Trick Art display at the Kintetsu Department Store of Abeno - 40 3D images on exhibition （December 30, 2011）

Translated from the original article at: http://abeno.keizai.biz/headline/287/

Caption: Trick Art (A world without gravity)

On January 3rd, 2012, the head office of the Kintetsu Department Store Company (Abeno Suji 1 (Road), Abeno Ward, Osaka City) will be holding a "Trick Art Exhibit" on the 9th level of the Kintetsu Art Hall.

The exhibits do such things as take advantage of the eye's perspective to create an optical illusion. What appears to be three dimensional is completely different, just a flat picture. 40 works of trick art will be displayed.

The main types of works are the following: In what appears to be a normal room, the perceived size of objects transform according to their placement (Ames Room). Blocks seemingly floating in mid-air (A world without gravity). Appearing to be trapped inside of a wine glass held by Dracula (Dracula's Snack), etc. In the venue, photos as well as video can be taken.

Set up in addition, is a small store selling 3D cards, pop-up books, etc.

The exhibition time is 10:00am until 8:00PM (On the final day, it closes at 5:00PM). Entrance rates are 600 Yen for middle school students and older, 300 yen for ages 4 to elementary school, children under 3 are free. Open until January 10th.

Original text:

近鉄百貨店阿倍野店で「トリックアート展」開催へ－3D絵画40点展示 （2011年12月30日）

トリックアート「重力のない世界」

近鉄百貨店阿倍野本店（大阪市阿倍野区阿倍野筋1）9階近鉄アート館で2012年1月3日、「トリックアート展」が催される。

同展では、遠近法などで目の錯覚を利用し、平面の絵を立体的に見せたり全く違う印象に見せるトリックアート作品40点を展示する。

主な作品は、普通の部屋なのに立ち位置によって物体のサイズが変化するように見える「エイムズの部屋」、ブロックが宙に浮いたように見える「重力のない世界」、ドラキュラの持つワイングラスに閉じ込められたように見える「ドラキュラのおやつ」など。会場ではカメラ、ビデオの撮影も可能。

併せて、3Dカードやしかけ絵本などの販売コーナーも設ける。

開催時間は10時～20時（最終日は17時まで）。入場料は、中学生以上＝600円、4歳～小学生＝300円、3歳以下は無料。1月10日まで。

Good luck charms to attract prosperity at the Kiyoshikōjin Seichō-ji Temple (Home of Kōjin-San, the God of fire and kitchen) in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20111228-00000562-san-l28

Caption: People looking to buy Shimenawa crowd the stores lining the road to the Kiyoshikōjin Seichō-ji temple=The afternoon of the 28th, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture (Taken by Torigoe Mizue) (Photo: Sankei Shinbun)

On the 28th, believers of Kōjin-San (The God of fire and kitchen) gathered at the Kiyoshikōjin Seichō-ji temple of Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture in order to connect with him. Many visitors gathered at the Sambō (Three Jewels) Kôjin Grand Festival, where they gave thanks for the miracles of this year and prayed for blessings in the next year.

From the Hankyu Kiyoshikōjin railway station to the main gate, the temple road (1.2 kilometers long) is lined up and packed with stalls selling supplies for New Year's. Temple visitors, one after another, come seeking to buy various good luck charms, such as Shimenawa.

Akiko Nishida (36, self-employed), traveling from Torinaka city, Osaka prefecture said: "I wished that next year will be free of disasters."


Original text:

「荒神さん」で招福祈願　「かまどの神様」兵庫・宝塚の清荒神清澄寺

 しめ縄を買い求める人で賑わう清荒神清澄寺の参道の店＝２８日午後、兵庫県宝塚市（鳥越瑞絵撮影）（写真：産経新聞）

「かまどの神様」として信仰を集め、「荒神さん」として親しまれている兵庫県宝塚市の清荒神（きよしこうじん）清澄寺で２８日、今年１年の御利益に感謝し、来年の招福を祈願する「納三宝（おさめさんぽう）荒神大祭（納め荒神）」が行われ、多くの参拝客らでにぎわった。

 阪急清荒神駅から山門まで約１．２キロ続く参道には正月用品を扱う露店がぎっしりと立ち並び、参拝客らは「しめ縄」などの縁起物を次々と買い求めていた。

大阪府豊中市から訪れた自営業、西田亜希子さん（３６）は「来年は災害がない年であるようにお願いしました」と話していた。

A jumbo Ema requesting restoration from The Great Earthquake and Tsunami, part of the Goryo Temple’s New Year preparation.December 26th, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2011/12/26/004570.html

Caption: A dragon vigorously climbing towards the heavens, drawn on a jumbo Ema.

On the 25th, at the Goryo Temple of Nakano, Fukuchiyama City, a jumbo-sized Ema depicting the dragon of next year's Chinese zodiac was placed on the front of the worshipping hall. 38 workers of the temple's ceremony association also placed banners and lanterns, in preparation for the New Year.

The size of the Ema is 97 inches high and 125 inches wide. It was drawn with acrylic paint by shrine maiden Arata Kumiyo. Beginning from the year of the horse (2002), 11 (Ema) have now been completed.

A vivid scene was drawn, the dragon piercing the clouds and ascending towards heaven. One week from entering this month, the finishing touches were applied. "For the facial features of the dragon, I kept switching between it looking scary or cute before I was finished drawing," explained Arata.

　

On the upper right of the ema, Chief Priest Adachi Tsuneaki wrote, with a brush in red ink, the characters for "Rebirth". He explained: "Just as the Goryo Temple is grieving for the townspeople of the disaster, we've (in the past) been grateful for the excellent governing of Akechi Mitsuhide. The temple wishes that Fukuchiyama  moves along with peace of mind and has created this request. The characters for "Rebirth" are for the reconstruction from the great disaster of Eastern Japan, written with prayer that they enter a year of restoration.

Original Text:

大震災からの復興願いジャンボ絵馬　御霊神社で迎春準備

写真＝天に昇る勢いのある龍が描かれたジャンボ絵馬

福知山市中ノの御霊神社で２５日、拝殿正面に来年の干支・辰にちなんで龍を描いたジャンボ絵馬が掲げられた。神社奉賛会の役員ら３８人がのぼりや提灯なども取り付け、迎春準備を整えた。

絵馬の大きさは縦９７センチ、横１２５センチ。巫女の荒田久美代さんが、アクリル絵の具で描いた。午年から始め、今回で１１枚目となる。

龍が雲間を抜け、天に昇る様子を鮮やかに描いている。今月に入ってから約１週間かけて仕上げた。荒田さんは「龍の顔つきが怖かったり、可愛かったりしないように描きました」と話す。

絵馬の右上には足立常秋宮司の筆で「再生」の文字が朱色で書き込まれている。足立宮司は「御霊神社は災害に苦しむ町人が明智光秀公の善政に感謝し、安心して暮らせる福知山であってほしいと願い造られた神社です。再生の文字は東日本大震災からの復旧、復興の年になるよう祈願して書きました」と話している。

Understanding the visually disabled. During winter break, a training center is holding a seeing guide dog experience day/Yokohama December 26, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112250021/

Caption: Using an eye mask, participants are led on a walk by a seeing eye dog=Kanagawa training center of Yokohama city, Kōhoku ward.

On the 25th, the "winter break seeing guide dog experience day" was a project held to educate about vision disability, by blocking a person's vision and having them interact with a seeing eye dog. Conducted by Japan's Seeing Guide Dog Association, it was held in the Kanagawa training center of Yokohama city's Kōhoku ward. 

