Official Author

児玉 勇（Yu Kodama）

日本の伝統「茶道」について こちらの動画は「ANA Global Channel」が公開した「SADO - Soshin Kimura／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? DOU （茶道 - 木村 宗慎）」です。 今回は茶道家「木村 宗慎」と一緒に茶道の真髄を動画で体験しましょう。 究極のおもてなしとも言われる茶道はどのように日本にもたらされ、また発展してきたのでしょうか？ 日本の伝統文化、茶道とは 伝統文化として知られてきた「茶道」ですが、その所作や道具ひとつひとつには、お客様のために濃縮されたおもてなしの心が込められています。 茶道は英語で「Tea ceremony」と略されますが、形式的なセレモニーではなく心と心の真剣勝負であるという雰囲気が動画からビシビシと伝わってきます。 茶道は伝統的な作法にのっとり、客人に抹茶を振る舞うことです。 別名をお茶会や茶の湯とも言います。 茶葉は中国から伝えられ、本来は気付けや眠気覚しの薬として貴族の間で重宝されたものが起源とされています。 ここからお茶そのものを楽しむ文化が誕生し、室町時代〜安土桃山時代にかけて武士の精神性を高めるための作法の「禅宗」と融合し今の「茶道」が誕生したと言われています。 茶道を体系付けたのは千利休とされていますが、これには諸説ありますが、日本で一番普及している茶道は千家と言われる流派で、これには表千家と裏千家という二大流派があります。 茶道家「木村 宗慎」を紹介 「木村 宗慎」は1976年愛知県宇和島市生まれ。 小さい頃から裏千家を学び、神戸大学を卒業後も茶道を中心に執筆活動や茶道教室を主宰し、茶道を国際的に広めるために海外にも活躍の場を広げています。 現在は主に京都と東京に茶道教室を開き数多くの門下生に伝統文化である茶の心を伝えているので、「木村 宗慎」の主宰する茶道教室で今回の動画で紹介したような究極のおもてなしを体験することができます。 日本の伝統文化「茶道」紹介まとめ こちらの動画では「心」や「道」といった精神が日本の伝統文化や歴史に与えている影響の大きさを知ることができます。 あなたも是非日本の伝統文化に触れてみてはいかがですか。

An Introductory Video on "Tokyo Some-Komon," a Traditional Japanese Craft This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「東京染小紋」tokyo some komon dyeing／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," was released by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." Tokyo Some-Komon, the traditional Japanese craft introduced this time, may be more familiar to those living in Tokyo or the Tokyo metropolitan area. A Closer Look at Tokyo Some-Komon, a Traditional Japanese Craft Source :YouTube screenshot Tokyo Some-Komon is a traditional craft that encompasses a wide range of items, from luxury garments, such as kimono and obi, to everyday items such as furoshiki and folding fans. Clothes and kimonos made via the outstanding artisanship and carefully hand-dyed not only on pure silk and cotton but also on handmade Japanese paper, have been highly valued as works of art; and many Tokyo Some-Komon craftsmen have been awarded the Order of Culture. The raw materials used for dyeing include astringent persimmon juice, which has antibacterial and deodorizing properties. Since each piece is handmade by craftsmen, it cannot be mass-produced. There are some workshops where you can experience Tokyo Some-Komon, so consider giving these a visit. "Komon" is a small pattern drawn on the paper stencil which can be seen from 0:26 in the video. The history of Tokyo Some-Komon dates back to the Muromachi Period (1336-1573) and spread during the Edo Period (1603-1868). Dyeing craftsmen gathered in Edo (today Tokyo) to compete with their techniques, and because the crafts popularity blossomed in Edo, it was nicknamed Edo Komon. The Making of Tokyo Some-Komon Source :YouTube screenshot [Step 1: Making the Paper Pattern] The stencil is made of handmade Japanese paper laminated with astringent persimmon. Ise-katagami (made in Suzuka, Mie) is used for Tokyo Some-Komon. On the paper pattern, starch is applied to the parts that will not be colored when dyeing. When the starch is washed off after dyeing is completed, the parts covered with starch will remain white, creating beautiful patterns. After applying the starch, the pattern is dried. [Step 2: Colored Paste] (Video: 1:03 ～) Colored starch is formulated by mixing salt with glutinous rice and rice bran and steaming it, and then kneading the color with dye. Since the color and finished color of the dye are different, the formulation requires a high level of craftsmanship. [Step 3: Stenciling] (Video: 2:01 ～) Colored paste is applied to the fabric with a spatula. This work is sometimes called "shigoki." [Step 4: Steaming] Before the colored paste dries, it is folded into layers and placed in a steaming box to steam it. From here it is steamed for 15 to 30 minutes while the temperature is gradually raised so that the base color will settle into the material easily. [Step 5: Washing] (Video: 3:04 ～) The steamed fabric is then transferred to a water tank and rinsed with groundwater and sawdust to soften the paste. In the past, many dye artisans in Japan were located along rivers because it was convenient for washing fabrics. Source :YouTube screenshot [Step 6: Finishing] (Video: 3:16 ～) Having been washed with water, the fabric is placed in a spin drier, dried, then finely colored, thus completing the piece. Summary of Tokyo Some-Komon Source :YouTube screenshot It's no exaggeration to say that the main characteristic of Tokyo Some-Komon is the density of the Komon designs. Seen from a distance, it looks like a solid color, but as you get closer, you can see the intricate patterns, which has