After discovering a fleeing suspect, Rin the police dog receives an award from the chief/Kawasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206120029/

June 13, 2012

Rin being offered a reward in dog food. On the left is her handler, Police Chief Ueno=Rinkou Police Station, Kawasaki

On the 12th, the police dog Rin received an award from the chief of Rinkou Police Station. She was recognized for her work in pinpointing a man who abandoned his car and fled the scene of an accident in the Kawasaki Ward of Kawasaki City. Mischievously displaying her keen ability to pick out smells, Rin wagged her tail in response to a police officer presenting her with a package of dog food.

Rin is a female Labrador retriever, 3 years of age. Her extraordinary eagerness during searches makes her a very suitable police dog. Her handler, Chief Wani Ueno said he "fell in love at first sight." July of 2012 will mark the 2^nd completed year of service by Rin.

The incident with the suspect occurred early in June. Receiving word of the escaped man, the police dispatched Rin. Relying on her sense of smell, the pursuit began. 3 hours and 40 minutes after the incident, they arrived 300 meters away to a pontoon boat anchored in a canal. Rin was said to have discovered the man hiding under the pontoon's tarp. The captured man is suspected by police of committing several traffic violations that include drunk driving and fleeing the scene.

This was Rin's first experience in tracking down a criminal suspect. "(The search) took place during the night, so there were few pedestrians. We were also blessed with clear weather. Those were good conditions for us," explained Police Chief Ueno. "Rin really went after him. There's still more we can do after this. Every day, we’ll keep training, pursuing the goal of becoming 'Man and dog as one'."

Translation note: The title of the story was difficult to directly translate. It includes the characters 貢ケン (Pronounced Kouken). Kouken is normally written 貢献, meaning contribution or service to a cause. 貢ケン is play on words, intending to mean “contributing dog.”

Original text:

警察犬リンに署長賞、当て逃げ容疑者発見に“貢ケン”/川崎

2012年6月13日

ご褒美にドッグフードを贈られるリン号と、指導手の上野巡査部長（左）＝川崎臨港署

川崎市川崎区の交通事故現場から車を放置して立ち去った男の逃走先を突き止めたとして、県警の警察犬リン号に12日、川崎臨港署から署長賞が贈られた。やんちゃで我が強いリンはにおいへの反応も抜群といい、署員からご褒美に手渡されたドッグフードに尾を振って応えていた。

ラブラドルレトリバーのリンはメスの３歳。旺盛な捜索意欲が警察犬向きと、指導手の上野和仁巡査部長（37）に“見初められ”、ことし７月で警察犬歴２年を迎える。

事件は６月上旬に発生。男の逃走を受け出動したリンは、においを頼りに追跡を開始。事故から約３時間40分後、約３００メートル離れた運河に係留中の台船にたどり着き、ブルーシート内に潜んでいた男の発見に貢献したという。男は道交法違反（酒気帯び運転、当て逃げ）などの疑いで同署に逮捕された。

容疑者の発見はリンにとって初体験で、上野巡査部長は「夜間で歩行者が少ないことや、天候に恵まれたことなど、条件が良かった」と説明。「リンを信じて後を追った。今後も活躍できるよう、“人犬一体”で日々の訓練に励みたい」と話していた。

With their sounds protecting the town, wind bell production enters it's final stage/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206120036/

June 13, 2012

Approaching the completion of wind bell production at Kamakura Bells=Yuigahama, Kamakura City

The Kamakura Bells store of Yuigahama, Kamakura City approaches its completion of wind bell production. The copper is beaten in order to alter the sounds which are produced. The application of smoldering bamboo forms the designs.

Wind bell specialist Makoto Kikuchi's (58) past work included teaching at elementary, junior high and special education schools. As a working adult, he entered into Kyuutakaoka Junior College of Toyama Prefecture, studying the local industry of casting as a metal arts specialist. Establishing a studio within Kamakura City, he opened a store selling his wind bells 8 years ago.

