tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25024941730475770812024-03-25T18:15:18.161+09:00Tosa Wave BlogAn Information Magazine for the International Community in Kochi, JapanKIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.comBlogger492125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-63383227796314591702020-09-04T10:42:00.000+09:002020-09-04T10:42:02.633+09:00Enjoy an Adventure Along the Niyodo River<p></p><div style="text-align: right;">Kochi Prefectural CIR Minda Dettman</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> This summer, Mitsui (a KIA staff member) and I attempted rafting along the Niyodo river! At times quiet and at times rough, the river provided an afternoon filled with excitement, as we rafted down in a small boat. Recently, you might find yourself staying at home to avoid crowds, but rafting is an activity that can be enjoyed in small groups, making it perfect for this summer. Now, let’s go back to the beginning of our story as we trace our rafting adventure.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P6II88gbe8E/X1GW8iEPI7I/AAAAAAAAEvE/-nifVQCB6j04Wq_eG7mBMsV4L429MEFygCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/niyodo1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let’s go!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> First, Mitsui and I headed to Sakawa Station. There, we were picked up by Hiro, the instructor at Niyodo Adventure—the company running the experience we were to participate in. Laughing and talking merely, he drove us to the abandoned school that Niyodo Adventure is run out of.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5TzqJoTB_jc/X1GXhiEGMnI/AAAAAAAAEvM/6jjcX2wT4qcnO07ZTMEk7FgDEgleoioMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/niyodo2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous scenery!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>The Rafting Experience</b><br /> After changing into wetsuits, we climbed into the small, four-seater raft and headed down the river. At certain places along the river we were able to dive off the raft and swim, or climb up boulders and jump into the river. You could probably hear us laughing and screaming from the distance, as we enjoyed our afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> The water of the Niyodo River was quite cloudy due to the previous day’s rain. However, the branch river we rafted down was crystal clear. You could see all the way down to the bottom! Hiro will decide the day’s course, taking into consideration water levels and safety.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDqXy-di58w/X1GYPOr5juI/AAAAAAAAEvY/z5yaekTyJ4cXx8UvSBBXOFlNn44Ryj3awCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/niyodo3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rough spot in the river!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>The Fun Continues!</b><br /> You reach the goal in approximately one to one and a half hours, but the fun is not over yet! After returning to the ex-school, we walked over to the Nakatsu Keikoku Yunomori Onsen (5 minute walk). You can choose to participate in the Niyodo Adventure experiences in the morning or afternoon. The advantage of the afternoon experience is that you may be able to stop by the onsen after your adventure (depending on the train’s schedule). After we relaxed in the onsen, Hiro dropped us off at the station, where we ate ramen before heading home, rocked by the train.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>Niyodo Adventure</b><br /><b>(450 Nanokawa, Niyodogawa-cho, Agawa-gun, Kochi, 781-1741)</b><br />Reserve your adventure here<br />→ <a href="https://www.niyodoadventure.com/">https://www.niyodoadventure.com/</a><br />Nakatsu Canyoning and Packrafting: ¥8,500/adult<br />Times: ①8:45- ②13:45-<br />・Expeiences run from April to October<br />・ All gear rental (including life jackets) is included in the tour fee<br />・Free pickup available from Sakawa Station<br />・Instruction available in Japanese and English</div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i1RHTgrRIs/X1GaeYeR6CI/AAAAAAAAEvk/h5KlDwqyNOMw3Pg62HHt73RsvDyzgfRZACNcBGAsYHQ/s309/niyodo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_i1RHTgrRIs/X1GaeYeR6CI/AAAAAAAAEvk/h5KlDwqyNOMw3Pg62HHt73RsvDyzgfRZACNcBGAsYHQ/s0/niyodo4.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our guide, Hiro, and his partner Zoé <br />Niyodo Adventure can answer questions <br />in French, English, and Japanese<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-18346527249429298922020-09-04T10:10:00.002+09:002020-09-04T10:10:49.605+09:00Enjoy Nature and Animals at Mount Yokokura<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;">Kochi Prefecture CIR Han Jeonggyu</div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"> Recently as time near other people is limited, time spent at home has increased. Hiking, therefore, may be the perfect activity to have fun outside yet avoid crowds. I especially recommend Mount Yokokura (774 m above sea level), in Ochi Town. With multiple parking lots at different elevations, one can choose the distance you want to hike. Some of the courses can be quite difficult, making it the perfect mountain for both beginners and those looking for a challenge.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="In front of the giant cedars at Sugihara Jinja" border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="222" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q4iWr4bF5w8/X1GQ81lD25I/AAAAAAAAEuk/urt30nTzC3Qj8vyxv_rIGj9JePniaH-LACNcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/yokokura1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="In front of the giant cedars at Sugihara Jinja" width="240" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the giant cedars at Sugihara Jinja<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> Slightly up the trail from the third parking lot, you will find Sugihara Jinja, a mysterious shrine surrounded by giant cedar trees more than 500 years old. The shrine features many points of interest, such as lanterns engraved with the sun and moon, two stone monuments that tell the history of the shrine’s repairs, and sculptures of Japanese folk tales and the zodiac animals. In addition, Mount Yokokura is the location Emperor Antoku is said to have dwelt in secret, after plunging into the sea when chased by opposing forces. He is said to have left behind many legends, the remains of a residence, and a burial site. Emperor Antoku’s presumed burial ground has yet a different aura from Sugihara Jinja.</div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="222" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0LFftJo_MkU/X1GS7lRu-5I/AAAAAAAAEuw/x6LTQmzwp_oR6x-cUjpXM3mXi0z_IiRegCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/yokokura2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs near Emperor Antoku’s presumed burial ground<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> From the Unebiyama Lookout Point, one can see the mountains and towns extending out far in the distance. Right in front of us stood a limestone mountain, its gray surface accenting the green landscape. The huge gray rocky area is also known as the “idiot’s trial,” a place where tests of courage are held. We tried climbing the rock, but it was really dangerous and a wrong step will lead to a big problem! You can definitely tell where it’s name came from. To enjoy a wonderful view of Ochi Town, one can also visit the Mount Yokokura Lookout Point in Oda Park, near parking lot no. 1.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /> It was really cool in the mountains. Forget about perspiring, at the Unebiyama Lookout Point and the “idiot’s trial” we even felt chilly! It allowed us a comfortable climb up the mountain; definitely a good way to spend time during the hot summer. Furthermore, with shrines and a burial site situated within a rich forest, the whole place gives off an air of sacredness. If you are lucky, you may even come across some animals.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7ZIioy9mYo/X1GTpbVwGBI/AAAAAAAAEu4/NWCM6rttfZEIUjNQXKsJePwoerlVouf0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s296/yokokura3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7ZIioy9mYo/X1GTpbVwGBI/AAAAAAAAEu4/NWCM6rttfZEIUjNQXKsJePwoerlVouf0ACNcBGAsYHQ/s16000/yokokura3.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Unebiyama Lookout Point<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br />Mount Yokokura Trekking Tour</b><b><br />(1736-7 Ochi Ko, Ochi-cho, Takaoka-gun)<br /></b>Reservations here<br />→ <a href="https://www.ochi-kankou.jp/asobu/mtyoko/mtyoko.html">https://www.ochi-kankou.jp/asobu/mtyoko/mtyoko.html</a><br />General ¥2,800<br />Below elementary grade ¥800 (includes guide fee)<br />Time: ① Mount Yokokura Full Tour 9:00-14:00<br />② Mount Yokokura Morning Express Tour 9:00-12:00<br />Operating Period: Until September 25, 2020<br />Tours Available: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday<br />*The trekking tour is available until September. It is now at a discounted price thanks to a promotional event. Please look at the Q&A for more information.</div><br /><p></p>KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-52054832961019115382020-09-04T09:38:00.001+09:002020-09-04T09:38:19.973+09:00Let’s use the Digital Library!<p></p><div style="text-align: right;">Kochi Prefecture CIR Valerie Teo<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCr5jK6QknU/X1GLn1btP9I/AAAAAAAAEuY/pkscYcPdmBMOA78an1Eh0xpsAc10IlIZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s343/library1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="193" data-original-width="343" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCr5jK6QknU/X1GLn1btP9I/AAAAAAAAEuY/pkscYcPdmBMOA78an1Eh0xpsAc10IlIZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/library1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> I’m hungering for books from the library… but I can’t bring myself to head there because the coronavirus is just too scary. Are you having such thoughts? If you are, let me tell you something! As long as you live, work, or study in Kochi, there’s a digital library that you can use for free!</div></span><span style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> It’s always so exciting to borrow new books, that I am motivated to travel to the library no matter how far it is. However, when the due date draws near, I find myself thinking that it’s troublesome to travel so far. The digital library allows me to borrow and return books easily. This world has indeed become a convenient place!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1 First, make a “Joint Library Card”</b><br /> This is the card you need to borrow books from the library. You might already have this card. If you don’t, fret not. To make one, all you have to do is to head down to Otepia’s service counter with something that can verify your name and address, such as your residence card! (You can also apply for this Joint Library Card by post—together with your Digital Library Card application.)