Official Author

鈴木 正孝（Masataka Suzuki）

About the Enticing Promotional Video of Nishiki There's probably a lot of people who want to enjoy an amazing experience Japan, yet don’t know where to go... For a fulfilling trip to Japan, you're gonna want to do at least a little bit of research about the country. This can be done through a variety of methods such as books, review sites, and videos that introduce aspects of Japanese culture. In this article, we'll introduce the video “Nishiki, Kumamoto Japan　錦町プロモーション”, created by “NISHIKI KUMAMOTO JAPAN.” This video contains information about Kumamoto Prefecture, specifically Nishiki Town, in the Japan's Kyushu region. Whether you’re specifically interested in Nishiki, or if you’re interested in touring Japan as a whole, definitely check out this video. Highlights of the Video Source :YouTube screenshot “Nishiki, Kumamoto Japan　錦町プロモーション” is a 2-minute 50-second video about Nishiki As it introduces all the unique features of Nishiki, do take the time to view this video before visiting Japan. There are a multitude of Insta-worthy, scenic areas of abundant nature. As for crafts, from 0:35 in the video, the process of a potter creating one of his works is shown, and from 0:46 in the video, a craftsman creating a knife in a foundry can be seen. From 1:23, a swordsman appears, carrying a powerful sword. What is Nishiki? Source :YouTube screenshot Nishiki can be found in the southern area of Kumamoto Prefecture. To the south is a mountainous area reaching an elevation of 1,000m, and to the north is the Hitoyoshi Basin that the Kuma River runs through. This is a sightseeing area famous for its swordsmen and fruit villages. Fruit-picking is available in certain seasons, so for those interested, definitely check this place out. Nishiki’s Ohira Valley is a famous spot where you can enjoy camping. Savor the magnificent scenery of Nishiki to your heart’s content! The fireflies in summer, the red-and-gold leaves of the Shingu-ji Temple, and the gingko trees in autumn are all beautiful sights shown from 1:13. For those who want to experience the mysteries of nature, we recommend the Nishiki Himitsukichi Museum shown at 0:31 in the video. As seen from 0:54, you might even get the chance to see bats. Source :YouTube screenshot For those who want to learn more about Japan’s history, definitely check out the Kuwahara Family Residence . The residence is built in the architectural style of the later years of the Edo period (around 1750 to 1850), and has been designated as one of Japan’s Important Cultural Properties. At the Hitoyoshi Naval Air Station Secret Base Museum , visitors can find out more about Japan in the final stages of World War 2. The Tsuchiya Kannon-do , with more than 550 years of history, is another spot we recommend. There's some delicious food waiting for you when you get to Nishiki as well. Be sure to check out Nishiki Horumon Street, where there are many restaurants serving horumon (beef or pork offal) dishes. Things to Note When Visiting Nishiki Source :YouTube screenshot Here are some things to note before going sightseeing in Nishiki. Before setting off, besides the video introduced here, there are other sources to check for information. Nishiki’s homepage contains information about various sightseeing areas. When planning your sightseeing schedule, be sure to pay attention to each area's opening hours as well as regular holidays. The next point of note is what to do in Nishiki. For those who enjoy physical activity, there are places such as the Rafting HEART sports complex, as well as Nishiki Kurando Park. For those who want to check out Nishiki’s specialty products, make sure your stop by the Roadside Station Nishiki Farmer’s Market. Located right beside Roadside Station Nishiki, various specialty goods can be purchased at the market. This area is also known for its abundant wild roses, the sight of which can be enjoyed from late May to early June. Also, do make sure to plan the right time for your trip if you hope to view autumn scenery, summer fireflies, or take part in events such as the Nishiki Festival. Furthermore, traditional crafts such as akazu yaki, as seen from 0:35 in the video, are also famous. At the Toshogama Factory, you can even try your hand at pottery. Summary of the Introduction to Nishiki Source :YouTube screenshot In Nishiki, there are many charming sightseeing spots, so do include this town on your list of places to visit in Japan. There are so many interesting areas that it’s impossible to visit them all in one day. Around Nishiki there are many hotels and ryokans available, so we recommend planning an overnight stay. Furthermore, the Hometown Tax is applicable to souvenirs, the local cuisine, as well as fruits such as peaches, pears and chestnuts. Definitely check those out as well! The video introduced in this article neatly captures the charm of Nishiki, so for those interested in Japanese culture and/or wilderness, do take a look. You're sure to feel the urge to make a trip to Nishiki. 【Official Website】 Kumamoto Prefecture Kuma Village Office http://www.kumamura.com/gyousei/

