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。

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。