led to pieces made with Tokyo Some-Komon being referred to as works of art. From the Muromachi Period to the Edo Period, Japan had a samurai society, and its culture was simple. For this reason, it is believed that at first glance, a plain small pattern was preferred rather than the ostentatious patterns found in yukata and Kyoyuzen (silk fabrics made in Kyoto). Looking closer, the fashionable and luxurious dyeing techniques would have been loved by the people of Edo. It can be seen in literature and cultural heritages of the Edo period that the culture of Tokyo Some-Komon had become prevalent in formal samurai wear. Also, Tokyo Some-Komon expanded from samurai to the culture of the common people from the middle of the Edo period (around 1700 to 1800). Daily necessities brimming with a playful spirit, such as Tokyo Some-Komon kimono and furoshiki, not only for men but also for women's semi-formal wear, have become very popular. Tokyo Some-Komon was designated as a National Traditional Craft by the former Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry in 1974. Today, the craftsmanship is used and loved in a wide range of fields such as scarves, lampshades, and traditional handicrafts using handmade Japanese paper. Please enjoy the video showing Tokyo Some-Komon, a traditional craft of Japan. 【Official Website】Tokyo Some-Komon | Traditional Crafts | Traditional Craft Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/craft/0201/

The Cool Choice Project The Cool Choice Project is an educational activity that was launched in 2015 to introduce the efforts of the Ministry of the Environment to tackle global warming and call on all people to help fight global warming caused by carbon dioxide. Ken Noguchi, a world-famous, professional mountaineer, and the youngest person to climb the Seven Summits, talks about COOL CHOICE in a video interview titled "Our COOL CHOICE: Mountaineer Ken Noguchi｜COOL CHOICE" (私たちができるCOOL CHOICE 登山家 野口健｜COOL CHOICE). Who Is Ken Noguchi? Source :YouTube screenshot Maybe the profile of the alpinist (professional mountaineer) Ken Noguchi is more appropriate than the mountaineer Ken Noguchi. Mountaineer Ken Noguchi- No, scratch that, PROFESSIONAL mountaineer Ken Noguchi, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to a Japanese diplomat father and an Egyptian mother. He first came to Japan when he was four years old, and at first, wasn't able to speak any Japanese. His parents also divorced when he was in elementary school. When he was suspended from high school, he received a copy of "Risking My Youth on the Mountains" by mountaineer Naomi Uemura and had his first mountain climbing experience. Even when he was unsure of what to do after graduating from high school, this book inspired him to enroll in Asia University with the goal of conquering the Seven Summits. Ken Noguchi is currently married, with a wife and daughter. It became a hot topic on a TV variety show when it was revealed that he and his wife had lived apart for 15 of their 16 years of marriage and that he had set up a separate house in Otsuki, Yamanashi Prefecture, far from his home, and that even when he was in Japan, he stayed there. His daughter, Eko Noguchi, is a TV personality and mountaineer that does mountain climbing activities with her father. You can find more information about Ken Noguchi and his daughter on Twitter and blog, so if you're interested, be sure to follow him. Source :YouTube screenshot Ken Noguchi Profile ・ Height 169 cm (5'6") ・ Blood type A ・ Alpinist (professional mountaineer) and t.v. personality ・ Visiting Scholar, Asia University -Biography- ・ Climbed Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the European continent, at the age of 16. ・ At the age of 17, climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, the highest peak on the African continent. ・Set the record for the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest at the age of 25. ・ Established the Sherpa Fund for Sherpa orphans who died in 2000 ・ Established the Manaslu Fund in 2006 to support children's education in Sama Village ・ Currently engaged in cleaning and climbing the Himalayas and Mt. Fuji as a representative of NPO PEAK + AID Environmental Protection Message From Mountaineer Ken Noguchi Source :YouTube screenshot At 1:00 in the video, Noguchi talks about his reasons for wanting to clean up the environment. A truly admirable task. When climbing Everest for the first time, he noticed there was a lot of garbage, some of which had Japanese writing on it. According to the Sherpas, Mt. Fuji is