Sugamo (巣鴨) is a neighborhood in Toshima, Tokyo, Japan.
Jizō-dōri (地蔵通り), a shopping street for the older generation (the area is known as the "Harajuku of the old ladies") is located here. It lies at the crossing point of the JR Yamanote railway line, and national road route Route 17.
7.2.13
Kijimunā
The Kijimuna (キジムナー) are creatures of the mythology native to the island of Okinawa.
They are said to look around three or four years old and covered in red hair.[1]
The kijimuna are small wood spirits according to Okinawan mythology. The kijimuna are said to live in trees, but the most common one is the banyan tree. They are often described as being child-sized, with red hair covering their bodies and large heads. They are also known to be excellent fisherman, able to catch many fish, but then only eating one of the eyes of the fish before leaving the rest of it.
The Kijimuna festival in Okinawa is named after them.
Another name for the kijumuna is "bungaya," which means roughly "Large-Headed."[2]
The Kijimuna are known to be very mischievous, playing pranks and tricking humans. One of their most well known tricks is to lie upon a person's chest, making them unable to move or breathe. This is known as "kanashibari."[3]
Even though the Kijimuna are tricksters, they have been known to make friends with humans. However, these relationships often go sour. A kijimuna may offer to carry a human on its back as it leaps through the mountains and over the seas. The kijimuna dislike people passing gas on their backs, however, and will immediately throw the human off, no matter where they were at the moment. The kijimuna also hate octopuses.[4]
The Kijimuna Festival is a yearly children's theatrical festival in Okinawa, Japan. It is sponsored by the city of Okinawa and features content from around the world. It is named after the Kijimuna, a mythical creature who inhabits the trees and swamps of Okinawa.
They are said to look around three or four years old and covered in red hair.[1]
The kijimuna are small wood spirits according to Okinawan mythology. The kijimuna are said to live in trees, but the most common one is the banyan tree. They are often described as being child-sized, with red hair covering their bodies and large heads. They are also known to be excellent fisherman, able to catch many fish, but then only eating one of the eyes of the fish before leaving the rest of it.
The Kijimuna festival in Okinawa is named after them.
Another name for the kijumuna is "bungaya," which means roughly "Large-Headed."[2]
The Kijimuna are known to be very mischievous, playing pranks and tricking humans. One of their most well known tricks is to lie upon a person's chest, making them unable to move or breathe. This is known as "kanashibari."[3]
Even though the Kijimuna are tricksters, they have been known to make friends with humans. However, these relationships often go sour. A kijimuna may offer to carry a human on its back as it leaps through the mountains and over the seas. The kijimuna dislike people passing gas on their backs, however, and will immediately throw the human off, no matter where they were at the moment. The kijimuna also hate octopuses.[4]
The Kijimuna Festival is a yearly children's theatrical festival in Okinawa, Japan. It is sponsored by the city of Okinawa and features content from around the world. It is named after the Kijimuna, a mythical creature who inhabits the trees and swamps of Okinawa.
6.2.13
Kagoshima Prefecture
Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県 Kagoshima-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu.[1]
The capital is the city of Kagoshima.[2]
Kagoshima Prefecture corresponds to the ancient Japanese provinces Ōsumi and Satsuma, including the northern part of the Ryukyu Islands (Satsunan).[4] This region played a key role in the Meiji Restoration (Saigo Takamori), and the city of Kagoshima was an important naval base during Japan's 20th century wars and the home of admiral Tōgō Heihachirō.
Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southwest tip of Kyushu and includes a chain of islands stretching further to the southwest for a few hundred kilometers. The most important group is the Amami Islands. Surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, at least since 1879 by Okinawa Prefecture in the south, Kumamoto Prefecture to the north, and Miyazaki Prefecture to the east, it has 2,632 km of coastline (including the 28 islands). It has a bay called Kagoshima Bay (Kinkowan), which is sandwiched by two peninsulas, Satsuma and Ōsumi. Its position made it a 'gateway' to Japan at various times in history. While Kyushu has about 13 million people, there are less than 2 million in this prefecture.
The prefecture has strong agricultural roots, which are reflected in its most well-known exports: green tea, sweet potato, radish, Pongee rice, Satsuma ware and Berkshire pork ("kurobuta"). Kagoshima prefecture's production of bonito flakes is second only to that of Shizuoka. In addition it produces Japan's largest volume of unagi eels.
The capital is the city of Kagoshima.[2]
Kagoshima Prefecture corresponds to the ancient Japanese provinces Ōsumi and Satsuma, including the northern part of the Ryukyu Islands (Satsunan).[4] This region played a key role in the Meiji Restoration (Saigo Takamori), and the city of Kagoshima was an important naval base during Japan's 20th century wars and the home of admiral Tōgō Heihachirō.
Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southwest tip of Kyushu and includes a chain of islands stretching further to the southwest for a few hundred kilometers. The most important group is the Amami Islands. Surrounded by the Yellow Sea to the west, at least since 1879 by Okinawa Prefecture in the south, Kumamoto Prefecture to the north, and Miyazaki Prefecture to the east, it has 2,632 km of coastline (including the 28 islands). It has a bay called Kagoshima Bay (Kinkowan), which is sandwiched by two peninsulas, Satsuma and Ōsumi. Its position made it a 'gateway' to Japan at various times in history. While Kyushu has about 13 million people, there are less than 2 million in this prefecture.
