Feel stylish with THIS item. Club Nintendo introduces chusen-finished tenugui cloths. (Photo gallery)

Translated from the original article at: http://www.kotaku.jp/2012/08/club_nintendo_tenugui.html

Posted at 11:40 on August 12, 2012 | by Yamada Yuusuke

A mo-e dyeing technique known as chusen.

Club Nintendo has introduced their own tenugui, dyed and finished with original designs and characters from games such as Super Mario and Animal Crossing.

The chusen dyeing technique emerged during the Meiji Period. With the ink travelling to the center of the cloth from front and back, both sides display a brilliant color. Applying the ink twice reduces the feeling of starchiness, giving the finished product a wonderful absorption ability and sense of touch.

Pictures of the tenugui below.

6 designs are available: Super Mario, Piranha Plant, Animal Crossing, Dispelling Evil Spirits (Rhythm Tengoku series), Cheep Cheep (Super Mario series) and the Roly-Polar Explorers (Rhythm Tengoku series). Each one can be purchased for 300 points.

Artisans produce the tenugui by hand, dealing with such issues as color irregularities as they occur. Producing the tenugui this way brings out the feeling that it's flowing through one's hands.

The chusen technique is also traditionally used in the production of yukata. Someone purchasing these tenugui must have good taste!

©2012 Nintendo
Club Nintendo Tenugui [Club Nintendo Member page)
(Yamada Yuusuke)


Original text:
粋を感じる一品です。クラブニンテンドーに注染で仕上げた「手ぬぐい」が登場（ギャラリーあり）
2012.08.12 11:40 | by ヤマダユウス型

染色技法ってもえます。

クラブニンテンドーから、『スーパーマリオ』や『どうぶつの森』などのキャラクターを注染（ちゅうせん）で仕上げたオリジナルデザインの「手ぬぐい」が登場しました。

注染は明治時代にできた染色技法。糸の中まで色が通るため、手ぬぐいの表も裏もきれいな発色となり、またインキがのっているようなゴワゴワした感じもなく、吸水性の良い優しい肌触りに仕上がっているとのことです。

画像は以下より。

用意されているデザインは、「スーパーマリオ」、「パックンフラワー」、「どうぶつの森」、「悪霊退散（リズム天国）」、「プクプク（マリオ）」、「コロコロたんけん隊（リズム天国）」の6種類。各300ポイントで交換可能です。

職人による手作業とのことで、色むらなどがある場合があります。ちなみに手ぬぐいができるまでの流れはこんな感じ。

注染は浴衣などでも使われいる伝統技法。味があって良いですねー。

©2012 Nintendo
クラブニンテンドー 手ぬぐい [クラブニンテンドー 会員ページ]
（ヤマダユウス型）

A whale shark is spotted in the northern harbor of Sakata. A man from Sagae City captures a video.

Translated from the original article at: http://yamagata-np.jp/news/201208/10/kj_2012081000219.php

10:20PM, August 10, 2012

The whale shark, captured on video by a man from Sagae City

One report after another has been coming in of the whale shark in Sakata Bay. A self-employed business owner (male, age 46) of Sagae City took pictures and video after discovering the shark swimming near the docks of Sakata Bay. According to the Prefectural Experimental Fishery Station (Tsuruoka City): "So far, we haven't heard any reports of sightings within Shounai Bay."

[Click here for a video]

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is part of the Rhincodontidae family of fish. It’s special trait is the pattern of dots on its body. In addition, it can reach a length of over 13 meters, making it the largest fish in the world. Feeding on plankton, it is not a "man eating shark". According to the fishery station, it resides within tropical and sub-tropical waters, although it doesn't specifically enter Japanese waters. [During the summer, it's will swim the Tsushima Strait, but we don't hear of it entering Japanese waters. This is quite rare," they explained.

On August 6^th, after 5:00AM, the man witness the young whale shark (about 4-5 meters long) while fishing on the docks. Having a cell-phone camera, he took video as the shark spent 15 minutes swimming near the docks, comfortably swaying its tail from left to right before leaving. "No wonder I wasn't able to get much fishing done. But, that was an amazing experience." said the man.

