Official Author

坂崎 なお（Nao Sakazaki）

Utagawa Hiroshige's "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Through this video "53 Stations of the Tokaido, Utagawa Hiroshige, Ukiyo-e" (東海道五十三次　歌川広重　浮世絵), we would like to teach you about the origins of Ukiyo-e woodblock printing and introduce some captivating Ukiyo-e art! 53 Stations of the Tokaido is a painting depicting the Tokaido, a 487.8km road that connected the cities of Kyoto and Edo. There are 53 stations located along the road which stretches from Edo Nihonbashi to Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi. Utagawa Hiroshige painted the beautiful scenery of the Tokaido after travelling the length of the road himself. Ukiyo-e paintings featuring famous spots along the Tokaido are as admired now as they were hundreds of years ago. You can take a look at these paintings throughout the video as well. Please enjoy learning more about this traditional Japanese art! More about Utagawa Hiroshige's "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Source :YouTube screenshot Ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige published a collection of his works called "53 Stations of the Tokaido, Hoeido Edition" (保永堂版東海道五十三次, Hoeidoban Tokaido Gojuusantsugi) in 1833. The first edition was published by two separate publishers: Hoeido and Senjudo; however, the following editions were all published solely by Hoeido. At the time, his works were being sold at a price ranging from 12-16 sen (approximately 600-800 yen in today's currency). At 5:26 in the video you can see Utagawa Hiroshige's "Keishi," a painting depicting Kyoto Sanjo Ohashi. Ukiyo-e paintings of stations along the Tokaido, such as Shinagawa in Tokyo, Kawasaki in Kanagawa, and Shono in Mie, are also very popular. Utagawa Hiroshige also painted Ukiyo-e of the stops along the Nakasendo and Kisokaido roads called "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Nakasendo" and "The Sixty-nine Stations of the Kiso Kaido". The History of Ukiyo-e and Ukiyo-e Styles Photo：Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji Ukiyo-e is a style of artwork that flourished in the Edo period, with paintings and prints commonly portraying beautiful women or famous kabuki actors at the time. When we hear the word ukiyo-e, we think of colorful woodblock prints, however the majority of ukiyo-e in the Edo period would have been hand-painted. One of the most famous ukiyo-e prints of all time is "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" (神奈川沖波裏, Kanagawa Okinamiura), one of a series of prints from "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" (富嶽三十六景, Fugakusanjuurokkei) by the ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai. These paintings greatly influenced future ukiyo-e artists such as Toshuusai Sharaku, Utagawa Kuniyoshi and Hishikawa Moronobu. Summary of "53 Stations of the Tokaido" Source :YouTube screenshot We hope you enjoyed our introductory video of the wonderful "53 Stations of the Tokaido" and learned something new about the traditional Japanese art of ukiyo-e. If you were impressed by the artwork in this video, we recommend purchasing a small card version for yourself online or there are also framed versions to decorate your home with. We hope you enjoy and have a new appreciation for the beauty of ukiyo-e. For those who would like to learn more about ukiyo-e, we recommend visiting Tokaido Hiroshige Art Museum (東海道広重美術館, Tokaido Hiroshige Bijutsukan) in Shizuoka city (静岡市, shizuokashi), Shizuoka prefecture (静岡県, shizuokaken), situated in the Tokai region with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji (富士山, fujisan).

