Vernal Equinox Day.

 Today is Vernal Equinox Day. 

I went for a walk around the neighborhood.

Dondo-Yaki (Dondo bonfire) Hokkaidō Shrine 2022 (Sapporo, Hokkaido, J...

I uploaded a new video "Dondo-Yaki (Dondo bonfire) Hokkaidō Shrine 2022 (Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan)" on my YouTube channel.

#Hokkaido #shrine #DondoYaki #bonfire #Sapporo #Japan #culture #festival #life

https://youtu.be/9vuBcjr8MdU

Dondo-Yaki is a fire festival which is usually held on January 15th. People gather New Year's ornaments of the neighborhood in order to burn them in a big Dondo bonfire. It is believed that spirits of the new year are supposed to go home with the smoke of this fire. Burning of New Year’s decorations is a traditional festival to pray for sound health by bringing together and burning New Year’s decorations, such as pine decorations, in the grounds of a shrine or in public spaces. It is held on or around January 15. The Hokkaidō Shrine (北海道神宮, Hokkaidō Jingū) is a Shinto shrine located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Sited in Maruyama Park, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Shrine enshrines four kami including the soul of the Emperor Meiji. A number of early explorers of Hokkaidō such as Mamiya Rinzō are also enshrined. The area of the Hokkaido Shrine is 180,000 m², and is adjacent to Maruyama Park. During the season which cherry blossoms in the area bloom, the shrine is crowded with people enjoying Hanami. Many people also visit the shrine during Japanese New Year to go Hatsumōde. [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia] Shinto (Japanese: 神道, romanized: Shintō) is a religion which originated in Japan. Classified as an East Asian religion by scholars of religion, its practitioners often regard it as Japan's indigenous religion and as a nature religion. Scholars sometimes call its practitioners Shintoists, although adherents rarely use that term themselves. There is no central authority in control of Shinto and much diversity exists among practitioners. [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia] Shooting : 2022-1-14 #Japan #culture #life

Prunus 'Kanzan' (Double cherry blossoms) in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

I uploaded a new video "Prunus 'Kanzan'　(Double cherry blossoms)　in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan" on my YouTube channel.

#flower #tree #CherryBlossoms #spring #Sapporo #Hokkaido #Japan

Prunus 'Kanzan' (Prunus serrulata 'Kanzan'. syn. Prunus lannesiana 'Kanzan', Cerasus Sato-zakura Group 'Sekiyama' Koidz, Kwanzan or Sekiyama, Japanese 関山) is a flowering cherry cultivar. It was developed in the Edo period in Japan as a result of multiple interspecific hybrids based on the Oshima cherry. It is a deciduous tree that grows to between 1 and 9 meters (3 ft 3 in and 29 ft 6 in) high with an 8-metre (25 ft) spread. Young trees have a vase-shaped habit that becomes more spreading into maturity. In winter they produce red buds, opening to 5-centimetre (2 in) diameter deep-pink double flowers. The trees, which are usually propagated by chip budding or grafting, prefer a well-drained location in full sun. [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Double cherry blossoms

 The double cherry blossoms in full bloom were gorgeous.

#CherryBlossms #flowers #blooms

Jozankei hot springs resort (Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan)

I uploaded a new video "Jozankei hot springs resort" on my YouTube channel.

#Jozankei #HotSprings #Sapporo #Hokkaido #Japan #TheSights

Jozankei hot springs resort - a number of hotels and resorts with hot springs. HOKKAIDO SAPPORO JOZANKEI Opened in 1866. It is the hot spring discovered by an ascetic monk, Miizumi Jozan.

Hokkaidō Shrine (Sapporo, Japan)

I uploaded a new video "Hokkaidō Shrine (Sapporo, Japan)" on my YouTube channel.

