Performed for well-being, the traditional Little New Year event of exorcising evil spirits/Hadano

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201130019/

January 14, 2012

Children wearing lion head and hyottoko masks go from house to house.

In the city of Hadano, this type of evil spirit exorcism, revolving around a Dōsojin, has been carried out since the Edo Era. It took place on the 13th in the Shōbu region of the city.

Continuing over 200 years, the ritual is performed to pray for safety, health and peace in one's home.

12 boys from the area, aged from the first year of elementary school to the third year of middle school participated. Led by the oldest among them, they set out on the ritual after cleaning a Dōsojin stone. Covered in lion heads and hyottoko masks, they proceeded to visit 200 nearby houses. Handing out home-made cards to the residents, they loudly chant "Evil sprites be gone, evil spirits be gone!" in the front door and living room.

Serving as commanders were Fukui Hiromu (Age 15) and Sanada Katsuya (Age 14), both 3rd year middle school students. Anyone from the first year of elementary school was able to participate. "From now on, I want to continue to strengthen my ties with the traditions of this area," Sanada said.

(Note: Little New Year is an additional Japanese holiday period, taking place primarily on the 15th and the days surrounding it.)

Original text:

無病息災を祈り、小正月の伝統行事「あくまっぱらい」/秦野

2012年1月14日

獅子頭やひょっとこのお面をかぶった子供たちが家々を回った

秦野市内で江戸時代から続く小正月の道祖神行事「あくまっぱらい」が13日、同市菖蒲地区で行われた。

無病息災と家内安全を祈る行事で、約２００年続くと伝えられている。

地元の小学１年生から中学３年生までの男子12人が参加。最年長の「大将」の指示で道祖神の石を清掃した後、獅子頭やひょっとこのお面をかぶって約２００軒近くの家々を巡回した。玄関先や居間で「あくまっぱらい、あくまっぱらい」と大きな声で唱え、手作りの札を配った。

大将を務めた中学３年生の福井広夢さん（15）と真田勝弥さん（14）はいずれも小学１年生からの参加。真田さんは「地域のつながりが深まる伝統行事なので今後も続けていってほしい」と話していた。

Dugouts appear in Maebashi City-The use of houses made from wild rice straw reemerges.

Translated from the original article at: http://takasaki.keizai.biz/headline/1614/


January 13, 2012

Caption: An impressive, securely constructed hut framework. Designed with the cooperation of the Maebachi Institute of Technology 

In Maebashi, using straw from last year's wild rice harvest, a dugout was created. The rice cultivation was handles by a special project team.

The rice field's location is roughly three kilometers from the Japan Railway Maebashi Station, in the town of Kamikawabuchi. Kamikawabuchi has eight Kofun ancient grave sites, resembling the fields where the wild rice cultivation began. During the cultivation process, area farmers produced, planted seeds and cooperated in weeding the field. At harvest, children from a related company as well as people with no farming experience participated.

The creation of the huts began is 2009. Team representative, Suzuki Masatomo said: "In order to receive more knowledge of the ancient grave sites, I started tackling this project, taking the chance to give such old practices a second look.

The huts will be on display until some time in May.


Original text:
前橋に「竪穴式住居」出現－古代米の稲わらを使い再現
2012年01月13日

しっかりした骨組みが印象的な「竪穴式住居」。前橋工科大学が設計に協力

前橋で古代米の栽培を手掛けるプロジェクトチームが、昨年秋に収穫した古代米の稲わらを使い「竪穴式住居」を作った。

場所はJR前橋駅から3キロほどの上川淵町の田んぼ。上川淵には8基の古墳があり、古墳にあやかって古代米の栽培を始めた。栽培に際しては地元の農家が苗作り、田植え、田の草取りに協力。収穫には、子どもから会社勤めの人など農作業の経験のない人も参加した。

 竪穴式住居作りは2009年に始めた。同チーム代表の鈴木正知さんは「古墳を知ってもらうために始めた取り組みだが、ふるさとを見直す機会になっている」と話す。

 竪穴式住居は5月の終わりごろまで展示する。

Giant manjuu is cooked on a 44 pound skewer. Driving away evil spirits at the Bun Baking Festival in Isesaki.

Translated from the original article at: http://takasaki.keizai.biz/headline/1613/




January 12, 2012

Caption: The Miss Sunflower contestants of Isesaki (Japanese site) dressed as maidens.

