NIPPON Kichi - 日本吉

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2007/5/31


琵琶湖 Biwa-ko Lake Biwa

Jp En

Lake Biwa was formed about four million years ago and is the third oldest lake in the world behind Lake Baikal and Lake Tanganyika. It is one of only 10 ancient lakes in the world. It is also the biggest lake in Japan.

In the Muromachi period, Konoeno Masaie, one of the then emperor's chief advisers, selected the Eight Views of Omi around the lake, following the Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang around Lake Dongting in China.

Unfortunately, the appearance of the scenery has completely changed today. But for the Eight Major Views of Lake Biwa that were selected in 1950, the scenery has not changed much.

The present eight scenic views include:
*Morning fog, rocks in Nedu-Osaki (Takashima City)
*Cool wind, white beach in Omatsuzaki (Otsu City)
*Drizzle, trees in Hiei (Otsu City)
*Evening sunlight, clear stream in Seda, Ishiyama (Otsu City)
*New snow, spectacle of Mt Shizuka (Kinomoto Town)
*Deep green, shadow of Takebu Island  (Nagahama City)
*Bright moon, old castle in Hikone (Hikone City)
*Spring color, Azuchi-Hachiman's waterfront (Azuchi Town, Omi-Hachiman City)

You can enjoy these various scenic sights, too, and be moved by their magnificence, as well as walk around the castle town reading about its history.
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2007/1/29


三大神社の藤 Sandaijinjya-no-fuji Wisteria of Sandai Shrine

Jp En

Sandai Shrine in Shina-cho, near the town of Kusatsu in Shiga Prefecture, is famous for its wisteria. The enshrined deities at the shrine are Shinatsuhiko-no-mikoto and Shinatsuhime-no-mikoto. 

Every year in April and May, the wisteria blossom clusters grow so long that they touch the ground, hence the name 'suna-zuri-no-fuji' (wisteria trailing the sand). The wisteria was originally planted by Fujihara, a Sessho (regent for a child emperor) and a Kampaku (regent for an adult emperor), in hopes for prosperity and good fortune. The wisteria deteriorated, however, following a fire started by Oda Nobunaga. In time, it sprouted again from its roots, and became what it is today.

At the Wisteria Festival held during this season at the shrine, people exhibit local products, and the Kusatsu-shi Sightseeing Product Association fair takes place, alongside other activities.

Along with the wisteria in the neighboring Shina Shrine and Soujya Shrine, the wisteria at Sandai Shrine are sometimes collectively known as 'shinamisato-no-fuji'. The wisteria of Sandai Shrine are notable for their twisting, lithe appearance, and make for a truly gratifying spectacle.
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2007/1/19


人間将棋 Ningen-syougi Shogi with Human 'Pieces'

Jp En

A game of shogi (Japanese chess) with human pieces forms part of the Tendo Sakura Festival. This festival takes place annually on Mt Maizuru in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture.

The Tendo district is deeply related to the game of shogi. For example, 95% of the shogi pieces are made here. The idea of having games of shogi with human players has its origin in a story that Toyotomi Hideyoshi played shogi against Toyotomi Hidetsugu by using his subordinates as pieces. The tradition has passed down ever since. The different people who 'play' the pieces wear armor or period costumes and have the audiences tell them which role they are in the game.

Every year, the shogi game takes place on Mt Maizuru at a time when over 2000 cherry trees are in blossom. The combination of cherry blossoms with a game of shogi in which professional shogi players use human pieces makes a compelling event. It is a splendid yet stern occasion that charms many citizens and visitors.
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