再入国許可
We reported earlier on the fact that there is now no need for re-entry permits in Japan after the new immigration rules came into force in July.
Now when foreign nationals with a valid Japan visa leave the country on business or pleasure they can return without the need to have an up-do-date re-entry permit in their passports.
The embarkation card for re-entrants that all foreigners wishing to return fill out before leaving Japan has changed slightly, however. There is now a little box, top left, which needs to be ticked if you are planning on returning. It reads: "Departure with Special Re-entry Permission."
Someone seems to have been given the job of hand-stamping them. Happy Re-entry.
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Yayoi Kusama Window Displays At Louis Vuitton
Thursday, August 30, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 6:38:00 PM
草間 彌生
Louis Vuitton stores around the world are displaying art work by the famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusuma including her trademark red and white polka-dot "nerve" sculptures shown here.
Selfridges in London has dedicated all 24 of its store front windows on Oxford Street to Louis Vuitton with installations by the 83-year-old Yayoi Kusama. Early this year the Tate Modern in London hosted a major exhibition by the artist, which moved on to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
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Louis Vuitton stores around the world are displaying art work by the famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusuma including her trademark red and white polka-dot "nerve" sculptures shown here.
Selfridges in London has dedicated all 24 of its store front windows on Oxford Street to Louis Vuitton with installations by the 83-year-old Yayoi Kusama. Early this year the Tate Modern in London hosted a major exhibition by the artist, which moved on to the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.
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Matsushiro Castle Nagano
Wednesday, August 29, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 1:34:00 PM
Nagano Prefecture is home to Matsumoto Castle. It is as beautiful and magnificent as visitors say, and truly worth going to see. Then there is Matsushiro Castle, also in Nagano.
I did not like Matsushiro Castle. Positive reviews had been posted on a website devoted to Japanese castles, but for the life of me, I could not figure out what these people had liked about the place. To me it looked as if the structure was largely made of cement and prefabricated materials, all purchased from the local home improvement store. It seemed such a shame that this castle, a part of the Battles of Kawanakajima (1553-1564), was deeply lacking a sense of its own history. I wager there were no samurai spirits hovering over this ground.
As a result, it was impossible to evoke my imagination for the long ago. Instead, I wondered if people ever brought in tables and chairs for parties or if children played games here. These activities would be possible because once a visitor enters the castle there is nothing but air, space, and artificial ground. It is fairly disappointing and I do not recommend a visit.
Have you ever read Alan Booth's book The Roads to Sata
? It chronicles his journey (on foot) from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Mr. Booth openly expressed his likes and dislikes of his adopted country as he traveled across the land. He was honest and very amusing in his observations, even when he was the one who ended up looking foolish. These endearing qualities made him very likeable and believable. So, I want to be like him and say how I feel, even if my impressions of a place are less than ideal. I hope nobody minds.
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I did not like Matsushiro Castle. Positive reviews had been posted on a website devoted to Japanese castles, but for the life of me, I could not figure out what these people had liked about the place. To me it looked as if the structure was largely made of cement and prefabricated materials, all purchased from the local home improvement store. It seemed such a shame that this castle, a part of the Battles of Kawanakajima (1553-1564), was deeply lacking a sense of its own history. I wager there were no samurai spirits hovering over this ground.
As a result, it was impossible to evoke my imagination for the long ago. Instead, I wondered if people ever brought in tables and chairs for parties or if children played games here. These activities would be possible because once a visitor enters the castle there is nothing but air, space, and artificial ground. It is fairly disappointing and I do not recommend a visit.
Have you ever read Alan Booth's book The Roads to Sata
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One Night in Shibuya
Tuesday, August 28, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:01:00 AM
渋谷
Shibuya is one of Tokyo's youth quarters, bigger, and generally more streetwise and hip, than the other really famous Tokyo youth area, Harajuku.
Shibuya is a shopping and dining paradise by daytime, and a nightlife and dining paradise by night. Shibuya's thousands of fashion stores, bars and Shibuya's numerous clubs mean the streets are packed with young things on the cutting edge of Tokyo chic every day and night of the week, but especially weekends.
