As this winter enters it's coldest point, the lake of Sankei Park freezes/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212250018/

December 25, 2012

Some waterfowl swimming on the portion of the lake that's begun to thaw=Sankei Park, Naka ward, Yokohama City (Photo taken at 9:20 AM)

Evan a lake has frozen from the cold.

On the 25th, Yokohama reached it's coldest point of the year at a record low 0.4 degrees Celsius (32.72 Fahrenheit), according to the Yokohama Meteorological Observatory. At 8AM, morning commuters could be seen tensing their shoulders as they were met with a severely cold temperature of 0.9 Celsius (33.62 Fahrenheit).

"Until the 27th, the severe cold will continue with a temperature lower than the yearly average," said the observatory.

In Sankei Park of Yokohama City's Naka ward, the cold weather has caused the majority of the lake's surface to freeze. "It's rare for the entire surface of the lake to freeze in December," said the park.  In the morning, the ice was sparkling, with waterfowl seen swimming on the portion of the surface that began to melt.


Original text:
三溪園で池凍る、この冬一番の冷え込み／横浜
2012年12月25日

解け始めたわずかな水面で水鳥が泳ぐ姿＝横浜市中区の三渓園（午前９時２０分撮影）

寒さで池も凍る－。

２５日、横浜の最低気温は０．４度（横浜地方気象台調べ）まで下がり、この冬一番の冷え込みとなった。午前８時でも０．９度と厳しい寒さの朝となり、通勤する人たちも肩をすぼめて歩く姿が目立った。

「２７日までは平年よりも気温が低く、厳しい寒さが続きます」と同気象台。

この寒さで横浜市中区の三渓園では、大池のほぼ全面が凍った。「１２月に池の全面が凍るのは珍しい」と同園。朝日で氷がきらきらと輝き、解け始めたわずかな水面で水鳥が泳ぐ姿が見られた。

A fish memorial service to blessing the waters of Lake Ashi with gratitude/Hakone

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212150010/

December 16, 2012

People within the fishing industry release rainbow trout into the waters of Lake Ashi.

On the 15th, the "gratitude for the water" fish memorial service was held on the side of the Lake Ashi in Motohakone, Hakone.

The event is conducted each year by the Ashinoko Fishery Cooperative Union (Japanese site). This year, union president Nozaki Shigenori began the ceremony, along with 9 others from the lake's fishing industry.

Near the lake, a Shinto ritual was performed at the Hirukawa Fish Breeding area, after which the participants proceeded to the lake's edge. At the fish breeding area, eggs were incubated until rainbow trout measuring 7-8 centimeters hatched. As the participants prayed for their full growth, a thousand immature trout were released into the lake, making the water appear like mist.


Original text:
水の恵みに感謝、芦ノ湖で「魚供養」／箱根
2012年12月16日

芦ノ湖にニジマスを放流する漁業関係者ら

水の恵みに感謝し、魚の魂を供養する「芦ノ湖魚供養　水恩感謝祭」が１５日、箱根町元箱根の芦ノ湖畔で執り行われた。

芦之湖漁業協同組合が、毎年行っている。今年は野崎茂則組合長をはじめ、芦ノ湖の漁業関係者ら約１０人が参加した。

湖近くの蛭川養魚場で神事を行い、一同は湖畔へ。養魚場でふ化した体長７～８センチのニジマス約千匹を霧がかかった芦ノ湖に放流し、その成長を祈っていた。

“Yaku Otoshi,” an annual event at the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine to drive out evil /Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212130029/

December 14, 2012

A look at bamboo dusters being used to cleanse each part of the temple grounds=Kamakura City's Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine

Driving away the year's evil energy and dirt, the annual soot sweeping ritual took place on the 13th at the Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine of Yuki No Shita, Kamakura City.

100 temple staff and miko (shrine maidens) participated. Using bamboo dusters, 5 meter bamboo sticks with bamboo grass attached at the end, they wiped off the dirt from everywhere within the temple, including the front of the main shrine and the tower gates.

For the temple, this event held on the 13th is part of their preparations taken to kick off the New Year.

Original text:

鶴岡八幡宮で恒例の厄落とし／鎌倉

2012年12月14日

「すす竹」を使って境内各所の汚れを落とす様子＝鎌倉市の鶴岡八幡宮

一年の厄や穢（けが）れをはらい落とす年末恒例の「すす払い」が１３日、鎌倉市雪ノ下の鶴岡八幡宮で行われた。

神職や巫女（みこ）ら約１００人が参加。長さ約５メートルの竹の先にササの葉を付けた「すす竹」を使って本殿前の楼門など境内各所の汚れを落とした。

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。

Members of the US Navy throw a Christmas party at an intellectual disability center/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212120015/

December 13, 2012

Dressed up as Santa Claus, a member of U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka distributed presents to members of the facility=Nagasawa, Yokosuka City

On the 12th, in Nagasawa, Yokosuka City , soldiers and personnel of U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka's Ship Repair Facility held a Christmas party at Shiratori Park, Miura’s Facility for the Intellectually Disabled.

The event originated in 1963, when Ship Repair Facility management visited the center to offer presents. This year marks the 50th occasion of what is now an annual volunteer event. 40 personnel from the base visited.

