Official Author

児玉 勇（Yu Kodama）

What is Keio Plaza Hotel? "Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo released a promotional video titled "Keio Plaza Hotel Official Video" (京王プラザホテル　オフィシャル動画). The hotel is highly rated on various hotel rating sites. JR Shinjuku Station, which is now the busiest station in Japan, and the Nishi-Shinjuku area, are home to some of the world's best hotels. However, the area wasn't fully urbanized when Keio Plaza Hotel was completed in 1971. The Keio Plaza Hotel was the first modern, high-rise hotel to be built in Japan. Its 170-meter tall tower attracted a million visitors within 6 months of completion. You can see the original landscape around the building in the video. The video tells the history of Keio Plaza Hotel which has devoted itself to providing the best service for guests, and its history as a venue for more than 1,200 international conferences. The Hospitality Services Praised by International Guests Source :YouTube screenshot Having a great location, the hotel has received many international guests in recent years and thus provides a wide variety of Japanese-style services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay catering to all guests from over 100 countries. The Japanese foods and beverages served at the hotel are highly rated by international guests. The hotel offers some Japanese-style rooms, rare for a city hotel, and offers an authentic tea ceremony experience. The kimono rental service, as well as the art exhibitions in the modern interior space, forges a fusion of modernity and tradition, which makes for a hot topic of discussion on Instagram. It also holds some unique events such as a Hinamatsuri (Japanese traditional doll festival for girls) exhibition displayed in the lobby (from 1:03) to offer experiences unique to Japan. The number of rooms in the Main and South Towers totals 1428. Various types of rooms are provided, such as: the "Club Lounge," "Premier Grand," "Premier Grand Suite," "Plaza Luxe," "Deluxe," "Superior," "Standard," Universal Design Room," and the "Four Bedded Room." Keio Plaza Hotel - Dining Information Source :YouTube screenshot Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo has a large collection of in-house restaurants and bars including ones specialized in Japanese foods and beverages on the 1st-3rd floor and 7th floor of the Main Tower, and the second floor of the South Tower is dedicated to French and Italian restaurants. Perched on the top floor of the Main Tower is the Aurora Sky Lounge. A large variety of foods are offered to cater to all tastes and budgets. This is introduced at 1:20 in the video. Keio Plaza Hotel offers the food and beverage units listed below. All of them are open also to walk-in guests. Buffet "Super Buffet Glass Court" French & Italian "Duo Fourcettes" All Day Dining "Jurin" Teppan Yaki "Yamanami" Japanese Cuisine "Kagari" Kaiseki Cuisine "Soujyuan" Tempura "Shun" Chinese Dining "Nan-en" Korean Dining "Gokokutei" Sushi "Kyubey" Soba "Fumotoya" Main Bar "Brilliant" Lobby Lounge "Cocktail and Tea Lounge" Art Lounge "Duet" Japanese Sake Bar "Amanogawa" Sky Lounge "Aurora" Karaoke "Karaoke 47" Food Boutique "Poppins" Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo - Facilities & Services Information Source :YouTube screenshot As shown in the video from 2:08, Keio Plaza Hotel also serves as a venue where international travelers meet the local art scene. The art exhibitions in the lobby display artworks such as paintings, sculptures, ceramic art or textiles of well-known artists as well as young emerging artists from Japan. The hotel also provides various facilities. The facilities and services include: Reflexology, a beauty salon, a kimono fitting service, and a photo studio. This makes it an ideal venue for wedding receptions. A variety of health facilities are also provided, such as the fitness room and outdoor pool for a complete wellness experience. These facilities are provided to respond to the every need of guests. Access to Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo The hotel is conveniently located, being just a 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR and private railway lines and is directly connected to Exit B1 of Tocho-mae Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line. For those who are flying in, there are limousine buses from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport that go directly to the hotel. If you come by car, there is a paid parking lot with a maximum capacity of 509 vehicles. As its location allows guests to get around easily, Keio Plaza Hotel is by far the best place to stay in Tokyo. Keio Plaza Hotel also operates hotels in Sapporo, Hachioji, Tama and Kyoto. You can book your room or inquire about room