Onbe Burning at the beach of Yokosuka- A traditional event to pray for health and safety

Translated from the original article at: http://yokosuka.keizai.biz/headline/708/


January 07, 2012

Caption: Onbe Burnings, to be conducted on each part of East Yokosuka beach in the early morning.

To pray for the safety of one's family and self in the new year, the traditional Onbe burning event will be conducted on January 8th, taking place on Kuri Beach and Nobi shore of the East Yokosuka coastal area.

Bamboo is bundled into an 8 meter high tower, and decorated for the year with pine branches and Shimenawa. The first calligraphy of the year is written upon an object washed ashore, which is burned in the fire festival. A tower of bamboo is then lit on fire. As the flames continue growing, the sound of the bamboo crackling and bursting also strengthens. At the beach of the early morning, the flaming tower rises.

"Sending back the Gods of the New Year" is considered the meaning of the festival. The Onbe burning is also called different names depending on the region (Dondo burning and Sagichou). The "Cooking upwards" fire has mochi (cakes of pulvarized rice) being cooked and eaten. Legend tells that the festival will prevent one from catching a cold for one year's time, and the burning of the first year's calligraphy will improve one's own calligraphy skills.

In addition to Nobi shore, the festivals will take place in Shimo, East Nobi and Nakamura. Each year on these days, at around 6 at the morning, large groups of people gather and arrange for food to be catered. The Kuri beach fire will take place at about 10:00AM from Nagase. Two spots at the front of Perry Park will conduct Onbe burnings.

The events at Kumano temple of Nagasawa Beach and Nagaoka City for the 15th are still being scheduled. Check the website to confirm details.


Original text:
 横須賀の海辺で「おんべ焼き」－無病息災願う伝統行事
2012年01月07日

 横須賀の東海岸各地で、早朝に行われる「おんべ焼き」

新しい年の家内安全と無病息災を祈る伝統行事「おんべ焼き」が1月8日、横須賀東海岸の久里浜・野比海岸などで行われる。

竹を組んだ高さ約8メートルのやぐらに、その年に飾った門松やしめ縄、書き初めで書いた物などを持ち寄って焼く火祭り。竹のやぐらに「火入れ」されると竹のはぜる音とともに勢いよく燃え上がり、早朝の海辺に火柱が立ち昇る。

「年神様を送り返す」意味があるとされ、地域によっては「どんど焼き」「左義長（さぎちょう）」ともいわれる。「おたき上げ」の火で餅を焼いて食べると、一年間風邪をひかないとの言い伝えもあり、書初めを燃やすと書道が上達するとも伝えられる。

 野比海岸では志も・野比東・中村の3カ所で行われ、毎年日の出前の6時頃から大勢の人が集まる。久里浜海岸では10時頃から長瀬、ペリー公園前の2カ所で行われる。

15日には長沢海岸の熊野神社、長岡でも「おんべ焼き」が行われる予定。詳細はサイトで確認できる。

550 participate in Kamakura's fire fighting ceremony, cooperating for exceptional disaster prevention/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201060023/

January 7, 2012

Caption: Ladder men of Kamakura city assemble and climb=Yamazaki Purification Center

In the Shounan district of Kamakura, each of the firemen were going through firefighting headway techniques. The Kamakura city firefighters ceremony was held on the 6th in Kawasaki city's purification center.

Calculated to have attended the event were 550 of the city's firefighting personnel and group members. 22 vehicles including fire trucks and ambulances were on site. The city's ladder men assembled in order to demonstrate their climbing. The degree of amazement and cheers rose from children as the ladder men decided on poses to perform.

Training was also conducted for the scenario that a vehicle transporting radioactive matter was involved in a traffic accident and material spilled out. A rescue team in protective suits extricated people and performed a decontamination process.

At the ceremony, Mayor Matsuo Takashi gave a speech. "Based on the damage from the disaster of Eastern Japan, even if the government provides plenty of fire department institutions, in order to reduce damage, the city's populace and the government will have to become one force to best prepare for disasters. I ask for your cooperation," he addressed the crowd.