famous for being one of the most trash-filled mountains in the world, and the Japanese climbers are considered a nuisance because they just kept littering. Hearing this, Noguchi's ego as an alpinist began to change. From 2:38 in the video, Noguchi says, "Above all, it's important to understand our impact on nature." Without mountains, there'd be no mountaineering. Understanding this, Noguchi desired to keep clean the mountains that he treasured so. If you love the sea, you clean the sea. The first thing to do is to discover a connection with nature, even if it's subjective, just wanting to clean the place that you love, that's a start. Summary of Professional Climber Ken Noguchi Source :YouTube screenshot In addition to his work as a mountaineer, Ken Noguchi also focuses on environmental education and organizes classes to clean up mountains around Japan, including Mount Fuji. You can see some of his activities at 2:44 in the video. We hope you take a look at Mr. Noguchi's interview and think about your own impact on the environment. 【Official Website】Ken Noguchi Official Website http://www.noguchi-ken.com/

What is the V. League? The V. LEAGUE is a newly established domestic volleyball league in Japan. The sponsor is the Japan Volleyball League Organization (V. League Organization) and they officially started from the 2018/2019 season. The predecessor was, the V. Premier League which mainly consisted of corporate structured teams. After the league license system was implemented, they became one step closer to creating a professional volleyball league. Volleyball has been a very popular sport In Japan since its inception. However, due to recent concerns about the difference in ability when compared with other countries who have professional organizations, it is considered imperative that the Japanese teams turn professional in order to surpass the top leagues of other countries. The Structure of V. League Source :YouTube screenshot 【 DIVISION 1 (V1) 】 V. League's top tier league The top-ranking club teams who hold an S1 license. There are 10 men's teams and 12 women's' teams registered in this league. Unfortunately, in the 2019 season, the number of women's teams dropped to 11. 【 DIVISION 2 (V2) 】 This division is comprised of 12 Men’s teams and 8 Women’s teams that have S1 or S2 qualifications. 【 DIVISION 3 (V3) 】 This division is the lowest ranked division in the V. League. In the 2018/2019 season, 4 Men's teams will be participating in this division. 【V Challenge Matches】 If a V2 division team places 2nd or higher, they will have a competition with a lower ranking V1 division team for a chance to replace them in the upper division. Source :YouTube screenshot Both men's and women's winning club teams earn the right to participate in the Asian Club Volleyball Championships. This footage is a promotional video showing the Grand Final's competition in which the winners are determined. The “Panasonic Panthers” can be seen from 0:28 and the “JT Thunders” from 0:47. The V. League is still a newly established Japanese league and cannot be said to be a completely pro league. As a matter of fact, the Japan Volleyball League Organization was holding competitions such as the V Summer League Women’s Tournament separate of the V. League up until 2019. At this tournament, popular women’s club teams were divided into Eastern and Western divisions and competed for rankings. Check Out the Official V. League Website! Source :YouTube screenshot On the official V. League website, you will be able to see information such as dates, how to buy tickets, rankings, results of tournaments, the status of the V. league Final Stage tournament, introductions to club teams and players, and information about access to tournament venues as well. Also, you will be able to see the competition through V. League TV, or one of the sponsors, the DAZON app (a smartphone app dedicated to sports), and tune into the live stream or recorded coverage. If you are a volleyball fan, definitely check it out. Summary of Japan's V. League Photo：Volleyball The volleyball V. League is a league that was newly established in 2018, however, you can see the energetic plays and successes of the all-star players on both the men's and women's teams; players like Kimura Saori (Toray Arrows) who retired from the Women’s National Team representing Japan. Her departure is sorely missed by avid fans. In the 2020 league tournament, the participation of 3 men’s teams and 1 women’s team has been decided. This marks the start of a new history in the world of Japanese sports.

