Official Author

児玉 勇（Yu Kodama）

What is Zao Fox Village? This video, titled "Fox Village in Zao Japan! 蔵王きつね村・kitsune mura," was released by "Rachel & Jun." Located in Shiraishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region, Zao Fox Village is a zoo/theme park where the artificial breeding of foxes is conducted, and the park is home to around 250 foxes of six different species. With more than 100 foxes free-ranging and a petting area where even children can safely interact with the various foxes, this is a popular new tourist destination in Miyagi Prefecture that attracts many tourists. A Closer Look at The Foxes of Zao Fox Village and Their Varieties Photo：Red fox Foxes are mammals that are widely distributed throughout Eurasia and the Americas. Let's take a look at the six types of foxes that you can interact with at Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture. ・Red Fox Generally speaking, when people think of foxes, they think of this type of fox. ・Arctic Fox This is a species of fox that lives in cold regions and has a beautiful pure white coat. ・Sakhalin Fox In Japan, Sakhalin foxes can be found in Hokkaido and became famous through the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (北の国から, From the Northern Country). ・Silver Fox The silver fox is known for its high-quality fur. However, it's a rare species that has been designated an endangered species due to overhunting and is now being protected. Photo：Platinum fox ・Platinum Fox The platinum fox is very similar to the arctic fox, but this one has a bicolored gray and white coat, making it a very cute fox. ・Japanese Red Fox A subspecies of the red fox that lives only in Japan. They are generally slightly smaller than the common red fox. ・Cross Fox It's a very rare fox, and at first glance it looks like a hyena or a raccoon. It is said to be a mutant species of the Ezo red fox. At Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture, there is also a veterinary hospital, and the premises are regularly disinfected and checked for insect/parasite eggs, so there's no need to worry about parasites (e.g., echinococcus) when playing with or feeding the foxes and kits. In this video, a tourist to Japan visits Zao Fox Village. At 0:38 in the video, you can see the foxes being pet and interacting with visitors. Winter Is the Best Time To Visit Zao Fox Village Photo：Arctic fox When it gets cold, foxes put on their fluffy winter coats. Also, some of the foxes kept in the park are originally from cold climates, so if you want to enjoy Zao Fox Village to the fullest, we recommend visiting during the winter! However, winters in Zao are quite harsh for people, so be sure to wear warm clothes! Overview of the Facilities at Zao Fox Village Photo：A goat at Zao Fox Village, Miyagi Prefecture The following facilities can be found at Zao Fox Village: ・A fox petting area ・A domestic animal petting area There are also rabbits, goats, ponies and other animals grazing in the park. ・A fox breeding area Be sure to follow precautions as the parent foxes that have just given birth can be quite skittish. ・A dining area ・A store: Souvenirs from Zao Fox Village can be purchased here. ・The Play-hub rest area: Here you can take a break while watching the natural scenery and the foxes at play. ・Inari Shrine: If there's one thing to remember about foxes in Japan it's their relation to Inari shrines. ・The woods More than 100 foxes live peacefully in a natural wooded environment. ・Parking lot: Parking available for ~100 cars. Summary of Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture Photo：A fox at Zao Fox Village, Miyagi Prefecture It’s said that foxes live everywhere in Japan, but wild foxes are very wary and rarely seen in daily life. However, if you visit Zao Fox Village, shown in the video, you'll have the chance to see six different species of foxes up close. The closest station to Zao Fox Village is JR Shiroishi Station. It takes about 21 minutes to reach Zao Fox Village by cab from the station. JR East also operates the regular sightseeing bus, "Miyagi Zao Fox Village." 【Official Website】Zao Fox Village http://zao-fox-village.com/en 【Tripadvisor】Miyagi Zao Fox Village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023408-d7388189-Reviews-Miyagi_Zao_Fox_Village-Shiroishi_Miyagi_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

The Sapporo Snow Festival, One of Hokkaido's Most Popular Winter Festivals This article features a video from nippon.com, titled "Hokkaido Sapporo Snow Festival: Colorful snow and ice art with digital technology" (北海道「さっぽろ雪まつり」：雪と氷の芸術がデジタル技術で色彩豊かに). The Sapporo Snow Festival shown in the video is a large-scale event that represents the long, harsh winter in Hokkaido. In fact, it is one of the three largest snow festivals in the world and is very popular overseas, attracting many visitors to Japan every year. It's a winter festival that truly represents Japan and is also recognized around the world. Odori Park, on the main street of Sapporo, is lined with snow sculptures of various sizes, and in recent years, a new way of exhibiting them together with projection mapping has become incredibly popular. At night, the streets of Sapporo are lit up with snow sculptures, and during the festival, the city is covered with the colors of the Sapporo Snow Festival. An Overview of the Sapporo Snow Festival, Its Features, and Highlights! Source :YouTube screenshot This video shows the 2019 Sapporo Snow Festival, named "Susukino Ice World 2019." The Sapporo Snow Festival is an event with a long history that celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2019. What makes the Sapporo Snow Festival so special is that it has the snow sculptures of people who stood out from the crowd that year, such as Naomi Osaka, the first Japanese athlete to achieve such incredible feats in tennis. There's also Helsinki Cathedral and other large-scale snow sculptures. The biggest highlight of the 2019 Sapporo Snow Festival was the artworks made with AR (Augmented