The Hokkaidō Shrine (北海道神宮, Hokkaidō Jingū) is a Shinto shrine located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Sited in Maruyama Park, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Shrine enshrines four kami including the soul of the Emperor Meiji. A number of early explorers of Hokkaidō such as Mamiya Rinzō are also enshrined. In 1869, by an order of the Emperor Meiji, a ceremony to enshrine three kami (Shinto deities); Ōkunitama, Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona, was held in Tokyo. They were enshrined as the three deities of the Hokkaido reclamation (開拓三神, Kaitaku Sanjin), and they were later moved to Sapporo by officers in the Kaitakushi, the previous government of Hokkaidō prefecture. An interim building of the shrine for three kami was constructed in 1870 in Sapporo, although its location was different from the current point where the Hokkaidō Shrine stands. In 1871, the shrine was erected in its current place and named "Sapporo Shrine" (Sapporo Jinja), and on September 14 an inaugural ceremony was held. From 1889 through 1946, Sapporo-jinja was officially designated one of the Kanpei-taisha (官幣大社), meaning that it stood in the first rank of government supported shrines. [From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

SAPPORO WHITE ILLUMINATION (One Color Version)

I uploaded a new video "SAPPORO WHITE ILLUMINATION (One Color Version)"" on my YouTube channel.

Sapporo (札幌市, Sapporo-shi) is the fifth largest city in Japan, and the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is the capital city of Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishikari Subprefecture. Sapporo lies in the southwest of Hokkaido, within the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, which is a tributary stream of the Ishikari. Sapporo is considered the cultural, economical, and political center of Hokkaido.

As with most of Hokkaido, the Sapporo area was settled by the indigenous Ainu people, beginning over 15,000 years ago. Starting in the late 19th century, Sapporo saw increasing settlement by Japanese migrants. Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first Winter Olympics ever held in Asia, and the second Olympic games held in Japan after the 1964 Summer Olympics. The Sapporo Dome hosted three games during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and two games during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The annual Sapporo Snow Festival draws more than 2 million tourists from abroad. Other notable sites include the Sapporo Beer Museum, which is the only beer museum in Japan, and the Sapporo TV Tower located in Odori Park. It is home to Hokkaido University, just north of Sapporo Station. The city is served by Okadama Airport, and New Chitose Airport in nearby Chitose.

[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Odori Park (大通公園, Ōdōri Kōen) is a park located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Ōdōri (大通) means "large street" in Japanese. It stretches east to west through Nishi 1 chōme, Ōdōri to Nishi 12 chōme, Ōdōri ("Nishi" means west, and "chōme" is a block in Japanese), and divides the city into north and south sections. Odori Park spans about 1.5 km and covers 78,901 m². During the urban planning of Sapporo, it was originally designated as the main street but it eventually became a park. Throughout the year, many events and ceremonies such as the Sapporo Lilac Festival and the Sapporo Snow Festival are held in the park, and local landmarks including the Sapporo TV Tower and the Sapporo City Archive Museum are located within its boundaries.

[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Susukino Night Fever 2019 (Susukino Festival)

I uploaded a new video "Susukino Night Fever 2019 (Susukino Festival)" on my YouTube channel.

Susukino (すすきの) is a red-light district in Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is one of the major red-light districts in Japan along with Kabukichō, Tokyo, and Nakasu, Fukuoka. Currently, the district is congested with many restaurants, bars, hotels, and adult-entertainment establishments. Susukino is often noted as "薄野" in kanji, and "ススキノ" in katakana, and directly translated as "zebra grass field".
Every August, the Susukino Festival is also held, and the line of people bearing Mikoshi parades down the street.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Susukino Samba Carnival 2019 (Susukino Festival)

I uploaded a new video "Susukino Samba Carnival 2019 (Susukino Festival)" on my YouTube channel.

