WAttention LA Vol. 27

Los Angles Edition

Tokyo - Singapore - Malaysia - Taiwan - Thailand - Paris - Hong Kong - Indonesia - Mexico - Australia

TA K E FREE

Autumn 2018 VOL.27

THE JAPAN BEYOND

Hiroshima

Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Winter Acticities in TOHOKU Love Japan? Follow

WAttention

暦 Koyomi 15 th November

こよみを楽しむ

IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS

Shichi-g o -san

七五三

text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇

Shichi-go-san, a word that means sevenfive-three in Japanese, is an event that celebrates children’s health and well-being.

The origin of this celebration dates back to the Heian Period (794 - 1185), when the mortality rate for children was extremely high. Back then, anybody who was younger than seven years old were considered “gods’ children” since their lives were in the hands of gods. To pray for their health and longevity, people held a celebration as a rite of passage for children who reached a certain age, usually between ages of three to seven.

It was around the 19th century when people started celebrating Shichi-go-san on November 15th at the age of three (for both boys and girls), five (boys) and seven (girls).

According to the lunar calendar, the 15th was “the day when demons stay inside”. Thus it was considered a lucky day for any event.

Many were already celebrating the harvest season around this time of year and were happy to add another celebratory meaning to the occasion.

Mid November was also when fall festivities were coming to an end. The weather was nice and the air was clear. In the olden days, families celebrated Shichigo-san in the evening. The bright harvest moon shined its light on the path giving comfort and security for those who were making their way to the shrine. While the festivities were in the air and Shinto music and dancing were in full swing, children were christened by the Kagura suzu (Shinto

dance bells) and presented with Chitose Ame, a candy in a form of a long stick, for longevity.

Through Shichi-go-san is celebrated during the day nowadays, history reveals that it is a form of moon ritual deeply rooted in ancestral worship. This centuriesold celebration reflects an earnest wish to protect children not only by their parents and grandparents but also ancestors from long ago.

Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on findings to apply them to modern lifestyles.

Currently teaches at Tama Art University.

WAttention Los Angles |

3

VOL.27

HIROSHIMA & BEYOND SPECIAL FEATURE

08

The Japan Beyond Hiroshima Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Publisher

JAPANESE PRODUCTS PRODUCE, INC. 1405 Marcekina Ave. #104, Torrance, CA 90501 TEL: 310-782-8279 Email:info@washockusa.com

Editor in Chief Naohisa Nakada

14

16

A plethora of winter activities for all! Enter the snow kingdom of Tohoku The soul balanced on the knife’s sharp edge Kamata Hankensha

WAttention L.A. Staff Paul Choi Y.Hirane Kazuyo Saeki Chie Nantani

Contents provided by WAttention Co., Ltd Yasuko Suzuki

Editorial & Design

WAttention Editorial Team Japan & Singapore

Partners

WAttention Co., Ltd

Cover

WAttention Co., Ltd 03

In Harmony with the Seasons

07

Interesting Japanese Language Vol. 09

本誌に関する日本国内でのお問い合わせ先 和テンション株式会社 Tel: +81 3-6418-5701 Fax: +81 3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com

Why “WAttention”?

WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more “Attention” to “WA（ 和 ）”; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself! 世 界 中 の 人 々に「 和 」 （WA）に 注 目（Attention）してほしいという願 い を 込 めて WA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。 Copyright © 2018 JAPANESE PRODUCTS PRODUCE,INC. All rights reserved.

WAttention Los Angles |

5

WAttention

WE WANT YOU!

NINJA reporter

missiON

We are looking for foreign agents who want to collect and spread information about Japan as a WAttention NINJA Reporter!

Meet new friends and encounter unique experiences

Go to local Japanese restaurants’ preopening receptions, attend Japan-related events, concerts, conduct backstage interviews and more

Go on interview trips around Japan for FREE

Get involved in our events as a part-timer

Join us today!

Experience being WAttention’s media reporter, share your stories of Japan with us and get some amazing rewards in return.

We have some exciting news coming to you soon so stay tuned to find out how!

