Mamoru Oshii will hold a private show

An anime movie director, Mamoru Oshii, famous for “Mobile Police PATLABOR” and “GHOST IN THE SHELL”, is going to hold a private show at Hachioji Yume Museum in Tokyo from July 16th. This special show is directed by director Oshii by himself, and he exhibits 200~300 items mainly formatives of designs and picture contes from past works.
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Shigaraki ware is pottery and stoneware made in Shigaraki area, Japan.

Flower and leaf viewing are activities so common as part of daily life in Japan. From the yearly Sakura Festival on which every television station seizes for news to the golden Ginkgo leaves and the scarlet-tinged maple leaves, Japan’s myriad natural scenery not only wins travelers’ hearts over, but also is a precious gift to the locals.

In the spring, besides cherry blossom that symbolizes Japan, there is the grand, carpet-like “Shibazakura’ to see. “Shibazakura” is actually commonly seen in Japan. When she appears on the roadside or among bushes in the park, people can hardly notice her. However, when you see her grand carpetlike blossoming like those in the pictures, it will surely impress you!

2010. 04. 26 Sunny

For those who do not have tickets bought before hand, it would be a wise decision to go on weekdays. To avoid crowds and take pictures with Shibazakura leisurely, Japan Two reporting group decided to rather exchange money for more time. We then took the first train of Ltd. Express of Seibu Ikebukuro line at 6:30am to Yokote. After viewing Shibazakura, we walked to Seibu Chichibu station and took the train back.

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The Maneki Neko known as Welcoming Cat, Lucky Cat, Money cat, or Fortune Cat.

Gundam Café invade to Shizuoka
“GUNDAM Café” is being so popular and having ceaseless visitors at Akihabara, one of the busiest places very well known as electric city in Tokyo. In accordance to general release of 1/1 scale GUNDAM in Shizuoka city, “GUNDAM Café” will open a new store in the city. They will be general released from July 24th according to a model event of “Shizuoka Hobby Fair”.
https://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/lifestyle/articles/1007/08/news093.html
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Iriya Asagao Ichi brings the feel of summer to Tokyo, which is held every summer in Iriya Kishimojin Temple, Taito-ku. Also known as the Asagao Matsuri, literally there will be 120 morning glory trader and 100 fair booths with more than 400 million people visiting every year.

This Asagao Ichi started in the latter period of Edo era. Although it was once canceled, the local people revived the fair after the war in 1948. It will be the 62nd anniversary this year.

About 120 thousands pot of morning glory will gather here.

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Nakamise Street in Asakusa

As a continuation of the previous “cool Japan,” this time I’d like to introduce what idols, movies, and actors Japanese consider being “cool Japan.”

The idol group, “Arashi” placed first, with 53.8% of people thinking they should be “cool Japan.” Arashi had 76.8% with girls in their teens, 68.8% with women in their 20’s, 59.2% with women in their 30’s, and 60.0% with those in their 40’s, ranking first in every female generation. The majority of males picked the group SMAP, which took second place at 51.4%.

■What idol group do you think is “cool Japan?”
1. Arashi
2. SMAP
3. EXILE
4. Ayumi Hamasaki
5. AKB48
6. Hiro Mizushima
7. Seika Matsuda
8. Shoko Nakagawa
9. Kinki Kids
10. Yui Aragaki

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Senbei are a type of Japanese rice crackers.

The Yamate, Yokohama area used to be home to many foreigners, and as proof of this there still remain exotic residential areas with western-style homes and churches. Along with parks overflowing with nature there are ideal viewing places from which the Minatomirai and Bay Bridge can be seen. The area itself is perfect for couples and for friends who want to fully enjoy this international atmosphere.

First off: Motomachi Chukagai Station
Once leaving the station to your left, with Motomachi on your left-hand side, what you will find is Harbour Hill Park (Minato no Mieru Okakoen). This park, a place of rest for the local citizens, has quite a few of Yokohama’s famous viewing spots. Unfortunately, on this day the weather was not very favourable, and Bay Bridge could not be seen clearly. However, the night view is still amazing.

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