In the store, display models of the wind-bells are set out, their sound frequency recorded on an attached card. Kikuchi explained: "During Japan's Middle Ages, it was thought that the sound of the bells could bring protection to entire towns. While analyzing the scientific aspect of the sound, I wish to create bells capturing the essence of the seasons of the year and nature within Kamakura."

Original text:

風鈴作り追い込み、町守る音を/神奈川

2012年6月13日

風鈴作りが追い込みを迎えている「鎌倉ベルズ」＝鎌倉市由比ガ浜

鎌倉市由比ガ浜の「鎌倉ベルズ」で風鈴作りが追い込みを迎えている。銅をたたく加減で音色に変化を与え、竹で燻（いぶ）して模様を施す。

風鈴作家の菊地眞さん（58）は小、中学校、特別支援学校の教諭を歴任した後、旧高岡短大（富山県）に社会人入学し、金属工芸専攻で地場産業の鋳物を学んだ。鎌倉市内に工房を構え、８年前からは店舗で風鈴を売り出した。

店に展示している見本の風鈴には、奏でる音の周波数を記した札が付く。菊地さんは「中世には音によって町全体を守る概念があった。音を科学的に分析しながら、鎌倉の四季や自然を想起させる風鈴を作っていきたい」と話していた。

In a transfer of captain ceremony for the American Navy Destroyer USS Mustin, Lieutenant colonel Joseph Ling is instated/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206120033/

June 12, 2012

Caption: Lieutenant colonel Joseph Ling, instated as the new captain.

On the 12th, a transfer of captain ceremony for the U.S. Navy's Missile Destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89)  was held at U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka. Lieutenant colonel Joseph Ling was instated as the new captain, replacing retired Lieutenant colonel Scott Tate.

Lieutenant colonel Joseph Ling previously served as executive officer of the Missile Destroyer USS Carney (DDG-64). He spoke of his aspirations with members of the press corps. "In taking over the tasks of Lieutenant colonel Tate, I wish to maintain a good relationship with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force."

Looking back on his completed six month term of office, Lieutenant colonel Tate commented "For the U.S. Navy, Yokosuka is a very important area. It was an honor to have served."

Original text:

米海軍駆逐艦「マスティン」の艦長交代式、リング中佐が新艦長に就任/横須賀

2012年6月12日

新艦長に就任したジョゼフ・リング中佐

米海軍のミサイル駆逐艦「マスティン」の艦長交代式が12日、米海軍横須賀基地で開かれた。スコット・テイト中佐が退任し、ジョゼフ・リング中佐が新艦長に就任した。

リング中佐は、ミサイル駆逐艦カーニーの副長などを歴任。報道陣の取材に対し、「テイト中佐の功績を受け継ぎ、海上自衛隊との良好な関係を維持していきたい」などと抱負を語った。

１年半の任期を終えたテイト中佐は「米海軍にとって重要な地域である横須賀で働くことができて光栄に思う」と振り返った。

A family of spot-billed ducks, tottling together towards Sandanike Lake

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120612-00000302-rtn-l26

Sent out on June 12, 5:43PM by the Ryoutan Daily Shinbum

Aiming for the lake, a family of spot billed ducks cross a roadway (Photo taken by zoo director Toshikuni Nihonmatsu)

On the 11th, in Sandanike Zoo (Japanese site) of Izaki, Fukuchiyama City, a family of wild ducks were spotted crossing a road by zoo director Toshikuni Nihonmatsu (67). The figures of chicks tottering behind came into view, continuing after the mother. Park visitors yelled out "Cute!" as they squinted their eyes for a better view.

The family was spotted around 2:00PM on the 11th. From the space between a small storeroom behind the park's office, one adult and 10 chicks were observed. After going past the office, they crossed the road in front of the zoo.