The prefecture has strong agricultural roots, which are reflected in its most well-known exports: green tea, sweet potato, radish, Pongee rice, Satsuma ware and Berkshire pork ("kurobuta"). Kagoshima prefecture's production of bonito flakes is second only to that of Shizuoka. In addition it produces Japan's largest volume of unagi eels.
Ittan-momen
Ittan-momen (一反木綿 "one bolt(tan) of cotton") is a Tsukumogami formed from a roll of cotton in Japanese myth. The Ittan-momen "flies through the air at night over Kagoshima prefecture"[citation needed] and "attacks humans, often by wrapping around their faces to smother them."[citation needed]
Understood by many Western scholars[1] as a type of Japanese yōkai,[2] the Tsukumogami (付喪神) was a concept popular in Japanese folklore as far back as the tenth century,[3] used in the spread of Shingon Buddhism.[4] Today, the term is generally understood to be applied to virtually any object, “that has reached their 100th birthday and thus become alive and self-aware,”[citation needed] though this definition is not without its controversy.[5][6][7]
Understood by many Western scholars[1] as a type of Japanese yōkai,[2] the Tsukumogami (付喪神) was a concept popular in Japanese folklore as far back as the tenth century,[3] used in the spread of Shingon Buddhism.[4] Today, the term is generally understood to be applied to virtually any object, “that has reached their 100th birthday and thus become alive and self-aware,”[citation needed] though this definition is not without its controversy.[5][6][7]
5.2.13
Karukan
Karukan (軽羹) is a Japanese confection from Kyushu.
Karukan is made from karukan rice flour powder, sugar, and grated Japanese yam. Water is added to the mixture, which is then steamed. It is like an elastic white sponge.[1]
Karukan is made at many confectioneries in Kagoshima. It is sold widely in Miyazaki Prefecture and it is also made there. Confectioneries in Beppu, Oita, have been producing and selling karukan since 1952. It is a famous souvenir in Beppu. Also, there are some factories which produce and sell karukan in Fukuoka Prefecture.
The origin of the name is "light" (軽) confection like rice cake (羹).
Originally, karukan was “saomono gashi” which is traditional confection in the form of long block but “karukan manjū” which is filled with red bean paste has become the norm in recent years.
Karukan is made from karukan rice flour powder, sugar, and grated Japanese yam. Water is added to the mixture, which is then steamed. It is like an elastic white sponge.[1]
Karukan is made at many confectioneries in Kagoshima. It is sold widely in Miyazaki Prefecture and it is also made there. Confectioneries in Beppu, Oita, have been producing and selling karukan since 1952. It is a famous souvenir in Beppu. Also, there are some factories which produce and sell karukan in Fukuoka Prefecture.
The origin of the name is "light" (軽) confection like rice cake (羹).
Originally, karukan was “saomono gashi” which is traditional confection in the form of long block but “karukan manjū” which is filled with red bean paste has become the norm in recent years.
Miyazaki Prefecture
Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県 Miyazaki-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu.[1]
The capital is the city of Miyazaki.
Historically, after the Meiji Restoration, Hyūga Province was renamed Miyazaki Prefecture.[2]
Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the eastern coast of the island of Kyushu. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and east, Ōita Prefecture to the north, and Kumamoto and Kagoshima Prefectures to the west.
It is one of only two locations on Earth where the fungus Chorioactis geaster is found.[3] Miyazaki is also the home of the hyuganatsu fruit.
Local dish: Chicken namban - fried battered chicken dipped in a vinegary sauce and served with tartar sauce. (Miyazaki prefecture)
According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho is the land where Ninigi descended from the heavens, sent by Amaterasu, the sun goddess. It also contains the Ama-no-Iwato shrine which is, according to myth, the location of the cave where Amaterasu hid until Ame-no-Uzume lured her out.
Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana, Japanese: 日向夏) is a citrus fruit and plant grown in Japan. The name comes from Hyūga, the ancient name of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, where the citrus is said to have originated, while "natsu" (夏) means summer.
Takachiho (高千穂町 Takachiho-chō) is a town located in Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
Ninigi-no-Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊) (also Ame-nigishi-kuni-nigishi-amatsuhiko-hiko-ho-no-ninigi-no-Mikoto) is in Japanese mythology the son of Ame no Oshihomimi no Mikoto, and grandson of Amaterasu, who sent him down to earth to plant rice there. He was the great-grandfather of Emperor Jimmu. His name also appears as Ninigi (瓊瓊杵).
The capital is the city of Miyazaki.
Historically, after the Meiji Restoration, Hyūga Province was renamed Miyazaki Prefecture.[2]
Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the eastern coast of the island of Kyushu. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and east, Ōita Prefecture to the north, and Kumamoto and Kagoshima Prefectures to the west.
It is one of only two locations on Earth where the fungus Chorioactis geaster is found.[3] Miyazaki is also the home of the hyuganatsu fruit.
Local dish: Chicken namban - fried battered chicken dipped in a vinegary sauce and served with tartar sauce. (Miyazaki prefecture)
According to Japanese mythology, Takachiho is the land where Ninigi descended from the heavens, sent by Amaterasu, the sun goddess. It also contains the Ama-no-Iwato shrine which is, according to myth, the location of the cave where Amaterasu hid until Ame-no-Uzume lured her out.
Hyuganatsu (Citrus tamurana, Japanese: 日向夏) is a citrus fruit and plant grown in Japan. The name comes from Hyūga, the ancient name of Miyazaki Prefecture in Kyushu, where the citrus is said to have originated, while "natsu" (夏) means summer.
