Kingyoーsummer sweets

This dessert is called "Kingyo".（金魚）

This conjure up the goldfish bowl,

we can see two goldfishes swimming in the bowl.

Transparent coating produces cool atmosphere.

This is "Hanabi".（花火）

This reminds us of colourful fireworks in the night sky.

This is also summer dessert.

This is "Kibunegawa".（貴船川）

This depicts the Kibune-river in Kyoto with swimming fishes.

The tranceperency suggests cool and refreshing water.

We can get these desserts at this shop,"Matsuya".

This shop was founded more than 100 years ago.

This is located near "Kyoto-Shiyakusho"(Kyoto city municipal hall).

Soma Nomaoi Festival（相馬野馬追） Fukushima

He is Mr.Kanno.He is a resident in Fukushima.

Unfortunately,the big Tsunami in March 11 washed away his house totally.....

and he lost his wife,mother,son and daughter.

Now he is going to join traditional festival in Fukushima.

"Soma-Nomaoi" is a festival that recreates a battle scene from more than 1000 years ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SX6PYUqLZKw

He disguises himself as Samurai,an armored warrior today.

At first,he was so depressed that he hesitated to join the festival this year,

just after the big disaster.

But finally,he decided to join the festival,

because he loves this festival,every year he has joined this event, 

and this festival has a meaning of mourning for his lost family this year.

not a trace remains of his house....

They're blowing on a conch shell. 

Before the Tsunami,there used to be 800 mounted soldiers in this festival.

But this year,there are only 50 soldiers...

In spite of the big disaster,they carried out the festival as usual,

because this festival has a tradition of 1000 years,so they're very proud of it.

And they wanted to cheer them up,cheer up their city,which is devastated by disaster.

They have strong spirit to overcome many difficulties.And we have to keep supporting and watching them.

Sado（茶道）ーEnjoying tea ceremony

In Japan,the custom of drinking tea was originally brought from China in the 9th century.
At first,it was a kind of status symbol among the upper-class people,
but by the 16th century, tea drinking had spread to all levels of society in Japan.
Now it is widespread throughout the world,everyone can enjoy tea ceremony without borders.
"Entertaining a guest hospitably" is the spirit of Japanese tea ceremony.
Every maiko learns graceful behaviour of making tea to entertain their guests.
It is kind of required skill for every maiko.

Glee

I love "Glee".

This is one of the most interesting video I've ever seen.

She is coach Sylvester,

Her Spartan education is overdoing,

but she is so funny lol

Maiko Beer Garden (上七軒ビアガーデン） Kamishichiken,Kyoto

This is a beer garden in Kamishichiken（上七軒）,Kyoto.

It is an excellent place not many people know about it.

This beer garden is famous for Maiko,who entertains the guests.

 

Duration 

July 1 - September 5  (except August 14,15,16)

pm 17:30 - 22:00

 Reservation is needed

We ebjoy beers and foods,

Edamame(green soybeans),Hiyayakko(Tofu).

These are pickled vegetables.

We have them while drinking.

We can see maiko over there...

In this beer garden,maiko girls come to our table to treat us,

and we can have a pleasant chat with them.

Enjoy cold beers!

Gion-Festival （祇園祭） Kyoto

"Gion Festival"（祇園祭） is one of the most famous festivals in Japan.

This festival dates back to the Middle Ages,more than 1000 years ago.

Exorcising evil spirits is the main purpose of this festival.

It spans the entire month of July and is crowned by a parade.

The street is crowded with so many people.

So many lanterns...

Tonight is the previous night of big parade.

We call this "Yoiyama",

which means the night before the parade.

This float is called "Kitakannonyama"（北観音山）,

which is decorated with beautiful tapestries

 both from Nishijin and imported from all over the world.

This float is going to parade down the street tomorrow.

Children dress in yukata,enjoying the festival.

This is also float shaped like a ship.

This is also decorated beautifully.

Tomorrow,about 40 people is going to get on this float

and parade down the street.

This ship is decorated by these imaginary birds

 made of mother-of pearl,gold,etc...

Even the ceiling is like a work of art...

The next day of "Yoiyama",

people march in procession around the Kyoto city.

Some floats are decorated with European tapestries.

These European tapestries are said to have been brought from Belgium,

about 400 years ago.

This festival takes place annually in Kyoto.(in July)

Every year,so many tourist come to see this festival.

This festival brings us the real feeling of summer.

Nadeshiko Japan won Gold medal at 2011 World Cup in Germany

Congratulations!

It was a dramatic game.

This victory encourages every Japanese people,

and is worth more than anything else in the world!

The game was a very clean match with lots of fair spirit.

USA team was really strong,

and the German supporters were really gentle in the games.

Thank you for the great match.