Original text:
鎌倉の消防出初式に５５０人、防災充実に協力を/神奈川
2012年1月7日

鎌倉市内のとび職組合によるはしご乗り＝山崎浄化センター

湘南地区の各自治体の先陣を切って、鎌倉市消防出初式が６日、同市山崎の山崎浄化センターで行われた。

市消防職員や消防団員など計約５５０人と、消防車や救急車など計22台の車両が参加。市内のとび職の組合によるはしご乗りが披露され、ポーズが決まる度に子どもたちから「すごい」などと歓声が上がった。

放射性物質を輸送する車が事故を起こし、放射性物質が漏れ出した想定での訓練も実施。防護服姿のレスキュー隊員らがけが人の救出や除染の手順を確認した。

式典では松尾崇市長があいさつ。「東日本大震災の被害を踏まえ、行政としても消防施設の充実などに取り組むが、被害の軽減のため、市民と行政が一体となった防災態勢の充実にご協力いただきたい」と呼び掛けた。

The capsule brought back by Hayabusa, on display in Hitachi city - Truly a miraculous journey in outer space

Translated from the original article at: http://mito.keizai.biz/headline/533/

January 06, 2012

Caption: At the Hitachi civic center: A display of the capsule that returned with Hayabusa. (Illustrator: Ikeshita Akihiro)

On January 12-15, at the Hitachi Civic Center (Saiwai Town 1, Hitachi City Telephone 294-24-7711) the returned capsule of space probe Hayabusa will be on display.

The Hayabusa was the spacecraft used for the world's first asteroid sample return mission, as part of the plan to recover a sample from the asteroid 25143 Itokawa. It returned to Earth in 2010, where the bulk of the craft burned upon entry into the atmosphere. However, the 40 inch diameter sample capsule was able to be recovered without damage.

Attached to the civic center is a planetarium showing a film of Hayabusa, where young children receive a deeper understanding of their relation to outer space.

Museum hours are 10:00AM to 7:00PM. Free admission. 

Prices for the Hayabusa film: Adults: 510 Yen, Elementary and middle school: 310 Yen, Young children: Free. 

Film times on weekdays: 2:30PM and 4:00PM. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays: 11:00AM, 1:00PM, 2:30PM, 4:00PM. Open until January 29.

Original text:

日立で「はやぶさ」帰還カプセル展示－奇跡の宇宙の旅実感

（2012年01月06日）

日立シビックセンターで「はやぶさ」の帰還カプセルが展示される（イラスト＝池下章裕）

日立シビックセンター（日立市幸町1、TEL0294-24-7711）で1月12日～15日、小惑星探査機「はやぶさ」の帰還カプセル展示が行われる。

「はやぶさ」は世界初の小惑星サンプルリターン計画の一環としてイトカワのサンプル採取を行い、2010年に帰還。はやぶさ自体は大気圏突入で燃え尽きたものの、直径40センチのカプセルは無事に回収することができた。

併せて同センター天球劇場では「HAYABUSA」を上映。青少年に宇宙への関心を深めてもらう。

開館時間は10時～19時。入場無料。「HAYABUSA」上映は大人＝510円、小中学生＝310円、幼児無料。上映時間は平日＝14時30分・16時、土曜・日曜・祝日＝11時・13時・14時30分・16時。今月29日まで。

A permanent Tokyo branch of Madame Tussauds, to be built and opened at Odaiba in the spring of 2013.

Translated from the original article at: http://haneda.keizai.biz/headline/933/

January 5th, 2012

Caption: (Taken: January 5, 2012) A life size figure of Michael Jackson, which was on display until January 4th at the (temporary) Madame Tussauds Tokyo exhibit.

Skillfully crafted life size figures will be on display at Madame Tussauds Tokyo in the spring of 2013. The permanent exhibition will be set up in Odaibo (At the Decks Tokyo Beach shopping mall.)