Seeing guide dog users Terasawa Masako and Ikariyu Junko presented lectures on the differences between using a white cane and walking with a guide dog. "There's a sense of anxiety that comes with striking objects with a cane. A guide dog will allow me to evade obstacles, and I feel that I'm free to do such things as enjoy the smell of the season's flowers," explained Ikariyu.

Participants were challenged to go on a walk led by a guide dog, while wearing eye masks. With cones chosen as obstacles and laid out, they walked past them without contact. "Amazing!" the participants’ voices rose, in admiration of the guide dogs.

The experience day is also open on the 26th, January 5th and 6th.

Original Text:

視覚障害者に理解を、訓練センターで「冬休み盲導犬体験デイ」/横浜

2011年12月26日

アイマスクをして、盲導犬に先導され歩く参加者＝横浜市港北区の神奈川訓練センター

視覚に障害のある人や盲導犬について知る企画「冬休み盲導犬体験デイ」が25日、横浜市港北区の日本盲導犬協会神奈川訓練センターで行われた。

盲導犬ユーザーの寺沢正子さん、碇谷純子さんが講師役となり、白杖を使うのと盲導犬と歩くことの違いを「白杖では物にぶつかる不安がある。盲導犬は障害物をよけてくれるので、心にゆとりができ季節の花の香りも感じられる」（碇谷さん）と説明した。

　参加者たちはアイマスクをし、盲導犬に先導されるままに歩行に挑戦。障害物に見立てたコーンにぶつからずに歩けると「すごい」と感嘆の声が上がった。

体験デイは26日と１月５、６日も開かれる。

This Red Panda is quickly becoming popular, An of the Yumemigasaki Public Zoo/Kawasaki December 26, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112250020/

Caption: The increasingly popular red panda "An" brings many park visitors=The Yumemigasaki Public Zoo of Kawasaki City, Saiwai Ward.

The newest animal to join the Kawasaki City Yumemigasaki Public Zoo (Minamikase, Saiwai ward) is the red panda, An (Female, 1 year and 6 months old), who quickly became quite popular. After the public unveiling on the 23rd, the area of the exhibition room has been endlessly visited by spectators. As far the children are concerned, the red panda would make a quite appropriate Christmas present.

On the 12th of this month, An arrived from Saitama prefecture's Children's Animal and Nature Zoo. After training to accustom her to the enclosure and exhibit room, she was introduced to the public on the 23rd.

According to Mr. Hasegawa Makoto (zoo keeper), at first, threatening gestures were displayed towards the zookeepers. After about three days, An's wariness seemed to thin. It was said that when given her favorite foods of apples and bamboo, her energy evened out. In the display room, she busily moves around. Trying to climb through the wire net and get as close as possible to the visitors, she seemingly services them with her heart and overflowing energy.

A son (Age 5) visiting with his father said: "I'm grateful for being able to come. The tail is so long furry, it's very cute.

The same park was left with no red pandas after a pair died from illness during November of last year. With the addition of An one year later, the exhibit room has been renewed.


Original Text:
レッサーパンダ早くも人気者に、夢見ケ崎動物公園の「アン」/川崎 2011年12月26日

多くの来園者の人気者になっているレッサーパンダの「アン」＝川崎市幸区の市夢見ケ崎動物公園

川崎市夢見ケ崎動物公園（幸区南加瀬）に新たに仲間入りしたレッサーパンダの「アン（雌、１歳６カ月）が、早くも人気になっている。一般公開の始まった23日以降、展示室の周囲には見物客が絶えず、子どもたちにとっては格好のクリスマスプレゼントになったようだ。

アンは今月12日に、埼玉県こども動物自然公園から来園。展示室や獣舎に慣らすトレーニングを行った後、23日に一般客に初めてお披露目された。

 飼育員の長谷川誠さんによると、当初は飼育員を威嚇するしぐさを示していたが、３日ほどで警戒心も薄らいだようで、好物の竹やリンゴを元気に平らげているという。展示室内ではせわしなく動き回り、金網越しに観客のすぐそばまで近寄るなどサービス精神も旺盛のようだ。

 父と訪れた男児（５）は「来てくれてうれしい。しっぽが長くてふさふさで、とてもかわいい」と話していた。

 同公園は昨年11月にペア２匹の病死後、レッサーパンダが不在だった。アンの仲間入りで、約１年ぶりの展示復活となった。

Praying for a Merry Christmas for the disaster victims. One Hundred locals and (US) base residents gather/Yokosuka December 25, 2010

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112250017/

Caption: Participants at a Christmas party sing hymns=Yokosuka Municipal Cultural Meeting Hall

Wishing to offer happiness to the disaster victims; on the 25th, in Fukudadai, Yokosuka City’s Municipal Cultural Meeting Hall, the local church held a Christmas party. One hundred townspeople participated, including members of Yokosuka's American military base and registered Filipino immigrants living in the town. Looking back at the world's many disasters that took place over the year, they prayed for the sake of the victims.

The church continues to periodically support the disaster area in East Japan. This month, in Mindanao Island, in the Southern Philippines, Typhoon Washi inflicted numerous casualties. On the 24th, Christmas Eve, worshippers collected financial support for the victims.

 　

Pastor Raymond Mercer said to the participants: "This Christmas, besides what presents our children will be receiving, what about the disaster victims? Let's ask what we can do for them." For the victims of the earthquake disaster, they're facing the cold weather of the North-East. In order to help them find hope, the church participants all together extended their thoughts towards them.

Original Text

被災者の幸せ祈るクリスマス、地元や基地から１００人集う/横須賀

2011年12月25日

 賛美歌を歌うクリスマスパーティーの参加者たち＝横須賀市立文化会館

被災者に幸せの贈り物があるように―。横須賀市深田台の市立文化会館で25日、地元の教会が主催するクリスマスパーティーが開かれた。市民のほか米海軍横須賀基地関係者やフィリピン籍の市内在住者など計１００人が参加。世界で災害の多かった１年を振り返り、被災者のために祈った。

教会では定期的に東日本大震災の被災地支援を続けている。今月にはフィリピン南部ミンダナオ島を台風12号が襲い多くの死傷者が出たため、24日のクリスマスイブの礼拝で支援金を集めた。

教会のレイ・マーサ―牧師は参加者に「このクリスマスでは子供たちに『プレゼントに何をもらった？』だけでなく、（被災者に）『何をしてあげた？』と聞きましょう」。震災の被災者には「東北は寒いが、希望を見つけられるように」と、参加者とともに思いをささげた。

Big cleanup at the ocean while waiting for Christmas, volunteers pick up trash resting on the coast and wharf/Yokosuka December 23, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112230032/

Caption: Volunteers gather to pick up beached trashed from the ocean front=Verny Public Park, Yokosuka

Giving the ocean the Christmas present of a cleaning. On the 23rd, at the beach front (Yokosuka beach) of Verny public park (Honcho, Yokosuka city), a major cleaning was conducted. While exposing themselves to the north wind, fifty volunteers from the city gathered trash from the ocean and land.

With the United States Navy and Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force illuminating their fleets on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve respectively, lots of foot traffic will be generated from the events. The parties of the City, the (Non-Profit Organization) Yokosuka Bay Defense Assistance Association, and the (Non-Profit Organization) Yokosuka Yacht Association have cooperated with the citizens to stage a committee for the business of cleaning the sea’s surface.

