In the middle of the rain, Motomachi is colored in green. A cultural exchange parade with Ireland/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203180004/

March 18, 2012

150 participants dressed in green march throughout Motomachi.

With the aim of intercultural exchange between Japan and Ireland, a Saint Patrick's Day parade was held on the 17th. Organized by a committee, it was held on the shopping street of Motomachi, Yokohama City (Naka ward).

Saint Patrick was a missionary who became widespread in Irish Christianity. On March 17, the anniversary of his passing is celebrated as a national holiday. Within Japan, parades take place in only 10 locations. This year marks the 8th parade held in Motomachi.

In the middle of the falling rain, symbolically dressed in green under their raincoats, 150 advanced. Irish people dressed as Saint Patrick waved their country's flag, cheering as they marched around the town. Along the streets, spectators smiled as they held on to green balloons.


Original text:
雨の中、元町が緑色に　アイルランド交流パレード/横浜
2012年3月18日

緑色の衣装を着て約１５０人が元町を練り歩いた

日本とアイルランドの交流を目的にした「セントパトリックデー・パレード」が17日、横浜市中区の横浜元町ショッピングストリートで開催された。同実行委員会主催。

セントパトリックはアイルランドにキリスト教を普及させた宣教者で、命日の３月17日は祝日となっている。日本国内でも10カ所でパレードが行われており、元町での開催はことしで８回目。

雨が降る中、レインコートの下にアイルランドのシンボルカラーである緑色の衣装を着た約１５０人が行進。セントパトリックに扮（ふん）したアイルランド人や国旗を掲げた参加者が大きな歓声を上げながら街を練り歩き、沿道では緑の風船を手にした人々が笑顔で見守っていた。

As their children graduate from Seiwa Kindergarden, an evacuated family from Fukushima plants a tree in gratitude

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120315-00000592-san-l28

Distributed on March 15, 8:10PM by the Keizai Shinbum

A family displaced by last year's disaster plants a Keyaki (Fukushima's prefectural tree) in commemoration of two graduating kindergartners=Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture (Photo: Keizai Shinbun)

On the 15th, a family of Nichinomiya City's Kansai University Kindergarden 2nd class planted a keyaki tree.  Due to the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi Nucleur Reactor Accident, they had to evacuate Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture for Hyogo, Nichinomiya.

On that day, 2 evacuated children attending the Kansai Academy Seiwa Kindergarten were graduating.  School employees had been raising relief donations, while parental guardians of the other school children donated essential goods for living. Those receiving the support were filled with gratitude.

The keyaki tree is the Fukushima Prefecture and Minamisoma City's official tree. "I've thankful for how kind the people here have been over the last year." said Katou Shiho (37), who planted the tree in return.


Original text:
福島から避難の親子が感謝の植樹　聖和幼稚園を卒園
産経新聞 3月15日(木)20時10分配信

卒園記念に福島県の県木、ケヤキを植樹する避難家族＝兵庫県西宮市（写真：産経新聞）

東京電力福島第１原発事故の影響で、福島県南相馬市から兵庫県西宮市に避難している２組の親子が１５日、西宮市内の関西学院大にケヤキを植樹した。

子供２人がこの日、通っていた関西学院聖和幼稚園を卒園。同園では教職員らが義援金を募ったり、園児の保護者が日用品を寄付したりと支援してくれたことへの感謝を込めた。

ケヤキは福島県と南相馬市の県木、市木。植樹した加藤志保さん（３７）は「人の優しさにこれほど感謝した１年はなかった」と振り返った。

Hill burning. A traditional event of Sengokuhara in Hakone/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203140025/

March 14, 2012

A hill burning event on the susuki grass plains of Sengokuhara, Hakone

On the 14th, an annual hill burning event took place over the expansive, 44.5 acre susuki grass field of Sengokuhara, Hakone, .

A snowfall abruptly stopped at 11:00AM, leaving the plains blanketed in a fine layer of powder. 190 from the town's fire fighting department divided work in ignited the dead leaves under it. Gradually, the flames increased until a roaring bass could be heard. The stretch of land was left charred black as the fire ran through it.

The goal of the hill burning is to burn off shrubbery, maintaining the vegetation and scenery.  Beginning in 1989, the event was suspended for the first time last year due to the impact of the Eastern Japan disaster, returning a year later in 2012.