The same attraction took place in Tokyo from September of last year until January 4th, set to run for a limited time as they established business in Japan. The display will be similar to the set up used in it's country of origin, England. Hollywood stars, musicians and famous celebrities are skillfully crafted into life size figures, gathered together for people to experience coming into contact with. To commemorate the establishment of the first Tokyo display, figures for Sakamoto Ryūichi, Hakase Taro, Oshima Yuko  and Yoshiki were introduced.

Because of the greater than expected favorable response during the limited time display, the managing company, Merlin Entertainments (of England), has decided to conduct an opening ceremony for the Odaiba location. The permanent display will be approximately three times larger in scope. More than 60 figures are said to be scheduled for showing. They include musicians such as Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga, popular figures from sports, film, television as well as celebrities famous in Japan and internationally.

Details on the establishment and services to be announced later.



Original text:
お台場に「マダム・タッソー東京」－2013年春、常設展示施設オープンへ
（2012年01月05日）

（2012年01月05日) 2012年1月4日まで期間限定の「マダム・タッソー東京」で展示されたマイケル・ジャクソンさんの等身大フィギュア

精巧な等身大フィギュアを展示する「マダム・タッソー東京」が2013年春、常設展示の正規施設としてお台場「デックス東京ビーチ」にオープンする。

同アトラクションは昨年9月から1月4日まで、期間限定施設として同商業施設内で営業。本国イギリスなどの施設と同様、ハリウッドスターやミュージシャンなどの有名セレブの精巧な等身大フィギュアと「ふれあう」ことができる体験型アトラクションとして話題を集めた。初の東京での開設を記念して、坂本龍一さん・葉加瀬太郎さん・大島優子さん・YOSHIKIさんなど日本人フィギュアも登場した。

運営会社のマーリン・エンターテイメンツ（英）は、期間限定展示が予想以上の反響を呼び好評だったことから、同所への正式オープンを決めた。常設施設は限定施設の約3倍の規模となり、レディーガガさん・マイケル・ジャクソンさんのほか、スポーツ・映画・テレビなどで人気のある日本人や国際的な有名人など60体以上のフィギュアを展示する予定だという。

施設とサービスの詳細は今後発表していく。

One hundred works from anime creator Yoshitaka Amano on display and for sale in Sapporo

Translated from the original article at: http://sapporo.keizai.biz/headline/1187/

January 05, 2012

Caption: The latest work: "Black Sword" (Concept design image from Final Fantasy V) ©YOSHITAKA AMANO

From January 13, the works of animator and illustrator Amano Yoshitaka will be on exhibition. The event is being held at the Sapporo Factory Hall (Sapporo City, Chuo ward, block 2 north, block 3 east) and sponsored by Artviant (Japanese) (Tokyo City, Shinagawa ward).

In the 1970's, Amano worked at the animation production studio Tatsunoko Production Co. LTD (Tokyo). There, he designed characters for popular anime such as (The Adventures of Hutch the Honeybee) (Yatterman) (Science Ninja Team Gatchaman), etc. In the 1980's, he drew illustrations, cover art and more. for science fiction novels such as Vampire Hunter and Guin Saga. Since 1987, his work as the visual concept designer for the popular videogame series Final Fantasy has received high praise internationally, making him a representative for Japan's artists.

At the exhibit will be monochrome lithograph pieces commemorating the first twenty years of Amano's art. As far as Amano's classic and popular works up until this point in time, a year and a half before, it was announced that the original copies of 100 of his latest works would be sold at the exhibit. "Black Sword," a concept design image from Final Fantasy V, from one year and a half ago is the latest piece. From 2010: Large prints of "God-Dark Side," "Godness-Light Side," and a broad collection of images from Japan Broadcasting Corporation's anime television series "Vegetable Fairies". On the 15th, Amano will attend a talk show to shed light on his latest creations and recent activity. In addition, visitors will be offered posters.

The event manager commented "The 20 year anniversary of Mr. Amano's work is said to be a critical juncture. After Mr. Amano passed that point until the present, he's continued to produce charming and enjoyable pieces featured in this event. Hokkaido has had many exhibitions over the years, certainly covering all sorts of topics.”