SRF Captain Michael Ballou spoke at the beginning of the event: "We all thought this would be a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays. Merry Christmas!"

Military staff and their families treated people to Christmas cake. A member of the SRF also appeared dressed as Santa Claus to give out presents. 100 members of the facility enjoyed themselves at the party.

Original text:

障害者施設で米海軍隊員ら主催のＸマスパーティー／横須賀

2012年12月13日

基地関係者がふんしたサンタクロースが施設利用者にプレゼントを配った＝横須賀市長沢

横須賀市長沢の知的障害者施設「三浦しらとり園」で１２日、米海軍横須賀基地の艦船修理廠（しょう）（ＳＲＦ）の隊員や従業員が主催するクリスマスパーティーが開かれた。

１９６３年に当時のＳＲＦ幹部が施設を訪問してプレゼントを贈ったことが発祥で、今回で５０回目を迎えた恒例のボランティア行事。基地からは約４０人が訪れた。

イベント冒頭で、ＳＲＦ司令官のマイケル・バルー大佐が「隊員にとっても皆さんと年末の休暇を祝える好機。メリー・クリスマス」とあいさつした。

隊員や家族らがそろえたクリスマスケーキが振る舞われ、ＳＲＦ関係者がふんしたサンタクロースも登場してプレゼントを配るなどして、施設利用者１００人を楽しませた。

Performing a great deed, Vaala the police dog is awarded a certificate of recognition for assisting in the capture of a suspected thief/Kawasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212110023/

December, 12, 2012

Having contributed to the apprehension of a young purse-snatcher, police dog Vaala is photographed with Lieutenant Kouichi=Rinkou, Kawasaki police station

Because of her contribution in capturing a purse-snatching teenager, Vaala the police dog was praised on December 11. At the forensics branch of Rinkou, Kawasaki's Police Headquarters, Vaala received not only a certificate of recognition, but also some chicken breast jerky as a bonus. A 7-year old, female German Shepard, Vaala has been working as a police dog for the last 6 years. Said to have the highest level of skill within Kanagawa prefecture, this is now the 35th time Vaala has received an award.

According to the police, a theft occurred around 6:10PM, December 10th on the Ni-Chou-Me Street of Sakuramoto in the Kawasaki Ward of Kawasaki City. A female part-time worker (age 58) riding a bicycle was approached from behind by a male, also on a bike. As he moved ahead of her, he grabbed 5,000 ($60) out of 40,000 yen ($485.00) from a bag located in the front basket of the victim’s bike.

From there, the suspect escaped. In the grounds of a nearby factory, the bicycle was discovered abandoned. Relying on the remaining odor from the bicycle's seat, Vaala began the pursuit. Suspected by police as the thief, the male was discovered hiding in a factory storehouse. The captured suspect is an unemployed 16 year old male who lives in the area.

Accompanying Vaala, Lieutenant Kouichi commented "Vaala was born with a tenacious disposition; (during the search) her partner was nearly out of breath."

Original text:

お手柄警察犬「ヴァーラ号」に感謝状、窃盗容疑者逮捕に貢献／川崎

2012年12月12日

ひったくりの少年逮捕に貢献したヴァーラと内警部補（左）＝川崎臨港署

ひったくりをした少年の逮捕に貢献したとして、川崎臨港署は１１日、県警鑑識課所属の警察犬ヴァーラに表彰状と副賞の「ササミジャーキー」を贈った。ヴァーラは雌７歳のシェパードで、警察犬歴は６年。これまでに３５回の賞を獲得するなど県警でもトップレベルの実力の持ち主という。

同署によると、事件は１０日午後６時１０分ごろ、川崎市川崎区桜本２丁目の路上で発生。自転車で走行中の同区のパート女性（５８）が後方から自転車で近づいてきた男に、前籠に入れてあった現金４万円入りの手提げバッグ（５千円相当）を追い抜きざまにひったくられた。

男はそのまま逃走。近くの工場敷地内に放置されていた自転車が見つかった。ヴァーラはサドルなどに残されていたにおいを手掛かりに追跡を開始。工場内の倉庫に隠れていた男を見つけ、同署は窃盗の疑いで、同区在住の無職少年（１６）を逮捕した。

ヴァーラとコンビを組む内幸一警部補は「ヴァーラは粘り強い性格が持ち味。妻以上に息ぴったりの相棒です」と話していた。

The Mount Akiba Fire Protection Festival, a traditional fire dance for prosperity/Odawara

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212060026/

December 7, 2012

A yamabushi drawing a sanskrit character with a torch=Ryōgaku Temple, Mount Akiba, Itabashi, Odawara City

The Mount Akiba Fire Protection Festival took place on the evening of the 6th, conducted by the Ryōgaku Temple of Itabashi, Odawara City. The annual event features a traditional ceremony to burn off one's sins and impurities accumulated over the past year and welcome a prosperous New Year.

After 7:00PM, 30 fully dressed Buddhist priests gather from all over Japan. In a ceremonial dance, Sanskrit characters are drawn in the air with a torch, which acts as an amulet cut off worldly desires and cleanse the area. As the yamabushi continued, temple visitors walked barefoot over flames placed on the ground, praying for health and wellness.

