Setsubun event at the city of Ube's Meikou Kindergarden. Did the "Agreement with the Oni" have an instant effect?

Translated from the original article at: http://yamaguchi.keizai.biz/headline/1355/

February 3, 2012

Kindergartners face the the Red Oni, daringly pelting him with beans.

On Febuary 3rd, the Setsubun, involving a tradition of throwing beans to scare away Oni, was held at the Meikou kindergarten of Nishikiwa, Ube city (Tel #0836-51-9223)

Announced as having arrived in a flaming chariot, a red and blue Oni visited 9 locations within the school, wearing handmade masks and challenging the young children to throw beans at them. Principle Asou Yukiyo encouraged the children, "Drive out the Oni that's within you, and pray for another year spent in good health!"

To start the event, Principle Asou made a school announcement: "Ahh, the Oni have come! Everyone, help!" he screamed, as the Oni could be heard laughing on the P.A. system. Taking control of a loudspeaker, they growled "We are here, but we do not like good children. Are there any bad kids here? Let's go back to our island together!" As they made the announcements, the Oni burst into the classrooms, causing the young children to begin screaming in unison, some of them crying.

The Oni pair told each classroom "We can take naughty kids if we want. But if you promise to listen to your mothers, and be nice to your friends, we will let you go in exchange." After the kids used chopsticks to throw beans at the Oni, a contest was arranged to gather them off the floor.

Participant Hagiwara Shun said "I was very startled by the thought of them taking me. I will honor the Oni's promise and be a very good boy," as he was seen smiling. "That was a lot of fun. But when the Red Oni came, it got a little scary," said Kurashi Nodoka, as she looked over her shoulder.

Principle Asou added: "The agreement with the Oni" had an instant effect. Until next year's Setsubun, the children will keep their promise. Many parents asked to make this event enjoyable. More incidents such as this will pop up this year."


Original text:
宇部・明光幼稚園で節分豆まき－「鬼と約束」で効果てきめん？
（2012年02月03日）

「赤鬼」に向かって果敢に豆まきをする園児たち

宇部・西岐波の明光幼稚園（宇部市西岐波、TEL 0836-51-9223）で2月3日、恒例の「節分豆まき」が行われた。

「火の車に乗って来た」という「赤鬼」と「緑鬼」が園内の教室やホールなど9カ所を巡り、手作りのお面を着けた園児が鬼に向かって豆まきを行う。「自分の中の鬼を追い払い、また一年健やかに過ごせるようにと願いを込めている」と麻生起世園長。

豆まきは、園内アナウンスによる麻生園長の「きゃー鬼が来た、みんな助けて」という悲鳴と、鬼の笑い声と共にスタート。拡声器を持ち「鬼は内」「良い子は好きじゃない、悪い子はいないか」「一緒に鬼が島へ行こう」と言いながら鬼が教室に入ると園児は一斉に悲鳴を上げる。中には泣き出す子も。

鬼は各教室で「悪いこと」をした園児を捕まえ、「お母さんの言うことを守るか」「お友達にいじわるはしないか」などと話しかけ園児と約束を交わす。豆まき後は箸を使い、豆拾い大会を行った。

参加した萩原駿くんは「捕まえられてびっくりした。鬼と約束したから良い子で過ごします」と笑顔を見せた。蔵重和奏ちゃんは「とても楽しかった。赤鬼が来た時はちょっと怖かった」と振り返った。

麻生園長は「『鬼との約束』は効果てきめんで、子どもたちは来年の節分までその約束を守っている。この行事を楽しみにしてくださっている親御さんも多い。今年も大変盛り上がった」と話す。

"North-Eastern Japan hasn’t been defeated" Elementary scholars create a giant origami crane/Yokosuka February 2, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1202010012/

February 1, 2012

Supporting the disaster area, year 6 students (About 11 years old) created a giant origami crane. = Class 2 of Kamoi, Yokosuka’s Municipal Elementary School

Elementary school students offered their support to the disaster area of Eastern Japan. At the Kamoi Municipal Elementary School of Yokosuka (Kamoi city), thirty six children from the Year 6 2^nd class created a giant origami crane. Written on the 5 meter crane were such messages as "Let's smile together" and "North-Eastern Japan hasn’t been defeated". The children involved with the crane recorded an encouraging video letter, sent to students of the same age group in the disaster area.

