside of a large-sized pit building that was probably used as a joint workshop and gathering venue. This can be seen in the video from 1:00. One of the highlights of the site is the ring stone tomb, which is said to be that of the head of the village. Highlights of the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site Source :YouTube screenshot At the Sanmaru Museum, Jomon Amusement Park and Sannai Maruyama Archeological Site in the Jomon Hill Sannai Maruyama-Mahoroba Park that can be seen from 2:11, you can see about 1,700 relics excavated from the special historical site on display. You can see ornaments such as hooks, fish bones and earrings. We can imagine that the Jomon people had a developed culture, such as using various tools to cultivate and procure food, as well as cook and decorate themselves with accessories. Summary of Sannai Maruyama Source :YouTube screenshot "[Aomori's Charm] The Special Historic Site: Sannai Maruyama Site - Truth Underground- Romance Above Ground" produced by "marugotoaomori" is a video introducing the special historical site Sannai Maruyama in Aomori City. There are plenty of places to look out for, such as the 15-meter tall reconstructed building that was likely used as a lookout tower and a watching tower. It is a must-see spot for history buffs because you can see various archaeological sites and excavated treasures! ◆Sannai-Maruyama's facility outline◆ 【Address】305 Sannai Maruyama, Aomori, Aomori Prefecture, 038-0031 【Access】 About 20 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station 【Operating Hours】From 9:00 to 17:00 【Closed Day】4th Monday of every month 【Parking Facilities】500 spaces 【Telephone No】017-766-8282 【Entrance fee】410 yen, 200 yen for high school and college students, free for junior high school students and younger (as of April 2020) 【Official Website】Special Historic Site "Sannai Maruyama" https://sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Sannai Maruyama Site https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298241-d324336-Reviews-Sannai_Maruyama_Site-Aomori_Aomori_Prefecture_Tohoku.html -
Video article 0:58
Shin Miyazaki - The World's Best Waiter and Winner of the Georges Baptiste Cup. A Look at the Award Winning Maitre D'!
News- 416 plays
- YouTube
Shin Miyazaki "ANNnewsCH", "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World(サービスの技競う大会 日本人給仕長が世界一)" is a video introducing Shin Miyazaki, the winner of the world competition for service skills. Various countries participated in the Georges Baptiste Cup, a "waiter world cup" held in Minato, Tokyo in 2012, and Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the event. The hospitality of the Japanese people, who are known for their attentiveness, has been recognized throughout the world. Check out this video to see the amazing achievement. This article introduces Shin Miyazaki, who won the service competition. Shin Miyazaki and the World Competition for Service Skills! Source :YouTube screenshot The Georges Baptiste Cup was hosted in 2012. This competition, which has been ongoing since 1961 includes students and professionals in the service field. The competition has been held globally since 2000, with the 2012 competition held in Japan. Shin Miyazaki, the representative of Japan, won the world championship for service skills at a restaurant famous for its service skills. It's a large achievement to win the professional category with 14 other countries participating. The job of the server is not just bringing plates to the table, but also to entertain guests as well. In French cuisine, it is said to be as important of a job as the chef. Shin Miyazaki learned French and studied cheese and wine before challenging this competition. You can watch thecompetition from 0:08 in the video, and from 0:32, you can see Mr. Miyazaki pouring champagne for guests About Shin Miyazaki Source :YouTube screenshot Mr. Shin Miyazaki is currently the Japanese Maître d'hôtel (head waiter), restaurant serviceman, and representative of Fantagista21. As an active serviceman, he serves customers at Michelin Guide Tokyo's two Michelin star restaurant "Refervessons." He also engages in human resource development and lecture activities, and published the book "World-Class Hospitality." Miyazaki was interested in cooking because of his father's favorite book, "Dancyu," and thus decided he wanted to be a chef in the future. Later, he worked at a French cuisine restaurant in Tokyo, where he was inspired by the appeal of head waiter. In 2010, he won the "Maitre de Servis Cup", and as stated above, he won the 2012 world competition for service skills. Shin Miyazaki also appears on TV. He has appeared in "professional work style," "Asaichi," "Non-stop," etc. and has received a lot of attention. If you're interested in Shin Miyazaki, be sure to check out the video. Summary of Shin Miyazaki, World Service Competition Champion Source :YouTube screenshot "ANNnewsCH"'s, "Service Competition, Japanese- No.1 in the World" introduces Shin Miyazaki who won the World Competition for Service Skills. It also explains points to be careful of when serving, and it is a must-see video for those who are aiming to be professionals in the service industry. -
Video article 11:45
Japan's Delicious Wagyu Beef Is Extremely Popular Overseas! Even in Australia, Another Country Famous for Its Beef, Japanese Wagyu Beef Sales Are on the Rise!
Life & Business- 46 plays
- YouTube
Japanese Wagyu Beef This video, titled "Wagyu Beef Sales in Australia!," Was created by JETRO. In recent years, the ban on the importation of Japanese Wagyu beef into European and Asian countries has been lifted, and since 2018 the exportation of Wagyu beef from Japan to Australia has become possible. That being said, is there really a demand for Japanese Wagyu beef in Australia, the number one producer and exporter of "Aussie Beef"? What Breeds of Cattle Are Being Raised in Australia and Japan? Source :YouTube screenshot When you think of Wagyu beef, the native Japanese species Hidagyu (飛騨牛), Kagoshima Wagyu (鹿児島和牛), and Omigyu (近江牛) probably come to mind (or not). There are four types of cattle in Japan raised for Wagyu beef production: Japanese Black (黒毛和種, kurogewashu), Japanese Brown (褐毛和種, akagewashu), Japanese Shorthorn (日本短角種, nihontankakushu), and Japanese Polled (無角和種, mukakuwashu). Independent rules in Australia state that only beef from cattle with a 50% or higher Wagyu lineage may be classified as Wagyu beef. From 9:20 in the video, Australia's Wagyu farming representative, David Blackmore, explains that Japanese and Australian cattle are being cross-bred to produce Australian Wagyu beef. More About Japanese Cuisine, Food Products, and Business Dealings in Australia Source :YouTube screenshot Since the ban on the importation of Japanese Wagyu beef was lifted, Japanese agriculture, business negotiations regarding marine and food products have been held in Sydney. Various companies, organisations, distributors and buyers such as Osawa Enterprises (大沢エンタープライズ, oosawa enta-puraizu) and Kirishima Ranch (霧島ランチ) have taken part in the business meetings. Japanese restaurants in Australia are using imported Japanese Wagyu beef to attract customers to their restaurants. From 2:08 in the video, you can see Japanese Wagyu beef being sold at 3-5 times the price of Australian beef at the store Tokyo Mart (東京マート, toukyouma-to). Even at such a high price, Japanese Wagyu beef continues to sell well. The Key to Increasing Exportation of Japanese Wagyu Beef? Photo:Sukiyaki Japanese cuisine holds the key to increasing the exportation of Japanese Wagyu beef in Australia. From 1:29 in the video, we're introduced to the Japanese restaurant Masuya (鱒屋). High quality Japanese Wagyu beef can be best enjoyed not only as steak, but also in traditional Japanese dishes such as Sukiyaki and Shabu Shabu. The high quality products, manufacturing techniques, and food culture of Japan is gaining popularity worldwide. Summary of the Exportation of Japanese Wagyu Beef As you can see from the video, Australia is currently one of the top exporters of beef in the world. However, recently there is growing demand for tender and delicious Japanese beef such as Wagyu or Kuroge. Since the ban was lifted on the importation of Japanese Wagyu beef, distribution has spread worldwide and the superb taste of Wagyu beef is attracting attention from foodies overseas. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Wagyu beef! -
Video article 1:53
An Aerial View of the Powerful Whirlpools of the Seto Inland Sea! What Causes These Whirlpools, and Where Is the Best Place to View Them? Let’s Find Out!