<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2 Next, make a Digital Library Account</b><br /> There are three ways to do this. ① In person at Otepia’s service counter. ② By post. ③ By email—only for those who already have a Joint Library Card. If you choose to apply via email, ensure the email is sent to e-lib@library.kochi.jp with the email subject written as “電子図書館申込” (Denshi Toshokan Moushikomi). Include your name and your Joint Library Card number in the email. Once your application is processed, a Digital Library ID Card containing your User ID and Initial Password will be sent to you by post within 10 days.<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>3 Now for the actual usage</b><br /> Access <a href="https://www.d-library.jp/kochi/">https://www.d-library.jp/kochi/</a> from your smart devices and log in with the given User ID and Initial Password. You can now proceed to borrow e-books! For easy searching, the books are sorted into categories like history, social science, engineering, the arts, language, literature, and more! Not only are there Japanese books but books in other languages as well! <br /> Let’s enjoy the world of e-books from the comforts of our home! :)</p>KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-12032472139327158652020-09-04T08:47:00.000+09:002020-09-04T08:47:12.456+09:00Living in Kochi Q&A: Let’s make use of a promotional event! ~You can enjoy cheap activities and lodgings in Kochi~<p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> Did you know that a variety of money-saving promotional events are <span style="text-align: justify;">available for you to help revitalize Kochi through tourism?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> In this issue, we will introduce a promotional event in Ochi Town. <span style="text-align: left;">There is no doubt that this is the perfect opportunity to try out activities </span><span style="text-align: left;">or stay overnight in the Ochi Town area.<br /></span><span style="text-align: left;"> Rich in beautiful nature, Ochi Town is the perfect place for hiking </span><span style="text-align: left;">mountains or playing by the riverside.<br /><br /><b>Who can sign up for this promotion?</b><br /></span>• Those who reside in Kochi Prefecture<br />• Those who are able to share their experiences with hashtags on social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, etc.<br /><br /><div><b>Points to Note</b></div><div>• The promotional event ends on March 31, 2021 (with some summer-only activities)</div><div>• Discounts cannot be used by the same person twice for the same activity</div><div>• You will need a reservation to enjoy the accomodations and activities.</div><div>Make sure to mention “kyanpēn wo tsukaimasu” on the phone or on the website, when making your reservation.<br /><br />Here are some examples of things to do!<br /><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="118" data-original-width="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aOPGPdSM2o/X1F-hpHKz0I/AAAAAAAAEt4/rOvZF47EGjQjnUmx0Or7V5ULhDHrUp5-gCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/ochi1.jpg" /><br /><div>Snow Peak’s Rafting Tour at Niyodo River Camping Field in Ochi</div><div>*Experience rafting here!<br /><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z55T91UG9Ac/X1F_URMYipI/AAAAAAAAEuA/KMYAag7TMrgRM7SeJbyryeiwTtxwkYc8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/ochi2.jpg" /><br /><div>Snow Peak’s Kawano Rest Stop in Ochi</div><div>* From here, you can view lodges designed by the world-famous architect Kengo Kuma and enjoy the changes in scenery across the seasons.<br /><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="117" data-original-width="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JOyxHhwH3AE/X1F_ysNy8fI/AAAAAAAAEuM/1iSWsaQWyRg8kx-om7wplcqTd4cMM1_WQCNcBGAsYHQ/s0/ochi3.jpg" /><br /><div>Neko no Omoi</div><div>A guest house in Ochi</div><div>*Pet cats at this guest house!</div></div></div><br /> If there is more you want to know, please contact the Ochi-cho Tourist Association or KIA.<br /><br /><div><b>【Ochi-cho Tourist Association】</b></div><div>1736-7 Ochi Ko, Ochi-cho, Takaoka-gun</div><div>Tel: 0889-26-1004</div><div>E-mail: info@ochi-kankou.jp</div></div><br /></div><p></p>KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-24641326137160278632020-03-23T15:22:00.001+09:002020-03-23T15:29:19.363+09:00Why not Enjoy Hanami in Kochi this Spring?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hanami, or flower viewing, is a popular spring pastime in Japan. From the end of March to mid-April, people gather under the sakura blossoms to eat bento lunches and drink. In Kochi, people are known to start doing hanami even before the sakura bloom. There are also yozakura (night sakura) viewings, where sakura are lit up against the night sky creating a beautiful view. Sakura only bloom for a short period of time, so everyone plans their hanami to try to coincide with when they are in full bloom.<br />
Hanami have been held by the general public since the Heian period (794 to 1185). It is said that the origin of the modern hanami comes from how people would gather together during this period to drink, eat, and pray for good harvest.<br />
In this edition we will introduce beer, vital to hanami, and spring-themed wagashi (Japanese sweets). Why not grab something delicious this spring and head out to view the flowers?<br />
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Food, drinks, trash bags (to bring your trash home), a picnic blanket/sheet, warm clothes, wet wipes</div>
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<b>Hanami spots recommended by KIA staff:</b><br />
Kochi City: Kochi Castle Sannomaru; Hitsuzan Park; in front of Culport; the banks of Kagamigawa River </div>
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Niyodogawa Town: Hyotan Sakura Park<br />
Kami City: Kagamino Park<br />
Tosa Town: near Sameura Dam<br />
Aki City: Uchiharano Park</div>
KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-23851896836563663022020-03-23T15:11:00.000+09:002020-03-23T15:11:09.736+09:00Have some Wagashi to end Hanami on a Sweet Note<div style="text-align: right;">
Adi Kerta Rahayu (Ayu) (Kochi City CIR)</div>
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Spring calls to mind hanami (flower viewing) and sakura blossoms. The weather starts to warm and color returns to the city scenery. It has been five years since I last experienced spring in Japan, so I was very much looking forward to sakura and hanami.<br /> This spring, I tried my hand at making wagashi (Japanese sweets), together with Minda; an experience just right for the season. We attended the wagashi making workshop at Shingetsu, a Japanese confectionery store established in 1953, located just a two-minute walk away from Ohashidori station. The third-generation owner Nishimura Daisuke taught us how to make wagashi, as we tried our best to follow!</div>
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<b>Trying out Wagashi Making</b><br /> The first wagashi we made was shaped like a sakura blossom. We wrapped the rounded pink bean paste in white bean paste and scored it with a triangular wooden block, dividing it evenly into five sections for the petals. Then to make it look like sakura, we flattened each section with our fingertips to form them into petal shapes. We then split the tip of the flower petals with a triangular wooden stick. For the finishing touch, we used the tip of a knife to create a fine line on each petal and added a dot with a toothpick. Then, we placed a sprinkling of yellow bean paste in the center, for the core of the sakura. When the teacher was showing us how to do it, it seemed easy, but doing it ourselves was tough. I think we did a great job as beginners though. lol.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqdfdJk9yTE/XnhRXa2lhmI/AAAAAAAAEow/NMELWJbEGW4idTY__t_NS5wc_l5n_op-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E6%2596%25B0%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="285" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OqdfdJk9yTE/XnhRXa2lhmI/AAAAAAAAEow/NMELWJbEGW4idTY__t_NS5wc_l5n_op-wCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/%25E6%2596%25B0%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing fine work with the tools!</td></tr>
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We moved on to kantsubaki flowers next. These were a little more complicated than sakura. We used red, white, brown and yellow bean paste and green yokan (jellied bean paste). Once we made the shape of the kantsubaki, we place the leaf-shaped youkan on the sweet, and sprinkled snow-like mochi powder on top, as the finishing touch. There were many steps involved in making the kantsubaki, so it was challenging for us beginners, but our teacher was very clear with his instructions, and we had fun participating. It tasted great as well, so we are very satisfied!</div>
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<b>Workshops at Shingetsu</b><br /> Although making wagashi sounds difficult, I feel that foreigners can easily participate, just like we did. These workshops are held once a month, on the day of the “new moon” (the name of the shop). The experience involves making two different types of wagashi and whisking oneself a cup of matcha. There are many other delicious and beautiful wagashi on sale at Shingetsu as well. Why not experience the Japanese culture of hanami while having some wagashi this spring?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDtlqDd1B6Y/XnhR4tzxSKI/AAAAAAAAEo8/gIwLh2oh5MQFuTQlYBa3iAQfaHjzcXiUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E6%2596%25B0%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="284" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDtlqDd1B6Y/XnhR4tzxSKI/AAAAAAAAEo8/gIwLh2oh5MQFuTQlYBa3iAQfaHjzcXiUgCNcBGAsYHQ/s200/%25E6%2596%25B0%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
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The completed wagashi and </div>
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Kagamigawa River's sakura</div>
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We whisked ourselves matcha </div>
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to have with our wagashi!</div>
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<b>Japanese Confectionery Store Shingetsu</b><br /> Location: 3-4-8, Honmachi, Kochi City<br /> Operating Hours: Mon. to Sat. 9:30-18:30<br /> Holidays 11:00-16:00 *irregular rest days<br /> TEL: 088-872-5419</div>
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<b>Workshop Dates</b><br /> 23rd April (Thu.), 23rd May (Sat.), 21st June (Sun.)<br /> Afternoon session: 14:00-15:00<br /> Night session: 18:00-19:00<br /> Cost: JPY1,500<br /> Reservation required.</div>
KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-44032055200630238012020-03-23T14:34:00.000+09:002020-03-23T14:34:53.035+09:00Brew Happiness! Craft Beer TOSACO<div style="text-align: right;">
Kochi Prefecture CIR Minda Dettman</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanami with TOSACO♪</td></tr>
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<b>Beer is the key to Hanami!</b><br /> A good drink is vital to a good hanami. With craft beer gaining popularity in many countries including the United States (and as I personally am fond of it), we decided to feature Kochi’s first craft brewery, Kochi Campagne Brewery, in today's edition. The founder, Mr. Setoguchi, kindly introduced us to the company, which is located in Tosayamada, Kami City. Why not bring Kochi Campagne Brewery’s TOSACO beer to your hanami this spring, and enjoy it’s subtle flavors created using Kochi products like yuzu and sansho pepper?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. and Ms. Setoguchi</td></tr>
