Ace the Rock Hyrax passes away. Was it due to stress from the change in environment?/Kawasaki

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205140021/

May 14, 2012

To the right, Ace, the Rock Hyrax who passed away on the 11th. To the left, his twin, Elmo.

On the 14th, the Yumemigasaki Zoo (Saiwai Ward, Yokohama city) announced the death of Ace. The 1 year, 5 month old Rock Hyrax was added to the zoo's exhibits on the 28th of April. Along with his twin brother Elmo, he just arrived from Asa Zoo of Hiroshima.

Ace passed away around 4:00PM on the 11th. The results of dissection confirmed inflammation along the digestive tract, including the stomach and intestines. Speaking on the cause of death: "The stress from adapting to a new environment was the origin," stated the zoo.

Forming groups, the Rock Hyrax resides in the plains and rocky areas of Southern Africa. They're the smallest to bear hooves in the animal kingdom.

The zoo added: "Regrettably, from here on, everyone will have to keep to keep Ace’s charm within their memories.”

Original text:

ケープハイラックスの「エース」死ぬ、飼育環境の変化によるストレスが原因か/川崎

2012年5月14日

11日に死んだケープハイラックスの「エース」（右）。左は双子の「エルモ」。

夢見ケ崎動物公園（川崎市幸区）は14日、先月28日から展示を開始したケープハイラックスの「エース」（１歳５カ月）が死んだ、と発表した。双子の兄弟「エルモ」とともに、広島市安佐動物公園からやって来たばかりだった。

死んだのは今月11日午後４時ごろ。解剖の結果、胃や腸などの消化管に炎症が認められたことから、同園は死因について、「飼育環境の変化によるストレスが原因の一つでは」と話している。

　　ケープハイラックスはアフリカ南部の草原などにある岩場に、群れを作って生息。ひづめのある動物の中で最も小さい種類という。

　同園は、「これから皆さんにかわいがってもらえると思っていたのに、残念です」と話している。

Bringing his energy and bravery, The Original Tiger Mask visits a children's welfare facility/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205120028/

May 12, 2012

Children closely gather around Tiger Mask=The Naka Ward in Yokohama

On the 12th, the pro wrestler known as the original Tiger Mask, Sayama Satoru (Age 54), visited the Koufou Children's Park. Located in Yokohama's Naka Ward,  the child welfare facility is headed by Fukuda Kyōko. He meet with and delivered his positive energy to children separated from their parent's custody, due to abuse and neglect.

Fifty boys and girls from ages 3-18 are enrolled in the facility. As his theme music played, Sayama appeared, dressed as Tiger Mask, drawing out cheers and applause from the children.

Meeting with the children, Sayama introduced his pro wrestling moves while instructing them on self defense. He made a strong appeal to the kids on how to live their lives: "Drawing on your courtesy and bravery, you can follow the path of justice no matter what happens in your life." Hoisting a small boy onto his shoulder, a scene erupted of the children excitedly shouting out "That's really him, he's so cool," etc. While eating cake and meat buns, the children's faces, stuffed with food, were filled with smiles.

Belonging to New Japan Pro Wrestling in the 80's, Tiger Mask gathered popularity with his aerial maneuvers. In November of last year, Sayama extended his sights towards the Tiger Mask Donation Phenomenon, backing the formation and establishment of a fund. Visiting welfare centers, the 2011 disaster area and other locations, he continues his work in returning smiles to the children.


