Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

Introducing Sitting Volleyball! An Official Event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics! This is an introductory video to women’s sitting volleyball (シッティングバレーボール, Sitting Volleyball). In sitting volleyball, athletes with disabilities, such as paralysis in their hands and/or legs, play volleyball while sitting on the floor. Sitting volleyball, which is an authorized event of the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), is an official event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. A Look at Sitting Volleyball! Source :YouTube screenshot As seen from 0:06 in the video, Taito City's "Taito Riverside Sports Center," a tournament venue in Taito Ward that aims to promote sitting volleyball, hosted the international tournament "WORLD SUPER 6" in 2019. Japan, sitting at 10th place in the world rankings, managed to place 3rd, taking home the bronze medal. Yoshihisa Mano, the sitting volleyball women's national team coach in Japan, is shown at 1:00 in the video. In his video he talks about the amazing efforts of the athletes. Sitting Volleyball- An Introduction to Its History and Rules! Source :YouTube screenshot Sitting volleyball is a sport played while, you guessed it, sitting. It was established in the Netherlands, in 1956. In 1967, an international sitting volleyball match was started by the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD). In Japan, the Japan Sitting Volleyball Association was established in 1992, and since then, the numbers of players has only increased. Currently, there are active sitting volleyball teams in areas such as Chiba and Osaka. The Charm of Sitting Volleyball Source :YouTube screenshot The charm of sitting volleyball is that it's a sport that both those with and without disabilities can enjoy. The rules and equipment used are similar to that of six-player indoor volleyball, with players battling with serves, volleys, and spikes. However, the size of courts and the height of nets are different from that of regular volleyball, and the use of kicking is prohibited, so attack and defense are slightly different from that of regular volleyball. Summary of Sitting Volleyball Photo：Japan National Stadium At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, you can see many exciting events, such as men’s & women’s sitting volleyball, and other events like wheel chair basketball. Unfortunately, the Olympics has been postponed to 2021, but that's all the more time to learn about new sports, their top athletes, and highlights. Are you looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics? 【Official Website】Sitting Volleyball – JPVA Japan Para-Volleyball Association http://www.jsva.info/contents/spoting_events/sitting.html

The Martial Arts Tourism Gaining Popularity Among Tourists Visiting Japan This video, titled "[Japan Sports Agency] Foreign Visitors to Japan Taking Interest! A Report on the 'Budo Tourism' That Can Only Be Experienced in Japan" (【スポーツ庁】訪日外国人が注目！ 日本でしか体験できない「武道ツーリズム」の現場をレポート), was released by "Japan Sports Agency" (スポーツ庁). Budo Tourism refers to foreign visitors to Japan going on sightseeing trips to experience traditional Japanese martial arts. In addition to sumo, Japan's national sport, Japan has various traditional martial arts, such as kendo, judo, karate, and aikido, which attract a lot of interest from foreign tourists. With Budo Tourism, some foreigners visit Japan to try Kyudo, Shorinji Kempo, Naginata and Iaido. Karate, A Martial Art Gaining Popularity in Budo Tourism Photo：Martial arts Karate, seen from 0:34 in the video, is one of the most popular forms of martials arts in Budo Tourism, and has also officially been made into an event at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It is said that there are around 130 million karate enthusiasts around the world, and the number of foreign tourists visiting to experience karate through Budo Tourism is increasing year after year. There are various theories about the origin of karate, but it is believed that the history of Japanese karate begins with the self-defense techniques of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which can be seen in the video. The Chinese martial art "Toude," which was introduced to the Ryukyu Kingdom, later become what we know as traditional Okinawan karate. Eventually, karate was divided into several schools, and performances and matches began to be held throughout the country. The Appeal of Budo Tourism Photo：Karate The fascinating experience of practicing in a dojo while wearing traditional uniforms typical of Japanese martial arts is not something you can easily experience outside of Japan. What kind of experience are foreign tourists looking for when training in classes held at traditional martial arts dojos? One reason is that Japanese martial arts place a large importance on etiquette and many people feel that they can experience spiritual growth through these experiences. Japanese martial arts have the idea of "Shin-Gi-Tai" (心技体: heart, technique, strength) This is a term that refers to the three qualities of a martial artist: mental strength (心, heart), skill (技, technique), and physical strength (体, body). It is said that training the mind and body in a well-balanced manner is the most important thing to consider when practicing martial arts. Summary of Japan's Budo Tourism Photo：Karate, kata As mentioned before, the number of foreign tourists interested in traditional Japanese martial arts, such as karate and kendo, is increasing year after year. Many Japanese people and foreign tourists are looking forward to seeing traditional martial arts at the Tokyo Olympics. Going forward, Budo Tourism will become a bridge between Japan and the rest of the world.