Susukino (すすきの) is a red-light district in Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is one of the major red-light districts in Japan along with Kabukichō, Tokyo, and Nakasu, Fukuoka. Currently, the district is congested with many restaurants, bars, hotels, and adult-entertainment establishments. Susukino is often noted as "薄野" in kanji, and "ススキノ" in katakana, and directly translated as "zebra grass field".
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Samba is a lively dance of Afro-Brazilian origin in 2/4(2 by 4) time danced to samba music whose origins include the Maxixe.
4 female samba dancers are shown posing for a picture during the 2008 Rio Carnival.
Samba dancers at Rio Carnival in 2008.
Samba was created by African people in Brazil from the music and dance culture they brought from Africa. Samba music is very similar to and has been influenced by many music genres, as well as many other Latin American music genres and dances. The term "samba" originally referred to any of several Latin duet dances with origins from the Congo and Angola. Today Samba is the most prevalent dance form in Brazil, and reaches the height of its importance during the festival of Carnival.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Sapporo Night View at Mt. Okura. (Hokkaido, Japan)

I uploaded a new video "Sapporo Night View at Mt. Okura.　(Hokkaido, Japan)" on my YouTube channel.





The Ōkurayama Ski Jump Stadium (大倉山ジャンプ競技場, Ōkurayama Janpu Kyōgijō), also known as the Ōkurayama-Schanze (大倉山シャンツェ, Ōkurayama Shantse) is a ski jumping venue located in the Miyanomori area in Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. Owned mostly by Sapporo City, the ski jump is on the eastern slope of the Mt. Okura. The stadium has hosted a number of winter sports events including 1972 Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2007. The area of stadium consists of the Winter Sports Museum, the Ōkurayama Crystal House, and the Mt. Okura Observation Platform, as well as the ski jump.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Mt.Okura in Sapporo. The up Chair-lift ride at night.

I uploaded a new video "Mt.Okura in Sapporo. The up Chair-lift ride at night." on my YouTube channel.







The Ōkurayama Ski Jump Stadium (大倉山ジャンプ競技場, Ōkurayama Janpu Kyōgijō), also known as the Ōkurayama-Schanze (大倉山シャンツェ, Ōkurayama Shantse) is a ski jumping venue located in the Miyanomori area in Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. Owned mostly by Sapporo City, the ski jump is on the eastern slope of the Mt. Okura. The stadium has hosted a number of winter sports events including 1972 Winter Olympics and FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2007. The area of stadium consists of the Winter Sports Museum, the Ōkurayama Crystal House, and the Mt. Okura Observation Platform, as well as the ski jump.
The stadium has area of 8.2 ha which houses 50,000 people at a maximum during a competition, and the ski jump is categorized as the large hill jump. The total height of the jump hill from the top starting point to the bottom of the slope is 133 metres, also the distance to the K-spot (critical point) is 120 metres.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

To reach at the Mt. Okura Observation Platform located on the top of the ski jump, it is required to buy tickets to ride the lift toward the Observation Platform at the shop in front of the Ōkurayama Crystal House. Another route, a trail leading to the platform on the side of the ski jump, is also available. The places for observation are located both in the second and third floor, and visitors enjoy the view of the entire ski jump and Sapporo city from a height of 300 metres.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

View from Sapporo TV Tower Observation deck with Piano music.

I uploaded a new video "View from Sapporo TV Tower Observation deck with Piano music." on my YouTube channel.







The Sapporo TV Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔, Sapporo Terebi-tō), built in 1957, is a 147.2-metre-high (483 ft) TV tower with an observation deck at a height of 90.38 meters. Located on the ground of Odori Park, in the northern city of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, the tower is open to tourists. Tourists can view Sapporo and Odori Park.
The lift to the observation deck at 90 meters high is located on the third floor, where visitors are required to buy tickets to continue to the observation deck. From the observation deck, the entire view of the Odori Park, Mount Ōkura, and Maruyama are seen. Having the height of 147.2 meters, the Sapporo TV Tower used to be the most prominent figure in Sapporo, but recently many high-rise buildings have been constructed around the Odori Park, making the Tower less prominent.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Sapporo (札幌市, Sapporo-shi) is the fifth largest city in Japan, and the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is the capital city of Hokkaido Prefecture and its Ishikari Subprefecture, and numbers among the nation's ordinance-designated city. Sapporo lies in the southwest of Hokkaido, within the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, which is a tributary stream of the Ishikari. Sapporo is considered the cultural, economical, and political center of Hokkaido.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Moerenuma Park (in Sapporo, Japan)