The YouTube video of one of better examples of the numerous street performers you will find on the streets of Tokyo, and the shots of Friday night in Shibuya below, should give you something of a taste of the streets of Shibuya on a Friday night.
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Shibuya is one of Tokyo's youth quarters, bigger, and generally more streetwise and hip, than the other really famous Tokyo youth area, Harajuku.
Shibuya is a shopping and dining paradise by daytime, and a nightlife and dining paradise by night. Shibuya's thousands of fashion stores, bars and Shibuya's numerous clubs mean the streets are packed with young things on the cutting edge of Tokyo chic every day and night of the week, but especially weekends.
The YouTube video of one of better examples of the numerous street performers you will find on the streets of Tokyo, and the shots of Friday night in Shibuya below, should give you something of a taste of the streets of Shibuya on a Friday night.
![]() |
Shibuya Crossing, from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station |
![]() |
Looking towards Shibuya 109 ("toh-queue") |
![]() |
Shibuya Tokyu Station |
![]() |
The Q-Front building in front of Shibuya Station |
![]() |
"Delusional Dubplate" graffiti on footbridge near Shibuya Station |
![]() |
Forever 21 (with some bits missing!) |
![]() |
Marui City, Shibuya |
![]() |
Shibuya Pavilion |
![]() |
Stairs inside a Shibuya KFC |
![]() |
Street view from the second floor of the same KFC |
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Travel Guides to Japan
Monday, August 27, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:47:00 AM
I lead a seemingly endless search for detailed, definitive books about Japan for the English-speaking traveler. One day I came upon an unexpected treasure at a local used bookstore. It was Kodansha's Gateway to Japan, third edition,
by June Kinoshita and Nicholas Palevsky. OH. MY. GOSH. If you are as intriqued and interested in Japan and its history as I am, then this is the book for you. Yes, this particular guide dates from 1998, but the stories of Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu are not going to change.
I also own a nice Fodor's Guide to Japan, 19th edition
, which has continually proved its worth. The book is designed clearly, the information is detailed, and it is told from an insider's point of view, due to the efforts of the many contributing authors. This is an honest go-to guide that will give the traveler a sense of security.
Neither of these guides contain pictures, but it is not necessary. We have Google Images for that, don't we?
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I also own a nice Fodor's Guide to Japan, 19th edition
Neither of these guides contain pictures, but it is not necessary. We have Google Images for that, don't we?
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Maruoka Castle
Sunday, August 26, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:25:00 AM
丸岡城
I truly enjoy visiting Japanese castles. Sometimes the castles are given various distinctions, such as Important Cultural Asset, Special Historic Site, and National Treasure. Does this mean that one castle is better than another?
I have also read that three castles in Japan claim to be the oldest. How can this be? Doesn't a historical record exist that can provide some definitive dates? This can be very confusing to me, the ordinary American tourist.
In June my daughter and I visited Maruoka Castle in Fukui Prefecture. It is said to have the oldest donjon (tenshu) in Japan. What I really liked about Maruoka Castle were the many stairs leading to the entrance; then inside, I liked climbing the steep ladder, even though I am not particularly agile.
These features made me feel that my experience was more authentic, as the samurai may have hoisted themselves upward too. In addition, it's just a lot more fun than taking an escalator such as in Osaka Castle. I tried to imagine living in Maruoka Castle, but the guide explained that the lord and his family had lived in the manor below. Maruoka Castle was used for defensive purposes.
Before we left the castle grounds we bought ice cream cones, of course. This time it was rice-flavored and topped with a sprinkle of salt. So good!
I think when it comes to visiting castles it depends on your point of view. Maruoka Castle was small but I liked and appreciated it as it was, whether or not it had an official designation. It is enriching to see all kinds of castles. You never know what awaits!
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I truly enjoy visiting Japanese castles. Sometimes the castles are given various distinctions, such as Important Cultural Asset, Special Historic Site, and National Treasure. Does this mean that one castle is better than another?
I have also read that three castles in Japan claim to be the oldest. How can this be? Doesn't a historical record exist that can provide some definitive dates? This can be very confusing to me, the ordinary American tourist.
In June my daughter and I visited Maruoka Castle in Fukui Prefecture. It is said to have the oldest donjon (tenshu) in Japan. What I really liked about Maruoka Castle were the many stairs leading to the entrance; then inside, I liked climbing the steep ladder, even though I am not particularly agile.
