A Japanese flag from World War II inscribed with signatures. The grandson of an American soldier searches for the owner/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201270013/

January 27, 2012

Mr. Reid displaying a Japanese national flag, containing a collection of signatures=The United States Forces Japan Navy Headquarters

During World War II, soldiers of the Old Japanese Imperial Army departing for the frontlines were given Japanese flags with signatures added to them, considered presents. One such flag was discovered to be under the personal possession of an American soldier after his death. On their next visit to Japan, the family of the soldier went searching for the owner.

Caring for the flag is Mr. Michael Reid (40), from the state of Minnesota. A First Lieutenant of the US Navy Reserve, he works for a medical supply manufacturer. For training, he visits The United States Forces Japan Navy Headquarters of Yokosuka City. During active duty, he's responsible for airplane maintenance. He's stationed at the Atsugi Military Base of Yamato and Asage City.

The Rising Sun Flag was held by his grandfather, a World War II Navy Soldier who departed for the Philippines and Palau. Passing away in 2000 at the age of 77, the flag was discovered by the soldier's wife. Sorting through his belongings, she discovered the flag folded inside of his suit.

The flag is shaped as a roughly even square, measuring 70 centimeters (27.5 inches). Along with the message of "Lasting Luck in Battle," many names have been written down. In comparatively large writing are the names of Hanada Toshiyuki, Fujino Nori and Noto Tatsuo.

Okabemoto Saburo, the son of a foot solider in Utsunomiya City, contacted Reid. No other living people associated with the flag have come forward.

Mr. Reid said: "Because my grandfather rarely spoke of his wartime experiences, I didn't understand the circumstances surrounding the flag he held. This is a piece of history. If I knew who the owner was, I would like to return it."

The US Navy and other sites have posted pictures of the flag to the public. For more information, the public relations department of Yokosuka Base can be faxed at 046 (816) 7911.

Original text:

戦時の寄せ書き日章旗、米軍人の子孫が持ち主探す/横須賀

2012年1月27日

寄せ書きが添えられた日章旗を示すリードさん＝在日米海軍司令部

第２次大戦当時、出征を控えた旧日本軍の兵士たちに贈られたとみられる寄せ書きを添えた日章旗が、米軍人の遺品から見付かった。来日した家族が持ち主を捜している。

旗を保管しているのは、米ミネソタ州に住むマイケル・リードさん（40）。医療機器メーカーの会社員だが予備役の米海軍中尉でもあり、訓練のために在日米海軍司令部（横須賀市）に滞在している。現役時は航空機整備担当者として、厚木基地（大和、綾瀬市）に配属されていた。

日の丸は、第２次大戦時に海軍兵としてフィリピンやパラオに出征した祖父が保存していた。２０００年に77歳で亡くなり、遺品を整理していた祖母が、制服の間にたたんであった旗を発見した。

旗はほぼ正方形で、一辺が約70センチ。「武運長久」のメッセージに、数多くの名前が記されている。比較的大きく書かれた名前には「花田敏行」「藤野登」「能登達雄」などがある。

このうち「岡部元三郎」の名前については、「宇都宮の歩兵連隊にいた父では」との連絡があったが、生存者の存在は確認ができていない。

リードさんは「祖父はあまり戦争体験を語らなかったので、この旗を持っていた事情は分からないが、これは歴史の一部分。持ち主が分かればお返ししたい」と話している。

米海軍もツイッターで旗の写真を公開している。情報は横須賀基地広報部ファクス０４６（８１６）７９１１。

Before the End of Winter, Costumed Oni Appear in the Snow - Ohara Temple

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2012/01/27/004699.html

January 27, 2012

Oni, filled with vigor in the middle of the snowfall. (10:25AM, January 27)

Six locals interested in the duty of performing as Oni for the annual end of winter Setsubun stand dressed and prepared. (This particular Setsubun) takes place on January 27th and Febuary 2/3 at the Odahara Temple (Chief Priest: Hayashi Hidetoshi) in Miwacho, Fukuchiyama City.

The Oni costumes were created by members of the town's cultural revitalization group, The Odahara Meeting and Discussion Club (Presided by Otsuki Keishi). In a room, they changed into red and blue costumes, brandished golden clubs, and ventured out towards the winter snowfall with boldness.
 　
The annual Setsubun Festival begins from 7:00PM on February 2nd.. The Oni visit each house in the surrounding area of the temple, where bad luck is taken away during the "Greeting of the Oni" event. After 7:00PM of the next day, an exorcism ceremony is performed in front of the temple's main shrine. Shrine parishioners perform such acts as bean throwing and taking back the evil energy from the 6 Oni, who roam the temple grounds in a state of agitation.