Introducing Hokkaido’s "Hamanasu"! This video, titled "Debut of the New Limited Express Sightseeing Train "Hamanasu": JR Hokkaido" (観光用にも使える新型特急車両「はまなす編成」がデビュー：JR北海道), was released by "nippon.com." It's a news video introducing JR Hokkaido's new limited express sightseeing train "Hamanasu." From October 2020, the Hamanasu finally began its journey to Abashiri, Kushiro, Hakodate and Wakkanai as a regular limited express train. The Hamanasu is expected to support many people as a new means of travel to Hokkaido. What is the Hamanasu? Photo：The Hamanasu, Hokkaido The KiHa 261-5000 series of the Hamanasu is a multi-purpose diesel locomotive based on the KiHa 261 express locomotive. This train features a cute pink coloring that evokes the image of the Japanese rose (Rosa rugosa, beach rose), called "Hamanasu" (ハマナス) in Japanese. Two 5-car trains were produced and named "Hamanasu" and "Lavender." Commemorating the 140th anniversary of Hokkaido's railroads, the Hamanasu began trial operations in July 2020, and made its commercial debut on Saturday, October 17, 2020, as the "140th Anniversary of Hokkaido's Railways" dedicated day-trip sightseeing train. Starting October 24, the Hamanasu is scheduled to operate with the limited expresses "Okhotsk," "Taisetsu," "Ozora," "Hokuto," "Soya," and "Sarobetsu" operated regularly by JR Hokkaido. The Hamanasu looks like a green car, but there are no plans to add a green car to the train for a while. Enjoy a Wonderful Time Sightseeing on the Hamanasu Source :YouTube screenshot The interior of the Hamanasu is introduced at 0:22 in the video. Car No. 1 is a free space called the "Hamanasu Lounge" and is a multi-purpose room. Car No. 1 also has private rooms with sunken kotatsu-style tables and a counter selling local specialties, and is a great space to enjoy conversing with friends and family during your sightseeing trip. Cars 2 to 5 are equipped with general seating, and each seat is equipped with an electrical outlet and an arm table, and there is also free WiFi available. You can also use your computer or smartphone on the train, making it convenient for business purposes. Summary of Hokkaido’s Newest Sightseeing Train, Hamanasu Photo：The Hamanasu, Hokkaido This article introduced the Hamanasu, a newly launched train that debuted in 2020. The Hamanasu is planned to be very active in the future as a new means of transportation for travelers to Hokkaido. If you're planning a trip to Hokkaido, we recommend taking the popular Hamanasu for an amazing journey!

Introducing Akeno Sunflower Field in Yamanashi Prefecture! This video is titled ““Beautiful Drone footage” Akeno Sunflower Field（【絶景ドローン映像】明野ひまわり畑）”. It is a video of the Sunflower Field of Akeno in Hokuto, Yamanashi, in Japan's Kanto region, presented by “Houdoukyoku.” You can see the buds from the beginning of the video and from 0:27, you can see them fully bloomed, in all of their big, beautiful, yellow glory. This popular sightseeing spot “Akeno Sunflower Field” holds Hokuto City Akeno Sunflower Festival every year when the sunflowers are fully bloomed. What Is Akeno Sunflower Field Like? Photo：Akeno Sunflower Field in Yamanashi prefecture Akeno Sunflower Field is in Akeno, Hokuto, Yamanashi, along the Kayagatake Road; a very popular sightseeing spot. Hokuto, Yamanashi has the largest amount of sunshine in Japan, so the sunflowers in Akeno Sunflower Field bloom around July, which is earlier than most sunflowers. There are about 600,000 of sunflowers in the field as well. The sunflower field became a hot topic because it was filmed for the movie “Be with You” released in 2004. A lot of fans still visit the field to this day. In fact, there is also a place called Akeno in Ibaraki and they also have the event Akeno Sunflower Festival event. What Is Akeno Sunflower Festival Like? Photo：Ice cream There are three different areas in the Akeno Sunflower Festival: the main area, the Asaoshinden area, and the Noson Park (農村公園, Noson Koen) area. Different ceremonies are held in different areas and they are all exciting. Events such as the sunflower maze, sunflower