Included in the video was the wish: "The crane flaps its wings, towards recovery." Meeting on school visitation day (January 20th), the project was planned out. Students of the entire school created a mount made from scotch tape for the crane, extending ten meters in each direction. On school visitation day, students not directly involved in building the crane sought cooperation from visiting parents/guardians and locals, having them write down over 200 encouraging messages which were bound to the crane.

"Creating the origami wasn't as difficult as it seemed," said a 12 year old boy of the 2nd class of Year 6. The whole class cooperated and worked cohesively in building and folding the crane, such as timing themselves to make a running jump together, in order to attach the stick used for the crane's neck.

Because of the large size of the crane, sending it to any of the disaster areas would be difficult. Instead, messages were recorded in front of the crane for a video letter. It will be sent to teachers of Ishinomaki, Miyagi, the municipal elementary school of Hashiura, Miyagi, Yoshihama elementary school and the Aikawa elementary school which were affected by the disaster.

The kids who took on the task of building the origami said: "If this crane gives the disaster area lots of encouragement, we would be grateful."

Original text:

「負けるな東北」、小学生が巨大折り鶴制作/横須賀

2012年2月1日

被災地を応援しようと巨大折り鶴を制作した６年２組の子どもたち＝横須賀市立鴨居小学校

東日本大震災で被災した小学生を応援しようと、横須賀市立鴨居小学校（同市鴨居）６年２組の子どもたち36人が、「一緒に笑顔になろう」「負けるな東北」といった言葉を添えた高さ約５メートルの巨大折り鶴を制作した。鶴とともに子どもたちによる励ましのメッセージを収録したビデオレターを作り、年度内に現地の小学校に届ける。

「復興に向けて鶴のように羽ばたけるように」との願いを込め、１月20日の授業参観日に合わせて企画した。各学年が授業で使った台紙をガムテープで貼り合わせ、10メートル四方の折り紙を制作。６年生や５年生の他学級のほか、授業参観に訪れた保護者や地元住民にも協力を呼び掛け、２００以上の応援メッセージを鶴に書きつづった。

「折るのが大変で諦めそうになった」という６年２組の男児（12）。走り高跳びの棒で鶴の首部分を固定するなど工夫し、クラス全員で「そっちを持って」「せーの」と協力しながら鶴の形に折り上げた。

サイズが大きく本体を現地に送ることは困難なため、鶴の前でメッセージを収録したビデオレターを制作することにした。鴨居小に宮城県石巻市出身の教諭がいる縁で、同市立橋浦小学校と、被災した影響で同校と同じ校舎で学んでいる同吉浜小学校、同相川小学校の児童たちに送るという。

折り鶴作りに取り組んだ子どもたちは「この鶴が被災地の大きな励みになればうれしい」と話している。　

Becoming popular at Hakone Park's aqarium: The hotspring performance of the seal trio. "This is a nice bath..."

Translated from the original article at: http://odawara-hakone.keizai.biz/headline/790/

(January 31, 2012)

Three seals (The Onsen Trio) perform.

The Hakone Park Aquarium (Motohakone, Hakone, Tel#0460-83-1151) is currently running a Baikal Seal show.  The Onsen Trio performance is gathering popularity, where three seals enter and display their poses.

The seals first place hand clothes onto their heads, then charmingly wave their flippers. The three seals have been training since last year. Until recently, only "Billy" was able to perform the trick.

Joining Billy in the Onsen performances are two other males, Ice and Ash. Both 8 years old, they are veterens at performing tricks, energetically using balls and hoops.