Shohei Otani - MLB Rookie of the Year! This article will introduce Shohei Otani of the Los Angeles Angels, the 4th Japanese person to win the MLB Newcomer of the Year award. The video is an interview video titled "Shohei Otani I MOVE ME- Newcomer of the Year" (大谷翔平選手　I MOVE ME～新人賞受賞～). This video was made by popular sportswear maker ASICS. Shohei Ohtani is famous for his ability to be both a pitcher and a fielder at the same time. This is something that Shohei Ohtani has been doing since his days as a member of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. However, Shohei Ohtani's style of play wasn't the only thing that caught the attention of big league scouts. Already as a professional baseball player in Japan, he stood out as a pitcher, throwing the fastest pitch speed in Japan at 165 km/h and became the first NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) player to win both the Best Nine Award and Best DH Award Shohei Ohtani won one of the top awards in 2018, the Rookie of the Year award, and it's a wonder he didn't win the Rookie of the Year award during his time in the NPB. Profile of Rookie of the Year - Shohei Ohtani Source :YouTube screenshot Let's take a look at the profile of Shohei Ohtani, a player with a well-proportioned body and facial features popular among women. ・ Height: 193 cm ・ Weight: ~95.3kg ・ Date of birth: July 5, 1994 (25 years old) ・ Blood type: B ・ Throws right/Hits left ・ Schooling: Hanamaki Higashi High School, Iwate Prefecture ・ History since high school baseball: Played as a cleanup hitter since his first year of high school. Since fall, he began to double as a pitcher and is called "Michinoku's Darvish." He pitches with a mighty 151 km/h (93 mph) fastball. He was discovered by the scout of a professional baseball team. Participated in a high school baseball tournament with select teams only, during his third (senior) year of high school. Hit a home run off rival pitcher Shintaro Fujinami. ・In 2013, he was drafted by the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters as the first overall pick. He made his professional debut in earnest. (He was not selected for the Rookie of the Year award that year because he was hit in the face by a ball and had to miss a game. ・In 2016, he became the first player in the NPB to win 10 games, hit 100 hits and hit 20 home runs, but fell short of the required number of innings pitched and missed out on his second consecutive best defensive rating. ・In 2017, he joined the MLB, signed with the Los Angeles Angels. ・In 2018, he became the fourth Japanese baseball player to win the Rookie of the Year award, joining the likes of Hideo Nomo, Kazuhiro Sasaki, and Ichiro. ・He is now a member of Instagram, although his profile is not public. He has more than 10,000 followers. MLB Rookie of the Year Award Source :YouTube screenshot In the major leagues, the Rookie of the Year Award is an award that attracts a lot of attention every year because it's an honor that can only be received once when the player is still a rookie. To win the award, players must have rookie status, which is defined as follows: ・If you're a pitcher, you must have thrown no more than 50 innings of baseball in the previous year's majors, and if you're a fielder, you must have had no more than 130 at-bats. ・The player who receives the highest number of votes from journalists belonging to the Baseball Writers' Association of America will be selected as the winner of the award. Therefore, the award is not limited to baseball players in their first year with the organization. Shohei Ohtani shares his thoughts about winning the award at 0:20 in the video. At 1:30, he mentions how the support of fans and those around him helped push him. Summary of Rookie of the Year, Shohei Otani Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Ohtani missed games due to injury and his yearly salary dropped to $700,000, but due to his hard work strength training paid off and he made a great comeback and was greeted with an "Ohtani Saan!" from the fans at the ballpark. The response from non-Japanese fans was also very positive, with many saying his recovery and dedication was admirable. However, he has never been one to let his popularity get in the way of his success, and he has been writing a "Goal Achievement Sheet" since his high school baseball days to complete a rigorous training program. It's expected that he will continue to excel well into the future.