Reality) and other digital technology. The large horse racing snow sculpture (5-chome East Snow Square), which can be seen from 0:47 in the video, and at 1:12 of the video, you can see a collaboration snow statue of Hatsune Miku and Kasumi Toyama (4-chome STV Square). Let's now take a look at some of the highlights of other venues in the order they appear in the video. [0:22～] Shiroi Koibito PARK AIR Jumping Hill [0:31～] Food stalls at the 6-Chome Citizens' Square Food Park [0:40～] RED BEAR (a popular freight train of Muroran Railway) at the 8-chome snow HTB Square [1:00～] Skating rink in front of 1-chome J:COM Square [1:29～] Susukino Site illuminated with lights As shown in the video, the Sapporo Snow Festival takes place at several venues simultaneously. There are also various other snow attractions and Hokkaido gourmet treats to be found around the venue! In addition, from early February every year, tours of several snow sculptures across Japan are organized. The History of the Sapporo Snow Festival, a Popular Event With Overseas Travelers Source :YouTube screenshot The Sapporo Snow Festival is said to have started in 1950, when local students from middle school and high school made six snow sculptures. It attracted huge attention as a very popular event with approximately 50,000 people coming to see the snowball fight and carnival, and it has become a regular winter event in Sapporo, growing larger with each passing year. In 1959, the Self-Defense Forces participated for the first time. 2,500 Self-Defense Force personnel were mobilized to create a large and elaborate snow sculpture. The sculpture was entered in the International Snow Sculpture Contest and received coverage from foreign news outlets, which led to the Sapporo Snow Festival being recognized as a global winter festival. Nowadays, the charm of the Sapporo Snow Festival is widely known in English through video sites such as YouTube, and it has become a major event that attracts many international visitors every year. The history and materials related to the Sapporo Snow Festival are displayed at the Sapporo Snow Festival Museum located at Hitsujigaoka Observation Hill in Sapporo. Summary of the Sapporo Snow Festival, a Winter Tradition in Sapporo, Hokkaido Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019 and 2020, efforts to introduce the culture and history of the Ainu, an indigenous originating in northern Japan, began. The 1.5-kilometer-long Sapporo Snow Festival 2019 featured a traditional Ainu food experience restaurant and FEEL AINU STAGE, where visitors could dress up in traditional Ainu clothing. For the latest information about the upcoming Sapporo Snow Festival, please visit the official website of the Sapporo Snow Festival at the Tsudome (Sapporo Community Dome) website. ※The above information is based on information from the website as of 2020. 【Official Website】Sapporo Snow Festival Official Website https://www.snowfes.com/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Sapporo Snow Festival https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298560-d8820354-Reviews-Sapporo_Snow_Festival-Sapporo_Hokkaido.html

Kaleidoscope Artist Koji Yamami The video shown here is a solo exhibition of Koji Yamami, the leading kaleidoscope artist in Japan, titled "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors," published by "oricon." The kaleidoscope introduced in the video is a toy that contains two or more mirrors, in which beads and colored paper are placed, and when you turn the device while looking into it from behind, you can enjoy seeing the beautiful patterns that it creates. In Japanese, the kaleidoscope is known as "mangekyo" (万華鏡, roughly meaning "Ten Thousand Shining Mirrors"). The History of the Kaleidoscope Photo：A Child playing with a kaleidoscope The kaleidoscope was accidentally discovered by a physicist named David Brewster during his experiments with polarized light, and it was patented in 1817. Initially used as a scientific tool, the kaleidoscope rapidly developed into a plaything, and many kaleidoscope artists were born. They began to be imported to Japan in 1819 and were also called "hundred-color spectacles" (百色眼鏡, hyaku-shiki megane) or "brocade spectacles" (錦眼鏡, nishiki megane). In the beginning, kaleidoscopes were mainly popular as souvenirs, but as talented kaleidoscope artists began to emerge, the artistic value of the kaleidoscope increased in Japan as well. Introduced in the video, is Koji Yamami, one of the most talented kaleidoscope artists in the world. There is the privately run Japan Kaleidoscope Museum in Kawaguchi City, Saitama, in Japan's Kanto region (関東地方・埼玉県の川口市, kanto chiho・saitama-ken no kawaguchi-shi), as well as "Otarugan," the world’s largest kaleidoscope gallery, located in Otaru, Hokkaido (北海道の小樽市, Hokkaido no otaru-shi). Kaleidoscopes can be made easily with just mirrors, tubes, colored paper and beads, and workshops to do so are held all over Japan. kaleidoscope production kits are also sold online, making kaleidoscopes very popular. They are especially popular among women. Who is Koji Yamami? Source :YouTube screenshot What kind of person is kaleidoscope artist Koji Yamami? Let’s take a look at his resume. Koji Yamami was born in Tokyo in 1961, studied in the United States in 1984, and returned to Japan to open a stained glass studio. In 1994, he opened the kaleidoscope specialty store "Little Bear" in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and began his career as a full-fledged kaleidoscope artist. Koji Yamami's works are characterized by their overwhelming visual beauty and unpredictable design using glass and jewelry. His works are called "kareido," a play on words based on the Japanese pronunciation of "(kaleido)scope" and using the Kanji "華麗動," meaning "華麗: Magnificent/Splendid, 動: Motion/Change/Confusion. He even has numerous fans overseas, and is nicknamed "The KAREIDO Artist" in English. He has appeared on many media outlets such as NHK, and in 2018 he appeared on the popular TBS program "The World Unknown to Matsuko" (マツコの知らない世界, matsuko no shiranai sekai), catapulting him to fame. The video introduces Koji Yamami's solo exhibition, "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors" (万華鏡小宇宙～鏡の中の美の世界～, mangekyo sho-uchu～kagami no naka no bi no sekai～) which was held in 2015. His masterpiece, based on Tokyo Tower, can be seen at 0:52, and his rendition of The Golden Pavilion (金閣寺, kinkaku-ji) can be seen at 0:17. His work based on Venus is also well-known. In the video, you can see many beautiful, glittering kaleidoscopes. Summary of Koji Yamami's "A Microcosm of Kaleidoscopes: The Beautiful World of Mirrors" Source :YouTube screenshot This video showcases Koji Yamami's solo exhibition, held in Nakano Broadway’s "GALLERY Little High," in 2015. Besides kaleidoscopes, Koji Yamami also creates teleidscopes, which incorporate the colors and shapes of one's surroundings to form beautiful images. Koji Yamami's exquisite kaleidoscopes are available for purchase on his official website and other online retailers. Definitely check them out. The ever-changing images formed by light and mirrors are sure to take your breath away!

Traditional Japanese Gourmet! Introducing Katakami Soy Sauce From Nara Prefecture This video, titled "[Beautiful Japan] Nara｜Gose Katakami Soy Sauce" (【美しき日本】奈良 御所 片上醤油), was released by "Nippon Archives" (ニッポンアーカイブス). Soy sauce is an indispensable seasoning for Japanese cuisine, which Japan is proud to present to the world. It is such a versatile seasoning that it's difficult to find ingredients that don't go with soy sauce. There is a wide variety of soy sauces, and each has a different culture and recipe, from manufacturing methods to raw ingredients. This time we'll be introducing Katakami Shoyu (Soy Sauce), a long-established brewery in Nara Prefecture. You can see the deep world of Katakami Soy Sauce that the craftsmen talk about, so be sure to watch the video to see all of the details. Traditional Japanese Gourmet! The Tradition and History of Katakami Soy Sauce From Nara Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The Katakami Soy Sauce Brewery is located in Gose, Nara in Japan's Kansai Region. You can Katakami Soy Sauce's brewery from 0:19 in the video. Soy sauce is a traditional seasoning that has been handed down since ancient times in Japan and is made by putting soybeans in a large vat and fermenting and aging them. Its taste and aroma have attracted a great deal of attention in the world of gourmet cooking. Katakami Soy Sauce is a long-established soy sauce brewery founded in 1931. In a quiet village at the foot of the mountain, soybeans from Nara prefecture are used as the main raw ingredient, and craftsmen have handed down the traditional Japanese method of making soy sauce, which involves fermenting and aging soy beans in a large tub made of cedar. Of course, the soy sauce is additive-free and unadjusted, so it would not be possible to produce without the skills of skilled craftsmen. The supreme Katakami Soy Sauce made with time and effort can be purchased online. Also, if you make a reservation in advance, you can even visit the brewery! Be sure to check it out Traditional Japanese Gourmet! How To Make Katakami Soy Sauce From Nara Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Katakami soy sauce is made by the same process as traditional soy sauce making, except that it uses soybeans from Nara prefecture and homemade koji mold as an ingredient. Here, we will briefly explain how to make and produce traditional soy sauce, so be sure to follow along with the video as it's filled with the secrets of soy sauce! - Making Koji Mold 1. Wheat is roasted until it is charred and then crushed roughly with a pestle. 2. Soybeans are soaked in water overnight and then boiled in a kettle. 3. The soybean broth is discarded and the remains are combined with roasted and crushed wheat. 4. Koji mold is mixed in and left in a room kept at 30 degrees for approximately 3 days (Video: 3:35 ～] - From here, a container is filled with the mixture in a mountain shape to keep it warm, and when self-heating begins, it is flattened to dissipate heat. - It's important to be careful with temperature control as the activity of koji mold will stop when the temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius. 5. When the mixture has a green tinge, it is soaked in salt water. 6. The mixture is prepared at a ratio of soybean 1, wheat 1, 20% salt water 3. 7. The mixture is stored in a cool place, with the whole vat being stirred once every 3 days and being left to ferment for about 2 months. 8. The mixture is aged for 6 months to 1 year (brewing). 9. The liquid is warmed to approximately 70 degrees and sterilized (heat is applied and the production of moromi (unrefined soy-sauce) is complete) 10. It is then spread on a clean cloth, folded, and pressure is applied and it is slowly squeezed out (Video: 4:00 ～] 11. After that they bottle it and it's done! Traditional Japanese Gourmet! Summary of Katakami Soy Sauce in Nara Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Katakami Soy Sauce from Nara prefecture, which is currently attracting a lot of attention as a traditional Japanese gourmet seasoning, cannot be mass-produced, so it's recommended to reserve gifts and purchases as soon as possible. In addition to Katakami Soy Sauce, there are several other well-established soy sauce breweries in Nara prefecture. Daimon Shoyu (Soy Sauce), which has been in business for over 100 years, is one such brewery. The taste of long-aged naturally brewed soy sauce that has been passed down from generation to generation creates a versatile gourmet seasoning that can be used with nearly any ingredients. Consider purchasing some delicious soy sauce during your next trip to Japan! The video also talks about the hardships and passions of the brewery craftsmen making the Katakami soy sauce. Learning about the struggles of the brewers makes the soy sauce that they put their heart and soul into taste even more delicious.