art, illuminations, kids' booths, the performance by the Yamanashi Prefectural Police Band, and the bridal fair events are all very popular. You can enjoy instagrammable lunches, sweets like ice cream, and even challenge the photo contest! Some Info on Sunflowers Photo：Sunflower Sunflowers belong to the daisy family, and its trademark is its bright yellow flower petals. Some of the larger sunflowers grow up to 3 meters tall (~10 ft.). The sunflower seeds can be eaten, and even used for oil. Its scientific name is "helianthus". Heli meaning "sun", and anthus meaning "flower" The sunflower's origin is North America and it is called soleil (which means sun) in some foreign countries . Sunflower Summary Source :YouTube screenshot As you can see from the video, Akeno Sunflower Festival in Yamanashi is a very popular sightseeing spot with a very impressive, expansive scenery. A live camera is located around the field as well, so check out the footage collected on sunny days. There are bus tours when the sunflowers are in full bloom so we definitely recommend participating if you have the chance. ◆Akeno Sunflower Field◆ 【Address】5664 Akenocho Asao, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0201 【Access】15minutes drive from Chuo Expressway Nirasaki IC or Sutama IC 【Operating Hours】 8:00 to 17:00 【Parking】Parking lot available 【Telephone No】0551-42-1423 【Entrance fee】Free 【Tripadvisor】Akeno Sunflower Field Akeno Sunflower Field

A Look at Japan's Currency Manufacturing Technology This video, titled "Japanese Currency Manufacturing Technology" (日本の貨幣製造技術), was released by "Japan Video Topics - 日本語". Japanese currency is created in accordance with the "Acts on Currency Units and Issuance of Coinage" (通貨の単位及び貨幣の発行等に関する法律). Currently, 6 types of coins and 4 types of banknotes issued by the Bank of Japan are in circulation, and 3 billion banknotes are printed every year. The History and Unique Characteristics of Japanese Currency Source :YouTube screenshot Today's Japanese banknotes are made through a method in which design and engraving specialists create the original designs with a brush, design a copper plate similar to a woodblock print and it is then printed by the National Printing Bureau. You can see the production process of these banknotes from 0:48 in the video. Throughout the long history of Japan, such as the Showa and Heisei periods, coinage technology of has dramatically improved. The value of Japanese coin manufacturing technology is recognized around the world, and in recent years, coin manufacturing has become a typical Japanese culture, with some people being asked to manufacture foreign coins as well. The Unique Ingenuity Incorporated Into Japanese Currency Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese banknotes and silver coins are actually packed with many innovations that bring together the advanced technology of traditional Japanese manufacturing. For example, Japanese bills have a watermark that makes a portrait appear when held over light. Ink is used for banknotes to create bumps when printing, so even blind people can touch the banknote and know what type it is. In addition, advanced anti-counterfeiting technology is used for Japanese floral patterns, such as the use of "Bank of Japan" micro-lettering, which cannot be color-copied, and "diagonal jaggedness" on the sides of the coins. Other advanced technologies such as "latent imaging," "fine lining," and "fine dotting," are also used in Japanese currency manufacturing. This amazing technology has been praised around the world for its ability to check the latent images and holograms of the 10,000-yen bill and the portraits and vertical bars of the 1,000-yen bill by touching, tilting, or holding them up to light. Summary of Japan's Currency Manufacturing Photo：Japanese money Japan's coinage is not something that can be seen often, so be sure to check it out if you still haven't yet! In Japan, the notes are scheduled to change in 2024, so keep an eye out for the new designs! In addition, commemorative coins are likely to be issued at events, such as the Olympics, so be sure to get one if you visit!