Nature Travel- 192 plays
- YouTube
Drone Footage of the Whirlpools of the Seto Inland Sea and the Onaruto Bridge! The video that we'll introduce today is called "[Aerial View] Seto Inland Sea Whirlpools|Drone Footage of Onaruto Bridge [4K]|Tokushima to Awaji Island, Hyogo" (【絶景空撮】瀬戸内海・渦潮 ドローン空撮 大鳴門橋【4K】(四国徳島〜兵庫淡路島)). The video was created by "winteroptix." It shows beautiful drone footage of the whirlpools of the Seto Inland Sea and the Onaruto Bridge. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea, the Naruto whirlpools, and the magnificent scenery of the Onaruto Bridge, all in one video! The Onaruto Bridge and Whirlpools of the Seto Inland Sea Photo:Onaruto Bridge Onaruto Bridge (大鳴門橋,Onarutokyo) is a suspension bridge that connects Fukurahei, Minamiawaji City, Hyogo Prefecture and Tosadomariura, Naruto Town, Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. The bridge is 1,629 meters long and 25 meters wide, and its main tower is 144.3 meters tall. Honshu-Shikoku Bridge (本州四国連絡船橋, Honshushikokurenrakukyo), Onaruto Bridge, and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峡大橋, Akashikaikyoohashi) are 3 of the most crucial traffic routes connecting Honshu (本州) and the Shikoku Region (四国地方,Shikokuchiho). Since the bridges span the sea, they are often closed to traffic due to wind speeds, so be careful when passing through. Onaruto Bridge is a motorway so you cannot cross it by foot, bicycle, or scooter. There used to be a ferry company called Naruto Ferry that ran between the Shikoku Region and Awaji Island (淡路島, Awajishima), but it is now out of business. There is a plan to add a railroad to Onaruto Bridge and enable the Shikoku Shinkansen to cross the Seto Inland Sea in the future, so you may one day be able to go to the Shikoku Region by bullet train! The Amazing Naruto Whirlpools Near Onaruto Bridge Photo:Naruto Strait The Naruto whirlpools are whirling tides of water that appear in the Naruto Strait (鳴門海峡, Narutokaikyo). You can observe them at around 0:07 in the video. Some of these whirlpools have a diameter of 20 meters, making them the largest whirlpools in the world. The Naruto whirlpools appear due to currents from the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel (紀伊水道, Kiisuido) violently colliding with one another near Naruto. The area around Naruto has a wide tidal range, with the difference between the high tide and low tide going up 1.5 meters during the spring, and its current is said to be the fastest in Japan. The Naruto Strait is said to be one of the world’s three major currents, along with Italy's Strait of Messina and Canada’s Seymour Narrows. Famous Tourist Spots to View the Whirpools Photo:Naruto whirlpools There's a sidewalk called "Uzu no Michi (渦の道) on Onaruto Bridge, which hangs over the Seto Inland Sea. From here, you can look down at the Naruto whirlpools from the bridge. The area gets many tourists and is famous for being instagrammable! The entry fee is 510 yen for adults, 410 yen for junior high and high school students, and 260 yen for young children. There's also the Onaruto Bridge Museum Eddy (大鳴門橋架橋記念館エディ, Onarutokyo kakyo kinenkan eddy) nearby, so consider dropping by during your visit. The bridge is lit up at night, providing a a beautiful view that you won't be able to see during the day. If you want to observe the Naruto whirlpools up close, we highly recommend taking a cruise on the whirlpool sightseeing boats run by Uzushio-kisen. The cruise ships go near the whirlpools, so you can experience the thrilling natural phenomenon! If you're prone to seasickness, be sure to take some seasickness medicine beforehand! Roadside Station Uzushio (道の駅うずしお, Michinoekiuzushio) and Naruto Park (鳴門公園, Narutokoen) on Awaji Island are great places to stop and rest. Tokushima Prefecture is full of tourist attractions, such as the Awa Odori Festival (Awa Dance Festival), Tokushima Ramen, and temples included in the "88 Shikoku Temples"! Summary of the Naruto Whirlpools of the Seto Inland Sea Source :YouTube screenshot Today, we introduced drone footage of the whirlpools of the Seto Inland Sea and Onaruto Bridge. If this article/video have you interested in the Naruto whirpools, be sure to visit Tokushima prefecture! 【Tripadvisor】Seto Inland Sea https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g298561-d554137-r138282192-Setonaikai-Hiroshima_Hiroshima_Prefecture_Chugoku.html 【Tripadvisor】Onaruto Bridge https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g678355-d1384640-Reviews-Onaruto_Bridge-Naruto_Tokushima_Prefecture_Shikoku.html -
Video article 1:29
A Real-World Escape Game! You Better Use All Five Senses If You Want to Solve This Mystery!
Action & Adventure Modern Culture- 23 plays
- YouTube
A Real-World Escape Game This video titled ““Real Escape Game” PV(『リアル脱出ゲーム』PV)”, created by “SCRAP”, is a promotion video of a real escape game service, which is an experience-based event. A lot of people are getting excited, because a real-world experience-based event like this has never existed before. You have to escape by using your brain to solve puzzles and it is recommended for people who are looking for something new. We'll talk a little about the appeal of a real-world escape game in this article. What Is a Real-World Escape Game? Source :YouTube screenshot The real-world escape game is an experience-based event service, registered as a trademark of SCARP. The participants have to analyze hints, think outside the box, and even use strength in order to solve the puzzles and escape, and it can be done alone or in a large group. The atmosphere of the venue is shown from 0:05 and how it is solved is shown from 0:21 in the video. Real-world escape games are held all over Japan and they all have different characteristics. Different games are introduced in the video, like a submarine escape, an amusement park escape, an undersea prison escape, and more. Mysterious letters, shapes, numbers, tools and messages are everywhere in the venue and you have to decode and analyze them, within the 60 minute time limit. There are some events with an escape rate of 1% and they are difficult to solve, which is why people like to challenge the game and get excited about trying them. Where to Experience a Real-World Escape Game Source :YouTube screenshot There are different kinds of games held in different places in Japan, such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Yokohama, Sendai, Kanagawa, Shinjuku, Kichijoji, Ikebukuro, Shimokitazawa and Asakusa and they all have different themes. You should go and try your favorite event at least once if you're interested. There are cafes to relax at as well. Collaboration events Source :YouTube screenshot There are also events collaborated with anime, manga, and video games. In 2020, there will be events such as: Cardcaptor Sakura, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Detective Conan and Love Live! Sunshine!! In the past, there was a collaboration with Resident Evil and Mezamashi TV. Check out the homepage for more collaborated events. Real-World Escape Game Overview Source :YouTube screenshot ““Real Escape Game” PV” created by “SCRAP” is a video that introduces the real escape game which is getting popular these days. There are different kinds of real-world escape games that are based on anime and popular video games and they can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Whether you solve the puzzles or not, it's sure to be a memorable experience! There are practice questions on the official website, so if you're interested we recommend giving it a try! -
Video article 1:04
Become a Ninja in Kabukicho! Shinjuku’s “Ninja Trick House” in Tokyo; Located on the Busiest Shopping District in the East!
