Official Author

山田コウスケ（Kosuke Yamada）

The Tanenashi Persimmons of Wakayama, Japan: Video Introduction This video, titled "Preventing Fall Fatigue! Wakayama's Tanenashi Persimmon! The First Persimmon Recognized as a Japanese Superfood!" (秋バテ対策に！柿史上初のジャパニーズスーパーフード『和歌山のたねなし柿』とは？), was uploaded by "News TV." The persimmon, an ancient Japanese fruit, has long been a favorite of the Japanese people. Persimmons are said to have originated in East Asia, including China and Japan, and were introduced to the West from Japan, hence the scientific name "kaki," the Japanese word for persimmon. Experts have also noticed that the persimmon is great for combating fall fatigue! Highly nutritious, the persimmon is thought to be beneficial for beauty and health, and in particular, Wakayama's tanenashi persimmon has been certified as a Japanese Superfood. Check out this video to broaden your knowledge of persimmons! What is Fall Fatigue? Symptoms and Causes Photo：A woman feeling unwell The term fall fatigue refers to the feeling of sluggishness and inability to recover from fatigue despite the gradual easing of the summer heat and gradual improvement in overall comfort. The main symptoms are loss of appetite, fatigue, lack of sleep, stiff shoulders, and rough skin. It's said to be caused by a disturbance in the autonomic nervous system due to the repetitive changes in temperature from late summer to early autumn, including changes in outside temperatures and temperature changes between warm days and cold nights. [Video] 0:29 - What is Fall fatigue? Persimmons – The Best Medicine For Fall Fatigue Photo：Persimmons Persimmons are so rich in nutrients that there's even a Japanese proverb that goes "When the persimmons change color, the doctors turn blue." This is alluding to the fact that once persimmons are in season, doctors are no longer necessary because people stop getting sick thanks to eating them. The simple sugars contained in persimmons are quickly absorbed and easily converted into energy, and help the body recover from fall fatigue. [Video] 0:34 - Persimmons Are Effective for Recovering From Fall Fatigue Persimmons also contain high levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, and polyphenols. Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, a protein that makes up the body's skin, and is the source of persimmon's beauty benefits. It also has antioxidant properties, is effective in preventing arteriosclerosis and aging, and boosts the immune system. Vitamin A helps maintain healthy skin and mucous membranes, strengthens resistance, and has anti-aging effects. In addition, polyphenols called "persimmon tannins" play such an important role in beauty and health that they can be expected to thin the blood, lower blood pressure, reduce increases in blood sugar levels, and rejuvenate blood vessels. In addition to tannins, catechins and flavonoids also have detoxifying and antibacterial effects, improve sensitivity to cold, and eliminate prolonged fatigue and sluggishness. Persimmon Season in Japan & Popular Varieties Photo：Persimmons on display at a supermarket In general, persimmons are said to be in season from fall to winter, around September to December in Japan. Some persimmons grown in plastic greenhouses are available at markets from summer (July-August), but major stores in Japan start selling them around mid-September, when outdoor-grown persimmons begin to be harvested. In October, shipments from major production areas increase, and distribution peaks from October to November. There are early and late harvest varieties, so you can expect to find persimmons in many supermarkets in Japan until roughly December. The three most popular persimmon varieties in Japan are, first, the popular fuyu persimmon known for its perfect sweetness, which is the most popular and top-produced persimmon in Japan. Harvesting of fuyu persimmons begins around November in most production areas. While the distribution of persimmons as a whole is highest from October to November, the fuyu persimmon season is slightly later, from November to December. Also known as the "king of persimmons," the fuyu persimmon reaches peak flavor in late fall and winter, when the weather starts getting chilly. The second most popular persimmon in Japan is the Hira tanenashi persimmon. This persimmon is characterized by its lack of seeds. Harvesting begins around mid-October in Japan, and the best time to eat them is from late October to early December. The third variety is the Tonewase persimmon from Nara Prefecture, which is