These features made me feel that my experience was more authentic, as the samurai may have hoisted themselves upward too. In addition, it's just a lot more fun than taking an escalator such as in Osaka Castle. I tried to imagine living in Maruoka Castle, but the guide explained that the lord and his family had lived in the manor below. Maruoka Castle was used for defensive purposes.
Before we left the castle grounds we bought ice cream cones, of course. This time it was rice-flavored and topped with a sprinkle of salt. So good!
I think when it comes to visiting castles it depends on your point of view. Maruoka Castle was small but I liked and appreciated it as it was, whether or not it had an official designation. It is enriching to see all kinds of castles. You never know what awaits!
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Japan News This Week 26 August 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 9:00:00 AM
今週の日本
Dispute Over Islands Reflects Japanese Fear of China’s Rise
New York Times
Japan's ambassador to return to South Korea
BBC
ネバーギブアップ〜野田総理に脱原発運動継続宣言
Our Planet
Territorial dispute threatens to derail Japan-South Korea bond purchase deal
Japan Times
日本众院要与中韩夺岛 野田誓言与韩国决战法庭
Caijing
Post-Fukushima Realities and Japan’s Energy Future
Japan Focus
Last Week's Japan News
Statistics
The Japanese government has in the wake of the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima drawn up four scenarios for its energy mix (nuclear, oil, natural gas, renewable, etc.) by the year 2030. In a poll about these options, 67.9% of respondents support 0% nuclear power. That is, the majority of those who replied to the poll want all nuclear power phased out within in 18 years.
Source: Yomiuri Shinbun
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New York Times
Japan's ambassador to return to South Korea
BBC
ネバーギブアップ〜野田総理に脱原発運動継続宣言
Our Planet
Territorial dispute threatens to derail Japan-South Korea bond purchase deal
Japan Times
日本众院要与中韩夺岛 野田誓言与韩国决战法庭
Caijing
Post-Fukushima Realities and Japan’s Energy Future
Japan Focus
Last Week's Japan News
Statistics
The Japanese government has in the wake of the nuclear meltdown at Fukushima drawn up four scenarios for its energy mix (nuclear, oil, natural gas, renewable, etc.) by the year 2030. In a poll about these options, 67.9% of respondents support 0% nuclear power. That is, the majority of those who replied to the poll want all nuclear power phased out within in 18 years.
Source: Yomiuri Shinbun
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Wire 2012 at Yokohama Arena
Friday, August 24, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 6:37:00 PM
Wire, which is taking place today in the Yokohama Arena in Yokohama is an annual electronics music festival, which this year is featuring such artists as Gary Beck, Derrick May, Ken Ishii and Robert Hood.
Wire was the brainchild of Japanese DJ Takkyu Ishino and began life in 1999. Well over 10,000 people are expected to attend the event this year.
Wire
Tel: 0570 069 111 Tickets cost 11,550 yen and are available from record stores such as Tower Records, HMV, diskunion, Tsutaya and convenience stores.
Wire starts at 6pm and goes all night.
Access: The Yokohama Arena is a 5 minute walk from the north exit of Shin Yokohama Station.
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Wire was the brainchild of Japanese DJ Takkyu Ishino and began life in 1999. Well over 10,000 people are expected to attend the event this year.
Wire
Tel: 0570 069 111 Tickets cost 11,550 yen and are available from record stores such as Tower Records, HMV, diskunion, Tsutaya and convenience stores.
Wire starts at 6pm and goes all night.
Access: The Yokohama Arena is a 5 minute walk from the north exit of Shin Yokohama Station.
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Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto
Thursday, August 23, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 6:02:00 PM
京都新阪急ホテル
The Hotel New Hankyu close to Kyoto Station is a four-star hotel with over 300 guest rooms.
The Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto is ideally situated for access to and from Kansai International Airport and for exploring Kyoto by bus, as it is a mere two minutes from Kyoto Station. Other hotels in the area near Kyoto Station include the Rihga Royal Hotel and the APA Hotel Ekimae Kyoto.
The Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto's facilities include a restaurant, coffee shop and Internet access.