Exploring Togakushi Shrine in Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "Togakushi Jinja - Oku Sha" (戸隠神社・奥社 Togakushi Jinja - Oku Sha), was created by "sirousaghi." Togakushi Shrine (戸隠神社, Togakushi Jinja), located in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture, has an upper shrine and a middle shrine at the foot of Mt. Togakushi (戸隠山,Togakushiyama), which is said to have taken its present form from "Amano-Iwato," when the gods still walked the earth. At the end of the 270 stone steps is a shrine with a history of more than 2000 years, made up of five shrines, including Hoko-sha, Kuzuryu-sha, Hinomiko-sha, and more. In the days of Shinbutsu-shugo, a mixture of Shinto and Buddhism, it was called Togakushiyama Kenkoji and was a sacred site for Shugendo, and was widely worshipped until the separation of Shinto and Buddhist beliefs. The upper shrine is dedicated to Ame-no-Tajikarao, who opened Amano-Iwato with his divine power. As the head shrine of Togakushi Shrine, the upper shrine is said to have the power to bring good luck, fulfill wishes, bring bountiful harvest, and bring victory in sports. The video starts from the Ikkan Ryuoshi, which can be seen at 0:43, and Zuishinmon Gate can be seen in the middle of the 2km long approach. This is followed by a line of around 150 Japanese cedar trees on the right and 130 on the left. Beyond that, there is Iizuna Shrine (飯縄社, Iizuna Jinja), which is shown from 1:39 in the video. In front of the upper shrine, there is Kuzuryu Shrine dedicated to Kuzuryu. The exact date is unknown, but it has been dedicated and worshipped as a Jinushigami since before Ame-no-Tajikarao was enshrined. The History of Togakushi Shrine Photo：Togakushi upper shrine shrine approach, Nagano Prefecture Togakushi Shrine is made up of five shrines around Mt. Togakushi, in northwestern Nagano. It is registered as a "Kokuhei Shosha" (a Shinto shrine that receives money from the national government or prefectural governments). There are many theories about the origin of the shrine, and one of them is that current upper shrine was built in 210 B.C., but Kuzuryu Shrine is said to be even older than the upper shrine. There is also a legend that Ame-no-Tajikarao was welcomed by Kuzuryu, the Jinushigami of the area. The name of Mt. Togakushi, which is also an object of worship of Togakushi Shrine, comes from the legend that Amaterasu-Ookami was angry with her brother Susano-o-Mikoto, who was hiding in Amano-Iwato, so, Ame-no-Tajikarao threw it with all his might, and a part of it flew away and became a mountain. There are two important cultural properties stored at Togakushi Shrine: the incomplete remains of "Hokekyo" volume 4 by Fujiwara no Sadanobu and |"Geshaku" which is one of the five ivory shaku existing in Japan. Access to Togakushi Shrine Photo：Togakushi upper shrine, Nagano Prefecture Access to Togakushi Shrine is as follows. 【Access via car】 If you're going via highway, get off at the Nagano Interchange or the Shinanomachi Interchange. We recommend getting off at the Shinanomachi Interchange. There is little traffic this way and getting to the shrine is easy. Take Route 18 towards downtown Nagano, turn right at the "Issa Memorial Museum Entrance" (一茶記念館入口) intersection, and pass through the foot of Mt. Kurohime (about 30 minutes). It's possible to drive to Togakushi Shrine, but you'll have to walk to the upper shrine, so please be aware that the parking lot can get quite crowded. 【Access via walking】 if you're coming on foot, you can take the train, bus, taxi, or use a car rental service. There is a local bus from JR Nagano Station to Togakushi Shrine, which takes about 70 minutes (Bus stop No.7 at Nagano Station). Sightseeing Information for Togakushi Shrine Photo：Zaru Soba There are a lot of sightseeing destinations around Togakushi Shrine: ・Togakushi Forest Botanical Garden ・Togakushi Folk Museum ・Togakushi Ninja Museum ・Ninja Trick Mansion ・Kagami Ike Pond ・Togakushi Campground ・Chibikko Ninja Village These are just a few famous sightseeing sites in Nagano. You can also enjoy specialties of Nagano, such as soba. Summary of Togakushi Shrine Photo：A row of cedar trees at upper Togakushi shrine, Nagano Prefecture While you can of course enjoy the history of Togakushi Shrine, it's also popular sightseeing spot for couples because of the two Japanese cedar trees, which are believed to bring good fortunate to couples. There's also "Togakushi Shrine Daidai Kagura," an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano. Togakushi Shrine is also one of the most famous power spots in Nagano. You can visit to collect shuin or buy good luck charms as well. There are many other amazing sightseeing locations, so be sure to explore the area during your visit to Nagano! 【Tripadvisor】Togakushi Shrine https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298565-d1371708-Reviews-Togakushi_Shrine_Okusha-Nagano_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

7-Dan Fujii and the Asahi Cup This video is titled "7-Dan Fujii, 2nd Consecutive Asahi Cup｜Shogi, 2nd Since 9-Dan Habu" (藤井七段、朝日杯2連覇 将棋、羽生九段以来2人目). It is a news video introducing the achievements of 7-dan Fujii who achieved 2nd consecutive Asahi Cup wins, released by "KyodoNews." He is only the second player in history to win the Asahi Cup twice in a row, after 9-dan Habu, and he showed us why, with his incredible performance during his matches. The media covered this massive feat extensively and brought it to the attention of the nation. In this article, I would like to introduce you to the 7-dan, Fujii, the youngest professional Shogi player in the world. Fujii's Feat in the Shogi Asahi Cup Source :YouTube screenshot On February 16, 2019, at the 12th Asahi Cup Open, held at the Yurakucho Asahi Hall in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, 7-dan Sota Fujii defeated the titleholder, Akira Watanabe, in the final to win the tournament. More impressive was that it was Fujii's first time playing against a title holder. Fujii 7-dan also won the tournament in the last round, defeating 9-dan Habu and others who had an overwhelming record of successive victories. This is an amazing accomplishment, and he is only the 2nd person in history since 9-dan Yoshiharu Habu to achieve this feat. You can see the final match against Akira Watanabe from 0:07 in the video. This