Original text:
節分を前に鬼が雪の中で衣装合わせ　大原神社
2012年1月27日

雪が降るなか気合たっぷりの鬼たち（２７日午前１０時２５分ごろ）

福知山市三和町の大原神社（林秀俊宮司）で２７日、２月２、３両日の節分行事で鬼役を務める地元有志６人が、衣装合わせをして本番に備えた。

鬼役は地元有志で作る町おこしグループ「大原話し合いの会」（大槻兄市会長）のメンバー。部屋で赤と青の衣装に着替え、金棒を持ち、節分を前に雪が降るなか外に出て気合を入れた。

節分行事は２日午後７時から、神社周辺の各家庭を訪れ、厄を取りに行く「鬼迎え」行事がある。３日午後７時からは神社本殿前で「追儺式」があり、氏子の厄を持ち帰った鬼６匹が境内を暴れ回ったり、豆まきなどがある。

In order to become wiser...a visit to the Brush Memorial Service of the Egaraten Shrine/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201250039/

January 25, 2012

Nikai Hall, Egaraten Temple, Kamakura City

The Brush Memorial Service was held on the 25th, at Nikai Hall of Egara Temple, Kamakura City. In prayer of improved scholastic and calligraphy ability, old, used brushes and pencils are thrown into a fire.

Beforehand, 2,000 old pencils and brushes are gathered. After a religious ceremony is performed in front of the main temple, on that same day temple visitors come together. bringing the writing instruments. One after another,  they throw them into the middle of a cleansing fire. Allowing gratitude to enter their hearts, they join hands.

The event is held in worship of the God of Scholasticism , Suguwara no Michizane. The Egaraten Temple along with Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine and the Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine are three larger shrines representing the Tenman-gū Shrines.


Original text
賢くなりますように…荏柄天神社で「筆供養」/鎌倉
2012年1月25日

鎌倉市二階堂、荏柄天神社

使い古した毛筆や鉛筆を火の中にくべ、学問や書道の上達を祈願する「筆供養」が25日、鎌倉市二階堂の荏柄天神社で行われた。

事前に集められた古筆は約２千本。本殿前で神事が行われた後、参拝者が当日持ち込んだものと合わせて次々と浄火の中に投じ、感謝の気持ちを込めて手を合わせた。

荏柄天神社は学問の神様菅原道真を祭り、北野天満宮（京都）、太宰府天満宮（福岡）と並ぶ日本三大天神社の一つ。

Thanks to the feverish work of students under pottery expert Ifukube Rei, reproductions of Jōmon period earthenware are on display/Atsugi

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201240021/

January 25, 2012

The works on display bring out the romance of the Jōmon period  = The Citizen's Gallery of Nakacho, Atsugi City

The breath of life overflows from the Jōmon earthenware display, held at the Citizen's Gallery of Nakacho, Atsugi City (Located in the Aeon Shopping Mall (Japanese site). Admission is free. Open until 1:00PM of January 30.

The event was organized by the "Creation of Jōmon Earthenware" academic course, in which Ifukube Rei supervises fourteen students at a time. The course takes place twice a month. It’s taught by pottering expert Ifukube, who has been creating Jōmon earthenware for over 30 years. In April and August, the pieces are completed in a controlled burning, as was done in the Jōmon period.

At the event location is a lineup of 100 of the students pieces, primarily based on records of originally excavated remains. Because of the students’ devotion to their work, it's as if the pieces displayed have once again been excavated from the Earth. Such things as Dogū (Clay figures) and Jinmen (People Faces) (Japanese site) used for rituals, Doban (Clay panels) (Japanese site) and of course earthenware will be on display. This group of students can be called orthodox, as they even attached handmade knot patterns made of string to the front of the earthenware.

Ifukube Rei had an interest in archeology before, but is presently consulting the earthenware manufacturing methods in each area of South East Asia. In doing this, she's looking for an understanding on the beginnings of earthenware production during the Jōmon period. "The design of Jōmon earthenware is rich in appeal. Pottery experts still feel completely astounded from the pieces of 10,000 years before." Those visiting the gallery don't have to just appreciate the earthenware for its aesthetic value. The pieces are also planned to be used for boiling and cooking.

