The mystery of life and the peak spawning season for grass puffers/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206070001/

June 7, 2012

Meeting the peak of spawning season, grass puffer fish release their eggs=Fukaura Bay, Urago-Cho, Yokosuka City

The peak spawning season has arrived for the grass puffer fish of Fukaura Bay, Urago-Cho, Yokosuka City. On the 6th, an observation group of 150 people made up of parents and children went to observe the mysteries of life.

With full tide approaching after 6PM, the group gathered along the shoreline in search of the spawning site. Swimming above the intense spraying waves, the males ejaculated on the eggs upon making contact with them. The spectator's cheers increased at the sight of the ocean’s cloudy surface.

Many grass puffer fish reside in the coasts south of Central Honshu, growing to a length of about 15 centimeters. Egg laying season lasts from the end of May until early July. For 2 to 3 days after both the full moon and new moon, the full tides of the evening are the peak time of observation.

Original text:

生命の神秘、クサフグ産卵最盛期/横須賀

2012年6月7日

最盛期を迎えたクサフグの産卵＝横須賀市浦郷町の深浦湾

横須賀市浦郷町の深浦湾内でクサフグの産卵が最盛期を迎えている。６日に観察会が開かれ、親子連れなど約１５０人が生命の神秘を見学した。

午後６時を過ぎて満潮が近づくと、産卵場所を求めて波打ち際に群れとなって集まる様子が見られた。激しく水しぶきを上げながら雌の産卵に合わせて雄が射精し、海水が白濁すると見学者からは歓声が上がった。

クサフグは本州中部以南の沿岸に多く生息し、体長は15センチほど。産卵は５月下旬から７月上旬に行われる。満月と新月の２、３日後にかけて夕方の満潮時に観察できる。

Yelling out with vigor at the Neno Shrine Festival/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206020016/

June 2, 2012

Caption: Yelling with enthusiasm, members of the Shiori Youth Association carry the shrine's mikoshi=In front of the Keikyu Shiori Station

On the 2nd, the Neno Shrine's grand festival began in Shiori-Machi, Yokosuka City. Many spectators gathered as festival participants patrolled throughout town, shouting as they shouldered the mikoshi. Lasting until the 3rd, the festival was organized by the Shiori Neighborhood Youth Association (Presided by Yokogaki Katsuhiko).

Upon the Neno Shrine's construction in 1681, the grand festival was held after that year’s planting of rice was safely concluded. It then carried over as a tradition of prayer for a rich harvest.

On the 2nd, with the addition of children playing flutes, taiko drums and bells, the mood of a japanese festival was created around town. Members of the Shiori Youth Association marched while carrying the mikoshi, cheers erupting from spectators gathered on the sidewalks. After sunset, japanese folk song dances were held on the main street and shrine quarters. Once again sending out the mikoshi, the association energetically patrolled the streets into the night.

Youth Association President Yokogaki commented: "Last year's festival was suspended due to the Eastern Japan Earthquake. Because of that, everyone was enthusiastic to join this year. With so many people coming out, we were able to create a great festival."

From 2:50PM on the 3rd, the Neno Shrine mikoshi will join a parade with 7 mikoshi belonging to the Chonaikai, Starting at the shrine, they will travel through the main streets, returning after reaching the Shirodome neighborhood meeting hall.

Original text:

掛け声威勢よく、子之神社の大祭/横須賀

2012年6月2日

威勢のいい掛け声で宮みこしを担ぐ連合青年会メンバーら＝京急線汐入駅前

横須賀市汐入町の子之神社の大祭が２日、始まった。威勢のいい掛け声で宮みこしが町内を巡り、多くの観客でにぎわった。汐入連合町内会（横垣勝彦会長）主催。３日まで。

１６８１年創建の子之神社の大祭は田植えが無事に終わり、豊作を祈願して始まったと伝えられる。

２日は、子どもらが加わった笛や太鼓、かねの軽快なはやしで町内は祭りムード一色に。連合青年会メンバーらが宮みこしを担いで練り歩き、沿道から歓声が上がった。夕方からは大通りや神社境内で民謡踊りが披露され、宮みこしも再び繰り出して、通りは夜まで活気づいた。

横垣会長は「昨年は東日本大震災の影響で中止になった。そのためか、今年はみんな熱が入っている。人出も多く、統率の取れたいい祭りだ」と話した。

３日は、午後２時50分から宮みこしと７町内会のみこし計８基が、神社から大通りを通り汐留町内会館までを往復するパレードを行う。