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<b>The birth of TOSACO</b><br /> Mr. Setoguchi, who originally worked making electronic sensors in the Kansai area, was always interested in jobs that involved making things. He started learning how to make beer, one of his favorite things in the world, at a brewery in Shimane. Fascinated by how invisible microorganisms, hard at work during fermentation, create the taste of the beer, and how that flavor can be influenced by various supplementary ingredients, he knew he had found his calling.<br /> In 2016, Mr. and Ms. Setoguchi moved to Kochi and started making TOSACO. While there were many difficulties with starting up a company in a new environment, the local community helped throughout the process. It is from this spirit that TOSACO, and it’s motto, “For a bountiful table. Sharing happiness within our community,” was born.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</td></tr>
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<b>Pairings and at hanami</b><br /> Ms. Mitsui (from KIA) and I held a hanami with TOSACO! We found the TOSA IPA pairs the best with meat and other strong-flavored food. Mr. Setoguchi’s recommendation for hanami is to enjoy the WAJYO KÖLSCH with Japanese food and finish the meal with wagashi (Japanese sweets). The WAJYO KÖLSCH is made using Japanese sake yeast. We would recommend it to those who enjoy the delicate flavors in sake and wine. Another interesting beer is the YOSAKOI BANANA WEIZEN, made using bananas grown in Susaki. The sweet smell of the bananas combines well with the acidic aftertaste.<br /> If you dislike the bitterness of Japanese beer, I cannot recommend TOSACO enough. It also makes a good gift for friends who live in other prefectures. Let’s all enjoy hanami this season with a bottle of TOSACO!</div>
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<b>Places you can buy TOSACO</b><br />・Value (Kami City)</div>
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・Kida Liquor Store(Kochi City)<br />・Tosanosato Agri Colletto(Kochi City)<br />・And more!</div>
KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-35179768197287907382020-03-23T14:15:00.000+09:002020-03-23T14:15:07.252+09:00Living in Kochi Q&A : What do you do when you need to throw away large items or buy used items? (Kochi City Edition)<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spring is moving season! People tend to throw away things and buy things around this time. We talked to the Kochi City Hall Environmental Policy Division about trash disposal in Kochi City.</div>
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<b>How to dispose of large items</b></div>
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(*If you live somewhere other than Kochi City, trash disposal is different!)</div>
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①Large burnables (large wooden objects(beds, shelves, etc.), plastic storage cases, futons, etc.)</div>
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②Home appliances (microwaves, printers, hair dryers, etc.)</div>
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<b>Free of charge</b><br />Take out to the “recyclables and incombustibles station” on the designated day of the month.<br />or</div>
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<b>Requires money</b><br />Take to a Kochi City facility on your own (Kochi City Nagahama for ①, Kochi City Ike for ②)</div>
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or</div>
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Have a company come pick it up.</div>
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③Items included in the Home Appliance Recycling Law (TVs, refrigerators, freezers, laundry machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners)</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span>These items cannot be disposed of at the “recyclables and incombustibles stations” or at Kochi City facilities.</div>
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<b><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span>Requires money</b><br />Purchase a “home appliance recycle ticket” at the post office, and take to a designated facility.</div>
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or</div>
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Have a “Home Appliance Recycle Promotion Program Cooperating Store” come and take it.</div>
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④Computers</div>
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Have the manufacturer take it. (cannot be disposed at “recyclables and incombustibles stations” or Kochi City facilities. )</div>
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※ Details can be found on the “Kochi City household trash disposal” flyer. (Kochi City also has flyers in English and Chinese.)</div>
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Trash disposal rules are complicated! They differ depending on the city you live in as well. If you don’t understand how to dispose of trash, make sure to ask your neighbors, or consult with your local government office. Please ask KIA if you require an interpreter.</div>
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<b>Buying used home electric appliances and furniture</b><br /> We will introduce recycle shops in Kochi that sell used home appliances and furniture. You can buy for cheap when you want to save money. You can also sell items that you no longer need. These are our recommendations!</div>
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【BJ Recycle-Kan】Address:〒780-0084 7-29 Minamigoza, Kochi City</div>
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<br /><span style="color: #000120;">【Recycle Shop Horidashiya】</span>Adress:〒781-5106 993-5 Kera Otsu, Kochi City</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P_s-sy7tu4/XnhD8BzuKkI/AAAAAAAAEn4/icdqWDyDMtUjTbYFDrnxo5a6fX04TEWDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2583%25AA%25E3%2582%25B5%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2582%25AF%25E3%2583%25AB%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; clear: left; color: #0066cc; float: left; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="131" data-original-width="174" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7P_s-sy7tu4/XnhD8BzuKkI/AAAAAAAAEn4/icdqWDyDMtUjTbYFDrnxo5a6fX04TEWDQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2583%25AA%25E3%2582%25B5%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2582%25AF%25E3%2583%25AB%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" /></a><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-79426667459277392542020-01-22T15:57:00.000+09:002020-01-22T15:57:16.314+09:00Japanese Cultural Experience-Incense Ceremony [Kōdō]-<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year, Kochi Castle Museum of History provides opportunities for foreigners to experience traditional Japanese culture.<br />
This year you can learn about the history and rules of “Incense Ceremony”, and experience “kumikō” one basic style that takes the form of a guessing game.<br />
With explanations in English, even beginners will easily understand.<br />
Please join us and experience the wonderful aspect Japanese art through Japanese incense.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Date</strong><br />
March 1 (Sun), 2020 2:00~4:00 p.m.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Place</strong><br />
Kochi Castle Museum of History (2-7-5 Ote-suji, Kochi-city)</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Capacity</strong><br />
First 15 arrivals</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Cost</strong><br />
500yen</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">How to apply</strong><br />
Send a mail, or a post card, or a fax, or call us with your name, address, telephone number.<br />
We’ll send you a ticket.</div>
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<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Hosted by</strong><br />Kochi Prefectural Kochi Castle Museum of History<br />2-7-5 Ote-suji, Kochi-city 780-0842<br />
Phone 088-871-1600/Fax 088-871-1619<br />
e-mail address : jce.kjrh@gmail.com</div>
KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com155tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-53775438708809183452019-12-25T13:08:00.001+09:002019-12-25T13:08:24.487+09:00Kochi’s New Year’s Dishes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>The Basic Rules of New Year’s Dishes (Osechi and Zouni)</strong><br /> Osechi, traditional Japanese New Year’s dishes are made using auspicious ingredients and cooking methods, in the hope of bringing health and prosperity in the new year. For example, burdock plants are used because they have deep roots, symbolizing continued prosperity for each generation of the family. A classic New Year’s meal would be a combination of osechi and zouni, a soup containing mochi rice cakes. Zouni’s ingredients and seasoning differ greatly between region and household.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YVujhMNIkQ/XgLfVkdZ7cI/AAAAAAAAEkU/CyxPTR8AwT0yG7YmTLLNf2CYYmOzG44uQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E6%25AD%25A3%25E6%259C%2588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="466" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YVujhMNIkQ/XgLfVkdZ7cI/AAAAAAAAEkU/CyxPTR8AwT0yG7YmTLLNf2CYYmOzG44uQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E6%25AD%25A3%25E6%259C%2588.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms. Takahashi and her wonderful smile</td></tr>
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<strong>What are the Characteristics of Kochi’s New Year’s Dishes?</strong><br /> We asked Ms. Takahashi Moto, the head of the Kochi Kappo Cooking School! Some houses in Kochi arrange their osechi on large plates, instead of the more common tiered bento boxes. Sushi, such as makizushi (rolled sushi) and sugata sushi (whole fish sushi); iwai sakana (celebratory fish); and nishime (simmered, seasoned vegetables) are all placed on one plate. This is the famous sawachi ryori (serving many different dishes on one large plate) of Kochi! The people of Kochi’s dynamic personality seeps out of the food. Depending on the household, one may find various delicacies from the ocean surrounding Kochi, such as sashimi, steamed tai fish, buri nuta (sashimi with garlic leaf sauce), and whale meat. Kochi’s zouni is made with a clear, soy sauce flavored broth and uses mochi that is not cooked over a fire. This is because the Japanese phrase “cooking mochi” sounds the same as the phrase “to be jealous.” “And we can’t have New Year’s dishes leading to jealousy,” says Ms. Takahashi. Finally, local yuzu is added for fragrance, and the zouni is done!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp_IzdTd5PQ/XgLf3Z56_aI/AAAAAAAAEkc/hx93chLMrT0PJ0TLO1YMvf4LsXCtfqXWACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E6%25AD%25A3%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="453" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jp_IzdTd5PQ/XgLf3Z56_aI/AAAAAAAAEkc/hx93chLMrT0PJ0TLO1YMvf4LsXCtfqXWACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E6%25AD%25A3%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CIR Han attempts cooking!</td></tr>