Takachiho (高千穂町 Takachiho-chō) is a town located in Nishiusuki District, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan.
Ninigi-no-Mikoto (瓊瓊杵尊) (also Ame-nigishi-kuni-nigishi-amatsuhiko-hiko-ho-no-ninigi-no-Mikoto) is in Japanese mythology the son of Ame no Oshihomimi no Mikoto, and grandson of Amaterasu, who sent him down to earth to plant rice there. He was the great-grandfather of Emperor Jimmu. His name also appears as Ninigi (瓊瓊杵).
Totoro Station
Totoro Station (土々呂駅 Totoro-eki) is a railway station of JR Kyushu Nippō Main Line in Nobeoka, Miyazaki, Japan.
Nobeoka (延岡市 Nobeoka-shi) is the northernmost city located in Miyazaki, Japan.
Nobeoka (延岡市 Nobeoka-shi) is the northernmost city located in Miyazaki, Japan.
4.2.13
Ōita Prefecture
Ōita Prefecture (大分県 Ōita-ken) is a prefecture of Japan on Kyūshū Island.[1]
The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.[2]
Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, Kumaso-no-kuni (熊襲国) and Toyo no kuni. Present day Oita was part of Toyo-no-kuni, which means "Abundant Land".
Toyo-no-kuni was later divided into two regions, upper and lower Toyo-no-kuni, called Bungo Province and Buzen Province. After the Meiji Restoration, districts from Bungo and Buzen provinces were combined to form Ōita Prefecture.[3]
Ōita Prefecture is on the north-eastern section of the island of Kyūshū.
Mountain ranges include Mount Yufu, Mount Tsurumi, Mount Sobo, Mount Katamuki, and Mount Kujū (which is called the "roof of Kyushu").
Ōita Prefecture's industrial activity is centered on agricultural products. Fishery products and manufactured goods rank second and third respectively in terms of Ōita's industrial activity.
Ōita Prefecture is Japan's number one producer of kabosu, which is a citrus fruit that is similar to a lime.
Ōita is also the largest producer of dried shiitake mushrooms in Japan, and the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms is said to have originated in Ōita.
Ōita is Japan's top producer of galingale (シチトウ｜shichitō), which is one kind of rush plant, a grass with a distinctive triangular profile, belonging to the cyperaceae family. It is grown in Kunisaki Peninsula of Ōita Prefecture, and is used in the production of Ryukyu-style tatami mats, as it is dust and moisture absorbent and has a pleasant scent.
The madake variety of bamboo makes up 60% of Japan's cultivated bamboo, and Ōita is Japan's top producer. It is the most popular variety of bamboo used in handiwork and traditional crafts since it is very flexible and pressure resistant.
Ōita Prefecture is famous for its hot springs, particularly those in and around the city of Beppu, known as the 'hells', or jigoku. Many of the 'hells' are of tourist interest only and cannot be used as onsen (notably the Blood Pond Hell (reddish water) and the Oniyama Hell). The city's ryokans and public onsen are amply supplied by the same volcanic source.
Read more about the tourist spots of this prefecture.
The prefectural capital is the city of Ōita.[2]
Around the 6th century Kyushu consisted of four regions: Tsukushi-no-kuni 筑紫国, Hi-no-kuni 肥国, Kumaso-no-kuni (熊襲国) and Toyo no kuni. Present day Oita was part of Toyo-no-kuni, which means "Abundant Land".
Toyo-no-kuni was later divided into two regions, upper and lower Toyo-no-kuni, called Bungo Province and Buzen Province. After the Meiji Restoration, districts from Bungo and Buzen provinces were combined to form Ōita Prefecture.[3]
Ōita Prefecture is on the north-eastern section of the island of Kyūshū.
Mountain ranges include Mount Yufu, Mount Tsurumi, Mount Sobo, Mount Katamuki, and Mount Kujū (which is called the "roof of Kyushu").
Ōita Prefecture's industrial activity is centered on agricultural products. Fishery products and manufactured goods rank second and third respectively in terms of Ōita's industrial activity.
Ōita Prefecture is Japan's number one producer of kabosu, which is a citrus fruit that is similar to a lime.
Ōita is also the largest producer of dried shiitake mushrooms in Japan, and the cultivation of shiitake mushrooms is said to have originated in Ōita.
Ōita is Japan's top producer of galingale (シチトウ｜shichitō), which is one kind of rush plant, a grass with a distinctive triangular profile, belonging to the cyperaceae family. It is grown in Kunisaki Peninsula of Ōita Prefecture, and is used in the production of Ryukyu-style tatami mats, as it is dust and moisture absorbent and has a pleasant scent.
The madake variety of bamboo makes up 60% of Japan's cultivated bamboo, and Ōita is Japan's top producer. It is the most popular variety of bamboo used in handiwork and traditional crafts since it is very flexible and pressure resistant.
Ōita Prefecture is famous for its hot springs, particularly those in and around the city of Beppu, known as the 'hells', or jigoku. Many of the 'hells' are of tourist interest only and cannot be used as onsen (notably the Blood Pond Hell (reddish water) and the Oniyama Hell). The city's ryokans and public onsen are amply supplied by the same volcanic source.
Read more about the tourist spots of this prefecture.