is Fujii's first win since the 2018 Shinjin-O tournament, and he is delighted with his victory. We're looking forward to see what he can do in the future. In a post-game interview with Fujii, which can be seen at 0:41 in the video, he mentions that he "would like to use this experience to do my best and become stronger." In the interview at 1:05, Akira Watanabe acknowledges the strength of Fujii, and says that Fujii will only continue to get better. As shogi players, they are both still aiming for the top. Who Is Sota Fujii? Source :YouTube screenshot Sota Fujii was born in Seto City, Aichi Prefecture, in 2002, and started playing shogi at the age of five, influenced by his maternal grandparents. At the age of 13, he became the youngest player ever to be promoted to 3-dan, and at 14, he went on to become a professional. He is the fifth person in history to become a professional shogi player while still in junior high school, following Hifumi Kato, Koji Tanikawa, Yoshiharu Habu and Akira Watanabe. He made his professional debut in 2016 in a ranking match against Hifumi Kato, which resulted in a victory. He is the youngest player to win an official game, at 14 years and 5 months. From there, he racked up a string of victories, winning 29 matches in a row after his debut. His dominant performance has attracted a lot of attention from the media. After that, he continued to improve his skills as a junior high school professional, breaking various records such as 50 wins and becoming the youngest player to win a total of 100 games. As a challenger, he has challenged masters, titles, and higher ranking masters and achieved a lot of victories. Fujii's Incredible Ability Source :YouTube screenshot The brilliance of Sota Fujii is the speed at which he can read the game as well as his strong early game, but most of all, professional players say that his endgame is especially impressive. Yoshiharu Habu has said of Fujii, that he is "good at cutting off the edges in the shortest possible course" and that he is similar to Koji Tanigawa, a 17th generation master. He is the pinnacle of shogi players, as he is not only unimaginably accomplished for his age, but also has great potential for the future. There are high expectations for him taking both the Meijin and Ryūō ranks. As of February 2020, Fujii ranks 3rd in terms of rating, which indicates his shogi prowess. Summary of 7-Dan Sota Fujii, the Young Genius Photo：Shogi "7-Dan Fujii, 2nd Consecutive Asahi Cup｜Shogi, 2nd Since 9-Dan Habu" is a video that introduces the feat of 7-dan Sota Fujii, who achieved 2 consecutive Asahi Cup victories. In the 13th Asahi Cup Open held in 2020, Sota Fujii broke through qualifying without difficulty, but lost to 7-dan Shota Chida in a semi-final round, and was unable to secure a third victory. We hope you enjoyed this article on Sota Fujii, the up and coming Shogi genius. If you're interested in trying out Shogi, don't be shy! It's a lot of fun!

The Moving, Full-Scale Gundam Planned to Be Built in Yokohama "A Full-Scale Moving Gundam in Yokohama｜To Open in October" (動く実物大ガンダム間近で 横浜、10月に施設オープン), is a video introducing the plan for an actual moving Gundam. The popular anime series Mobile Suit Gundam was a social phenomenon that captured the hearts of children and adults alike. The construction plan for a facility where you can actually see a full-scale version of the Gundam (model number: RX-78-2) up close and in action, has started at the Yamashita Pier (山下ふ頭, Yamashitafuto) in Yokohama. This article introduces the full-scale Gundam set to be built in Yokohama alongside the video. What Is Mobile Suit Gundam? Source :YouTube screenshot Mobile Suit Gundam is a televised anime series about giant robots that was broadcast in Japan from 1979. The main character was Amuro Ray, and the show depicted a conflict between people that completely defied the conventional wisdom of the mecha anime genre. It also gave birth to new buzz words such as "Char" and "Newtype" capturing the hearts of adults and children alike. Even today, more than 40 years after the show's broadcast, sequels are being broadcast and Gundam series toys, Bandai plastic models called "Gunpla," and figurines are being sold one after another, and the popularity of the series continues to grow. The GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE project Source :YouTube screenshot The "GUNDAM GLOBAL CHALLENGE project" is a group built around Representative Director Yasuo Miyakawa, with the purpose of building a moving, full-scale model RX-78-2, which is one of the main mobile suits that appears in Mobile Suit Gundam, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary since its premier. It's planned to be built at Yamashita pier,in Yokohama. You can see the outline of the plan being explained at a press conference at 0:08 in the video. The Gundam is planned to be 18 meters tall when standing, weigh 25 tons, don carbon armor, and have an actuator that allows for 24 degrees of freedom. It's truly an actual gundam! The design is the Gundam used by the popular character Amuro Ray, and it will be operated remotely by a pilot outside of the Gundam. Life-size Gundams have been built before in Odaiba(お台場,Odaiba) and Shizuoka (静岡,Shizuoka), but this plan in Yokohama is the first attempt to create a moving full-scale Gundam, and it is catching the attention of Gundam fans all over the world! GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA! Source :YouTube screenshot GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA is a facility scheduled to open at Yamashita pier, Yokohama, on October 1st, 2020, and is built so that you can see the moving full-scale Gundam from the same point of view as in the anime. This is