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Ms. Takahashi’s mother’s family (from the mountainous area of Kochi) adds lots of mountain vegetables, such as taro, to their zouni. On the other hand, her father’s family (from Kochi City) makes the much simpler zouni featured in this article. It's incredible how different zouni can be, even within Kochi! Experience Kochi’s culture through trying Kochi’s food! I hope that you can try some of these New Year’s dishes. You could even visit some of your Kochi friend’s houses over New Years and you might experience something new!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGWt7IqiUro/XgLgWHn3VrI/AAAAAAAAEkk/RXCcxN-Lhj8e6PgVZWI0pYb0ysJSdjJpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E6%25AD%25A3%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="468" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EGWt7IqiUro/XgLgWHn3VrI/AAAAAAAAEkk/RXCcxN-Lhj8e6PgVZWI0pYb0ysJSdjJpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E6%25AD%25A3%25E6%259C%2588%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The completed product!</td></tr>
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<strong>Let’s try some recipes!</strong></div>
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<strong>Zouni </strong></div>
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Ingredients (serves 4): katsuobushi<br />☆ ( light soy sauce, a dash of mirin, 1/2 teaspoon salt)<br />4 mochi pieces, greens (spinach, mizuna, ushioena, or other leafy vegetables), kamaboko, yuzu peel<br />① Place katsuobushi in 600ml of water and heat on stove. When the mixture reaches a boil remove the katsuobushi (broth is completed). Add ☆ ingredients and greens to the broth and cook for 1 minute.<br />② Place mochi and enough water to cover the mochi in a heat resistant dish. Heat in microwave until soft.<br />③ Place broth and mochi in bowls. Add yuzu peel and kamaboko!</div>
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<strong>Another traditional Kochi New Year’s dish!<br />Whale and Leaf Garlic</strong> </div>
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Ingredients: whale skin, leaf garlic<br />☆ ( sugar, sake, soy sauce in a 1-1-1 ratio)<br />① Cut the leaf garlic into thin, diagonal strips. Cut the whale skin into 5cm strips.<br />② Put the ☆ ingredients in a pan and heat on stove. When the mixture starts to boil add the ingredients from ①. Keep at a boil until the whale is fully cooked.</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-66894614629639123012019-12-25T11:51:00.000+09:002019-12-25T11:51:21.425+09:00We watched Shimenawa being made!<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Japan, Shimenawa is used to decorate the gates at shrine entrances, torii gates, and entrances of homes when New Years rolls around. The word Shimenawa comes from the word “Shimeru,” which means “to possess or occupy.” A Shimenawa is the boundary between the domain that the gods occupy and this world. A Shimenawa represents the wish to not let evil inside.</div>
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<br /> We visited Mr. Mizuta’s residence, in Ino Town, where they make Shimenawa, and the straw was piled up high! They were working silently among the piles of straw. They are inundated with orders from shrines outside of the prefecture, and during December they are extremely busy as they prepare to deliver their products.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daHWFU0dscs/XgLNBmyW-7I/AAAAAAAAEj4/enbNjUKBbIoglvYwyUdFme0yJPbxH_Z0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%2597%25E3%2582%2581%25E7%25B8%2584%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="217" data-original-width="325" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daHWFU0dscs/XgLNBmyW-7I/AAAAAAAAEj4/enbNjUKBbIoglvYwyUdFme0yJPbxH_Z0gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%2597%25E3%2582%2581%25E7%25B8%2584%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mizuta family</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br /> When I asked, “how do you make these?” they answered with a friendly attitude, “do you want to try?”<br />
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<br /> The rice that becomes the material to make the straw is planted in April, and it is cut and dried starting in June and July. Then, they get rid of the small leaves, organize the straw, bundle it up and start the work.</div>
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<strong>【Things to prepare】</strong><br />・1 bundle of straw </div>
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・3 straws for the core </div>
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・rope</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5aALO6qcM/XgLNnzaG8II/AAAAAAAAEkA/MC9Ur1Q63tsv6AoiZd5xq8cNgk0TAKw2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%2597%25E3%2582%2581%25E7%25B8%2584%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lk5aALO6qcM/XgLNnzaG8II/AAAAAAAAEkA/MC9Ur1Q63tsv6AoiZd5xq8cNgk0TAKw2QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%2597%25E3%2582%2581%25E7%25B8%2584%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twisted straw</td></tr>
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<strong>【How to make】</strong><br />1. Take one bundle of straw and divide in three. Out of the three bundles, put one to the side (or sit on it).<br />2. Put the straw for the core into one of the bundles, and twist the bundle to the right so the core straw doesn’t show. Do the same with the other bundle.<br />3. Twist together the two bundles containing the straw for the core, and form one bundle.<br />4. Take the bundle you set aside earlier. Put the straw for the core in it, and twist to the right.<br />5. Take the first bundle you made and twist it to the right together with the second bundle.<br />6. Now that it is one bundle, twist into a U-shape, and tie the end together with rope. Tear off any stray pieces of straw.<br />7. Finally, the completed Shimenawa is decorated with flowers, tangerines, and papers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydJpQTHmstc/XgLOLMnn5UI/AAAAAAAAEkI/KrpqHV2dMP8JfsQ-clLa3ruWqdaaDovtgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%2597%25E3%2582%2581%25E7%25B8%2584%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydJpQTHmstc/XgLOLMnn5UI/AAAAAAAAEkI/KrpqHV2dMP8JfsQ-clLa3ruWqdaaDovtgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%2597%25E3%2582%2581%25E7%25B8%2584%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complete!</td></tr>
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Farmers like this who make traditional Shimenawa are rare in the prefecture, and are on the decline because of a lack of successors. After actually trying to make it, I realized that this work takes a lot of<br />strength. I hope everybody will get some straw and give this a try as well!</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-63248501574118025072019-12-25T11:31:00.001+09:002019-12-25T11:31:13.618+09:00Would you like to experience Hatsumoude at Chikurinji?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmdLgS7mv0k/XgLH6OGffaI/AAAAAAAAEjY/vp7WUEjnBNg9TV8-grM4tBcGM2gswFYTACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E7%25AB%25B9%25E6%259E%2597%25E5%25AF%25BA%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="325" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmdLgS7mv0k/XgLH6OGffaI/AAAAAAAAEjY/vp7WUEjnBNg9TV8-grM4tBcGM2gswFYTACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E7%25AB%25B9%25E6%259E%2597%25E5%25AF%25BA%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stone steps of Chikurinji</td></tr>
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Paying a visit to a shrine or temple after the new year is called Hatsumoude. The reason for a Hatsumoude is to express gratitude for the previous year, and to pray that the upcoming year will be a good one. So what exactly happens at a Hatsumoude?</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /> In order to learn more about Hatsumoude, we visited Chikurinji on Godaisan in Kochi. Chikurinji is a temple with a long history. It opened in 724AD and traces its origins to China’s Godaisan. For this article, we interviewed Ryuga Uchida.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQsg_607p7I/XgLIlmpAzKI/AAAAAAAAEjg/mF3d3xnRlJI6gteRcbomxPuY4UGouqe3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E7%25AB%25B9%25E6%259E%2597%25E5%25AF%25BA%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="467" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQsg_607p7I/XgLIlmpAzKI/AAAAAAAAEjg/mF3d3xnRlJI6gteRcbomxPuY4UGouqe3QCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E7%25AB%25B9%25E6%259E%2597%25E5%25AF%25BA%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Uchida striking the bell</td></tr>
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<strong>How to worship properly</strong></div>
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① Go to the Chouzuya…Holding the ladle with your right hand, wash your left hand→switch the ladle to your left hand, and wash your right hand→switch back to your right hand, scoop water with the ladle, pour some water into your left hand and rinse your mouth (don’t drink the water)→wash your left hand→wash the handle of the ladle.<br />*(Note) Chouzuya…The place to purify your hands. The running water there is called Chouzu.<br />② Put in a monetary offering…Give as much as you’d like. KIA staff members usually put in a 5 yen coin, which is pronounced “go-yen” in Japanese, in order to pray for good “go-en (relationships).”</div>
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③ Make a wish…Be specific with your wish. By stating your wish in detail, it becomes easier to come true. It also serves the purpose of expressing your determination to yourself.<br />④ Pray…Put your hands together and bow once.<br />*(Note) How to put your hands together…When you put your hands together, Place your right hand slightly above your left. The right hand represents Buddha, and the left hand represents yourself.</div>
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<strong>Events</strong></div>
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Ofukuwake…Toshiotoko and Toshionna (men and women with the same zodiac sign as that year) throw 5 yen coins and wallets from a scaffold, sharing their fortune. At Chikurinji, since there are so many visitors, they hold Ofukuwake three times a day.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sM2KjBoF8yE/XgLJV_Z__nI/AAAAAAAAEjs/682BElqw-OwZ18zai79BqVMYEBeiD2e6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E7%25AB%25B9%25E6%259E%2597%25E5%25AF%25BA%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="325" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sM2KjBoF8yE/XgLJV_Z__nI/AAAAAAAAEjs/682BElqw-OwZ18zai79BqVMYEBeiD2e6ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E7%25AB%25B9%25E6%259E%2597%25E5%25AF%25BA%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ofukuwake</td></tr>