Event time is 11:00AM-7:00PM (The first day opens at 2:00PM, the final day closes at 6:00PM). Mr. Amano's talk show is scheduled from 5:30PM until 6:30PM. Admission is free. Open this month until the 16th.

Original text

札幌でアニメ・クリエーター天野喜孝さん作品展－100点を展示即売

2012年01月05日

「ファイナル・ファンタジー5」のコンセプトデザインをイメージした最新作「Black Sword」©YOSHITAKA AMANO

アニメーションやイラストレーションクリエーターの天野喜孝さんの作品展示会が1月13日から、サッポロファクトリーホール（札幌市中央区北2東3）で開催される。主催はアールビバン（東京都品川区）。

天野さんは、1970年代にアニメーション制作スタジオ「タツノコプロダクション」（東京都）で「みなし子ハッチ」「ヤッターマン」「科学忍者戦隊ガッチャマン」など人気アニメキャラクターデザイン、1980年代に「吸血鬼ハンター」「グイン・サーガ」などのSF小説の装丁画や挿絵などの作品を描くほか、1987（昭和62）年以降人気ゲームソフト「ファイナル・ファンタジー」シリーズのビジュアルコンセプトデザインを手掛けるなど国内外で高い評価を受ける日本を代表するクリエーター。

同展では、モノクローム・リトグラフ制作に始まった天野さんの版画制作活動20年を記念し、これまでの代表作や人気作、約1年半ぶりの発表となる最新のオリジナル版画作品、原画など約100作品を展示販売する。「ファイナル・ファンタジー5」のコンセプトデザインをイメージした約1年半ぶりの最新作「Black Sword」、2010年制作の大型作品「GOD-DARK SIDE」「GODNESS-LIGHT SIDE」、NHKのアニメ番組「やさいのようせい」シリーズなど幅広いイメージの作品をそろえたという。15日には天野さんが来場し新作の解説や活動の近況を語るトークショーを行う。そのほか来場者にはポスターも進呈する。

同イベント担当者は「活動20周年という活動の節目に天野さんの過去から現在に至るまでの作品の魅力を楽しめるイベント。北海道では数年ぶりの展覧会でもあるので、ぜひ多くの方にお越しいただければ」と話す。

開場時間は11時～19時（初日は14時開場、最終日は18時閉場）。天野さんのトークショーは17時30分～18時30分を予定。入場無料。今月16日まで。

Vowing to improve with the bow in the New Year! Novice archery meeting at Prince Hill Park, Ōtsu

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120104-00000015-san-l25

(Distributed by the Sankei Newspaper on January 4th, 7:55AM)

Caption: Participants focus their gaze and ready their bows.  At the novice archery event of Prince Hill Park in Ōtsu city (Picture: Sankei Newspaper)

On the 3rd, the year's very first novice archery event was held, with participants vowing to improve their skills.  Held at Prince Hill Park of Ōtsu city, archery enthusiasts gathered. Transfixed on their target and about to release their bows, a sense of the new was in the air.

The novice archery meeting is a traditional event of the New Year. An open exhibition held each year by the prefecture's archery federation; the event appeared to be thriving. This year, wearing short sleeved kimonos, 83 young adults, experienced practitioners and others participated.

First, 10 people lined up in a single row. Using the standard for these events, a 36 inch diameter target from 28 meters away, participants were challenged to aim and release their arrow in a graceful movement.

Afterwards, the Chinese zodiac of the dragon was drawn on folding fans and the targets for additional entertainment. From within the venue, depending on the accuracy of the arrow's landing, cheers from spectators arose.

Among the participants, the youngest is a first year archery club member of the Ōtsu commercial school of Minamishiga, Ōtsu city. Yagi Yuusei (Age 15) said: "The difference from the school club with all of the spectators had me feeling nervous. At this year's event, I will do my best to get good results."