The show is packed with camera-ready visitors, sending out plenty of claps and cheers. "Their big round eyes are cute!" After the show, Park employee Mr. Kusano added "Because the Onsen Trio performance is over, we want you to enjoy taking pictures."

Hours of operation are 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The seak show takes place at 11:00AM and 1:00PM. (On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, an additional performance is held at 3:30PM). Entrance fees: Adults=1,300 yen, Children (4 through elementary school) = 650 yen.


Original text:
箱根園水族館のアザラシトリオが「いい湯だな～」－温泉芸、人気に
（2012年01月31日）

3頭のアザラシが「温泉トリオ」を披露

箱根園水族館（箱根町元箱根、TEL 0460-83-1151）のバイカルアザラシショーで現在、3頭が温泉に入るポーズをとる「温泉トリオ」の芸を披露し人気を集めている。

アザラシの頭に手ぬぐいを乗せ、おけを手に愛嬌（あいきょう）を振りまく「温泉アザラシ」が人気の同館。これまでは雄のビリーだけの特技だったが、昨年から3頭での練習を重ねていた。

温泉芸を披露するのはビリーに加え、雄のアイスとアッシュ。2頭とも8歳のベテランで、ボールや輪を使った芸でも活躍している。

ショーの時間には観客が詰めかけ、たくさんの拍手や歓声を送っている。「丸い大きな目がかわいい」とカメラを構える人も多い。同園の草野さんは「ショーの終わりに温泉トリオをお披露目しているので、シャッターチャンスを楽しんでほしい」と話す。

営業時間は9時～17時。アザラシショーは11時～・13時～（土曜・日曜・祝日は15時30分～の回も）。入場料は、大人＝1,300円、こども（4歳～小学生）＝650円。

The opening of the Sapporo Snow Festival approaches. With the snow sculptures nearly complete, spectators gather at a faster pace.

Translated from the original article at: http://sapporo.keizai.biz/headline/1208/

January 31, 2012

Members of the Japanese Self Defense Forces create snow sculptures.

Sapporo's winter display (The Sapporo Snow Festival) will be held from February 6 through the 12th. Sapporo Odori Park is the main location of the event, in addition to sculptures being displayed everywhere in the city.

This year marks the 63rd occasion of the event. Each year, more than two million spectators from outside Sapporo visit the streets. This year, the giant snow sculptures are being displayed at 3 main locations. 228 ice and snow sculptures are estimated for the Sapporo Odori Park, the Tsudo-mu Sapporo Community Dome and the Susukino district.

Now approaching one week until the opening, the sweat pours from the Japanese Self Defence Forces and volunteers enlisted from the city as they create snow sculptures. Local residents around the area collect pictures chronicling the progress of the sculptures, as spectators come to gather at the locations more often.

A man from the area taking pictures with his cell-phone said "The unveiling of the various completed snow sculptures each year is lots of fun. Taking pictures of the Sky Tree in Tokyo seemed popular. But when returning from work this year, I'll stop by here to take pictures. It's almost complete," he said with anticipation.

On the first day of the event, the Tsudo-mu Dome opens at 9:00AM, and the Odori Park and Susuki locations both have opening ceremonies at 10:15AM and 6:00PM respectively.


Original text
「さっぽろ雪まつり」開催迫る－雪像完成間近、早くも見物客集まる
（2012年01月31日）

雪像製作する自衛隊員たち

札幌の冬の風物詩「さっぽろ雪まつり」が2月6日～12日、大通公園をメーン会場に市内各地で開催される。

今年で63回目を迎え、毎年200万人以上の観光客が道内外から訪れる同イベント。メーンの催しは巨大雪像の展示で、今年は、大通会場・つどーむ（東区）会場・すすきの会場の3カ所で計228基の氷雪像を制作する。

開幕まで1週間前に迫った現在、自衛隊員やボランティアで募った市民が雪像作りに汗を流し、その周りには雪像作りの工程を写真に納める地元住民、観光客らで会場周辺は早くもにぎわっている。