滋賀県草津市の魅力を満載した動画の見どころ こちらで紹介する動画は「滋賀県草津市役所」が公開した「草津ストーリー」です。 今回は「草津ストーリー」と題した7:21秒の動画をご紹介！ 案内役は今滋賀県で売り出し中のご当地アイドル「フルーレット」と「草津市観光使節グッドウィルナー」です。 滋賀県草津市のご当地ゆるキャラのたび丸も出てくるのでちびっこも楽しめますよ。 みんなが楽しめる観光名所がいっぱいある草津！ 動画の冒頭は草津のフルーレットと草津市公認マスコットキャラクターのたび丸君が滋賀県草津の魅力と観光名所を案内してくれます。 豊かな自然が残る景勝地、そして日本の歴史文化を今に伝える街、近畿圏住みやすさナンバーワンの街など様々な魅力溢れる草津にあなたも一度観光で訪れてみてはいかがでしょう？ 草津の絶景ポイントでインスタ映えする記念写真を撮ろう！ 日本最大級の本陣と言われる草津宿本陣は400年の歴史を持ち、当時の日用品や資料を見学することができます。 さらに江戸時代を再現した衣装体験ができるので、殿様や姫君気分の仮装でタイムスリップ！インスタ映えする記念写真を撮ることができますよ。 滋賀県草津で歴史文化を体験しよう 街道の宿場町として400年の歴史を持つ草津には伝統工芸を体験するイベントやお土産もいっぱい！ お土産として有名な瓢箪専門店の加工品や銀峰工房、吾亦紅を使った草木染め工房ではオリジナルストール作りが体験できます。 滋賀県草津のグルメをご紹介！ 草津はご当地グルメの宝庫！その一部をご紹介しましょう。 一つ目は近江草津産コシヒカリ「匠の夢」というブランド米！琵琶湖は淡水と海水が交わる湖。琵琶湖から引かれた水には豊富なミネラルが含まれ、伝統的な製法で栽培されたブランド米は甘みと歯ごたえが絶妙のおいしいお米です。 動画の5:30頃から登場する「草津市観光使節グッドウィルナー」が紹介するのは江戸城改築にも携わった太田道灌を先祖に持つ太田酒造という日本酒の酒蔵。 滋賀県産の原料にこだわった日本酒やワインを製造しています。 まだまだあるよ！滋賀県草津の穴場的おすすめ観光スポット 滋賀県草津の穴場的なおすすめ観光スポットはまだまだあります。 例えば東海道と中山道が通っていたことを示す道標や、1200年の歴史を持つ立木神社をはじめとした弁天池や印岐志呂神社、荻の玉川、宿場町裏路地など街のあちこちに歴史と文化、そして人々の信仰を感じる穴場スポットがたくさんあるのです。 これらのエリアは草津観光の散策ルートとしてもおすすめです。 滋賀県草津市の魅力紹介まとめ 滋賀県草津では宿場まつり、熱気球フライト、草津街あかりなどの人気イベントも行われます。 是非あなたもこの歴史ある滋賀県草津市に訪れてみてはいかがですか。

兵庫観光のかくれた観光名所「福崎町」の魅力とは？ こちらの動画は「福崎町観光協会」が公開した「福崎町観光PR動画「観光ＰＲ」」です。 兵庫県福崎町は民俗学者柳田國男を始めとした多くの偉人を排出した町です。 清流市川に育まれる豊かな風土と気候に恵まれ、古くから交通の要衝として宿場町としても栄えた場所です。 風光明媚な景勝地として、また学問と歴史の町として兵庫県の穴場的な観光スポットでもあり、知る人ぞ知る名所の宝庫。 大庄屋三木家住宅や旧辻川郵便局、学問成就の道は必見です。 兵庫県福崎町の歴史 兵庫県福崎町は昭和31年に田原村、八千種村、旧福崎町が合併してできた町です。 周囲を緑豊かな自然に恵まれた静かな町ですが、古くには東西南北に伸びる街道の交差する要衝の宿場町として栄えました。 今でも当時の名残が残っており、南北はJR播但線と播但連絡道路、国道312号線、東西には中国自動車道と県道が交わる動脈として機能し、福崎町東部工業団地（福崎工業団地）は兵庫県の重要な産業の一翼を担っています。 兵庫県福崎町周辺の観光スポット&イベント情報 周囲を豊かな自然に恵まれた兵庫県福崎町には歴史的に重要な史跡などの観光スポットが数多く点在しています。 おすすめの観光エリアは福崎東洋ゴルフ倶楽部、春日山、作門寺山門、七種の滝、田口奥地、七種神社（七種山）、清流市川、駒が岩などです。 また古くから宿場町として栄えた名残りで古刹が多く、苔むした風情はインスタ映えすること間違いなしです。 兵庫県福崎町を代表するおすすめの古刹は應聖寺、金剛城寺、神積寺、鈴ノ森神社、北野天満神社、本覚寺、日光寺など…。 小さな町にこれだけの寺院仏閣がひしめくのは日本有数の密度なので、寺院仏閣巡りが好きな方にもおすすめです。 四季を通じてイベントも多く、春は桜の花見や民俗辻広場まつり、夏の虫送りなどが開催されます。 柳田國男とかっぱの出会い 兵庫県福崎町出身の日本民俗学者柳田國男がいなければ「妖怪」という存在がこれほど多くの人たちに認識されることがなかったと言われています。 妖怪は怖いだけでなくどこかユーモラス。 ゲゲゲの鬼太郎やポケモン、妖怪ウォッチなどの作品は柳田國男の影響が強く出ていると言われているほどです。 柳田文学でも特に有名なのは「かっぱ」との出会いを記した遠野物語です。 日本の昔話につきものの妖怪の数々を紹介した功績をたたえ、柳田國男生家を文化財として保護し、神崎郡歴史民俗資料館などにその足跡を記録しています。 そして福崎駅前商店街には柳田國男の石像と妖怪ベンチを設置、兵庫県福崎町を訪れる観光客のインスタ映えポイントとして人気を博しています。 兵庫県福崎町周辺のグルメ情報 兵庫県福崎町は日本有数のもちむぎの産地です。 おすすめのグルメは何と言ってももちむぎ麺でしょう。 福崎駅やホテル周辺にはいたるところでもちむぎ麺を楽しむことができます。 もちむぎ麺をお土産として求めるなら「もちむぎのやかた」がおすすめです。 もちむぎともう一つの名産品ツノナスは夏に収穫されるのでお盆のころには新麦のおいしいもちむぎ麺とツノナスの郷土料理を食堪能することができます。 兵庫県福崎町紹介まとめ 兵庫県福崎町は西日本陸路の要衝地、また歴史と文学と自然が混じり合う町として人気のある観光地です。 四季折々の豊かな自然、そして妖怪と人との共生を動画と共にお楽しみください。