closely associated with persimmons, as exemplified by the haiku As I bite into a persimmon A bell rings Horyuji Temple - Masaoka Shiki ※Horyuji being a famous temple in Nara prefecture It is a mildly sweet variety, and is recommended to be shipped after removing the astringency with alcohol, etc., as it's not a sweet persimmon, but an astringent persimmon. A Delicious Way to Enjoy Persimmon, a Fruit Synonymous With Autumn in Japan Photo：Cutting persimmons Persimmons can be eaten as sweet persimmons or dried persimmons, and there are a variety of different ways to eat them. Persimmons have a strong image of being eaten as a dessert in Japan, but we would like to introduce a recipe for preparing persimmons in a dish to enjoy the flavors of autumn. You can enjoy persimmons as a snack or side dish. ■Stir-Fried Persimmon and Pork [Ingredients] Pear - 1 Pork belly - 250g Japanese mustard spinach - 1/2 a bag Sesame oil - 1 tbsp. Cooking sake - 2 tbsp. Soy sauce - 2 tbsp. Sliced cayenne pepper - A pinch [How to Make] 1. Peel and cut persimmons into small pieces. 2. Wash the komatsuna (Japanese mustard spinach) lightly and cut into 3 cm strips. 3. Cut the pork belly into bite-size pieces. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan, add pork belly and fry. When the meat browns, add komatsuna and sauté lightly. 4. When the komatsuna becomes soft, add the cut persimmon and seasonings and stir-fry. When the seasonings are well mixed, serve on a plate. Summary of Tanenashi Persimmons, the Japanese Super Food Persimmons are full of nutrients and have great potential for beauty and health. When checking the efficacy of its ingredients, it was even deemed a superfood! You'll probably want to try some delicious persimmons after reading this article. Have a healthy and splendid autumn with the power of this ancient Japanese fruit!

Autumn Leaves at the Tokugawa Garden: Video Introduction This video, titled "Tokugawa Garden Autumn Season｜Autumn Leaves" (Tokugawa Garden Autumn Season | 徳川園 紅葉), was uploaded by "idoebs." It introduces Tokugawa Garden, a popular tourist attraction for enjoying the autumn leaves in Nagoya, Aichi. Viewers can experience the beautifully illuminated autumn leaves from a variety of different perspectives. Take your time to enjoy autumn in Japan with some gentle background music. A Closer Look at the Tokugawa Garden, a Famous Place for Autumn Leaves in Nagoya Photo：Tokugawa Garden, Nagoya, Aichi Tokugawa Garden is a popular destination for viewing the autumn leaves in Nagoya. Tokugawa Garden, which attracts many visitors, is located in Nagoya City in Aichi Prefecture in Japan's Tokai Region. It's a vast strolling garden that surrounds a pond and covers more than 100 acres, and is characterized by trees distributed on uneven terrain. Tokugawa Garden is a cultural legacy of the Owari Tokugawa family, a branch of the powerful Tokugawa daimyo family. It was originally the site of Ozone Oshitayashiki, a building constructed in 1695 as a retirement villa for Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second lord of the Owari domain, one of the three Tokugawa families. The trees reflected on the surface of Ryusen Lake (龍仙湖, Ryusenko) in the park are a breathtaking sight to behold. [Video] 2:06 - Autumn leaves on the surface of Ryusen Lake Admission is 300 yen for adults, high school, and college students, 100 yen for senior citizens (65 years and older) living in the city, and free for junior high school students and younger. ※Please check the official website for details. The Tokugawa Garden Illumination and Autumn Leaves Festival Photo：Tokugawa Garden, Nagoya, Aichi The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from late November to early December, when approximately 300 Japanese maples and other trees colorfully illuminate the garden. During this period, opening hours are extended, and the Japanese garden, lit up with faint lighting, has a very unique appearance that attracts visitors from all over Japan. The 2022 Autumn Leaves Festival is scheduled to be held from November 25 to December 4. In previous years, the park extended its opening hours (admission until 7:00 p.m.) to allow visitors to enjoy the garden at night. ※The content of the event is subject to change according to the situation of the novel coronavirus. Please check the official website for details. Cherry Blossoms and Other Seasonal Flowers at Tokugawa Garden Photo：Peonies at Tokugawa Garden, Nagoya, Aichi The pleasure of enjoying the seasonal flowers in the Japanese garden is the reason why Tokugawa