Hotel New Hankyu
Shiokoji-dori
Shimogyo-ku,
Kyoto
600-8216
Tel: 075 343 5300
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The Hotel New Hankyu close to Kyoto Station is a four-star hotel with over 300 guest rooms.
The Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto is ideally situated for access to and from Kansai International Airport and for exploring Kyoto by bus, as it is a mere two minutes from Kyoto Station. Other hotels in the area near Kyoto Station include the Rihga Royal Hotel and the APA Hotel Ekimae Kyoto.
The Hotel New Hankyu Kyoto's facilities include a restaurant, coffee shop and Internet access.
Hotel New Hankyu
Shiokoji-dori
Shimogyo-ku,
Kyoto
600-8216
Tel: 075 343 5300
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Akibasan Jinganji Temple
Posted by nailis suroidah at 6:04:00 AM
秋葉山慈眼寺
Akibasan Jinganji Temple is the nearest temple to my house in Nagoya and a peaceful place to visit. The temple only really gets lively at New Year and when the Nagoya sumo tournament takes place in July and a sumo stable makes it a training base.
Akibasan Jinganji belongs to the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism and dates from the 9th century. Oda Nobunaga prayed here for victory before the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, which he duly won. The temple also has connections with the Shugendo sect of mountain ascetics.
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Akibasan Jinganji Temple is the nearest temple to my house in Nagoya and a peaceful place to visit. The temple only really gets lively at New Year and when the Nagoya sumo tournament takes place in July and a sumo stable makes it a training base.
Akibasan Jinganji belongs to the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism and dates from the 9th century. Oda Nobunaga prayed here for victory before the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, which he duly won. The temple also has connections with the Shugendo sect of mountain ascetics.
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2012 Sri Lanka Festival Tokyo
Tuesday, August 21, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:17:00 AM
The 2012 Sri Lanka Festival will take place at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya, Tokyo on 8th and 9th September 2011 from 10am-7.00. 80 stalls will be selling various Sri Lankan products including food, beer, tea, ornaments, crafts and spices. Entrance to the Festival is free.
For further information
Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo
Tel: 03-3440-6911, 03-3440-6916
Fax: 03-3440-6914
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For further information
Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo
Tel: 03-3440-6911, 03-3440-6916
Fax: 03-3440-6914
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Summer Sonic 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:05:00 PM
This year's Summer Sonic Rock Festival begins tomorrow.
Summer Sonic 2012 takes place from August 18-19 Saturday and Sunday in Tokyo and Osaka and will feature acts including Green Day, Rihanna, Tears For Fears, Pitbull, Jamiroquai, Nelly Furtado, New Order and Franz Ferdinand as well as bands from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.
The Tokyo venue is Makuhari Messe and QVC Marine Field (Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Line), while the Osaka leg of the festival is held at Maishima Summer Sonic (Cosmo Square Station; then shuttle bus).
Full details and ticket prices can be found on the Summer Sonic website.
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Summer Sonic 2012 takes place from August 18-19 Saturday and Sunday in Tokyo and Osaka and will feature acts including Green Day, Rihanna, Tears For Fears, Pitbull, Jamiroquai, Nelly Furtado, New Order and Franz Ferdinand as well as bands from Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.
The Tokyo venue is Makuhari Messe and QVC Marine Field (Kaihin-Makuhari Station on the Keiyo Line), while the Osaka leg of the festival is held at Maishima Summer Sonic (Cosmo Square Station; then shuttle bus).
Full details and ticket prices can be found on the Summer Sonic website.
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JOHN WELLS Painting Exhibition at JAM +SAKEbar +Cafe
Posted by nailis suroidah at 5:03:00 AM
ジョン・ウェルズ展
Kyoto-based photographer and artist John Wells will be holding an exhibition of paintings at JAM +SAKEbar +Cafe from Sunday, August 19 to Sunday, September 23, 2012. Tokiwa-cho 170
Higashiyama
Kyoto (JAM hostel 1F)
Tel: 075 201 3374
Access
About a five-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. In front of Exit.9 of Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
MAP/地図
www.sakebar.jp
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Kyoto-based photographer and artist John Wells will be holding an exhibition of paintings at JAM +SAKEbar +Cafe from Sunday, August 19 to Sunday, September 23, 2012. Tokiwa-cho 170
Higashiyama
Kyoto (JAM hostel 1F)
Tel: 075 201 3374
Access
About a five-minute walk from Exit 1 of Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. In front of Exit.9 of Keihan Gion-Shijo Station.