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<br /> At a Hatsumoude, tens of thousands of people visit in one day! Mr. Uchida’s recommendation was to visit during the Ofukuwake. But more than anything, he would love for people to experience Chikurinji’s Hatsumoude. Where else to go to Hatsumoude other than Chikurinji!?</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-44750948501197376882019-12-25T11:07:00.000+09:002019-12-25T11:09:01.137+09:00Kochi Lifestyle Q&A : Let’s request books in our native tongue at the Otepia library!<div style="text-align: right;">
<strong>Writer: Kochi Prefectural Office, Coordinator for International Relations, Han Jeonggyu</strong></div>
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Hi. I am Han. Having spent a long time in Japan, away from my home country, I sometimes find myself missing Korea. At times like this, I head to Otepia Kochi Library. There are many books of various languages at Otepia, and I take comfort in the Korean books. However, what happens when they don’t have the books I want? One can request, for free, that Otepia import specific books from overseas.</div>
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To request books, you will need a “Joint Library Card” (Otepia’s standard library card). You can make one at the library for free. Just bring along something that can verify your identity, like your residence card. Once you have your Joint Library Card, you can request books using the application form, or through the library’s website. The application form is available at the service counters in Otepia and other branch libraries. To request a book through the website, use the form titled “お問い合わせ入力フォーム” (<a href="http://bit.ly/OtepiaToiawase">http://bit.ly/OtepiaToiawase</a>). Ensure that you write your book’s title, author, publisher and the year it was published. That’s all! All of this information should be written in the language the requested book is published in. If there is a Japanese translation available, please provide its title as a reference as well. In addition, providing the book’s ISBN will help your request be processed even more smoothly.*</div>
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If you miss your home country, why not warm up your heart with a book in your mother tongue?</div>
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* However, even if you make a request, there are times when the library cannot import your books.</div>
KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-51531212411365377642019-09-20T12:01:00.001+09:002019-09-20T12:01:21.812+09:00Nature & Experience Promotion Campaign<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Nature & Experience Promotion Campaign, held by Kochi Prefecture from February 1st, 2019 to December 31st, 2020, promotes tourism to all regions of Kochi. Building on the previous campaigns that focused on Kochi’s history and food, the current campaign focuses on Kochi’s nature and experiential activities.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttfp8jW7gRU/XYRAApKYc6I/AAAAAAAAEhM/N8oa5wPuZAMJwCoac-fm9C6vUHUggUk_gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2588%25E3%2583%25AD%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="355" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttfp8jW7gRU/XYRAApKYc6I/AAAAAAAAEhM/N8oa5wPuZAMJwCoac-fm9C6vUHUggUk_gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2588%25E3%2583%25AD%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lush forests and Niyodo River</td></tr>
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<strong>Kochi’s Nature through Data</strong> </div>
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The unique characteristics of Kochi’s nature are apparent even in the data. 84% of Kochi’s land is covered in forest, the highest percentage of all prefectures in Japan. The Niyodo River, flowing through the center of the prefecture, has been ranked as having the best water quality of all the class A rivers in Japan (rivers important to the national economy), multiple times. Kochi also produces the largest amount of precious coral, commonly used in jewelry and ornaments, in the world. With all these, it is clear that Kochi’s mountains, rivers, and ocean are all world-class.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0fe1pZnTBg/XYRAm9mGLeI/AAAAAAAAEhU/jqhoMp9Rdl4_HJqZiM38qwDBwz_ghsURgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2588%25E3%2583%25AD%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="355" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T0fe1pZnTBg/XYRAm9mGLeI/AAAAAAAAEhU/jqhoMp9Rdl4_HJqZiM38qwDBwz_ghsURgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2582%25A4%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2588%25E3%2583%25AD%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sea-kayaking at Kashiwajima in the western part of the prefecture</td></tr>
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<strong>Wide Variety of Activities</strong><br /> We are only able to introduce a few of the many activities found around Kochi, due to TosaWave’s limited space, but Kochi boasts a wealth of activities such as hiking, fishing, and swimming, that get you outside and enjoying the mountains, rivers, and the ocean. There are also activities such as paper making, where you can learn how the traditional industries are tied to the natural resources and environment in Kochi. We hope that the information found here will provide you with the resources to select your own activities as you experience Kochi!</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-29253089151078816312019-09-20T11:45:00.001+09:002019-09-20T11:45:37.388+09:00Let’s do some whale watching this summer!<div style="text-align: right;">
Kochi Prefecture CIR Valerie Teo</div>
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It’s summer.</div>
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<br /> When we talk about summer, the sea comes to mind.</div>
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<br /> For those who cannot get enough of the sea and would like to try some unusual fun activities, why not try whale watching on the open sea?</div>
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<br /> The whale watching season arrives with the end of the rainy season! There are five whale watching tour operators in Kochi, with their snazzy, multilingual website, so we decided to head there.</div>
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<br /> On normal weekdays, there is only one whale watching tour a day. However, during the summer holidays, participants can choose from one of three tour times each day, not only on weekends but on weekdays as well. For this report, a KIA staff member and I participated in a tour with six other people, including a group from Hong Kong.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAZaHDTxW_Y/XYQ6B0gv0OI/AAAAAAAAEgc/T0--DoOyQVQJe9vYdBo7UgpKMu2ICn9zQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="356" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAZaHDTxW_Y/XYQ6B0gv0OI/AAAAAAAAEgc/T0--DoOyQVQJe9vYdBo7UgpKMu2ICn9zQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Listening to the staff explaining points to note</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><br /> We left Kochi City at 5:30 and reached the whale watching center a couple of minutes before 7:30. Soon after, we listened to the staff explain the important information regarding the tour, and proceeded to get our Ryoma Passports(※) stamped. The briefing was done in Japanese, but they provided us with paper copies of the briefing translated into English and Chinese. Besides advising us on safety procedures, the staff also shared with us lots of interesting and useful information, such as what to look out for when trying to find the whales, and the size of dolphins.<br />
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(※) The Ryoma Passport is an item that gets you special perks simply by showing it at various tourist facilities, hot springs, road stations, and restaurants serving local dishes.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8IZBiH7nnI/XYQ7D4eGocI/AAAAAAAAEgk/CUu0nDk10H4tWbhUfVRqcjVPloP23gqCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="356" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B8IZBiH7nnI/XYQ7D4eGocI/AAAAAAAAEgk/CUu0nDk10H4tWbhUfVRqcjVPloP23gqCgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting our Ryoma Passport stamped</td></tr>
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<br /> It’s 08:00. Time to board the boat!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zXSAiqnFxU/XYQ7oO6KhhI/AAAAAAAAEgs/V7lbL2JZLV8r-jvrityBg4MiT7-LN1y4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="356" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zXSAiqnFxU/XYQ7oO6KhhI/AAAAAAAAEgs/V7lbL2JZLV8r-jvrityBg4MiT7-LN1y4wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to board the fishing boat and head out!</td></tr>
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<br /> The fisherman’s boat that we boarded could seat approximately 10 passengers. I assumed that the front of the boat would get shaky, so I settled in the middle. After we got our life jackets on, it was time to depart! Our whale watching tour was a four hours course. During the hour-and-a-half boat ride out to the open sea we enjoyed the sea spray on our face, and caught sightings of flying fish above the sparkly sea surface. At exactly 10:45, we saw something that looked like the blow of a whale! But, according to the boat captain, it was just a school of tuna. Aah, what a pity.</div>
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Three hours into the tour, and we still had not spotted any whales. The staff member must have felt that this would not do, as she asked, “If everyone is okay with their time, would you all like to stay a little longer to search for the whales?”. Okay, let us all hang in there a little longer! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esMZIn-KEO4/XYQ8UraMwMI/AAAAAAAAEg4/s-VUl0DaebcYuPM1tgcV3ZyytzaRstC4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="356" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-esMZIn-KEO4/XYQ8UraMwMI/AAAAAAAAEg4/s-VUl0DaebcYuPM1tgcV3ZyytzaRstC4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2594.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Searching for whales on the great ocean</td></tr>
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At about 11:40, just as we were beginning to get tired, we spotted a whale’s blow in the distance! Its dorsal fin also peeked up from the sea surface to say hi! With hopeful hearts, we tried to find the actual position of the whale, but to no avail. Then, suddenly, a dolphin leaped up into the air. It was fast! That moment was so quick that there was no time for blinking! Although I wish we could have seen them up close, it was better than not spotting them at all. There was not even time to snap photos before the shy sea animals swam away to wherever the water takes them.</div>