Action & Adventure Travel- 31 plays
- YouTube
Tokyo's “Ninja Trick House” The video “Ninja Trick House, Shinjuku(手裏剣道場 新宿 忍者からくり屋敷)” was created by “Ninja Trick House in Tokyo”. The Ninja Trick house, where you can throw shuriken and experience becoming a ninja, is located in Kabukicho. You can release stress by listening to the shuriken fly through the air and strike their targets. The facility can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. This article is going to introduce you to Tokyo's Ninja Trick House. What is Tokyo's “Ninja Trick House” Source :YouTube screenshot “Ninja Trick House in Tokyo: Experience the Mystical World of the NINJA” is owned by Legacy Co., Ltd. It is a place where you can experience shuriken throwing and learn ninja sword techniques. You can take your children along or even go as a date. You can enjoy experiences such as touching and drawing replicas of Japanese swords, wooden swords and a ninja swords. It is not something you can experience in many other places. You can check some of that footage out from 0:20 in the video. Searching for trick walls and mechanisms of the ninja house is fun as well. Give it a try if you're curious. Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 0:12, the entrance to the Ninja Trick House has red torii gates leading up to its entrance. It feels like you're stepping into another world. During the ninja experience, the first thing they do is show a video that explains ninja. After the video, some ninja enter the room, explain the weapons and tools, and the ninja training begins! You can practice shuriken throwing and swordsmanship at the training range. It is an indoor attraction with a guide, so you can participate without worry. The main attraction, shuriken throwing, is shown from 0:49 in the video. The facility has a Japanese tatami style room that helps make the experience feel authentic! Find out what type of ninja you are, and what school of ninja you belong to as well! Information about Tokyo's Ninja Trick House Photo:Shinjuku Station East Exit at Dusk The Ninja Trick House is about an 8 minute walk from JR Shinjuku station east exit, and a 5 minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku line, Shinjuku Station. As of April, 2020, The admission fee is 1,500 JPY (~$14.00 USD) per person and free for children under 3 years old. The experience itself lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. There is restricted entry when crowded, so we recommend booking ahead of time. The Ninja Trick House has a great reputation, and is very popular among visitors to Japan. The Ninja Trick House also received first prize in TOKYO100; a project by Trip Advisor and the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation. Tokyo's top 100 attractions are shown in the rankings, and there are sites that give coupons as well, so be sure to check it out if you are interested. The world famous "Ninja" Photo:Ninja Ninja existed during the Muromachi period (1336 to 1573) and Edo period (1603 to 1868) in Japan. Their specialty was in intelligence, infiltration tactics, subversion, conspiracy and assassination. Ninja are known all over the world thanks to manga, anime, movies and games. One of the first things that comes to mind for many people when they hear "Japan", is actually ninja. In Japan, you can experience ninja at the VR Ninja Dojo in Kanda, Tokyo, Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura in Tochigi, the Samurai Museum in Shinjuku and Izakaya Ninja Yashiki in Asakusa. Summary Source :YouTube screenshot The video “Ninja Trick House, Shinjuku”, created by “Ninja Trick House in Tokyo” introduces a facility where you can experience ninja in Shinjuku's Kabukicho. We highly recommend visiting here, as there is no other place where you can experience throwing shuriken and swordsmanship at such a level of authenticity. ◆NINJA TRICK HOUSE: Experience the Mystical World of the NINJA◆ 【Address】 Daiichi Wako Building 4F, 2-28-13 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo. 【Access】 8 minute walk from JR Shinjuku east exit. 5 minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku station. 【Entrance fee】1,500 yen. Free for under 3 years old. (April 2020) 【Closures】Every Tuesday and Wednesday 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】 03-6457-3337 【Official Website】Ninja Trick House in Tokyo https://ninja-trick-house.com/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Ninja Trick House In Tokyo Ninja Trick House, Tokyo -
Video article 1:21
Captain Tsubasa's Newest Soccer Game! The High-Quality Soccer Game to Be Released in 2020, With Visual Effects True to the Original Anime Series, Is Driving Fans Wild!
Modern Culture- 23 plays
- YouTube
Introducing Captain Tsubasa's Latest Appearance! "PS4/Nintendo Switch 「Captain Tsubasa RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS」First Trailer(PS4/Nintendo Switch「キャプテン翼 RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS」ファーストトレーラー)," made public by ‘876TV,’ is a movie introducing a Captain Tsubasa video game, set to be released in 2020. The visual effects loyal to the original anime series are breathtaking, and the video doesn’t fail in delivering this to the fans. Fans are going after hearing about the Captain Tsubasa's latest addition to the series, after nearly 10 years of waiting! In this article, we’ll go into detail about the action packed soccer game, ‘Captain Tsubasa: RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS,’ and the original series of Captain Tsubasa. Captain Tsubasa Returns 10 Years Later... Source :YouTube screenshot After nearly 10 years, a new captain Tsubasa soccer game is set to release for PS4 and Nintendo Switch. ‘Captain Tsubasa: RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS’ is scheduled for an August 2020 release. The developer is Bandai Namco Entertainment. It's an action-soccer game with familiar characters from the anime series, Captain Tsubasa, make amazing plays with incredible speed. The game can be enjoyed by anyone as well, making it something to look forward to! Source :YouTube screenshot Each character in the game is dubbed by voice actors, making it easier to indulge in the world of Captain Tsubasa. It's garnered a lot of attention on popular SNS sites in Japan, such as Niconico and 5ch. The video introduced here is the first trailer, and at the time of this article, the third trailer has already been made public! If you’re interested, don't forget to check it out! You can watch spectacular scenes, just like the ones from the anime series, in the video, such as Hikari Matsuyama’s Eagle Shot at 0:36, and Kojiro Hyuga’s Tiger Shot at 0:42. What Is the Captain Tsubasa Series? Source :YouTube screenshot Captain Tsubasa is a soccer manga series by Yoichi Takahashi that was serialized in Shonen Jump. It's often abbreviated as CapTsubasa. The series tells the story of Tsubasa Ozora, whose creed is "the ball is my friend," and other attractive characters such as Genzo Wakabayashi, Kojiro Hyuga, Misaki Taro, and Ishizaki Ryo, who grow up playing soccer. The serialization of Captain Tsubasa caused a soccer boom in Japan was the influence for many soccer players who currently play professionally. Popular foreign players, such Zidane and Neymar, say they started playing football after being influenced by Captain Tsubasa. It contributed enormously to the increase in soccer's population, which was previously quite small in Japan. The series ended once, but restarted as the popularity of soccer had risen due to the start of the J League. There are sequels which take place in countries overseas, like ‘World Youth Ver.’ And ‘Rising Sun.’ ‘Captain Tsubasa Magazine,’ a magazine entirely about Captain Tsubasa, is currently being sold as well. In addition, there are futsal courts called Captain Tsubasa Stadium in places like Yokohama and Tokyo, and they're very popular among children. Summary of Captain Tsubasa's Latest Appearance Source :YouTube screenshot ‘PS4/Nintendo Switch 「Captain Tsubasa RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS」First Trailer,’ created by ‘876TV,’ is a video introducing a high-quality Captain Tsubasa soccer game. It's the first (non-mobile) Captain Tsubasa game in about 10 years so it's grabbing the attention of many fans. It's a refreshing game where you can enjoy making incredible, action-packed plays. Check it out if you’re interested! As for smartphone games, there's ‘Captain Tsubasa ZERO Score! Miracle Shoot’ and ‘Captain Tsubasa Fight! Dream Team’, so don’t forget to check those out as well! -
Video article 15:03
Introducing All 125 of Japan's Emperors. 2019 Marks the Beginning of the Reiwa Period and the Beginning of a New Era for Japan
History- 20 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "125 Generations of Emperors." (歴代天皇125代.), was released by "Yasaka Hastur." This roughly 15 minute video introduces all 125 of Japan's emperors. It introduces the emperors from the very first Emperor Jimmu to the former Emperor Akihito, the 125th emperor, along with their portraits, names, and periods of accession in Japanese. In 2019, the 126th Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne. The video provides a quiet glimpse into the long history of Japan's emperors. Photographs of the former emperor Akihito and members of the Imperial Family are also be shown at 14:00. -
Video article 5:50
You’re Now Luffy! Run Around the Open-World of One Piece! Introducing “One Piece World Seeker”, With a Breathtaking Field and Stunning Battle System!
Modern Culture- 64 plays
- YouTube
Introducing ‘One Piece World Seeker’ This video, titled ‘One Piece World Seeker – Opening Cinematic Trailer | PS4’, was published by ‘PlayStation’ and is a promotional movie for the new game ‘One Piece World Seeker’ which launched in 2019, and is based on the famous manga/anime series One Piece. A large number of popular characters from One Piece are included, and adventure around the in-game world. Seeing as the platform it was released on was the PlayStation 4, the graphics are amazing, and by watching the video, you'll want to give the game a go as well. In this article, we’ll go into some of the details regarding ‘One Piece World Seeker'. What is the popular manga series 'One Piece' all about? Source :YouTube screenshot One Piece is an adventure manga serialized in weekly Shonen Jump by Shueisha, since 1997. As of April 2020, the latest issue is the 96th, and an impressive 470 million paperback copies have been sold in total. The story depicts the nautical adventure romance of the protagonist Monkey D. Luffy travelling around the world to discover the legendary treasure- a single gold piece (a.k.a. One Piece). Friendships and emotional scenes that lead to deep character development with other characters like Zoro Roronoa, and Nami are part of what makes One Piece a great series. It is extremely popular overseas as well, and it has been recognized as ‘the comic book with the most issues published by a single author’ by the Guinness Book of World Records. In 2019, ‘Stampede’, the latest One Piece movie, was shown. The Japanese rock band ‘WANIMA’ played the theme song, and the best voice actors were gathered for it. It is a truly great movie with appearances from countless popular characters from past series'. As of March 2020, it topped 10 billion yen (~$92.7m USD) in box offices worldwide. The newest addition to the One Piece Series- ‘One Piece World Seeker’ Source :YouTube screenshot So what is the latest One Piece videogame, ‘One Piece World Seeker’? ‘One Piece World Seeker’, introduced in the video, is a game launched in 2019 from Bandai Namco Entertainment. It is based on an original story featuring newly-designed characters by Eiichiro Oda, making it irresistible for fans of the series. ‘One Piece World Seeker’ uses the open-world setting where players can adventure around the world freely and put themselves in the shoes of the protagonist Luffy. The refined graphics of the PS4 add to the excitement of adventuring around the world of One Piece. Source :YouTube screenshot In ‘One Piece World Seeker’, players can experience ‘Dramatic open world Action’, while adventuring around as Luffy. In battle, players utilize ‘Luffy Actions’, such as Gomu Gomu no Bazooka, to overwhelm enemies. Skills are easy to use, so anyone, from children to adults, can enjoy this game. In addition, DLC, which adds various episodes to the game, is now available, and you can enjoy the game even after finishing the main storyline. You can check out some of the popular characters in the video, such as Brook from 0:27, Nami from 0:32, and Zoro from 1:46. The newly-released One Piece game in 2020, ‘Pirate Warriors 4’, is another highly rated game from the series and has skyrocketed in popularity. ‘One Piece World Seeker’ wrapped up Source :YouTube screenshot ‘One Piece World Seeker – Opening Cinematic Trailer | PS4’ published by ‘PlayStation’ is a video introducing 'One Piecce World Seeker', one of the latest games from the popular One Piece franchise. It is an open-world game, where you can adventure to your hearts content. Anyone, especially One Piece fans, can enjoy this game! -
Video article 3:46
A Cute Baby Squirrel Running Around in the Woods in the Early Morning. The Way It Holds Its Food With Both Hands as It Eats Is Simply Adorable!