The Jōshū Bun Baking Festival featured giant manjuu cooked as an offering for good luck. It was held on the 11th at the Isesaki Temple in Honmachi, Isesaki city. In the middle of a strong, dry wind, many spectators gathered.


Cooked manjuu is considered the prefecture of Gunma's soul food. First, steamed manjuu is skewered and baked. It's then covered in sweet miso sauce and eaten. Ordinary manjuu is 5 to 7 centimeters (2-2.8 inches) in diameter. The manjuu from the festival was giant, 55 centimeters (21.7 inches) and weighing in at 5 kilograms (11 pounds).


This year marks the 10th time the Jōshū Bun Baking Festival has been held. As the skewered manjuu is cooked over the flame, a fragrant smell enters the temple grounds. The side of manjuu coated in sweet miso paste is turned over the flame, it's peculiar sweet and sour fragrance now expanding beyond the temple grounds. Citizens of Gunma prefecture passing experience a jolt to their senses.


The baked manjuu is lifted off the flame, divided and offered to the spectators.




Original text:
1串20キロ「巨大焼きまんじゅう」で厄払い－伊勢崎で「焼きまん祭」
2012年01月12日


巫女姿の女性は伊勢崎のミスコン「ミスひまわり」のみなさん


伊勢崎神社（伊勢崎市本町）で1月11日、巨大な焼きまんじゅうを奉納する「上州焼きまん祭」が開催され、空っ風が吹く中、多くの見物客が集まった。


焼きまんじゅうは蒸したまんじゅうを串に刺して焼き、甘いみそだれを塗って食べる群馬のソウルフード。通常のまんじゅうの大きさは直径5～7センチ程度だが、焼きまん祭のまんじゅうは直径約55センチ、重さ約5キロと巨大だ。


「上州焼きまん祭」の開催は今回で10回目。串に刺したまんじゅうを火にかけると、香ばしい香りが境内に立ちこめ、みそだれを塗って返すと独特の甘辛い香りが境内の外に広がり、通りすがりの群馬県人の心をも揺さぶった。


焼き上がった焼きまんじゅうは切り分けられ、見物客に振る舞われた。

The kagura dance is performed in the ocean breeze, in prayer of good fishing in the New Year/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201120005/

 January 12, 2012

Caption: Praying for a big catch in the New Year. The Shinto ritual, Kagura, is performed by the sea =Kamakura

On the 11th, a seaside Shinto ritual known as Kagura was performed, praying for bountiful fishing in the New Year. It took place in Zaimokuza Beach in Kamakura

On the 11th, the events began with the traditional rice cake eating custom. The area's fisherman began the ceremony, whose houses are presently decreasing as the Gosho Temple (Japanese site) expands, located in the same city as the Zaimokuza Temple.

After shrine parishioners placed Tamagushi branch offerings upon the altar, Shinto priests danced in dedication. Among the roaring of the sea, taiko drums, and flutes, red-faced Tengu performed a sword dance. A black-faced Modoki, a type of Mountain God, handed out oranges to children in a funny manner, eliciting laughs from spectators.

Original text:

潮風受けて舞う汐神楽、新しい年の豊漁を祈願/鎌倉

2012年1月12日

新しい年の豊漁を祈願する神事「汐神楽」＝鎌倉

新しい年の豊漁を祈願する神事「汐（しお）神楽」が11日、鎌倉・材木座海岸で行われた。

鏡開きの11日に行われる恒例行事。地元の漁師らが始めたが、軒数が減った現在では五所神社（同市材木座）が引き継いでいる。

氏子らが祭壇に玉串をささげた後、神職らが舞を奉納。潮騒と太鼓や笛の音の中、赤い面の天狗（てんぐ）が剣舞を披露、黒い面の山の神「毛止幾（もどき）」が滑稽なしぐさでミカンを子どもたちに手渡すなど観客の笑いを誘っていた。

Mid-winter swimming in Otokawa River, Okazaki. Coming of age men and women swim the 5 degree river

Translated from the original article at: http://okazaki.keizai.biz/headline/510/

January 11, 2012

Caption: Female coming of age participants warm their frozen bodies in hot water baths which have been prepared.

On January 9, near the diving bridge of Otokawa River, Okazaki, the City Swimming Association's 37th mid-winter swim took place. 96 men and women, ages 5 to 59 participated. They enjoyed their first swim of the year, while also trembling from the cold.