explained in detail at 0:18 in the video. The main facilities are "GUNDAM-CARRIER" which supports the gundam from behind, "GUNDAM-DOCK" where the gundam is stored, and "GUNDAM-DOCK TOWER," explained using a model from 1:12 in the video. This is a special viewing space where you can see the gundam up close from 15-18 meters high. The facility is built so that visitors can enjoy and experience every corner of the full-scale gundam with the view of Yokohama city in the background. In addition, "GUNDAM LAB" is also being built in the facility. This is planned to be a spot that all Gundam lovers can enjoy — it has an exhibition facility explaining how the moving life-size Gundam works, shops, cafes, and communication spaces! Summary of the Moving, Full-Scale Gundam Photo：Yokohama・Yamashita Pier Since it was first aired as a robot anime produced by Sunrise Inc, it has become very popular not only as an anime, but also in video games and manga, and after 40 years, a gundam is finally being built in real life. This article introduced the moving life-size Gundam planned to be built in Yokohama, alongside the video. Are you excited to see the giant gundam up close? The gundam walking plan to be held in Yokohama is an embodiment of the dreams of many people- that a gundam would move for real someday. Think you can wait 'til October 2020? If this article and video is your first time hearing about the project, or if you're just curious about it, don't forget to visit Yokohama in October! 【Official Homepage】GUNDAM FACTORY YOKOHAMA https://gundam-factory.net/en/

Introducing the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway This video is titled "4K｜Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway｜A Superb View of the Alps" (4K アルプスの絶景　北八ヶ岳ロープウェイ). It was produced by “ibukivideo,” and introduces the spectacular view from the Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway. The Kita-Yatsugatake Ropeway is located in the northern Yatsugatake mountain range, spanning the Suwa and Saku regions of Nagano Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. It's a luxurious ride overlooking the three major Alps in Japan. In this video, you can see various views from Sanroku station to the observation deck at the summit station. In this article, we'll introduce the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway. Be sure to follow along with the video! What Is the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway? Photo：Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is a large 100-seat ropeway located between Mt. Yoko (northern Yatsugatake) and Mt. Shimagare. Depart from Sanroku station at an altitude of 1,771m, seen at 0:03 in the video, and climb to the summit station at an altitude of 2,237m, shown at 2:20. Within about 7 minutes of boarding, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yatsugatake mountain range. You'll understand why it's a popular tourist spot. An observation deck is installed at the summit station, and you can see a view of Mt. Ontake, the Central Alps, and the Northern Alps. In addition, there is a garden called Tsubo-niwa at the summit station, where you can enjoy seasonal alpine plants. We recommend viewing the beautiful autumn leaves in the fall. The Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is operated by Kita Yatsugatake Resort Co., Ltd. The name has changed several times over the years as well. From 1967 to 1985 it was called "Japan Pilatus Yokodake Ropeway," in 1985 it was renamed to "Pilatus Yokodake Ropeway," between 2001 and 2012 it went by "Pilatus Tadeka Ropeway," and from 2012 to the present it has gone by "Kita Yatsugatake ropeway." Sightseeing on the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Photo：Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway By car, access to the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway is about 25 km (40 to 50 minutes) from the Suwa IC on the Chuo Expressway. By bus, get off at Chino Station on the JR East Japan Chuo Line. At the Alpico Kotsu Bus Stop at the west exit, take the "Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway" to the hotel. It takes around 1 hour to arrive. The cost of the ropeway is 2,100 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 1,050 yen for children. At Yatsugatake, you can climb from the summit of the ropeway. There are a variety of trails to choose from, including day hikes and overnight hikes using a mountain lodges. Keep in mind that the temperature and weather in the mountains can change easily, especially in summer when there are many evening showers. Rain gear is a must in case it starts to rain. The Yatsugatake Ropeway also offers delicious meals. "Sky Restaurant Komakusatei" is a popular restaurant that offers handmade dishes using Ingredients from Shinshu, Nagano. At the BBQ Garden, you can enjoy a group barbecue. Enjoying a barbecue while staying in a log cabin-style cottage in the great outdoors is something special. Near the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway, there are plenty of lodging facilities where you can enjoy hot springs as well. Summary of Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway Source :YouTube screenshot "4K｜Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway｜A Superb View of the Alps" released by "ibukivideo," introduces the superb views of the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway. Besides the scenery on the ropeway, you can also enjoy beauty of nature from the top of the mountain. If you're interested in the Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and delicious food, be sure to check out the video! 【Tripadvisor】Kita Yatsugatake Ropeway https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g303145-d1991109-Reviews-Kitayatsugatake_Rope_Way-Chino_Nagano_Prefecture_Koshinetsu_Chubu.html

