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。