More Than 60 Years of Space Development at JAXA The video this time is titled "JAXA - The History of Japanese Space Exploration" (JAXA－日本の宇宙開発史ハイライト－), released by "JAXA | Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency." By looking up at the starry sky, many people ponder their own thoughts... we've been gazing up at the sky as a source of wisdom since ancient times. There was a time in Japan, too, when Onmyodo (the way of Yin and Yang) played an active role in politics by reading the movements of the stars and predicting good fortune. There's truly an inseparable link between humans and the cosmos. It is often misunderstood that Japan lags behind Europe and the United States in space development, but in fact, Japan has devoted more than 60 years to space development and is now one of the most successful countries in the world. JAXA plays a central role in Japan's space development. In this article, we’ll introduce the history of JAXA's space development. Be sure to follow along with the video! The History of Jaxa's Space Development Photo：Moon landing JAXA is the core organization for space development in Japan. It was established at the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) in 2003 through a merger between the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL), and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The three predecessor organizations were all privately funded space development agencies, but after being reborn as JAXA, they became the core organization supporting the Japanese government's space development research. The latest Japanese space probes have the world's leading technology. Here are some of JAXA's accomplishments that have left their mark on history. ・In 2007, the world's first high-definition image of the moon by the Lunar Explorer KAGUYA. (Video: 0:47〜) ・In 2009, the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" was completed. (Video: 0:53〜) ・In 2010, the planetary probe "Hayabusa" returned to Earth after successfully collecting surface samples from an asteroid. (Video: 0:58〜) ・In 2019, "Hayabusa2," an observation rocket, successfully touched down on the asteroid Ryugu. (Video : 1:00〜) JAXA has accomplished many great feats in the 17 years since it was founded. Japan's Space Development Before the Birth of JAXA Source :YouTube screenshot Japan's space development began in 1955 with the development of the Pencil Rocket, a very small rocket, as introduced in the beginning of the video. Just ten years after the war, Japan had already begun its domestic reconstruction and space development. In 1970, Japan's first satellite, "OHSUMI," was successfully launched. In 1985, Halley's comet was observed by "Suisei," in 1992, Mamoru Mohri became the first Japanese person to fly in space aboard a space shuttle, and in 1994, the Japan-made H-II rocket was successfully launched. Japan has a long history of great achievements even before the birth of JAXA. Summary of JAXA and Japan's Space Development Photo：Rocket It is said that Japan's space development had been attracting a great deal of attention after its Pencil launch test in 1955. The Pencil Rocket was nicknamed the "baby rocket" because of its extremely small size, with three types being developed: the S-type, T-type and R-type. At that time, the Pencil Rocket was already moving at close to the speed of sound, and the orbital data was utilized for the later Kappa Rockets. Back then it was thought to be impossible for Japan to develop a sounding rocket that could operate at an altitude of more than 100 km, but Japan succeeded in doing so using domestic technology alone. Although the U.S. and the Soviet Union have been the major space powers, Japan's technological prowess has been adopted by other countries for their rocket development. In particular, the latest engine technology of "Hayabusa" and remote-control technology will be a great asset to the history of space development to come. 【Official Website】JAXA｜Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency https://global.jaxa.jp/

Introducing the Beautiful Ceramic Art, Bizen Ware This video, titled "TEWAZA (Handicraft) Bizen Pottery / Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square" (手技TEWAZA「備前焼」Bizen pottery／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square), was released by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." Bizen Ware is a traditional Japanese craft with a long history and is known as one of the "Six Ancient Kilns of Japan" and well as being known as "Inbe Yaki." Bizen Ware is a traditional pottery that is popular for its solid reddish/brownish color, glassy surface, and rugged texture, which are brought out by its unique unglazed appearance through a method of high-temperature firing via direct contact with the flame. A Closer Look at Okayama's Bizen Ware Photo：Bizen Ware Bizen Ware is made of unique clay obtained from the rice fields in Okayama Prefecture. It is called one of the "Six Ancients Kilns" because it can be found in literature dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 AD). Since then, Bizen Ware has continued to produce tea ware masterpieces and successors are still being trained today. Bizen Ware has long been a prominent part of the culture and industry of Okayama Prefecture, located in Japan's Chugoku Region (中国地方, Chugoku-Chiho), and is a representative pottery of Japan. Bizen Ware is a popular pottery with ancient traditions and prestige, and is valued highly, as some of the most famous kilns have