fees on their official website or on other travel sites. The Surrounding Area of Keio Plaza Hotel Nishi-shinjuku district features a variety of sightseeing spots and shopping areas including "Metropolitan Governors Office Observation Deck," "Odakyu Department Store," "Keio Department Store" "Yodobashi Camera," "Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Nipponkoa Museum of Art," "Shinjuku Chuo Park," "The conran shop" and "Tokyo Opera City Art Gallery." There are also a plenty of attractions in a walking distance, such as: "Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden," "Hanazono Shrine," "Kabuki-cho District," "Robot Restaurant," "Shinjiku Southern Terrace," "Godzilla Head," "Fire Museum," "Shinjuku Golden Gai," "Omoide Yokocho," "Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal Pedestrians Square," "Suica Penguin Square," "Shinokubo Korean Town," or "Anahachimangu Shrine." Summary of Keio Plaza Hotel Photo：Nishi Shinjuku-Skyscrapers Keio Plaza Hotel is a hotel chain operating hotels in Nishi-shinjuku, Sapporo, Hachioji, Tama and Kyoto. It also provides some unique accommodation plans. Keio Plaza Hotel Tama, for example, has a hotel plan that includes an admission ticket to the onsen facility "Gokurakuyu," located in the vicinity. Shinjuku is a popular area in Tokyo that features many attractions. The sweeping view of Tokyo from the sky lounge is sure to look great on Instagram. It's location also makes it very convenient for guests. The underground passage, directly connected to the metro station, allows you to stay dry on rainy days. Enjoy the video introducing the charms of Keio Plaza Hotel, which is, in itself, a tourist attraction. 【Address】2-2-1 Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo (Zip 160-8330) 【Access】By Train - 10 minutes from JR Shinjuku 【Parking】Yes. 509 parking spaces 【Telephone No】 (+81) 03-3344-0111 【Official Website】Keio Plaza Hotel https://www.keioplaza.com/ 【Tripadvisor】 Keio Plaza Hotel https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g14133673-d304305-Reviews-Keio_Plaza_Hotel_Tokyo-Nishishinjuku_Shinjuku_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Introducing Oirase Gorge Located in Northern Japan in Towada city, Aomori, Oirase Gorge is a main attraction among Japanese tourist spots. Oirase stream, which has a total length of about 14 km, is blessed with beautiful weather throughout the year, and in the spring, the spray of the clear stream is reflected in the lush greenery. The riversides forest and streams are a paradise for plants and animals, such as wild birds, serows, chars, Tohoku salamanders and other precious flora and fauna. From the moment you step inside, you'll be overwhelmed by the mystique of these woods. This video introduces the beauty of Oirase Gorge’s fresh greenery with a wonderful BGM. It's in 4K, so be sure to enjoy the beautiful footage in full screen. So Many Places to See! Recommended Tourist Spots at Oirase Gorge! Photo：The Fresh Greenery of Oirase Mountain Stream The recommended route of the Oirase River is a trail from the mouth of the Oirase River, which leads from Nenokuchi to the Shimei Gorge and then to Yakeyama. There are mossy benches throughout the trail and you can take some beautiful pictures, perfect for Instagram, especially during spring. On the way from Ishikedo (石ヶ戸の瀬, Ishikedo no se) to Kumoi Falls (雲井の滝, Kumoi no taki), you'll come across a huge rock called Makado (馬門岩, Makadoiwa Rock). The highlight of Oirase stream is the Flow of Ashura(阿修羅の流れ, Ashura no nagare). According to local legends, Ishigedo resthouse, the only rest house along Oirase stream, operated as a base for female bandits long ago. This popular route is perfect for walking as it includes Choshi Falls (銚子大滝, Choshi Oodaki), Nenokuchi water gate (子ノ口の水門, Nenokuchi no suimon), Samidare stream (三乱の流れ, Samidare no nagare), and other amazing views. Oirase Gorge was designated as a place of scenic beauty and a natural monument in 1928, and in 1936, it was designated as Towada National Park. You can see the majestic greenery, waterfalls, and powerful river in the video as well. Food & Access Information for Oirase Gorge Photo：Grilled salted fish At hotels and ryokan around Oirase Gorge, you can enjoy natural hot springs and local dishes using locally grown vegetables and freshly caught trout. One of the most famous hotels is "Hoshino Resort Oirase Keikyu Hotel." At Oirase Gorge's neighborhood facility "Oirase Stream Museum," there's a diorama of Towada Hachimantai, and "Community Land," where you can learn about history and nature. To get to Oirase Gorge, you can take local bus from Aomori airport, Misawa airport, JR Aomori station, JR Misawa station or JR Towada station. You can get more details on the official page for Towada Lake National Park Association. There are different kinds of tours so pick your preference and enjoy your time at Oirase Gorge. Summary of Oirase Gorge Oirase Gorge's source is lake Towada. There are a number of waterfalls and rapids, and you can enjoy the abundant greenery of the surrounding area. The video shows a lot of scenic spots at Oirase Gorge. Feel the beauty of nature even more with the sound of the flowing river which doubles as a BGM. The video shows us the seasonal beauty of Oirase Gorge, so we can enjoy the beauty of spring. If you've watched the video already, I bet you're already packing your bags! 【Official website】Lake Towada National Park Association http://towadako.or.jp/en/