日本一の大都会「新宿」紹介動画について こちらの動画は「一般社団法人新宿観光振興協会 Shinjuku Convention & Visitors Bureau」が公開した「SHINJUKU 9Stories【English】」です。 新宿には数多くの観光スポットがあります。 映画、ランチやディナーなどのグルメ、ショッピング、文化や歴史の散策など新宿にきて揃わないものはないと言われるほどディープな大都市「新宿」の魅力をたっぷりとご紹介します。 日本一の大都会「新宿」の人気スポット まず、新宿といえば高層ビル群。 西新軸エリアには未来的なデザインがオシャレな東京モード学園を始めとした数多くの高層ビルが見られます。 そして西新宿一帯は東京でも一二を争うシティホテルの激戦地！ 世界的にも有名なホテルが数多く軒を連ねています。 「新宿」の日本一とは？ また、新宿には数多くの日本一が存在します。動画でも頻繁に新宿の日本一が登場していましたが皆さん気づきました？ 一つ目は日本一乗降客数が多いと言われるJR新宿駅。 毎日300万人以上の人が新宿を利用しています。 二つ目の日本一は不夜城歌舞伎町。 新宿ゴールデン街やゴジラヘッドのある映画館など、毎日朝まで多くの観光客で賑わうスポットです。 しかし、歌舞伎町には喧騒ばかりではありません。 実は花園神社を始めとした多くの神社仏閣があることでも有名です。 毎年11月になると花園神社では人気のお祭り、酉の市が開催されます。 三つ目の日本一はアジア最大とも言われているゲイタウン新宿二丁目です。 お値段はとてもリーズナブル！ 女性が安心して遊べる上にディープな魅力に溢れた街。 そしてグルメも充実している新宿イチオシの観光スポットです。 四つ目の日本一が新宿伊勢丹！ ここは何が日本一かというとデパートの年間売上が毎年日本一なのです。 まさにショッピングの殿堂ですね。 新宿には他にも高島屋や小田急をはじめとした高級百貨店やブティックがひしめき合っています。 代々木方面にはスポーツの聖地、東京体育館や神宮球場、秩父宮ラグビー場を有する明治神宮外苑、新宿二丁目と三丁目、広大な新宿御苑と緑もたっぷり！大都会の真ん中で森林浴が楽しめるのです。 日本一の大都会「新宿」紹介まとめ 新宿で歴史や文化を感じたい人は新宿三丁目周辺がおすすめスポットです。 落語小屋や能楽堂、美術館、新宿ピカデリーなどの映画館などが楽しめます。 新宿では古くから伝わる伝統のお祭りも開催され、日本の古き良き時代も感じることのできる街です。 歴史と現代が交錯する大都会新宿の魅力を動画でご堪能ください。

The Asteroid Surveying Spacecraft "Hayabusa 2" This video, titled "「Hayabusa 2」CG Conceptual Video of Touchdown/"Hayabusa2" CG Animation"（「はやぶさ2」タッチダウン想像図CG/"Hayabusa2" CG Animation), was released by "Jaxa | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency." “Hayabusa 2,” introduced in the video, is an asteroid surveying spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA as a successor to the spacecraft “Hayabusa.” This video introduces JAXA’s CG video of Hayabusa 2 touching down on the asteroid Ryugu and retrieving a surface sample. It's only a conceptual video; however, the plan of Hayabusa 2’s touchdown is visualized in an easy-to-understand manner. The basic settings and touchdown methods of the “Hayabusa 2” are the same as its predecessor, Hayabusa; however, the spacecraft has been significantly improved and the ion engine and antenna surroundings have been greatly augmented. The news that this groundbreaking mission was successful also attracted a lot of attention around the world. Incidentally, “Hayabusa” is also used as the project name for JAXA’s asteroid survey project. The Touchdown of Hayabusa 2 Source :YouTube screenshot The first “Hayabusa” mission’s goal was to bring back rock samples from asteroids for the first time ever. The mission succeeded, and the return of “Hayabusa” received praise from all around the world; in Japan, it received so much attention that it was made into a movie. Whereas the first Hayabusa was an experimental machine, Hayabusa 2, shown in the footage, collected samples from