Original text:
伝統行事「秋葉山火防祭」、繁栄願い火の舞／小田原
2012年12月7日

たいまつで梵字を書く山伏＝小田原市板橋の秋葉山量覚

今年一年の罪やけがれを焼き払い、新年の繁栄を願う伝統行事「秋葉山火防（ひぶせ）祭」が６日夜、小田原市板橋の秋葉山量覚院で行われた。

午後７時すぎ、全国から集まった約３０人の修験者装束の山伏が、魔よけの「法剣作法」で場を清め、たいまつで梵字（ぼんじ）を書く火の舞の儀式を披露。山伏に続き、参拝者がおき火の上を素足で歩く火渡りを行い、無病息災を祈願した。

Shooing away the Hitotsume-kozō; Yōkazō reappears during a tradition of Yamato city/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212020010/

December 3, 2012

A bamboo cage placed at the building's entrance and Yōkazō, the Hitotsume-kozō (one-eyed boy) doll=The Yamato Furusato Museum (Japanese site) of Shimotsuruma, Yamato City

At Shimotsuruma, Yamato City's Furusato Museum, "Yōkazō" the one-eyed boy reappears in a traditional evil cleansing ceremony, a custom of the city since the Edo Period.

Yōkazō's name is derived from the words 八日　(Youka, the eighth day) and 小僧 (Kōzō, young boy). Twice a year, on February and December 8, people search their homes for forgotten, stowed away footwear. They place the footwear at the front door and garden areas of their home, where it's said that any evil energy within the house has been transferred. An evil-warding bamboo basket or colander is also placed near the home's door. The (visiting) one-eyed boy becomes startled by all the holes in the basket, which appear to be many eyes. He flees, taking along the house's evil energy contained in the nearby sandals with him.

During the late-Edo period, merchants placed bamboo poles under the eaves of the museum, more recently using baskets. A figure of the one eyed boy is also displayed at the museum.

Admission to the museum is free until December 9th (Closed on December 3-4). For questions, the Shimotsuruma Furusato Museum can be reached at 046(272)6556.


Original text:
一つ目小僧追い払おう、大和に伝わる「ヨーカゾー」再現／神奈川
2012年12月3日

玄関先に置かれた籠と一つ目小僧の人形＝大和市下鶴間ふるさと館

大和市下鶴間の「市下鶴間ふるさと館」で江戸時代から市内に伝わる厄払いの風習「ヨーカゾー」が再現されている。

ヨーカゾーの名は「ようか」と「こぞう」に由来する。毎年、一つ目小僧が１２月と２月の８日、玄関や庭先に履物を片付け忘れた家を探して、その家に災厄をもたらすという伝承がある。編み目の多さで驚かせ追い払おうと、玄関先に厄よけの籠やざるを置いた。

江戸後期の商家を利用した資料館の軒下に竹ざおを置き、その先に籠を掛けた。一つ目小僧の人形も展示している。

入場無料。９日まで（３、４日は休館）。問い合わせは下鶴間ふるさと館電話０４６（２７２）６５５６。

Preparing for spring quite early, the New Years' kadomatsu stand at Ishiwara Temple's torii gate.

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20121201-00000302-rtn-l26

Distributed by the Sankei Shinbum (http://sankei.jp/) on Saturday, December 1, 2012, 6:36 PM

Kadomatsu alongside the torii gate.

Spring preparations have come even earlier. At the Ippin Temple of Ishiwara, Fukuchiyama City, a set of kadomatsu stand across from each other. Created by a local man of 70 years, people strolling by are reacting with surprise. "There's already some kadomatsu. It's sure early..."

The kadomatsu are each 1.5 meters high. Besides being made with bamboo, plum wood and pine, nandina  and atukan are added as decorations. Additionally, kale sprouted from seeds of this year's summer decorate the gates.

Before, the local man worked a job where he decorated kadomatsu by hand. "Because of how hot it got during the summer, I was worried about the growth of the cabbage, but it turned out quite beautiful. This is a most excellent kadomatsu," he said, appearing full of satisfaction.


Original text:
早くも迎春準備　石原の神社に正月用門松立つ
両丹日日新聞 12月1日(土)18時36分配信

鳥居のそばに立つ門松

早くも迎春準備－。福知山市石原、一品神社に門松１対が立てられた。地元の男性（７０）が作ったもので、散歩の人たちも「もう門松。早いなあ」と驚いている。

門松の高さはそれぞれ約１・５メートル。竹や梅、松のほか、ナンテン、センリョウを配している。今夏に種をまいて育てたハボタンもあしらった。
 　
男性は以前に勤めていた職場に、手作りの門松を飾ってきた。「ハボタンが夏の暑さで育つか心配だったが、きれいになり、門松も上々の出来」と満足そうに話していた。

At the Tsurugaoka-Hachimangū shrine, a scene of the finishing touches being applied to evil-warding arrows/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1212010027/

December 1, 2012

A look at the completion of evil-warding arrows=Tsurugaoka-Hachimangū shrine

At the Tsurugaoka-Hachimangū shrine (Yuki No Shita, Kamakura City), the time has come to apply the finishing touches to many hamaya (evil warding arrows). As the New Year approaches, 24,500 arrows of various sizes are being prepared.