Dojo Loach Hot Pot at Tatsumi-Ya (たつみ屋), a Famous Restaurant in Asakusa! Dojo loach hot pot, which is famous as a traditional Japanese old-town dish, comes into season from spring to summer. The area around Kaminari-mon Gate, in particular, is full of famous dojo-hot-pot restaurants and hot-pot pubs surrounding a sunken hearth with a downtown feel that is still very much alive today. This video introduces Tatsumi-Ya, a traditional restaurant in old town Asakusa that serves dojo loach hot pot, as well as the cooking process for this traditional Japanese cuisine. As a famous dojo-hot-pot restaurant, Tatsumi-Ya has been loved by intellectuals and sightseers for years. Just looking at the crunchy dojo loach karaage and dojo loach hot pot is enough to get your mouth watering. Watch this video to learn all you need to know about the delicious dojo loach hot pot! The Origin and History of Dojo Loach Hot Pot Source :This article Video When did people start eating dojo loach hot pot? Dojo loach, an exceptionally resilient river fish, was an important source of protein for local residents, referred to as "Edokko" (江戸っ子), in the town of Edo (Current day Tokyo) thanks to its well-developed waterways. There were many pilgrims around Sensoji Temple (浅草寺 Sensoji), the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the local people in Asakusa welcomed them with dojo loach dishes, using the dojo loach from the Sumida River (隅田川, Sumidagawa), formerly the Arakawa River (荒川, Arakawa). This is said to be the origin of dojo loach hot pot. In 1806, dojo loach hot pot started to be written "どぜう" (typically pronounced dozeu) instead of its original name "どじょう" (Both are pronounced "dojo"). The origin of this change is said to be Echigoya Sukeshichi (越後谷助七), the founder of Komagata Dojo (駒形どぜう), one of the most popular restaurants in Asakusa. When his restaurant burned down in the Great Fire of Edo, he thought a store name using four characters would bring ill fortune. Because of this, instead of four characters, he spelled his store name with three characters. The number "4" is pronounced "shi" in Japanese, and traditionally it is also connected with the word “death” (死) in Japanese, which is pronounced the same. The Menu and Recipe of Tatsumi-Ya Source :This article Video Dojo loach hot pot has three main cooking styles. Given the fact that it goes by 3 different names- dojo loach nabe, Edo-Nabe (江戸鍋), and Edomae-Nabe (江戸前鍋), we can tell that it was a very famous dish in the city of Edo. The first cooking style is called "Maru-Nabe" (丸鍋). This involves putting live dojo loach into a container of Japanese sake and covering it with a lid. When the dojo loach stop kicking, they are placed on a round iron plate with lots of green onions and eaten with seasonings, such as Japanese pepper and Shichimi-Togarashi (七味唐辛子), a chili pepper spice. In this video, you can watch the live dojo loach getting quieter and quieter in a container of Japanese sake around 1:53. Be sure to check it out! The second style of recipe is called "Nuki-Nabe"(ぬき鍋); a hot pot dish similar to sukiyaki. This method involves cutting the dojo loach open along the back, and cooking it with burdock roots. The third and most popular style of dojo loach hot-pot is called "Yanagawa-Nabe" (柳川鍋). This involves dropping eggs in Nuki-Nabe and stewing everything together. What these styles have in common is not just dojo loach; all of these methods involve stewing dojo loach with tofu and green onions. In the introductory video of Tatsumi-Ya’s dojo loach dishes, the chef shows how to cook dojo loach hot pot. You can see this at 14:52. You can also see people eating the cooked dojo loach hot pot with lots of chopped onions over fluffy eggs. It looks like it pairs nicely with white rice as well. In addition to the hot pot dishes, another famous dish is dojo loach karaage. This involves putting flour on live dojo loach and then deep-frying them. This can be seen at the beginning of the video. Tatsumi-Ya’s Dojo Loach Hot Pot: The Stamina-Boosting Dish to Beat the Heat! Dojo loach dishes in Asakusa