MAP/地図
www.sakebar.jp
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Obon Holiday 2012
Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 1:36:00 AM
盆
The annual Obon period in August is one of the two times in the Japanese calendar when many people leave the cities and return to their hometowns to be re-united with their relatives.
The other such occasion is Golden Week in late April and early May. Many companies and businesses taken a holiday during Obon. And as during Golden Week buses and trains are booked solid and the traffic increases on highways leading to horrendous traffic jams.
At Obon, the dead, the ancestors, are honored. Graves are cleaned and many communities hold the Obon dance known as Bon Odori - sometimes huge affairs such as the Awa Odori in Tokushima.
The Obon holidays this year will run from August 11-15 with some companies remaining closed to the 17th.

Japan Obon folklore Bonodori

The other such occasion is Golden Week in late April and early May. Many companies and businesses taken a holiday during Obon. And as during Golden Week buses and trains are booked solid and the traffic increases on highways leading to horrendous traffic jams.
At Obon, the dead, the ancestors, are honored. Graves are cleaned and many communities hold the Obon dance known as Bon Odori - sometimes huge affairs such as the Awa Odori in Tokushima.
The Obon holidays this year will run from August 11-15 with some companies remaining closed to the 17th.

Japan Obon folklore Bonodori
Driving in Japan Videos
Monday, August 13, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 12:05:00 AM
浜田-広島
If you want to get a good idea of what it is like driving in Japan then the Youtube channel below gives you a good idea. Whole routes are filmed and speeded up to give you an excellent idea of Japanese road conditions, traffic and the surrounding countryside and cityscapes.
Each of the over 400 routes on the drivemovie channel comes complete with a google map and a route broken down into sections. This Hamada in Shimane Prefecture on the Japan Sea coast to Hiroshima on the Pacific coast is a favorite.
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If you want to get a good idea of what it is like driving in Japan then the Youtube channel below gives you a good idea. Whole routes are filmed and speeded up to give you an excellent idea of Japanese road conditions, traffic and the surrounding countryside and cityscapes.
Each of the over 400 routes on the drivemovie channel comes complete with a google map and a route broken down into sections. This Hamada in Shimane Prefecture on the Japan Sea coast to Hiroshima on the Pacific coast is a favorite.
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Japan News This Week 12 August 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 10:40:00 AM
今週の日本
In Pursuit of Nissan, a Jobs Lesson for the Tech Industry?
New York Times
Japan marks Hiroshima bombing amid anti-nuclear calls
BBC
「インターネットの自由を守れ」官邸前でNO ACTA!
Our Planet
Tepco airs internal crisis footage
Japan Times
日本:日产2012年上半年产量概况
Caijing
DIMBY: Kaminoseki and the making/breaking of modern Japan
Japan Focus
Last Week's Japan News
Statistics
Japanese men finished the London Olypics without one gold medal in judo.
Source: Jiji Press
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New York Times
Japan marks Hiroshima bombing amid anti-nuclear calls
BBC
「インターネットの自由を守れ」官邸前でNO ACTA!
Our Planet
Tepco airs internal crisis footage
Japan Times
日本:日产2012年上半年产量概况
Caijing
DIMBY: Kaminoseki and the making/breaking of modern Japan
Japan Focus
Last Week's Japan News
Statistics
Japanese men finished the London Olypics without one gold medal in judo.
Source: Jiji Press
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Kochi Yosakoi Festival
Friday, August 10, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 12:26:00 AM
第59回よさこい祭り
Yosakoi started in Kochi in the early 1950s and the colorful and lively dance craze has spread all over Japan to include such festivals as the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo, the Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi in Harajuki and Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and events in Saitama and Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.

The annual festival in Kochi on Shikoku is the big daddy of them all, however, and this year is the 59th edition of the big bash through the streets of the city. The festival will be held from 9-12 August with around 80 dance groups from all over Japan taking part.