During the fall, the ends of plains' flowing susuki grass turns golden colored. The spot is known for being chosen as one of the 50 scenic points of Kanagawa.

Original text
箱根・仙石原で恒例「山焼き」/神奈川
2012年3月14日

箱根町仙石原のススキ草原で行われた「山焼き」

箱根町仙石原に広がるススキ草原（約18ヘクタール）で14日、恒例の「山焼き」が行われた。

ちらついていた粉雪がぴたりとやんだ午前11時、町消防団員ら約１９０人が手分けして風下の枯れ草に火をつけた。徐々に勢いを増した炎は「ゴーゴー」という低音をとどろかせ、一帯を墨色に焦がしながら草原を駆け抜けた。

山焼きの目的は、低木を焼き払うことによる植生や景観の維持。１９８９年に始まったが、昨年は東日本大震災の影響で初めて中止され、２年ぶりの実施となった。

秋になると黄金色の穂をなびかせるススキ草原は、「かながわの景勝50選」の一つとして親しまれている。

Accompanied by kindergarteners, Taishuu Horses once again carry goods along Nagasaki’s steep roads.

Translated from the original article at: http://nagasaki.keizai.biz/headline/424/

March 13, 2012

On the narrow roads of Irabayashi City, Satoko the Taishuu Horse carries a load with all her might. (Photo provided by Yukihide Takahashi)

On March 10, along a stretch of the Irabayashi area of Kawasaki, an event was held which saw the reemergence of the Taishuu horse performing labor. The event was planned by illustrator Ejima Tatsuya and the Kawasaki Taishuu Horse Aid Group.

The Kawasaki Taishuu Horse Aid Group smiles as they arrive in front of the statue of Sakamoto Ryōma at Kaze Gashira Park. (Photo provided by Yukihide Takahashi)

From the course’s departing point at the first Torri Gate of Wakamiya Inari Temple, the horse and it’s group passed by the temple and the Kamayamashachuu Memorial Museum before arriving at the sloped roads of the Sakamoto Ryōma statue. Continuing through narrow hills  and stairs, Satoko (a breed of Taishuu Horse) carried 200 picture books which weighed in at 35 kilograms (77 pounds) to a cafe in Oomura City.

"Keep going!" yelled voices of support along the road. Satoko's mane shook as she climbed the steep stairway one foot at a time. Residents of Irabayashi could be heard saying "I’m happy to see this again." Non-suspecting tourists appeared surprised by the sudden appearance of the horse, it being said that people from outside of the prefecture doing sightseeing requested pictures. Inside the ground of the Wakamiya Inari temple, children of the Wakamiya Nursery School on an exchange program touched the horse as they mounted it.

The practice of using horses to transport items has been retired since 2009. The sight of them traveling Nagasaki's hills then disappeared. In the past, horses travelling the hills of Nagasaki were a usual part of the scenery, with people spending their days in charge of horses transporting nearly 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of building materials. For Satoko, this was her first experience. During the training before hand, it was said she appeared scared trying to traverse the steep roads.

"It was common for us to view such scenery. We relied on the horses' work and involvement in the area. Enduring the time when we couldn't see them was painful. Although Satoko appeared scared and uneasy during training, today, we're deeply touched to see her navigating the tight slopes beyond our expectations. Maybe the news of Satoko's perseverance could also spread to the people of North-East Japan." said Ejima. "After this, we're scheduled to revise and continue this event. While we’re considering horses traveling the hills of Nagasaki in the future, we're concerned about the decreasing numbers of Taishuu horses and want to get involved if the chance presents itself.

Original text:

長崎の坂道で対州馬の荷運びを再現－園児たちとの交流も

（2012年03月13日)

伊良林の狭い道を懸命に歩く対州馬の里子（写真提供＝高橋幸秀さん）

長崎の伊良林地区一帯で3月10日、対州馬（たいしゅうば）で荷物を運ぶ姿を再現するイベントが行われた。長崎のイラストレーター江島達也さんら「長崎対州馬応援団」が企画した。

【画像】風頭公園の龍馬之像前に笑顔で到着した「長崎対州馬応援団」（写真提供＝高橋幸秀さん）

コースは若宮稲荷神社の第1鳥居付近を出発し、途中若宮稲荷神社、亀山社中記念館前を通り風頭公園の龍馬之像までの坂道。細い坂や階段が続く道を、大村市のカフェで飼育されている対州馬の里子（さとこ）が約35キロの絵本200冊を背負って歩いた。