Makizushi types and Ehō-maki
Makizushi (巻き寿司, "rolled sushi"), Norimaki (海苔巻き, "Nori roll") or Makimono (巻物, "variety of rolls") is a cylindrical piece, formed with the help of a bamboo mat, called a makisu (巻簾). Makizushi is generally wrapped in nori (seaweed), but is occasionally wrapped in a thin omelette, soy paper, cucumber, or shiso (perilla) leaves. Makizushi
is usually cut into six or eight pieces, which constitutes a single
roll order. Below are some common types of makizushi, but many other
kinds exist.
Futomaki (太巻, "thick, large or fat rolls") is a large cylindrical piece, with nori on the outside.[13] A typical futomaki is five to six centimeters (2–2.5 in) in diameter.[14] They are often made with two, three, or more fillings that are chosen for their complementary tastes and colors. During the evening of the Setsubun festival, it is traditional in the Kansai region to eat uncut futomaki in its cylindrical form, where it is called ehō-maki (恵方巻, lit. happy direction rolls).[15] By 2000 the custom had spread to all of Japan.[16] Futomaki are often vegetarian, and may utilize strips of cucumber, kampyō gourd, takenoko bamboo shoots, or lotus root. Strips of tamagoyaki omelette, tiny fish roe, chopped tuna, and oboro whitefish flakes are typical non-vegetarian fillings.[13]
Hosomaki (細巻, "thin rolls") is a small cylindrical piece, with the nori on the outside.
Temaki (手巻, "hand roll") is a large cone-shaped piece of nori on the outside and the ingredients spilling out the wide end.
Uramaki (裏巻, "inside-out roll") is a medium-sized cylindrical piece with two or more fillings. Uramaki differs from other makimono because the rice is on the outside and the nori inside.
Setsubun (節分, Bean-Throwing Festival or Bean-Throwing Ceremony) is the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan.[1][2]
Futomaki (太巻, "thick, large or fat rolls") is a large cylindrical piece, with nori on the outside.[13] A typical futomaki is five to six centimeters (2–2.5 in) in diameter.[14] They are often made with two, three, or more fillings that are chosen for their complementary tastes and colors. During the evening of the Setsubun festival, it is traditional in the Kansai region to eat uncut futomaki in its cylindrical form, where it is called ehō-maki (恵方巻, lit. happy direction rolls).[15] By 2000 the custom had spread to all of Japan.[16] Futomaki are often vegetarian, and may utilize strips of cucumber, kampyō gourd, takenoko bamboo shoots, or lotus root. Strips of tamagoyaki omelette, tiny fish roe, chopped tuna, and oboro whitefish flakes are typical non-vegetarian fillings.[13]
Hosomaki (細巻, "thin rolls") is a small cylindrical piece, with the nori on the outside.
Temaki (手巻, "hand roll") is a large cone-shaped piece of nori on the outside and the ingredients spilling out the wide end.
Uramaki (裏巻, "inside-out roll") is a medium-sized cylindrical piece with two or more fillings. Uramaki differs from other makimono because the rice is on the outside and the nori inside.
Setsubun (節分, Bean-Throwing Festival or Bean-Throwing Ceremony) is the day before the beginning of Spring in Japan.[1][2]
3.2.13
Slope Car (Surōpukā)
A slope car (スロープカー surōpukā) is a small automated monorail, or a fusion between monorail, people mover, and rack railway. It is a brand name of Kaho Manufacturing.
Since this mode of transportation is relatively unknown, it lacks widely accepted generic name, other than the simple "monorail". The system, however, is different from normal modern monorails in many ways. It is a development from industrial monorails used in 1960s orchards.
Slope cars are installed in more than 80 places in Japan and South Korea. [1]
As the name suggests, the system is introduced generally when there are steep slopes or stairs between entrance gates and buildings. Slope cars generally function as amenities that provide accessibilities for elderly or handicapped people visiting particular places, such as parks, golf courses, or hotels. As most lines move fairly slowly, people without disabilities often find it faster to walk the same routes on foot, rather than to use slope cars. However, there are also places where slope cars climb very steep slopes which people without disabilities can not climb unless there are stairs. In Japan, slope cars are not legally considered as railways.
In 1966, Yoneyama Industory, an agricultural machinery maker in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, invented "Monorack" (モノラック Monorakku), a freight-only rack monorail system. It soon became wide spread in mikan citrus orchards in the prefecture, and in other parts of Japan. Other makers also started to build similar systems. Later in 1990, a company called Chigusa developed a passenger rack monorail system. These rack monorails were first used to transport workers in construction sites or forests. However, from 1990s, public facilities such as parks also started to use the system. Kaho Manufacturing started to sell their "slope cars" in 1990.
Since this mode of transportation is relatively unknown, it lacks widely accepted generic name, other than the simple "monorail". The system, however, is different from normal modern monorails in many ways. It is a development from industrial monorails used in 1960s orchards.
Slope cars are installed in more than 80 places in Japan and South Korea. [1]
As the name suggests, the system is introduced generally when there are steep slopes or stairs between entrance gates and buildings. Slope cars generally function as amenities that provide accessibilities for elderly or handicapped people visiting particular places, such as parks, golf courses, or hotels. As most lines move fairly slowly, people without disabilities often find it faster to walk the same routes on foot, rather than to use slope cars. However, there are also places where slope cars climb very steep slopes which people without disabilities can not climb unless there are stairs. In Japan, slope cars are not legally considered as railways.