携帯電話で写真撮影していた地元住民の男性は「毎年さまざまな雪像が完成して披露されるのを楽しみにしている。スカイツリーの撮影が東京では盛んなようだったので、今年は仕事の帰りに会場に立ち寄り撮影していた。完成が待ち遠しい」と期待を寄せている。

イベント初日の開場は、大通公園会場開会式＝10時15分、つどーむ会場＝9時、すすきの会場開会式＝18時。

Crossing the fire barefoot for spiritual cleansing. The fire protection festival at Manpuku Temple/Odawara

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201290004/

January 29, 2012

The fire protection festival, where large numbers of people came to visit the Manpuku Temple of Nakazato, Odarawara city

On the 28th, the spiritual training ritual of crossing fire was held at the Manpuku Temple of Nakazato, Odarawara city. Known as the "Festival of defending against fire", Buddhist monks walked barefoot over the flames. Large numbers of people arrived at the temple, to wish for health and safety for themselves and their family.

At the temple, summoned by the howl of the Horegai trumpet, priests outfitted in Yamabushi clothing assemble together. After discussion amongst themselves, a mountain of Ogoma (Japanese site) and decorative ropes roughly the height of a human is set ablaze. Visitors to the temple write down their prayers for future events on wood, throwing it into the fire.

After the strength of the blaze weakened, temple visitors proceeded to join hands and cross over it themselves, wishing for a year of good health.

Original text

素足で火の上渡る「火渡り修行」も、満福寺で火伏まつり/小田原

2012年1月29日

大勢の参拝者が訪れた「火伏（ひぶせ）まつり」＝小田原市中里、満福寺

素足で火の上を渡る「火渡り修行」で知られる「火伏（ひぶせ）まつり」が28日、小田原市中里の満福寺で行われた。大勢の参拝者が訪れ、無病息災や家内安全を願った。

　

境内には山伏装束に身を包んだ修験者たちが、ほら貝の音色とともに参集。山伏問答などを行った後、人の背ほどに高く積まれた護摩札やしめ飾りの山に火が付けられると、参拝者が願い事を書き入れた「祈願木」を投げ入れた。

終盤では燃えさかる炎の上を、素足の山伏たちが刀をかざして一気に渡る火渡りを披露。火勢を弱めた後には参拝客たちも次々と手を合わせながら火渡りを行い、一年の健康を願った。

Stretching like a dragon, the famous sand bath of the Yubara Sauna has been revived. The town of Maniwa, Okayama City

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120128-00000066-san-l33

Distributed by The Sankei Shinbum (http://sankei.jp/), Saturday, January 28, 7:55 PM

The sand bath. (Photo by the Sankei Shinbum)

The Yubara Spa of Maniwa is well known for its open air sand bath. The nude bathing and gazebo area was flooded from last September's Tropical Storm Talas. Having been restored, it was unveiled to guests on the 27th.

The dimensions for the steel frame constructed nude bath are:

9 meters, 60 centimeters long

2 meters, 10 centimeters deep

2 meters, 70 centimeters above ground.

Both the width and height of the Gazebo measure at 3 meters, constructed with cedar that's native to the area. At the time of flooding, it was transferred to a safe location by crane to be reconstructed. Total construction costs amounted to 5,500,000 Yen ($71,078).

Ogawara Yasuhiro, President of the Yuhara Visitors Association: "In the Year of the Dragon, we quickly completed the reconstruction. We will keep our eye on the sauna resembling an outstretched dragon.