Introducing the Top Goals of 2019; As Chosen by Fans! This video "Top Goals of 2019; As Chosen by Fans!" was created by the J.LEAGUE.jp editorial department and contains a compilation of the top ten goals of 2019, according to fans. The "Top Goals of 2019 Ranking" was voted for by soccer fans via online questionnaire on Youtube. In this article, it's our pleasure to introduce to you, that video! Check Out the J League's Top Ten Goals of 2019! Source :YouTube screenshot Ranking number 10 of the top ten goals of 2019 is the over-head kick by Leandro Damian of Kawasaki Frontale! At number 9, from 0:29 in the video, you can see Yuta Koike of the Kashima Antlers. Coming in 8th, 7th and 6th place are Koji Miyoshi, Erik Lima and Keita Endo of the Yokohama F. Marinos. Number 5 is the goal scored in extra time by Miki Yamane of the Shonan Bellmare. From 2:59 in the video, you can see the number 4 goal by Douglas, of the Shimizu S-Pulse. and at 3rd place the shot from David Villa of the Vissel Kobe. Coming in at number 2 is the shot from Junya Tanaka of the Vissel Kobe after a nice pass from teammate Andrés Iniesta. Finally, in 1st place is the beautiful goal from Teruhito Nakagawa of Yokohama F. Marinos as he rips past the defense. You can check this goal out at 4:57 in the video. The History of J League and the Soccer Players Featured in This Video Photo：Soccer stadium J League is the name of Japan's professional soccer league. It is sponsored by the Japan Football Association (JFA), and the Japan Professional Football League. J League began in 1993 with only 10 clubs, but has grown to include 56 clubs split into 3 separate leagues: the J1 League, the J2 League and the J3 League. The top players in the J League are chosen to represent Japan in the World Cup and other important soccer competitions around the world. Players chosen in the past to represent Japan include Kazuyoshi Miura, Keisuki Honda, Hideotoshi Nakata , and Masashi Nakayama. They attracted many fans with their amazing performances. J League fans can check dates of upcoming matches, club ranks, and transfer information online and support their favorite team. Recently, you can purchase J League and Gundam collaboration goods, which are proving to be quite popular overseas as well as in Japan. J League Top Goals of 2019 Compilation Summary Source :YouTube screenshot The J League 2020 season has unfortunately been postponed. However, many fans look forward to cheering on their favorite teams again whether it be on TV or at the stadium once this year's season commences. We look forward to watching many of the amazing shots to come! If you found yourself fascinated by the goals in this video, we highly recommend checking the upcoming game schedule, purchasing tickets and going to watch a game live!

Introducing Hollywood Actress Sukezane Kiki! This video, titled "Sukezane Kiki Prepares for Her Trip! What's Inside the Hollywood Actress' Suitcase?!" (ハリウッド女優の豪快な旅支度。祐真キキのスーツケースの中身とは？), was released by "VOGUE JAPAN." Sukezane Kiki is attracting worldwide attention as an actress who achieved the American Dream. What kind of talent is the Japanese Hollywood actress who has starred in hit American TV dramas? In this article we'll take a look at her career and what she's up to, as well as what's inside her suitcase! The Career and Activities of Sukezane Kiki! Source :YouTube screenshot Sukezane Kiki, real name Sukezane Kie, is a Hollywood actress from Kyoto. During her second year of high school, she moved to the United States alone, where she worked on humanitarian and environmental issues. When she was 23, she moved to Los Angeles, auditioning for a wide range of roles. Then, in 2015, she gained popularity when she was selected to play Miko Otomo, a main role in the American NBC TV drama "HEROES REBORN." She reportedly learned English through her boyfriend's after moving to the US, but they have apparently separated and she now lives with a different man. In 2019, it was reported that she was diagnosed with acoustic neuroma and had surgery to remove a tumor. Sukezane Kiki's Overseas Activities! Source :YouTube screenshot Sukezane Kiki, with her bewitching looks, has appeared in movies, dramas, and commercials, including the popular American TV drama series "HEROES REBORN." One of the charms of Sukezane Kiki is her beautiful, dance-like sword fighting and action moves. Sukezane Kiki comes from a family of Kyoto samurai, and she's no stranger to action filming. Sukezane Kiki appears in "HEROES REBORN" as well as in the Netflix drama "Lost in Space." Be sure to check it out! he video showcases the contents of Sukezane Kiki's suitcase when she went overseas. It's packed full of various things, such as her party bag shown at 1:08, and the alarm clock at 1:22. There are also scripts, souvenirs, sweets, and fashionable makeup tools. Summary of Sukezane Kiki Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about Sukezane Kiki, the popular Japanese actress active in Hollywood? You can find out more about Sukezane Kiki's personal life on her Instagram. Be sure to check out the popular Japanese actress Sukezane Kiki!