the surface of an asteroid which has organic matter and water on it. And the developmental process differs from its predecessor in that it was designed to collect surface samples from an asteroid with organic matter and water to obtain clues about the existence of rare metals and the mystery of the birth of life. The survey plan of the “Hayabusa 2” was also carefully scheduled. The “Hayabusa 2” was launched from the Tanegashima Space Center Large Rocket Launch Site in 2014 to coincide with the timing of when the asteroid Ryugu would be closest to the Earth. Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from 1:09 in the video, once the spacecraft has come into the closest proximity with the asteroid Ryugu, they first launch an impactor command with the goal of creating a crater on the surface of Ryugyu to make it easier for Hayabusa 2 to land. This impactor command was named "Explorer" after the world’s first satellite series. Hayabusa 2 will attempt to touch down after taking rock samples scattered in the vicinity during the second Explorer launch. A small rover was also placed on the asteroid Ryugu, which collected as many surface samples as possible after touchdown and returned to Earth by fully autonomous operation. Summary of Hayabusa 2's Touchdown Mission Source :YouTube screenshot The Ryugu project was featured on NHK as a special program and was also broadcast overseas. It was very well received abroad, and managed to attract attention from all over the world. The success of Hayabusa 2's touchdown mission is said to be an incredible feat. You can see the details on JAXA’s official website. 【Official Website】JAXA Hayabusa 2 Project http://www.hayabusa2.jaxa.jp/en/

Japan’s Cutting-Edge AI Technologies Contribute to an Aging Society This video is titled "A New Aging Society Led by Japanese Technology" (日本のテクノロジーが導く新しい高齢化社会). It introduces Japan's response to an aging society using cutting-edge technology. It was released by the“Foreign Ministry / MOFA”. Currently, Japan is said to be one of the most aging societies in the world. However, an aging society is not an issue unique to Japan, but a problem growing worldwide. Living a long, healthy life and increasing opportunities to participate in society is a very important theme when faced with an aging society. In this article, we'll introduce some cutting-edge technologies in Japan that the public and private sectors are developing together. NEC the WISE: An AI Technology Adapting to an Aging Society Source :YouTube screenshot The AI technology shown in the video at 0:32 is called “NEC the WISE.” In the video, NEC Director