Besides Sakata Harbor, on the evening of the 4th, the whale shark was seen swimming around a recreational fishing boat. During the day of August 5th, it was also said to be spotted 10 kilometers away from a pleasure boat . "We think both reports are about the same shark." said the fishery station. Hearing the eyewitness reports, spectators from Sakata City and Yuza-Machi gathered on the beach, yelling out together as their numbers increased. The fishery station added: Whale sharks are docile and pose no threat to humans, although one could be injured if hit by their tail fin. If someone spots a whale shark, we hope they observe it without fear."

Original text:

酒田北港沖でジンベエザメ　寒河江の男性が写真と動画撮影

 2012年08月10日　22:20

寒河江市内の男性が撮影したジンベエザメ

酒田沖でジンベエザメの目撃が相次いでいる。寒河江市内の自営業男性（46）は酒田北港の離岸堤近くを泳ぐジンベエザメを発見し、写真と動画を撮影した。県水産試験場（鶴岡市）は「庄内沖で見つかったという話は今まで聞いたことがない」としている。

 [ 動画はコチラ]

ジンベエザメはジンベエザメ科の魚で、体に斑点模様があるのが特徴。体長13メートル以上に及ぶものもおり、世界最大の魚類とされる。餌はプランクトンで、“人食いサメ”ではない。同試験場によると、太平洋などの熱帯、亜熱帯の海域に生息し、日本海にわざわざ回遊することはないものの、「夏なので対馬暖流に乗ってきた可能性がある。日本海にいないというわけではないが、とても珍しい」と説明する。

 寒河江市内の男性は6日午前5時すぎ、離岸堤で釣り中、体長4～5メートルの若いジンベエザメを目撃。携帯電話のカメラ機能で撮影した。男性の足元近くを15分間ほど右や左にゆったり泳ぎ、去っていったという。「道理で魚が全く釣れなかったわけだが、貴重な経験ができた」と男性。

酒田沖では他にも、4日夜に遊漁船が船の回りを泳ぐ様子を目撃、5日の日中にもプレジャーボートが約10キロ沖で姿を確認したという。同試験場は「同一の個体と思われる」。目撃情報を受け、酒田市や遊佐町は海水浴場の監視員らに監視強化を呼び掛けている。同試験場は「ジンベエザメはおとなしく人に危害を与えないが、尾ひれがぶつかるとけがをするので、もし見つけても驚かさずに見守ってほしい」としている。

The rice harvest has already begun. Using a parasol on his combine, Ooe-Machi's Mr. Murakami escapes the sun.

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120810-00000303-rtn-l26

Transmitted at 5:13 PM on Friday, August 8 by the Ryoutan Daily Shinbun

In the intense sunlight, the drooping, mature rice stalks are cut one after another. (After 10:00AM on August 10)

Along the Yuragawa River of Ooe-machi, Fukuchiyama City, rice harvesting has already begun. On the 10th, Yahiro Murakami (Age 70) of the Kitaariji area began cutting down the golden, mature rice crops.

Since long ago near Ooe-Machi's Yura River Bank, in order to yield a harvest before the  fall's typhoon season, the area's farms have planted rice early in the spring. By the (late summer) lantern festival season, it's ready for harvest.

Mr. Murakami owns 4 rice fields, covering 50 ares of land. From the 10th, harvesting commenced. First, he went to work on his largest field, measuring 37 ares. Continuing to work under the intense heat, he attached a colorful umbrella to his combine. Boarding the vehicle while also covered under a straw hat, one mature, swaying rice stalk is cut after another.

"What's needed the most is water. With the rain stopping after the beginning of July, there's a bad possibility that this year will have a small rice yield. After all the rice has been harvested, we'll begin again around September." said Mr. Murakami.