After Minamoto No Yoriyoshi ended the Zenkunen War that took place during the late Heian period, (Tsurugaoka’s) bow and arrows have been offered to Hachiman, the God Of War enshrined at Yuiga Beach.

At the tip, the head of the arrow is wrapped with Japanese style paper, then decorated with a bell. As the miko (shrine maidens) skillfully hammer on the arrowheads, echoes can be heard throughout the shrine during the year’s final month.

Original text:

鶴岡八幡宮で破魔矢仕上げ、佳境を迎える／鎌倉

2012年12月1日

佳境を迎えた破魔矢の仕上げ＝鶴岡八幡宮

鶴岡八幡宮（鎌倉市雪ノ下）で、破魔矢の仕上げが佳境を迎えた。新年に向け、大小２４万５千本を用意する。

源頼義が平安時代後期の前九年の役を平定後、由比ケ浜の八幡神に奉納した弓矢にちなむ。

矢の先端の鏑（かぶら）に和紙を巻き、鈴で飾る。巫女（みこ）が手際よく鏑を打ち付け、師走の境内に「コンコン」と響く。

Each painted with their own character, 5 Rebuild of Evangelion taxis are introduced in Sapporo.

Translated from the original article at: http://sapporo.keizai.biz/headline/1520/

November 19, 2012

The eva-taxi.

In the city of Sapporo, 5 "eva taxis" have been sent out to promote the release of the latest Rebuild of Evangelion movie. Each car has been painted with one of the movie’s characters: Shinji Ikari, Rei Ayanami, Asuka Shikinami Langley, Mari Illustrious Makinami and Kaworu Nagisa.

Pictured: The taxi depicting Asuka Shikinami Langley.

All the cars rolled out on the 17th of November as part of the EXHIBITION of EVANGELION in SAPPORO PR campaign with Sapporo Factory (Higashi 4, Kita 2, Chūō-ku, Sapporo). Choei Taxi, located in Sapporo’s Northern Ward, Shinkoto Ni2-Jou13, is handling the service.

On the first of the month, Rei Ayanami was the first car to begin operating within the city. On November 17, the same day “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo” premiered in theaters, all 5 cars went into operation. On twitter, scattered "eyewitness reports" from fans who rode the taxi came in from Sapporo and surrounding areas.

The car’s character is depicted along the side of the car on the doors. The NERV logo is also stamped on the hood of the car. For the body colors: the Shinji and Rei cars are blue, Asuka is red, Mari is pink and Kaworu is purple.

The taxi company commented "Compared to all our cars in dispatch, the Evas have received a high amount of reservations."

The starting fare is 650 yen. The cars are scheduled to be in service through February 11, 2013.

Original text:

札幌に5台の「エヴァタクシー」－「新劇場版」登場キャラ5人ラッピング

（2012年11月19日）

エヴァタクシー

札幌市内で「ヱヴァンゲリヲン新劇場版」の登場キャラクター「碇シンジ」「綾波レイ」「式波・アスカ・ラングレー」「真希波・マリ・イラストリアス」「渚カヲル」5人をラッピングした「エヴァタクシー」が運行を始め、話題を呼んでいる。

【画像】式波・アスカ・ラングレーのエヴァタク

同車は今月17日、「サッポロファクトリー」（札幌市中央区北2東4）で始まった「エヴァンゲリオン展×札幌」のPR企画として運行。市内のタクシー会社「長栄交通」（北区新琴似2条13）が手掛ける。

今月1日に「第1弾」となる綾波レイのタクシーが市内で運行を始め、同展開催初日までに5台の「エヴァタク」が完成。ツイッター上では「目撃情報」が拡散し、北海道外からも「乗りに行く」とツイートするファンもいるなど反響を呼んでいる。

車体側面のドア部分にキャラクターをラッピングし、ボンネットには「NERV」のロゴをラッピング。車体の色は「シンジ車」「レイ車」が青、「アスカ車」が赤、「マリ車」がピンク、「カヲル車」が紫。

同社では「たくさんの予約も頂き配車率も高まっている」という。

初乗りは650円。来年2月11日まで運行予定。

Nissan's Miniature Electric Cars to be made available for testing in Central Yokohama/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1211160005/

November 16, 2012

Miniature electric vehicles, available for trial.

From the 19th, Nissan Motors will be testing their Miniature Electric Cars (EVs) in the Central Yokohama area. By participating in a questionnaire, local residents and visitors will be able to rent the cars, free of charge. Nissan aims to take the results and issues raised in the questionnaire into account before introducing it into the marketplace.

The mini-EV has a body length of 234 centimeters (7.6 feet) and can accommodate 2 passengers across the front and back. It travels up to 80 kilometers an hour (50MPH) and can travel 100 kilometers (62 miles) off a full charge, which takes 4 hours. Though current traffic laws do not allow the car to be driven on public roads, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has granted permission for the car to be driven in the East Yokohama Station, Minato Mirai 21, Kannnai, Yamate and Motomachi areas.

