Official Author

有田 和義（Kazuyoshi Arita）

An Introduction to Hand-painted Kyo-yuzen Kimono This video, titled "How to Make Hand-Painted Kyo-yuzen｜how to make Kimono" (手描き京友禅の作り方-how to make Kimono (熨斗 - 引き振袖)　有限会社　琢磨), was released by "Yuzen Takuma." Kyo-yuzen is a dyeing method used to color kimono and was designated as a Traditional Craft by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 1976. Kyo-yuzen, which originated in Kyoto, along with Kaga-yuzen (加賀友禅) and Tokyo-yuzen (東京友禅), are the three most famous types of Yuzen in Japan. Yuzen refers to the traditional dyeing process used to add color and designs to kimono. The History of Kyo-yuzen Photo：Kyoto hand painted Yuzen The Kyo-yuzen method of dyeing originated in Kyoto in the late 17th century, during the Edo Period (1603 AD - 1868 AD). Yuzen Miyazaki, who was a fan painter at the time, decided to paint some of his popular designs onto kimono and thus, Yuzen kimono dyeing was born. At a time when the shogunate had prohibited luxury or extravagance through sumptuary laws, the new Yuzen process, which was exempt from this law, was welcomed by kimono craftsmen and women who enjoyed wearing kimono. Kimono Decoration Using the Kyo-yuzen Method at the Famous Kimono Store "Takuma" Source :YouTube screenshot The well-established kimono store Takuma featured in this video, which has been in business for more than 40 years now, gives us insight into how kimono are dyed using the Kyo-yuzen method. As you can see from 0:32 in the video, the material used to create the kimono is of the highest quality, from the producer "Otsuka" (大塚). Next, you can see how patterns are first sketched out and then transferred to a different sheet that will become the final copy to transfer the design onto the kimono. From there the fine details are added, after which a paste and powder are added to certain parts of the design to prevent colors from seeping into spaces they should not be. A special kind of temple is then affixed to the fabric to hold it in place after which hot water is applied to the fabric to complete the preparations for the dyeing process. Next, a base color is applied to the fabric. A small section of fabric is dyed to test the color, then the dye is applied by brush. The fabric is then steamed to allow the dye to sink into the fabric, after which the fabric is then washed in water to get rid of any remaining dye or chemicals. The beautiful designs are then carefully hand-painted and finished with gold leaf to make the kimono even more luxurious. Takeyamachi embroidery (竹屋町刺繍) and Kinkoma embroidery (金駒刺繍) are then added to complete the look. You can take a look at the final product at 6:48 in the video. Summary of Kyo-yuzen Traditional Dyeing Photo：Ninenzaka, Women in Kimono Kyo-yuzen is a beautiful, traditional Japanese method of dyeing. Please enjoy the techniques and methods used by the Kyo-yuzen masters in the video. Kimono can be purchased online, however, if you would like to order a custom-made kimono, we highly recommend visiting the store to speak with the store owner. The beauty of Kyo-yuzen kimono is as appreciated today as it was hundreds of years ago when it was first developed. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this traditional craft!

This video, titled "Wonder Festival 2020 Winter.This is the world’s biggest festival for figures.ワンフェスWF2020冬ワンダーフェスティバル," was released by "emoma!" Wonder Festival is the world's largest exhibition and seller of production kits (models and figures) sponsored by Kaiyodo, one of Japan's largest figure production companies. Both professionals and amateurs are welcome to participate. In addition to the exhibition and sales space, there's a cosplay free zone. Cosplayers dressed in game and anime costumes will be taking photos and interacting with each other. Many of the cosplayers at Wonder Festival have incredibly realistic cosplays, so be sure to check them out in the video!

This video, released by "Muscle Chef's Simple Recipes, Fish Cuisine" (筋肉料理人の簡単レシピ、魚料理), is titled "How to make Nagasaki-style Sara Udon, a large plate of noodles for everyone to eat and also a great snack with spirits!" (長崎風皿うどんの作り方、皆で食べる大皿盛り、お酒のつまみにもいけます。). This video introduces how to make Nagasaki-style Sara Udon, a dish of fried, crispy, thin noodles with a thick sauce on top. Nagasaki-style Sara Udon is a standard menu item served at family gatherings in Nagasaki and is very popular not only among children but also among adults as it pairs well with spirits. It's a memorable dish that conjures up images of a table full of friends and family. The video shows you how to make the dish for 6 people. Try making Nagasaki-style Sara Udon with crispy thin noodles and plenty of vegetables on your own!