are a common theme in the summer, but you're probably wondering why people would want to eat hot dojo loach dishes in the warmest season of the year. First, dojo loach is a stream fish, so it has a unique smell. To get rid of the smell, chefs often cook dojo loach with burdock roots. Since burdock roots are very hard, they must be stewed in a nabe pot to make them softer and easier to eat. Another reason for this comes from a traditional Japanese trick for staying cool in summer. After working up a sweat, the cool evening breeze allows us to cool our bodies. Around 18:09 in the video, you can see a piping hot dojo loach hot pot dish. Look at all the mouth watering goodness! Summary of Dojo Loach Hot Pot in Old Town Asakusa Source :This article Video Dojo loach dishes have been very popular among local people since the Edo period. This video shows how to cook dojo loach dishes by the chefs of Tatsumi-Ya in old-town Asakusa, Tokyo. Dishes like this are eaten less often these days, but if you're looking to boost your stamina to survive the hot summer in Japan, then you've got to try the dojo loach dishes at the famous Japanese restaurant "Tatsumi-Ya" in Asakusa! It’s also fun to watch the chef's amazing knife skills. Be sure to take a look at the video to see all the amazing dojo loach dishes! 【yelp】 TatsumiYa https://www.yelp.com/biz/%E3%81%9F%E3%81%A4%E3%81%BF%E5%B1%8B-%E6%B5%85%E8%8D%89%E5%BA%97-%E5%8F%B0%E6%9D%B1%E5%8C%BA?osq=%E3%81%9F%E3%81%A4%E3%81%BF%E5%B1%8B

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

Lifelike Goldfish Art! A Goldfish artist is someone who literally paints goldfish, but Riusuke Fukahori’s goldfish paintings are on an entirely different level. Riusuke's goldfish art is not only hand draw, but is also very dynamic, as it has three-dimensional aspect to it as well. This video, titled "Goldfish Painted on a Plain Look Just Like the Real Thing! Goldfish Artist Riusuke Fukahori’s First Retrospective Exhibition 'Kingyo Yougajyou – Underneath the Scales-'" (平面に描かれた金魚がまるで本物！ 金魚絵師・深堀隆介の初の回顧展『金魚養画場 ～鱗の向こう側～』), shows the beautiful goldfish works of Riusuke Fukahori. Riusuke is very popular, not only in Japan but also abroad, for the quality of his paintings, which is hard to believe that they were painted by hand on a flat surface. This video shows rare footage of Riusuke Fukahori’s exhibition "Kingyo Yougajoh – Underneath the scales," held in SEIBU SHIBUYA, Tokyo (東京, Tokyo) in 2016, as well as footage of him working. About Goldfish Artist, Riusuke Fukahori Source :YouTube screenshot Riusuke Fukahori’s iconic work is his series "Kingyo-sake" (金魚, "Kingyo" means goldfish). It features his unique style of painting by pouring resin into a container, called "Ichigo-Masu" or "Goshaku-Masu," and painting on the surface with acrylic paint. "Kingyo-sake" was posted on social media sites like Instagram, and became a popular topic overseas. His works are all hand painted with a brush on resin laminated in multiple layers. You can see him painting at 1:22 in the video. As you can see from 0:15 in the video, the painted goldfish cannot be seen from the side, as they are painted on resin laminated in multiple layers. The resin he uses for his artwork is super yellow resistant epoxy resin. When Riusuke Fukahori began his career as an artist, he worked on sculptures and canvas paintings, but now he only focuses on goldfish artwork. Because of his original art style, Riusuke Fukahori is the first artist in the world to be dubbed a "goldfish artist." Nowadays, there are many creators around the world who use his three-dimensional style as a model for their work. In this video, you can see a retrospective of his work. Since 2012, Riusuke Fukahori has been holding constant solo exhibitions and winning awards. His exhibitions at Miyazaki Prefecture's (宮崎県, Miyazaki-Ken) Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum , Shizuoka Prefecture's (静岡県, Shizuoka-Ken) Sano Art Museum, and Yamagata Prefecture's (山形県, Yamagata-Ken) Manabia Terrace Museum in Higashine (東根, Higashine), have always drawn large crowds of visitors who have been fascinated by his works. Riusuke Fukahori’s Past Exhibits Source :YouTube screenshot Here's a list of past exhibits and artworks by Goldfish artist Riusuke Fukahori. ・The Hiratsuka Museum of Art: "Heisei Shinchuya" ・Yatomi Goldfish Aquarium & Riusuke Fukahori Exhibition 2018 ・Kariya City Art Museum, Goldfish Artist Riusuke Fukahori exhibition "Heisei Shinchuya." ・Concourse window display of Osaka Hankyu Umeda Main Store (2019) ・Riusuke Fukahori’s retrospective exhibition "Kingyo Yougajoh –Underneath the scales" in SEIBU SHIBUYA, Tokyo Summary of Goldfish Artist Riusuke Fukahori Source :YouTube screenshot The artworks of Goldfish artist Riusuke Fukahori, who currently lives in Yokohama (横浜, Yokohama) are produced in an atelier that was renovated from a rental factory. Since his works are created entirely by hand, mass production is not possible, and the most popular works and goods are sold via lottery, with prices ranging from tens of thousands of yen to hundreds of thousands of yen per piece. There are many avid collectors, and the enthusiasm for the goldfish paintings created by Riusuke Fukahori never stops, so much so that the collectors who own many of his works themselves hold private exhibitions. We're looking forward to the works that Riusuke Fukahori will create in the future! 【Official Website】RIUSUKE FUKAHORI Official site http://goldfishing.info/