Introducing Japan’s kabuki production “Shi-Shi-O”! This video, “Wonder Kabuki Spectacle『獅子王SHI-SHI-O』in Las Vegas,” depicts scenes from the 2016 Las Vegas performance of Japan’s kabuki production “Shi-Shi-O.” Following the success of the 2015 performance of “Koitsugami”(鯉つかみ, Koitsugami), less than a year later, the next performance “Shi-Shi-O” was revealed. The performance, combined with a fountain show, was magnificent sight, capturing the hearts of the audience at the MGM Grand. What Is Kabuki? Source  :YouTube screenshot Kabuki is a type of traditional Japanese theatre, long-beloved by the commoners of the country. Kabuki’s roots trace all the way back to Kyoto during the Warring States Period (1467-1615), originating from a dance form created by Izumo no Okuni. At the time, this form of dance was known as “katamuki (傾き)”, with the performers being known as “katamuki-mono (傾き者).” Women’s kabuki, young boy’s kabuki, men’s kabuki and more – the types of kabuki increased as the years passed. The performers’ roles camed to be labeled as male characters (男型, otokogata), female characters (女形, onnagata), and protagonists (立役, tachiyaku). The traditional art of kabuki is now registered as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. Modern kabuki performances incorporate dynamic stage effects, featuring water, fire, acrobatics, quick character changes and more. These effects draw loud cheers from the audience. The Story of “Shi-Shi-O” Source :YouTube screenshot The story of “Shi-Shi-O” is derived from the Japanese legend “Stone Bridge” (石橋, Ishibashi). “Shi-Shi-O” tells the story of the offspring of the lion that appeared in the original legend. The story is set at Mount Seiryo, Tenjiku (天竺清涼山, Tenjiku Seiryo-zan). Shi-Shi-O, the lion king serving the deity Monju (文殊菩薩, Monju bosatsu), devises a monster extermination trial for his offspring. His offspring change into human forms to carry out their trial and retrieve their treasure. The performance incorporates special effects such as the wire action seen at 2:48 in the video, as well as dynamic acting bristling with energy. From 9:00, you can see the standing ovation and excited reactions of the audience at the end of the performance. The Actors Who Appeared in “Shi-Shi-O” Source :YouTube screenshot Some of Japan’s most famous kabuki actors appear in Shi-Shi-O. For example, Ichikawa Somegoro (市川染五郎), interviewed at 9:36 in the video, as well as Nakamura Karoku (中村歌六), Ichikawa Komazo (市川高麗蔵), Nakamura Kasho (中村歌昇), Otani Tomoemon (大谷廣太郎), Nakamura Yonekichi (中村米吉), and Nakamura Hayato (中村隼人). “Shi-Shi-O,” the product of numerous rehearsals and brought to life by these popular kabuki actors, is truly a spectacular sight. Other than “Shi-Shi-O,” in recent years, many kabuki actors have taken part in novel performances both in Japan and overseas. In recent years, the show “Nausica,” based on the Ghibli film, as well as a kabuki show based on the hugely popular manga and anime “One Piece,” have garnered much attention. Summary of the Overseas Performance of Shi-Shi-O Photo：Kabuki-za Theater In Japan, there are many famous kabuki actors; the most famous being Ichikawa Ebizo (市川海老蔵). If you visit theaters such as Kabuki-za (歌舞伎座, Kabuki-za), you can view these awe-inspiring kabuki performances in person. If you're interested in watching a Kabuki performance after reading this article, be sure to check out prices and locations for your visit to Japan or Vegas! Ticket prices are surprisingly reasonable, and even those watching kabuki for the first time are sure to enjoy their experience. 【Official Website】Kabuki Official Website https://www.kabukiweb.net/