Living Things- 385 plays
- YouTube
The Japanese Squirrel This video, titled "A Baby Squirrel in the Forest, Early in the Morning" (子リスの活動、早朝の森の中で), was created by "squirrelstail1." It contains footage of a baby Japanese squirrel in the wild. Squirrels at zoos are especially popular among children. Throughout this video you can see footage of the wild Japanese squirrel. You won't be able to take your eyes off of this adorable critter! Watching the quick and nimble movements of the Japanese squirrel is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. In this article, we'll introduce the Japanese squirrel, a squirrel native to Japan. Japanese Squirrel Facts Photo:Squirrel The Japanese squirrel is a member of the order Rodentia, family Sciuridae and genus Sciurus (齧歯目リス科リス属, gesshimokurisukarisuzoku), and is more commonly referred to as a rodent (齧歯類, gesshirui). It is called both Nihonrisu (ニホンリス) and Hondorisu (ホンドリス) in Japanese. An adult Japanese squirrel can grow to a height of 16-22 cm with a tail length of 13-17 cm and weight as much as 300g. The underbelly and tip of their tail is white in color and the fur on their body is known to change color depending on the season. Their summer coat is a reddish-brown color whereas their winter coat is more of a grayish-brown color. The Japanese squirrel's call sounds like "kyuukyuu" (キューキュー) in Japanese. You can buy squirrels at pet shops, and other pets, such as chipmunks, can be purchased for around 10,000 yen. They're relatively easy to care for making them a popular small pet. You can buy pellets or seeds to feed your pet squirrel at either a pet shop or home center. Photo:Manchurian walnuts The Japanese squirrel is mostly herbivorous. They like to feed on Manchurian walnuts (オニグルミ, onigurumi) and the seeds and fruits of Japanese larch (カラマツ, karamatsu), Japanese red pine (アカマツ, akamatsu) and Japanese white pine (ゴヨウマツ, goyoumatsu) trees. They are also known to occasionally eat insects and other small animals. They store food in pouches in their cheeks and take it back to their nest where they will then bury and store it underground. From 1:09 and 2:34 in the video, you can see adorable footage of a Japanese squirrel eating food it has found, using both of its tiny hands. Distribution and Habitat of the Japanese Squirrel Source :YouTube screenshot The Japanese squirrel lives in subalpine zones and woodland areas. They are diurnal animals who tend to be very active during the day and rest in the evening. They usually spend most of their time in a set area but may occasionally venture outside of that area to look for food. Japanese squirrels spend most of their time up in the tree tops where they build round nests. From 2:54 in the video, you can see a Japanese squirrel easily climb a tree. Wild Japanese squirrels do not hibernate in winter and have an average life span of 3 to 5 years. Japanese squirrels kept in captivity tend to have a slightly longer life span of around 5 to 7 years. How to Distinguish the Japanese Squirrel From Other Squirrels Photo:Japanese squirrel There are many species of squirrels, such as the Japanese squirrel, Hokkaido squirrel (エゾリス, ezorisu), Taiwanese squirrel (タイワンリス, taiwanrisu), Tamians, and chipmunks (シマリス, shimarisu) and red squirrels (キタリス, kitarisu). They all have their own unique characteristics, but the Japanese squirrel and Taiwanese squirrel are fairly hard to distinguish so we'll describe the differences between the two. The Japanese squirrel has a white border around its eyes which the Taiwanese squirrel doesn't have. In winter, the Japanese squirrel has a tuft of hair at the tip of its ears and a white underbelly; however, the Taiwanese squirrel's underbelly remains the same color as the rest of its body. The Taiwanese squirrel is a non-native species introduced to Japan and are known to be very aggressive in nature. Their increasing numbers, particularly in areas such as Kamakura (鎌倉), are becoming a problem. Summary of the Japanese Squirrel This video shown in this article contains footage of the Japanese squirrel. You won't be able to take your eyes off the cute Japanese squirrel as it plays in the forest early in the morning. If you love animals, be sure to check out the video! -
Video article 4:41
The Kitchen of Osaka - Kuromon Market, Is Lined With Fascinating Shops! It's a Shopping Spot That You Don't Want to Miss if You're Looking to Try Naniwa Cuisine!
Shopping- 21 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "Walking Around Kuromon Market, Osaka's Kitchen #0004" (大阪の台所・黒門市場を歩く #0004), was released by "machiaruki channel." It shows a scene of Kuromon market, a famous kitchen in Osaka. If you are planning to visit Osaka in the near future but don't know where on earth to go, you might want to take a look at this video. You can find out what kind of shops line the market, which will give you ideas on what to do in Osaka. Just looking at the crowded streets might have you feeling like you're already there. The video is under 5 minutes long so it's great if you only have a little bit of time to spare. You might even find a place that fits into your schedule! -
Video article 1:39
A CT Scan of a Buddhist Statue Reveals It to Be the Work of Genius Buddhist Sculptor Unkei?! This Massive Work of Art Has the Potential to Change What We Know About History!