WAttention Mascot ©Watenmaru 和天丸

SCAN QR Code

For more information

WAttention Ninja

ing t s e er

gs t n i d n I Fin

ら 外国人か い 白 見た面 ！ ！！ 日本語

in

T od a y’ s W or d Pronunciation 発音

Form

Pan

形

To da y’s Le ar ne r:

めい し

名詞

Noun

Meaning 意味

When I was picking up Japanese, some of the loan words that originated from English confused me. Gairaigo（外来語） are borrowed words from other languages that have been adopted into the modern Japanese language and used on an everyday basis. Despite having their origins in English, these words often

they came Katakana mean Words written in words are a an tak ka st ies. Mo from other countr guage, but some are not. lan from the English t its origin is means ‘bread’ bu For example, pan . pão in Portuguese

y’s Toda en Brok ese J a p a nの言葉 今どき

chi

de

Ying Wai

from Singapore have quite different meanings to their real definitions. Wasei-eigo (和製英語 , Japanese-made English) , on the other hand, are created words

by Japanese which sounds like English terms.

For instance, when I first visited Japan, I was surprised to find out that poteto furai (ポテトフライ) meant French fries!

Food ver .

CO NF US IN G GA IR AI GO ! 食べ物系 —L et’s lea rn Ka tak ana ter ms! —

ジュース

Youngsters in Japan love shortened form terms. As is true of this term, the full expression is “Gochisousama desu” in Japanese and the means “thank you for your treat”. Yes, you express this term when you finish your meal but you can also use it to show your appreciation when someone treat you to a meal. You can say either “Gochi desu” or “Gochi ni narimasu” to express your gratitude in light way. You can voice it toward your friends or easy-going boss but it is not appropriate to express at a serious meeting or towards a traditional boss.

です ごちそうさま go

chi

so

u

sa

ma

ごちそうさま go

de

su

です de

su

Denshi renji

It is an amalgamation of the words ‘microwave’, denshi (electron), and renji (stove/ hob in British English, range/ cooktop in American English).

paper05.pdf 5 11/10/2015 3:23:56 PM

it is used to refer to any nonalcohol drinks, including canned carbonated drinks in Japanese. It supposed to be said that juice contains 100% natural liquid from fruit or vegetables, but this is not known properly.

su

単語編

電子レンジ

Juusu

[verb/expression]

AD_TORIMATSU_LA27.pdf 1 2018/10/01 13:18:20

09

VOL.

外来語

ごちです go

Conductor Aki Loves exploring how culture affects language differently around the world and works as copywriter & editor.

Also has a postgraduate certificate in TJFL (teaching Japanese as a foreign language).

Discover new interesting Japanese words and phrases from a Japanese learner’s point of view with the aid of a Japanese teacher. Let’s get started! ☺

今日の単語

パン

Japanese Language

バイキング Baikingu

It is actually not gairaigo and it is English term created in Japanese (Wasei eigo).

It means ‘buffet’. The first restaurant to start buffet-style meals in Japan was named ‘Viking’, which led the restaurant’s name replacing the term buffet.

chi

Illustration credit: www.irasutoya.com

M

M

Y

Y

MY

WAttention Los Angles |

7

THE JAPAN BEYOND

Hiroshima: Explore Shimane, Okayama and Hyogo

Hiroshima reminds us of the horror of war, but also of the hope of peace, rebirth and rebuilding. Moreover, Hiroshima and the surrounding areas like Okayama, Hyogo and Shimane prefecture have to offer so much more than that. History and culture have their roots in ancient times, with sacred shrines being places of worship for more than a millennium and some medieval castles still standing strong.

HIROSHIMA – OF PEACE AND HOPE Hiroshima City today feels like the embodiment of calm. A central spot in the city is the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, an architectural masterpiece by Kenzo Tange, and the stark and haunting Genbaku Dome, the only structure left standing after the atomic bomb.

Both are there to symbolize war and destruction, as well as peace and rebuilding. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park's solemn silence is often broken by the sounds of the Peace Bell that anyone can ring. In summer, the lotus flowers in the park bloom.