Oita Prefecture – The Hot Spring Prefecture of Japan This video, titled “[Hot Spring Prefecture] 'Shinfuro' Full Version｜SHINFURO: Synchronized｜Swimming in Hot Springs” (【おんせん県】「シンフロ」篇 フルバージョン　SHINFURO：Synchronized Swimming in Hot Springs), was released by “Onsen Prefecture Oita Official (Oita Prefecture Public Relations and Information Division)” (おんせん県おおいた公式（大分県広報広聴課）). The video shows a professional synchronized swimming team, led by a former Japanese national team member, performing synchronized swimming at a hot spring in Oita Prefecture, the hot spring capital of Japan. The unprecedented video, with a comedic touch, was shot on location at popular hot springs throughout Oita Prefecture, and as soon as it was uploaded, it spread like wildfire and now has more than 2 million views. Highlights of Oita Prefecture’s Synchronized Swimming Hot Spring Video Photo：Shinfuro, Oita Prefecture The video shows a professional synchronized swimming team, led by a former Japanese national team member, performing synchronized swimming in a hot spring in Oita Prefecture. In the video they combine the words "ofuro" (お風呂, bath) and "shinkuro" (シンクロ, synchronized) to create the word "shinfuro," referring to the synchronized swimming in the hot springs. The synchronized swimmers enter the open-air bath of Uke no Kuchi Onsen｜Ryokan Shinseikan at 0:21 in the video. It's a splendid display of synchronization! You can see the group performing synchronized swimming at various hot spring in Oita Prefecture, including "Okamotoya Ryokan" at 0:47, "Ichinoide Kaikan" at 0:54, "Amagase Onsen" at 1:00, "Hinode Onsen" at 1:06, "Suginoi Hotel" at 1:13, "Nihiki no Oni" at 1:32, "Hyotan Onsen" at 1:35, the "Beppu Beach Sandbaths" at 1:38, "Hyotan Onsen" again at 1:42, "Beppu Onsen Hoyoland" at 1:45, and "Yufuin Tsukanoma" at 1:58. What Kind of Place is Beppu Onsen? Photo：Shinfuro, Oita Prefecture Beppu Onsen Resort in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, known as a hot spring city, is an area where hot springs originate from two volcanoes, Mt. Tsurumi (鶴見岳, tsurumidake) (1,375m above sea level) and Mt. Garan (伽藍岳, garandake) (also known as Mt. Io (not to be confused with Mt. Io in Hokkaido), 1,045m above sea level). Oita Prefecture boasts the largest number of hot springs in Japan, and the name "Onsen Prefecture" is becoming more and more common. The eight hot springs in the Beppu area of Oita Prefecture: Beppu Hot Spring, Hamawaki Hot Spring, Kankaiji Onsen, Horita Hot Spring, Myoban Yunosato Hot Spring, Kannawa Hot Spring, Shibaseki Onsen, and Kamegawa Onsen, are known as Beppu Hatto in Japanese (別府八湯, The Eight Springs of Beppu). The Best Ways To Enjoy Your Time at Beppu Onsen Photo：Jigokumushi Cuisine, Oita Prefecture At Jigokumushi Kobo in Kannawa Onsen, you can experience the traditional cooking method called "Jigokumushi Cuisine" (地獄蒸し料理). Other popular gourmet foods in Beppu Onsen include toriten, Beppu Reimen (a type of cold soba noodles), and Beppu pudding. High-class kappo cuisine is also available at inns and hotels in Beppu Onsen, so consider make reservations for an overnight stay. Suginoi Palace's large open-air bath with a view is also available for day trips, so we recommend it to those looking for a more casual day visit. Notable Sightseeing Destinations in the Oita Prefecture Area Photo：Kijima Kogen Park If you're planning a trip to Oita Prefecture, you'll want to stop by Yufuin Onsen as well as Beppu Onsen, where you can tour the hot springs of Hell! We also recommend sightseeing spots such as Beppu Rakutenchi, Beppu Ropeway, Kijima Kogen Park, Oita Fragrance Museum, Beppu B-con Plaza, the Beppu City Art Museum, African Safari (Kyushu Zoological Park African Safari), Takasakiyama Natural Zoological Garden, Harmony Land, and Oita Marine Palace Umitamago. Summary of Oita, the Hot Spring Prefecture Photo：Steam from Beppu Onsen's hot springs The hot springs of Oita shown in the video make up a popular hot spring resort that always ranks high on Japan's hot spring rankings. If you're looking to spend some time relaxing in one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan, be sure to check out Beppu Onsen! There are many hotels and inns at Beppu Onsen, so we recommend checking transportation access before visiting.