Traditional Japanese Dyeing and Weaving Source :YouTube screenshot ANA Global Channel aired the video "Artisan of traditional dyeing/Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? CRAFTSMANSHIP" (Artisan of traditional dyeing／Interview - IS JAPAN COOL? CRAFTSMANSHIP（染織家）) featuring female artisan Sarasa Yoshioka. Dyeing and weaving originated in China, India, Rome and Greece, and was introduced to Japan in the 3rd century AD. In the video (2:35), Yoshioka says that the technique is mentioned in the old text "Manyoshu" and the "Engishiki" (a Japanese book about laws and customs) which were both completed during the Heian period (794-1185). The Engishiki documented the ancient dyeing recipes. Having been designated as Intangible Cultural Property, dyeing and weaving technique and textiles such as Kimono and Obi are the important traditional crafts. In this video, female artisan Sarasa Yoshioka, talks about the history of dyeing, a traditional Japanese craft, and her passion for it. It also captures her superior artisanal skills. Magical Patterns Hand-Dyed by Artisans Source :YouTube screenshot There are two main types of dyeing and weaving: Sakizome- in which yarns are dyed first and then woven, and Atozome- in which the cloth is dyed after it is woven. The former is represented by these Kimono makers in the form of Yu-kitsumugi, Nishijin, and Nishikiori. Examples of the latter include Kyo-yu-zen and Kagayu-zen which are known for the splendid picturesque patterns. Sakizome requires a higher skill level than Atozome, and thus Sakizome textiles cost more. The Methods and Materials of Traditional Japanese Dyeing and Weaving Colors are most commonly extracted from plant sources such as roots, tree bark, and nuts. Yoshioka says the plants that are hard to grow are typically supplied by contracted experts (2:08). Indigo dye is one of the oldest and most common dyes to be used for textile dying. Since Indigo has antibacterial and insect repellent effects, it is thought that people wore indigo dyed clothing to keep insects and infections away. The Role of Dyers and Their Delicate Craftsmanship Source :YouTube screenshot The Heian period (794-1185) was the peak of the Japanese Imperial court and aristocratic culture. The garments wore by the upper classes were made by dyeing and weaving artisans. For this reason, dye artisans at that time held a high position in Japan's hierarchical society. The garments wore by the present day Emperor and Empress in the court functions are still made using this traditional technique. These formal court dresses, such as Sokutai and Junihitoe, can only be handmade since the delicate weaving cannot be done by machines. Automated weaving machines were imported to Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912) and silk textiles were designated as a main industry. Being inferior to the Great Powers in the heavy industries, Japan relied on the techniques of the dyeing and weaving artisans to acquire foreign currency, with the aim of becoming a member of the Great Powers. The Future of Dyeing and Weaving The dyeing and weaving industry, which is both time and labor intensive, has been on the decline for quite some time. Today, however, the increasing number of universities or fashion design schools integrate it in the school curriculum in order to prevent the traditional craft from dying out. The number of young people apprenticed to a dyeing and weaving artisan is also increasing little by little. Kimono, obi, tenugui and other textile products are popular as souvenirs of Japan's overseas markets, and the more opportunities there are for dyed fabric weavers to play an active role, the more likely they are to pass on this traditional Japanese craft to future generations. Traditional Dyeing and Weaving: An Academic Point of View Photo：Dyed goods You may imagine that dyeing and weaving is mainly based on tough outdoor work, but it is also an embodiment of highly developed chemistry. As seen in the video, the majority of plant dyes requires the use of mordant such as vinegar or natural alum to enhance