In fact, the whole city of Hiroshima has been steeped in hope of peace, as expressed through the many symbols of harmony in the area. However, you may not realize their significance if you don’t know the history. One such example is the Mitaki temple and its

Stairways to heavenly views : Hiroshima

O n e M o re

Just a step from Hiroshima, the scenic and serene town of Onomichi overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, with great views from its many slopes and stairways. Onomichi can be a pilgrimage for both temple-lovers and film buffs, since it has many wellpreserved temples and it has been the backdrop for over 43 Japanese movies. Furthermore, many writers have stayed and written here. 60min by train from Hiroshima 8

| WAttention Los Angles

16-century pagoda which is actually a donation from Wakayama Prefecture. Today, this temple is one of the most scenic spiritual spots in Hiroshima. The rest of Japan and the world helped Hiroshima with various donations, even with trees for replanting, so you might be passing an old tree that is actually a 60-yearold gesture of the world’s solidarity.

In 19 4 6 , from the scorched ear th in Hiroshima , oleanders bloomed and camphor trees sprouted branches. This resilient city itself blossomed as a symbol of peace.

Ste p

TWO IMPORTANT SHRINES WORTHY OF WORSHIP

Japan Sea

Matsue Castle Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

Hyogo Iwami Ginzan ken Okayama ken Shimane ken Himeji Castle Hiroshima ken Okayama Kurashiki Castle Itsukushima Onomichi Shrine Seto Inland Sea

Itsukushima Shrine: Hiroshima The Floating Shrine A giant red Torii gate that appears to be floating near the sacred island of Miyajima is one of the most iconic views of Japan. In fact, the whole Itsukushima shrine complex is built on pillars to seem as if it was floating during high tide. This UNESCO World Heritage site is nearly a millennium and a half old, and Miyajima island itself has been worshiped as a deity, so no wonder this place has a solemn and almost ethereal atmosphere. Believe it or not, no births or deaths are permitted on the holy island and there have been none for almost 2 centuries!

Inside the Itsukushima shrine complex, the Main Shrine is dedicated to the three daughters of the Shinto god. Another attraction is the Noh theater stage, the only one built on water. Noh is the oldest surviving form of theater in the world and even today, there are performances in Itsukushima shrine in a few times in a year.

Approaching Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine by first passing under the vermilion floating Torii is how the earliest worshipers would have reached the sacred site, and today you can still follow in their wake on a short boat ride. While there, take time to explore the many corridors and corners of the shrine complex that have been built over the years, as the shrine and its devotees grew and grew.

Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine: Shimane Where Gods Meet Izumo Taisha is one of the most venerated shinto shrines in Japan - magnificent, imposing and long-standing. It is one of the oldest shrines and currently the tallest Shinto place of worship. There are even legends that in the past it used to be double the size! For all these superlatives and much more, the Izumo Taisha alone is worth the visit to Shimane prefecture, just a couple of hours from Hiroshima.

Fall for sacred dances

Undeniably the oldest in Japan, this outstanding shrine is at least 13 centuries old, according to ancient records, and possibly even older. Renovated roughly every 60 years as is tradition, the Izumo Taisha rests among the tranquility of nature, itself worshiping nature and borrowing a lot from it – from its timber to the massive shimenawa straw ropes. The serenity is occasionally pierced by solemn drums and flutes – an atmosphere befitting the sacredness of the shrine that plays a central role in Japan's creation myth.

Be sure to visit Izumo Taisha, the meeting place of all the kami (gods) once a year, according to Shinto myths. A month of gods, and a month without gods in the rest of Japan. And a shrine worth a visit in any month of the year.

Iwami Ginzan (Ancient Silver Mine) – in Shimane Now a UNESCO World Herit age site, this mine was an important producer of high-quality silver for four centuries.

Tucked away in lush greenery, it has coexisted with nature because ever since it was opened, people have taken great care to preserve the forest around it. You can explore the mining tunnels inside and the mining ep O ne M or e St towns that sprang up around it.