Though cars were travelling the road, driver's stopped, offering the right of way to the family of ducks. The ducks continued on their path toward Sandan Lake, arriving safely.

Zoo Director Nihonmatsu commented "A nest was created on the side of the storeroom, and we expected the eggs to hatch. We were quite agitated while they were crossing the road, though it also was really cute. Perhaps we'll be able to see them swimming in the lake."
 　

Original text:
カルガモ親子ヨチヨチ 三段池へそろって移動
両丹日日新聞 6月12日(火)17時43分配信

池を目指し、道路を歩くカルガモ親子（二本松園長撮影）

福知山市猪崎、三段池公園内にある市動物園で１１日、野生のカルガモの親子が歩いているのを、二本松俊邦園長（６７）が見つけた。親鳥に続いてヨチヨチと歩く雛（ひな）の姿に、来園者たちも「かわいい」と目を細めた。

親子が現れたのは１１日午後２時ごろ。園の事務所裏にある物置小屋の隙間から親鳥１羽と雛１０羽が姿を見せ、事務所横を通り過ぎ、園前の道路を横切っていった。

道路では自動車が通りがかったが、ドライバーが止まってカルガモ親子の“行進”に道を譲った。親子はそのまま三段池へと続く道を歩き、無事に池へたどりついた。

二本松園長は「物置小屋のそばに巣を作り、卵をかえしたのだと思われます。わたしたちに気付いても動じず、本当にかわいかった。池で泳ぐ姿が見ることが出来るかもしれません」と話していた。

The mystery of life and the peak spawning season for grass puffers/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206070001/

June 7, 2012

Meeting the peak of spawning season, grass puffer fish release their eggs=Fukaura Bay, Urago-Cho, Yokosuka City

The peak spawning season has arrived for the grass puffer fish of Fukaura Bay, Urago-Cho, Yokosuka City. On the 6th, an observation group of 150 people made up of parents and children went to observe the mysteries of life.

With full tide approaching after 6PM, the group gathered along the shoreline in search of the spawning site. Swimming above the intense spraying waves, the males ejaculated on the eggs upon making contact with them. The spectator's cheers increased at the sight of the ocean’s cloudy surface.

Many grass puffer fish reside in the coasts south of Central Honshu, growing to a length of about 15 centimeters. Egg laying season lasts from the end of May until early July. For 2 to 3 days after both the full moon and new moon, the full tides of the evening are the peak time of observation.

Original text:

生命の神秘、クサフグ産卵最盛期/横須賀

2012年6月7日

最盛期を迎えたクサフグの産卵＝横須賀市浦郷町の深浦湾

横須賀市浦郷町の深浦湾内でクサフグの産卵が最盛期を迎えている。６日に観察会が開かれ、親子連れなど約１５０人が生命の神秘を見学した。

午後６時を過ぎて満潮が近づくと、産卵場所を求めて波打ち際に群れとなって集まる様子が見られた。激しく水しぶきを上げながら雌の産卵に合わせて雄が射精し、海水が白濁すると見学者からは歓声が上がった。

クサフグは本州中部以南の沿岸に多く生息し、体長は15センチほど。産卵は５月下旬から７月上旬に行われる。満月と新月の２、３日後にかけて夕方の満潮時に観察できる。

Yelling out with vigor at the Neno Shrine Festival/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1206020016/

June 2, 2012

Caption: Yelling with enthusiasm, members of the Shiori Youth Association carry the shrine's mikoshi=In front of the Keikyu Shiori Station

On the 2nd, the Neno Shrine's grand festival began in Shiori-Machi, Yokosuka City. Many spectators gathered as festival participants patrolled throughout town, shouting as they shouldered the mikoshi. Lasting until the 3rd, the festival was organized by the Shiori Neighborhood Youth Association (Presided by Yokogaki Katsuhiko).

Upon the Neno Shrine's construction in 1681, the grand festival was held after that year’s planting of rice was safely concluded. It then carried over as a tradition of prayer for a rich harvest.