and fix the color in the textile fibers. In other words, dyers obtain the brilliant colors through chemical reactions between the materials. Dye artisans imagine the final product before they even begin. "The color we want to achieve is decided from the beginning, and we use our experience and sense to adjust the color closer to the desired color" says Yoshioka (7:05). In order to achieve the client's desired color, the weavers use all of their wisdom as artisans. Yoshioka says that obtaining the color desired by clients is "a mission given to dye artisans" (7:47). It is not only fabrics, yarns of silk, linen and cotton she dyes, but also washi papers. Every year, she spends the winter months dyeing papers to dedicate to the Buddhist ceremony held at To-daiji Temple in Nara prefecture (5:58). Summary of Japanese Traditional Dyeing and Weaving The video features a dyeing and weaving artisan, Sarasa Yoshioka who works in the Kyoto-based atelier "Somenotsukasa Yoshioka." Sticking to the traditions, the atelier uses only plants dyes and the traditional dyeing method. Dyestuffs are soaked and simmered in the pure spring water of Fushimi (a district in Kyoto), pumped up from 100 meters underground. In this method, a variety of colors and shades can be obtained with the same dye, and the delicacy of dyed fabric is beautiful. In this article, we introduced the history of dyeing, its production methods, origins, and the raw materials used, alongside the interview with craftswoman, Sarasa Yoshioka. In the video, you can see and hear more of what she has to say and also take a look at her technique. Be sure to check it out! Traditional Japanese textiles are available online at retailers such as amazon or rakuten. Using the traditional crafts will lead you to appreciate the value of the traditional craft, as well as the skills of its artisans. 【Official Website】Somenotsukasa Yoshioka https://www.textiles-yoshioka.com/eng/

Introducing SHINOBI-TRAIN, a Limited-Time Event Train on the Jr Kusatsu Line What do you think of when it comes to Japan's most popular content overseas? Anime? Godzilla? Geisha? Mt. Fuji? Japan has a lot of content popular overseas. But aren't you forgetting something important? NINJAS! Overseas, the ninja is said to have been incorporated into the training of the military as well. In this article, we'll introduce the "SHINOBI-TRAIN," a limited-time "wrapping train" operated by the JR Kusatsu Line, in the video "JR Kusatsu Line PR video [SHINOBI-TRAIN]" (JR草津線PR動画【SHINOBI-TRAIN編】), released by the Kusatsu City Office of Shiga Prefecture. JR Kusatsu's SHINOBI-TRAIN Photo：SHINOBI-TRAIN The JR Kusatsu Line, on which SHINOBI-TRAIN runs, runs from Tsuge Station in Iga City, Mie Prefecture, to Kusatsu Station, Shiga Prefecture. This area originated from what used to be called the Ninja Town, the birthplace of Iga Ninja and Kouka Ninja, resulting in the birth of the uniquely designed ninja train shown in the video. You can see the attractive exterior of SHINOBI-TRAIN at 0:10 in the video. The SHINOBI-TRAIN uses the vehicle that has been used since the Kosei Line began operations, and the Shinobi logo on the lead car is designed with a shuriken, the symbol of ninjas. As you can see at 0:26 in the video, ninjas and Sengoku warlords welcome guests inside the SHINOBI-TRAIN car. JR Kusatsu Line SHINOBI-TRAIN Operation Schedule Source :YouTube screenshot The JR Kusatsu Line SHINOBI-TRAIN is a 4-car, 1-set train that operates irregularly. Originally, it was scheduled to be in operation until the end of September 2020, however, the impactful design serves as a good advertisement for the JR Kusatsu Line, and there have been many requests from the local people for the continuation of the line, so they decided to extend the period of operation until the end of June 2021. In Shiga Prefecture, they are also planning a monitor tour where you can ride SHINOBI-TRAIN. For details, please check the official SHINOBI-TRAIN site of Shiga Prefecture. JR Kusatsu Line SHINOBI-TRAIN Summary Source :YouTube screenshot The SHINOBI-TRAIN is not only wrapped in ninja decal on the exterior, but the interior is also a literal ninja train full of ninja-esque design. Ninja curtains are displayed on the hanging ads, and the electronic display board is also specific of the SHINOBI-TRAIN. It all makes for a very fun experience. The crew members cosplay as ninjas, and at 1:04 in the video, you can see the local Mascot greeting tourists at the station. It's well received by children and foreigners. The JR Kusatsu Line has direct service from Kyoto Station in the morning and evening, so transportation access is excellent! However, the SHINOBI-TRAIN schedule is irregular and rare, so check the timetable on the official JR Kusatsu Line website for details.