Introducing Drone Footage of Kumamoto Castle's Reconstruction! This video, titled "Four Years Since Kumamoto Earthquake. Drone Footage of Kumamoto Castle's Reconstruction" (熊本地震から4年　修復作業続く熊本城をドローン撮影), was released by "Jiji Press Video Center" (時事通信映像センター) in 2020. Kumamoto Castle is a famous sightseeing spot in Kumamoto. It was damaged in the Kumamoto Earthquake that struck on April 14th, 2016 and reconstruction is currently ongoing. Reconstruction of the exterior of the large keep will be finished by 2020, and work on the interior of the large keep and small keep will continue through 2021. During the restoration period, the castle has a special viewing corridor, as shown at 1:05 of the video, where you can see a close look at the repairs taking place. The History and Characteristics of Kumamoto Castle Photo：Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle, also known as Ginnan Castle, was built between the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1573-1598) and the Edo period (1603-1868) in Kumamoto, Akita, Higo as a flatland-mountain castle. After Kato Kiyomasa rebuilt the castle, it became the residence of the Hosokawa family of the Kumamoto Domain until the end of the Edo period. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), it was used as a battlefield for Satsuma Rebellion and as a school. The ruins of castle are designated as a national special historic site and the turret and gate which escaped the flames of the Satsuma Rebellion have been designated Important Cultural Properties. Condition of Reconstruction Photo：Restoration of Kumamoto Castle Kumamoto Castle was badly damaged in the 2016 earthquake. However, the castle barely survived, being supported by a single line of stone wall. This came to be called "The Stone Wall Miracle" and became a beacon of hope for the people affected by the disaster. The total cost of repairing Kumamoto Castle is estimated to be about 35.4 billion yen. If you donate more than 10,000 yen, you will receive a "Castle Lord Card" and "Castle Lord Certificate" and your name will be listed on the digital board. As of 2019, donations have exceeded 2 billion yen. The basic plan for reconstruction was created in 2018 and included "the early restoration of the castle tower, a symbol of reconstruction, and "a plan to lay the foundation to survive at least 100 years." Sightseeing Spots Around the Castle Photo：Kumamoto Castle and Cherry Blossoms The free guide "Omotenashi Busho" is very popular at Kumamoto Castle. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors in the fall, which are very photogenic. There's also the exciting "Kumamoto Castle Marathon" in winter where you can run around the castle. Kato Shrine dedicated to Kato Kiyomasa and the Monogatari Goten on the second floor of the Kumamoto Museum Wakuwakuza are also a must-see. Also check out the "Wakuwakuza History and Cultural Experience." Summary of Kumamoto Castle's Restoration Photo：Kumamoto Castle Inner Citadel and Turrets The castle has 400 years of history and the castle's reconstruction has been attracting a lot of attention from castle fans in Japan and abroad. Check out the official website for information on the reconstruction, special exhibitions, and for maps. We recommend taking a look at the live camera at Josaien Wakuwakuza to check the progress. ◆About Kumamoto Castle◆ 【Address】1-1 Honmaru, Chuo, Kumamoto, Kumamoto 【Access】A 10-minute walk from Kumamoto Castle/City Hall Station and 30 minutes by bus from JR Kumamoto Station 【Entrance fee】500 yen for adult and 200 yen for elementary and junior high school student. 【Hours】8:30 am to 6:00 pm from March to November, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm from December to February 【Closures】December 29th to December 31st 【Parking Facilities】Available 【Telephone No】096-223-5011 【Official Website】Kumamoto Castle https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Kumamoto Castle https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298213-d324727-Reviews-Kumamoto_Castle-Kumamoto_Kumamoto_Prefecture_Kyushu.html