70min by bus from Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

WAttention Los Angles |

9

THREE CASTLES (WHITE, BLACK AND GREEN) THE CROW, THE HERON AND THE TEA LEAF

The Black Elegance of Okayama Castle and Korakuen Garden The black Okayama castle, nicknamed Ujo or 'Crow Castle', rises behind Korakuen Garden, one of the top three most beautiful gardens in all of Japan. The Crow Castle’s elegant, black walls ornamented with gold were reconstructed in 1966 after the structure was burned to the ground during WWII. However, two watch towers have survived in their original form which dates back to the beginning of the 17th century. After marveling at this classic castle from the outside, you can enter and study the many exhibitions of historical artifacts. Visitors can also enjoy activities such as making traditional Bizen pottery and dressing up as a feudal lord or princess.

Climbing to the top of the castle rewards you with a commanding view of Okayama.

Come and see the black Crow Castle and immerse yourself in its history!

When you’re finished exploring the castle, be sure to spend some time strolling through the 300-year-old Korakuen Garden. The grounds feature a number of scenic spots and tranquil teahouses where you can relax and soak in the views.

The White Heron Beauty: Himeji Castle in Hyogo Perched atop a hill, this White Heron castle has been nicknamed so because of its blinding white exterior. One of only 12 original castles across Japan whose main keep have avoided destruction, Himeji castle has had a number of close calls.

In the Meiji period, when symbols of feudal Japan were being destroyed, Himeji castle was sold and slated for a demolition that never happened; in WW2 a bomb falling nearby failed to explode, and it withstood the Hanshin earthquake of 1995.

The white Beauty is surrounded by lush nature that changes with the seasons.

Initially constructed to hamper approaching enemies, the complex keep gives you time to enjoy the wonderful views as you wander towards the castle. The 4 centuries old Himeji castle is now UNESCO World Heritage site, a national treasure and considered the most well-preserved castle in Japan. It’s no wonder it is also the most visited castle in Japan.

The Green Legacy of Matsue Castle in Shimane Another original castle left in Japan, Matsue castle and the small castle town of the same name are gems of unbroken history. The castle is surrounded by water-filled moats and intertwining canals. In fact, the whole city of Matsue borders lake Shinji, Nakaumi Lagoon and the Sea of Japan, hence earning the nicknames “City of Water” and “Venice of Japan”.

With names like that, blue might be the first color you imagine when trying to picture Matsue Castle in your mind. However, the main color associated with this castle is actually green. Matsue is one of the top three major Japanese centers for tea ceremony and traditional sweets, along with Kyoto and Kanazawa. The little town consumes 5 times more green tea than the national average and they have been promoting tea culture for more then four centuries. The streets are dotted with traditional tea-houses, while the Matsue Castle itself is where the annual Grand Tea Ceremony is hosted.

Enjoy their unique Fumai-style tea ceremony and take a serene gentle boat ride, to truly experience the City of Water and Green Tea.

Kurashiki – Preserved Historical Charm :Okayama Willow trees and white-walled warehouses line the Kurashiki River in the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical area. This town has frozen in time the charm of Edo, Meiji and Taisho periods, retaining its authentic architecture. Kurashiki is home to many museums, one of the most renowned being Ohara Museum of Art. A popular activity is taking a scenic boat ride down the river. 20min by train from Okayama 10

| WAttention Los Angles

O ne M or e St

ep

Specialties of this Area

Both the sea and the land here yield delicious food, exper tly enhanced by unique local recipes. Learn what to eat and even how to make it! Try your hand at traditions that were perfected early in Japan’s history by devoted craftsmen.

Food

Activity

Oysters: Hiroshima

Fruit Picking: Okayama

The people of Hiroshima have been perfecting oyster

Forget "farm to table", picking fruit and eating it on

farming since about 450 years ago. And today they

the spot is as fresh as it gets. Due to its mild climate,

continue the tradition by producing about two third all

Okayama is home to high quality fragrant fruits like

of Japan's oysters. This popular seafood can be enjoyed

peaches, pears, strawberries and grapes, earning the

raw and variety of flavors on Hiroshima Oyster Road – a

nickname "Fruit Kingdom". There are various fruit

string of shops on the coast of Seto Inland Sea.

picking tours to "pick" from, depending on the season.