Original Text

新年に弓の上達誓う！皇子が丘公園で「初射会」　大津

産経新聞 1月4日(水)7時55分配信

初射会で参加者は真剣な眼差しで弓を引いた＝大津市の皇子が丘公園（写真：産経新聞）

今年最初の矢を射って弓道の上達を誓う「初射会」が３日、大津市の皇子が丘公園で開かれ、集まった弓道愛好家らは、真剣なまなざしで弓を引き、気持ちを新たにしていた。

初射会は新春の伝統行事。県弓道連盟が毎年開催し、にぎわいをみせている。今年は振り袖を着た新成人や熟練者など８３人が参加した。

始めに１０人１列に並び、通常の大会で使う直径３６センチの的を２８メートル離れて狙う「一手謝礼」に挑戦。

その後、干支・辰の絵を描いた的や扇子を狙う余興もあり、会場からは矢が的中する度に歓声が上がっていた。

参加者の中で最年少だった大津市南志賀の大津商業高弓道部１年、八木祐星さん（１５）は「部活と違ってたくさんの観客がいて緊張した。今年は大会でいい成績を出せるように頑張ります」と話していた。

Overcoming the cold and praying for health and peace of mind. Winter swimming rally at Sagami River/Sagamihara January 3rd, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201020015/

Caption: Enduring the cold while entering the water. Winter swimming rally at Tana, Chou ward, Sagamihara city.

Sagami River has a traditional New Year's Day event of winter swimming. It was held on the 1st, near the Takada Bridge in Tana, (Chuo ward) of Sagamihara city. Praying for physical and mental health, 146 people facing the cold energetically swam the river. The event was sponsored by the Swimming Association of Sagamihara City.

At the top of the list for oldest participants, was Satou Tsuneko of Fuchinobe, in the Chuo ward of the same city. Calling upon their fighting spirit, together they entered the river's 10 degree water. The goal is to swim 50 meters downstream, and fire bows waiting onboard of a boat. Releasing the arrows, participants pray for a year of good fortune. Shouts of encouragement and cheers filled the air from some 900 spectators.

A father of 34 watched over his child, who was participating in the swim. "It does seem cold. I would like this passing year to be rich and wonderful." he commented.

(Note: Additional pictures from a past event here: http://www.e-sagamihara.com/event/january/0272/index.html)

Original text:

寒さに負けず無病息災祈願、相模川で寒中水泳大会/相模原

2012年1月3日

寒さに耐えながら泳ぎ切った寒中水泳大会＝相模原市中央区田名

元旦恒例の相模川の寒中水泳大会が１日、相模原市中央区田名の高田橋近くで行われ、無病息災を祈願し、１４６人が寒さに負けずに元気に泳いだ。相模原市水泳協会の主催。

最高齢の74歳、同市中央区東淵野辺の佐藤常子さんを筆頭に、気合もろとも水温10度の川へ入っていった。下流へ向かって約50メートルを泳ぐと、船上の的に弓を放ち、１年の幸運を祈る射術にも挑戦。約９００人の見物客からは盛んな声援と歓声が飛んでいた。

参加した子どもの泳ぎを見守った父（34）は「寒そうだったが、今年１年元気に過ごしてほしい」と話していた。

Praying for safety and a big catch, the traditional orange throwing event at Kotsubo fishing harbor/Zushi January 2nd, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201020010/

Caption: Participants catch oranges thrown from fishing boats= 10:00AM on the morning of January 2nd, Kotsubo, Zushi City

Praying for a year of safety and good fishing with the "throwing of the oranges." A traditional New Year's event, occurring on the morning of January 2nd at Kotsubo fishing harbor in the city of Zushi. Sponsored by the Fishing Industry Union of Kotsubo, a large amount of local residents attended.

Moored at the coast were fishing boats adorned with giant flags. From there, fishermen facing the beach continuously tossed large amounts of oranges. A sweet and sour fragrance floated in the air, along with the cheers reverberating from the packed crowd.

A mother visiting with her young son from the city said "I've taken all of these," displaying a bag stuffed with oranges.