For questions, Ifukube can be reached at 046(247)4894.

Original text

忠実に再現・縄文土器、陶芸家の生徒が力作披露/厚木

2012年1月25日

縄文のロマンを感じる作品点＝厚木市中町の市民ギャラリー

生命の息吹あふれる縄文土器の作品展が厚木市中町の市民ギャラリー（イオン厚木店）で開かれている。入場無料。30日午後１時まで。

「縄文土器創作講座」（伊福部（いふくべ）玲主宰、14人）の主催。同講座では月２回ほど、陶芸家の傍ら30年以上縄文土器を製作している伊福部さんが教えている。できた作品を４、８月に縄文時代さながらに野焼きして完成させている。

会場には生徒らの作品１００点が並ぶ。ほとんどが遺跡の発掘記録をもとに、実際に出土したものを忠実に再現したもの。土器はもちろん、土偶や人面が付いた祭祀（さいし）用といわれる土版（どばん）などもある。土器表面の縄目文様を付けるのに使うひもも手作りで用意するという本格派だ。

伊福部さんは以前から考古学に興味があり、現在でも土器を使っている東南アジア各地の製法などを参考にして縄文土器作りを始めた。「縄文土器はデザイン豊かで迫力がある。１万年前にやり尽くされたというショックも陶芸家として感じる」。芸術品として鑑賞するだけでなく、実際に土器を使って煮炊きすることも予定している。

問い合わせは、伊福部さん電話０４６（２４７）４８９４。

Creating a warm monkey ball, Japanese Macaques cuddle up together/Odawara

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201250001/


January 25, 2012

Japanese Macaques remain still while huddled together.

Overnight in Odawara city, temperatures measured at a low of 32.0-37.4 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in an accumulation of snowfall. The Japanese Macaques of Odawara Castle Ruins Park (Within the castle grounds  of Odawara city) endured the unpleasant weather by forming a monkey ball, huddling together in stillness. Clinging for warmth in such a cute way, spectators also found relaxation.

On that day, after they finished a meal of potatoes, one monkey after another gathered on a log above their hut. 10 of the park's 12 monkeys ended up firmly holding onto each other.

A person in charge of the city's tourism section commented: "Too much of the cold tends to gather and hide in the stone walls (of the area). We often see such chilly days."



Original text
「猿団子」ぬくぬく、ニホンザルが身を寄せ合う/小田原
2012年1月25日

じっと身を寄せ合うニホンザル＝小田原城址公園

小田原城址公園（小田原市城内）で飼育されているニホンザルが、互いにじっと身を寄せ合う「猿団子」で冬の寒さをしのいでいる。前夜からの雪が降り積もり、24日は市内で最低気温０・３度を観測。暖を取るかわいらしい姿が、観光客を和ませていた。

サルは全部で12匹。この日は餌のジャガイモを食べ終えると、一匹、また一匹とサル舎に架けられた丸太の上に集まり、10匹近くで固まりをつくっていた。

市観光課の担当者は「あまりに冷え込むと岩場の中に隠れてしまいますが、寒い日はよく見ることができます」と話していた。

Shibuya's Hachikō Statue covered in snow-The center of the city gets it's first winter snow blanket.

Translated from the original article at: http://www.shibukei.com/headline/8256/


January 23, 2012

The Hachikō Statue, under the first snow blanket of the winter.

On the evening of the 23rd in central Tokyo, the rainfall turned to snow, blanketing the city of Shibuya.

At the present time of 11:00PM, 4 inches of snow have accumulated in the heart of the city, marking the first snow blanket of this season. Many types of people, including youth, salary men and office ladies returning home from work pass by the Hachikō Statue that's located in front of Shibuya Station, now covered in snow.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, tonight's winter pressure pattern will gradually become stronger. A strong travelling cold air accompanied by atmospheric pressure is expected to pass though the valley. Because of this, it's said a heavy snow will continue to fall in the Tokyo area until daybreak of tomorrow.

Until 9:00PM on the 24th, a 24-hour advisory of 5 inches of snowfall is predicted in many areas of the Special Wards of Tokyo.