An Event To Immerse Yourself in the World of Ninja in Japan This video, titled “Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- Official PV” (忍者合戦-SHINOBI-公式PV), was released by “IKUSA Inc.” The video was made to promote “Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI-.” Watching the video is a great way to get a feel for the popular ninja experience event. Have you ever thought to yourself “How cool would it be to be a ninja”? In Japan, there is a long history of ninja. Ninja are also popular overseas, and many people outside of Japan associate the country with sushi and ninja. For every person whom Mt. Fuji comes to mind, there is also a person for whom ninjas come to mind. Ninja accumulate training and discipline to hone their skills and carry out missions and orders. And you can become one of those ninja by joining the event shown in this video, "Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI-." In this article, we'll introduce "Ninja Lassen - SHINOBI" alongside the video. Be sure to check it out if you’re interested in ninja! Introducing the Popular Event “Ninja Kassen – SHINOBI” Source :YouTube screenshot The video is only about a minute and a half long, making it easy to watch even if you've only got a few minutes to spare. You can enjoy watching people of all ages, from adults to children, turning into ninjas and using ninja arts! At 0:27 in the video, you can see a team warcry as the ninja prepare for battle. At 1:02 in the video, it's explained that the event can be enjoyed by anyone. Old, young, male, female, anyone can participate and have fun! What Kind of Event is Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- Photo：Wakayama Castle Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- is an event held by IKUSA Inc. It's an event where participants become full-fledged ninja and fight enemies with painless foam swords by knocking loose the balls attached to their body that act as hit-points. But it isn't just about fighting the enemy, you also have to complete the missions that are given to your army. Schedules can vary depending on the number of participants and regulations. The footage for this battle was filmed at Wakayama Castle. However, Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- is held in many other areas besides Wakayama Prefecture as well. Having a Blast at Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- Source :YouTube screenshot In order to enjoy "Ninja Gassen -SHINOBI-" to the fullest, it's important to know what types of battles you'll be fighting in. The main types of battles are team deathmatch, chieftain battles, battle royale, and scroll battles. 【Team Deathmatch】 Team Deathmatch is a battle in which two teams battle it out. At the end of the time limit, the team left standing or whichever team has more survivors, wins. 【Chieftain Battles】 In chieftain battles, you win by defeating the other team's chieftain. The key to victory is having a better strategy for cornering the enemy. 【Battle Royale】 Battle Royale will have you fighting as the last one to stay alive. You'll be fighting against enemies and even those who were your allies until just recently. The last one standing will be crowned the victor. 【Scroll Battles】 Scroll Battles are battles where you try and take the scrolls placed in your opponent's camp while at the same time protecting your own (capture the flag). Having coordinated attacks and strategies are the key to victory in these battles. In order to not be defeated prematurely, you'll need to cooperate and strategize with your comrades. In some cases, you may even need to be a decoy in order to succeed in your mission. The Fun of Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- Source :YouTube screenshot Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI- is full of excitement. If you’re planning on participating in Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI-, there’re a few things you’ll want to know. First, you can interact with people of all ages, genders, and nationalities who love ninja. It’s a great opportunity to talk to others who share your love of ninja! It’s also a good opportunity to make some ninja companions! Second, it gives you the opportunity to work in large groups of people. The best part of "Ninja Kassen-SHINOBI" is that you can enjoy coming up with tactics together and create memories by taking photos. Another attraction of "Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI-" is that you can enjoy learning about the history, lore, and stories of ninja. If you're interested in learning more about the Iga and Koga ninja, you may be able to gain more insight into ninja through "Ninja Kassen - SHINOBI-." Summary of Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI-｜Become the Ninja You’ve Always Dreamed Of! Photo：Ninja Utilizing its expertise in regional revitalization, IKUSA Inc. has been involved in several events and training programs that utilize activities and outdoor play, such as "Ninja Kassen - SHINOBI-." Why not see how you’d fare as a ninja? In addition to the ninja show, there are many other options to make the event more exciting, such as ninja costume rental, a shuriken dojo, ninja workshop, original ninja suit rental, original armor rental, actual ninja employees, and more. If you want to experience Japanese history and culture, consider participating in the "Ninja Kassen - SHINOBI" event and making some great memories and companions! Be sure to follow the rules when participating in events such as "Ninja Kassen -SHINOBI-." Being considerate of one another is also very important in order to enjoy the event.