Until January 31, 2013, users will be able to drive the vehicles for 3.5 hours per day. Vehicles can be loaned out from Nissan's global headquarters (Takashima, Nisha Ward, Yokohama City), the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse (Japanese site) (Shinko, Naka Ward, Yokohama City) and the Yamashita-cho underground parking garage.

Applicants being sought are regular, everyday drivers who have received a normal driver's license at least 3 years prior. The registration homepage is located at http://nissan-rentacar.com/yokohama/. At a later date, drivers will in advance be issued a reservation for membership cards.

Original text:

日産の超小型電気自動車、横浜都心エリアで貸し出しへ／神奈川

2012年11月16日

試乗が可能となる超小型ＥＶ

日産自動車の超小型電気自動車（ＥＶ）が１９日から、横浜都心エリアで試乗可能になる。地域住民や観光客らに無料で貸し出し、アンケートを利用者に実施。効果や課題を検証し市場への導入を目指す。

超小型ＥＶは、全長２３４センチで前後２人乗り。最高速度は時速約８０キロで、４時間の充電で約１００キロ走る。現行法では公道を走れないため、国土交通省が許可した横浜駅東口、みなとみらい２１、関内、山手・元町エリア限定で走ることができる。

２０１３年１月３１日までで、利用可能時間は１日最大で３時間半。日産グローバル本社（横浜市西区高島）、横浜赤レンガ倉庫１号館（同市中区新港）、山下町地下駐車場で貸し出す。

利用対象者は普通自動車免許取得後３年以上を経過し、日常的に運転している人など。ホームページ（http://nissan-rentacar.com/yokohama/）で会員登録し、後日発行の会員カードで事前予約をする。

Caught in a fishing net, a ghostly deep sea squid is on display at the Shin-Enoshima Aquarium/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1211150041/

November 16, 2012

The Shin-Enoshima Aquarium has begun taking care of a chiroteuthis imperator, a phantom-like deep sea squid. (Photo provided by the aquarium)

On the morning of the 15th, an extremely rare, deep sea dwelling chiroteuthis imperator squid was caught in a fixed fishing net off the Enoshima coast of Fujisawashi City. Being confirmed alive, it was transferred to the nearby Shin-Enoshima Aquarium and put on display that afternoon. A specialist at the aquarium said "This was the first time I've seen a live specimen."

The squid is about 19 centimeters (7&1/2 inches) in length and milky pink in color. A deep sea dweller, they’re said to usually reside in-between Sagami Bay and the South China Sea, at a depth of 200 to 600 meters. They're (normally) observed alive from submarines, etc.  "Capturing, and especially housing one at an aquarium for a period of time is considered an extremely rare occurrence," said the aquarium’s spokesperson.

Known for its floating, gently swinging body, round eyes and arms that emit light, little detail is known of its ecology. The images taken from the squid’s time at the aquarium will also serve as research material.

Original text:

幻の深海イカが定置網に掛かる、新江ノ島水族館で公開／神奈川

2012年11月16日

新江ノ島水族館で飼育が始まった幻の深海イカ「ユウレイイカ」（同水族館提供）

生きている姿が確認されるのは極めて珍しいという深海に生息するイカ「ユウレイイカ」が１５日午前、藤沢市江の島沖の定置網に掛かった。近くの新江ノ島水族館に運び込まれ、同日午後から展示されている。水族館の専門家も「生きているのを見るのは初めて」と話している。

発見されたユウレイイカは、体長１９センチほどで色はピンク色がかった乳白色。通常は相模湾以南から南シナ海の水深２００～６００メートルの深海に生息しているという。生きている姿は、潜水船の調査などでは観察されたことはあるが、「捕らえられ、一時的にせよ水族館で飼育するというのは非常に珍しい」（広報担当者）という。

体をゆらゆらと静かに漂わせ、目の周りや、腕から光を放つと知られているが、詳しい生態は分かっていないという。水族館では映像を残し飼育研究にも役立てたいとしている。

Creating art sculptures from logs at a chainsaw art tournament/Yamakita

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1211120010/

November 13, 2012

Using chainsaws, participants give birth to works of art=The Tanzawa Lake Dam Public Park, Kamioda, Yamakita-cho

Using a chainsaw to create sculptures out of a log, a chainsaw art tournament was held on the 11th at the Tanzawa Lake Dam Public Park, Kamioda, Yamakita-cho. There were 18 participants, both from within and outside the prefecture. On the lakeside, the echoes of chainsaw engines could be heard, as birds and other animals were being carved out of wood. Hiromu Kurita of Chiba Prefecture was chosen as the grand winner.

The skills displayed at the tournament were a part of the area's tourism campaign, the Ashigara Art Festival, which features both open class and beginner's courses.

Measuring 35 centimeters thick and 1 meter, 30 centimeters wide, the logs were felled at the Kyowa area of Yamakita. The participants attached specialized blades to the chainsaws, aiming to not only cut away from the wood but also apply finishing touches to the figures there were creating.

Besides the sculptures being auctioned off that day, celebrity Kuniaki Shimizu was a guest participant in the competition. During a talk show, he demonstrated chainsaw art and put on what was said to be an amazing performance.