Original text:

名物の砂湯“復活”　真庭・湯原温泉「竜のように伸びる」　岡山

産経新聞 1月28日(土)7時55分配信

すなゆ（写真：産経新聞）

真庭市湯原温泉の名物露天風呂「砂湯」で、昨年９月の台風１２号により流された脱衣場やあずま屋などが復旧、２７日、観光客らに披露された。

脱衣場は長さ９メートル６０センチ、奥行き２メートル１０センチ、高さ２メートル７０センチの鉄骨造り。あずま屋は幅、高さとも約３メートルで、地元産の杉が使われている。ともに冠水時などにはクレーン車で安全な場所へ移動できる構造になっている。総工費は５５０万円。

　 　

湯原観光協会の小河原靖弘会長は「辰年の早々に完全復旧できた。竜のように伸びていく温泉をめざしたい」と意気込んでいる。

A Japanese flag from World War II inscribed with signatures. The grandson of an American soldier searches for the owner/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1201270013/

January 27, 2012

Mr. Reid displaying a Japanese national flag, containing a collection of signatures=The United States Forces Japan Navy Headquarters

During World War II, soldiers of the Old Japanese Imperial Army departing for the frontlines were given Japanese flags with signatures added to them, considered presents. One such flag was discovered to be under the personal possession of an American soldier after his death. On their next visit to Japan, the family of the soldier went searching for the owner.

Caring for the flag is Mr. Michael Reid (40), from the state of Minnesota. A First Lieutenant of the US Navy Reserve, he works for a medical supply manufacturer. For training, he visits The United States Forces Japan Navy Headquarters of Yokosuka City. During active duty, he's responsible for airplane maintenance. He's stationed at the Atsugi Military Base of Yamato and Asage City.

The Rising Sun Flag was held by his grandfather, a World War II Navy Soldier who departed for the Philippines and Palau. Passing away in 2000 at the age of 77, the flag was discovered by the soldier's wife. Sorting through his belongings, she discovered the flag folded inside of his suit.

The flag is shaped as a roughly even square, measuring 70 centimeters (27.5 inches). Along with the message of "Lasting Luck in Battle," many names have been written down. In comparatively large writing are the names of Hanada Toshiyuki, Fujino Nori and Noto Tatsuo.

Okabemoto Saburo, the son of a foot solider in Utsunomiya City, contacted Reid. No other living people associated with the flag have come forward.

Mr. Reid said: "Because my grandfather rarely spoke of his wartime experiences, I didn't understand the circumstances surrounding the flag he held. This is a piece of history. If I knew who the owner was, I would like to return it."

The US Navy and other sites have posted pictures of the flag to the public. For more information, the public relations department of Yokosuka Base can be faxed at 046 (816) 7911.

Original text:

戦時の寄せ書き日章旗、米軍人の子孫が持ち主探す/横須賀

2012年1月27日

寄せ書きが添えられた日章旗を示すリードさん＝在日米海軍司令部

第２次大戦当時、出征を控えた旧日本軍の兵士たちに贈られたとみられる寄せ書きを添えた日章旗が、米軍人の遺品から見付かった。来日した家族が持ち主を捜している。

旗を保管しているのは、米ミネソタ州に住むマイケル・リードさん（40）。医療機器メーカーの会社員だが予備役の米海軍中尉でもあり、訓練のために在日米海軍司令部（横須賀市）に滞在している。現役時は航空機整備担当者として、厚木基地（大和、綾瀬市）に配属されていた。

日の丸は、第２次大戦時に海軍兵としてフィリピンやパラオに出征した祖父が保存していた。２０００年に77歳で亡くなり、遺品を整理していた祖母が、制服の間にたたんであった旗を発見した。

旗はほぼ正方形で、一辺が約70センチ。「武運長久」のメッセージに、数多くの名前が記されている。比較的大きく書かれた名前には「花田敏行」「藤野登」「能登達雄」などがある。

このうち「岡部元三郎」の名前については、「宇都宮の歩兵連隊にいた父では」との連絡があったが、生存者の存在は確認ができていない。

リードさんは「祖父はあまり戦争体験を語らなかったので、この旗を持っていた事情は分からないが、これは歴史の一部分。持ち主が分かればお返ししたい」と話している。

米海軍もツイッターで旗の写真を公開している。情報は横須賀基地広報部ファクス０４６（８１６）７９１１。