A Look at Ichiran, a Popular Fukuoka Ramen Restaurant This video, titled "Japanese Food - ICHIRAN Best Ramen in the World! Fukuoka Japan," was released by "Travel Thirsty." It introduces the popular Fukuoka ramen restaurant, "Ichiran." Ichiran was first established in 1960 as a food stall under the name "Futaba Ramen." It later moved to Ogori, Fukuoka and changed its name to Ichiran and became a popular chain restaurant. A Look at the Unique Ordering System at Ichiran Source :YouTube screenshot As seen at 0:26 in the video, at Ichiran, rather than a server taking your order you order from a ticket vending machine. Ichiran's ramen is reasonably priced, starting at ¥890 for a bowl. After receiving their original tea, you can write down your personal preferences on the order form, including things like flavor intensity, richness, and noodle consistency, and you can even add toppings, such as garlic, green onions, and chashu pork (char siu). The order form is also available in English, Chinese, and Korean, so even if you don't speak Japanese you can feel comfortable ordering. You can see the ordering process at 1:01 in the video. What Makes Ichiran Unique? Source :YouTube screenshot Ichiran is known as the originator of ramen noodles with a red chili-based sauce floating in the middle of the ramen. At 2:24 in the video you can see their patented "Flavor Concentration System," where each seat has its own private space. They also offer an ordering system and a refill system to cater to customers' preferences, and use spring water for noodles to make ramen with zero trans-fatty acids and natural collagen. In recent years, a "100% Tonkotsu Free Ramen" has been developed and has attracted considerable attention. Where To Eat the Delicious Ichiran Ramen Featured in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot Ichiran has many restaurants in Fukuoka City, including its flagship restaurant and its first restaurant in Nanokawa, as well as many more restaurants in places like Sendai, Sapporo, Osaka, and areas near train stations in Shinjuku. As of June 2020, Ichiran has 84 locations worldwide. Overseas, the company has opened stores in New York, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. You can also buy instant Ichiran Ramen online. The Dazaifu Sando branch's "Success Ramen" (合格ラーメン, Gokaku Ramen) and the Tenjin and Nishijin branches' Go-Tetsu Men are menu items you'll only find in Fukuoka. Also, look out for the "ICHIRAN Select 5" offered at Ichiran's Ginza branch. At Ichiran no Mori, a ramen development factory located in Itoshima, Fukuoka, you can tour the factory and purchase ramen for souvenirs! Summary of the Popular Fukuoka Ramen Restaurant, Ichiran Source :YouTube screenshot Ichiran, a ramen restaurant from Fukuoka, is popular for its unique style of tonkotsu ramen with a secret red sauce on top. If after watching the video you're itching for a delicious bowl of ramen, be sure to check if there are any Ichiran locations near you. If not, you can always book a trip to Japan! 【Official Website】Ichiran https://ichiran.com/

An Introduction to "Kakejiku" This video titled “Kakejiku-Making of a Japanese Hanging Scroll “ produced by “Niko Kitsakis” features how to make a kakejiku by Koseido Kamon Hyoguten. Koseido Kamon Hyoguten in Takarazuka city (宝塚市：Takarazuka-shi ), Hyogo (兵庫県: Hyogo prefecture) was established in 1912. Hideyuki Kamon is the fourth hyogushi (mounter) of this store. Hyogu refers to scrolls, hanging scrolls, folding screens, fusuma (sliding doors), panels, frames, and picture books made by stretching cloth and paper. Hideyuki Kamon, a first class mounting technician, is involved in various works including the making of kakejiku, frames, folding screens, partitions, and the repairing of shoji or old calligraphic works. This video focuses on the making of kakejiku (a very rare sight), as well as the names of the scrolls. Please enjoy the video of this ancient Japanese craft. The Origin and Culture of Kakejiku Photo：Kakejiku People enjoy having kakejiku displayed in their living room. Kakejiku is also called Kakehaba or Yukakake. The art originated in China and came to Japan along with Buddhism over 1000 years ago, before the Heian Period. Its style was established through the cultures of Calligraphy and Tea Ceremony. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heian_period In this video, Hideyuki Kamon talks about the history of Kakejiku from the Kamakura, Edo period to now. There are various types of kakejiku such as Kakemono or Kakeji and Buddhist sutra, ink painting or calligraphy, as well as modern illustrations are drawn in a kakejiku. Kakehaba is counted as “Hito-haba, Futa-haba”. Hideyuki Kamon, the Mounter Who Keeps Pushing Himself Source :YouTube screenshot Hideyuki Kamon says Kakejiku is very deep and he is always finding new ways to challenge himself. According to the interview with him, he discovers new things every day and works hard to refine his new discoveries. How to Make Kakejiku Source :YouTube screenshot You can see how kakejiku are made in the footage from 6:14. Kakejiku is made of washi (traditional Japanese handmade paper), cloth and wooden sticks. A Kakejiku consists of components such as Honshi, Futai, Ichimonji, Chumawashi, Hashira and Hasso. The top and bottom parts of a kakejiku are called "Ten" and "Chi," respectively. The mounter’s techniques are necessary to decorate the washi. You can see a Honshi being sharpened by Ichimonji in the footage from 6:37. A kakejiku is completed through these various steps. Get a Beautiful Kakejiku and Feel Traditional Japanese Culture in Your Own Home! Prices for historical works or ones made by famous artists could end up costing you a lot of money. On the other hand, you can buy kakejiku online at sites like Amazon or Rakuten. If you are interested in ink painting or calligraphy or want to incorporate some Japanese culture into your life, we recommend getting a handmade kakejiku. It's important to focus on not only design, size, and characteristics of the kakejiku, but also on a preservation or storing method for the works before purchasing them. Summary of Kakejiku Kakejiku is a high quality, traditional Japanese craft. Please watch the impressive skills of this kakejiku artisan to learn how to make beautiful kakejiku. Enter the world of kakejiku that you didn’t even know existed. 【Official Website】Koseido Kamon Hyoguten in Takarazuka- A shop to first class mounters https://kouseidou.jp/

Cruising Through the Canals of Tokyo This video, titled, "Charming Boat Trips｜PR Video｜Tokyo Boat Trips (Full ver.)" (舟運や水辺の魅力を伝えるＰＲ動画　東京舟旅), was released by "東京都 Tokyo Metropolitan Government." It shows boat trips through the rivers of Tokyo. There are a number of cruise courses on the rivers of Tokyo and in the Port of Tokyo. These courses offer fascinating scenery as seen in the video. Cruise courses along the Sumida River (隅田川, the Sumida-Gawa), the Nihonbashi River (日本橋川, Nihonbashi-Gawa), the Kanda River (神田川, Kanda-Gawa), the Meguro River (目黒川, Meguro-Gawa), and other canals are a popular way to see a different side of Tokyo. Popular Cruising Spots in Tokyo, as Shown in the Video Photo：Tokyo Mizumachi and Tokyo Sky Tree, Tokyo, Japan The cruise along Tokyo Sumida River takes you past Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba Rainbow Bridge, and other famous landmarks in Tokyo. The night view of Tennozu, the container terminals, and the Tokyo Gate Bridge are also featured in the video from 1:35. The advantage of a cruise like the ones shown in the video is that you can get a detailed guide about the sights during the tour, which will help you better understand the attractions of Tokyo. If you're interested in enjoying a cruise in Tokyo, visit "Tokyo Mizumachi," which connects Asakusa and Tokyo Sky Tree Town, or Gotanda River Station, a pier for cruise ships. Explore the Tokyo Waterfront on a Cruise With the Video Photo：Yakatabune in Odaiba, Tokyo Tokyo's rivers and seashores are spacious, and there are a variety of cruise operations in the area. This includes waterbus "Himiko," the amphibious bus "Tokyo No Kaba," and "Sakura" of the Tokyo Waterfront Line. The boats and ferries around Tokyo offer regular courses to typical sightseeing spots, such as Harumi, Ariake, and Aomi, as well as events for special courses. The Yakatabune course with a beer garden is growing in popularity, as it allows participants to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms at night, fireworks, and autumn leaves in the tatami room on the boat. In October 2020, an event called "Sora, Umi, Daichi Tsunagu Minato Fes 2020" (roughly "a port that connects the sky, the sea, and the earth") was held in Tokyo, and it was a great success. Summary of Tokyo Waterfront Cruising Photo：Tokyo, Cruise Ship As shown in the video, cruises in Tokyo are a fascinating activity that offer completely different scenery depending on the season and time of day. Enjoy an unforgettable trip around the rivers of Tokyo. Those looking to enjoy a cruise in Tokyo, be sure to check out the Suitown Tokyo website. It's marked by the "SUITOWN HEART," the symbol of SUITOSOZO. 【Official Website】Tokyo Boat Trips｜Suitown Tokyo https://www.suitown.jp/en/

Introducing the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel of Saitama Prefecture This video, titled "Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel [Saitama Prefecture Official Sightseeing Video]" (首都圏外郭放水路【埼玉県公式観光動画】), was released by "Chokotabi Saitama." The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, also known as the "Underground Parthenon," is one of the largest underground drainage channels in the world, designed to protect the eastern area of Saitama Prefecture from floods. The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is a tunneling shield constructed using the muddy-shield type method, and boasts a length of about 6.3 km with an inner diameter of about 10 m. Enjoy the video of the beautiful underground drainage