produced artists and craftsmen who have been designated as living national treasures. Having said that, modern Bizen ware is not so expensive that its unaffordable. After the Kamakura period (around 1185 to 1333 A.D.), Bizen Ware was no longer used solely by nobles and aristocrats, but was also popular as everyday utensils used by samurai and townspeople alike. The beautiful brownish and reddish color surfaces of Bizen Ware are created by the minerals contained in the special clay obtained in the vicinity of Okayama. It's fired by covering it with oily pine ashes and placing straw over it so that it is in direct contact with the flame. By firing it at high temperatures, the minerals contained in the clay become vitrified, increasing the strength and luster of the surface. Because no chemicals are used, the texture is not smooth like porcelain, but rugged with a rustic texture. How Bizen Ware is Made Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Kneading the clay (Video 0:34～) Bizen Ware commonly uses clay that lies 3-5 meters below the surface of a rice field. 2. Molding (Video 0:48～) Remove the air from the clay making it sticky and preventing cracks and crevices from forming. A potters wheel is used here. 3. Drying (Video 1:29～) Allow it to dry thoroughly. 4. Setting in a kiln (Video 1:44～) Pieces are carefully placed into the kiln to achieve the most beautiful firing results. 5. Firing the kiln (Video 2:28～) Each piece is fired for more than 10 days. Bizen Ware Patterns as Shown in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot You can see the finished pieces in the video. ・Goma (Video 3:03～) Ashes from the firewood fall on the pieces during the firing process. The ashes react with the soil and become vitrified, creating a variety of patterns. ・Sangiri (Video 3:12～) Charcoal is thrown into the kiln at the end of the firing process to create a pattern of contrasting color changes from white, blue, and yellow in parts. ・Hidasuki (Video 3:20～) This pattern is created by the reaction of the alkaline content of the straw and the iron content of the base material. Summary of Okayama's Bizen Ware Photo：Bizen ware The other name for Bizen Ware "Inbe Yaki" (Imbe Yaki) came from the local place named "Inbe." Now there are many Bizen Ware Pottery kilns and studios with galleries around Inbe Station in Okayama Prefecture, and the Bizen Ware Festival (also called the "Bizen Pottery Festival") held every autumn attracts many pottery fans and tourists from all over Japan. Even today, Okayama Prefecture promotes the history and culture of traditional Japanese crafts through Bizen Ware works. There are everyday products that can be used for everyday living, such as mugs and glasses for beer as well. 【Official Website】Bizen Ware | Traditional Crafts | Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/craft/0418/

Yunoshimakan: A Tangible Cultural Property at Gero Onsen in Gifu Prefecture This video, titled "[Gero Onsen Yunoshima-kan] A Tangible Cultural Property" (【 下呂温泉 湯之島館 】 登録有形文化財), was created by "Multicopter Operating Drone Aerial photography" (マルチコプターオペレーティング ドローン 空撮). Yunoshimakan is a long-standing ryokan in Gero Onsen, established in 1931. Gero Onsen is one of Japan’s most famous hot springs, and Yunoshimakan is located at the top of a hill overlooking the town of Gero. The building was designated as a Tangible Cultural Property in 1947. In 1949, Yunoshimakan was designated a "Government Registered International Tourist Inn No. 8," by the Japanese government, which certifies that the hotel meets certain standards to ensure that foreign visitors to Japan can stay at the hotel with peace of mind. The ryokan has had the honor of accommodating the previous Emperor Showa in 1949, as well as the former Emperor Akihito in 1977. Gero Onsen's Yunoshimakan is popular on hotel and ryokan review and comparison websites for its excellent hospitality. Enjoy the charm of Gero Onsen's Yunoshimakan's vast 50,000-square-meter grounds in the amazing aerial footage filmed using the latest drone technology. Yunoshimakan: Enjoy a Variety of Deluxe Meals, Such as Hida Beef Cuisine, a Specialty of Gifu Prefecture, at Gero Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot Gero Onsen's Yunoshimakan offers a traditional Japanese-style dinner, where courses are brought to each individual room. Some examples of the menu are Hida beef sirloin steak and river fish dishes, such as ayu (sweetfish) and amago (red-spotted eel) caught in the local Masuda River, all of which are made from locally caught fish and locally raised livestock. They also offer a wide range of alcoholic-beverages, mainly from the Hida region. These sumptuous meals can be seen at 2:00 in the video. Breakfast, where you can sample a variety of Hida specialties, is served in a hall on the 8th floor. >br> A kid’s menu is also available for those traveling as a family. Yunoshimakan: A Traditional Japanese-Style Ryokan at Gero Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot In the Muromachi period (1336-1573), the poet and Buddhist monk Banri Shukyu, referred to Kusatsu, Arima, and Yushima as Japan's three most famous hot springs, and the Confucian philosopher of the Edo Period (1603-1868), Hayashi Razan, also quoted his words, making Gero widely known as one of Japan's most famous hot springs. The origin of the name Yunoshimakan is also derived from the ancient name of the place "Yushima" (lit. Island of Hot Springs). The springs of Gero Onsen are classified as simple alkaline hot springs