The Hairdresser Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles This video, titled "Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles," was created by "The Art Institute of Chicago." From 0:27 in the video, professional hairdresser Tomiko Minami appears. She is highly skilled at recreating the hairstyles portrayed in ukiyo-e prints of the Edo Period. Ukiyo-e prints were created by Edo-era artists such as the famous Katsushika Hokusai (葛飾北斎). The beautiful renditions of women in ukiyo-e prints have gained admiration not only in Japan but also worldwide. As seen in the video, hairdressers like Tomiko Minami use the techniques of old to bring ukiyo-e hairstyles to life in the present day. More About Professional Hairdresser Tomiko Minami Source :YouTube screenshot The video introduces Tomiko Minami of Minami Hairdressing. She is part of a group of Japanese hairdressers known as "yusoku biyoshi" (有職美容師), who specialize in studying and maintaining historical traditions of the imperial court and samurai families with regards to hair and clothing. Tomiko Minami is not only proficient in traditional Japanese hairstyles, but also well-versed in the ornaments and clothing styles of each era. She is even responsible for hairdressing and garments at the Ise Jingu Festival (伊勢神宮祭). At the Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) and the Heian Shrine (平安神宮) Jidai Matsuri, she is in charge of more than 150 different types of hairstyles. Her recreations of ukiyo-e hairstyles are extremely detailed and intricate. With participants strolling around with their beautiful hairdos and traditional garments, these festivals of Kyoto are a wonderful sight, bringing to life the atmosphere of times past. The Amazing Hairstyles Yusoku Biyoshi Can Recreate Source :YouTube screenshot During the early Edo Period, people generally let their hair flow freely without tying it up. However, from the mid-Edo Period, hairstyles, such as those seen in ukiyo-e prints, began to increase in popularity. There were styles such as the the kamome tabo (鴎髱, Seagull's Tail), the yoko-hyogo (横兵庫, Butterfly), and the torobin (燈籠鬢, Lantern Locks) resembling a traditional lantern. In the later Edo and Bakumatsu Periods, elaborate hairstyles ,especially for high-ranking courtesans, were created as well. The hairdressers skillfully make use of combs and hairpins to create traditional Japanese hairstyles, such as suberakashi (垂髪), as well as the shimada and katsuyama styles favored by geisha and maiko. At 1:37, 3:19, and 5:02 in the video, you can see the finished hairstyles carefully dressed by the talented hairdresser. Summary of the Hairdressers Recreating Ukiyo-e Hairstyles The hairdressers shown in this video make use of techniques used in the Edo Period to accurately recreate the hairstyles of that period. Their incredible skill has gained attention from around the world. Be sure to take a look at the video and take in the skills of the hairdressers and understand the depth of Japanese culture!

Video of Sprinter, Kiryu Yoshihide, Taken by Gopro! Check out the video, uploaded by Kiryu Yoshihide “Running with a GoPRo!（GoProを付けて走ってみた！）” Kiryu Yoshihide is a famous sprinter, holding the national record for the 100 meter dash, at 9.98 seconds. It's rare to see him running on indoor track with a GoPro on his head. The difference between his point of view and the point of view of a normal person while running, is shown at 2:21 in the video. What Kind of Athlete Is Kiryu Yoshihide? Source :YouTube screenshot Kiryu Yoshihide is a sprinter from Hikone, Shiga in Japan's Kansai region. He was born December 15th, 1995 and he is now 24 years old (as ofJune, 2020). He is 176 cm tall and weighs 70 kg. He has liked sports since his childhood, and during his time at Rakunan High School and Toyo University, he participated in national and world tournaments. After graduating from college, he participated in the Asian Games as a track and field athlete affiliated with Nippon Life Insurance, while also appearing in commercials and television programs. In 2020, he announced his marriage on his official YouTube channel, surprising everyone. A Look at His Records and Awards! Source :YouTube screenshot Yoshihide Kiryu competes globally in short-distance track and field events such as the 100 and 200 meter dash. In 2017, he achieved a 9.98 in the 100 meter sprint, his best record as well as the national record. At the Rio Olympics in 2016, he ran 2 x 100 meter relays with Yamagata Ryota, Iizuka Shota, and Aska Cambridge. They set a record for Asia and took home a silver medal. About Kiryu Yoshihide Source :YouTube screenshot Other than YouTube, he also has a Twitter and Instagram. He talks about his training and track and field in general. He introduces about his cleats, how to build muscles, and more. Definitely check it out if you're interested in track and field. Summary of Kiryu Yoshihide Source :YouTube screenshot This video showed Kiryu Yoshihide’s impressive speed, and introduced a little bit about him. If you watch the video at 2:21, you realize the difference between a professional runner and an average person. We also see a race between Yoshihide and his coach at 2:38. He is now training for the Tokyo Olympics. It'll be exciting to see what he can achieve, and if he'll be able to set any new records. 【Official Webbsite】JAAF | Kiryu Yoshihide https://www.jaaf.or.jp/english/