In 1966, Yoneyama Industory, an agricultural machinery maker in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, invented "Monorack" (モノラック Monorakku), a freight-only rack monorail system. It soon became wide spread in mikan citrus orchards in the prefecture, and in other parts of Japan. Other makers also started to build similar systems. Later in 1990, a company called Chigusa developed a passenger rack monorail system. These rack monorails were first used to transport workers in construction sites or forests. However, from 1990s, public facilities such as parks also started to use the system. Kaho Manufacturing started to sell their "slope cars" in 1990.
Kumamoto Prefecture
Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県 Kumamoto-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyushu Island.[1]
The capital is the city of Kumamoto.[2]
Historically the area was called Higo Province; and the province was renamed Kumamoto during the Meiji Restoration.[3]
Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of Kyūshū, the southernmost of the four major Japanese islands. It is bordered by the Ariake inland sea and the Amakusa archipelago to the west, Fukuoka Prefecture and Ōita Prefecture to the north, Miyazaki Prefecture to the east, and Kagoshima Prefecture to the south.
The capital is the city of Kumamoto.[2]
Historically the area was called Higo Province; and the province was renamed Kumamoto during the Meiji Restoration.[3]
Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of Kyūshū, the southernmost of the four major Japanese islands. It is bordered by the Ariake inland sea and the Amakusa archipelago to the west, Fukuoka Prefecture and Ōita Prefecture to the north, Miyazaki Prefecture to the east, and Kagoshima Prefecture to the south.
Tourism
- Mt. Aso is one of the world's largest active volcanoes.
- Kumamoto Castle
- Suizenji Park.
- Tsūjun Bridge, the largest stone aqueduct in Japan is in Yamato.
2.2.13
Nagasaki Prefecture
Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県 Nagasaki-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the island of Kyushu.[1]
The capital is the city of Nagasaki.[2]
Nagasaki borders Saga Prefecture on the east, and is otherwise surrounded by water, including Ariake Bay, the Tsushima Straits, and the East China Sea. It also includes a large number of islands such as Tsushima and Iki.
Most of the prefecture is near the coast and there are a number of ports such as Nagasaki and a United States Navy base at Sasebo.
Nagasaki is the most Christianized area in Japan with Roman Catholic missions having been established there as early as the 16th century. During the 16th century, Catholic missionaries and traders from Portugal arrived and became active in Hirado and Nagasaki, which became a major center for foreign trade.
Nagasaki Prefecture was created by merging of the western half of the former province of Hizen with the island provinces of Tsushima and Iki.[4] Facing China and Korea, the region around Hirado was a traditional center for both traders and pirates.
Hirado (平戸市 Hirado-shi) is a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
The capital is the city of Nagasaki.[2]
Nagasaki borders Saga Prefecture on the east, and is otherwise surrounded by water, including Ariake Bay, the Tsushima Straits, and the East China Sea. It also includes a large number of islands such as Tsushima and Iki.
Most of the prefecture is near the coast and there are a number of ports such as Nagasaki and a United States Navy base at Sasebo.
Nagasaki is the most Christianized area in Japan with Roman Catholic missions having been established there as early as the 16th century. During the 16th century, Catholic missionaries and traders from Portugal arrived and became active in Hirado and Nagasaki, which became a major center for foreign trade.
Nagasaki Prefecture was created by merging of the western half of the former province of Hizen with the island provinces of Tsushima and Iki.[4] Facing China and Korea, the region around Hirado was a traditional center for both traders and pirates.
Hirado (平戸市 Hirado-shi) is a city in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan.
Shōrō-nagashi (Spirit Boat Procession) (aka Shōryō nagashi)
The Spirit Boat Procession (精霊流し Shōrō nagashi) is an event celebrated in various places in Nagasaki prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Bon Festival. During the event, the souls of the deceased are mourned and sent off.
The procession takes place on August 15 of every year. During the procession, people float boats which are said to be carrying the spirits of the deceased down the river. The spirits are said to be sent to Sukhavati.[1] It is done as an act of mourning by those who have lost a family member in the past year, though people who are not mourning participate as well. The boats are mainly built by people who have lost a family member in the last year, though they are also built by others.
As with many other Japanese festivals, people carry firecrackers and gongs, and often sound off with kakegoe. Some boats are built up to look like festival floats, and many tourists come to see the event
There are various theories as to the festival's origin, though it is believed to be strongly influenced by a similar Chinese festival. The meaning of the firecrackers that are fired on the side of the road leading up to the launching place comes from a Chinese idea on how to ward off evil spirits, and by passing the boats by, they are cleansed.
The procession takes place on August 15 of every year. During the procession, people float boats which are said to be carrying the spirits of the deceased down the river. The spirits are said to be sent to Sukhavati.[1] It is done as an act of mourning by those who have lost a family member in the past year, though people who are not mourning participate as well. The boats are mainly built by people who have lost a family member in the last year, though they are also built by others.
As with many other Japanese festivals, people carry firecrackers and gongs, and often sound off with kakegoe. Some boats are built up to look like festival floats, and many tourists come to see the event
The boats are called shōrōbune (精霊船).[4]
There are various theories as to the festival's origin, though it is believed to be strongly influenced by a similar Chinese festival. The meaning of the firecrackers that are fired on the side of the road leading up to the launching place comes from a Chinese idea on how to ward off evil spirits, and by passing the boats by, they are cleansed.
1.2.13
Saga Prefecture
Saga Prefecture (佐賀県 Saga-ken) is a prefecture in the northwest part of the island of Kyushu, Japan.[1]
It touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea.