Original text
渋谷・ハチ公像も雪化粧－都心でこの冬初の積雪
2012年01月23日
この冬初めて雪化粧したハチ公像

東京都心で1月23日夜、降っていた雨が雪となり、渋谷の街も雪化粧した。

23時現在、都心の積雪は4センチで、今シーズン初の積雪となった。若者や仕事帰りのビジネスマンやOL、若者など多くの人が行き交う渋谷駅前のハチ公像にも雪が積もっている。

気象庁によると、今夜は冬型の気圧配置が次第に強まり、上空に強い寒気を伴った気圧の谷が通過する見込み。このため、東京地方では明日明け方にかけて雪が降り続き大雪になるという。

東京23区東部の24日21時までの24時間予想降雪量は多い所で5センチ。

Celebrating the Chinese New Year at Yokohama's Chinatown - Lion dances, parades and more

Translated from the original article at: http://www.hamakei.com/headline/6689/

January 22, 2012

A scene of a celebratory parade from 2011's Chinese New Year.

At Yokohama's Chinatown, from January 23 until February 6, the celebration of the Chinese lunar calender's New Year is being held.

On the evening of the 22nd, both the Mazu and Guan Yu  shrines of Chinatown welcomed the Chinese New Year with countdown events. At the strike of midnight, everyone throughout Yokohama's Chinatown shouted "新年好/Xīn Nián Hǎo" (Chinese for Happy New Year) to the sound of erupting firecrackers.

On the 23rd, the entirety of Chinatown sets up for the annual "Cai Ching" event. Five dancing lions each take off on their own course, visiting the shops they pass and dancing in prayer of prosperity and a good harvest, with an intensity matching the gongs and taiko drums being performed. Hung on the front of each store is a ceremonial red envelope, which the lions take into their mouths.

On the 29th, a marching parade will take place in Yokohama Chinatown, featuring dragon dances, lion dances, and people dressed as everything from regular Chinese citizens to royalty.

The final day of China's Little New Year hits on the 6th of February, when people allow themselves to relax as they perform the Lantern Festival dedicated to the Heavens. Chinatown's own female dancers and dancing groups perform in an offering ceremony. Requests for the realization of events and dreams are written down during the message candle offering, taking place at the Mazu and Guan Yu shrines.

At the Chinese style gazebo of Yamashita Town's Public Park (Japanese site) the "Chinese New Year Amusement Performance" takes place, featuring various dances including the dragons and lions, in addition to traditional Chinese circus performances. The performances take place on January 28-29 and February 4-5. The Chinatown80 building will hold a Chinese New Year exhibition until February 6th, and a Chinese New Year children's drawing exhibit from February 9 until the 19th.

Elsewhere, the DASKA Chinese Theme Park will hold a good fortune event for Chinese New Year until February 12. The 2012 Chinese New Year Fortune Menu includes longevity noodles, fresh sea water boiled gyoza, dragon parfaits and more. Fortune telling is performed, and fortune items can also be purchased.

A member of the Yokohama Chinatown Development Association's 2012 Chinese New Year Program commented: "During the period of Chinese New Year, we'll feature singing, dancing, stage and traditional Chinese performances. The atmosphere will be full of festivity. The Y152 Memorial (Japanese site) Chinese New Year display will be illuminated by candles and lanterns. Please have fun, as Chinatown is always becoming grander."

The same association is holding a photo contest, the subject of photography being the Chinese New Year. Visitors will be able to vote from eleven pieces that were selected before hand. From Febuary 9 until the 12, the CP+ event will be held, sending out information on the pictures and cameras used in the contest. Entries can be submitted from February 2-5.


Original text
横浜中華街で旧正月を祝う「春節」-獅子舞・祝舞パレードも
2012年01月22日

昨年の春節「祝舞遊行」の様子

横浜中華街で1月23日から2月6日まで、中国の旧暦正月を祝う「2012春節」が開催される。

22日夜には、関帝廟（かんていびょう）と媽祖廟（まそびょう）で新年を迎える春節カウントダウンイベントが行われ、23日0時、横浜中華街に「新年好（しんにぇんはお）」の大合唱が起こり、爆竹の音とともに春節がスタートした。

23日は、中華街全域で春節伝統行事「採青（さいちん）」を実施。5頭の獅子舞が5コースに分かれ、各店舗の商売繁盛や五穀豊穣を祈願して舞う。獅子舞は銅鑼（どら）や太鼓に合わせて激しく踊り、店頭に吊るされたご祝儀の紅包（ほんぱお）をくわえ取る。