Today, just as the north wind is moving through the atmosphere...cans, plastic, lumber etc., rest and bury themselves in the beach and wharf. Participating volunteers, all wearing matching red Santa hats, quietly gather trash into one plastic bag after another. Among other things, a bicycle someone threw away is pulled from the ocean.

Volunteers loaded trash picked up from the ocean into three special trash collection boats as well as one regular boat.

Original Text

Ｘマス控え「海の大掃除」、ボランティアが湾内や岸壁のごみ拾う/横須賀 2011年12月23日

いこいの広場前の海に打ち寄せたごみを拾い集めるボランティア＝横須賀・ヴェルニー公園

海に掃除のクリスマスプレゼント―。横須賀市本町のヴェルニー公園いこいの広場前で23日、「ヨコスカ海の大掃除」が行われ、約50人の市民ボランティアが北風に身をさらされながら、海上と陸からごみを拾い集めた。

クリスマスイブの米海軍艦船、大みそかの海自艦船のライトアップなどに多くの人々が足を運ぶことから、ＮＰＯ法人横須賀港湾防災支援会と同横須賀ヨット協会、市の三者でつくる横須賀港の海面清掃市民協働モデル事業実行委員会が主催した。

この日、折からの北風が運んだ空き缶やペットボトル、木材などがいこいの広場前の岸壁を埋めた。参加者はおそろいの赤いサンタ帽をかぶり、ポリ袋に次々に黙々とごみを集め、海中に投げ捨てられた自転車などを引き揚げた。

参加者が乗り込んだごみ収集船３隻とボート１隻も湾内のごみを拾い上げた。

A Capybara family enjoying a lemon bath at the Izu Shaboden public park. December 23, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112230025/

Caption: A capybara family enjoying a lemon bath

Until the 28th, at the Izu Shaboden public park (Itō City, Shizuoka prefecture), the "Original Capybara Open Bath" lemon bath is on display.

While raising the capybaras at the park in 1982, it was discovered that what is called the "world's largest member of the rodent family" enjoys taking warm baths. Afterwards, every year from November to March, an open bath was prepared for them. After winter solstice, a special lemon bath is put into place. Currently, a family of five capybaras are enjoying the onsen(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Onsen).

Park entrance fees for adults and high school students - 1800 yen,  elementary and middle school students - 900 yen,  children above 4 - 300 yen. For questions, the park telephone number is 0557 (51) 1111.


Original Text
ゆず湯楽しむカピバラ親子、伊豆シャボテン公園で公開

ゆず湯を楽しむカピバラ親子

伊豆シャボテン公園（静岡県伊東市）は28日まで、「元祖カピバラ露天風呂」をゆず湯にして公開している。

同園は１９８２年に、飼育していた世界最大のネズミといわれているカピバラが温泉好きであることを発見。それ以来、毎年11月から３月まで露天風呂を用意。冬至の前後は特別にゆず湯にしている。現在５頭のカピバラ親子が温泉を楽しんでいる。

入園料は大人・高校生１８００円、小・中学生９００円、幼児（４歳以上）３００円。問い合わせは、同公園電話０５５７（５１）１１１１。

A goal of 1000 smiles, Kawasaki gathers pictures for it's message to Sendai.

Translated from the original article at: http://nagasaki.keizai.biz/headline/378/

Caption: A mother and daughter's picture is taken, holding the message "This is certainly a happy time! Look up while you walk!

With a goal of completion within December, victims of the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami will be sent an encouraging message, along with photos of people's smiles. At the Bellenade strip mall(http://www.bellenade.com/about) (Formerly the Kawasaki Daimaru), an event took place to photograph  smiles [The town of Haman's Christmas ★S★mile Project]. The event was sponsored by six companies in Haman.

One of the disaster areas is Sendai City, in Miyagi prefecture, a distance of 1000 miles (1600 kilometers) away from Nagasaki City. It's said that people will be made aware of the project until 1000 give energetic smiles to be photographed and delivered to Sendai. On March 11 of next year, the Clis Road shopping center (http://www.clisroad.jp/index.html) of Sendai City plans to display the photographs.

A photography event was held on the 17th and 18th of this month, with 360 people participating between both days. Passing families, couples, shoppers etc. wrote down inspiring messages to use as they faced the camera with a smile.

As the event staff was calling out for participants, they said: [The goal is 1000 people. A smiling face is the source of energy. We think a smile is the greatest offering the people of Kawasaki can give to the disaster victims.

The remaining exhibition days are December 23, 24 and 25. Pictures are taken from 11:00AM until 6:00PM.


Original Text
長崎で笑顔の撮影会－1000人目標、メッセージ添え仙台へ届ける

「辛いときこそ上を向いて歩こう！」メッセージを手に撮影する親子

東日本大震災の被災地に笑顔の写真とメッセージを送ることを目的に12月、旧長崎大丸前のベルナード観光通りで笑顔の撮影会「浜んまちクリスマ★ス★マイルプロジェクト」が行われている。主催は浜んまち6商会。

被災地の一つである宮城県仙台市から長崎市までの距離は約1000マイル（1600キロ）。同プロジェクトは、この数字に着目し1000人の元気な笑顔写真を仙台市に届けるという内容。写真は来年3月11日ごろ、仙台市のクリスロード商店街での展示を予定している。

今月17日・18日の撮影会には、両日で約360人が参加。親子連れやカップル、買い物客などが会場に用意された紙に熱心にメッセージを書き込み、カメラに笑顔を向ける姿が見られた。

同会スタッフは「目標は1000人。笑顔は元気の源。長崎の人の笑顔で被災者の皆さんに元気という最高の贈り物を届けましょう」と参加を呼び掛ける。

今後の開催日は12月23日・24日・25日、撮影時間は11時～18時。

Taking the Seibu Railroad Maid Train. The average age of previous participants: 34.5 years

Translated from the original article at: http://ikebukuro.keizai.biz/headline/378/

Caption: This is the second (trial) of the maid train.

On January 14th of next year, the Seibu Railroad company is conducting a second run of the maid train. The BS Visual company (Japanese site) (Bunkyō, Tōkyō) is co-operating in the operation.

The event is the same as before, a round trip between Seibu's Ikebukuro station and Chichibu station. Last time, 360 seats were available for sale, which sold out within two weeks. The average age of the participants was 34.5 years, 94% said to be male.

The railroad cars being used are the Red Arrow Classic (models), which went into operation on November 27th of this year. The train is made up of 7 cars, of which 6 are used for seating, with a total capacity of 300 people. There's a maid for each car. Two of the cars will have a support maid, for a total of 9 maids arranged to ride the train.

Arranged for all of the cars: In addition to announcements, the maids offer drink service, goods for sale, and will be holding game tournaments. There will be a photography event at the stations, and a talk show event at the shops lining the Chichibu station.

For the round trip, the departure time is 9:25AM from the Seibu Ikebukuro Station. Arrival at the Seibu Chichibu Station is at 11:14. The train departs from Chichibu at 2:31PM and arrives back at Ikebukuro  at 4:32.

Travel prices: Adults=5,500 yen, Children=5,000 yen. Accepting applications until January 1st, from the home page only. (Order of arrival depends on application completion.)