The western part of the prefecture is a region famous for producing ceramics and porcelain, particularly the towns of Karatsu, Imari, and Arita. The top porcelain houses in the country are located in these areas, including Imaemon Porcelain, Genemon Porcelain and Fukagawa Porcelain.
The capital is the city of Saga.[2]
Saga-ben (Saga-dialect) is Saga's own variation of Japanese.
In ancient times, the area composed by Nagasaki Prefecture and Saga Prefecture was called Hizen Province.[3] The current name dates from the Meiji Restoration. Rice farming culture has prospered here since ancient times, and vestiges can be seen at the ruins of Nabatake in Karatsu and the Yoshinogari site in Yoshinogari.
Kyushu's smallest prefecture, Saga, is located on the northwest corner of the island, bordered by the Genkai Sea and the Tsushima Strait to the north and the Ariake Sea to the south. Saga's proximity to mainland Asia has made it an important gateway for the transmission of culture and trade throughout Japanese history. Largely rural outside of the two largest cities of Saga and Karatsu, agricultural and forested lands comprise over 68% of the total prefectural land area. There are six prefectural parks and one quasi-national park in Saga.
Agriculture, forestry, and coastal fisheries form a large portion of the prefectural economy.
Karatsu, with its fine castle, is a popular tourist destination in Saga. The remains of a Yayoi village in Yoshinogari also attract large numbers of sightseers. Another place to visit is Yūtoku Inari Shrine, one of Japan's three biggest Inari shrines.
The Genkai Sea (玄界灘 Genkai-nada) is a body of water that comprises the southwestern tip of the Sea of Japan and borders the northern coasts of Fukuoka and Saga prefectures.
It touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea.
The western part of the prefecture is a region famous for producing ceramics and porcelain, particularly the towns of Karatsu, Imari, and Arita. The top porcelain houses in the country are located in these areas, including Imaemon Porcelain, Genemon Porcelain and Fukagawa Porcelain.
The capital is the city of Saga.[2]
Saga-ben (Saga-dialect) is Saga's own variation of Japanese.
In ancient times, the area composed by Nagasaki Prefecture and Saga Prefecture was called Hizen Province.[3] The current name dates from the Meiji Restoration. Rice farming culture has prospered here since ancient times, and vestiges can be seen at the ruins of Nabatake in Karatsu and the Yoshinogari site in Yoshinogari.
Kyushu's smallest prefecture, Saga, is located on the northwest corner of the island, bordered by the Genkai Sea and the Tsushima Strait to the north and the Ariake Sea to the south. Saga's proximity to mainland Asia has made it an important gateway for the transmission of culture and trade throughout Japanese history. Largely rural outside of the two largest cities of Saga and Karatsu, agricultural and forested lands comprise over 68% of the total prefectural land area. There are six prefectural parks and one quasi-national park in Saga.
Agriculture, forestry, and coastal fisheries form a large portion of the prefectural economy.
Karatsu, with its fine castle, is a popular tourist destination in Saga. The remains of a Yayoi village in Yoshinogari also attract large numbers of sightseers. Another place to visit is Yūtoku Inari Shrine, one of Japan's three biggest Inari shrines.
The Genkai Sea (玄界灘 Genkai-nada) is a body of water that comprises the southwestern tip of the Sea of Japan and borders the northern coasts of Fukuoka and Saga prefectures.
Happōshu Vs Dai-san no Bīru
Happoshu (発泡酒 happōshu lit. "sparkling spirits"), or low-malt beer, is a tax category of Japanese liquor that most often refers to a beer-like beverage with less than 67% malt
content. The alcoholic beverage is popular among consumers for having a
lower tax than beverages that the nation's law classifies as "beer."
Although the happoshu label is most frequently found on low-malt beer or
beer-like products, alcopops that contain malt are also categorized as happoshu.
Japan's alcohol tax system divides beer-like malt beverages into four categories based on malt content: 67% or higher, 50 to 67%, 25 to 50%, and less than 25%. An alcoholic beverage based on malt is classified as beer if the weight of malt extract exceeds 67% of the fermentable ingredients.
Since Suntory's introduction in 1994 of Hop's Draft, containing 65% malt, a market has emerged for low-malt, and recently, non-malt beer substitutes.
Beer-flavored beverages collectively dubbed "the third beer"(第三のビール, dai-san no bīru) by the mass media have been developed to compete with happoshu. The third beer beverages either use malt alternatives, or they are a mix of happoshu and another type of alcohol. When comparing 350 ml cans, the third beer brands can be 10 to 25 yen cheaper than happoshu.
In July 2012 Suntory, which had been the first company to sell happoshu, announced that it will stop selling it by Autumn 2012.[1]
Japan's alcohol tax system divides beer-like malt beverages into four categories based on malt content: 67% or higher, 50 to 67%, 25 to 50%, and less than 25%. An alcoholic beverage based on malt is classified as beer if the weight of malt extract exceeds 67% of the fermentable ingredients.
Since Suntory's introduction in 1994 of Hop's Draft, containing 65% malt, a market has emerged for low-malt, and recently, non-malt beer substitutes.
Beer-flavored beverages collectively dubbed "the third beer"(第三のビール, dai-san no bīru) by the mass media have been developed to compete with happoshu. The third beer beverages either use malt alternatives, or they are a mix of happoshu and another type of alcohol. When comparing 350 ml cans, the third beer brands can be 10 to 25 yen cheaper than happoshu.