History Art & Architecture- 90 plays
- YouTube
CT Scanning Research of the Four Heavenly Kings Statues of Nan'en-do at Kofukuji Temple in Nara! This video, titled "Unkei’s ‘mark’ found on Four Heavenly Kings standing statues," is about the Four Heavenly Kings statues at Nan'en-do in Nara Prefecture. It was published by "Asahi Shimbun." In 2017, the Tokyo National Museum conducted CT scans on the Buddhist statues of Kofukuji Temple in Nara Prefecture (奈良県, Nara-ken) to coincide with a special exhibit called "Unkei—The Great Master of Buddhist Sculpture." It opened up the possibility that the creator of the Mujaku and Seshin standing statues (無著世親菩薩立像, Mujaku Seshin Bosatsu Ryuzo), known as the most highly acclaimed Japanese sculptures, was none other than genius Buddhist sculptor Unkei. Presently in Japan, it is said that there are 31 other statues created by Unkei, but there is a likelihood that the number will rise as surveys continue. The CT Scan Research of the Four Heavenly Kings Statues Source :YouTube screenshot According to the video, by CT scanning the Four Heavenly Kings statues of Nan'en-do, and the Mujaku and Seshin standing statues of the North Round Hall (北円堂, Hokuendo), it was discovered that wooden parts containing tree cores had been combined to make both groups of statues. It is therefore said that the Four Heavenly Kings statues at Kofukuji Temple were created by Unkei. The commonality in technique used in the Mujaku and Seshin statues is an important factor to back the claim that the creator of both groups of statues is Unkei. In the video, the statue, over 2 meters tall, is neatly wrapped, and from 0:49 in the video, the x-ray CT scanning begins. From 0:10 in the video, Ryusuke Asami, section chief of the planning division at the Tokyo National Museum, says in interview, "the Four Heavenly Kings statues have never been photographed using x-rays before and the structures of the insides of the statues has also not been understood." What are the Four Heavenly Kings? Source :YouTube screenshot The Four Heavenly Kings are the four gods of Buddhism that protect the four directions and consist of the Jikokuten statue (持国天像, Jikokuten-zo) of the east, the Zojoten statue (増長天像, Zojoten-zo) of the south, the Komokuten (広目天像, Komokuten-zo) statue of the west, and the Tamokuten statue (多聞天像, Tamonten-zo) of the North. The Four Heavenly Kings statues at Kofukuji Temple were thought to be the works of Unkei’s father, Kokei, but from this research and researches on their styles, it has become increasingly believable that these were created by the hands of Unkei himself. The National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Kofukuji Temple Photo:Nara Prefecture・Kofukuji Kofukuji Temple, located in Nara Prefecture, consists of historical buildings, such as the East Golden Hall (東金堂, Tokondo), the West Golden Hall (西金堂, Saikondo), the North Round Hall, and the South Round Hall (Nan'en-do). The wooden statues of the Four Heavenly Kings at Kofukuji were moved from the Old Golden Hall (旧金堂, Kyukondo) to the South Round Hall replacing the Four Heavenly Kings statues in the South Round Hall, which are introduced in the video. Other than these, there are many temple treasures at Kofukuji Temple which were created during the Heian period (794-1185) and the Kamakura period (1185-1333), including the Asura statue, the wooden Medicine King (Bhaishajyaraja) and Medicine Superior standing statues (薬王菩薩・薬上菩薩立像, Mokuzo Yakuobosatsu・Yakujobosatsu Ryuzo), the bronze Medicine Master sitting statue (薬師如来坐像, Yakushinyorai Zazo), Ryowakiji statue, the wooden Manjushri standing statue (文殊菩薩立像, Monjubosatsu Ryuzo), the wooden Vimalakirti sitting statue (維摩居士坐像, Yuimakoji Zazo), the wooden Twelve Heavenly Generals standing statues (十二神将立像, Junishinsho Ryuzo), and the bronze Buddha head. Summary of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kofukuji Source :YouTube screenshot This article introduced the massive discovery of the Four Heavenly Kings of Kofukuji possibly being created by the genius Buddhist sculptor, Unkei. The research by the Tokyo National Museum may lead to an important discovery that unravels the mysteries of history. Nara Prefecture has flourished for more than a thousand years, back when it was called Heijokyo (平城京, Heijo-kyo), and it still has many sightseeing locations, such as Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Shrine (春日大社, Kasuga-taisha), Yakushiji Temple, Taima Temple (当麻寺, Taimadera), and more. If you’re interested in Buddhist statues or Japanese history in general, we urge you to visit! 【Official Website】The Head Temple of the Hosso School (法相宗, Hosso-shu) Kofukuji Temple https://www.kohfukuji.com/english/ -
Video article 3:47
Kishin Shinoyama - See the Japanese Photographer's Works and Learn About His Famous Exhibit "THE PEOPLE"
Japanese Celebrities- 59 plays
- YouTube
Kishin Shinoyama’s Exhibit! This video, titled "[Gallery AaMo] A Kishin Shinoyama Exhibition|THE PEOPLE by KISHIN The Last Show" (【Gallery AaMo】篠山紀信展 写真力 THE PEOPLE by KISHIN The Last Show), is presented by “Tokyo Dome City.” The video is about the exhibit "THE PEOPLE" by genius photographer, Kishin Shinoyama. Kishin Shinoyama's photo exhibit "THE PEOPLE" was held at 32 venues across Japan for 7 years starting in 2012, and achieved the remarkable feat of having more than one million visitors. Who is Kishin Shinoyama? Source :YouTube screenshot Kishin Shinoyama is a photographer from Tokyo. He graduated Nihon University College of Art Photography Course and Tokyo College of Photography. He shoots a wide range of work in various genres and themes, from kabuki to nude. After divorcing his ex-wife, a model, he married idol singer Saori Minami. In recent years, he has released a number of photo books, including "Gekisha" and "digi+KISHIN," in which he photographed not only the aforementioned Saori Minami, but also other actresses and models, such as Rie Miyazawa, Suzu Hirose, and more. He also released "MAGIC," a photobook with a Disney theme. Kishin Shinoyama's panoramic photography technique, which uses multiple cameras, is known as "Shinorama. Kishin Shinoyama's photographs, taken using a highly original technique, have gained the support of people of all ages. "THE PEOPLE" Source :YouTube screenshot In an interview at 0:32 in the video, Kishin Shinoyama talks about the live nature of the exhibit. At a time when it was difficult to find a venue, information about the exhibit spread by word of mouth, and he was able to hold it in Osaka and Nagoya, making it a positive experience for him. Shinoyama's exhibit "THE PEOPLE" includes photos of Yukio Mishima, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Shigeo Nagashima, and Kirin Kiki. At 2:32 in the video, you can see an exhibit featuring photographs depicting the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The "Power of Photography" exhibit, which began at the Kumamotoshi Gendai Museum in 2012, reached 1 million visitors at the Tokyo Dome City Gallery AaMo in Suidobashi. Summary of Kishin Shinoyama Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see in the video interview, he continues to take on new challenges with a lot of ingenuity. If this video has piqued your interest in Kishin Shinoyama's work, be sure to check out his work! You can also check out Kishin Shinoyama's Instagram page to see more of his work. -
Video article 10:11
The Tsushima Leopard Cat: A Look at the Life of the Feline That Is Both Cute and Scary. The Unknown Secrets of the Nationally Protected Species!
Living Things- 282 plays
- YouTube
The Tsushima Leopard Cat - An Endangered Species This video, titled "[Japanese Cats] Ecology of the Tsushima Leopard Cat|Wild Cat|Protected Species (Tsushima Leopard Cat)," was produced by “Orange Animal Channel” (オレンジ動物チャンネル). It introduces the endangered Tsushima Leopard Cat. The animal introduced in this footage lives only in the wooded forest area around Tsushima in Nagasaki prefecture. It is a very rare wild cat. Photo:Tsushima leopard cat What is the Tsushima Leopard Cat? The Tsushima cat is classified as a member of the Carnivora order of cats, and its head-to-body length can reach up to about 50 cm for the larger cats. It's safe to say that they are about the same size as house cats. Since 1997, thanks to conservation efforts by the Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center, surveys have been held and artificial breeding carried out at the Fukuoka Zoo & Botanical Garden. In this video, you'll see a plump Tsushima Leopard Cat. The weight of the wild cats is about 5 kg give or take, and being carnivorous, they mainly feed on small mammals and reptiles. Their life expectancy is around 10 years. Presently, they are designated as an endangered species and a nationally protected species, so they cannot be pets without authorization. You can see the Tsushima Leopard Cat energetically playing around in its cage in the footage. It is a very cute sight to see but every once in a while it looks at you with a piercing gaze, reminding you that while they may be cute, they also want their distance. Source :YouTube screenshot The Life and Characteristics of the Tsushima Leopard Cat Tsushima, the habitat of the Tsushima leopard cat, is an island in Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan's Kyushu region. Most of the island is covered by forest, which is ideal for the nocturnal, solitary Tsushima leopard cat. The difference between stray cats and feral cats is that strays were abandoned or lost and became feral, while wild cats have preserved their species in their long history without depending on humans. At first glance, the Tsushima cat looks very similar to a house cat. However, they have a pattern on the back of their ear called ocelli, which is only seen on wild cats. From 8:49 in the video, you can see the Tsushima Leopard Cat relaxing and staying still, so keep your eyes open for the ocelli pattern. Although wildcats are widely distributed across the Asian continent, the Tsushima leopard cat is said to have its roots in a subspecies of the Bengal wildcat. In addition to the Tsushima leopard cat and Bengal wildcat, Asia is home to the Iriomote wildcat, the lynx, the Korean wildcat, and the Manchurian wildcat, but their populations are all believed to be in decline. Photo:Tsushima, Nagasaki Why Is the Tsushima Leopard Cat an Endangered Species? You might be asking yourself, "How did the cute Tsushima leopard cat's population decline to the point of being listed as an endangered species?" The video also explains the five reasons for the decline in the Tsushima leopard cat's numbers from around 4:57 onwards, and sadly, one of the reasons is humans. This includes when they are trapped and die as a result of vermin control, or when they die in traffic accidents. Photo:Tsushima leopard cat Efforts to Conserve the Tsushima Leopard Cat Going Forward Since 1997, efforts to conserve the Tsushima Leopard Cat have been carried out by the Tsushima Wildlife Conservation Center, and from 2007, artificial breeding has been conducted at domestic zoos, such as the Kyoto Municipal Zoo. Their adorable appearance has been shown on the news and other media, and they became a hot topic of conversation when they were featured at zoos and conservation centers. Currently, in order to prevent its extinction, efforts to conserve the Tsushima cat are expanding with the sale of goods, such as plush toys and the production of Tsushima leopard cat rice. It's important for us to be aware of the importance of coexisting with nature to prevent the extinction of the lovely Tsushima cat, which can only be found in Japan. 【Official Website】Domestic Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora|The Tsushima Leopard Cat http://kyushu.env.go.jp/twcc/report/pam/leaflet/index.html -
Video article 2:43
The Precious Okinawa Rail – A Look at the Awkwardly Adorable Flightless Bird of Kunigami, Okinawa, Registered as a Protected Species!