Fellow Katsumi Emura says “the problem is not the aging society itself, but how to adapt to an aging society, so that people can live long, healthy, fulfilling lives.” In light of the global trend toward an aging society, NEC is focused on developing and providing solutions that can be used to predict and prevent various diseases. That's what the AI technology, “NEC the WISE,” is all about. If we can prevent people from getting sick as they get older, it means that people will still be able to participate in society in good health as they age. In today's society where we are told that we have 100 years to live, "retirement in our 60s" is too early. If it becomes the norm for people to remain healthy and active past 60, we will no longer be able to call it an "aging society." HAL Lumbar Support: An AI Technology That Addresses the Declining Birthrate and Aging Population Source :YouTube screenshot With Japan's declining birthrate and aging population, the age of caregivers, whose job it is to care for the sick and elderly, is increasing every year. The "HAL Lumber Support" project, which can be seen at 1:02 in the video, is a project to introduce nursing care robots to reduce the physical burden on caregivers in the nursing care industry. The video introduces AI technology that places an assistive robot suit on a caregiver's waist and receives biopotential signals emitted by the brain and transmits them to the power-assist suit to reduce the strain on the back and lower body. This is an AI technology that can be applied patient side as well. In addition, because HAL is an artificial intelligence (AI) equipped support robot, repeated use of the robot helps it learn how neurotransmission works and can assist in walking more efficiently. It's not just a robot that moves according to commands, it's an autonomous machine that learns on its own, meaning that the cyborg robots you see in science fiction movies are already a reality. These mechanized technologies are collectively referred to as Hybrid Assistive Limb” (HAL). Summary of Japan's Cutting-Edge AI Technology and Measures for an Aging Society As seen at the end of the video from 1:30, Japan’s cutting-edge technology “HAL” is already being applied to medical technology in Malaysia. It is believed that increased social participation opportunities for the elderly with the help of autonomous robots will increase the well-being of society. It'll be interesting to see what Japan, the superpower of robots, has to offer in the future. 【Official Website】Cutting-Edge AI Technologies – NEC the WISE - : Solution/ Service | NEC https://www.nec.com/