Wild Japanese Boars The video "MI0231 Japanese Boar Adult Beast" (MI0231 ニホンイノシシ　成獣), was created by "Asia Nature Library." It captures footages of a dangerous wild Japanese boar. The large, sturdy body of the Japanese wild boar was filmed from up close, showing off just how strong it is. Feel the power of the wild Japanese boar in the video! Be sure to follow along as you read this article! The Japanese Boar Photo：Japanese boar The Japanese wild boar is a member of the Suidae family and Artiodactyla order. Its scientific name is "sus scrofa," and it's often just called a boar. Its characterized by its ability to lunge and be aggressive. On the other hand, it's timid and acts with caution. Moreover, the boar is known as the "Pig," which is one of the twelve Chinese zodiacs, and young boars are called "piglets." Japanese boars have hard, thick, and coarse fur, the color of which is generally brown or dark brown, but every once in a while white boars are found. The lifespan of the Japanese boar is about 10 years. They also have the ability to jump and they can leap 1 meter high without a run-up. The size of the Japanese boar is 100-170 cm in length, 60-90 cm in shoulder height, with tails 30-40 cm long. They weigh 80-190 kg. At the highest end, a boar that weighed around 220 kg was caught as well. Their lower jaw is equipped with tusks. Normally they are active in the day, but their behavioral pattern changes to that of nocturnal animals when they are in an area with humans. They have a wide range of activity and have been reported to travel up to several kilometers a day, and their keen sense of smell allows them to sniff out crops, and they can even destroy farmland. They also occasionally swim to nearby islands. Historically in Japan, wild boars had been hunted for meat. People used to eat meat from boars, deer, etc., but eaten meat was mostly avoided after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Even in the present day, they are caught by the likes of the matagi (traditional winter hunters), and eaten in game meat cuisine, wild boar stew (ぼたん鍋, botan nabe), and more. Types of Boars Photo：Boar Wild boars originally lived mainly in Asia and Europe, but were introduced to the Americas and Australia by human intervention. While boars now inhabit many places around the world, with a wide range of sizes and varying habitats. In northeast China and Alabama in the US, boars that weigh more than 300 kg have been reported. In Japan, there are 2 subspecies, the Japanese boar that inhabits Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and the Ryukyu boar in Okinawa. The Danger of the Wild Japanese Boar Photo：Boar Wild Japanese boars are timid by nature and rarely attack humans by themselves, but they may be provoked when encountered at close range or if agitated. The Japanese wild boar can run at speeds of up to 45 km/h and, they have incredibly powerful lunges, making them very dangerous if they decide to attack. If you are passing through an area where there have been reports of boars, you can use bells or other sounds to alert people. Wild Japanese wild boars are omnivorous, eating mostly plants, fruits, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms that grow in the forests. You can see a close-up of a wild boar eating at 0:25 in the video. They have been reported to destroy crops and plants, so those who live near a forest are advised to be careful. Summary of the Wild Japanese Boar The video featured in this article gives an up close look at Japan's wild boars. It's an animal you won't find in zoos, so be sure to check it out! If you're a fan of animals, be sure to give it a watch!

Murakami Kibori Lacquerware - A Traditional Craft of Niigata Prefecture This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「村上木彫堆朱」Murakami Kibori Lacquerware／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," was released by "Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square." Murakami Kibori Lacquerware (Murakami Kibori Tsuishu), introduced in the video, is a general term for six types of carving, including tsuishu, tsuikoku, and shumarinuri, and it is a traditional craft of the Murakami region of Niigata Prefecture, which has been widely known as a natural lacquer production area since the Heian period (794-1185). Murakami Kibori Lacquerware was introduced by a lacquer maker in Kyoto at the beginning of the 15th century as a technique for painting lacquer on wood carvings. This was done in imitation of Chinese tsuishu (lacquerware), and the technique was introduced to the Murakami region after a temple was built there. The technique was first learned by the carpenters who built the temple, after which it was was passed on to samurai duringEdo period (1603-1868), then to the townspeople, and finally to present day Japan. In this article, we'll go over Murakami Kibori Lacquerware, a traditional lacquer technique of Niigata prefecture. The Process of Making Murakami Kibori Lacquerware Source :YouTube screenshot Along with the video, we'll be introducing some of the steps in the 18 to 20 step process that craftsmen use to make Murakami Kibori Lacquerware by hand. 1. Sketching (0:40~) This serves as a guide for engraving and is drawn directly on the wooden plate. Drawing with a brush that can express stronger and weaker lines is fundamental to the process. 2. Carving (0:47~) Wood carving is performed by using a chisel called an "Urajiro" on the sketch drawn in step 1. There are two types of carvings, the two-dimensional Shishiai-bori and three-dimensional Hikisage-bori. In the video, the craftsman explains that the most important thing is to carve the wood as though it were a living thing, making the most of the different grains of each tree. 3. Sanding (1:18~) This is the process of sanding the roughness of the blade marks with sandpaper (in the old days, horsetail was used) to give roundness and softness to the carving. This makes the work even more three-dimensional. 4. Hardening This involves adding a small amount of red husks to raw lacquer and using a brush to soak the entire wood with lacquer. This is also an important step because it is done to solidify the foundation of making a durable Tsuishu. Source :YouTube screenshot 5. Smoothing (1:29) In the important undercoating process to make durable lacquerware, raw lacquer and polishing powder are mixed and applied 2-3 times to the plain areas without engravings. 