Garden is famous among tourists to Nagoya. In early spring, from late February to early April, the plum blossoms are in full bloom; from late March to early April, weeping cherry blossoms and Tokai cherry blossoms can be seen; and from mid to late April, as many as 1,000 peonies can be seen blooming in the garden. During summer visitors can enjoy irises; in autumn, spider lilies and balloon flowers; and in winter, a variety of camellias can be seen throughout the garden. French Cuisine With a Japanese Flair at Garden Restaurant Tokugawaen Garden Restaurant Tokugawaen overlooks lush greenery and the clear waters of Ryusen Lake. During the day, the restaurant is bathed in dazzling sunlight, and at sunset, the atmospheric garden, subtly illuminated, invites guests into a world of fantasy. Guests dining at the restaurant can enjoy a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, where traditional French dishes are harmoniously blended with Japanese flavors. The dishes, reminiscent of Tokugawa's masterpieces, are great for taking photos and will look great on Instagram as well. The restaurant is also popular for wedding receptions, so you may even see a couple wearing beautiful white kimono and hakama. [Video] 2:19 - Garden Restaurant Tokugawaen Overlooking Ryusen Lake The Tokugawa Art Museum – Encounter Exquisite Masterpieces Cultivated by Japanese Traditions The Tokugawa Art Museum is located next to Tokugawa Garden. The museum exhibits a collection of over 10,000 items, including historical masterpieces that were handed down from Tokugawa Ieyasu to his ninth son, Yoshinao Tokugawa, the first head of the Owari Tokugawa house throughout the Edo period (1603-1868). The overwhelming array of masterpieces includes nine national treasures, such as picture scrolls depicting the Tale of Genji, 59 paintings and ceramics designated as Important Cultural Properties, and as many as 1,000 swords, one of which was even made by the master swordsmith Yoshimitsu. The Tokugawa Art Museum is the pride of Nagoya, and a must-visit destination when visiting Tokugawa Garden. Summary of the Tokugawa Garden in Aichi, Japan Photo：Tokugawa Art Museum, Nagoya, Aichi Learn about history at the Tokugawa Art Museum and enjoy the autumn leaves at the Tokugawa Garden after dark. This is a great way to enjoy autumn in Japan. The most crowded time at Tokugawa Garden is before sunset on weekends. To avoid crowds and traffic in the area, we recommend visiting the park a bit earlier. If you're planning to visit Tokugawa Garden by car, parking at a station one stop away and coming by train seems to be the best way to avoid crowds and traffic jams. However, since Tokugawa Garden is located in a very accessible area, it may be better to use public transportation during the autumn foliage season. Enjoying the autumn leaves at Tokugawa Garden will surely be an unforgettable experience ◆Tokugawa Garden◆ 【Address】1001 Tokugawa-cho, Higashi-Ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-0023 【Telephone】052-935-8988 【Hourse】9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Admission until 5:00 PM) 【Admission】General: ¥300, Senior citizens living in the city (65+): ¥100 【Access】※Please check the official website 【Parking】Available (Paid) 【Official Website】Tokugawa Garden｜A Japanese Garden in Nagoya, Aichi https://www.tokugawaen.aichi.jp/ 【TripAdvisor】Tokugawa Garden https://www.tripadvisor.jp/Attraction_Review-g298106-d2067947-Reviews-Tokugawa_Garden-Nagoya_Aichi_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html

Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Foliage in Tokyo, 2014" (東京の紅葉 Autumn Foliage in Tokyo 2014), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." It introduces the mystical scenery of autumn in Japan accompanied by the sun and the wind, with lovely piano music. The Best Time to See the Beautiful Ginkgo Trees at Hikarigaoka Park Photo：A row of ginkgo trees Hikarigaoka Park, located in Tokyo's Nerima Ward, is the fourth largest park in the 23 wards of Tokyo. Strolling through the autumn foliage in the grassy plaza with its large ginkgo trees is a delightful experience allowing visitors to enjoy autumn in Japan. You and your family or loved ones can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the 200-meter-long ginkgo-lined avenue, which is more than 100 years old. The "yellow tunnel" created by the ginkgo trees is a popular spot among photographers and Instagrammers for viewing the autumn leaves in Hikarigaoka Park, and is usually at its best around mid-November. The "yellow