Original text:
丸太から生み出す彫刻作品、チェーンソーアート大会／山北
2012年11月13日

チェーンソーを操り、作品を制作する出場者＝山北町神尾田の丹沢湖ダム広場公園

チェーンソーを使って１本の丸太から彫刻作品を生み出すチェーンソーアートの競技大会が１１日、山北町神尾田の丹沢湖ダム広場公園で開かれた。県内外から１８人が出場。湖畔にエンジン音を響かせながら鳥や動物などを制作し、最優秀賞には千葉県の栗田宏武さんが選ばれた。

大会は芸術を通して地域おこしに取り組む「ＡＳＨＩＧＡＲＡアートフェスティバル」の一環。オープンクラスとビギナークラスに分かれている。

同町共和地区で伐採した直径３５センチ、長さ１メートル３０センチの丸太を使用。出場者は、専用の刃を取り付けたチェーンソーで切ったり、削ったりしながら狙い通りの形に仕上げた。

この日は作品のオークションも行われたほか、タレントの清水国明さんがゲスト参加。トークショーでは、チェーンソーアートを実演しながら、その魅力を語った。

How to use your sandals to summon hedgehogs

Translated from the original article at: http://karapaia.livedoor.biz/archives/52107476.html

November 10, 2012

Posted on youtube is a video of someone using what appear to be beach sandals to call some hedgehogs over. The video was recorded by a Japanese man staying in West Africa. Creating a rustling sound by brushing his sandals on the floor, the hedgehogs came dashing at full speed, whom he then lovingly moves around with his feet.

Source:
Playing with the hedgehog. YouTube http://youtu.be/b-Ty7p6tW1A
The hedgehog's meal. YouTube http://youtu.be/rcyXsF92bZQ

He seems to have a method for when it's time to feed the hedgehogs, as well. The names of the two hedgehogs are Harō and Yūro. When the owner's voice is heard in the video below, notice that he's using a dialect full of emotion. Which prefecture could he be from? Touhoku perhaps?

Located within the comments is a detailed explanation from the video's contributor. In the video is Japanese researcher Maeno Urudo Kōtarō, who is in Mauritania, Africa researching grasshoppers. The discovery of desert locusts in western Africa is why he's currently residing in Mauritania. There, wild hedgehogs have been appearing within the grounds of the research center, seemingly scouting the area. Maeno's blog [The real insect king of the desert] (Japanese site) is extremely interesting. His group of insect friends are a must see!

Translation note: In Japanese, the word hedgehog is translated into 針鼠（ハリネズミ), meaning "needle mouse".


Original text:
サンダルを使ってハリネズミを召喚する方法
2012年11月10日

ビーチサンダルのようなものでハリネズミを召喚している映像がYOUTUBEにて公開されていた。日本の映像（日本人の方が西アフリカ滞在中に撮影したもの）なのだが、カサカサと床にサンダルを擦り付けることで、愛くるしい動きをしたハリネズミがまっしぐらにやってくる。

ソース：じゃれるハリネズミ - YouTube
ハリネズミのご飯 - YouTube

ごはんをあげる時もこの方法でハリネズミたちを召喚するそうだ。2匹のハリネズミの名前は、ハローとユーロ。下の映像には、飼い主の音声が入っているのだが、心にしみる方言が使用されているが、どこの県なのかな？東北かな？

コメント欄よりこの投稿者の詳細が判明した。この映像は、アフリカのモーリタニアでバッタの研究をされている日本人の研究者、前野ウルド浩太郎さんだそうで、アフリカで大発生するサバクトビバッタの研究をするために西アフリカのモーリタニアに滞在中、研究所の敷地内にいた野生のハリネズミをスカウトしてきたそうだ。前野さんのブログ「砂漠のリアルムシキング」が超オモロイのだそうで、昆虫班のおともだちは要チェックなのかも。

Crowds seek lucky talismans at the Kotohira Ōtori Jinja Shrine “Tori no Ichi” Festival/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1211080036/

November 8, 2012

People looking to purchase lucky talismans=Kotohira Ōtori Jinja Shrine, Minimi-ku, Yokohama

For those praying for prosperity in their business, the annual Tori No Shi Festival was held on the 8^th at the Kotohira Ōtori Jinja Shrine, located in Yokohama's Southern District. The event was crowded with people seeking good luck charms.

Located alongside a park, the main street featured lines of stores selling glittering kumade, decorated with bails of rice and koban coins. Whenever a kumade was sold, the powerful echoes of shopkeepers calling out "Great profits, huge  prosperity!" could be heard.

Ōkawa Tsutomu (39), manager of a yakiniku restaurant in Asahi-ku, Yokohama said "Every year, I come to purchase a new kumade, which seems to be getting larger each year. I pray my business grows in size as well."