Bara-Zushi (Scattered Sushi): Okayama

Shimanami Kaido Cycling : Hiroshima

Bara-zushi literally means “scattered sushi” and it is

T he Shimanami K aido is a scenic c ycling rou te

an Okayama specialty that can be described as “sushi

connecting Shikoku and Honshu islands, two of the

salad”. Various fish and vegetables are mixed with

four main Japanese islands. Along the route there are

rice to make a colorful and hearty dish. Bara-zushi is

charming villages and several impressive bridges, so

popular at festivals and celebrations.

you can take your time and explore the surroundings at your own pace.

Izumo Soba Noodle: Shimane The Izumo buckwheat flour noodles are among the top 3 best soba noodles in Japan. Here, they are eaten in the “warigo” style which is a stack of three lunch boxes with soup poured over the noodles instead of having to dip them.

A “best of the best” sake: Himeji Being the birthplace of "Yamada Nishiki", the best sake rice, Harima is a thriving sake-making town. In this area you can visit breweries and taste fresh sake.

Zen experience at Shoshazan Engyoji Temple: Himeji This temple appeared in the movie “The Last Samurai”, but it has been always a famous spiritual spot. One of the 33 stops on the Kannon pilgrimage in Saikoku, the Shoshazan Engyoji Temple is over a millennium old.

Here, you can do a temple-stay, have a zen-meditation lesson or try copying Buddhist sutras.

“Yamada Nishiki” grown in Hyogo prefecture, where

Adachi Museum of Art: The best Japanese Garden: Shimane

the best Yamada Nishiki comes from.

The Adachi Museum of Art houses a complex of six

The “best of the best” sake would be sake made from

exquisite Japanese gardens with tea houses. From a dry

Traditional Crafts

landscape garden and moss garden, to a pond garden and waterfall, these scenes are so breathtakingly beautiful that they have been called “living Japanese painting”.

Japanese White Leather Craft: Himeji Japanese white leather craft is a traditional products w ith a long in his tor y in Himeji. Bec ause of it s

from Shin-Osaka Station

light weight and durability, it used to be applied to

To Himeji Station

Japanese armor. Today, however, this handmade

To Okayama Station

specialty of Himeji made by graining, embossing and

To Hiroshima Station 1hr 30 min 50 min To Izumo Airport (Shimane)

painting is mostly used in decorative products.

from Tokyo Station

29 min

To Himeji Station

45 min

Shinkansen

Sekishu Washi Paper Making: Shimane Sekishu Washi is a special type of handmade Japanese paper from Western Shimane. The millennium-and-ahalf-old traditional method of creating this craft has been perfectly preserved, and it has been declared

Himeji

3hr 10 min

To Hiroshima Station 3hr 56 min 1hr 25 min To Izumo Airport (Shimane) Airplane

ht tps: // w w w.himeji - kanko.jp.e. adl.hp.transer.com /

Okayama Hiroshima Shimane

3hr 03 min

To Okayama Station

ht tps: // w w w.okayama - japan.jp/en / ht tp: // v isithiroshima.net / ht tp: // w w w.kankou -shimane.com /en /

an Intangible Cultural Property.

Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword : Okayama One of the most famous sword-forging towns, Osafune, houses a Japanese sword museum with many katanas on display, as well as seasonal exhibitions that combine swords with anime and games. You can also observe the sword-making process as the masters hammer the heated blades.

WAttention Los Angles |

11

A plethora of winter activities for all!

Enter the snow kingdom of Tohoku Covered in the thick snowfall of Tohoku, the vast expanse of white stretching as far as the eye can see is a familiar sight to anyone who has experienced the harsh winters of northern Honshu. Many travellers looking to experience the gorgeous sights in store for them make their way to this region every year to enjoy the fluffy white snow and winter activities. Step into the snow kingdom of Tohoku and discover its charms for yourself!