carpet" created by fallen ginkgo leaves can be enjoyed from late November to early December. Hikarigaoka Park's Zelkova Field - A Wonderful Spot for Viewing the Autumn Foliage! Photo：Hikarigaoka Park, Nerima, Tokyo After Passing through the ginkgo trees and crossing Futago Bridge, you'll be welcomed by the silver Arch of Light, an art installation at Keyaki Field. Here, you're sure to be captivated by the autumn colors of the zelkova trees. The reddish leaves of the zelkova trees are what makes autumn in Japan so delightful. The best time to view the leaves is usually from mid-November to mid-December. Experience autumn in Japan to the fullest with the yellow ginkgos and red zelkovas. [Video] 0:51 - The Autumn Colors of Japan's Zelkova Trees A Moving Scene of Falling Leaves at Hikarigaoka Park One way to enjoy the autumn leaves at Hikarigaoka Park is take some time to enjoy the leaves as they fall onto the surface of the pond. Although a somewhat melancholy sight, the red and yellow leaves floating on the surface of the pond in Hikarigaoka Park create a very emotional scene, captivating onlookers. While looking up at the colorful leaves in the trees, don't forget to look down for another perspective. You may even capture some breathtaking photos as well... [Video] 1:51 - Fallen Leaves on the Surface of the Water The Miraculous Art Found in Nature Photo：A duck swimming on a pond Visitors can also experience a convergence of red and yellow leaves at Hikarigaoka Park. There's an amazing carpet of autumn leaves that can only be seen at special times when the falling leaves and the wind are just right. The yellow and red streets, each covered with their own color, are exciting enough in themselves, but when you encounter the boundaries separating them, it's a truly magical experience. [Video] 2:25 - A Boundary of Red and Yellow Leaves A Myriad of Autumn Colors With Each Passing Day Photo：A tunnel of autumn foliage One might ask when the best time to view the autumn colors might be. However, the answer to this question is simply the moment that you visit. In the video, you can see the beautiful green, yellow, and red colors. Enjoy the exquisite atmosphere created by the changing colors. [Video] 2:58 - The Changing of the Leaves to Various Colors Hikari Pageant Festa - A Mesmerizing Light Up Event at Hikarigaoka Park Hikari Pageant Festa, held at Hikarigaoka Park, usually in mid-December around Keyaki Field, is a festival of light and art. The annual illumination, which can be enjoyed from early December to mid-January, features approximately 125,000 LEDs lighting up the ginkgo-lined avenue leading to the park. On the day of the event, there's plenty to see and do, including light displays, candle art, various music and dance events, and an exhibition stage. Please be sure to take warm clothing and enjoy a magical, heartwarming time. Summary of Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park Hikarigaoka Park, the largest park in Tokyo's Nerima ward, boasts an area of approximately 600,000 square meters. The grassy plaza built on a gently sloping hill is dotted with cherry blossoms and zelkova trees, providing delightful scenery in all four seasons. The park also has a wealth of playground equipment, a bird sanctuary for bird watching, and day camping and barbecue areas, making it a popular recreational spot for people of all ages. In this article, we introduced the Zelkova Field and ginkgo trees of Hikarigaoka Park as popular spots for enjoying the autumn foliage of Japan. The area is also easily accessible by train, and is just a 10-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station. These are highly recommended places in Tokyo's Nerima Ward that you should definitely visit during autumn in Japan. ◆Hikarigaoka Park◆ Address: Hikarigaoka Park Service Center 4-1-1 Hikarigaoka, Nerima-ku 179-0072 For inquiries: Hikarigaoka Park Service Center (TEL: 03-3977-7638) Parking: Available (Paid) Access: An 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station (E38) on the Toei Subway Oedo Line, a 15-minute walk from Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line Subway Narimasu (F02), and Narimasu Station (Y02) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line 【Official Website】Hikarigaoka Park - Let's go to the park! https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index023.html 【TripAdvisor】Hikarigaoka Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066453-d4889941-Reviews-Hikarigaoka_Park-Nerima_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html