「頑張れ」という沿道の声援に応えるように急な階段をたてがみを揺らしながら一歩一歩駆け上がる里子に、伊良林の住人からは「懐かしい」という言葉も聞かれた。居合わせた観光客は、突然表れた馬に驚いた表情を見せた。県外から見学や撮影に訪れた人もいたという。若宮稲荷神社の境内では、若宮保育園の園児たちとの交流もあり里子の体に触れたり背にまたがるなどした。

2009年に荷運びをする馬方が引退して以来、長崎の坂から馬の姿が消えた。かつて100キロ近い建築資材などを担いで長崎の坂道を馬が歩く風景は、長崎で暮らす人にとって当たり前の光景だったが、里子にとっては初めての経験。事前練習したときは坂道を怖がるそぶりを見せたという。

「私たちが当たり前のように見ていた光景は、馬方と馬が信頼関係を結び、忍耐を持って働いていた姿だったことを痛感した。練習で怖がる里子の姿に不安があったが、当日、期待以上に張り切って坂道を歩く里子に感動した。里子が頑張る姿が東北の人にもニュースなどで伝われば」と江島さん。「今後も場所を変えてイベントを継続する予定。馬の姿を通して坂の町長崎の将来を考えたり、頭数が減る対州馬へ関心を向ける機会になれば」と話す。

Firefly larva released into the lake of the Tsurugaoka Hachimanguu Temple. Kindergartners help to preserve nature/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203120034/

March 13, 2012

Kindergartners releasing young fireflies=The inner grounds of the Tsurugaoka Hachimanguu Temple.

On the 12th, at the Yanagiharashinchi Lake in the temple grounds of the Tsurokahachimanguu Temple (located in Yuni No Shita, Kamakura City), school children from the Tsuruoka Kindergarten released firefly larvae. Although June 9th is the date of the firefly releasing ceremony, they must first reach maturation before emitting light while flying around the lake.

A part of the temple's environmental protection program, it's aimed to educate children on the importance of nature and life. The larva were said to be the "grandchildren" of Namerikawa's firefly squid. (Translation note: The town city of Namerikawa is famous for celebrating the firefly squid.)

50 of this year's kindergarten graduates participated. Along with the 3,000 fireflies, their food in the form of 15,000 snails were placed into the lake.


Original text:
鶴岡八幡宮の池に蛍の幼虫放流、自然保護で幼稚園児ら/鎌倉
2012年3月13日

ホタルの幼虫を放流する園児ら＝鶴岡八幡宮境内

鶴岡八幡宮（鎌倉市雪ノ下）境内の柳原神池（やないはらしんち）で12日、鶴岡幼稚園の園児らがホタルの幼虫を放流した。６月９日に行う蛍放生祭のころには、成虫として光を放ちながら池の周りを飛び交うという。

境内の自然環境保護の一環で、園児らに自然と命の尊さを学んでもらうのが狙い。幼虫は、鎌倉を流れる滑川のホタルの“子孫”という。

今春卒園の50人が参加。幼虫３千匹と餌となるカワニナ１万５千匹を池に流した。

One year since the Great Disaster of Eastern Japan, religions cross over into one feeling. An event of mourning and prayer for recovery at Kenchō-ji Temple/Kamakura

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203110029/

March 11, 2012

Followers of Shintoism, Buddhism and Christianity meet within a lecture hall, participating together in a prayer event= The Kenchō-ji Temple () of Yamanouchi, Kamakura City

Followers of Shintoism, Buddhism and Orthodox Christianity prayed together in an event for mourning and recovery, held at the Kenchō-ji Temple of Yamanouchi, Kamakura City. The event was organized by the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū shrine and the city's Buddhist and Orthodox Christian associations. 7,000 visitors came to the temple (announced by one of the organizers.), offering their prayer together.

A line continued from 20 priests of the Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gū shrine, 30 priests and clergy of the city's Christian association and 60 priests from 40 (Buddhist) temples within the city. At 2:30PM, they all dispersed and slowly walked around the circumference of the main temple. Visitors packed both side of the route set up for the event, alternating between motionlessly staring and clasping their hands as the priests and clergy passed by.