On the 2nd, with the addition of children playing flutes, taiko drums and bells, the mood of a japanese festival was created around town. Members of the Shiori Youth Association marched while carrying the mikoshi, cheers erupting from spectators gathered on the sidewalks. After sunset, japanese folk song dances were held on the main street and shrine quarters. Once again sending out the mikoshi, the association energetically patrolled the streets into the night.

Youth Association President Yokogaki commented: "Last year's festival was suspended due to the Eastern Japan Earthquake. Because of that, everyone was enthusiastic to join this year. With so many people coming out, we were able to create a great festival."

From 2:50PM on the 3rd, the Neno Shrine mikoshi will join a parade with 7 mikoshi belonging to the Chonaikai, Starting at the shrine, they will travel through the main streets, returning after reaching the Shirodome neighborhood meeting hall.

Original text:

掛け声威勢よく、子之神社の大祭/横須賀

2012年6月2日

威勢のいい掛け声で宮みこしを担ぐ連合青年会メンバーら＝京急線汐入駅前

横須賀市汐入町の子之神社の大祭が２日、始まった。威勢のいい掛け声で宮みこしが町内を巡り、多くの観客でにぎわった。汐入連合町内会（横垣勝彦会長）主催。３日まで。

１６８１年創建の子之神社の大祭は田植えが無事に終わり、豊作を祈願して始まったと伝えられる。

２日は、子どもらが加わった笛や太鼓、かねの軽快なはやしで町内は祭りムード一色に。連合青年会メンバーらが宮みこしを担いで練り歩き、沿道から歓声が上がった。夕方からは大通りや神社境内で民謡踊りが披露され、宮みこしも再び繰り出して、通りは夜まで活気づいた。

横垣会長は「昨年は東日本大震災の影響で中止になった。そのためか、今年はみんな熱が入っている。人出も多く、統率の取れたいい祭りだ」と話した。

３日は、午後２時50分から宮みこしと７町内会のみこし計８基が、神社から大通りを通り汐留町内会館までを往復するパレードを行う。

The Eggplant Man arrives on his bike to Tsukuba, welcomed by the locals as he delivers the donations.

Translated from the original article at: http://tsukuba.keizai.biz/headline/381/

May 29, 2012

The Eggplant Man, having arrived to Tsukuba.

In order to deliver funds to the Hojo area's tornado damaged Tsukuba City, Yuu Suzuki (The Eggplant Man) set off from Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture. Dressed in costume, he called out for donations as he traveled by bike. On May 26th, he safely arrived in Tsukuba, presenting both the fund collection and his bike to the city.

His bike his only partner, the Eggplant Man gathers funds along his journey.

"Hearing about the tornado damage on the news, I remembered a bike at my house that wasn't in use. In order to raise funds and deliver some smiles in between all the stories of disaster, I decided to set off with the bike." said Suzuki. Over a period of 6 days, he crossed a distance of 650 kilometers (404 miles). Riding over 100 kilometers (62 miles) on the first day, he considered what actions to take from there.

(On day one) Mr. Suzuki got news that the locals of Tsukuba were preparing for his arrival, doing such things as drawing illustrations of the eggplant man to welcome him. "The locals awaiting my arrival, people assisting me, the strange eggplant man, with donations, the encouragement people have given me...this has all been wonderful." said Suzuki.

At the beginning, asking for donations while dressed up in normal clothes didn't go to well. Daring to wear a costume to gather attention, he bought the eggplant outfit along the way. After becoming the eggplant man, word began spreading about him. He started to gather both momentum and more donations.

"The biggest problem was getting through Hakone. Getting pelted by the rain while biking the mountain roads was painful. Most of the time, I was pushing my bike while walking. I arrived to the descent, which destroyed my bike's brakes on the way down. In the end, for this journey, the bike repair costs alone totaled over 5,000 yen ($63). Of course, I didn't use any of the funds I raised. If didn't have to invest in repairs, I would have liked to put that money into the donation box." said Suzuki.