Original text:
初代タイガーマスクが元気と勇気届ける、児童福祉施設を訪問/横浜
2012年5月12日

子どもたちと交流を深めるタイガーマスク＝横浜市中区

プロレスの初代タイガーマスクとして知られる格闘家の佐山聡さん（54）が12日、横浜市中区の児童福祉施設「高風子供園」（福田京子園長）を訪れた。虐待などの理由で両親と離れて暮らす子どもたちとふれあい、元気と勇気を届けた。

同園は３～18歳の男女約50人が入所する施設。テーマ曲に合わせてタイガーマスク姿の佐山さんが登場すると、子どもたちの歓声と拍手が湧き起こった。

交流会で佐山さんは、プロレス技を紹介しながら護身術を伝授。これからの人生について「礼儀と勇気、そして正義があれば何でもできる」と力強く訴えた。肩に抱き上げられた男児は「本物だ」「カッコイイ」などと興奮した様子。ケーキや肉まんが差し入れられ、子どもたちは笑顔で頬張っていた。

新日本プロレスに所属していた１９８０年代、空中技などで人気を集めたタイガーマスク。佐山さんは昨年11月、広がりを見せていた「タイガーマスク運動」を後押しする形で基金を設立。福祉施設や被災地などを訪問し、子どもたちの笑顔を取り戻す活動を続けている。

In a counter-measure against pirates, the JMSDF escort vessel Ikazuchi departs for the waters of Somalia/Yokosuka

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205110025/

May 11, 2012

The escort ship Ikazuchi heads off to the Somalian Coast=The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Regional District Headquarters in Yokosuka City

With both Eastern Africa's Gulf of Aden and the shores of Somalia dealing with frequent occurrences of pirates, the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force's Ikazuchi escort ship departed Yokosuka on the 11th. From the beginning of next month until April, along with other escort ships, it's been assigned to protect civilian cargo ships.

At Yokosuka's Regional District Headquarters Departure Ceremony, Vice Admiral Kawamura Katsunori read a statement on behalf of Minister of Defense Tanaka Naoki, encouraging the 180 people boarding the ship: "We realize that both the people of Japan and international companies are expecting us to shoulder this burden, which we wish to fully carry out." 330 family members gathered to see off Ikazuchi as it left the shores.

Original text:

 海自護衛艦「いかづち」ソマリア沖へ、海賊対策で出港/横須賀

2012年5月11日

ソマリア沖に向けて出港するいかづち＝横須賀市の海自横須賀地方総監部

アフリカ東部ソマリア沖・アデン湾で多発する海賊への対処のため、海上自衛隊の護衛艦「いかづち」が11日、横須賀を出港した。来月上旬から４カ月間、別の護衛艦とともに民間船舶の護衛などの任務に当たる。

出港式では横須賀地方総監の河村克則海将が田中直紀防衛大臣の訓示を代読。「国民と国際社会からの期待を双肩に担っていると自覚し、任務を完遂してほしい」と約１８０人の乗組員を激励した。いかづちは集まった約３３０人の家族らが見守る中、離岸していった。

Praying for the growth of babies on Children's Day, crying sumo is held at Aoba-ku's Shitodomaekawa Temple/Yokohama

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205050009/

May 5th, 2012

Children held high under the clear skies for crying sumo= The Shitodomaekawa Temple in Yokohama's Aoba Ward

On May 5th's Children's Day, babies were held under the blue skies at the Shitodomaekawa Temple in Shiritoridai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama City. In request for their healthy maturation, the babies took part in a crying sumo bout.

This is the first time the temple has held the crying sumo event. Crying sumo is spread nationwide by the Non-Profit Organization Isshin (All one's might) Naki Sumo (Japanese site). Rikishi from Japan Sport Science University's weightlifting department were in charge of holding the children.

Chief Priest Toyoura of Shitodomaekawa Temple commented "Aoba-ku has many young couples and many babies. I would like for this event to take root in the area."

Original text:
青葉区の神社で泣き相撲、こどもの日に赤ちゃんの成長を祈願/横浜
2012年5月5日

澄み渡った空の下、幼児が高く掲げられた泣き相撲＝横浜市青葉区の神鳥前川神社

こどもの日の５日、澄み渡った青空の下、横浜市青葉区しらとり台の神鳥前川（しとどまえかわ）神社で赤ちゃんの成長を祈願する泣き相撲が行われた。

同神社で泣き相撲が行われたのは初めて。泣き相撲を全国に広めるＮＰＯ法人一心泣き相撲が協力、子どもたちを抱える力士は日本体育大学のウエートリフティング部が担当した。