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<br /> Exhausted after being at sea for four hours, we decided to head back to shore. Well, I guess that’s that.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cq1EmpqCwY/XYQ82TZZQJI/AAAAAAAAEhA/FO9zSshtQPY9_3L-e3sIqWk12xGiSERpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="356" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Cq1EmpqCwY/XYQ82TZZQJI/AAAAAAAAEhA/FO9zSshtQPY9_3L-e3sIqWk12xGiSERpgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%258F%25E3%2581%2598%25E3%2582%2589%25EF%25BC%2595.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whales here are about this big</td></tr>
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<br /> Fun time spent searching for whales with the other passengers on board? Check. It is time to look for my next summer adventure! ♡</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-60599291796994116482019-09-20T11:08:00.000+09:002019-09-20T11:08:34.866+09:00Nature & Experience Promotion Campaign “Grape-picking”<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L251Gmu1pLc/XYQwQXNu0cI/AAAAAAAAEfs/0CCV6hwQAtgVWrfEVZdGcC-xMECIb19LQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="358" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L251Gmu1pLc/XYQwQXNu0cI/AAAAAAAAEfs/0CCV6hwQAtgVWrfEVZdGcC-xMECIb19LQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This banner greets everyone</td></tr>
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The theme this time is “Nature and Experience Promotion Campaign”, so after examining several activities which fit the theme, we decided to go to Kyohoen, where you can experience grape-picking with minimal materials close to Kochi City.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6tz6yQKiFo/XYQw2ujM8TI/AAAAAAAAEf0/-N3W8QOm35YGdYvQncYLFrhqBOdkCa0oQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="358" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6tz6yQKiFo/XYQw2ujM8TI/AAAAAAAAEf0/-N3W8QOm35YGdYvQncYLFrhqBOdkCa0oQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2592.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes covered by a bag</td></tr>
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Since we were visiting on a weekday morning in late August, and possibly because there weren’t that many customers, we were taken to a field right next to the building where we checked in. According to their website, it seems like there are other fields as well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaCan2bhOow/XYQxmif9NTI/AAAAAAAAEgA/_Y40N6f8XIQhR9jHQfj2F9lWk-BteWIWgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="358" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaCan2bhOow/XYQxmif9NTI/AAAAAAAAEgA/_Y40N6f8XIQhR9jHQfj2F9lWk-BteWIWgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2593.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is packed with large grapes once the bag is removed</td></tr>
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<br /> We grabbed some scissors and a can to collect trash like grape skins, before walking along the road behind the building. The vineyard soon came into view. As we went in further, we could see numerous white bags covering the grape clusters.</div>
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As a grape-picking novice, I was finding clusters where I could see the grapes from the gap in the bag and picking those and eating them. I think the correct way may have been to cut off the entire cluster, put it on a board, take off the bag and eat it. I think this way there’s more excitement as you proceed to open the bag.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXPs-gP7JW0/XYQySxHYNWI/AAAAAAAAEgI/dvavzmzSiGot4xi6eNxwGK4zWUHo_JbogCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="358" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rXPs-gP7JW0/XYQySxHYNWI/AAAAAAAAEgI/dvavzmzSiGot4xi6eNxwGK4zWUHo_JbogCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2594.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapes separated by type after harvest</td></tr>
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There were two families with small children when we were there. The grapes were large, tender, juicy, and very sweet, so I think it is enjoyable for families with small children, and even for adults as well. Their website states that grape picking goes on until mid-September, however, according to the manager, grape picking can be enjoyed until December.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xBPprJutRw/XYQyu_ORYXI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/W-4fw-GVKB0dtaA2GIRScS49qMKTA_nOQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="358" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xBPprJutRw/XYQyu_ORYXI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/W-4fw-GVKB0dtaA2GIRScS49qMKTA_nOQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/%25E3%2581%25B6%25E3%2581%25A9%25E3%2581%2586%25EF%25BC%2595.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They are sold at the location</td></tr>
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<strong>〇Kyoho-en Details</strong><br /> Address: 1185-1 Hataeda, Nankoku City<br /> Entry fee: Middle school and older ¥1000, elementary school ¥800, toddlers older than three years old ¥400<br /> Business hours: 9:00~17:00 (reception open until 16:00)<br /> Access: (by car) 30 minutes from Prefectural Office<br /> (train and bus) take the train to Toden Gomen Station, transfer to bus and get off at Kyoho-enmae stop<br /> Website : <a href="https://www.kyoho-en.com/">https://www.kyoho-en.com</a> (Japanese only)</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-13736448258845169732019-09-20T10:33:00.002+09:002019-09-20T10:33:35.007+09:00Kochi Lifestyle Q&A<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: blue;"><strong>Q</strong></span>. I want to try out various activities in Kochi! Is there any way I can easily gather information and make reservations?</div>
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<br /><span style="color: red;"><strong>A</strong></span>. Yes there is! In fact, Kochi just started its Nature & Experience Promotion Campaign. Thanks to this campaign, finding information and reserving activities has gotten much easier.</div>
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First, if you understand Japanese, you can search for activities at <a href="https://kochi-experience.jp/">https://kochi-experience.jp/</a>. This is the perfect place to collect information. On it are suggested itineraries, information on different places and events in Kochi, and even tour packages by various travel companies such as Jalan and Asoview all gathered together. Plus, when you find an activity you would like to try, you can reserve a place on the spot!</div>
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<a name='more'></a><br /> Not confident in your Japanese language skills? Don’t worry! Kochi’s tourist information website, <a href="http://visitkochijapan.com/">http://visitkochijapan.com/</a>, is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Thai. Information such as each facility’s address, contact details, operating hours, and more, are all just a click away. To search for activities and make reservations, check out <a href="https://en.activityjapan.com/search/shikoku/kochi/">https://en.activityjapan.com/search/shikoku/kochi/</a>. You can filter your search by price, mode of payment, difficulty level, and more, to find the activity best suited for you.<br />
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<br /> If you are a visual person, take a look at Kochi Prefecture’s Instagram “visitkochijapan”. Just tap on the pictures to explore local quirks and sites that are just not the same when described using words. The captions also provide a wealth of information.</div>
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<br /> Let’s head out on a voyage, wading through the rapids of information to enjoy the mountainous volume of fun activities in Kochi!</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-74633778735090547162019-06-24T15:12:00.000+09:002019-06-24T15:12:20.303+09:00Tasty / Happy / Fun Susaki ~Morning” at a Café~<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EgbzmnWUFE/XRBmoQh5-WI/AAAAAAAAEaA/GXO6Smj9PyMIbwlo6sqQTyxh6YNpb5a1wCLcBGAs/s1600/%25E9%25A0%2588%25E5%25B4%258E%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="267" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9EgbzmnWUFE/XRBmoQh5-WI/AAAAAAAAEaA/GXO6Smj9PyMIbwlo6sqQTyxh6YNpb5a1wCLcBGAs/s200/%25E9%25A0%2588%25E5%25B4%258E%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Shinjo-kun</td></tr>
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<strong>Kochi City Hall CIR Marisa</strong></div>
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Susaki is famous for Shinjo-kun, but I heard that this city has an interesting tradition, so I went to Susaki City with staff members from KIA to learn more about it!</div>
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<strong>Getting to know “Morning” culture</strong><br /> It is said that on the ocean side of Susaki, after fishermen came back from sea, “eating breakfast at a café” later became known as “Morning” and spread from there. We immediately picked up a “Morning”/lunch guide map at JR Susaki Station. There were many cafes offering “Morning” all day, and it was very hard to decide on one as they all looked delicious.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Susaki seaside, baby sardines on drying racks</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Café “Morinoki”</td></tr>
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<strong>Guided by Okushimanto Tourism council’s Ms. Sasaoka</strong><br /> This time, we headed to “Morinoki” by JR Oonogou station. Looking at it from the outside, it looked like there was nobody inside, but it was crowded with people and the retro-feel of the interior made a visual impact. According to Ms. Sasaoka, “Cafes in Susaki are all like this around 9am, and depending on the place, there are many customers who come with their handcarts.”</div>
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<strong>Ordering the daily “Morning”</strong><br /> What I ordered that day was a “Morning” set with hot cocoa. Included in the set was homemade bread (Anpanman and bread filled with bitter orange jam), salad, tangerine, yogurt, and miso soup. The homemade bread was exquisite! The bread and miso soup paired surprisingly well. After enjoying the sweetness of the bread, the saltiness of the miso soup was irresistible. It can be said that this is what makes Kochi’s “Morning” unique.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily “Morning” special at “Morinoki”</td></tr>
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<strong>After the “Morning” journey</strong><br /> It is common for Susaki residents to have a favorite café near their home, and many people enjoy “Morning”. Additionally, each café offers items such as homemade bread or coffee on their characteristic menus, so there are people who try out “Morning” at different places. “Morning” culture is not only about eating, but it also provides a space for people to make connections and have exchanges. Don’t you think it’s great that you can maintain connections to the local community while eating a delicious “Morning”? Everybody please make the trip out to Susaki.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Ms. Sasaoka of the Okushimanto Tourism Council</td></tr>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-84213519820892760742019-06-24T14:42:00.001+09:002019-06-24T14:42:19.694+09:00Reflect on yourself through an hour of Zen meditation in the morning<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temple gate of Gokokuji</td></tr>