Yosakoi Festival Website (in Japanese & English)
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Yosakoi started in Kochi in the early 1950s and the colorful and lively dance craze has spread all over Japan to include such festivals as the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Sapporo, the Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi in Harajuki and Yoyogi Park in Tokyo and events in Saitama and Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.

The annual festival in Kochi on Shikoku is the big daddy of them all, however, and this year is the 59th edition of the big bash through the streets of the city. The festival will be held from 9-12 August with around 80 dance groups from all over Japan taking part.
Yosakoi Festival Website (in Japanese & English)

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67th Anniversary of the Atomic Bombing of Nagasaki
Wednesday, August 8, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:49:00 PM
長崎, 原子爆弾

Today, August 9th is the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the second city in Japan after Hiroshima, three days earlier to be devastated by a nuclear device dropped by the Americans.
It is estimated that as a result of the attack on Nagasaki over 140,000 people lost their lives: 70,000 people were killed as a direct result of the bombing and a further 70,000 later died of subsequent radioactivity-related illnesses.
The day will be marked by solemn memorial services in the port city including an annual address by the Mayor of Nagasaki as he delivers a Peace Declaration to the World.
The 10m-tall Peace Statue pictured above is by local sculptor Seibou Kitamura, who was born in Nagasaki Prefecture. The statue's right hand points upwards to the sky in the direction of the falling bomb as the left hand extended sideways symbolizes hope for eternal peace.
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Today, August 9th is the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, the second city in Japan after Hiroshima, three days earlier to be devastated by a nuclear device dropped by the Americans.
It is estimated that as a result of the attack on Nagasaki over 140,000 people lost their lives: 70,000 people were killed as a direct result of the bombing and a further 70,000 later died of subsequent radioactivity-related illnesses.
The day will be marked by solemn memorial services in the port city including an annual address by the Mayor of Nagasaki as he delivers a Peace Declaration to the World.
The 10m-tall Peace Statue pictured above is by local sculptor Seibou Kitamura, who was born in Nagasaki Prefecture. The statue's right hand points upwards to the sky in the direction of the falling bomb as the left hand extended sideways symbolizes hope for eternal peace.
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Crazy Japanese Band Names
Posted by nailis suroidah at 12:18:00 AM
Japanese bands have crazy often misspelled names in English. here are a few of our favorites: frenzy cabbage, maoos, OA/Knock Enpty (sic) Box, Bitch Lunch Box, dumpy Macho Wife, ill spaghetti, The World Apartment Horror.
Mr. Children are a long-running, successful band.
This site has a comprehensive list of odd Japanese band names and indieville has a global list.
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Mr. Children are a long-running, successful band.
This site has a comprehensive list of odd Japanese band names and indieville has a global list.
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Japanese bands
Gifu Peace Room
Monday, August 6, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 9:36:00 AM
岐阜県
As the US Air Force gained supremacy in the skies over Japan in the closing days of World War II they began to pick off secondary targets in Japan after the carpet bombing by B-29s of the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Often these towns had little or no military significance.
Cities such as Aomori, Niigata, Sendai, Ogaki, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka and Gifu were subject to bombing which caused widespread devastation of buildings and the civilian population in these towns. The one attack that destroyed much of Gifu city on July 9, 1949 and left over 900 people dead and 70% of the existing city destroyed is recalled in the free Gifu Peace Museum that is housed in the modern Gifu JR Station.
Exhibits on display include photographs of the damage inflicted on the town, Japanese army and civil defense uniforms of the time and numerous documents relating to that terrible night.
Gifu is just 30 minutes north of Nagoya by express train.
Gifu Peace Room
Gifu JR Station,
1-10 Hashimoto-cho
Gifu City 500-8856
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As the US Air Force gained supremacy in the skies over Japan in the closing days of World War II they began to pick off secondary targets in Japan after the carpet bombing by B-29s of the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Often these towns had little or no military significance.
Cities such as Aomori, Niigata, Sendai, Ogaki, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka and Gifu were subject to bombing which caused widespread devastation of buildings and the civilian population in these towns. The one attack that destroyed much of Gifu city on July 9, 1949 and left over 900 people dead and 70% of the existing city destroyed is recalled in the free Gifu Peace Museum that is housed in the modern Gifu JR Station.