Original Text:

豊漁と安全を祈願、恒例の伝統行事「みかん投げ」小坪漁港で/逗子

2012年1月2日

漁船から投げられるミカンを受ける参加者たち＝２日午前10時ごろ、逗子市小坪

１年の豊漁と安全を祈願する正月恒例の伝統行事「みかん投げ」が２日朝、逗子市小坪の小坪漁港で開かれた。小坪漁業協同組合の主催で、大勢の地元住民でにぎわった。

大漁旗を掲げて岸に係留された漁船から、漁師が浜に向かって大量のミカンを放り投げ続けた。詰めかけた参加者の歓声が響き、港には甘酸っぱい香りが漂った。

市内から母親と訪れた男児は「いっぱい取れた」と、ミカンがぎっしり詰まった袋をみせていた。

The remains of a whale discovered on the beach of Odawara/Kanagawa January 2, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201020008/

The body of a whale discovered on the beach. The tongue is protruding from the mouth=Near the estuary of Morito river, Koyawata, Odawara city.

At the beach near the estuary of Morito river, Koyawata, Odawara city, a man passing by discovered the remains of a beached whale. Reporting it to city police, the discovery occurred around 6:50AM on January 2nd.

The investigation was assigned to the National Museum of Nature and Science (Taito Ward, Tokyo City). According to technical assistant Ishii Masayuki, the remains were that of a 6.3 meter long male humpback whale. Appearing to be an infant less than a year old, there were no conspicuous external injuries. The cause of death is not understood.

According to the city, the remains are arranged to be buried at shore.


Original text: 
小田原の海岸でクジラの死骸見つかる/神奈川
2012年1月2日

波打ち際で見つかったクジラの死骸。口からは舌が出ている＝小田原市小八幡の森戸川河口付近

２日午前６時５分ごろ、小田原市小八幡の森戸川河口付近の海岸で、クジラの死骸が打ち上がっているのを、通り掛かった男性が見つけ、小田原署に届けた。

調査に当たった国立科学博物館（東京都台東区）の石井雅之技術補佐員によると、死骸はザトウクジラのオスで体長約６・３メートル。１歳未満の子どもとみられ、目立った外傷はなく、死因は分かっていない。

市によると、死骸は浜辺に埋葬される予定。

A tradition at the shore of Odawara [The first swim of New Year's Day] - Also featuring a Taiko performance. January 1, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://odawara-hakone.keizai.biz/headline/764/

 

Caption: Embracing New Year's Day with a prayer, the first swim of the year at the shore of Odawara.

The traditional "first swim of New Year's Day" was conducted at Odawara's renowned beach. At sunrise, spectators came to witness the celebration of the new year.

This year marked the 88th occasion of the event. The Taiko group ”衆” (Japanese site) performed music at the start of the event. Off shore, fishing boats displaying traditional Japanese fishing flags (Japanese site) gathered, producing a bustling New Year's atmosphere.

Ranging from ages 17 to 65, members of the Odawara Swimming Association as well as fifteen male team members of the local swimming club participated. Facing a 5 degree atmosphere and 15 degree water temperature, they suddenly jumped into the ocean at the moment of sunrise. Everyone assembled into circles while torso-deep in the ocean, then clapped in a 3, 3, 3, 1 rhythm, praying for safety and good health.

Original text:
小田原の海岸で恒例「元旦初泳ぎ」－和太鼓の演奏も

（2012年01月01日）

小田原の海岸で初日の出に向かって祈願する初泳ぎ

小田原の御幸の浜海岸で恒例の「元旦初泳ぎ」が行われ、初日の出を見に来た観光客と新年を祝った。

今年で88回を迎えた同行事。今年は創作和太鼓集団「衆」による演奏が披露され、初泳ぎを開始。沖には大漁旗を掲げた漁船が集まり、新年のにぎやかな雰囲気を演出した。

参加したのは17歳～65歳の小田原水泳協会会員と地域スイミングクラブ所属選手の男性15人。気温5度・水温15度の中、日の出時刻に一斉に海へ入った。沖で全員が立ち泳ぎをしながら円陣を組み、三本締めで海の安全と健康を祈願した。