Original Text

西武鉄道で「メイドトレイン」運行へ－前回参加者平均年齢は34.5歳

今回で2度目の「メイドトレイン」

西武鉄道は来年1月14日、2回目の「メイドトレイン」を運行する。運営には、BSビジュアル（文京区）が協力する。

西武池袋駅から西武秩父駅間を列車で1往復する同イベント。前回は360人分の席を発売し、約2週間で完売した。参加者の平均年齢は34.5歳で、男性が94％を占めていたという。

使用する車両は今年11月27日から運行を開始した「レッドアロークラシック」。7両編成の車両のうち6両を使い、定員は300人。メードは各車両1人づつ、2車両につき1人のサポートメードの計9人が乗車を予定する。

車内ではメードによるウエルカムドリンクの提供やワゴンでの車内販売、車内放送、ゲーム大会などを行う。西武秩父駅ではメードと列車の撮影会のほか、秩父仲見世広場でトークショーなどの各種イベントを予定。

往路は、西武池袋駅9時25分発、西武秩父駅11時14分着。復路は西武秩父駅14時31分発、西武池袋駅16時32分着。

旅行代金は、大人＝5,500円、子ども＝5,000円。申し込みは1月3日まで、ホームページからのみ受け付けている（先着順で定員になり次第終了）。

Masaoka Shiki's poetry engraved on a monument, completed at the Ankokuron-ji Temple/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112190012/

Caption: Chief Priest Tamagawa stands at the side of the completed monument (containing an inscription of a poem by MasaokaShiki=Ankokuron-Ji Temple

At the Ankokuron-ji Temple in Oomachi, Kamakura city, which is connected to the haiku and tanka artist Masaoka Shiki, a monument in his honor has been completed. For a time, Shiki visited Kamakura to recite poetry. Within the temple, talk began of using the space as the location of his monument in Kamakura city.

(The famous buddhist) Nichiren would take retreats at the temple, where his missionary work was connected to. This is where Hōjō Tokiyori presented the Risshouankokuron, a Buddhist text compiled by Nichiren.

In 1888 and 1893, Masaoka Shiki visited Kamakura, travelling through the temple on foot as well. Also, Nichiren left behind many Waka and Haiku.

The monument is 180 centimeters tall and 110 centimeters wide. Written on the moument is a waka of Shiki's, recited in the year 1900 [The pine leaves of kamakura, in the roads and area of the valley, they explain the way. -Bodhisattva Nichiren]. Kishiki's profile is sculpted in a relief.

Chief Priest Tamagawa Gakushou knows of the poem recited at the Matsubagayatsu (an area including purification grounds), "It was recited from here," where the monument was drawn up and erected. The relief was a work of the son of one Shiki's students, it's construction expressing the depth of Shiki's connection (with his students). Tamagawa Gakushou said "Understanding that this is the first monument of Kishiki in Kamakura, we want to send him deep affection."

Original Text

正岡子規の歌を刻んだ文学碑、安国論寺に完成/鎌倉

完成した歌碑の横に立つ玉川住職＝安国論寺

鎌倉市大町の安国論寺に、同寺にゆかりのある俳人で歌人の正岡子規の歌碑が完成した。子規が鎌倉を訪れた時のことを詠んだ歌で、同寺は「子規の文学碑は鎌倉では初めてでは」と話している。

安国論寺は、日蓮がいおりを結んで布教をした場所で、ここで北条時頼に提出した「立正安国論」を著したとされている。

正岡子規は、１８８８年と93年の２度、鎌倉を訪問。同寺にも足を運んでいる。また、日蓮に関する和歌や俳句を多く残している。

歌碑は高さ約１８０センチ、幅約１１０センチ。子規が１９００年に詠んだ和歌「鎌倉の松葉が谷の道の辺に法を説きたる日蓮大菩薩（ぼさつ）」と記され、子規の横顔のレリーフもある。

玉川覚祥住職が同寺のある松葉ケ谷を詠んだこの歌のことを知り、「ここのことを歌っているから」と建立を構想。レリーフは、子規の門下生の息子による作品であるなど、建立の過程も子規と縁が深い。玉川住職は「鎌倉初の子規の歌碑を通じて、子規に親しんでほしい」と話している。

Slot Car Racing appears inside the New Yokohama Ramen Museum

Translated from the original article at: http://kohoku.keizai.biz/headline/472/

Caption: A giant slot car racing circuit has been prepared. 8 meters wide, 30 meters total length, and a varying depth of 70 centimeters.

In the New Yokohama Ramen Museum (Yokohama City, Kōhoku Ward, New Yokohama 2nd Ward), a slot car racing circuit is now open on the first floor gallery.

In the museum, a 1960's working class neighborhood reappearers out of thin air, containing famous ramen branches from throughout the entire country. Presently, for the masses of younger generations (1970-1980's)  who've passed and yearn for that time period, all sorts of themes and designs from the 60's are on display.

At that same time, slot car racing toys were very popular. Super cars on a scale of 1 to 24 or 1 to 32 would be inserted into a slot (ditch) to be raced. The car moves via a motor inside, powered by electricity running through the slot. A hand controller is used to adjust the amount of electicity during the race.

At the museum, a giant slot car racing circuit has been prepared. 8 meters wide, 30 meters total length, and a varying depth of 70 centimeters. Rental slot cars can be enjoyed. In addition, a plastic model shop has been established, which includes copies of models no longer in production. Approximately 3000 slot cars are for sale,  from 2000 yen. Original car designs are able to be produced.

Manager of public relations, Mr Takigami Masaki, commented: Slot car racing is a splendid taste. It's a way for an individual to tune up cars that they love. In a car that's only available in one make across the entire world, you can be the one to race it.

Slot cars can be raced for 200 Yen per 5 minutes. Admission fees for the museum:  Middle-schoolers and above=300 Yen,  elementary schoolers and seniors (older than 60) = 100 Yen, pre-elementary schoolers pay no admission.  Business hours vary according to the day.


Original text:
新横浜ラーメン博物館内にスロットカーレーシング登場

幅8メートル、全長30メートル、高低差70センチの巨大なスロットカーレーシングのサーキットを用意した

新横浜ラーメン博物館（横浜市港北区新横浜2）1階ギャラリーに現在、スロットカーレーシングのサーキットが展開している。

「昭和33年の下町」を再現した空間の中に全国の有名ラーメン店が出店する同館。現在は団塊ジュニア世代が子ども時代を過ごし「懐かしいと感じる」1970～1980年代（昭和40～50年代）をテーマに各種企画を展開している。

スロットカーレーシングは同時代に流行した玩具で、24分の1や32分の1のスーパーカーがスロット（溝）のついたコースを走るもの。内蔵のモーターはスロットに電気が流れることで動き、手元のコントローラーでその電気の量を調整して走らせる。

同館では幅8メートル、全長30メートル、高低差70センチの巨大サーキットを用意。レンタルのスロットカーで遊べる。そのほか、併設のプラモデルショップでは絶版模型も含めた約3000点のスロットカーを販売（2,000円～）しており、オリジナルカーを作ることもできる。

広報担当の瀧上正樹さんは「スロットカーレーシングの醍醐味（だいごみ）は、憧れの車を自分仕様にチューンアップできるところ。世界で一つだけのマイカーを走らせてみては」と話す。

スロットカーレーシング走行は5分200円。同館の入場料は、中学生以上＝300円、小学生・シニア（60歳以上）＝100円、小学生未満無料。営業時間は日によって異なる。

Operation at the Oohara Temple: Preparing for the new year by placing a large 8 meter shimenawa

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2011/12/19/004534.html

Caption: The longest shimenawa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimenawa) placed on the main shrine.

The Oohara Temple in the town of Sanwa, Oohara, in the city of Fukuchiyama is known for (representing) the God of Fertility. The Chief Priest is Hayashi Hidetoshi. On the 18th, a large Shimenawa will be produced and put up, which occurs every two years. Area locals put the finishing touches on the straw, where it was then placed on the main temple, in preparation for welcoming the new year.