Living Things- 332 plays
- YouTube
Introducing the Okinawa Rail - A Protected Species in Japan This video, titled “Wild Okinawa rail (Kunigami, Okinawa prefecture) May 11th-12th, 2019(野生の ヤンバルクイナ (沖縄県国頭村) 2019年5月11-12日) introduces the Okinawa rail, a protected species on the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment. The Okinawa rail is also a critically endangered species and a Specified National Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. They are flightless birds and live only in Okinawa. This video was taken in 2019 on the street in Kunigami, Okinawa prefecture. As indicated by the name “Yabaru” which is a dialect of Okinawa prefecture, this bird is an endemic species found only in northern Okinawa prefecture, Kunigami, Ogimison, and Higashison. It's a very rare bird, not only in Japan but also around the world. The forest area located in the northern part of Okinawa is called the Yanbaru Forest. Kunigami Village, where wild Okinawa rail (Yanbaru Kuina) appear frequently, is called the Forest of Kuina. There is an Okinawa Rail Ecology Center, and the Yanbaru Kuina observatory is located there. The Ecology of the Okinawa Rail Photo:Okinawa rail The wild Okinawa rail is characterized by the following morphology and characteristics: ・Birds, Order Gruiformes, Family Rallidae, scientific name: Gallirallus okinawae ・Size: approx. 35 cm in length with a weight of 230 gramst ・Wild distribution:The woodlands near Mt. Yonahatake ・Eating habits:Omnivorous ・Nesting:They build nests on the grounds of the forest, and lay about 4 eggs in breeding season. ・They have vestigial wings and are unable to fly, but parent birds have bright red bills and beautifully striped feathers. Chicks have a protective coloring of deep black feathers. ・Their calls are distinctive, and very loud. The Origins of the Name "Yanbaru Kuina," and the History the Okinawa Rail Photo:Okinawa rail The first discovery of the wild Okinawa rail by experts was in 1981, which is actually quite recent. There are various kinds of Rallidae (rails) around the world, but it gained a lot of attention as the first rail species to be discovered in the wild. In Okinawa Prefecture, they were called by different names such as Agachi, Agacha, and Yamadui, depending on the region, and it turned out that they are a species indigenous to the region with a long history. Therefore, they were named Yanbaru Kuina from Yamadui, which means bird of the mountains, using the Kanji "山原"as a phonetic equivalent (pronounced Yanbaru in Okinawa dialect). Other than Yanbaru Kuina, Yanbaru Fumiru and Okinawa Kuina were other possible names. Summary of Very Rare Okinawa Rail Photo:An Okinawa rail crossing sign The Okinawa rail is an endangered species of wild bird that can only be seen in Yanbaru Forest on the main island of Okinawa. Even in Okinawa Prefecture, you cannot see them on remote islands such as Miyako Island. They are a very rare endemic species. The reasons for the decline in the Okinawa rail's population are due to deaths from car accidents and attacks by alien predators such as mongooses, Yellow fever mosquitoes, and stray cats. At 0:10 in the video, an Okinawa rail is seen crossing the road at a brisk pace, raising concerns about traffic accidents. Japan is still an island country with 70% of its land surrounded by forests, and there are many rare wild indigenous species that are only found in Japan, so it is said to be very important for the protection of indigenous species that we do not pollute the natural environment through overexploitation, nor bring dangerous alien species into the country without care. Currently, the Ministry of the Environment is taking the lead in protecting the Okinawa rail, breeding mates, increasing their numbers, and returning them to the wild. However, it is important not only to protect them strictly, but also to make people widely aware of Okinawa rails. In this way there are goods such as stuffed animals sold at roadside stations and airport shops in Okinawa. These awareness raising activities are also part of the important protection policies. -
Video article 1:49
The Power of Virtual Influencers, an Important Source of Information Transmission. Learn About How Virtual Influencers, Now a Threat to Actual Influencers, Are Made!
Modern Culture- 58 plays
- YouTube
Virtual Influencers This video, titled "A Virtual Influencer With 1.6 Million Followers!," is a video that introduces virtual influencers, a hot topic as of late. Have you ever heard of a "virtual influencer"? A blogger or YouTuber who has many followers, and therefore, a lot of influential power, is referred to as an "influencer." Currently, there are virtual influencers with more than 1.6 million followers on Instagram. These CG virtual influencers, who are currently attracting attention worldwide, are being used to spread information online. Popular Virtual YouTubers such as the Japanese Kizuna Ai (an anime-style virtual character) are gaining popularity. In this article, we'll talk about some of these characters, who are also referred to as "virtual humans" and "virtual dolls." These virtual characters are an inexpensive and more appealing way to advertise compared to conventional mass media, and are being utilized by various companies including fashion brands. The World's First Virtual Influencer Modeling Agency Set up in Japan Source :YouTube screenshot These virtual influencers, fictitious characters created using 3D computer graphics, regularly post pictures of their daily life on social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, as well as modelling, singing, and dancing. Virtual characters are used by various companies to model apparel and cosmetics, and are proving to be a very effective means of advertising. The virtual modeling agency featured in this video works with the second hand clothing retailer "yutori." The modeling agency is VIM (previously YYZ). They're introduced at 0:24 in the video. From 0:32, you can see one of their realistic virtual models modelling an outfit of second hand clothing. The two models introduced in the video are called Aoi Prism (葵プリズム) and uca. Both are Japanese style virtual models. From 0:39, fashion director Soudai Yamaguchi (山口壮大, yamaguchisoudai) talks about how a high level of 3D computer graphics can be used to create a virtual model that rivals an actual model with little difference in how their daily life and work are portrayed on screen to viewers. How Virtual Influencers Are Created Source :YouTube screenshot From 1:09 in the video, VIM representative Takanori Kataishi (片石貴展, kataishitakanori) is questioned about the creation of their virtual models. Unfortunately, he couldn't go into details on how the models were created as it's a company secret. However, from looking at the video it's clear that they are created using fairly high level computer graphics. Summary of Virtual Influencers Source :YouTube screenshot Although their use is fairly limited at the moment, it's expected that these virtual influencers will play an active role Japan in the future. Every day new virtual influencers are being born; for example the first ever virtual celebrity Hiro Mizushima (水嶋ヒロ, mizushimahiro) and other popular virtual influencers on SNS such as "imma" and Liam Nikuro (二クロ・リアム, nikuroriamu). Be sure to check out these characters online when you have the chance! -
Video article 12:53
Yoshiharu Habu, a Professional Shogi Player and Winner of Numerous Titles, Is Presented With the Medal of Honor With Purple Ribbon! Introducing a Legend of the Shogi World: Yoshiharu Habu, the First Shogi Player in History to Achieve All Seven Shogi Titles!