6. Polishing The process of water-polishing the coated surface using an imperial whetstone. This is done with applying rust lacquer and is repeated 2-3 times and the lacquerware is allowed to dry for at least a few days after the rust lacquering process. 7. Middle Coating (1:40~) The process of dabbing on lacquer on with a pad or fingertip and then finishing painting with a brush so that the engraved pattern is not filled with lacquer. Generally, oil-free refined lacquer is used for this. 8. Polishing the Middle Coating It is a process of carefully water-sanding the surface with a fine-grained natural stone whetstone called Murakami whetstone or a water file. 9. Top Coating (2:06~) Brightly colored vermilion lacquer is dabbed on with a pad or fingertip and finished painting using a brush so as not to fill the carved patterns similar to the intermediate coat. Source :YouTube screenshot 10. Matt Finishing (2:23~) An important process for polishing the top-coated glossy surface with charcoal or polishing powder evenly with water to make it a deep and calm-looking product. 11. Engraving (2:44~) The designs are carved once more. This fine carving is made to supplement the earlier wood carving with a fine-pointed triangular chisel. Expressions such as leaf veins, feathers, and mountain surfaces are re-engraved. 12. Finishing (3:06~) This step involves adding a small amount of red iron oxide to high-quality raw lacquer and rubbing it with a brush over the entire vessel. The matte surface is moist and firm, and this completes the production process of Murakami Kibori Tsuishu. The beautiful, finished product, like a work of art, can be seen from 3:23 in the video. These unique techniques have been designated Intangible Cultural Properties of Niigata Prefecture and Murakami Kibori Lacquerware was designated a National Traditional Craft. Summary of Murakami Kibori Lacquerware, A Traditional Welcome Gift of Niigata Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot Murakami Kibori Lacquerware, a traditional craft that has been handed down since the Heian period, includes products such as jubako (stacked boxes), sake cups, tea ware, flower ware, confectionery ware, sake ware, etc. that are all great for celebrations, souvenirs, and gifts. Murakami Kibori Lacquerware is a testament to the living history of Japan, through which you can enjoy the techniques that craftsmen have refined and passed down since ancient times. 【Official Website】Murakami Kibori Lacquerware | Traditional Crafts | Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square https://kougeihin.jp/en/craft/0509/

The Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya! The video "Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo" (渋谷区立松濤美術館) was uploaded by "Shibuya Official Channel." It introduces the Shoto Museum of Art Unlike most art museums, the Shoto Museum of Art is in itself a work of art, with the building incorporating many different ideas. This video gives you a glimpse of the exterior and interior of the museum, as well as some of the exhibits, and gives you a good idea of what the Shoto Museum of Art is like. About the Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya Source :YouTube screenshot The Shoto Museum of Art is located in Shoto, Shibuya, Tokyo, which is a high-end residential area. It was built in 1981 as a place for Shibuya residents to deepen their knowledge of art and interact with the pieces. The interior and exterior of the museum, designed by Seiichi Shirai, are different from ordinary museums. Despite the constraints of being a "place of relaxation for the residents of the city" and "an art museum in a residential area," he has created an art museum with an original design and a distinctive landscape. As shown at 1:46 in the video, the Shoto Museum of Art periodically holds the "Shoto Museum of Art Exhibition of Works by the General Public." All of the artworks, including both Japanese and Western paintings, are by Shibuya residents. In 2020, there were 126 entries, 60 of which were accepted, and 13 receiving awards. Highlights of the Shoto Museum of Art Source :YouTube screenshot There are many things to see at the Shoto Museum of Art, including its beautiful interior and exhibits. The exterior wall, introduced at 0:32 in the video, is made of a type of red granite, a material that Seiichi Shirai himself procured in Korea. The museum's exterior walls are uniquely designed with hand washing facilities and peepholes. The lighting at the entrance ceiling is also unique and offers a magical view. A double-sided glass is also used, which gives a glossy effect and creates a beautiful scenery. The central atrium, introduced at 1:15 in the video, is a spot where you can relax and enjoy the fountain and the view of the sky while looking up at the sky. There is also a bridge at the top of the central atrium. Another highlight is "Relief," which consists of a design combining various musical instruments. It can be seen at 1:38 in the video. On the second floor, in the elevator hall, visitors can see sofas and mirrors coordinated by Seiichi Shirai. Other highlights of the museum include Salon Musee, the "Special Show-Room," where visitors can view beautiful exhibits, the Elevator Hall on the second basement floor where models of the museum are displayed, and the Multi-Purpose Hall, where lectures, art classes, and mini concerts are held. The video introduces several of the exhibits of the Shoto Museum of Art, and starting at 4:45, you can see Murata Katsushiro's "Brothers with Green Pheasants." Admission Fee and Access Source :YouTube screenshot The admission fee varies by exhibition, so be sure to check out the official website for the Shoto Museum of Art. Opening hours are from 10 am to 6 pm. (8 pm on Fridays) The museum is closed on Mondays, national holidays, the day after a national holiday, and New Year's holidays. To access the museum by train, get off at Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line and walk 5 minutes, or by bus, get off at the Shoto Museum entrance of the Hachiko Bus and walk 2 minutes. Summary of the Shoto Museum of Art Source :YouTube screenshot "Shoto Museum of Art, Shibuya Ward, Tokyo," uploaded by "Shibuya Official Channel," introduces the attractions of the Shoto Museum of Art designed by Seiichi Shirai. The Shoto Museum of Art is a luxurious facility that holds exhibitions and events. It also offers museum training for those looking to become curators. If this article piqued your interest, go visit the Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya and see the beauty of the building as well as the artworks on display! There are several museums near the Shoto Art Museum in Shibuya Ward, including the Toguri Museum of Art and Nihon Mingeikan, so be sure to check them out as well! ◆Information◆ 【Address】2-14-14 Shoto, Shibuya. Tokyo 150-0046 【Access】Get off at Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line and walk 5 minutes, or by bus, get off at the Shoto Museum entrance of the Hachiko Bus and walk 2 minutes. 