with a source temperature of 55° Celsius and a pH level of 8.9. Gero Onsen is effective in treating neuralgia, myalgia, stiff shoulders, soreness, chronic digestive disorders, sensitivity to cold, fatigue, and more. The therapeutic water keeps your skin moist, and it's known as "Bijin no Yu" (a beauty spring). In the main building, there are rooms with elaborate designs, including an open-air bath, a Japanese garden, and guest rooms. Amenities are also provided at the hot springs, so there's no need to worry about bringing your own. You can check out the hot springs in the video at 1:27. There are several hot springs in the ryokan. Which one caught your eye? Tourist Spots Near Yunoshimakan at Gero Onsen Source :YouTube screenshot Gero Onsen is surrounded by the mountains, and due to the steepness of the mountains in Hida, it used to be a place for Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism) in the Asuka Period. At an elevation of 767m (2,500 ft.), each season offers various scenic views, such as green leaves and beautiful flowers. You can enjoy strolling around the woods and bird-watching on the trekking course or see fish swimming in the streams. Check out the video at 2:12 to see the beautiful scenery of Gero Onsen. Summary of Yunoshimakan at Gero Onsen Travel agencies offer various kinds of tours for Gero Onsen's Yunoshimakan. Be sure to check out the official website to see the prices and plans they offer each season. This video showed you an aerial view of Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan, a historical inn with hot springs offering ultimate relaxation. Step away from your busy city life and take a deep breath in the beautiful natural environment of Hida! ◆Outline of Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan◆ 【Address】645 Yunoshima, Gero City, Gifu 509-2207 【Access】5 minutes car ride from JR Gero station 【Parking】Free parking is available 【Phone number】0576-25-4126 【Official Website】Gero Onsen Yunoshimakan, A Tangible Cultural Property http://www.yunoshimakan.co.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Yunoshimakan https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g788306-d1075236-Reviews-Yunoshimakan-Gero_Gifu_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

What is the Ig Nobel Prize? Do you know of the Ig Nobel Prize? This video, “The Winners of This Years Ig Nobel Prize Are Once Again Japanese (The Daily Saliva of 5 Year Old Children) イグノーベル賞今年も日本人『5歳児の1日の唾液量』(19/09/13)” introduces the awards ceremony of the Ig Nobel Prize, 2019. The Ig Nobel Prize is a parody of the Nobel Prize, with the first awards ceremony held in 1991 at Harvard University in Massachusetts, America. Now, it has become an annual event, and is a scientific award recognized worldwide. The selection criteria is research which “first makes people laugh, and then makes them think”, and similarly to the genuine Nobel Prize, the Ig Nobel Prize is made up of several different categories. In recent years, the Japanese winners of the Nobel Prize have been buzzed about, but in actuality, Japanese researchers have been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize for 13 consecutive years, beginning from 2007. The 2019 winner was Professor Watanabe Shigeru and his 5-man team from Meikai University. They were awarded the prize for their study on the “estimation of the total saliva volume produced per day in 5-year-old children”. What is the content of this year’s Japanese Ig Nobel Prize-winning study? Source :YouTube screenshot In 2019, Professor Watanabe’s team won the Ig Nobel Prize for chemistry. Their study involved measuring the amount of saliva produced by 5-year-olds in order to maintain the cleanliness of their oral cavity. The study consisted of the researchers feeding 5-year-old children a pre-determined volume of food, having them chew and then spit the food out without swallowing, then measuring the spat-out food and comparing the volume to that at the beginning of the experiment. Through this, the researchers estimated that the children produced about 500 milliliters of saliva per day. At the awards ceremony, the researchers reenacted the experiment using a banana. This can be seen from 0:14 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot The winners of the prize have only 60 seconds to make a speech, with a girl named Miss Sweetie Poo crying out, “Please stop! I’m bored!” if that time limit is breached. This can be seen from 0:53 in the video. The awards ceremony begins with the audience throwing paper airplanes at the stage, followed by the winners entering on a rope. From start to finish, the venue is filled with laughter. It might seem difficult to win an award for science, but the Ig Nobel Prize is a unique international science award overflowing with humor and, occasionally, irony. However, the academic papers concerning these award-winning research studies have even been published in the English science journal “Nature”, showing that these studies have genuine scientific significance. An overview of the Japanese Ig Nobel Prize winners for 13 consecutive years Source :YouTube screenshot These are some of the main Japanese prize winners. ・1992 Kanda Fujihiroshi (Medicine): For the discovery of the chemical compounds responsible for foot malodor. The first Japanese winner. ・1997 Maita Aki (Economics): For “Tamagotchi”, which diverted millions of man-hours of work into the husbandry of virtual pets. That year was a double win for Japan, with the prize for Biology awarded to