Japanese Celebrities- 22 plays
- YouTube
Yoshiharu Habu's Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon This video, titled "Yoshiharu Habu, Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon|Interview" (羽生善治竜王 喜び語る 紫綬褒章受章会見), contains footage of an interview that took place in 2018 with top shogi player Yoshiharu Habu after receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. In 2018, Yoshiharu Habu was awarded the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon as well as being publicly presented the National Honor Award (国民栄誉賞, kokumineiyoshou) by the Prime Minister. Please check out this video which contains footage of an interview with Yoshiharu Habu in which he expresses his feelings after winning the prestigious award. More About Yoshiharu Habu and His Career History Source :YouTube screenshot Yoshiharu Habu was born in 1970 and is a professional shogi player famous for winning all seven shogi titles. He has two daughters with his wife Rie Habu (羽生理恵, habu rie). He joined the Hachioji Shogi club (八王子将棋クラブ) when he was an elementary school student and debuted as a professional shogi player in junior high school. After his debut he became the top shogi player in Japan, attracting a lot of attention. According to the Shogi Federation (将棋連盟, shougirenmei), Yoshiharu Habu is the top earner among all shogi players in the country, earning more than 100 million yen (~$1,000,000 USD)/year. What Kind of Player Is Yoshiharu Habu? Photo:Shogi In 2017, Yoshiharu Habu became the first shogi player to win all seven shogi titles: Eisei Ryuo (永世竜王), Juku Eisei Meijin (十九世名人), Eisei Oi (永世王位), Meiyo Oza(名誉王座), Eisei Kio (永世棋王), Eisei Osho (永世王将) and Eisei Kisei (永世棋聖). He also continues to hold the NHK Cup title. Yoshiharu Habu has a famous saying which translates in English to "Don't take the easy victory, dare to make an adventurous move" (目の前の勝利よりあえて冒険的な一手を指す). His willingness to take on a challenge may be the secret to his great success winning all seven shogi titles and also receiving the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon. The Medal of Honor With Purple Ribbon Photo:Calculating The Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon is awarded to those who have achieved excellence in their field of work, be it academia, the arts, sports, and so on. The Medal with Purple Ribbon is awarded in accordance with Article 7 Section 7 of the Constitution of Japan. In recent years, it has also been awarded to Hiroyuki Sanada and Mariko Hayashi. Yoshiharu Habu won the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon of Autumn. Other Medal of Honor awards include the Red Ribbon (紅綬褒章, koujuhoushou), Green Ribbon (緑綬褒章, ryokujuhoushou), Yellow Ribbon (黄綬褒章, oujuhoushou), Blue Ribbon (藍綬褒章, ranjuhoshou) and Dark Blue Ribbon (紺綬褒章, konjuhoshou). Summary of Legendary Shogi Player, Yoshiharu Habu Source :YouTube screenshot If you still haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to hear Yoshiharu Habu speak about his family from 0:51 and about the much talked about Shogi AI from 8:49. Other famous shogi players in Japan include the up-and-coming Souta Fujii (藤井聡太, fujiisouta) and retired player Hifumi Kato (加藤一二三, katouhifumi). Those interested in the traditional Japanese game of shogi, be sure to check out some of the matches, such as the famous Ryuo tournament (竜王戦, ryuuousen)! -
Video article 17:00
Six Million Views! Enjoy the Nostalgic Scenery of Tokyo Through Rare Footage! The Origins of Japan's Post-War Recovery Can Be Found Here!
Life & Business- 105 plays
- YouTube
1966年の東京の姿を動画紹介 こちらで紹介する動画は「MichaelRogge」が公開した「Everyday life in bygone days in Tokyo, 1966 昭和東京」です。 動画で紹介されている1966年(昭和41年)というのは日本がようやく戦後の痛手から立ち直り、1964年の東京オリンピックという一大国際スポーツイベントを大成功のうちに終え、世界に向けて復興を高らかに宣言した直後の年です。 今回はその昭和41年当時の東京を写した貴重な動画を紹介します。 ノスタルジックな感じが満載ですが、東京からは焼け野原と化した戦争の痕跡は消え、高度成長期と呼ばれる経済発展の波の中で庶民の家庭にも三種の神器と言われた「冷蔵庫」「テレビ」「洗濯機」の普及がかなり進んでいることや日本人の食事が和食から洋食に移り変わっていったことも映し出されていて興味深いですね。 1966年の東京の生活 街並みを見ると道路の一部には中央分離帯もなく、バイクもノーヘル、と時代がとてもおおらかだったことを物語っています。 買い物もスーパーやコンビニエンスストアはこの当時は一般的ではなく、商店街が庶民の生活の中心でした。 平屋建ての一軒屋と髪を結い上げ和服に割烹着姿のお母さんという姿も昭和の庶民生活を象徴する風景です。 そして、ちょうど昭和40年代ころから急速に核家族化が始まり、動画のように家にはお父さんとお母さん、そして子供が2〜3人という家族構成が一般的になりました。 この後昭和40年代後半から核家族化の加速による急激な世帯数増加によって東京郊外の至るところに新興住宅地と呼ばれる団地の建設ラッシュが始まります。 労働力にも変化が現れ、土木関係に従事する肉体労働者や商店などの個人経営から工場勤務やサラリーマンへの労働人口のシフトが始まり、職種の多様化による生活様式の急変というのも昭和40年代の特徴と言えるでしょう。 1966年の出来事 それでは昭和41年にどのような社会現象が起こりどんなものが流行したのかを振り返っていきましょう。 ・敬老の日、体育の日が制定される ・東京武道館にビートルズ来日 ・日本の総人口がはじめて1億人を超える ・クイズブーム到来 ・メートル法完全施行 ・東京国立劇場こけら落とし ・全日空ボーイング727型機が東京湾に墜落。日本初の大規模な航空事故となる ・ミニスカートやロングブーツ、サマーセーターやタートルネックなどニット製品が大流行 ・日産サニー、トヨタカローラが誕生 ・「こまっちゃうな」や「しあわせだなぁ」などが流行語になる ・新三種の神器「カラーテレビ」「自動車」「エアコン」が話題になる 今では当たり前となったメートル法や自動車、エアコンなど現代文化がこの時代に生まれたのです。 ノスタルジックな東京の風景紹介まとめ 最後に動画を見て令和元年と昭和41年の東京を比較して変わらないなと思う風景がラッシュ時の殺人的な電車の混み具合です。 これが一番日本文化の中心地「東京」をイメージする風景かもしれません。 -
Video article 9:31
Shopping at the Trendy Marunouchi Building Near Tokyo Station! Enjoy the Feeling of Shopping in Toyko in Super Beautiful 4K Video!
Shopping- 22 plays
- YouTube
This video, titled "丸ビル Marunouchi Building 【Japan Street View】GoPro Hero7 4k," was released by "Japan Street View." The Marunouchi Building, commonly known as the Maru Building, is a building with a mix of office buildings and shopping malls. Built in 1923, it is an extremely historic building, and was often referred to as the "best building in the east." The Maru Building was the first building in Japan to have both an office building and a shopping mall, and it is a building that symbolizes Tokyo in Japan. In this video, they take a walk through the Maru Building, so if you're interested in shopping in Tokyo, consider giving it a watch! -
Video article 2:12
Prepare to Get Muddy! Miyakojima, Okinawa's "Paantu" Is a Bizarre Festival That Will Have You and Your Underwear Covered in Mud as You Try to Outrun the Gods!