同神社の豊浦宮司は「青葉区には若い夫婦が多く、赤ちゃんも多い。この泣き相撲を地域に根付かせたい」と話していた。

Rain disrupts the largest kites from taking off in Sagami and Zama, however smaller kites bring about cheers./Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205040026/

May 5, 2012

This giant 3 stringed kite takes off, substituting an even larger one=Sagamihara City's Shindo Sports Pavilion

Due to the rain, the largest kits weren't able to take off. This two-stringed kite gently dances in the sky=The Sagami river grounds of Zama City

As part of the Boy's Festival Celebration which was continued since the Edo period, Sagami and Zama City's Giant Kite Festival was held on the 4th, beginning on the flood plains of both cities. Because of an unfortunately timed rain, smaller kites that were brought along substituted the giants, still bringing cheers from the visitors. The event lasts until the 5th.

Last year's Sagami Giant Kite Festival was suspended due to the Eastern Japan disaster. The Shindo Sports Pavillion is the grounds for this year's event. The flying of the largest kite, at 14.5 square meters (taking up the space of 128 tatami) and fitted with newly furnished controlling strings had to be abandoned due to the unpredictable weather. Nevertheless, occasionally during intense, steady rain, the 5.4 square meter 3 stringed kite was able to fly up to 10 seconds.

Meanwhile, Zama's giant kite featured the characters "Rising Dragon," which can be connected to both the 2012 Year of the Dragon (Chinese zodiac) and Eastern Japan's rise from disaster. The size of the kite was 13 square meters, suitable for 102 tatami. Another giant kite that took off featured Zama City's mascot,　Zamarin. It measures at 3.6 square meters and was controlled by two strings.

Both cities saw a magnificent scene on the first day. Facing the next day, Yoshizawa Miyoshi (68) of Sagami's Giant Kite Cultural Preservation Association commented: "It's been two years since flying the giant kites. We wish to extend our prayers towards the restoration of the disaster area. Shikano Masashi (75) of Zama City's association added: "When we fly the kites tomorrow, by all means we'll be thinking of Eastern Japan's recovery."

(Video of the event found on Youtube)

Original text:
雨で相模と座間の大凧見送り、小凧揚がり歓声/神奈川
2012年5月5日

大凧の代わりに揚げられた三間凧＝相模原市の新戸スポーツ広場

雨の影響で大凧は揚げられなかったが、二間凧がふわりと宙に舞った＝座間市の相模川グラウンド

端午の節句を祝う行事として江戸時代から続く相模、座間の大凧（だこ）まつりが４日、相模原、座間両市の相模川河川敷で始まった。あいにくの雨模様で、ともに大凧揚げを見送ったが、用意してあった別の小型の凧が揚がると、来場者からは歓声が上がった。５日まで。

相模の大凧まつりは昨年、東日本大震災で自粛。会場の一つ、新戸スポーツ広場では14・５メートル四方、約１２８畳ある一番大きな凧の糸目を新調するなどして準備を進めていたが、天候不順のため断念。それでも、時折、激しい雨が降りしきる中、５・４メートル四方の三間凧を約10秒間揚げた。

一方、座間の大凧は、東日本大震災からの復興と干（え）支（と）の辰（たつ）年にちなんで今年の文字を「興龍」に。大きさは13メートル四方で、約１０２畳に相当する。こちらも大凧揚げは見送られたが、座間市のマスコットキャラクター「ざまりん」などがあしらわれた３・６メートル四方の二間凧を揚げた。

初日は勇壮な様子を見せられなかった両者。翌日に向けて、相模の大凧文化保存会の吉澤美芳会長（68）は「２年ぶりに大凧を揚げて、被災地の復興祈願につなげたい」、座間市大凧保存会の鹿野正士会長（75）は「あしたは被災地復興への思いを込めた大凧を何が何でも揚げたい」と話していた。

The public monument of Hojo Soun in gear, greeting people in his armor and jinbaori

Translated from the original article at: http://odawara-hakone.keizai.biz/headline/871/

May 4th, 2012

Caption: The public monument of an armored Hojo Soun.