"On the 3rd day, I received bike repair donations from my friends at home, knowing what I went through in Hakone, riding with low spirits. That time was wonderfully painful," Suzuki added with a laugh.

"I heard of the conditions at Tsukuba and the increasing worries of the locals. Anywhere where people are effected by disaster, my feelings go out to them. Worried about the residents of Tsukuba, I began my walk towards them. Though dressed as an eggplant, I truly feel this is the best appearance I’ve put on. After this is over, I'll once again think of whatever I can do to bring out my inner strength."

"Arriving to the Hojo area, I still wasn't done collecting money. I didn't even need the Eggplant costume anymore. The entire country now wanted to assist and donate. I could expect anyone to lend their power. My chance must have come."

"I'm requesting for the whole country to continue helping the restoration of the Hojo area." Having giving his bike to the city, Suzuki is now on his way to return the repair funds he received from friends. Still dressed as an eggplant, he hitchhikes his way back home.

Original text:

自転車移動の「ナス男」、つくば到着－寄付金届け地元民も歓迎

（2012年05月29日）

つくばに到着した「ナス男」

竜巻被害のあったつくば市北条地区に自転車と寄付金を届けるため、兵庫県明石市から自転車で募金を呼び掛けながら走行していた、着ぐるみをかぶった「ナス男」こと鈴木佑さんが5月26日、つくば市に無事到着し寄付金と自転車を寄贈した。

【画像】相棒だった自転車と、道中で集めた募金を寄付するナス男

鈴木さんは「竜巻被害のニュースを聞いて、使っていない自転車が自宅にあるのを思い出した。被災地に笑顔と話題を届けるため、募金活動も兼ねて自転車をこいで向かう事を決めた」という。6日間の移動で、計650キロの距離を走破した。1日100キロ以上の距離を走れたのは、現地を思っての行動だったからだという。

現地では情報を聞きつけた地元住民らが鈴木さんを待ち構え、ナス男のイラストが描かれた幕などを持ち到着を歓迎した。鈴木さんは「地元の人が待っていてくれた事、こんな怪しいナス男に募金の協力をしてくれた事、そして応援してくれる人がいた事、それらが何よりもうれしかった」と話す。

当初は普段の服装で走行していたが募金活動がうまくいかず、あえて目立つ格好で注目を浴びようと、道中で着ぐるみを購入した。ナス男となってからは話しかけられる事も多くなり、募金も順調に集まり始めたという。

「一番大変だったのは箱根越え。雨に打たれながら山道を走るのはつらかった。ほとんど自転車を押して歩いた。下り坂もきつく、途中で自転車のブレーキも壊れてしまった。結局、今回の道中、自転車の修理費だけで5,000円以上を使ってしまった。もちろん募金のお金には手を付けていないが、修理せず募金箱に同額を入れた方が良かったかも」と鈴木さん。 

「3日目の時点で、現地の友人から自転車の寄付は足りている事を知らされて衝撃を受けたが、気にせず走った。その時もけっこうつらかったかもしれない（笑）」とも。

「現地の状況や地元の人たちの話を聞いて恐ろしさが増した。どこでも起こり得る災害だけに人ごとには思えなかった。心配していたが、地元の人たちは前を向いて歩き始めている。その姿は本当にかっこいいと感じた。あらためて、今後も何かの力になっていきたいと思う」と鈴木さん。

「現地の北条地区ではまだまだお金が足りない。ナスの姿になる必要は無いが、募金の協力を全国規模で行ってもらいたい。誰でも何かの力になれるはず。そのきっかけになれれば」とも。

「北条地区の復興と全国からのさらなる支援を願っています」と話し、自転車を寄付し帰る手段を失った「ナス男」鈴木さんは、ナスの格好のままヒッチハイクで帰路に就いた。