Akita's Traditional Cedar Buckets and Barrels This time, we'll introduce how Akita's traditional Japanese crafts, cedar buckets and barrels, are made. The origin of making craft arts using Akita cedar dates back to before the Edo period (1603A.D.-1868), and after hundreds of years of craftsmanship, a skilled traditional culture had been established. Source :YouTube screenshot Industry in Akita's winter months is harsh, as it is covered in deep snow. Because of this, the people developed woodworking skills, and they mastered the process of making everyday households goods. Because of the high quality and the beautiful appearance of these goods, they have become popular as souvenirs as well. There are many different types as well, not only cedar barrels, but also candy dishes, flower vases, sake barrels, beer mugs, sushi buckets, bathtub buckets, umbrella stands, wooden containers for cooked rice, and more. Many are sold online as well. You can have a look at completed versions of these goods at 4:00 in the video. You can see how the traditional craft is made in the video. The amazing footage is not something you get to see everyday. What Is Akita Cedar? Source :YouTube screenshot The production process of Akita cedar crafts by proficient artisans is shot at a workshop in Odate, Akita. At 1:03 in the video, the artisan describes how Akita cedar is know for its "good color softness, and pleasant fragrance. It can be said that Akita cedar crafts are a suitable material to make a container for preserving foods and daily products. The rich forest in Akita, covered in deep snow, has made the woodworking culture of Akita flourish. Traditional Japanese Crafts- Akita Woodworking Source :YouTube screenshot 1. Cutting panels (0:44). Artisans cut the log to the correct size, and chop the dried materials with various tools. This process is important to make the side of the finished products. Source :YouTube screenshot 2. Formatting panels The tool to shave the planks is called a "sen" (銑). This technique is derived from traditional Japanese sword crafting. Source :YouTube screenshot 3. Fine planing the panels (1:41) The craftsman describes how the "bonded surfaces with no gaps and precise angles are what give the container its integrity." Of the steps in the production process, this is the most important. This delicate step relies on expert handling, experience, and muscle memory. This is where you see the truly amazing skills of Japanese artisans shine. Source :YouTube screenshot 4. Assembling the panels (2:05) Since Akita's traditional wood-works are often used as everyday tools that hold necessities, such as water and other liquids, bamboo nails are used. If you iron nails are used to join the boards, they would rust and eventually break. After the boards are joined, metal hoops are fitted on both the inside and outside surfaces to keep it stable. After the panels are tightened, the metal hoops are removed. Source :YouTube screenshot 5. Fitting the hoops (3:11) A groove is carved out to fit the bottom hoop. Several hoops are fitted on the barrel and firmly tightened. Source :YouTube screenshot 6. Bottom plate adjustments (3:30) The last fine adjustments are made on the bottom plate, removing more gaps, and sanding it the surface is smooth. This traditional Japanese craft truly displays the depths of Japanese craftsmanship. Summary of Akita Woodworking What did you think? Did you enjoy watching the precise craftsmanship of these skilled artisans? These artisans do not take their craft lightly, and as you saw in the video, every step in the process is carefully executed to ensure the highest level of quality. When cutting planks from a log, each plank is categorized as either straight grain or cross grain, based on it's appearance. Each type is properly used for both aesthetic purposes and practicality. The "Akita Woodworking Summit" sponsored by the Akita University Cooperative Society, was held at the Akita Castle ruins near the university in 2019. Many people were able to experience the beauty of Akita woodworking and the skills of traditional artisans. Consider picking up your own traditional Akita woodworking goods and experience the profound culture of Japanese artisans. 【Official Website】JAPAN TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AOYAMA SQUARE https://kougeihin.jp/en/

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

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