The production of large shimenawas continues from ancient times. In recent years, the local elder group (Presided over by Kobayashi Hideo) has been in charge. From last time (two years before), a local village, Oohara Ubaya No Sato  began operation of a promotion council (also presided by Kobayashi).

The Shimenawa for the main shrine is eight meters long. On the sides of the main temple, are shrines for “Hino,” a Fire God, using six meter ropes. The flood gate shrines use a triad of three meter ropes. The straw came from a sacred rice field near the shrine, whose harvest was used to make 250 bundles of glutinous rice.

　

A total of twenty members combined from both associations gathered. From the morning, they started work at the Ema shrine. The thickest Shimenawa was used at the main shrine, measuring 30 centimeters in circumference, being braided from three ropes. The elders indicated that the Shimenawa were skillfully made. While traveling through the three locations, they attached tassels and shide to the Shimenawa.

　

Finished with the Shimenawa, ladders were used to place it upon the gable on the front of the main shrine, where a three dimensional dragon had been carved.

Chief Priest Hayashi (Age 55) explained: "We were given enough time to beautifully create and finish the Shimenawa. Next year is the Year of the Dragon. We pray that year gives us the energy to ascend to the heavens."

At the same shrine, from the last day of the year until the third day of the new year, the main temple will be lit up, and front will be conferred with lucky talismans and evil-warding arrows.

Original Text

迎春準備に８メートルの大しめ縄　大原神社で取り付け作業

写真＝一番長い大しめ縄は本殿に取り付けた

安産の神様として知られる福知山市三和町大原の大原神社（林秀俊宮司）で１８日、２年に一度の大しめ縄作りが行われた。地元の人たちがわらをなって仕上げ、本殿などに取り付けて、迎春準備を進めた。

大しめ縄作りは大昔から続けられており、近年では地元老人会（小林英夫会長）が担ってきたが、前回（２年前）から、地元の大原うぶやの里活性化推進協議会（小林会長）が加わって作業している。

本殿用は長さ８メートルで、このほか、本殿そばにある火之神神社用の６メートル、水門神社用の３メートルの計３本をこしらえた。わらは神社近くの「神田」で収穫されたもち米のものを使い、約２５０束を用意した。

両会の会員約２０人が集まり、朝から絵馬殿で作業。本殿用の大しめ縄は一番太いところで直径約３０センチあり、三重に編んでいった。長老たちの指示で、手際良く仕上げ、途中３カ所に房を付け、紙垂も取り付けた。

出来上がったしめ縄は、本殿正面の龍が丸彫りされた唐破風に、はしごを使って取り付けた。

林宮司（５５）は「時間をかけてきれいに仕上げてもらった。来年は辰年。天に昇る勢いのある年になることを願っています」と話していた。

同神社では、おおみそかから正月三が日、本殿のライトアップをして、社頭では縁起物や破魔矢などを授与する。

Extravagant kites lined up to welcome the new year, 80 various kites displayed in (Fukuchiyama) city's children's science museum

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2011/12/15/004515.html

Caption: Various kites lined up in the event forum on floor 1 of the children’s science museum (In Fukuchiyama)

Izaki, Fukuchiyama city: In the city's children's science museum of Sandanike park (Directed by Morishita Taichi), the final month of the year was specially planned for displaying kites from everywhere in Japan. The reason for all the various colors, shapes and flashiness of the kites, is to quickly create and envelop the meeting room with a mood that welcomes the new year.

The kite is considered to have originated in China. Afterwards it traveled to the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Originally used in warfare, it’s uses were divided as signal and beacon equipment. In the Edo period, it became a lucky talisman to ward off evil, produce an abundant harvest, etc.

For the display, city resident Ishida Miyoko gathered a portion of the 80 kites. Themes including warriors, the earthly branches, large mouths with emerging tongues, circular and miniature designs, and other distinctive styles decorated the area.

The display lasts until January 22 of next year. The museum is closed on Wednesdays (In the situation that the following Thursday is a holiday.) Closed from the 28^th until New Years Day. Admission Fee.

Original text:

 華やかな凧並び迎春ムード　市児童科学館に各地の８０点

写真＝児童科学館１階のイベント広場に並ぶ各地の凧

福知山市猪崎、三段池公園の市児童科学館（森下太一館長）で、正月の特別企画として「日本各地の凧展」が開かれている。地方によって色、形はさまざま。会場は華やかで、早くも迎春ムードに包まれている。

凧の起源は中国とされる。その後、朝鮮半島、日本へと伝わった。もともと武具として合図、のろしなどの役割で使われていたが、江戸時代になって五穀豊穣、魔除けなどの縁起物になったという。

展示されているのは市内在住の芦田美代子さんが収集したものの一部で約８０点。武者が描かれたもの、十二支をテーマにしたもの、大きな口から長い舌を出したデザイン、扇型、雛型のものなどが地方別に飾られている。

来年１月２２日まで展示する。水曜日休館（祝日の場合は翌日）。２８日から来年１月１日までも休館する。入館料がいる。

For the 50th anniversary of the Toshiba Science Museum, a commemorative display of 100 inventions from (Toshiba) founder Tanaka Hisashige/Kawasaki December 16, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112160008/

Caption: A karakuri doll writing characters, invented by Toshiba founder Tanaka Hisashige=Toshiba Science Museum

The pioneering spirit exists in a corporate museum. The Toshiba Science Museum (Kawasaki City, Saiwai Ward, Komukai Toshiba Town) introduced scientific/technological industrial culture, and is now upon the 50th anniversary of it's opening. On the 15th, Toshiba's founder, Tanaka Hisashige (1799-1881) had a commemorative display of his designs featured in the opening ceremony as the museum opened.

During the museum's opening in November, 1961, they commemorated the 85th anniversary that Toshiba was initially founded (Note: Tanaka Engineering Works was established by Tanaka Hisashige in 1875, which would go on to merge with Tokyo Electric in 1939, forming Toshiba). Products and science/technology connected with the company are on display. With school organizations and families across all classes widely and intimately connected with the company, a calculated total of over 8,700,000 have visited the museum. Lately, with the boom of industry tourists, the number of visitors is said to have further increased.



The design exhibit is titled "The Story of Tanaka Hisashige~passion and inexhaustible pursuit~." From the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate until the Meiji period, Hisashige sent out a number of inventions to the world, and was called "The Genius Machine Engineer". In 1875, in the Ginza Brick Town of Tokyo, he opened up business with a store and factory which became the origin of Toshiba.

The exhibit is displaying such inventions as the thousand year clock, karakuri dolls, replicas of steam powered vehicles, etc. The Edo period's most spectacular karakuri is the character writing doll. While skillfully controlling a brush, it's able to write the characters for "寿,Long Life" and "松,Pine Tree"

Toshiba's president, Sasaki Norio, said the following at the ceremony: "The Toshiba Science Hall interacts with as well as expands science and technology throughout the region. We will want to have more exhibits after this. For Tanaka Hisashige, the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate was a period of instability and an era of change, where people picked up where others left off and their daily living transformed. We want to constantly continue to receive the DNA of revitalization while being the world's first and best in our pursuit of technology."

The design exhibit is open until April 27th of next year. Closed on Sundays, Holidays and specific dates. The hall is open from 9:00AM until 4:45PM. Admission is free. For questions, the hall's telephone number is 044 (549) 2200.