In July 2012 Suntory, which had been the first company to sell happoshu, announced that it will stop selling it by Autumn 2012.[1]
31.1.13
Aojiru
Aojiru (青汁) is a Japanese vegetable drink most commonly made from kale.
The drink is also known as green drink or green juice in English, a direct translation of the Japanese meaning. (In modern Japanese, the character 青 ao means "blue", but it is commonly still used in older contexts to refer to green vegetation).
Aojiru was developed in October 1943 by Dr. Niro Endo (遠藤仁郎 Endō Nirō), an army doctor who experimented with juices extracted from the discarded leaves of various vegetables in an attempt to supplement his family's meager wartime diet.
He credited the cure of his son from pneumonia and of his wife from nephritis to aojiru, and in 1949 concluded that kale was the best ingredient for his juice.[1]
Aojiru was popularized in 1983 by Q'SAI (キューサイ), who started marketing 100% kale aojiru in powdered form as a dietary supplement, and sales boomed after 2000 when cosmetics giant Fancl started mass retailing of the juice.[1]
Today, many Japanese companies manufacture aojiru, usually using kale, young barley or komatsuna leaves as the base of the drink, and the size of the aojiru market was well over $500 million in 2005.[2]
The taste of aojiru is famously unpleasant, so much so that drinking a glass of the liquid is a common punishment on Japanese TV game shows.[3] However, new formulations of aojiru have attempted to minimize the bitter taste of the original.
The drink is also known as green drink or green juice in English, a direct translation of the Japanese meaning. (In modern Japanese, the character 青 ao means "blue", but it is commonly still used in older contexts to refer to green vegetation).
Aojiru was developed in October 1943 by Dr. Niro Endo (遠藤仁郎 Endō Nirō), an army doctor who experimented with juices extracted from the discarded leaves of various vegetables in an attempt to supplement his family's meager wartime diet.
He credited the cure of his son from pneumonia and of his wife from nephritis to aojiru, and in 1949 concluded that kale was the best ingredient for his juice.[1]
Aojiru was popularized in 1983 by Q'SAI (キューサイ), who started marketing 100% kale aojiru in powdered form as a dietary supplement, and sales boomed after 2000 when cosmetics giant Fancl started mass retailing of the juice.[1]
Today, many Japanese companies manufacture aojiru, usually using kale, young barley or komatsuna leaves as the base of the drink, and the size of the aojiru market was well over $500 million in 2005.[2]
The taste of aojiru is famously unpleasant, so much so that drinking a glass of the liquid is a common punishment on Japanese TV game shows.[3] However, new formulations of aojiru have attempted to minimize the bitter taste of the original.
Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県 Fukuoka-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on Kyūshū Island.[1]
The capital is the city of Fukuoka.[2]
Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.[3]
Fukuoka Prefecture faces the sea on three sides, bordering on Saga, Ōita, and Kumamoto prefectures and facing Yamaguchi Prefecture across the Kanmon Straits.
Fukuoka includes the two largest cities on Kyūshū, Fukuoka and Kitakyushu, and much of Kyūshū's industry. It also includes a number of small islands near the north coast of Kyūshū.
Fukuoka prefecture's main cities form one of Japan's main industrial centers, accounting for nearly 40% of the economy of Kyūshū. Major industries include automobiles, semiconductors, and steel. Fukuoka prefecture is noteworthy as the place where tire manufacturer Bridgestone[1] and consumer electronics chain Best Denki were founded.
The most popular place for tourism is Fukuoka City, especially at the time of the Dontaku festival, and Dazaifu, although Kitakyūshū has also tried to attract tourists.
Culture:
The capital is the city of Fukuoka.[2]
Fukuoka Prefecture includes the former provinces of Chikugo, Chikuzen, and Buzen.[3]
Fukuoka Prefecture faces the sea on three sides, bordering on Saga, Ōita, and Kumamoto prefectures and facing Yamaguchi Prefecture across the Kanmon Straits.
Fukuoka includes the two largest cities on Kyūshū, Fukuoka and Kitakyushu, and much of Kyūshū's industry. It also includes a number of small islands near the north coast of Kyūshū.
Fukuoka prefecture's main cities form one of Japan's main industrial centers, accounting for nearly 40% of the economy of Kyūshū. Major industries include automobiles, semiconductors, and steel. Fukuoka prefecture is noteworthy as the place where tire manufacturer Bridgestone[1] and consumer electronics chain Best Denki were founded.
The most popular place for tourism is Fukuoka City, especially at the time of the Dontaku festival, and Dazaifu, although Kitakyūshū has also tried to attract tourists.
Culture:
- Fukuoka Art Museum – In Ohori Park; contains a wide selection of contemporary and other art from around the world.
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum – contains art from various countries of Asia.
- Fukuoka City Museum – displays a broad range of items from the region's history, including a spectacular gold seal.
- Genko Historical Museum (元寇史料館; Museum of the Mongol Invasion) – In Higashi Koen (East Park); displays Japanese and Mongolian arms and armor from the 13th century as well as paintings on historical subjects. Open on weekends.
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum – Dedicated to displaying the traditional ways of life, speech, and culture of the Fukuoka region.
- Fukuoka Masjid Al Nour Islamic Culture Center, Dedicated to share Islamic subjects and culture.
30.1.13
Tosa and Hata Dialect
The Tosa dialect (土佐弁 Tosa-ben) is spoken in the central and eastern regions of modern day Kōchi Prefecture in Japan. This area was once known as the Tosa area and the name of the dialect
still reflects this older name.