皇帝衣装・民族衣装・獅子舞・龍舞などが中華街を練り歩く祝舞パレード「祝舞遊行（しゅくまいゆうこう）」は1月29日に行われる。

中国の小正月にあたる最終日の2月6日は、心の安らぎを天に届ける元宵節燈籠祭（げんしょうせつとうろうさい）を実施。中華街の舞姫や舞踊組が奉納舞を披露し、願い事や夢を書き込んだメッセージ燈籠（とうろう）を関帝廟と媽祖廟に奉納する。

中国風のあずま屋がある山下町公園では、獅子舞・龍舞・舞踊・雑技など中国伝統芸能を披露する春節娯楽表演（しゅんせつごらくひょうえん）が、1月28日・29日、2月4日・5日に開催される。Chinatown80では春節展覧会（2月6日まで）、春節子供絵画展（2月9日～19日）が行われる。

そのほか、チャイナテーマパーク「横浜大世界」では、春節にちなんだ開運イベントを2月12日まで実施。「2012春節 開運メニュー」として開運長寿麺、開運海鮮水餃子、ドラゴンパフェなどを提供するほか、開運占い、開運グッズの販売を行う。

横浜中華街発展会協同組合 2012春節実行委員会は「春節の期間中は、歌や舞踊の舞台、中国伝統芸能の演技などもあり、お祭り気分いっぱいです。Y152メモリアル春節燈花のイルミネーションや提灯（ちょうちん）が輝き、いつもより華やいでいる中華街をお楽しみ下さい」と話す。'

横浜中華街発展会協同組合は、「春節」を被写体とした「春節フォトコンテスト」を開催。来場者の投票をもとに選出された11作品が、カメラと写真映像の情報発信イベント「CP+（シーピープラス）2012」（2月9日～12日）で公開される。応募期間は2月2日～5日。

Meeting the coldest period of winter with a peak at the production of Sake, the Izumibashi Sake Brewery of Ebina City/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201210028/

January 22, 2012

Aspergillus oryzae (Koji) being added to steamed rice. Chief brewers culture the rice. =The Izumibashi Sake Brewery of Shimoimaizumi, Ebina City

The 21st is considered the coldest day of the year. This time is considered to be appropriate for the production of sake and miso. We're meeting with the Izumibashi Sake Brewery of Shimoimaizumi, Ebina City to take a peak at the making of Sake.

In a heated cellar designed for the koji, the brewing masters (Touji) add the culture to steamed rice, initializing the fermentation process. Sorting through the rice, the moisture is dispersed and the temperature evens out.

Together with area farmers, the Izumibashi Sake Brewery cultivates "Yamada Nishiki" sake rice. Five years prior, they purchased additional rice polishing machines. Since then, the brewery has been consistently producing sake that originated from the very rice that it grew.

President Hashiba Yuichi commented: Sales of Japanese Sake go to support the area damaged by the Disaster of Eastern Japan (President Hashiba manages the office for the Sake of Japan Donation Project (Japanese site)). So far, donations have surpassed 10 million yen (About $130,000). This difficult time has not yet passed. We take deep breaths, while wishing to continue in our support.


Original text:
大寒迎え酒の仕込みピークに、海老名の「泉橋酒造」/神奈川
2012年1月22日

蒸した米に麹菌をかけ、米麹を作っている杜氏（とうじ）ら＝海老名市下今泉「泉橋酒造」

21日は一年で最も寒いとされる「大寒」。この時季は酒やみそなどの仕込みに適しているといわれ、海老名市下今泉の「泉橋酒造」では酒の仕込みがピークを迎えている。

杜氏（とうじ）らは高温の麹（こうじ）室（むろ）で、蒸した米に麹菌をかけ、米麹を作っている。ほぐして、水分を発散させ、温度を一定にさせた。

泉橋酒造は周辺農家とともに酒米「山田錦」を栽培する。５年前には精米機も購入、米作りから酒造りまでを一貫して行っている。

橋場友一社長は、日本酒の販売を通じて東日本大震災の被災地を支援する「日本酒義援金プロジェクト」の事務局長を務める。これまで、寄付した義援金は１千万円を超えた。橋場社長は「一過性ではなく、息の長い支援を続けていきたい」と話していた。