Original text
 東芝科学館50周年、記念展に創業者の田中久重発明１００点展示/川崎
2011年12月16日

東芝創業者の田中久重が発明した文字を書くからくり人形＝東芝科学館

企業博物館の草分け的存在で、科学技術や産業文化を紹介している東芝科学館（川崎市幸区小向東芝町）が、開館50周年を迎えた。東芝創業者の田中久重（１７９９～１８８１年）にちなんだ記念企画展のオープニングセレモニーが15日、同館で開かれた。

同館は同社創業85周年記念事業の一環として１９６１年11月に開館。同社ゆかりの製品や技術などを展示している。学校団体や家族連れなど幅広い層に親しまれ、累計来場者は約８７０万人に上り、最近は産業観光ブームもあって来場者が増えているという。

企画展のタイトルは「田中久重ものがたり～情熱と飽くなき探求心～」。久重は幕末から明治期にかけて数多くの発明品を世に送り出し、「天才機械技術者」ともいわれた。１８７５年、東京・銀座煉瓦街に開業した店舗兼工場が東芝の起源になっている。

同展では発明品の万年時計やからくり人形、蒸気車模型など約１００点を展示している。江戸期のからくり人形の最高傑作の一つである文字書き人形は、人形が筆を巧みに操りながら「寿」や「松」の字を書くことができる。

 東芝の佐々木則夫社長はセレモニーで「東芝科学館は地域交流とともに科学技術を広める場でもあり、今後も発展させていきたい。田中久重は幕末の不安定な時期に時代の変化を先取りしながら人々の暮らしを変えていった。われわれも脈々と受け継ぐＤＮＡを活性化しながら世界初、世界一の技術を探求していきたい」と述べた。

企画展は来年４月27日まで。日曜・祝日・特定日休館。開館時間は午前９時～午後４時45分。入館無料。問い合わせは、同館電話０４４（５４９）２２００。

The Abeno Cues Mall donates (several) Rock Hyrax to the Tennōji Zoo December 15, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://abeno.keizai.biz/headline/274/

Caption:  The Abeno Cuex Mall donates (several) Rock Hyrax to the Tennōji Zoo

On the 15th of December, at the Tennōji Zoo  (Osaka City,  Tennōji  Ward, Chausuyama Town),  an unveiling and christening ceremony was held for three Rock Hyrax donated by the Abeno Cues Market Park Mall.

The Rock Hyrax is a herbivore of the ungulate （hoofed animal） group. One male and 2 females were donated. Since opening business, the Abeno Cues Mall has been dealing with area reduction measures (Titled the the Abeno Smile Project, part of the larger Tennōji Zoo Project). In 2010, the park added an African Savannah, reviving (interest) in the Rock Hyrax.

The donation was made possible by point card users (of Abeno Cues mall) contributing a discretionary amount towards the area reductions. The saved points were put to use as special event revenue.

Both facilities publicly recruited (submissions) for names of the animals. 540 applications total were screened. The male was announced as Sora (Sky) and the females Yume (Dream) and Hikari (Light). Fifteen people named the Rock Hyrax (including duplicate submissions). Of those, seven participants were awarded a commerative gift.

Apart from the area reduction measures for the Abeno Cues mall, the city of Osaka's municipal university hospital (Abeno ward), on the same day announced the (interimly named) Picture Book Donation Project. Picture books can be purchased and donated towards the hospital's children's ward.

Original Text:
 あべのキューズモールが寄贈したケープハイラックス、天王寺動物園に

 あべのキューズモールが天王寺動物園に寄贈したケープハイラックス

天王寺動物園（大阪市天王寺区茶臼山町）で12月15日、あべのマーケットパーク キューズモールが寄贈したケープハイラックス3頭のお披露目と命名式が行われた。

寄贈された有蹄（ゆうてい）類の草食動物ケープハイラッックスは雄1頭、雌2頭。あべのキューズモールが開業時から取り組んでいる地域還元施策「あべのスマイルプロジェクト」の一環で「天王寺動物園プロジェクト」を立ち上げ、同園アフリカサバンナゾーンで2010年から不在になっていたケープハイラックスを復活させた。

 寄贈は、ポイントカード利用者が任意で地域還元の寄付することができ、積み立てたポイントと催事収益金を活用した。

名前は両施設で一般公募し、応募総数540通から選考。雄が「そら」、雌が「ゆめ」「ひかり」と発表。15人の命名者（重複含む）のうち、7人が参加して記念品が授与された。

あべのキューズモールからは、これからの地域還元施策として、大阪市立大学医学部付属病（阿倍野区）の小児病棟に絵本を購入し寄贈する「（仮）絵本寄贈プロジェクト」を同日から始めることも発表された。

Sweeping away evil as the new year approaches, soot cleaning at the Tsurugaokahachiman shrine /Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112140001/

Caption: The evil and filth of the year is swept out in a customary end of the year practice at the Tsurugaokahachiman shrine (Soot cleaning)= Yuki No Shita, Kamakura City

On the 13th, the year's evil and filth is swept away in a customary end of the year practice (Soot cleaning). Underway at the Tsurugaokahachiman shrine in Yuki no Shima, Kamakura City.

Approximately 150 Shinto priests and maidens participate. Using 5 meter long bamboo sticks,  the ends fitted with bamboo leaves, the tower gates and the front of the main palace within the premises are completely cleaned of dirt.

Thanks to this event on the 13th, the preparations for the new year kick off.


Original Text
厄はらい新たな年へ、鶴岡八幡宮「すす払い」/鎌倉

１年の厄や穢を払い落とす年末恒例の鶴岡八幡宮「すす払い」＝鎌倉市雪ノ下

１年の厄や穢（けがれ）を払い落とす年末恒例の「すす払い」が13日、鶴岡八幡宮（鎌倉市雪ノ下）で行われた。

 神職や巫女（みこ）ら約１５０人が参加。長さ約５メートルの竹の先にササの葉がついた「すす竹」を使って本殿前の楼門など境内各所の汚れを掃除した。

 この行事は、13日が新年の準備に取り掛かる「事始め」であることにちなむ。

[Seeming quite dramatic], The Russian training sailboat "Nadezhda" stops at the port of Yokohama/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112130047/

Russian training sailboat (Nadezhda) stops in the port of Yokohama

Russia's training sailboat (The Nadezhda, weighing 2297 tons) stopped at the international passenger boat terminal Oosanbashi in Yokohama Harbor on the 12th. Since June 2002, this is the 2nd time it's stopped at Yokohama Harbor. According to an agent, it's arranged to depart at 6:00PM on the 15th.

While in anchourage, three masts are decked with international maritime signal flags, fully dressing the ship.  At night, lamps are turned on, illuminating the ship.

The sailboat belongs to the national oceanic school of Vladivostok, Russia, who in 2012 will host the summit for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (A.P.E.C.). In 2010, the summit was held in Yokohama.

Crew members wearing dark blue sailor uniforms were moving amoung the deck and bridge, gazed upon by females watching from the Oosanbashi terminal, resembling a scene from a TV drama.


Original Text:
「まるでドラマ」、ロシアの練習帆船「ナデジュダ」が横浜に寄港/神奈川

横浜港に寄港したロシア練習帆船「ナデジュダ」

ロシアの練習帆船「ナデジュダ」（２２９７トン）が12日、横浜港・大さん橋国際客船ターミナルに寄港した。横浜寄港は２００２年６月以来、２度目。代理店によると、15日午後６時に出港する予定という。

停泊中は３本マストに国際信号旗を飾り立てる満船飾を披露し、夜はイルミネーションを点灯させた。

 帆船が所属する海洋国立大学があるウラジオストクでは12年にアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）が開かれることから、10年の開催地・横浜を訪問したという。

 紺色のセーラー服を着た乗組員が甲板やブリッジで働く姿に、大さん橋から見学していた女性は「まるでドラマの１シーンのよう」と見入っていた。

The disaster area is not forgotten; picture exhibitation in the town of Ooe

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2011/12/12/004504.html

Caption: Pictures displaying the condition of the disaster area. 