Otokawa River's swimming event began in 1949. It was put on hold from 1966 until 94, reopening in 95. Since then, it's taken place every year on Coming of Age Day. Two thirds of the participants are said to return each year.

On the event day, four new coming-of-agers participated, displaying their status by repeating a special vow. They then performed warm-up exercises, took a group photo, continued the water cleansing ceremony, and then prayed for safety by firing evil-repealing arrows. One by one, the participants entered the river.

The river's temperature was 5 degrees. 50 meters away, buoys float for people to reach and return from. Two of the male coming-of-agers swam a maximum of 30 meters before returning to shore. The two females endured the cold for one minute before exiting the river. Five people total completed the challenge, treading water while writing into a sketch book placed at the buoy.

Along the river plain, boiling water was on standby. Everyone who exited the river welcomed the experience of entering the bathtubs, as their chilled bodies warmed back up.

Original text:

岡崎・乙川で寒中水泳－新成人男女も水温5度の川を泳ぐ

2012年01月11日

用意された湯につかり冷えた体を温める新成人の参加女性

岡崎・乙川の潜水橋付近で1月9日、「第37回岡崎水泳協会寒中水泳」が行われた。5～59歳の男女96人が参加し、寒さで震えながらも初泳ぎを楽しんだ。

乙川での寒中水泳が始まったのは1949（昭和24）年。1966（昭和41）年から1994年まで中断したが、1995年に再開。以後、毎年成人の日に行っており、全体で3分の2ほどの人が毎年参加しているという。

この日は新成人4人も参加した。代表して4人が「成人の誓い」を述べると、準備体操、記念撮影、水清め式と続き、水泳の無事を祈願して破魔矢が放たれると、参加者は次々と川に入った。

川の水温は5度。約50メートル先に浮かべたブイまで往復する人もいた。新成人の男性2人は30メートルほどまで泳ぎ岸に戻ったが、女性2人は冷たさに耐えきれず1分ほどで川から上がった。立ち泳ぎしながら色紙に文字を書く「水書」には5人が挑戦した。

河川敷では湯を沸かして待機。川から上がると皆、吸い込まれるように湯船に入り、冷え切った体を温めていた。

Using the largest brush of Japan, New Year’s calligraphy is written upon a huge silk paper. New Year’s event at the Cred building in Motomachi, Hiroshima.

Translated from the original article at: http://hiroshima.keizai.biz/headline/1279/

January 10, 2012

Caption: "Flying Dragon, Dancing Phoenix" (A symbol of good luck.) written down by a 40 kilogram (88 pound) (including ink) brush.

On January 7, at the plaza connected to the Motomachi Cred building (Hiroshima City, Chuu ward, Motomachi), the "New Year's Ultra Calligraphy Event" took place.  A giant "Kumanofude" brush, a specialty product of Hiroshima, was used

Calligraphers born in Hiroshima prefecture waved their brushes in the New Year's event. Kitaya Suihou, and two female calligraphers. Kurihara Ousui and Tahara Shunseki participated. They used the largest brush in Japan, weighing 20 kilograms (44 lbs.) and 1.8 meters (5 feet, 9 inches). Dipping the brush in ink, they put on a 30 minute performance. Upon a silk cloth the size of 119 tatamis, the phrase "Flying Dragon, Dancing Phoenix" was displayed.

This year marks the 11th event, which has been held annually since 2002. In a usual year, the event attracts roughly 500 spectators, whom surround the 14.5 square meter cloth.

Original text

「日本一の大筆」で巨大絹布に書き初め－広島・基町クレドで新春イベント

2012年01月10日

墨を含んだ約40キロの筆で記した「龍飛鳳舞」

広島・基町クレド（広島市中区基町）のふれあい広場で1月7日、広島の特産品でもある熊野筆の大筆を使った書き初め大会「新春ウルトラ書きぞめ会」が行われた。

書き初め筆を振るったのは、広島県出身の書家・北谷翠峰（きたやすいほう）さんと栗原桜水（おうすい）さん、田原春夕（しゅんせき）さんら2人の女流書家。長さ1.8メートル、重さ20キロの日本一の大筆に墨を含ませ、119畳大の絹布に「龍飛鳳舞」と記すパフォーマンスを約30分間、披露した。