Enjoy the sights of nature in powder snow paradise Appi Kogen Located in Iwate Prefecture, Appi Kogen is definitely high in the running – if not the best – when it comes to skiing. Wide slopes make it perfect for beginners, and with 21 courses available, intermediate and advanced skiiers will certainly find something suitable for their level. Famous for its extremely fine and light snow, Appi Kogen has earned its nickname “The 40 degree latitude powder paradise”.

But there’s more to the area than just skiing. Visitors can also strap on a pair of snowshoes and trek through guided courses through forests right next to Appi Grand Hotel. Wandering through the wilderness here is an exhilarating experience. At times, snowfall is so deep that it can even reach up to your knees. As you pass through the snow-covered paths while admiring the gorgeous white birch trees, try figuring out which animal the tracks belong to. Your trekking guide will also lead you to roll through the thick snow, get covered in

Driving Snow buggy

14

| WAttention Los Angles

falling snow from tree branches, and even slide down snow slides. Much like an outdoor classroom, you will get to learn all sorts of things about Mother Nature and even discover things you have never noticed before.

Aside from trekking through the forest in your snowshoes, you can even sign up for a session of star gazing. Get on a snowbike and you will be led to a specific location where you can enjoy gorgeous views of the stars at night―a thoroughly romantic experience not to be missed! If it gets too cold out, you can even warm yourselves up with a delectable cheese hot pot inside the snow huts stationed in the vicinity. Enough of observing the skies? Feel free to hop on a snowbike and go on a ride to see more of the area. While the skiing is still the number one draw, the place also provides all sorts of wintertime entertainment.

Winter activities in Appi: http://www.appi-japan.com/winter/ Hotel Appi Grand: http://www.appi-japan.com/resort-info/ hotel-appi-grand.html

Try Snow rafting

Fun snowshoe hike!

Cheese fondue in Kamakura

A session of star gazing

Urabandai , Fuku shima: Another great destination for winter fun!

Similar to the Appi Kogen region in winter, the Urabandai area is a wonderland of powder snow, where one can enjoy a myriad of winter activities besides skiing and snowboarding. After a major volcanic eruption of Mt.

Snowmobiling

“Yellow Fall”

Fried Wakasagi

Wakasagi Fishing

Bandai in the past, a beautiful crater lake formed ― Lake Hibara. Experience snowmobiling on the frozen lake, or wakasagi smelt ice fishing! Put on your snow shoes and trek through other surrounding attractions including the Goshikinuma trail, or maple-beech forests where you can admire giant beech trees that are over 300 years old. The frozen waterfall “Yellow Fall”, is also a "Blue Fall"

popular spot nearby.

Urabandai Tourism Official Website: http://www.urabandai-inf.com/?page_id=25649

Three Famous Snow Monsters

Don’t fret! Japan doesn’t have any abominable snowmen; just beautiful, amazing frost covered trees known colloquially as “snow monsters” scattered throughout the Tohoku region.

Aomari “Mt. Hakkoda” Aomori-shi

Yamagata “Zao” Yamagata-Shi

A s k ii e r ’s p a ra di s e , M t .

Hakko da in Aomori is a great getaway for those looking to experience some of the best slopes that Japan has. Riding down the hills with gorgeous snow monsters lining the way is something any winter sports enthusiast will surely treasure. Mt. Hakkoda is easily accessible by ropeway.

The snow monsters in Zao, Yamagata feature beautiful illumination, amplif ying t h e ir lu min e s ce n ce a n d s p l e n d o r, s hinin g s il ve r during the day and full of other colors gleaming in the darkness at night. You can take the ropeway and the gondola to reach the top of the mountain from Zao Onsen.

60-min ride from JR Aomori Station or JR

45-min bus ride from JR Yamagata Station to

Shin-Aomori Station Bus Stop to Hakkoda

Zao Onsen

Akita “Mt. Moriyoshi” Kitaakita-shi Just a quick walk from the top of the Ani gondola, Mt. Moriyoshi in Akita boasts a plethora of breathtaking Maries’ firs, glistening with frost as beautiful snow monsters. Come lose yourself in this amazing winter wonderland.