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<strong>Going through the temple gates</strong><br /> In this edition, CIR Naomi and KIA staff visited Gokokuji Temple in Iguchicho, Kochi City. It was still dark at 5:50 am, and a dim light was coming from within the temple gates. We went through, and the wooden building and plants, still wet with dew, looked beautiful. We could see the figure of the abbott through a small window, and with the scent of incense wafting from the entrance, it felt like we had entered a scene from a Ghibli movie!<br /> The inside of the temple gave one a feeling of traditional Japan; the interior was simple and the moss-covered garden emanated an atmosphere of calmness. The abbott told us that he gets up at 2:30 am every morning and cleans the building, as well as incorporating Zen meditation into his daily practices—an ideology passed down from previous generations.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CIR Naomi sitting in the Zen meditation <br />
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<strong>How to do Zen meditation</strong><br /> Zen meditation is a fundamental practice of Zen, and in Buddhism involves sitting with an upright posture, and breathing evenly. Like at Gokokuji Temple where we visited, there is a space available for anyone to experience Zen meditation, regardless of religion.<br />1. Cross your legs on top of a zabuton (large cushion). Sit up straight, and gently fold your hands in your lap, slightly lowering your chin.<br />2. You can close your eyes or keep your gaze lowered and look at the floor in front of you.<br />3. Breathe through your nose, and be aware of your breathing. In particular, take care as you breathe out to try and maintain a pattern of breathing in for three counts and out for seven. You should aim to<br />clear your mind as you focus on your breathing.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The abbott, who kindly told us about <br />
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<strong>Our Experience</strong><br /> Despite not having any experience, the abbott welcomed us, and carefully explained how to sit and breathe.<br /> “It was surprisingly difficult to maintain the correct posture, and I started to get pins and needles after 10 minutes or so. To sit like that for an hour is certainly a challenge! If I moved my body at all it made a noise, and so to not disturb the silence I tried to only move my legs when I could no longer hold the position comfortably. I closed my eyes and tried to concentrate on my breathing, but my focus slipped multiple times. It certainly requires practice! A highpitched sound went off to signal the end of the meditation, and at that moment it felt like the atmosphere was broken, and the morning returned to normal”.<br /> Although it’s early in the morning, if you would like to forget about the outside world for an hour and refresh your mind before starting the day, we highly recommend you try it!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The characers "Seishin" (correct the heart) in the tatami room</td></tr>
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〇<strong>Gokokuji Temple</strong><br />Address: Iguchicho 124, Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture<br />TEL: 088-873-7539<br />Zen meditation times: (Morning) 6:00~8:00 (Evening) 18:00~21:00<br />・ Please be careful to keep your voices low, and not bother anyone else coming to meditate.<br />・ We recommend ringing to confirm your participation beforehand, and wearing clothes that are loose-fitting and easy to move in.</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-73324484480893983162019-06-24T13:58:00.001+09:002019-06-24T13:58:22.907+09:00Kochi Lifestyle Q&A: Q. Are there consultation services for foreigners for various fields? A. Yes, there are such places below!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmspxDzlRck/XRBWsTh9V6I/AAAAAAAAEYk/EdoYomMLNW0x3ZVli3uIQv0eRA8wctyhwCLcBGAs/s1600/%25E3%2582%25BB%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2582%25BF%25E3%2583%25BC%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="357" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cmspxDzlRck/XRBWsTh9V6I/AAAAAAAAEYk/EdoYomMLNW0x3ZVli3uIQv0eRA8wctyhwCLcBGAs/s320/%25E3%2582%25BB%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2582%25BF%25E3%2583%25BC%25EF%25BC%2591.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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①<strong>Kochi Consultation Center for Foreign Residents</strong><br /> This center opened as a new organization under KIA at the end of May 2019! It assists foreign residents in Kochi by listening and advising them with regards to their daily life, and helping them out with their troubles. It is equipped with telephone interpreting and translation applications, so feel free to contact the center in your own native language.</div>
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Venue: 4-1-37 Marunouchi Building, 1st Floor, Honmachi, Kochi City<br />*Same building as the KIA Office<br />Consultation Hours: 9:00 - 17:00<br />Closed: Sundays, Public Holidays, Year End and Start<br />Consultation Telephone Number: 088-821-6440<br />Website: <a href="https://kccfr.jp/">https://kccfr.jp</a><br />*consultation form on the website can be used to contact them as well</div>
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②<strong>Kochi Tourist Information Center</strong><br /> Opened March 2019 in Obiyamachi! This tourist information center offers services in a variety of languages, and provides information about sightseeing in Kochi.<br /> There are pamphlets laid out in various languages, and staff who are able to speak English.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzCBT_QCR8M/XRBXeHV0ILI/AAAAAAAAEY0/_z0oCucYs90RN_texa7RT3vKdbifXOJMgCLcBGAs/s1600/%25E8%25A6%25B3%25E5%2585%2589%25E3%2583%258A%25E3%2583%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="355" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PzCBT_QCR8M/XRBXeHV0ILI/AAAAAAAAEY0/_z0oCucYs90RN_texa7RT3vKdbifXOJMgCLcBGAs/s200/%25E8%25A6%25B3%25E5%2585%2589%25E3%2583%258A%25E3%2583%2593.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />Venue: 2-1-25 Obiyamachi, Kochi City<br />Consultation Hours: 10:00 - 18:30<br />Closed: None<br />Others: Copier Machine, Printer, Free Wi-Fi, Free Charging Corner, Luggage Deposit, Pocket Wi-Fi<br />Free Rental and other services<br />Telephone Number: 088-856-8670<br />E-mail: <a href="mailto:info@navi.kochi.jp">info@navi.kochi.jp</a></div>
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<strong>“I want to go to the city office and other special consultation services, but they only offer consultations in Japanese…”</strong><br /> Please consult with KIA as soon as possible on the dates you want to visit these facilities. We will do our best to find you a KIA volunteer interpreter who can speak your language.</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-85215087422127998192019-03-29T19:26:00.003+09:002019-03-29T19:28:16.048+09:00Let’s make a “Ryoma Passport” and travel around Kochi!<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Ryoma Passport is an item which gets you special perks simply by showing it at various tourist facilities, hot springs, road stations, and restaurants serving local dishes. Might as well use it if you’re<br />
living in Kochi! You’ll be surprised at how many places there are near to you where you can use it. In this issue, KIA staff and CIRs will show you some of the ways to use the Ryoma Passport.</div>
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<strong>How to get a Ryoma Passport</strong><br />
1. First, get the pamphlet for the Ryoma Passport at various places like the Kochi Station Tourist Information Center, and cut out the registration postcard on the back. (We also have the pamphlets at KIA.)<br />
2. Collect three kinds of stamps on the postcard at applicable facilities. For example, ①Enter the main keep of Kochi Castle→②Spend at least 500yen on food or goods at Hirome Market→③Visit The Museum of Art, Kochi. You will already have three stamps this way.<br />
3. Next, if you go to the Kochi Travel Plaza in front of JR Kochi Station, you can exchange the postcard for a “Blue Passport” on the same day.<br />
* You can also mail the registration form. Once you collect the necessary stamps for the “Blue Passport”, you can trade it in for a “Red Passport”. There are five levels (Blue→Red→Bronze→Silver→Gold).</div>
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<strong>How to use the Ryoma Passport</strong><br />
① Check for the blue and red Ryoma Passport flag once you get to the facility.<br />
② After you are done eating, experiencing an activity or shopping, let the cashier know before you pay that you would like to use your Ryoma Passport.<br />
③ Have a store staff member stamp the Passport.<br />
④ Finished! You may get perks depending on your Passport, like a discount off of the price, or free goods. The higher your Passport level, the bigger the perks!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ryoma Passport (left) and <br />
registration form (right)</td></tr>
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It’s fun to increase your collection of stamps! The stamp designs are also different depending on the facility!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a store staff member stamp your <br />
Passport!!!!</td></tr>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com183tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-2822125541361086552019-03-29T19:08:00.003+09:002019-03-29T19:08:53.411+09:00Having fun in Nankoku City with the Ryoma Passport!<div style="text-align: right;">
Kochi City CIR Marisa</div>
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The cold weather has all but disappeared, and spring, the season where Japan’s beautiful cherry blossoms start to bloom, has begun. As it gets warmer it becomes a waste to spend your days curled up at home, so why not head out and use your Ryoma Passport! You can use it as if you were playing a gamecollecting stamps, and moving up levels.</div>
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<strong>We used our Ryoma Passports to try Shamo chicken in Nankoku!</strong></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shamo nanban ricebowl</td></tr>
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Gomen Machi in Nankoku City is famous for its shamo cuisine, and the chickens raised there are called “Gomen Kenka Shamo”. It is said to have been a favorite dish of Sakamoto Ryoma. Furthermore, these “Gomen Kenka Shamo” are rare in Japan due to being purebred, the same as when they were once eaten by Sakamoto Ryoma. Shamo is known for its firm meat and chewy texture.</div>