2002年から開催するイベントは今回で11回目。14.5メートル四方の絹布を囲うような形で、例年とほぼ同じ約500人が見学した。

Striking below freezing water without second thought, mid-winter karate training at Yuuhi Waterfall/ Minamiashigara

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201090013/

January 9, 2012

Caption: Participants repeatedly punch through the waterfall=TheYuuhi Waterfall of Yagurasawa, Minami Ashigara City

Striking the waterfall without giving in to the cold, they strove to refine their strength of mind and body. Taking place on the 8th at the Yuuhi Waterfall of Yagurasawa, Minamiashigara city, mid-winter Kyokushin Karate training was conducted. A total of 40 participated, from the city gymnasium’s Kyokushin Karate organization and a non-profit body Kyokushin Karate group. 2012 marked the first year where elementary scholars could answer the challenge. According to instructor Setori Ichi (Age 56), "Through focusing the mind, spirit and body, we're aiming to understand our limits," he said.

On that day, the surrounding area's temperature was 3 degrees below freezing. Wrapped in karate gis in the middle of the freezing cold, they faced the 23 meter high waterfall and loudly shouted out together, repeatedly striking it. Mr. Setori said "I think this is good for children to experience. I want them to understand the link between a strong spirit and improving their skills. Ozaki Kaito (Age 14) said: "I suffered in the cold. However, after finishing I saw how enjoyable it was. I wish to aim for both studying in school and practicing karate."

Original Text:

夕日の滝で空手寒げいこ、氷点下に無心の突き/南足柄

2012年1月9日

滝に打たれながら突きを繰り返す参加者＝南足柄市矢倉沢の夕日の滝

滝に打たれ、寒さに負けない心身の強さを磨こうと、南足柄市矢倉沢の夕日の滝で８日、極真空手の寒げいこが行われた。同市体育協会極真空手部とＮＰＯ法人極真会から約40人が参加。今年は初めて小中学生も挑んだ。師範の瀬戸利一さん（56）によると、「精神集中や自らの限界を知るのが狙い」という。

この日の周辺の気温は氷点下３度。空手着に身を包んだ参加者は、いてつくような寒さの中、大きな掛け声とともに、落差約23メートルの滝に向かって一心に突きを繰り返した。「子どもたちにはよい経験になったと思う。精神を高め、技能向上につなげてもらいたい」と瀬戸さん。参加した尾崎快斗君（14）は「寒くて苦しかったけど、終わってみれば楽しかった。勉強と空手の両立を目指したい」と話した。

Seeming to rebound against the uncertainty of society. The reappearance of the "Ee ja nai ka" Ise shrine pilgrimage from the Bakumatsu era.

Translated from the original article at: http://iseshima.keizai.biz/headline/1295/

January 8, 2012

Caption: Seeming to rebound against the uncertainty of society. The reappearance of the "Ee ja nai ka”(Meaning: Isn't it great?) Ise shrine pilgrimage from the Bakumatsu (late Edo) era.

(Facing Japan) are the circular arguments of the National Assembly, stagnation of the marketplace, Eastern Japan's natural disasters and nuclear reactor accident, etc. Presently, the people of the world are under a feeling of unease. But on January 8th, that discomfort was seemingly blown off by the Ise Ee Ja Nai Group  (Japanese site) led by their President, Ishikawa Yuuichi. While marching along a distance of 3 kilometers (1.864 Miles) from the outer Ise shrine to the inner shrine, they cheerfully shouted "Ee ja nai ka, Ee ja nai ka" (Isn't it great?!, Isn't it great?!).

In the Bakumatsu era, the same group from the Ise shrine merrily shouted "Ee ja nai ka, Ee ja nai ka". Massive amounts of people seemingly drove away socities' anxieties as the phenomenon unfolded. Seeking to recreate this, each year the Ise pilgrimage is carried out, disguising the world in merriment and joy. This is the 8th occurrence of that event.

Groups of Kabukimono, cross dressers and people wearing disguises such as ninja outfits walked around while repeatedly calling out "Ee ja nai ka". The town inside of the temple grounds is now flourishing, as large groups of visitors approach the famous Oharai shopping district. Ordinary people get caught up in the fun, as chants of "Ee ja nai ka" flourish. After coming of age ceremonies conclude, the participants are surrounded by onlookers, chanting "Shinseijin, Shinseijin" (New adult, New adult) in celebration. (Note: Coming of Age Day takes place on January 9th of this year in Japan.