Exhibits on display include photographs of the damage inflicted on the town, Japanese army and civil defense uniforms of the time and numerous documents relating to that terrible night.
Gifu is just 30 minutes north of Nagoya by express train.
Gifu Peace Room
Gifu JR Station,
1-10 Hashimoto-cho
Gifu City 500-8856
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Hiroshima Bomb Anniversary 2012
Sunday, August 5, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:21:00 PM
広島
Today, August 6th is the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and a year on from the nuclear disaster in Fukushima on March 11, 2011.
Ceremonies take place in Hiroshima Peace Park and throughout Japan to remember the approximately 140,000 victims of Japan's first but not only nuclear disaster. Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the event in Hiroshima.
A debate is now being joined in the streets by demonstrators lead by Nobel Prize-winning author Kenzaburo Oe and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto protesting against the continued use of nuclear energy in Japan.
The city of Hiroshima relied on a nuclear power plant on the Japan Sea coast of Shimane Prefecture for much of its power before it was shut down in the wake of the events in Fukushima.
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Ceremonies take place in Hiroshima Peace Park and throughout Japan to remember the approximately 140,000 victims of Japan's first but not only nuclear disaster. Around 50,000 people are expected to attend the event in Hiroshima.
A debate is now being joined in the streets by demonstrators lead by Nobel Prize-winning author Kenzaburo Oe and musician Ryuichi Sakamoto protesting against the continued use of nuclear energy in Japan.
The city of Hiroshima relied on a nuclear power plant on the Japan Sea coast of Shimane Prefecture for much of its power before it was shut down in the wake of the events in Fukushima.
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Japan News This Week 5 August 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 9:19:00 AM
今週の日本
Japan Widens Inquiry Into Insider Trading
New York Times
Oldest 2012 Olympic athlete - aged 71
BBC
反原発抗議行動〜過剰警備に弁護士150人が抗議声明
Our Planet
Two killers hanged, in Tokyo and Osaka
Japan Times
日本冲绳县反对部署“鱼鹰”大会因恐遇台风延期
Caijing
From a "Dysfunctional Japanese-Style Industrialized Society" to an “Ordinary Nation”?
Japan Focus
Last Week's Japan News
Statistics
The ratio of female athletes representing Japan at the Olympics has increased in recent years.
2000 Sydney: out of 268 Japanese athletes, 110 were female.
2004 Athens: out of 312 Japanese athletes, 171 were female.
2008 Beijing: out of 339 Japanese athletes, 169 were female.
2012 London: out of 293 Japanese athletes, 156 are female.
Source: Jiji Press
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New York Times
Oldest 2012 Olympic athlete - aged 71
BBC
反原発抗議行動〜過剰警備に弁護士150人が抗議声明
Our Planet
Two killers hanged, in Tokyo and Osaka
Japan Times
日本冲绳县反对部署“鱼鹰”大会因恐遇台风延期
Caijing
From a "Dysfunctional Japanese-Style Industrialized Society" to an “Ordinary Nation”?
Japan Focus
Last Week's Japan News
Statistics
The ratio of female athletes representing Japan at the Olympics has increased in recent years.
2000 Sydney: out of 268 Japanese athletes, 110 were female.
2004 Athens: out of 312 Japanese athletes, 171 were female.
2008 Beijing: out of 339 Japanese athletes, 169 were female.
2012 London: out of 293 Japanese athletes, 156 are female.
Source: Jiji Press
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Awa Odori
Friday, August 3, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 6:45:00 PM
阿波踊り
The Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima is another huge August dance festival to rank along Aomori's Nebuta and the Neputa in Hirosaki.
The Awa Odori takes place over the Obon period of August 12-15 and is marked by mass ranks (ren) of dancers, dancing through the streets of the city accompanied by music from drums, flutes, shamisen and bells.
The dance has a long history. Awa is the old feudal name for what is now the prefecture of Tokushima and the origins of Awa Odori are believed to date from the late 16th century and the completion of the town's castle and a drunken dance that followed in celebration.
A particular refrain associated with Awa Odori is: Odoru aho ni, Miru ahou Onaji aho nara, Odorana son, son ("The dancing fool and the watching fool are both foolish. So why not get up and boogie?").