I uploaded a new video "Moerenuma Park　(in Sapporo, Japan)" on my YouTube channel.







Moerenuma Park (モエレ沼公園, Moerenuma Kōen) is a municipal park in Sapporo, Japan. It has playground equipment, outdoor sports fields, and objects that are designed by Isamu Noguchi, a Japanese American artist. Construction began in 1988; the park opened in 2005. It won a number of awards including the Good Design Award in 2002.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

The biggest symbol of the park is a glass pyramid near the eastern entrance. The pyramid has the nickname "Hidamari", which means "sunny spot" in Japanese. The nickname was given in 2002 and selected from 2,340 applications. With a floor space of 5,328 m², the pyramid has three floors and a roof overlooking a large part of the park. The top floor houses the gallery of Isamu Noguchi and the miniature model of the park. A restaurant and museum shop are on the ground floor. The pyramid has an air conditioning system to cool down inside in summer, using snow stored in a neighbouring storage building during winter. Hidamari is also used for workshops and events including the Prestigious International Conference on Music and Perception with a concert by John Kaizen Neptune in 2008 in the rooms on the ground and second floors.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

The Tetra Mound, an object with triangle stainless steels (one of the creations of Isamu Noguchi) is placed in the western side. Several events have been held in the square close by. The Mt. Moere occupies large part of the park. It is 62 metres high, which enables visitors to overlook the landscape of the park and northern part of the Sapporo city. More playground equipment is near the Forest of Cherry Trees and the Moere Beach, which is a shallow pond open during summer.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

A 150-metre canal, the Aqua Plaza, is in the centre of the park, and the Sea Fountain is constructed near the canal. The fountain reaches 25 meters high when it jets out, and it is closed during winter. The monument called Music Shell is used as the musical venue. It is shaped to imitate two shells swelling up from the ground — as the name indicates.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

The Toyohira River fireworks show 2015-② in Sapporo, Japan

I uploaded a new video "The Toyohira River fireworks show 2015-② in Sapporo, Japan" on my YouTube channel.

The Toyohira River (豊平川 Toyohira-gawa) is a river in Hokkaidō prefecture, Japan. It is 72.5 km in length and has drainage area of 894.7 km². It is a tributary of the Ishikari River.
It supplies water to Sapporo city, the capital of Hokkaidō built on the alluvial fan formed by the river. Jōzankei is a popular attraction with onsen (hot springs) along the upper Toyohira.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Sapporo (札幌市, Sapporo-shi) is the fifth largest city in Japan, and the largest city on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is the capital city of Hokkaido Prefecture and Ishikari Subprefecture. It is an ordinance-designated city. Located in the southwestern part of Hokkaido, Sapporo lies within the alluvial fan of the Toyohira River, a tributary stream of the Ishikari River.
As with most of Hokkaido, the area of Sapporo was home to settlements of the indigenous Ainu people. Sapporo was increasingly settled from Japanese migrants in the late 19th century. Sapporo hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics, the first Winter Olympics ever held in Asia, and the Sapporo Dome hosted three games during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and two games during the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
The annual Sapporo Snow Festival draws more than 2 million tourists from abroad. The city is served by the New Chitose Airport in nearby Chitose, and is home to Hokkaido University.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Cheer on Hokkai High School baseball team.

I uploaded a new video "Cheer on Hokkai High School baseball team" on my YouTube channel.