Someone just coming of age, born in the town and involved in the Ee ja nai kai group, commented: "It's implied that Japanese society is experiencing unease, however, I ask what I can do to contribute. Us who have come of age must have thought about what we can do to brighten up society. I was taken by surprise (from today's events), but felt it was awfully good that they occurred," were the thoughts he revealed.


Original text:
「ええじゃないか」と社会の不安を跳ね返そうと江戸幕末の伊勢参り再現
2012年01月08日

「ええじゃないか」と社会の不安を跳ね返そうと江戸幕末の伊勢参り再現

国会の空転、景気の停滞、東日本大震災、原発事故など今の世の人々の不安な気持ちを吹き飛ばそうと1月8日、「伊勢ええじゃない会」（石川雄一郎会長）が「ええじゃないか、ええじゃないか」と明るく騒ぎながら伊勢神宮外宮から内宮までの約3キロの距離を練り歩いた。

同会は、幕末に「ええじゃないか」「ええじゃないか」と明るく騒ぎ、社会不安を吹き飛ばそうと民衆の間から巻き起こった社会現象を再現し、明るく楽しい世にしていこうと毎年仮装による伊勢参りを実施、今回で8回を数える。

傾奇（かぶき）者や女装、忍者などに仮装し「ええじゃないか」と連呼しながら歩く集団が、内宮の門前町として栄え今も大勢の参拝客が行き交うおはらい町通りに差し掛かると、一般人も巻き込みながら楽しく「ええじゃないか、ええじゃないか」と盛り上がった。成人式を終えた新成人を見つけると取り囲み、「新成人、新成人」と掛け声で祝った。

 同集団に捕まった同市出身の新成人は「社会不安だらけのニッポンだけど、社会のために何か貢献し、私たち新成人が明るい社会を作っていかなければいけないと思った。捕まってビックリしたけど、とっても良い事が起こりそう」と感想を漏らした。

Balloons from South Korea with writing in Hangul, celebrating the new year and more

Translated from the original article at: http://www.ryoutan.co.jp/news/2012/01/07/004618.html

January 7, 2012

Caption: Balloons with Hangul writing, spotted next to a public pool.

In the town of Wakuichi, Fukuyama city, balloons were discovered in a tree next to a public pool. Written in Hangul was "Happy New Year!" and "Anyang), South Korea, Samunan Youth Club (NOTE: Samunan was originally a Korean word modified to the Japanese pronunciation system. The actual word in Korean may be different.)

On the afternoon of the 5th, public pool worker Ashida Yasuo discovered the balloons, retrieving them from 2 meters above the ground.

Taking them into his hands and observing the Hangul writing, he remembered television programs from the end of the year. They told of people in Korea writing on balloons and releasing them into the air. "Did these possibly fly in from Korea?" he thought.

The balloons came in a set of four: pink, yellow, blue and light blue. The ends decorated and tied with string, attached were hand written notes: "Please become friends with everyone entering elementary school!" "May your business prosper" and "Become healthier this year."

"Of course watching TV may or may not be good for my health" Mr. Ishida said, laughing.

According to the The Maizuru Marine Observatory: "Because of a winter pressure pattern blowing northwest, the winds could sufficiently carry the balloons."


Original text:
韓国からハングル文字入りの風船　新年祝う言葉も
2012年1月 7日

市温水プール横で見つかったハングル文字入りの風船

福知山市和久市町の市温水プール横の木に、ハングル文字で「韓国安陽市サムナン青年会」「あけましておめでとうございます」と書かれた風船が見つかった。

温水プール勤務の芦田安夫さんが５日午後、地上から約２メートルの辺りに風船が引っかかっているのを発見した。

 手にとってみるとハングル文字が書いてあった。ちょうど年末に韓国で文字入り風船を飛ばす映像を流したテレビ番組を見ていたので「もしかしたら韓国から飛んできたのでは？」と思った。

 風船はピンク、黄色、青色、水色の四つ。装飾ひもを結び、その先端に「小学校入学　みんなと仲良くして下さい！」「事業繁栄」「今年も健康で大きくなろう」と書いた直筆の紙が取り付けられていた。

 芦田さんは「もしテレビを見ていなかったら気にしていなかったかもしれません」と笑っていた。

 舞鶴海洋気象台は「冬型の気圧配置は北西の風が吹くので、風船が飛んでくることは十分ありえます」としている。