This video, titled "Tamatsukuri Onsen Promotional Video (Long Ver.)" (玉造温泉プロモーション（Long ver.）), was released by "Tamatsukuri Hot Spring (Shimane Prefecture) Tourist Information Site 'Tamanavi'" (玉造温泉（島根県）観光情報サイト・たまなび). If you want to get into one of Japan's historic hot springs, we recommend the Tamatsukuri Onsen in Shimane Prefecture. Tamatsukuri Onsen has been in Japan since the Heian period, and is considered one of the three best hot springs in Japan in the Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon. At Chorakuen, introduced in the video, there is the largest mixed bathing open-air bath in Japan, and you can take a bath with your family, friends, or loved ones while wearing a towel. The water of Tamatsukuri Onsen is said to be very effective in cultivating beautiful skin, as it is thick like a lotion. After taking a hot spring bath, you can enjoy a stroll through the onsen town and enjoy delicious seafood bowls!

This video, titled "Fresh Greenery at Mishakaike Pond "'A Place I Want to Visit Before I Die! Scenery of Japan" Okutateshina｜Japan's Mishakaike Pond in Summer｜Downconvert 4K Video to 2K｜Natural Landscape Photography" (新緑の御射鹿池「死ぬまでに行きたい！日本の絶景」奥蓼科 Japan Mishaka pond of summer　Downconvert 4k shot video by 2k 自然風景映像), was released by "Yatsugatake21_4K_Japan." This video introduces Mishakaike Pond, which was the motif of the famous Japanese painter Kaii Higashiyama's work. Mishakaike Pond in Chino City, Nagano Prefecture was actually created at the beginning of the Showa Period (1926-1989) as an agricultural reservoir, and has now been selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Ponds by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The beautiful scenery, which can be called a true mystery of nature, is unforgettable, and it is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Japan that you should be on your bucket list. Please enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mishakaike Pond in the video.

This video is called "Kawachi Wisteria Garden [8KHDR]" by "Japan Explorers." This video introduces the Kawachi Wisteria Garden, which was selected as one of the 31 most beautiful places in Japan by the American CNN. The Kawauchi Wisteria Garden, a tourist attraction that Fukuoka Prefecture is proud of, is decorated with wisteria, and its beauty is recognized by the world. The wisteria trellises and the 110-meter-long wisteria tunnel, as well as the colored leaves in November and December, make this a place with countless breathtaking views. In this video, you can see a lot of beautiful wisteria at the Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Be sure to check it out!

This video, titled "Matsumoto Castle - 松本城 - 4K Ultra HD," was released by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Unlike other castles in Japan, Matsumoto Castle is not built on a hill or mountain plateau, but on flat ground. Originally built as Fukashi Castle in the Warring States period (1467-1568) by the Shinano Protectorate of Ogasawara City, Matsumoto Castle once fell during the invasion of Takeda City in Kai Province. However, it was later rebuilt and is now one of the most beloved castles in Japan. The castle tower was built by Naomasa Matsudaira, the feudal lord at that time, and it is the only existing national treasure with a moon viewing tower in Japan. Many events are held in the nearby Matsumoto Castle Park throughout the year, so we recommend visiting during these events.

This video, titled "[Official] Maiko Snow Resort PV" (【公式】舞子スノーリゾートPV), was released by "Maiko Snow Resort" (舞子スノーリゾート). The video introduces the charm of Maiko Snow Resort in Niigata Prefecture, so those who love winter sports should check it out. It introduces the slopes, restaurants and hotels in an easy to understand manner. One of the highlights of this video is at 2:31, which shows the beautiful night view of Maiko Snow Resort. If you want to capture the beauty of the resort at night, not only should you watch the video, but you should also visit the resort in person! Other services for kids are listed at 1:56, so if you're planning on visiting the resort with your kids, you should definitely give it a watch!

This video, titled "Geto Kogen Ski Resort PV" (夏油高原スキー場 GETO), was released by "Geto Kogen" ()夏油高原. If you want to ski in the Kitakami City area of Iwate Prefecture, we recommend the Geto Kogen Ski Resort. Geto is usually thought of as being warm, but the Geto Kogen Ski Resort is located in one of Japan's heaviest snow regions. In winter, there is enough snow for skiing and you can enjoy a long season. There are 14 trails and 9 tree run areas, so you can enjoy a variety of trails. The Geto Kogen Hot Spring is located in the ski area, so be sure to drop by after a long day of skiing!

This video, titled "Sado Daira Ski Field PV" (佐渡市平スキー場PV), was released by "Sado Daira" (佐渡平). Sado City, a remote island in Niigata Prefecture, has two ski resorts, Sado Daira Ski Field and Wonder Valley Sado. Sado Daira Ski Field is compact, but it is an enjoyable ski resort where you can ski without getting bored. At an elevation of 400 meters, there are three lifts at the mountain, and you can enjoy skiing on 6 different courses. Sleighs and snow toys are available for rent as well, making it a great place for families to visit. If you're planning a trip to the Sado area, a popular tourist destination in Niigata Prefecture, be sure to try out the snow activities at Sado Daira Ski Field!