The dialect itself developed from the linguistic influence of immigrants to the Tosa area from other parts of Japan and is largely a combination of the Kansai dialect and Chugoku dialects. In particular the accent system used is that of old Kansai-ben.
One of the distinctions between Tosa dialect and other Western Japanese dialects is the use of the verb suffixes -yuu and -chuu to show aspect. Grammatically, -yuu encapsulates the continuative and progressive aspects while -chuu separately encapsulates a repeated action or continuing state. In Standard Japanese both are represented by -te-iru. The respective past tense forms are -yotta and -chotta', while the negative forms are -yasen and -chasen.
Other distinctive features of Tosa dialect include its clause-ending particles, such as kendo for disjunction, ga as a question marker and ki to denote reason.
Many features of Tosa dialect are shared with neighbouring Hata dialect, spoken in the western part of Kōchi Prefecture.
The dialect itself developed from the linguistic influence of immigrants to the Tosa area from other parts of Japan and is largely a combination of the Kansai dialect and Chugoku dialects. In particular the accent system used is that of old Kansai-ben.
One of the distinctions between Tosa dialect and other Western Japanese dialects is the use of the verb suffixes -yuu and -chuu to show aspect. Grammatically, -yuu encapsulates the continuative and progressive aspects while -chuu separately encapsulates a repeated action or continuing state. In Standard Japanese both are represented by -te-iru. The respective past tense forms are -yotta and -chotta', while the negative forms are -yasen and -chasen.
Other distinctive features of Tosa dialect include its clause-ending particles, such as kendo for disjunction, ga as a question marker and ki to denote reason.
Many features of Tosa dialect are shared with neighbouring Hata dialect, spoken in the western part of Kōchi Prefecture.
Yama-uba (aka Yamanba)
Yamauba (山姥 or 山うば), Yamamba or Yamanba are variations [1] on the name of a yōkai [2] found in Japanese folklore.
Yamauba is said to have a mouth at the top of her head under her hair. [7] In one story it is related that her only weakness is a certain flower containing her soul. [8]
Kintarō (金太郎, often translated as "Golden Boy") is a folk hero from Japanese folklore. A child of superhuman strength, he was raised by a mountain hag on Mount Ashigara.
Description in Classical Japanese Folklore
Depending on the text and translator, the Yamauba appears as a monstrous Crone, “her unkempt hair long and golden white ... her kimono filthy and tattered,” [3] with cannibalistic tendencies. [4] In one tale a mother traveling to her village is forced to give birth in a mountain hut assisted by an apparent kindly old woman, only to discover, when it is too late, that the stranger is actually Yamauba with plans to eat her newborn child. [5] In other story the yōkai raises the orphan hero Kintarō, who goes on to became the famous warrior Sakata no Kintoki. [6]Yamauba is said to have a mouth at the top of her head under her hair. [7] In one story it is related that her only weakness is a certain flower containing her soul. [8]
Yamauba in Noh Drama
In one Noh drama, translated as, Yamauba, Dame of the Mountain, Komparu Zenchiku states the following:- Yamauba is the fairy of the mountains, which have been under her care since the world began. She decks them with snow in winter, with blossoms in spring ... She has grown very old. Wild white hair hangs down her shoulders; her face is very thin. There was a courtesan of the Capital who made a dance representing the wanderings of Yamauba. It had such success that people called this courtesan Yamauba though her real name was Hyakuma. [11]
Kintarō (金太郎, often translated as "Golden Boy") is a folk hero from Japanese folklore. A child of superhuman strength, he was raised by a mountain hag on Mount Ashigara.
Kōchi Prefecture
Kōchi Prefecture (高知県 Kōchi-ken) is a prefecture of Japan located on the south coast of Shikoku.[1]
The capital is the city of Kōchi.[2]
Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Kōchi was known as Tosa Province and was controlled by the Chosokabe clan in the Sengoku period and the Yamauchi family during the Edo period.[3]
Kōchi Prefecture comprises the southwestern part of the island of Shikoku, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest but least populous of Shikoku's four prefectures. Most of the province is mountainous, and in only a few areas such as around Kōchi and Nakamura is there a coastal plain. Kōchi is famous for its many rivers. Inamura-yama in Tosa-cho is the highest peak in Kochi prefecture with an altitude of 1,506 meters above sea level.
As of 1 April 2012, 7% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park; Ishizuchi, Muroto-Anan Kaigan, and Tsurugisan Quasi-National Parks; and eighteen Prefectural Natural Parks.[4]
The capital is the city of Kōchi.[2]
Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Kōchi was known as Tosa Province and was controlled by the Chosokabe clan in the Sengoku period and the Yamauchi family during the Edo period.[3]
Kōchi Prefecture comprises the southwestern part of the island of Shikoku, facing the Pacific Ocean. It is the largest but least populous of Shikoku's four prefectures. Most of the province is mountainous, and in only a few areas such as around Kōchi and Nakamura is there a coastal plain. Kōchi is famous for its many rivers. Inamura-yama in Tosa-cho is the highest peak in Kochi prefecture with an altitude of 1,506 meters above sea level.
As of 1 April 2012, 7% of the total land area of the prefecture was designated as Natural Parks, namely the Ashizuri-Uwakai National Park; Ishizuchi, Muroto-Anan Kaigan, and Tsurugisan Quasi-National Parks; and eighteen Prefectural Natural Parks.[4]
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