At the north entrance of Odawara Station, Hojo Soun's statue, covered in armor and a jinbaori greets passing tourists and citizens.

Hojo Soun was victorious in the battle with the Omori Clan during the 4th year of the Meio period. Afterwards, 5 generations of Hojo controlled the Kanhashuu (Translation note: Presently Kanto) region for roughly 100 years. While in the city, his image can be seen standing mightily, becoming a symbol of Odawara Station.

On May 3rd of each year, the Odawara Hojo Godai Festival takes place, featuring a battle commencement ceremony and parade of Hojo's warriors. During the festival, they march to the station and change the clothing on the armored monument. The clothing work is handled by Odawara city's "Handmade Armor Corps."

During the Golden Week period, all types of events are held in Odawara to attract many visitors. On Children's Day, kids can be seen on the back of the Hojo Soun Monument, having their pictures taken.

Original text:

北條早雲公像が甲冑姿に－兜と陣羽織で出迎え

（2012年05月04日)

甲冑姿になった北条早雲公像

小田原駅北口にある北條早雲公像が「兜」と「陣羽織」の甲冑姿で観光客や市民を出迎えている。

北条早雲は、明応4年に大森氏と戦いに勝利したあと、五代おおよそ100年にわたって関八州をおさめた。その姿は市内を見わたす姿で凛々しく立ち、小田原駅のシンボルとなっている。

毎年、5月3日に行われる「小田原北條五代祭り」で北條武者隊による出陣式やパレードが行われるのが恒例で、この時期に合わせて甲冑姿に装いを変えた。作業は小田原の「手作り甲冑隊」により行われた。

小田原ではゴールデンウイーク期間、各種の催しが開催され観光客が多く訪れる。こどもの日を迎えるにあたり、北條早雲公の甲冑姿をバックに写真を撮る姿が見られた。

The Odawara Hojo Godai Festival, a parade of 1250 daring soldiers/Kanagawa

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1205030020/

May 4, 2012

A parade of heroic soldiers emerge from Odawara's Castle Ruins Park=The castle grounds of Odawara City

Odawara City's most attended event, the 48th Odawara Hojo Godai Festival (Celebrating 5 generations of the Hojo Clan), was held on the 3rd in the area of Odawara Castle. It was organized by the city's tourism association. Despite a portion of the festivities having to be changed due to rain, the organizers announced that 12,000 visitors packed the castle's interior and it's surrounding roads.

A battle commencement ceremony took place in Odawara's Castle Ruins Park. As a voice yelled "Okay, set-off!" figures of ninjas and armored warriors took off in a line. The army of 1250 marched 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) to the Odawara train station area.

An ambassador for his hometown of Odawara, actor Kai Ato dressed up as the first generation Hojo Soun. Mounted on a horse, he selected from the audience someone to perform the important task of playing third generation Hojo Ujiyasu. Five participants of the parade came from Souma City of Fukushima Prefecture, which was damaged by the disaster of Eastern Japan.

Original text:
小田原北條五代祭り、１２５０人が勇壮に武者行列/神奈川
2012年5月4日

勇壮な姿で小田原城址公園を出発する武者行列＝小田原市城内

小田原市最大の観光イベント「第48回小田原北條五代祭り」が３日、小田原城周辺で開かれた。市観光協会の主催。雨の影響で予定が一部変更されたものの、城内や沿道には観光客ら約12万人（主催者発表）が詰めかけた。

小田原城址公園で行われた出陣式では、「いざ、出陣」の掛け声で、甲冑（かっちゅう）姿や忍者姿の武者行列がスタート。総勢約１２５０人が小田原駅の周辺約２．４キロを練り歩いた。

俳優で小田原ふるさと大使の阿藤快さんが初代北条早雲に扮（ふん）して馬にまたがったほか、一般公募で選ばれた市民が３代氏康の大役を務めた。東日本大震災で被災した福島県相馬市からも５人が行列に参加した。