【Admission fee】Varies by exhibition 【Hours】10 am to 6 pm 【Closures】Mondays, national holidays and year end and New Year’s holidays 【Parking】None, but there is a parking for bikes 【Telephone】03-3465-9421 【Official Website】Shoto Museum of Art https://shoto-museum.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Shoto Museum of Art https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066456-d1425378-Reviews-Shoto_Museum_of_Art-Shibuya_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Introducing Katsuura Morning Market This video, titled "Katsuura Morning Market December 22nd, 2019"（勝浦朝市令和元年12月22日), is produced by “Uraran nohohon terebi” (うららんのほほんてれび); It's a video introducing the Katsuura Morning Market in Katsuura city, Chiba prefecture. From 0:40 in the video, you can see the horned turban, a specialty of Katsuura Morning Market. From 0:25, we're shown “Tantan Taiyaki,” “Coffee,” “Japanese lobster,” and from 0:38, “Sanga Soup.” All these various dishes and foods can be enjoyed at great prices, making the market a very popular tourist attraction in Chiba prefecture. The local people welcome tourists with the spirit of hospitality. After watching the video you'll definitely want to travel to Katsuura City, Chiba prefecture! In this article, we'll introduce recommended tourist locations at Chiba prefecture's Katsuura Morning Market. Be sure to follow along with the video! The Popular Katsuura Morning Market in Chiba Prefecture Source :YouTube screenshot The Katsuura Morning Market is a morning market in Katsuura city, Chiba prefecture, in Japan's Kanto Region. Along with the Wajima Morning Market of Ishikawa prefecture and the Hida-Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market of Gifu prefecture, it is known as one of the 3 biggest morning markets in Japan. The Katsuura Morning Market has a long history dating back 400 years. It's said that the market started in 1591 when the Katsuura castle lord, Yasutada Uemura opened the place as a location for exchanging agricultural and marine/seafood products. In November of 1987, the location was moved to its present location. In 1996 and 2010, the “National Morning Market Summit” was held. The Katsuura Morning Market is open every morning from 6:00 AM-11:00 AM except for New Years day (January 1st) and Wednesdays. It is held at Shimohoncho Asaichi Street during the first half of the month and on Nakahoncho Asaichi Street during the second half of the month. There are about 60 to 80 stalls selling marine products landed at Katsuura Port, which catches the second largest amount of marine products in Chiba Prefecture, as well as fresh vegetables and local gourmet foods. You can see the various stalls that are lined up at the Katsuura Morning Market from 0:04 in the video. The Katsuura Morning Market is close to a fishing port, so the seafood products are especially popular. You can buy fresh seafood such as skipjack tuna (the largest amount in the country is unloaded in the nearby port), horned turbans, and abalone here. Recommended Restaurants and Shops at the Katsuura Morning Market Photo：Katsuura Tantanmen There are shops that sell seasonal products, specialty okowa (sticky rice), and other various products at the Katsuura Morning Market. A popular food at the Katsuura Morning Market is the local delicacy Katsuura Tantanmen. This dish won the B-1 Gourmet Grand Prix in 2015 and became famous all throughout Japan. The Katsuura Tantan Noodles from “Restaurant Ishii” are a delicious local ramen that uses a healthy amount of chili oil. After eating some ramen, we recommend trying some warabi mochi at Nanbanya. It is an authentic warabi mochi that uses domestically produced warabi starch powder. It has a good consistency and it is a very popular Japanese sweet. The restaurant has various flavors for you to try besides the standard kuromitsu (brown sugar) as well. Besides that, there are restaurants where you can eat seafood rice bowls using freshly caught seafood as well. Try eating a delicious breakfast that you won't find anywhere other than Katsuura Morning Market. Information About Katsuura Morning Market Photo：Katsuura Morning Market Katsuura Morning Market is a 10-minute walk from JR Katsuura Station. There are 2 parking lots: the Tona Shiei Parking Lot and the Izumi Shiei Parking Lot. The Katsuura Morning Market closes every Wednesday. There are many facilities in the area where you can stay, such as hotels, so even if you come for sightseeing from far away, rest assured, you'll have a place to stay. Even in rainy weather, the morning market is held as usual. However, be aware that there will likely be fewer stalls. Summary of Katsuura Morning Market Source :YouTube screenshot “Katsuura Morning Market December 22nd, 2019,” released by “Uraran nohohon terebi,” is a video introducing the popular Katsuura Morning market, one of the 3 largest morning markets in Japan. It is a fun place where you can enjoy perusing the fresh seafood sent from Katsuura port, Katsuura’s comfort food, and lots of attractive food stalls. The video shows the variety of foodstuffs and the warmth of interaction with the locals at the Katsuura Morning Market, so if you're interested, be sure to check it out! 【Official Website】Katsuura Morning Market Information – Katsuura City Tourism Association https://www.katsuura-kankou.net/english-site/