Yagyu Takashi. ・2002 Sato Keita and others (Peace): For inventing Bow-Lingual, a dog-to-human language translation device ・2004 Inoue Daisuke (Peace): For inventing karaoke, allowing people to spend a peaceful time together ・2016 Higashiyama Atsuki and others (Perception): For investigating whether things look different when you bend over and view them between your legs All of these and more are part of the 71 Japanese winners of the Ig Nobel Prize as of 2019. Summary of this video regarding the Ig Nobel Prize and the study on the amount of saliva produced in one day by 5-year-old children Source :YouTube screenshot Although Japan has a significant number of Ig Nobel Prize winners even compared to countries worldwide, in Asia, South Korea’s professors as well as religious experts have also been recipients of the prize. In addition, the study “cats are liquids”, which trended on the Internet, was actually conducted by a team of researchers from France. Of course, though cats are solid beings, they have extraordinary flexibility, and thus are occasionally seen as liquids. This humorous thesis invited many laughs from the audience. The reward for winning the Ig Nobel Prize is 10 trillion Zimbabwe dollars! However, this is a currency no longer in circulation and thus not even worth a penny…

The Skilled Thatchers of Shirakawa-go? In this article we introduce the following video: "Door to Tomorrow by At Home Series '#019 Thatcher Eizaku Tanaka'" (明日への扉 by アットホームシリーズ「#019 茅葺職人 田中 栄作」). The video introduces 26 year-old thatcher Eizaku Tanaka from 2:55. The young thatcher was born and raised in Shirakawa-go, Gifu, in the Tokai region (東海地方) of Japan. Shirakawa-go, a registered World Heritage Site, is situated in an area that experiences heavy snowfall each year. The characteristic Gassho-zukuri-style houses are built to withstand the harsh weather conditions, however, constructing the thatched roofing is not only hard physically but also requires a vast amount of knowledge and skill. More About Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture Photo：Shirakawa-go in winter, Gifu Prefecture The unspoiled landscape of the Japanese villages Shirakawa-go in Gifu prefecture and Gokayama (五箇山) in Toyama prefecture (富山県, toyamaken) is hard to find anywhere else in Japan. Both of these historic villages were registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995. As mentioned previously, Shirakawa-go is located in Gifu prefecture. This area receives some of the heaviest snowfall in Japan and around 100 gassho-zukuri houses of varying sizes have been built in this remote area of the country. You can see the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses from 1:47 in the video. Gasshozukuri Minkaen (合掌造り民家園), an open-air museum located in Ogimachi (荻町) lies along the Sho river (庄川, shougawa) and was registered as an Important Cultural Asset in 1976. Shirakawa-go used to be rarely visited by outsiders, especially during the winter months, however, as the beauty of the landscape became well known through the media and internet, the number of tourists dramatically increased and Shirakawa-go is now one of the top sightseeing spots in Japan. The village is often lit up at night and the snow-covered gassho-zukuri houses look like something out of a fairytale. More About the Thatchers of Shirakawa-go Photo：A thatched roof The sericulture (silk farming) industry was very important to the Shirakawa-go region. You can see the attics where the silk worms were kept from 1:48 in the video. The typical shape of the thatched roofs is called "Kirizuma" (切妻) and the main materials used to make the roofs are Chinese silver grass (ススキ, Miscanthus sinensis) and Kariyasu (刈安, Miscanthus tinctorius), both of which are water-resistant and breathable. The roofs are generally replaced every 30-40 years, with small repairs being made along the way. The layout of the houses within the village and even the angle of the roofs have all been carefully designed taking into consideration the fact that they must be able to withstand the strong winds and heavy snowfall of that region. The smoke which rises from the sunken fireplace (irori, 囲炉裏) helps to prevent pests and degradation of the roof and improves the overall durability. The thatchers use techniques like these to ensure the roofs are strong enough to withstand the rain and wind. Reroofing the Houses of Shirakawa-go Photo：Re-thatching by a thatching craftsman Gassho-zukuri houses have been built in Japan since the Edo period (1603 AD-1868 AD). Built without the use of nails, the houses are split into two areas: the first floor living space and the attic space used for silk-farming. Windows can be built into the roof and the spacious design of the Kirizumazukuri (切妻造り) roofs create the ideal conditions for silk farming during the harsh winter months. The roofs are supported by pillars that are cut at a particular angle, lodged in place, and then tied securely. No nails are used to hold the pillars in place. In this way, the frame of the roof is strong yet flexible enough to withstand earthquakes. The above are all great examples of the high level of skill involved in Japanese engineering and construction. The design and functionality of the thatched roofing is one of the highlights of the houses in Shirakawa-go. The roofs are highly durable, however, being made from natural materials, they do require reroofing every 30-40 years. Reed screens called "sudare" are first laid down as a base, after which bundles of miscanthus