Original text:
早くも稲刈り始まる　コンバインに日よけのパラソルつけて大江の村上さん
両丹日日新聞 8月10日(金)17時13分配信

強い日差しの中、たわわに実った稲が次々と刈り取られていった（１０日午前１０時すぎ）

福知山市大江町の由良川沿いで、早くも稲刈りが始まっている。１０日は北有路の村上八弘さん（７０）が黄金色に実った稲を刈り取っていった。

町内の由良川筋では、秋の台風シーズンを避けて収穫するため、昔から春の早い時期に田植えをして、盆ごろに稲刈りをする農家がある。

村上さんは４枚の田んぼ約５０アールを所有。１０日から収穫を始めた。まず一番広い３７アールの田で作業。まだ厳しい暑さが続く中、コンバインにカラフルなパラソルを付け、麦わら帽子をかぶって乗り、たわわに実った稲を次々と刈っていった。

「一番水が必要な７月上旬に雨が降らなかったので、今年は少し生育が悪いかもしれない。全部の稲刈りが終わるのは９月初めぐらいになります」と村上さんは話している。

August 6, the anniversary of Hiroshima's nuclear bombing: Each area of Japan sounds a bell in request of peace and total abolition of nuclear weapons

Translated from the original article at: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120806-00000302-rtn-l26

Transmitted at 5:08 PM on Monday, August 6 by the Ryoutan Daily Shinbun

Praying for peace after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, a bell is struck at 8:15AM (At Ennōji Temple)

The morning of August 6 marked the 67th anniversary of Hiroshima's atomic bombing. Not wanting to repeat the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in places such as the temples of Fukuchiyama City, the echoes of bells calling for peace could be heard. After the 2011 Eastern Japan disaster, the issue of nuclear power has rocked Japan. Citizens sound their bells, also requesting the removal of nuclear reactors.

Each year, the Fukuchiyama Atom and Hydrogen Bomb Society (Japanese site) and other groups call to the city's temples and citizens against nuclear weapons. At 8:15AM, August 6 (1945), the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Now, people everywhere within the city sound their bells at that time, in peace and mourning for those sacrificed.

At the Ennōji Temple located in Shimosasō, Chief Priest Ōyama Yoshinori and local residents performed the heart sutra. During the requiem, echoes of bells could be heard, as those present closed their eyes and clasped their hands in a moment of stillness.

A man who sounded his bell said. "This is for us not to be defeated by nuclear weapons, energy or the hands of man. I think nuclear power is something to be feared."

On April 9, 11:02 AM, the time that the bombing of Nagasaki occurred, bells of peace will also play everywhere within the city.

 　

Original Text:

きょう原爆の日：核廃絶と平和願い　各地で鐘の音響く

両丹日日新聞 8月6日(月)17時8分配信

平和を願い広島に原爆が投下された午前８時１５分に鐘をついた（円応寺で）

６７回目の広島・原爆の日を迎えた６日朝、広島、長崎の悲劇を繰り返さないためにと、福知山市内の寺院などで今年も平和の鐘が鳴らされた。東日本大震災以降、原発問題で揺れる日本。脱原発を願い鐘をつく市民もいた。

 毎年、福知山原水協などが市内の寺院や市民に呼びかけ、広島に原爆が投下された６日午前８時１５分に市内のあちこちで平和の鐘を鳴らして犠牲者を追悼している。

下篠尾の円応寺では、大山義典住職と地域住民が般若心経を唱えて鐘をつき、鎮魂の音色が響く間、じっと目を閉じて手を合わせた。

鐘をついた男性は「核兵器も原発も人の手に負えないという意味では一緒。核は怖いものだと思う」と話していた。

長崎に投下された９日午前１１時２分にも市内の複数箇所で平和の鐘をつく。

Making a vow of peace and opposition to war, the Commonwealth for Prisoners of War and Those Lost in Battle holds a mourning ceremony/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1208050007/

August 5, 2012

Attendants of the mourning service offer flowers= The Common Wealth War Cemetery of Hodogaya Ward, Yokohama City

On the 4th, the commonwealth for POWs held a mourning service for those lost in Japan during WWII, praying for their souls in the afterlife. The service was held at the Common Wealth War Cemetery in Karibo-chou of Yokohama City's Hodogaya Ward. One hundred fifty embassy personnel and citizens attended, pledging to maintain successive generations of peace.

Held by the Commonwealth Committee to Mourn those Lost and Imprisoned in War, the ceremony began in 1995, 50 years after the war's end. This year marks the 18th occasion of the event.

Giving a speech during the ceremony, Pastor Kensaku Iwai of Meiji University Church reflected: "To those resting in various graveyards, I say to them "Please rest in peace.". In addition, I wish for people to possess the bravery to say "No" when the time comes for them to face war."