At the 46 minute mark, the temple's bell was struck 5 times. Hearing the reverberations, many people offered a moment of silence which fell over the temple grounds. Afterwards, the monks and clergy entered the lecture hall, each one of them offering a prayer.

The city Buddhist association’s president Nakata Masahiro (Chief Priest of the Kakuon Temple) said "We came together and prayed under one building. I want that to be the one message that we send out.”

Original text:

東日本大震災１年：宗教超え心一つに、建長寺で追悼・復興祈願祭/鎌倉

2012年3月11日

神道、仏教、キリスト教の宗教者が法堂内に会し、祈りを捧げた合同祈願祭＝鎌倉市山ノ内の建長寺

神道、仏教、キリスト教の宗教者が合同で祈る「追悼・復興祈願祭」が、鎌倉市山ノ内の建長寺で行われた。鶴岡八幡宮、市仏教会、市キリスト教諸教会の主催。約７千人の参拝者が訪れ（主催者発表）、ともに祈りをささげた。

午後２時半、鶴岡八幡宮の神職約20人に続き、市内のキリスト教会の司祭や牧師ら約30人、市内約40寺院60人ほどの僧侶が列をなし、ゆっくりと本堂の周りを歩いた。巡堂ルートの両脇は一般の参拝者が埋め尽くし、通過する宗教者をじっと見つめたり、手を合わせたりしていた。

同46分。鐘の音が５回響き渡る間、多くの人が黙とうをささげると、境内は静まり返った。その後、宗教者の行列は法堂に入り、各宗教ごとに祈りをささげた。

市仏教会の仲田昌弘会長（覚園寺住職）は「一堂に会して一緒に祈ることで、鎌倉から宗教者として一つのメッセージを発信できた」と話していた。

Supplies donated by Kawasaki residents get distributed to disaster victims/Kawasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1203100023/

March 10, 2012

At a provisions event, many of the evacuees residing in Kawasaki City come for aid=Kawasaki's Takatsu Ward

For victims of the East Japanese disaster, those who evacuated to Kawasaki city were the focus of donated goods event on the 10th, held in the city's Takatsu ward. Items at the event were donated by both citizens and various businesses. One of the evacuees said "We want to thank everyone for their good intentions."

Sponsored by the city, this is the second event since November of last year. Approaching a year since the earthquake, this project aimed to once again deliver support to the refugees.

Requests for donations began in February, from which enough supplies were gathered to fill 6 2-ton moving trucks. The focus was on getting basic living supplies such as paper diapers, wet tissues, detergent and batteries. Also collected were cooking items such as water, rice, tanks of water and also clothes and food utensils.

350 registered evacuee households within the city were sent letters of invitation. By 11:30AM, 60 families showed up, receiving bags full of essential supplies.

After having had their house in Kesennume City, Miyagi prefecture swept away by the tsunami, a couple evacuated to the Tama ward of Kawasaki city. Kikuta Sakiko (Age 63) commented "In the year we've been here, we've often been helped in various ways. In 2-3 years we hope to return home. No matter what happens, we smile, wishing to keep looking ahead as we take each step forward."

Original text:

避難者に市民ら寄贈の物資配布/川崎

2012年3月10日

川崎市内に避難している多くの被災者が訪れた支援物資の提供会＝同市高津区

東日本大震災の被災者で、川崎市内に避難している人を対象とした支援物資の提供会が10日、同市高津区内で開かれた。用意された物品は、いずれも市民や企業から寄せられたもの。避難者は「皆さんの善意に感謝したい」と話していた。

市の主催で、昨年11月に続いて２回目。震災から１年を迎えるにあたり、避難者にエールの気持ちを届けようと再び企画した。

２月に寄贈を呼び掛けたところ、集まった物資は２トントラックで６台分。紙おむつやウエットティッシュ、洗剤、乾電池などの生活用品をはじめ、水や米、おかゆなどの食料品、衣類や食器などが寄せられた。

市は、登録のある約３５０世帯の避難者に案内状を送付。午前11時半までに約60世帯が訪れ、紙袋いっぱいに必要な品を詰め込んでいった。

宮城県気仙沼市の自宅が津波で流され、娘夫婦のいる川崎市多摩区に避難している菊田咲子さん（63）は「種類もいっぱいあって助かります。この１年はあっという間。２～３年後には戻りたい。いつでも笑顔で、一歩一歩前を向いて進んでいきたい」と話していた。