Festivals & Events- 415 plays
- YouTube
Miyakojima's Paantu! This video is titled "Miyakojima Shimajiri Paantu 2018 Unesco World Cultural Heritage." (宮古島・島尻パーントゥ2018 UNESCO World cultural heritage). It introduces the traditional festival in Miyakojima, Okinawa, "Paantu." During the festival, supernatural gods called Paantu wear masks and chase out evils to bring luck to the villagers. The traditional event is held in two locations in Miyakojima: the Hirano Shimajiri region and the Ueno Nohara region. Each location has its differences. In 1982, both events were selected as Intangible folk cultural properties, and in 1993, they were designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Assets. "Raihojin," (ritual visits of deities in masks and costumes) was added to UNESCO’s intangible folk cultural asset list in 2018. Paantu and Satupunaha Source :YouTube screenshot According to the local history records, the origin of the word "Paantu" is a combination of two words "Paan"(to eat) and "Pitu" (people). It has the meaning of a ghost or a demon. "Satupunaha" (wishes for home) of Shimajiri, Miyakojima takes place three times a year. Paantu is an event that takes place at the third event and it is called Paantu Satupunaha or Paantu Punaha. It was originally held on the "lucky day" (an unspecified day of the month) of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, but now it is held in October. Paantu’s appearance is similar to Namahage, another spiritual creature in Japan. Local young adult men are chosen to become Paantu and there are three roles available (Uya, Naka and Fufa). Check out the video at 0:06 to see what the Paantu look like. The three chosen men wear ivy grass called "Shionokikazura" and apply mud from the bottom of a well called "Nmarigah," which The Nmarigah is located in the vicinity of Miyajima Elementary School, and the mud is smeared on people and houses in the pantu. Children cry and scream and the smell of the mud is so bad that it cannot be removed for several days. You can see the children screaming and crying at 0:14, and teenagers running away at 1:21. Paantu even smear mud on the police car at 1:27. Playing Tag With the Gods Source :YouTube screenshot Local people explain that this event is like playing tag with the gods. The event is loved by the local people, and it's considered lucky to get muddy, as the mud will keep bad spirits away thank to its horrible smell. At first glance, it looks scary, as you see the whole village running away, but when you see the smiling faces of the villagers after being covered with mud, you'll understand the beauty of the festival. In recent years, the festival has been in danger of being cancelled due to complaints of being dirtied and problems with the festival causing trouble. Paantu would smear mud on everyone, including tourists, elderly people, police, and little children. However, the event is very important for the local people as it helps to drive out demons and cleanse the island of bad luck. Therefore, this event still continues and only people who can accept this event should participate this event. Source :YouTube screenshot Please be aware that if you are visiting Shimajiri, Miyakojima during the festival, you WILL get muddy. If you would like to know more about this event, you can also visit the Miyakojima City Museum. At this facility, you can learn about the history of Paantu and Miyakojima. You can also wear Paantu masks and take pictures. The mask is said to have washed ashore on the coast of Miyakojima Island more than a hundred years ago, wrapped in kuba leaves. Summary of Paantu Source :YouTube screenshot Are you looking forward to Paantu? The unique culture of Miyakojima, a remote island, brings many visitors to the island every year. Special goods and T-shirts are also sold, and they help stimulate the local economy, so if you're looking for souvenirs to commemorate your trip, don't miss out on them! Bisit Shimajiri, Miyakojima and have a fun-filled experience in the mud! 【Tripadvisor】City of Miyakojima https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g680765-Miyakojima_Okinawa_Prefecture-Vacations.html -
Video article 2:37
This Talented Elementary Schooler Shows off His Wicked Kendama Skills! Check Out the Awesome Tricks Performed by the World Kendama Tournament Finalist!
Japanese Celebrities Action & Adventure- 174 plays
- YouTube
The Super Kendama Elementary Schooler! This video, titled "[Kendama|5th Grader] 10 Amazing Tricks, One After Another! the Young Super Talent That Made It to the Finals!" (【KENDAMA】](「【けん玉 小学5年生】スゴ技10連発!世界選手権決勝トーナメントに最年少で進出したスーパーキッズ!【KENDAMA】」), was created by "Bukapi Bukatsu ONE" (「ブカピ 部活ONE」). The video shows 5th grader Maharu Tashiro performing 10 difficult Kendama tricks. Maharu Tashiro is a talented elementary school student, and the youngest finalist of the World Kendama Tournament. You can see his impressive techniques and high level skills in the video. Be sure to follow along as you read this article! What is Kendama? Photo:Kendama Kendama is a wooden toy consisting of a cross-shaped handle (Ken) and a ball with a hole (Tama). Generally, Kendama is written as [けん玉 (Kendama)], using hiragana, but it's often written using Kanji such as "剣玉," (lit. sword ball) "拳玉," (lit. stick ball) or "剣球" (lit. sword sphere) (all pronounced Kendama). Kendama are comprised of just a few parts: Ito (string), Kensaki (spike), Osara (cup), and Tama (ball). The most general ways to grip Kendama are straight (Masugu) and tilted (Naname). Kendama has a long history and is generally believed to have originated during the Edo period (1603-1868). The electronic Kendama, Dejiken (デジケン), produced by Bandai (バンダイ), was also popular at one time. The Kendama Prodigy Source :YouTube screenshot The talented kid Maharu Tashiro, shown in the video is the Super Kendama kid who drew attention at the World Kendama freestyle Tournament "CATCH&FLOW2017," held in Tokyo in 2017. He performed amazing Kendama tricks in the Kendama tournament, which top Kendama performers from both inside and outside of Japan attended, and became the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament. He also participated in "CATCH&FLOW2018" the following year and advanced to the final, making him a finalist in back to back tournaments. Maharu Tashiro started playing Kendama when he was a 1st grader. He practices Kendama at least 2 hours a day. Sometimes he practices all day if it’s a holiday. This can be seen in the interview at 0:14 in the video. Source : YouTube screenshot He practiced by watching professional Kendama players an mimicking their techniques. His dream is to become the number one Kendama player in the world, so he practices hard to make this dream a reality. You can see his world class Kendama tricks from 0:25 in the video. Border Balance→Lighthouse Flip (Tonbogaeri) →Lighthouse (Touritsu), tap x2→Juggle lighthouse x2, Ruler of Time, Lightning Swap Spike (Inazuma swap ken), Windmill Warbler (Fusha Uguisu)→ Windmill Over the Valley (Fusha Taniwatari)→Windmill Spike (Fusha ken), Lunar Landing (getsumen)→ lighthouse flip (Tonbogaeri)→Lunar Landing Reverse (Uragetsumen)→Lighthouse Flip Tap (Tap tonbogaeri)→Cushioned Plunge (Cushion sakaotoshi), Flying Stick (Haneken), Clutch→Swirl (kurukuru waza), Tight Rope→Spike Juggle, Spike Juggle x 10. The tricks are absolutely incredible! Summary of the Kendama Prodigy! Did you enjoy reading about super Kendama kid? The video shows him performing 10 awesome Kendama tricks, so definitely check it out! If you're interested in Kendama, there are classes all over Japan where you can learn how to play Kendama. You can also purchase Kendama online at stores such as Amazon. -
Video article 16:21
Ayatori AKA Japanese Cat's Cradle! Learn How to Play the Exciting String Game!
Action & Adventure- 1.66K plays
- YouTube
Ayatori! This video was created by "Ayatori Dekita!" Fun Lessons From Baaba!" The title of the video is "[Ayatori Shapes] Cradle, Rice Field, Diamond, a Japanese Hand Drum, a Ship, and a Rope Bridge. Slightly Difficult Techniques of Ayatori for Adults [Audio Commentary] String Figures / Baaba's Ayatori" (あやとりできた! ばぁばが楽しく教えるよ」が制作した『【あやとり連続技】ゆりかご・田んぼ・川・ダイヤモンド・つづみ・船・つり橋 ちょっと難しい変身あやとり 大人向け【音声解説あり】String figures / ばぁばのあやとり). The video explains advanced level Ayatori for adults, in a slow, easy-to-understand format. Be sure to check it out! What is Ayatori? Photo:Ayatori Ayatori is a game where you make different shapes with a string looped around your fingers. It's basically the same as cat's cradle, but the shapes/names are different due to cultural differences. Ayatori is also called "Itodori" and "Chidori," in different regions of Japan. It's a very popular game played by children all over the world. It is said to have a great effect on children's intellectual development because of the use of hands and fingers and using one's imagination to think of shapes and understand how to manipulate the string. Ayatori can be played with multiple players by taking turns and transforming the string into different shapes, or it can be played solo, as shown in the video. There are also people who do magic tricks that involve ayatori. The origin and the history of ayatori is unknown, but there is a theory that it started around the Heian period (794-1185) in Japan. Unfortunately there is no proof to back this theory. Basic Techniques and How to Play Ayatori Source :YouTube screenshot This video gives an easy to understand commentary on how to make different shapes for solo play ayatori. The video starts with a single string sitting in a loop on a table. From there, Baaba teaches viewers how to hold the string, and then how to make a cradle (3:04), a rice field (5:21), a river (6:09), a diamond (9:47), a Japanese hand drum (12:46), a ship (13:20), and finally a rope bridge (14:03). This video also gives tips on how to hold the string on your fingers and how to remove it from your fingers. There are a lot of cool techniques you can learn by watching it. Some other techniques, not shown in the video, include "rubber," broom, ladders, turtles, bridges, stars, and even Tokyo tower! Rubber and broom are relatively easy to make, so these are perfect for beginners. Overview of Ayatori Photo:A parent and child playing Ayatori Ayatori is a fun game that can be enjoyed with just a single piece of string! Be sure to watch the video to learn about some cool shapes that you can practice. It's also great for kids, so if you have some little one's of your own, be sure to try it together!