Representing the Common Wealth, Wing Commander Malcom Selkirk of the Australian Embassy addressed the crowd "Not wanting the experience of how I was treated as a prisoner of war to be repeated, I wish that (the world) strengthens its resolution (for peace)."

Additionally, a male choir made up of alumnus from Tokyo Agricultural College performed hymns in dedication. Students of Yokohama Business School also made a flower offering to a monument of the cross.

Original text:

反戦と平和誓う、英連邦戦没捕虜を追悼/横浜

2012年8月5日

追悼礼拝で献花する出席者＝横浜市保土ケ谷区の英連邦戦死者墓地

第２次世界大戦中に日本で亡くなった英連邦兵捕虜の冥福を祈る追悼礼拝が４日、横浜市保土ケ谷区狩場町の英連邦戦死者墓地であった。大使館関係者や市民ら約１５０人が出席し、平和の継承を誓った。

有志でつくる「英連邦戦没捕虜追悼礼拝実行委員会」が主催。戦後50年を機に１９９５年から始まり、今回で18回目。

追悼の辞で、明治学院教会の岩井健作牧師は「墓地に眠る方々に『安らかにお眠りください』と言うためにも、戦争への方向をたどる時にはノーと言える勇気を持ちたい」と述べた。

英連邦代表のオーストラリア大使館のマルコム・セルカーク空軍大佐は「戦争捕虜のような扱いが二度と繰り返されないよう、その覚悟を確かなものにしたい」とあいさつした。

このほか、東京農大ＯＢら男声合唱団による賛美歌がささげられ、横浜商業高校の生徒らが十字架をかたどった記念碑に献花した。

A real life Mario Kart gang unexpectedly appears. Riding mini-carts, they've become a hot topic in Sapporo.

Translated from the original article at: http://sapporo.keizai.biz/headline/1403/

August 1, 2012

A scene of the costumed Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Kinopio (Toad) driving in the city. (Photo taken by Takuya Ejiri)

A group known by such titles as the "Mario Kart Gang that appeared out of nowhere" has become a hot topic. Dressing up as characters from the popular game Mario Kart and boarding sport karts, they ride through the city of Sapporo.

The Mario Kart Gang, waiting at a traffic light.

At the end of April, "Mario Eyewitness" reports have become a topic on sites such as Twitter. Gradually, they came to involve not just Mario. Reports of Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad joining Mario to race amongst each other also came in.

The Mario Kart Gang ride X-Karts (Japanese site), which are lawful on Japan's public roads. The originator of the gang is an independent business owner identifying himself as Mr. H: "My motivation came from previously watching (Mario Kart) on the TV, and thinking of how I wanted to do it myself. Within the city, I searched for and bought a suitable X-Kart." From there, the rumor of the "Real Mario Kart" gradually caught fire.

"Aren't the public roads good for driving on?" inquired Mr. Taniguchi, owner of Auto Whop Believe, a cart store in Kawashimo of Sapporo City's Shiroishi Ward. "With an ordinary driver's license, one can drive a 50CC class cart, weighing up to 60 kilograms (132 pounds)," he explained. Not being required to use helmets, Mr. H and "Luigi" opted to wear their signature caps instead.

The gang mainly goes riding during weekends with favorable weather and weekday evenings. Those passing by react with yells of surprise and laughter, many taking pictures to remember the event.

"We wish to deliver energy and laughs to Hokkaido," said Mr. H. "When taking pictures of us, please be aware of the traffic lights and surrounding cars," he warned and urged.

Original text:
札幌でリアル「マリオカート」集団話題に－ミニカートに乗り神出鬼没
（2012年08月01日）

マリオ・ルイージ・ピーチ姫・キノピオのコスチュームで市内を走る様子（撮影＝江尻拓也）

スポーツカートに乗り、人気ゲームソフト「マリオカート」のコスチュームで札幌市内を走る「神出鬼没」の「マリオカート軍団」が話題を呼んでいる。

【画像】横断歩道で信号待ちするマリオカート軍団

今年4月末、ツイッターなどで「マリオ目撃」情報が話題となり、次第にマリオだけでなく、ルイージ、ピーチ姫、キノピオらと4人で走る情報も飛び交うようになった。

「軍団」が乗るのは、合法的にも公道を走ることができる「X-Kart」。最初にマリオのコスチュームで走り始めた自営業を営む「H」さんは、「以前テレビで見かけて自分もやってみたいと思ったことがきっかけ。市内で販売店を探し『X-KART』を購入した」といい、徐々に「リアルマリオカート」のうわさに火が付いた。