The Rare Oriental White Stork at Hyogo Park! This video, titled "Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork," released by "ibukivideo," shows rare footage of the Oriental Stork. Japan was once home to wild Oriental storks; however, they disappeared from the skies of Japan in 1971... The last habitat of the Oriental stork in Japan is Hyogo Prefecture's Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork, which can be seen at 0:44 in the video. Here, the public and private sectors work together on stork research projects. The Oriental stork is also designated as the prefectural bird of Hyogo Prefecture. In this article, we''ll take a look at Hyogo Prefecture's efforts to breed the Oriental stork. Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork Source :YouTube screenshot Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork is a research facility for storks located in Shounji, Toyooka, Hyogo prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan. You can learn about the research on Oriental storks at the Kounotori Stork Sanctuary which is attached to Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork and can be seen at 1:11 in the video. Be sure to stop by the nature observation and learning zone where you can observe the ecology of storks, and "Kounotori Honpo," a Toyooka City Community Exchange Center where you can purchase stork related merchandise. In addition, there are also research facilities that breed storks, such as the Nature Acclimation Zone, the Stork Conservation and Propagation Center, and the Nature Zone. About the Oriental Stork - Ecology and Feeding Habits Photo：An oriental stork eating fish The Oriental stork is an endangered species of bird in the family Ciconiidae, order Ciconiiformes, and genus Ciconia and is an internationally valuable bird. They are distributed throughout Asia, measuring 110 cm in length, weighing between 3 and 5 kg, and are characterized by their appearance similar to that of a crane. There are many folklore stories about storks bringing babies into the world. In Japan, the storks once lived in the rice paddies and rivers of the mountains and woodlands. As you can see at 2:35 in the video, their nests are approximately 1 metre wide. Their diet consists of fish and insects. Adult storks do not have a well-developed vocal system, so they cannot be heard except when they are chicks. During the Meiji period (1868-1912), the number of storks in Japan was drastically reduced due to over-hunting, and besides a few protected individuals in the Tajima area of Hyogo Prefecture and the Wakasa area of Fukui Prefecture, they were hunted to extinction. In 1908, a ban on hunting the Oriental stork was put in place, and its habitat was designated as a national natural monument in 1921. The lifespan of the stork is said to be over 30 years; however, it is not yet known how long they live for in the wild. Summary of the Oriental White Stork Photo：The Oriental White Stork At Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork, a project is underway to help storks return to the skies of Japan. In 2005, a test release of storks was carried out in order to reintroduce them into the wild, and in 2007, they succeeded in breeding wild storks in the field. Now roughly 80 storks have returned to the skies. In addition to the storks bred at Hyogo Park of Oriental White Stork, Osaka Tennoji Zoo and the Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park in Aichi have also succeeded in breeding storks. If this article has piqued your interest in the Oriental stork, be sure to visit Hyogo Park of Oriental White Stork to learn all about the beautiful bird! ◆Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork Facility Overview ◆ 【Address】128 Nigatani, Shounji, Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture 668-0814 【Access】A 40 minute walk from the Kyoto Tanetsu Railway "Konotori no Sato" Station 【Hours】9:00～17:00 【Admission Fee】None 【Parking】Free parking available 【Telephone】0796-23-5666 【Official Website】Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork http://www.stork.u-hyogo.ac.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Hyogo Park of the Oriental White Stork https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1022822-d1384701-Reviews-Hyogo_Park_of_the_Oriental_White_Stork-Toyooka_Hyogo_Prefecture_Kinki.html