Original text:

金刀比羅大鷲神社で酉の市、縁起物求めにぎわう／横浜

2012年11月8日

縁起物を買い求める人たち＝横浜市南区の金刀比羅大鷲神社

商売繁盛を祈願して、横浜市南区の金刀（こと）比羅（ひら）大鷲（おおとり）神社で８日、毎年恒例の「酉（とり）の市」が開かれ、縁起物を買い求める人たちでにぎわった。

大通り公園沿いには、米俵や小判できらびやかに飾り付けられた縁起物の熊手を扱う露店がずらり。熊手が売れるたびに、「商売繁盛、大繁盛」などと威勢のいい掛け声が響き渡った。

焼き肉店を経営する横浜市旭区の大川努さん（３９）は「毎年新しい熊手を買いに来ているが、だんだんと大きいものを購入するようにしている。さらなる商売繁盛を願いたい」と話していた。

A colorful way to conserve energy at Yokohama’s "Smart Illumination" evening event/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1211020008/

November 2, 2012

Baloomination: Balloons sway and fall while changing colors=Zou no Hana Park

Energy saving LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are used to light up Yokohama's harbor town during the evenings during the Smart Illumination Yokohama event. Until the 4th, displays are open at Zou no Hana Park, Yamashita Park and the Nihon Odori Station.

The city attempted to fuse both art and illumination, said the committee sponsoring the event. The artists include students of Yokohama City University, Yokohama College of Art and Design and others.

Balloons toppled and swayed as they changed colors (“Baloomination”), bicycles powered-up light displays, rings of light illuminated from oval shaped lanterns and more. Visitors enjoyed themselves while taking part in the experience.

Original text:

ハマの夜　省エネで彩り「スマートイルミネーション」／横浜

2012年11月2日

バルーンを揺らしたり、倒したりすると色が変わる「バルーミネーション」＝象の鼻パーク

省エネ型の発光ダイオード（ＬＥＤ）照明などを用い、夜の港町を彩る「スマートイルミネーション横浜」が象の鼻パーク、山下公園、日本大通りなどで開かれている。４日まで。

都市観光とアートを融合させる試みで、実行委員会主催。アーティストのほか、横浜市大、横浜美大などの学生らも参加している。

バルーンを揺らしたり、倒したりすると色が変わる「バルーミネーション」や、自転車をこいで発電し、卵形の照明を点灯させる「０（ｚｅｒｏ）」などを来場者は実際に体験し、楽しんだ。

Hundreds of dotted gizzard shads (konoshiko) wash ashore on Kannon Cliff/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1211020012/

November 2, 2012

The bodies of beached dotted gizzard shads. (Photo provided by Yokosuka City)

From October 31 to November 1, there were multiple discoveries of dead dotted gizzard shads (of the Clupeidae family) along the shores of Yokosuka City's Kannon Cliff. Hundreds of fish have washed ashore and the Yokosuka Coast Guard also discovered bodies floating in the coast.

The Gizzard Shard is used for food. Young fish are called Kohada. The bodies were seen drifting from the opposite bank, the Bōsō Peninsula. It's said that they were possibly dumped from a fishing boat. Because of their progressing decay, the Yokosuka City Harbor Department collected and disposed of them on November 1.

Original text:

コノシロ死骸、観音崎の海岸に数百匹／横須賀

2012年11月2日

海岸に打ち上げられたコノシロの死骸（横須賀市提供）

１０月３１日から１１月１日にかけ、横須賀市の観音崎海岸周辺でニシン科のコノシロの死骸が多数発見された。海岸には数百匹が打ち上げられており、横須賀海上保安部も観音崎沖合に死骸が浮いているのを発見した。

 コノシロは食用で、若魚はコハダと呼ばれる。対岸の房総半島から流れ着いたとみられ、漁船からこぼれた可能性があるという。死骸は腐敗が進んでいたため、横須賀市港湾部が１日に回収して処分した。

Dressing however they please, 3500 people participate in a 1.5 kilometer Halloween parade/Kawasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1210280018/

October 28, 2012

3500 participated in the Halloween parade.

Japan's largest Halloween event, the Halloween parade, took place at Japan Railroad's Kawasaki east gate area in Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City.

This year was the 16th occasion of the event. Dressed as zombies, monsters, pumpkins or whatever they wanted, 3500 participants marched to uptempo dance music along the 1.5 kilometer (.93 course).

Original text:
思い思いにハロウィーン、約３５００人が１．５キロをパレード／川崎
2012年10月28日

約３５００人が参加したハロウィン・パレード

国内最大級のハロウィーン・イベント「ハロウィン・パレード」が川崎市川崎区のＪＲ川崎駅東口一帯で行われた。

今年で１６回目。ゾンビやお化けカボチャなど思い思いに仮装した約３５００人が参加し、アップテンポのダンスミュージックに合わせて約１．５キロのコースを練り歩いた。

[Video news] At Hiratsuka, the production of snake (Chinese zodiac) daruma dolls reach their peak.

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1210240018/

October 24, 2012

The peak period for creating snake (Chinese zodiac) darumas.

2013 will the year of the snake. Founded 150 years ago, the long established Arai Daruma (Higashiyawata, Hiratsuka) store enters peak production of snake (Chinese zodiac) darumas.

With the money in 2004, the store began creating Chinese zodiac darumas. This year marks their 10th type of animal.

"The snake is associated with Bentensama (Benzaiten). In order to increase one's luck with money, the darama has been inlaid with gold and platinum lamé. The color is gorgeous," said Arai Seikan (57), 4th generation owner of Arai Daruma.

The darumas will be unveiled on November 4th at the Hiratsuka business festival. They will be sold at places such as the Yokohama and Yokosuka Tori No Shi festivals and the Iizumi Kannon Daruma City.