「公道を走っても良いのか」という意見も寄せられるが、市内の同カート販売店「オートショップ ビリーブ」（札幌市白石区川下）の店長・谷口さんは「普通免許で運転できる50ccの乗用車で、最大60キロで走行できる」と説明する。ヘルメット着用義務もないため、Hさんらのようにマリオやルイージの特徴的な帽子姿も披露できる。

主に天気の良い週末、平日の夕方に走行し、通行人・通行者からは驚きの声と笑い声が上がり、記念撮影を求める人も多い。

「北海道に元気と笑いを届けたい」とHさん。「撮影する際は信号や周りの車に気を付けていただければ」と注意も促す。

In the intense heat, Japanese Macaques of the Sarugashima Fukuchiyama Zoo are given an icy present.

Translated from the original article: http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20120728-00000303-rtn-l26

Sent out on July 28, 6:07PM by the Ryoutan Daily Shinbun

Japanese macaques enjoy the cold ice.

During the hot, late days of summer, 26 Japanese Macaques were given a frozen present. The Macaques are being raised at the Sandanike Zoo (Director: Toshikuni Nihonmatsu), near Sarugashima in Izaki, Fukuchiyama City. On that day, the 27th, the city recorded its highest temperature of the year, 35.8 Celsius (96.4 Fahrenheit). In the middle of the severe heat, the monkeys appeared to enjoy touching the ice, eating the fruit inside of it.

During the peak of each year’s summer, the zoo’s animals receive frozen presents. This is the 3rd year in a row the Sarugashima Macaques have partaken in the event.

This year, apples, bananas, pineapples, oranges and more were frozen into four blocks, at a combined weight of 150 kilograms (330 pounds). Last year, when the ice was placed, the monkeys immediately arrived. Because of the fireworks incident in January of this year, the monkeys exercised great caution, first viewing the ice while surrounding it from a distance.

However, lured by the fruit inside the ice, the monkeys began approaching one after another. While checking the ice with their hands and feet, they began to remove the fruit and eat it.

Visiting with her family, Takeda Mako (Age 5) of Kanagawa City, Yokosuka Prefecture's Kindergarten said while smiling: "It seems cold and delicious. It was cute." Park Director Nihonmatsu added: "Since the fireworks incident, they've been scared of humans. They didn’t immediately come over like last year. Still, it was nice to give them this present during the hottest time of the year.


Original text:
猛暑に氷のプレゼント　福知山市動物園・猿ケ島のニホンザルに
両丹日日新聞 7月28日(土)18時7分配信

氷の冷たさを楽しむサルたち

福知山市猪崎、三段池公園内の市動物園（二本松俊邦園長）は土用の丑の日の２７日、近くの「猿ケ島」で飼育しているニホンザル２６匹に氷のプレゼントをした。同日は市内で今年最高気温の３５・８度を記録。猛烈な暑さの中、サルたちは気持ち良さそうに氷を触り、中の果物を食べていた。

園では毎年夏の一番暑い時期に、動物たちへ氷をプレゼント。猿ケ島のニホンザルへは３年前から続けている。

今年はリンゴ、バナナ、パイナップル、ミカンなどを入れた氷４個（重さ計約１５０キロ）を用意。昨年は氷を置くと、すぐにサルたちが寄って来たが、今年１月に猿ケ島へ花火が投げ込まれる事件が起きたため、警戒心が強くなり、最初は遠巻きに眺めていた。

しかし氷の中の果物につられて、次第に近づくサルが増え始め、氷の感触を手や足で確かめたり、解け始めた氷の中から果物を取り出して食べたりしていた。

家族と一緒に訪れた神奈川県横須賀市の幼稚園児、武田まこさん（５）は「冷たそうで、おいしそうに食べていた。かわいかった」とニッコリ。二本松園長は「花火の事件以来、人間をまだ怖がっているようで、昨年のようにすぐには寄ってきませんでした。一番暑い時にプレゼントすることが出来てよかった」と話していた。