There are dances during the day called nagashi and more exuberant dances at night known as zomeki. The dance steps are fixed and vary for the two sexes. A visit to the Awa Odori Kaikan (Tel: 611 1611) in town will fill the visitor in on all he or she needs to know about the dance as well as the steps for each dance.
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Obon
Awa Odori
Tokushima
The Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima is another huge August dance festival to rank along Aomori's Nebuta and the Neputa in Hirosaki.
The Awa Odori takes place over the Obon period of August 12-15 and is marked by mass ranks (ren) of dancers, dancing through the streets of the city accompanied by music from drums, flutes, shamisen and bells.
The dance has a long history. Awa is the old feudal name for what is now the prefecture of Tokushima and the origins of Awa Odori are believed to date from the late 16th century and the completion of the town's castle and a drunken dance that followed in celebration.
A particular refrain associated with Awa Odori is: Odoru aho ni, Miru ahou Onaji aho nara, Odorana son, son ("The dancing fool and the watching fool are both foolish. So why not get up and boogie?").
There are dances during the day called nagashi and more exuberant dances at night known as zomeki. The dance steps are fixed and vary for the two sexes. A visit to the Awa Odori Kaikan (Tel: 611 1611) in town will fill the visitor in on all he or she needs to know about the dance as well as the steps for each dance.
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Hirosaki Neputa Festival 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:50:00 PM
ねぷた祭り
While the Nebuta Festival in nearby Aomori city is in full swing, the similar Neputa Festival in Hirosaki is taking place from August 1-7.
Hirosaki's Neputa Festival features a nightly procession of around sixty illuminated lantern floats featuring legendary stories depicted in the design of the fan-shaped floats, accompanied by traditional flute and drum music and dancing.
Hirosaki's festival is less-well known than it's neighbor's Nebuta and is more low-key. However visitors to Aomori Prefecture should try to see both matsuri.
Hirosaki city official site (English)
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While the Nebuta Festival in nearby Aomori city is in full swing, the similar Neputa Festival in Hirosaki is taking place from August 1-7.
Hirosaki's Neputa Festival features a nightly procession of around sixty illuminated lantern floats featuring legendary stories depicted in the design of the fan-shaped floats, accompanied by traditional flute and drum music and dancing.
Hirosaki's festival is less-well known than it's neighbor's Nebuta and is more low-key. However visitors to Aomori Prefecture should try to see both matsuri.
Hirosaki city official site (English)
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Shonai Ryokuchi Koen
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 Posted by nailis suroidah at 8:54:00 AM
庄内緑地公園
Shonai Ryokuchi Koen in the west of the city is one of Nagoya's largest parks.
Shonai Ryokuchi Park's large lake is a popular location for summer picnics and the large grassy areas are a venue for pick up soccer games among the Nagoya's foreign community and the base for local team Shonai FC.
Scattered around the park are a number of pieces of modern art pictured here. Besides playing football and BBQs, visitors can rent a pedal boat for a float around the lake and can also hire bicycles for a leisurely cycle around the park.
There's a children's park, tennis courts, a Rose Garden, the Green Plaza and a water fountain area to keep cool in summer. The nearest station is Shonai Ryokuchi Koen Station on the Tsurumai Line. Meitetsu Naka Otai Station is also fairly close. National Highways 162 and 63 run past the park which is adjacent to the Shonai River.
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Shonai Ryokuchi Koen in the west of the city is one of Nagoya's largest parks.
Shonai Ryokuchi Park's large lake is a popular location for summer picnics and the large grassy areas are a venue for pick up soccer games among the Nagoya's foreign community and the base for local team Shonai FC.
Scattered around the park are a number of pieces of modern art pictured here. Besides playing football and BBQs, visitors can rent a pedal boat for a float around the lake and can also hire bicycles for a leisurely cycle around the park.
There's a children's park, tennis courts, a Rose Garden, the Green Plaza and a water fountain area to keep cool in summer. The nearest station is Shonai Ryokuchi Koen Station on the Tsurumai Line. Meitetsu Naka Otai Station is also fairly close. National Highways 162 and 63 run past the park which is adjacent to the Shonai River.
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