In the town of Ooe, Kōmori, Fukuchiyama City's meeting hall, an exhibit has been put together in the lobby, featuring picture panels of East Japan's great earthquake disaster. Nine months have passed since the disaster occured. The exhibit begins on the 11th and lasts until the 18th.

The tragic disaster seems to have passed, but for the matters of financially harmful rumors of radioactivity and occurences of human rights violations, proper confirmation is still pending. The people closest to Fukuchiyama City's community development (sector) are acting to implement a comittee.

In the lobby, Ikema Tetsurō, representing Okinawa's Non-Profit-Organization corporate body, "Asia Child Support," lines up thirty four photographs. Such things as ships running aground and the second level of houses tearing off were shown, but no amount of photos account for the true damage inflicted.

The revival of financially damaging rumors of radioactive pollution that can't be tempered. Fishing boats that remain lined up on a grand scale in fishing harbors. Members of Japan's self-defense force searching with all their might for missing persons. Large amounts of acquintances and friends that have been lost. Children loitering near rubble. All of this is pictured.

Representative Ikema continued to explain each photograph, and conveyed that people of the disaster area are presently suffering, but are doing their best to recover from their circumstances and restore their lives.

Original text:
被災地のこと忘れない　大江で写真展

:写真＝被災地の状況を伝える写真

福知山市大江町河守の大江町総合会館１階ロビーで、東日本大震災の被災状況を撮影した写真パネル展が、震災発生から９カ月目となる１１日から始まった。１８日まで。

悲惨な被災地のことが忘れ去られようとしており、放射能の風評被害で人権侵害も発生していることから、正しい認識を持ってもらおうと、人にいちばん近いまちづくり福知山市実行委員会が実施している。

ロビーには、沖縄のＮＰＯ法人アジアチャイルドサポートの池間哲郎代表が撮影した写真３４枚が並ぶ。船が陸に乗り上げたり、家屋の２階部分がひきちぎられて流れ着いたりと、信じられないような被害の写真が何枚もある。

放射能汚染の風評被害で再興がままならない、大きく傾いた漁船がいくつも並ぶ漁港。懸命に行方不明者の捜索をする自衛隊員。多くの知り合いや友だちを亡くし、瓦礫の近くにたたずむ幼児の写真もある。

それぞれに池間代表がつづった説明が付けられ、被災地の人たちが苦しんでいる現状、復興・再興へ頑張っている様子を伝えている。

Autumn leaves and snow appear together in Tanzawa/Yamakita December 10th, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112090046/

Caption: The autumn leaves of west Tanzawa in snowfall.

The beginning of winter in west Tanzawa has the snow appearing together with the autumn leaves. The effects of this fall's high temperatures among the mountain areas have left the autumn leaves still visible. On the 9th, the mid-winter's usual cold temperature entered and the snow piled up.

According to the nature science center of West Tanzawa's prefectural institute (Yamakita Town, Nakagawa),  both Japan and North Korea's temperature levels dropped to near zero. The summit of Hinokiboramaru Mountain dipped below the freezing point, and the rain from the previous night was said to have turned into snow.

Maple trees in various states of colorization were instantly covered in snow. In the area of Tanzawa lake, the inside of the prefecture had three distinct layers of scenery, a mesmerizing view. In the afternoon, the weather recovered, and the snow immediately disappeared.

Original Text：

紅葉と雪が丹沢で共演/山北

2011年12月10日

紅葉の西丹沢に降雪

初冬の西丹沢で雪と紅葉が共演―。今年は秋の高温の影響で山間部では紅葉がまだ見られるが、９日は真冬並みの冷え込みで雪が積もった。

県立西丹沢自然教室（山北町中川）によると、同日朝の段階で気温は０度近くまで低下。檜洞丸（ひのきぼらまる）などの山頂は氷点下となり、前夜からの雨が雪に変わったという。

カエデなど色づいた木々が一斉に雪化粧。丹沢湖周辺では「三段染め」のような県内では珍しい景色も見られた。午後に入り天候が回復、雪は次第に消えた。

[A Blue Full Moon] from the space between the Futami married rocks. Will tonight's total lunar eclipse be a red full moon? December, 10 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://iseshima.keizai.biz/headline/1270/

Caption: [Blue Full Moon] from the space between the Futami married rocks. Will tonight's total lunar eclipse be a red full moon?

From December 10th, in the space between the married rocks of the Futami Okitama Shrine (in the town of Futami, Ise city), a blue full moon appears, the moon's light bathing in the blue sea and sky.

The time period for the morning sun emerging from the space between the married rocks is limited to the months of April through August. Especially on the days of summer solstice, with the sun's ability to loom over Mount Fuji in recent years, the married rocks have become a highly popular spot to take photographs. From before and after winter solstice　(November through February) the same full moon emerges from the space between the married rocks, though that fact is still not well-known.

TheShimenawa (Connecting ropes) of the married rocks came from long ago. 700 meters off shore, at the sea bed, lie the sunken Okitamashinseki (stones with a latent spirit) connected with the the Sarutahiko (Monkey God). Also, from the space between the rocks, the sun emerges. And in a straight line of 200 kilometres (in front of the rocks) a Torii gate has been placed, thought to have been used in celebrations of Japan's most spiritual mountain, Fuji.

On this day, it was forecasted that the moment the moon will appear is at the time of 4:25PM. From the horizon of the sea, it will rise straight above through a thin veil of clouds.

At 4:43, a single cameraman called out as the sound of the camera's shooting reverberated simultaneously. A visitor to the shrine casually asked "What are you taking a picture of?" "The lunar eclipse?" "The evening sun?", as he stopped in his tracks and his head tilted towards the lens of the camera. The kind cameraman explained that he was devoted to searching for the lunar eclipse and taking a picture the moment the moon emerged.

At 5:05PM, the full moon appeared from the space between the married rocks. The blue light now released from the sky and ocean was reflected, and the moon's pale light swayed while creating it's own rendition of "Moon River".

This evening, a red full moon, becoming a complete lunar eclipse, can be observed in the entire area of Japan from 11:05PM until 11:58PM. At the same time the moon is emerging and the complete lunar eclipse begins, five hundred camera men and shrine visitors will be packed in the area (of the married rocks), where a thick cloud cover could render the eclipse unwatchable.

After tomorrow, the moon will emerge at the following times: 5:18PM on the 11th, 6:15PM on the 12th, 7:15PM on the 13th, 8:16PM on the 14th. Next year: 3:09PM on January  7th, 4:05PM on the 8th, 5:04PM on the 9th, 6:07 on the 10th, 7:11PM on the 11th. On the 11th, the 9 meter "male" cliff and the 4 meter "female" cliff will be re-upholstered in a ceremony with five new Shimenawa (connecting ropes).