Shooting : July 22, 2016
Sapporo Maruyama Baseball Stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

High school baseball is full of passion in Japan.
Go for it, Hokkai High School!

High school baseball is very popular in Japan.
Because each high school team represents its hometown or home prefecture.

Sapporo Maruyama Baseball Stadium (札幌市円山球場), is a baseball stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. The stadium holds 25,000 people, was built in 1934 and is currently used for high-school and amateur baseball games.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Cheer on Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo High School baseball team.

I uploaded a new video "Cheer on Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo High School baseball team" on my YouTube channel.

Shooting : July 19, 2016
Sapporo Maruyama Baseball Stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

High school baseball is full of passion in Japan.
Go for it, Hokkai Gakuen Sapporo High School!

High school baseball is very popular in Japan.
Because each high school team represents its hometown or home prefecture.

Sapporo Maruyama Baseball Stadium (札幌市円山球場), is a baseball stadium in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. The stadium holds 25,000 people, was built in 1934 and is currently used for high-school and amateur baseball games.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Sapporo Festival 2016 "Mikoshi parades ②"

I uploaded a new video "Sapporo Festival 2016 Mikoshi parades ②" on my YouTube channel.

From June 14 to 16 in every year, the Main festival of Hokkaido Shrine, also called "Sapporo Festival" (Sapporo Matsuri), is held, and the line of people bearing Mikoshi parades down the street which leads to the shrine. It also manages a Scouting activities.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

A mikoshi (神輿) is a sacred religious palanquin (also translated as portable Shinto shrine). Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine. Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

The Hokkaidō Shrine (北海道神宮, Hokkaidō Jingū) is a Shinto shrine located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Sited in Maruyama Park, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Shrine enshrines four kami including the soul of the Emperor Meiji. A number of early explorers of Hokkaidō such as Mamiya Rinzō are also enshrined.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Sapporo Festival 2016 "Mikoshi parades ①"

I uploaded a new video "Sapporo Festival 2016　Mikoshi parades ①" on my YouTube channel.

From June 14 to 16 in every year, the Main festival of Hokkaido Shrine, also called "Sapporo Festival" (Sapporo Matsuri), is held, and the line of people bearing Mikoshi parades down the street which leads to the shrine. It also manages a Scouting activities.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

A mikoshi (神輿) is a sacred religious palanquin (also translated as portable Shinto shrine). Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine. Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

The Hokkaidō Shrine (北海道神宮, Hokkaidō Jingū) is a Shinto shrine located in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. Sited in Maruyama Park, Chūō-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Shrine enshrines four kami including the soul of the Emperor Meiji. A number of early explorers of Hokkaidō such as Mamiya Rinzō are also enshrined.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

"STORM" at Hokkaido University 2016.

I uploaded a new video "STORM at Hokkaido University 2016" on my YouTube channel.

"storm", one of the traditional event at Hokkaido university.
Recorded on June 5, 2016, the last day of university festival named "Hokudaisai".
"Sapporo no-gakko ha Ezo-ga-shima!! (Sapporo Agricultual college is on the Hokkaido island where is called Ezo-ga-shima)"

Hokkaido University (北海道大学, Hokkaidō daigaku), or Hokudai (北大), is a Japanese national university in Sapporo, Hokkaido. It was the 5th Imperial University in Japan, which were established to be the nation's finest institutes of higher education or research and selected as a Top Type university of Top Global University Project by the Japanese government. The main campus located in downtown Sapporo, just north of Sapporo Station, and stretching approximately 2.4 kilometers northward. It is considered one of the top universities in Japan.
[From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

Hokkaido Sapporo Tohun High School Brass Band

I uploaded a new video "Hokkaido Sapporo Tohun High School Brass Band" on my YouTube channel.

About Hokkaido Sapporo Tohun High School.
http://www.s-touun-h.hokkaido-c.ed.jp/

Shooting : May 22, 2016