Mt. Hakkoda

100-min ride from Kakunodate Station until Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort

Ropeway Base Station

Zao

Mt. Moriyoshi

The Kamakura culture of Akita-ken An important traditional aspect of the region, Kamakura in the Tohoku refer to snow huts, differing in sizes and construction. Akita Prefecture alone is home to three different types of festivals that celebrate the culture of these little snow domiciles. In Northern Tohoku, the Rokugo Kamakura Festival where bamboo pole fights are held, is known as one of Japan’s more dangerous “bizarre festivals.” Located inland in the Northern Tohoku lies Kakunodate town.

Considered to be one of Japan’s “little Kyoto”, you can observe the Hiburi Kamakura Festival with participants all riled up, swinging fireballs made from straw in gigantic rings around themselves.

This act is a symbol of prayer for good health.

Kakunodate’s Hiburi kamakura

The kinds of Kamakura that most people are familiar with can be seen in Yokote City, which is also home to a Kamakura festival that has been practiced for over 450 years. During ancient times, the people of the region would build their snow huts close to wells, making offerings to water deities. Children in the past also used to play near these areas. Presently, these Kamakuras are home to shrines. Visitors are allowed to make supplications there, and children can go into the snow huts to drink delicious amazake ( 甘酒 , a sweet non-alcoholic rice drink) and

eat yakimochi ( 焼

, roasted sticky rice cakes). After seeing how much the lives of the locals are

built around the Kamakura, one can’t help but acknowledge its divine presence and respect the Japanese people’s appreciation for the surrounding nature.

Akita Tourism Official Website: http://www.akitafan.com/en

Yokote Kamakura Matsuri

WAttention Los Angles |

15

KAMATA HAKENSHA: THE SOUL BALANCED ON THE KNIFE'S SHARP EDGE Samurai were said to believe that their soul resided inside their katana swords. Mr. Kamata of the eponymous and worldwide known store in Asakusa gives soul to Japanese blades today.

Located in the nostalgic-looking Kappabashi area among other craftsmen and kitchenware shops, Kamata has been a constant since 1923. Now run

by Seiichi Kamata, the third generation, while also training his son Yosuke in the art of sharpening blades, this store does not only sell knives, but also sharpens old knives, giving them a second life.

MORE THAN JUST A STORE When it comes to knives, Kamata is a cut above the rest. The owner personally inspects the blades of knives made by their subcontractors and upon purchase, ever y customer is given a manual on proper maintenance. This is especially needed when it comes to Japanese knives (wabocho) many of which have single edged blades, unlike Western knives (yobocho), and hence they are easier to break if used carelessly.

“It's a given that any knife can cut, but the beauty and mastery lies in the sharpness of the blade” Mr. Kamata explains. This is why many of his clients are professional chefs, who bring their knives to him for sharpening. Professional Japanese chefs abroad are actually the reason why Japanese blades have garnered worldwide popularity.

The Kamata store sees a fair share of foreign customers, both professionals and visitors buying a meaningful souvenir that will last and maybe even become a family heirloom. Some of them return to the store with their knives to be resharpened by the master. The knives here are also given a personal touch as they can be engraved upon your request for free.

THE MASTER OF SHARPENING Sharpening is not only for maintenance, it's also one of the impor t ant s teps in Japanese blade - mak ing - w i th di f ferent professional in charge of a different step. Starting from forging and shaping, sharpening and hardening – authentic Japanese blades are the result of a team effort.

Mr. Kamata is a sharpening master who says that learning never ends. However, “to be a master you need at least 10 years of constant training” he says, both your sharpening skill and your sharp eye to notice the customer's specific needs.

Mr. Kamata can breathe life back into any knife, restore broken and darkened blades to look as good as new. So, go down to Kamata store to see the sharpening magician on the whetstone and learn more about the soul of the blades, balanced on their thin sharp edges. Mr. Kamata sharpens the blades right there in the Address: 2-12-6 Matsugaya Taito-ku, Tokyo Hours: 10am-6pm (No scheduled holidays) Access: About 8 minutes from Tawara-machi station(Ginza line) URL: http://kap-kam.com/index_en.html 16

| WAttention Los Angles

store behind a glass pane, and many people stop by to watch the master at work.