Original Text:

[青い満月」二見夫婦岩の間から－今夜の皆既月食は「赤い満月」か？（2011年12月10日）

「青い満月」二見夫婦岩の間から－今夜の皆既月食は「赤い満月」か？

二見興玉神社（伊勢市二見町）の夫婦岩の間から12月10日、青い満月が現れ、月の光で空と海が青く染まった。

夫婦岩の間から朝日が出るのは、4月～8月の期間だけ。特に夏至の日には富士山と太陽が重なる可能性があるため近年、撮影スポットとして人気が高いが、冬至前後の11月～2月の満月が同じように夫婦岩の間から出ることは、まだあまり知られていない。

古来より夫婦岩としめ縄は、沖合700メートルの海底に沈む猿田彦大神ゆかりの「興玉神石（おきたましんせき）」を、その間から出る太陽を、そして直線距離で約200キロの位置にある日本一の霊峰富士を祭る鳥居と考えられてきた。

この日の月の出時刻は16時25分。水平線のすぐ上にうっすらと雲がかかっていたため予定時間になっても月の姿が現れなかった。

16時43分、一人のカメラマンが「出た」と叫ぶとカメラのシャッター音が一斉に鳴り響いた。たまたま訪れた参拝者は「何を撮っているの？」「月食？」「夕日？」などと首を傾げながらレンズの向かう方向を見ながら足を止めていたが、親切なカメラマンが月の出を撮影していることを説明すると目を凝らしながら満月を探していた。 

17時5分、夫婦岩の間から現れた満月が、青い光を放ち空と海を青く照らし、月の青白い光が揺らぎながら自分に向かうムーンリバーを作った。

今夜、赤い満月になる皆既月食が23時5分ごろから23時58分ごろまで日本全域で観測できる。昨年の12月21日は、月の出と同時に皆既月食が始まることから約500人のカメラマンと参拝者が同境内に詰めかけたが、あいにく雲が厚く見ることができなかった。

明日以降の月の出時刻は、11日が17時18分、12日が18時15分、13日が19時15分、14日が20時16分、来年1月7日が15時9分、8日が16時5分、9日が17時4分、10日が18時7分、11日が19時11分となっている。11日は、高さ約9メートルの男岩と高さ約4メートルの女岩に長さ35メートルの大注連縄5本を張り替える「大注連縄張神事」が執り行われる。

The tradition of dancing with flames in the darkness, protection-by-fire festival at Odawara /Kanagawa December 7, 2011

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112070010/

Caption: A mountain priest draws a Sanskrit character with two torches.

The annual festival to exorcise misfortune and bring in a prosperous new year by imploring the power of fire took place on the night of December 6^th, held by the Ryōgaku Temple on Mount Akiba, Itabashi, Odawara city. Approximately 30 mountain priests gather from around the country, the traditional ceremony being strictly performed during the night in the final month of the year.

Around 6:30 PM, with the area surrounded by darkness, kindling is piled and lit inside the temple grounds. After a dialogue between the mountain priests, bows and swords are cleansed according to etiquette, and Sanskrit characters are drawn with two torches. As a pilgrim places more fire onto the ground, the mountain priests continue to cross the ground barefoot, while praying for protection and health.

The protection-by-fire festival started thirteen hundred years ago, and has continued as a traditional event, conducted every year on December 6^th.

Original Text:

闇に舞う伝統の炎、小田原で「火防祭」/神奈川

2011年12月7日

山伏が２本のたいまつで梵字を描く

ことし一年の厄をはらい新年の繁栄を願う火防（ひぶせ）祭が６日夜、小田原市板橋の秋葉山量覚院で催された。全国から集まった山伏約30人が、伝統の儀式で師走の夜を厳かにともした。

辺りが闇に包まれた午後６時半ごろ、境内に積み上げられたまきに火がたかれた。山伏は問答を交わした後、弓や剣による作法で場を清め、２本のたいまつで梵字（ぼんじ）を描いた。山伏による「火渡り」に続いて、参拝者もおき火の上を素足で渡り、無病息災を祈願した。

火防祭は約１３００年前から続く伝統行事で、毎年12月６日に行われている。

Reaching the summit of Mount Fuji this year at 95, Mr. Minoshima of Hiratsuka city is certainly the oldest to have accomplished this feat/Kanagawa December 6th, 2011

Translated from the original article at:  http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1112050022/

Caption: Mr. Minoshima stands together with his friend Mrs. Koshimizu （Right)　at the summit of Mount Fuji=Photo taken on August 7th.

Mr. Minoshima (Age 95), resides in Tsuchiya, Hiratsuka city.  This year, he climbed Mount Fuji, certainly the oldest person to have done so. (Climbing the mountain) in 2010 was his second greatest feat. As strength and vitality emanated from him, Mr. Minoshima said "I'm grateful for my health, and wish to be well enough to continue completely scaling Mount Fuji."

On the morning of August 6th, Mr. Minoshima set off with his son Saburō (Age 57) and neighborhood friend Mrs. Koshizumi Shiro (Age 79). Although it was more appropriate for 5 (to go hiking), only the 3 of them went. Encountering thunderstorms along the way, their feet did not stop ascending. Resting in mountain huts to recover, during the next day at 3 in the afternoon, they finally arrived at the mountain summit.

According to the Mount Fuji Hongūsengen shrine, responsible for registering and recording the age of climbers who reach the summit, this year, 1319 climbers above 70 were recorded. Second after Mr. Minoshima is Mr. Shōji Sanpo (Age 90) of Tsukagoshi, Saiwai Ward, Kawasaki City. Registration at the reception (of the shrine) was finished after the beginning of September due to weather conditions, etc. However, that did not seem to stop mountain climbers in their 90’s from (passing) that same temple.

Mr. Minoshima began to climb Mount Fuji while in his twenties. Charmed by the scenery, he pursued climbing the mountain twice at the age of 65, while attending to his family business of farming. He's stood at the summit the last 9 consecutive years, and reached it a total of 13 times.

For the last 2 years, he's had this to say about being the oldest mountain climber: "To have become the top age at Japan's number one mountain is exceptional. I'm grateful for the health within me, said Mr. Minoshima. He enjoys playing gate ball, and walks no less than 2 kilometers everyday to train his strength.

Original Text:

95歳で富士山登頂、平塚の蓑島さんが今年の最高齢者確実に/神奈川

2011年12月6日

友人の小清水さん（右）と一緒に富士山頂に立つ蓑島さん＝８月７日撮影

平塚市土屋に住む蓑島兵蔵さん（95）が、富士山に今年登った人の最高齢者になることが確実となった。２０１０年に次いで２度目の快挙。蓑島さんは「健康に感謝し、元気なうちはずっと登り続けたい」と体力づくりに精を出している。

 蓑島さんは８月６日朝、息子の三郎さん（57）と近所の友人の小清水四郎さん（79）の３人で５合目を出発。途中、雷雨に見舞われ、足が上がらなくなった。山小屋に泊まって体調を回復させ、２日間で15時間かけて翌午後３時に山頂へたどり着いた。

富士山頂で高齢の登山者が記帳した名簿を管理する富士山本宮浅間神社によると、今年富士山に登った70歳以上の人は１３１９人。蓑島さんに次ぐ２位は川崎市幸区塚越の三浦正治さん（90）だった。記帳の受け付けを終えた９月初め以降は、気象状況などから「90歳代の登山者はいない」（同神社）とみている。

蓑島さんは20代のとき、初めて富士山に登った。絶景に魅せられたが、家業の農業に追われ２度目の登山は65歳のとき。通算では13回を数え、最近は９年連続で山頂に立っている。

２年連続の最高齢登山者の知らせに、「日本一の山で日本一になったことは格別。健康のありがたさをかみしめている」と蓑島さん。ゲートボールを楽しみ、２キロの散歩を欠かさない毎日で体力を鍛えている。