channel, reminiscent of a temple, in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture. A Closer Look at the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel Introduced in the Video Photo：The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, Saitama Prefecture The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is a flood protection facility built by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and Kasukabe City is in charge of its maintenance. It began being used in June 2006. The official nickname is "Sairyu no Kawa" (the River of Sairyu) but it is also referred to as an underground temple. It is a class A river (specified waterways of special importance protected by the government) belonging to the Tone River system and is a ministerial management section (section outside the designated section) under direct control of the national government. The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, which is located directly under the National Route 16 highway, has the ability to reduce flooding in the Naka River, Kuramatsu River, Ootoshi Furutone River, No.18 Channel, and the Komatsu River. The Function of the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel Photo：The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, located 22m underground, is 177m long, 78m wide, and 18m tall. Each pillar weighs 500 tons, and 59 of them line the inside of the channel. You can see the pillars lined up in the facility from 1:05 in the video. The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel consists of an "inflow facility" and a "vertical shaft," a "tunnel" that drains floods, a "pressure control water tank" that weakens the force of water and secures the flow, and a "drainage pump station" that discharges floods. In the event of a flood, rainwater is stored in the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel and then pumped out to the Edo River to prevent damage. During Typhoon No. 19 in 2019, it helped to dramatically deter damage by filling with water to 90% of its maximum capacity. Summary of the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel of Saitama Prefecture Photo：The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel is a comprehensive and lifelong learning facility, and you can tour the inside of the pressure-regulating water tank that is introduced in the video (reservations are required). During the tour, you can see the operation room show at 0:37 in the video, and the first vertical shaft that you can see from 1:48 that guides the drainage from the river, so if you want to experience one of the safeguards protecting Saitama from mother nature, be sure to visit the facility. If you want to tour the facility, be sure to stay on the lookout for the Showa Drainage Pump Station that can be seen from 0:21 in the video, in the underground exploration museum for the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, which is also called "Ryu Q Kan." 【Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel】 【Address】720 Kamikanasaki Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture 【Access】10 minutes by car or bus from Tobu Noda Line Minami-Sakurai Station 【Official Website】Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel https://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/edogawa//edogawa_index045.html 【Tripadvisor】Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021410-d12864760-Reviews-The_Metropolitan_Area_Outer_Underground_Discharge_Channel-Kasukabe_Saitama_Pref.html

Introducing Japan's Professional Lumberjacks This video [Felling of very tall trees 1] (高木の伐採作業1 美国林業) was created by "Mikuni Ringyou". It features demonstrations of techniques used by lumberjacks to cut down very tall trees. The professionals you can see in this video work for Mikuni Forestry, a company based in Honjo city (本庄市, honjoushi), Saitama prefecture in the Kantou region of Japan. Mikuni Forestry specializes in logging and the sale of lumber used to rebuild Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. The Origin of Forestry and Logging in Japan Photo：Logs Seventy percent of the land in Japan is covered in forest and many people work in the logging business. There are professionals who deal with a variety of requests; from pruning garden trees to the felling of large trees such as Japanese cedar, zelkova and evergreen oaks. They may also tackle other problems such as pest extermination, the uprooting of trees, and dealing with fallen trees. Lumber has been used since ancient times in Japan, for the building of houses, shrines and temples to the manufacture of smaller items such as furniture and everyday items. The forestry industry has grown and evolved alongside Japanese culture and lumber continues to be used to this day for a variety of purposes. More About the Lumberjacks and Logging Process in the Video Source :YouTube screenshot In Japan, professionals who are responsible for felling extremely tall trees are known as "Sorashi." There are many