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。

City officials capture a wild boar that's been infesting temples/Odawara

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1207240015/

July 24, 2012

The captured wild boar. (Photo provided by the City of Odawara)

On July 24th, 8:45AM, a wild boar that's been lurking the grounds of temples in Shiroyama, Odawara City was spotted. City officials were contacted and came rushing to deal with the boar, successfully capturing it while aware that it posed a danger to them.

According to the city, the wild boar was a female, 60 centimeters in length, 30 kilograms in weight and estimated to be 3 years old. At around 1:00PM on the day of the call, within the grounds of a different temple, city officials and members of a hunting association used a tranquilizing gun and other equipment to capture the boar. Afterwards, it was put down.

Within the city, one eyewitness report after another has been coming in since the beginning of July. The city said the boar’s outward appearance matched previous reports. On the day it was captured, except for damage to flower pots near the temple, no conspicuous damage was said to be confirmed.

Original text:

寺院にイノシシ出没、市職員らが捕獲/小田原

2012年7月24日

捕獲されたイノシシ（小田原市提供）

24日午前８時45分ごろ、小田原市城山の寺院にイノシシが出没しているのを、連絡を受けて駆け付けた同市職員が確認した。人に危害を及ぼすおそれがあるとして捕獲した。

市によると、イノシシは推定年齢３歳の雌で、体長約60センチ、体重約30キロ。同日午後１時ごろ、別の神社の境内で、市職員や猟友会のメンバーらが麻酔銃などを使って捕獲、その後殺処分した。

市内では７月上旬からイノシシの目撃情報が相次いでおり、市は外見などから今回と同一の個体とみている。この日は近くの別の寺院で植木鉢が破損した以外、目立った被害は確認されていないという。

A cleansing at sea. The Tomioka Hachiman Shrine’s “gion boat ritual” in Kanazawa-ku Bay/Yokosuka July 22, 2012

Translated from the original article at: http://news.kanaloco.jp/localnews/article/1207220010/

 From two Japanese style "wasen boats," a gion straw "cleansing boat" is released into the ocean= Kanazawa-ku Bay, Yokohama City

A straw boat able to cleanse one’s sins during the year is entrusted to float across the ocean. Called the Gion Buta, the Shinto event praying for safety and well-being was held on the 22nd in Kanazawa-ku Bay, Yokohama City. Being conducted annually by the nearby Tomioka Hachiman Shrine, the over 800 year old tradition has been designated as an invaluable city cultural asset.

Bundled into an oval shape with straw, the ship measures 70 centimeters long by 50 centimeters wide. Placed inside of it are dango dumplings and 12 gohei. Receiving an exorcism at the Hachimanguu Shrine's Grand Cleansing Festival, the straw ship is loaded into one of two wasen boats and transported out to sea. Crossing the flowing tide, it's released upon arriving at a suitable, quiet area of the sea. Seemingly escaping from the sin and filth contained in the gion ship, the two wasen row off at full speed. Gallantly yelling out "Ho-rya, Ho-rya!" they compete with each other to reach the shore.

With the sin and impurity flowing away, it’s said the arrival of a refreshing feeling can be felt during the summer.

Original text:

けがれを海へ、金沢区沖で富岡八幡宮の祇園舟神事/横浜

2012年7月22日

２隻の和船から静かに放たれた茅舟＝横浜市金沢区沖

その年のけがれを茅舟（かやぶね）に託して海に流し、無病息災を祈る神事「祇園舟（ぎおんぶね）」が22日、横浜市金沢区沖で行われた。近くの富岡八幡宮で８００年以上にわたり受け継がれている伝統行事で、市無形文化財に指定されている。

青茅を束ねて作った楕円（だえん）形の舟（長さ70センチ、幅50センチ）に団子や12本の御幣を載せた茅舟は、八幡宮の大祭式でおはらいを受け、２隻の和船に積まれて沖へと運ばれた。潮の流れがある場所までたどり着くと、静かに海へと放した。２隻は罪やけがれから逃れようと全速力でこぎ出し、「ホーリャ、ホーリャ」と勇ましい掛け声とともに競い合って岸へと向かった。

罪やけがれを流し去り、すがすがしい気持ちで夏を迎えられるという。