reed, cut to around 80cm in length, are piled on making sure to leave no gaps. The most difficult part of the reroofing process is perfecting the edge of the roof, as this affects not only the final look of the roof but also the durability. Reroofing is a huge project which with the combined effort of the local thatchers takes on average 2 months to complete and costs approximately 20 million yen. You can take a look at the reroofing process from 6:52 in the video. Summary of the Thatchers of Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site in Gifu Prefecture Photo：Thatched roofs in Shirakawa-go, Gifu Prefecture Shirakawa-go, a village nestled amongst the mountains of Gifu prefecture, is a popular sightseeing destination which attracts a large number of tourists year after year. Other popular tourist spots and events in the Shirakawa-go area include Hirase Onsen (平瀬温泉, hiraseonsen), the autumn foliage of the area, Myozenji Temple (明善寺) where you can collect Goshuin (御朱印) and see the Doboroku Festival (どぼろく祭, doborokumatsuri) as well as the lion dance called "Shishimai" (獅子舞) in Japanese. You can also take a look at Shirakawa-go online on the Shirakawa village office website, which incldues live camera footage taken from the observation deck. 【Official Website】Shirakawa-go Tourism Association https://shirakawa-go.gr.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Shirakawa-go Gasshozukuri Village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1119912-d1407426-Reviews-The_Historic_Villages_of_Shirakawa_go_Gassho_Style_Houses-Shirakawa_mura_Ono_gun.html

Fukui Prefecture's "Tojinbo" Tojinbo, in Fukui prefecture, located in Japan's Hokuriku region, is a series of vertical cliffs created by the rough waves of the Japan Sea. It is a rare type of sea cliff which can only been seen in 3 other places in the world. This video, titled "(4K) Aerial Drone Footage / Flown in Tojinbo in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture" (【4K】福井県坂井市 東尋坊で飛ばしてみた / ドローン空撮), was produced by "Mattsu." The video shows the exposed rock face and jagged landscape of Tojinbo via aerial drone footage. The geological composition of the cliffs of Tojinbo is made up of pyroxene andesite and some of the cliffs tallest points are approximately 25m tall. Its strangely shaped pillars extend for 1km and it has been designated a Natural National Monument and Scenic Spot, and is also a part of the specially protected area of Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park. It is also one of the world's 3 most geologically rare scenic spots, and therefore it is well known around the world. The origin of the name Tojinbo is said to have come from the name of a monk "Tojinbo" who lived long ago and was affiliated with Heisenji Temple and lost his life after being thrown off the cliff in a romantic tangle. After Tojinbo was thrown into the sea; another monk, his rival in love, was also pulled into the rough waves and tempestuous weather continued for 49 days. Or so the legend goes anyways... It is also famous for being used as a film location for climactic scenes in which the culprit tries to throw him or herself into the sea after making a confession in suspenseful TV dramas or movies. Tourist Attractions Around Tojinbo Photo：Tojinbo, Fukui Prefecture The Tojinbo cliffs, which is a rare rock formation even outside of Japan, is a famous place that even many Japanese would like to visit at least once. In order to preserve Tojinbo's amazing view there are no safety features such as fences installed there. You are able to walk around Tojinbo freely, however, please watch your step. The recommended tourist sites around Tojinbo are, Tojinbo Tower, Echizen Matsushima Aquarium, the caravan campsite Kyukamura Echizen Mikuni, Echizen Matsushima, Minato-machi Mikuni, Shibamasa World, and the Araiso Shoreline Esplanade. Also, if you take the Tojinbo/Oshima sightseeing boat tour, you will be able to see the cliff face from the ocean and will be able to enjoy all of the Instagrammable locations such as Lion Rock and Candle Rock. In addition, the Mikuni Fireworks Festival is held near Tojinbo in the summer and every year many tourists flock to see this event. Tojinbo's Famous Hot Springs and Gourmet Food! Photo：A crab dish When you the town Mikuni, in Sakai city, Fukui prefecture, that Tojinbo is in, try to stay at the Mikuni Kanko Hotel. Japan's Hokuriku region is famous for Echizen crab and the crab dishes made from Fukui's freshly caught crab are absolutely delectable! You should also definitely go to the nationally famous, Mikuni hot springs. Relax and rid yourself of stress by sightseeing in Tojinbo, eating delicious seafood and relaxing in the hot springs- All at the Mikuni Kanko Hotel. Summary of Tojinbo in Fukui Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot One of the world's most beautiful sights! Directions (access by public transportation such as bus), parking, events and other information about Tojinbo in Fukui prefecture, can be seen on the Mikuni hot springs official website "Mikuni Marugoto Navi." Now that you've seen the beautifully taken drone footage, it’s time to see it in person! 【Official Website】The Official Website of the Mikuni Tourist Association | Tojinbo・Echizen crabs・Mikuni Hot Spring｜A Website Full of Beautiful Sights to See and Fun Places to Visit http://www.mikuni.org/?lang=en 【Tripadvisor】Tojinbo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021160-d1385002-Reviews-Tojimbo_Cliff-Sakai_Fukui_Prefecture_Hokuriku_Chubu.html