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In Nankoku City, approximately 20 restaurants located around the JR Gomen Station area provide shamo cuisine, and of these, 15 accept the Ryoma Passport. When we investigated, the standard shamo dish was “nabe” (hotpot), however we found you could eat a whole range of shamo-based foods in the area, including “shamo teppan-yaki” (shamo cooked on a hotplate), “shamo koumi-age” (shamo that is deep-fried after being seasoned with herbs or spices) and shamo pizza. We were surprised that there was such a mix of shamo dishes available!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stamp we received from the <br />
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The place we decided to visit was the restaurant at the “Michi-no-Eki” (roadside station) called “Nankoku Furari”. The two dishes available that used shamo, were “shamo nanban rice bowl” (deepfried shamo with tartar sauce on rice) and “shamo sukiyaki” (hot pot with egg dip). We decided to order the shamo nanban rice bowl (you have to prerequest the shamo sukiyaki). The combination of the shamo, which is pickled in a special sauce, and the tartar sauce was delicious, and the succulent yet tough shamo meat was very satisfying. When I paid, I showed my bronze-level Ryoma Passport and got a 100 JPY discount!<br />
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<strong>You can use the Ryoma Passport at the Michi-no-Eki too!</strong></div>
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After eating we went to the first floor of the Michi-no-Eki. Lots of Kochi souvenirs were on display, ranging from sweets to foods to eat with rice, and sake. Plus, if you spend over 500 JPY, you receive another stamp on your Ryoma Passport. We purchased Kochi-grown tea leaves and got a stamp! We were happy that you could get two different stamps at the same place. The seasonal gelato and “softcream” (ice cream) were also tasty, but unfortunately you don’t get a stamp for buying them.</div>
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In this way, you can enjoy delicious food while collecting stamps, and getting special discounts as you use the Ryoma Passport is fun. Furthermore, you can use the Ryoma Passport to enter various tourist attractions and for some activities, so it’s an opportunity to learn about and experience more of Kochi!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seasonal gelato</td></tr>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-44626617402011798712019-03-29T18:47:00.002+09:002019-03-29T18:47:28.774+09:00Let’s enjoy Akaoka with our Ryoma Passports!<div style="text-align: right;">
Kochi Prefecture CIR Valerie Teo</div>
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We’re off to Akaoka Station! Akaoka used to be called Konan’s “Commercial Town”, and nostalgic scenery can still be seen in its streets even now. Following on from a discovery in Nankoku City, this time we will be exploring Akaoka in search of eateries and facilities that display the Ryoma Passport banner.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tosawo Shoten Chirimen Chuunichi Soba</td></tr>
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First, with our eyes on the “Chirimen Chuunichi Soba”, we headed to “Tosawo Shoten”. After a five minutes’ walk from the station, we spotted the banner!! “Tosawo Shoten” was written on the outer walls of the store in huge letters.<br />
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Upon passing through the entrance, many fresh foods were laid out before our eyes, and to our left were tour pamphlets of the region.</div>
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The eatery was located at the end of the room. Their menu had many food items—in addition to what we were intending to eat—that looked particularly delicious. We decided to go with the garlic-chive filled gyozas in addition to our chirimen chuunichi soba. The soba is made from a collaboration between Japanese style local chirimen fish soup stock, and Chinese noodles. Small fish, spring onion, fishcake, fried fishcake, shredded kombu made up the ingredients. It usually goes for 600 yen, but we got it at 550 yen thanks to the Ryoma Passport!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tosawo Shoten 2nd <br />Gen Nomura Masato</td></tr>
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With our bellies full, we asked questions about the shop that we had been curious about for quite some time. The shop founder is Nomura Tosao (88 years old). He established the shop in 1964. At that time, it was a place that sold daily necessities. However, it was combined with his son’s and his son’s wife’s eatery, and became what it is today.<br />
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The next destination was “Okkoya”. We read about it by chance in a pamphlet that we took from Tosawo Shoten. Upon nearing the store, we were greeted with a “hello” by the store owner. Waiting for you there are handicrafts of the Akaoka locals, and a cat mascot called “Chii-chan”!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okkoya Cat Mascot Chii-chan</td></tr>
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Our next stop as we explored Akaoka was the “Japanese Style Cafe Noraku”. We also found the Ryoma Passport banner here! Konan City is the number one exporter of garlic chives in Japan in terms of quantity! So it only made sense to order the “Konan Garlic Chives Salted Fried Noodles”!! The medium-sized noodles were served in a skillet, with a generous serving of garlic chives. Piping hot food really does make one happy in this cold season.<br />
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This time, we were able to travel to various places easily on foot, but you can also rent bicycles—including electric ones—at the Noichi Station, about 4 kilometers away.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Style Cafe Noraku Konan <br />Garlic Chives Salted Fried Noodles</td></tr>
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<strong>Bonus</strong>: We also recommend Ekingura. It is a participating attraction of the Ryoma passport as well. As a perk of having a passport, you will receive Ekin’s postcards. Do note that they close on Mondays!</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-47254085179202378742019-03-29T18:17:00.001+09:002019-03-29T18:17:46.734+09:00Kochi Lifestyle Q&A : The theme this time is HAY FEVER!!!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sakura (cherry blossoms) is synonymous with spring in Japan. The Sakura around Kochi Castle are indeed beautiful. In the spring, the plants are freed from the cold winter and all blossom at once.</div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><strong>Q</strong></span> : My friend is in his 5th year in Japan and all of a sudden has developed hay fever. What’s going on? I’m worried the same might happen to me.<br />① What are some symptoms of hay fever?<br />② I don’t have any symptoms now, but I’m very worried about what will happen from here on out. Is there anything I can do to keep the symptoms away?<br />③ If I do develop hay fever, what should I do?</div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: red; font-size: large;"><strong></strong></span><a name='more'></a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: red; font-size: large;"><strong>A</strong></span> : I am not an expert on hay fever, so I can’t comment on the medical aspects, but it’s possible that your friend accumulated pollen inside their body over five years and developed hay fever. Here, we will teach some hay fever prevention techniques you can practice on your own.<br />① Hay fever is a disorder in which allergic symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose occur as a result of pollen from plants such as cedar or cypress. Itchy eyes may occur as well.<br />② (Indoors) Keep doors and windows closed during hay fever season! Clean your room frequently! Don’t hang your laundry outside!<br />(Outdoors) Avoid going outdoors on days that there is a lot of pollen flying around! Make sure to be fully bundled up to not let any pollen in! Brush off pollen before entering your home! Once you get home, wash your hands, and rinse your mouth and sinuses.<br />
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A note:<br />how to rinse out your sinuses…using a plastic bottle you can fit into your nose, such as a dressing bottle, clear out your sinuses with salt water (1 liter of lukewarm water and about 1 teaspoon of salt). Try it in the bath!!</div>
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③ Visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor, an ear and nose doctor, or an eye doctor!!!</div>
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<br /> You can see many different flowers throughout the four seasons in Japan. The fact that different types of pollen are flying about depending on the season means there are many types of hay fever. Out of those, the most common are the cedar and cypress pollen in spring (February to April). Kochi Prefecture’s forested area percentage is 84%, and cedar and cypress account for 60%. This means that hay fever countermeasures are essential in the spring! Let’s first put on our masks to prevent hay fever this season!</div>
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KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2502494173047577081.post-81806937685628033372019-03-01T09:07:00.001+09:002019-03-01T09:07:22.765+09:00Japanese Cultural Experience Japanese archery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DWy46fDR7C4/XHh3i_WHqaI/AAAAAAAAEMw/e0g_VJk6E8w-JHqZrK8EMAYFf5c6mtZOwCLcBGAs/s1600/%25E5%25BC%2593%25E9%2581%2593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="448" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DWy46fDR7C4/XHh3i_WHqaI/AAAAAAAAEMw/e0g_VJk6E8w-JHqZrK8EMAYFf5c6mtZOwCLcBGAs/s320/%25E5%25BC%2593%25E9%2581%2593.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Kochi Castle Museum of History will provide opportunities for foreigners to experience traditional Japanese culture. This year we will introduce Kyudo (Japanese archery), one of Japanese military art. In addition to learning about the history about Japanese archery, and try drawing the bow themselves. With explanations in English, even beginners will easily understand. Please come and experience the wonderful aspect Japanese art through Japanese archery.</div>
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<strong>Date</strong><br /> March 16 (Sat), 2019 2:00~4:00 p.m.</div>
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<strong>Place</strong><br /> Kochi Prefectural Kyudo (12-1 Takasone, Kochi-city)<br />
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<strong>Capacity</strong><br /> First 20 arrivals<br />
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<strong>Cost</strong><br /> Free<br />
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<strong>How to apply</strong><br /> Send a post card, or a fax, or a mail, or call us with your name, address, telephonenumber.<br /> We’ll send you a ticket.<br />
<br /><strong>Inquiries</strong><br /> Kochi Prefectural Kochi Castle Museum of History <br /> 2-7-5 Ote-suji, Kochi-city 780-0842<br /> Phone 088-871-1600/Fax 088-871-1619<br /> e-mail address: <a href="mailto:jce20190316@gmail.com">jce20190316@gmail.com</a>KIAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16247262152058406843noreply@blogger.com6