people in the logging business in Japan, but there are very few professionals with the title "Sorashi"; it is thought that there are only around 30 people in the whole of Japan. In order to cut down such large trees, special equipment and machinery such as cranes and chainsaws are essential. Felling down such large trees is a dangerous job, one small step can result in serious injury or even death. In this video, you can watch the felling of a 60 meter tall tree. As you can see from the opening scenes of the video, the workers wrap a rope around the trunk of the tree. From 0:21 in the video, you can see the workers use a chainsaw to cut all the way around the trunk of the tree. Then from around 0:59 you can hear the crashing noise of the tree as it falls to the ground. It appears he is using an even larger chainsaw than before. The highlight of this video has to be when the cedar tree is cut near the base and finally falls to the ground at 5:58. The footage is very impressive. Large Tree Logging Introductory Video Summary We hope you enjoyed watching the thrilling and exciting logging work of Japan's "Sorashi," captured on video. The amazing skills used in this video are something one would normally never be able to witness. For those who are considering the removal or felling of large trees, we highly recommend you put in a request to Mikuni Forestry who can advise you on the cost and man hours required. 【Mikuni Ringyou official Website】 http://www.mikuni-forestry.com/

Sightseeing in Wakayama! This video, titled "Wakayama Sightseeing PR Video," was uploaded by "Wakayama City Official Channel." It compiles the recommended sightseeing spots of Wakayama into one video. As you can see in the video, cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in spring, sunflowers at Shiki-no-sato Park (Food Hunter Park) can be enjoyed in summer, and autumn leaves can be enjoyed at Momijidani Teien Garden in the fall. There are other sightseeing spots in Wakayama as well, and it's definitely a place worth checking out. Highlights of Wakayama Castle Photo：Wakayama Castle Wakayama used to be the domain of the Kishu Tokugawa family, one of the three great families of the Edo period (1603-1868 AD). Wakayama Castle, the former residence of the Kishu Tokugawa family, measuring 555,000 koku (~125 acres), has many attractions, such as Ohashi Corridor and the castle town. It is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site. You can also try on armor at Wakayama Castle, which is shown from 1:10 in the video. Historic Sightseeing Locations in Wakayama Photo：Itakiso Shrine, Wakayama Prefecture Itakiso Shrine and Tamatsushima Shrine, shown at 5:10 in the video, are places where you can feel the long history of Wakayama, and Kimiidera Temple, where a large statue of the Bodhisattva Kannon (eleven-faced Kannon) is enshrined, are must-visit places. At Awashima Shrine, shown from 9:12 in the video, you can see "Hina Nagashi," and event held every spring in which dolls are floated down the river to pray for good health. We also recommend checking out Furobashi Bridge, Sandankyo Bridge, Kankaikaku, Bandoko Garden and Yosuien as well. From observatory in Kada, you can see Tomogashima. (Jinoshima, Kajima, Okinoshima and Torajima) At Tomogashima, the former fortress shown from 11:59 in the video, there are ruins of the second weapon battery, the first weapon battery observation station, and the third weapon battery. Also, be sure to check out Tomogashima Lighthouse and Kosukematsu Coast for some beautiful views. Popular Spots and Delicious Food in Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture Photo：Wakayama Prefecture, Marina City Porto Europe Wakayama Marina City, shown from 3:37, is one of the best places in Wakayama to visit with children. The city features attractions that resemble a European port town. Kinokuni Fruit Village and the Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama are great places for families and couples to visit. You can stay around Kishu Kuroshio Onsen (hot spring) and at Marina City Hotel. We highly recommend trying some Wakayama Ramen, which can be seen from 1:47 in the video. You can also enjoy various types of seafood dishes, including sushi, and seafood bowls, and even enjoy some seaside BBQ. At Kuroshio Market, be sure to keep an eye out for the tuna cutting show and red sea bream ippon-zuri (pole and line fishing), which is shown at 9:34 in the video. Summary of Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture Photo：Awashima Shrine, Wakayama Prefecture As you can see in the video, there are many scenic spots to visit in Wakayama. Be sure to visit the Tourism Association in Wakayama for advice before visiting popular or out-of-the-way sightseeing spots in Wakayama. 【Official Website】Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture City Hall Website http://www.city.wakayama.wakayama.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298204-Wakayama_Wakayama_Prefecture_Kinki-Vacations.html