Original text:
【動画ニュース】平塚で巳（へび）の干支だるま製作ピーク
2012年10月24日

製作がピークを迎えた巳（へび）の干支だるま

２０１３年の干支、巳（へび）の干支だるまの制作が、創業１５０余年のだるま制作の老舗「荒井だるま屋」（平塚市東八幡）でピークを迎えた。

２００４年の申（さる）から作り始め、今年で１０体目となる。

「へびは弁天様の使い。金運が上がるよう、金色とプラチナ色のラメをちりばめ、ゴージャスにしました」と４代目店主の荒井星冠さん（57）。

初お披露目は１１月４日の平塚商業まつり。横浜と横須賀で開かれる酉の市、飯泉観音のだるま市などで販売される。

Remembering the Civil War era at Aikawa-cho's Battle of Mimase Festival/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1210210008/

October 21, 2012

A battle scene depicted on a picture scroll unfolds at the the Battle of Mimase Festival=Mimise, Aikawa-Cho

The Battle of Mimase Festival is connected with the clashes during Japan's Civil War period. On the 21st, the festival was held in Mimise, Aikawa-Cho. Many arrived to remember the fierce battle which occurred 450 years prior.

This year marks the 13th occasion of the event, sponsored by a committee made up of interested locals (Presided by Takagi Masou). The festival is held in order to comfort the souls of those lost in battle and revitalize the area.

At the event location, interested locals recreated a battle departure ceremony. Other ceremonies such as (gun) firing performances took place. There was a kiso horse performance by the Kōshū Japanese Style Horsemanship Research Association, as well. Near the spot where Commander Asari Nobutane was said to be killed in battle, a short performance took place, which recreated the scene of a battle from a civil war picture scroll.

Additionally, Aikawa's Prefectural and Sagamihara's Kōmyō High School added to the atmosphere with Japanese taiko performances. Local vegetables were sold on the spot, and an area to take pictures while wearing cardboard armor was packed. President Takagi said "The first priority of the festival is to comfort the fallen spirits. We also want to promote interest in the area with the event if possible. At the same time, we wish for the next generation to continue (interest in) the festival."

At the same location, the Battle of Mimasetoge took place in 1569 (Eiroku year 12). The Hojo and Takeda clans met in a violent battle, said to be the largest incident of mountain warfare in Japan's history. The clashing of both armies led to over four thousand deaths in battle.

Original text:
戦国時代に思いはせ、愛川町で「三増合戦まつり」／神奈川
2012年10月21日

戦国絵巻が展開された三増合戦まつり＝愛川町三増

戦国時代の合戦にちなんだ「三増合戦まつり」が２１日、愛川町三増で開かれた。多くの来場者が約４５０年前の死闘に思いをはせた。

まつりは今年で１３回目、地元有志らでつくる実行委員会（高木雅夫会長）の主催。戦没者の慰霊と地域活性化のために開かれている。

会場では、地元有志らが合戦の出陣式を再現。儀式や鉄砲の演技などを行った。また、甲州和式馬術探究会の木曽馬の演技、同所付近で戦死したといわれる武将・浅利信種にちなむ寸劇なども披露され、戦国絵巻を展開した。

そのほか、県立愛川高校や光明学園相模原高校の和太鼓演奏が雰囲気を盛り上げ、地場野菜の即売、段ボールなどで作った甲冑を着けての記念写真撮影などでにぎわった。高木会長は「まつりは慰霊が第一だが、イベントで地域振興にもつながれば。ともに次の世代に続いてほしい」と話していた。

三増合戦は１５６９（永禄１２）年に同所で北条、武田両軍が激突した日本史上最大の山岳戦といわれている。両軍合わせて４千人を超える戦没者が出たとされる。

Silver flows though the autumn wind; susuki grass viewing season in Sengokuhara/Hokane

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1210170005/

October 17, 2012

At Sengokuhara Heights, the viewing season for susuki grass has arrived.

Viewing season for susuki grass has arrived in the Sengokuhara Heights of Hakone-Cho. Taking in the cool autumn breeze, the swaying stalks of grass cover the ground’s surface in silver.

Located at the lake of the mountain is a 1045 meter area called Daigadake, containing the 18 hectare susuki field. It's been chosen by the Kanto region as one of "Kanagawa's top 50 scenic locations".

According to the town's tourism association, the viewing season lasts for all of October. Departing from the Hokane Tozan Railway's Hakuno-Yumoto Station, one can reach Kojiri or Togendai in 30 minutes via the Hokane Tozan bus. From those areas, one can get off to reach the Sengoku Plains.

Original text:

秋風銀色に、仙石原のススキ見ごろ／箱根

2012年10月17日

見ごろを迎えている仙石原高原のススキ

箱根町の仙石原高原でススキが見ごろを迎えている。爽やかな秋風を受けて揺らめく穂が一面を銀色に染めている。

台ケ岳（１０４５メートル）の山裾に広がる約１８ヘクタールのススキ草原は関東最大級で「かながわの景勝５０選」に選ばれている。

同町観光協会によると見ごろは１０月いっぱい。箱根登山鉄道箱根湯本駅から箱根登山バス（湖尻・桃源台行き）約３０分、「仙石高原」下車。