Preparing for New Year

In 1 day, Oshogatsu season will come to Japan.

It actually already came right after Christmas.
Japan is busy to change the mode from Halloween to Christmas, Christmas to Oshogatsu... lol

And, almost all people finish to work by 30th, and the preparing for New Year is going to begin.

I turned on the TV this morning. The reporter was talking how busy Tsukiji is. And, the screen was changed and showed how busy Ueno is.

My friends went to Tsukiji this morning and took some pictures.

Tsukiji famous for fresh sashimi

kind of folk lift in Tsukiji

sales with large volume

famous Gyudon (beef) place

And here are the pictures of Ameya Yokocho in Ueno.

 

always crowded

lots of foreigner come here

The common feature of these two places is people can ask staff to discount, and the staff will give you more services. So many people think they can buy some stuff by surprisingly reasonable price.

For people who make many foods in Oshogatsu season, these places are good idea to go.

If you have never been there, you should go and just feel the culture :)

And,

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!


Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Comic Market 91

Hello my friends!

Today, I went to Comic Market 91 which is held at Tokyo Big Site.

 

9AM at Tokyo Big Site

What is it?

It is the world's largest comic fair, held twice a year in Tokyo, Japan. This time is the 91 time of the events! Wow!

As you know, anime or manga (comic) are the icon of Japanese culture now. We call "sub-culture" and one of the "cool Japan". Among the people who loves anime or manga, this event is like a World Cup for soccer fans lol


people started to line before opening the gate

these lines...

As you can see, many people visited here and it is announced that 170 thousand people came here. The economic effect is about 15 billion yen... OMG!! 


Finally I could get in!!

When I entered inside, there were lots of booth (or desk) that they sell their book or goods. People who came here bought those goods and enjoy.

But! for me, one thing is the main event of this comic market.
Some people cosplay the characters and it attarcts me!

their quality!

There were lots of cosplayers here, and we took many pictures of them.
Actually, we will write the featured article soon, so please wait in a bit.

from behind of camera man

foreign people also cosplay

decolated!!

Now you care about the articles huh~

Do not worry, it is gonna be interesting one :)


Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)



The Scheme of Kanji

山、川、人、愛、美、日本 etc...

Have you ever seen this letter? Yes, It is called "Kanji".

People who learn Japanese difinitely face with Kanji, and because it looks complicated, many people give up to learn Kanji.

Even though Japanese learn Kanji from elementary school, some Kanji are hard for us too.

However, I think it is interesting to know the scheme of Kanji; you do not have to memorize Kanji.

For example, 山 (yama) means mountain.

the scheme of 山 (mountain)

As you can see the scheme above, Kanji was made from its shape or appearance.

the scheme of 川 (river)

Here is the story I like.

心(kokoro) means mind or heart. This is from the atrium of the heart.

愛 (ai) means love.  Everybody loves this word right? haha

Can you find the interesting point about this Kanji?

When you people love someone, you need to love with your mind. You have to put that mind in you heart. Center of it.

Now you can guess huh?
...
...
...
Yeees you are right~!!

That is why you can find 心 in the middle of  愛 *wink

Ahhhhhhhh lol

Here is interesting youtube video. The title is "Cool Kanji" haha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2-k_AysA3M

Nice video I think! :)

Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Genius in Harajuku

Do you remember the Kendama challenge in Shibuya I told you before?

Yes, as you watched the video (hopefully... lol), only one couple succeeded Kendama.

So, we decided to change the rule little bit, and make a video again in Harajuku.

Takeshita Street

Harajuku is the mecca of "kawaii", and many foreiners visit there to feel cool culture.

During making video, we worried about that serious problem...

"Are there foreigners in Harajuku...?"

Do not worry, many and many foreigners cooperated with our project!!

We had a hard time to make a video in Shibuya but this time, time flies so fast lol

Kendama project part2

Please enjoy the video... you will be surprised!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDIDyxTYoSU

How was it? :)


Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Cool "Japan" ??

Hi there!
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas with your family, partner, or friends.

I do not know Christmas is the Japanese thing or not, but I think Japan can compete with other country in terms of events.

On last Sunday, I went to cool spot in Japan. (That's my job lol )

It is... "Ashikaga Flower Park" !! https://www.ashikaga.co.jp/english/index.html

shining flowers

You know what?
Here is introduced by CNN like...
"You should visit if you want to spend precious time".

Why?
It is because the illumination here is so fantastic and gorgeous! 

There are 2 parts: daytime (10:00 - 15:00) and night time (15:30 - 21:00). The entrance fee is 300 yen for daytime and 800 yen for night time.

Everybody knows that yesterday was Christmas, so two or three times of people were coming...

But, I can agree that bunch of people came here because the illuminations were big and fascinating.
Look at these pics I took!! lol

beautiiful flower from the water!!

pop but sprawling work!!!!

I felt like I am in Disneyland :) haha
This park pursues the details of the illuminations, so you can enjoy whole time even though the park is so huge for sure.

Not only Christmas, you can visit here by February 5th. Since January 1st, the illumination changes to New Year version.

Uh oh o_O

I gotta go there again lol

beloved <3 <3

Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Yesterday Is...

Here is the question.

How many holidays Japan has in 2016?

Tik tok tik tok....

The answer is...

17 days~!!!

Did you know that? I have never counted before so, yeah, just researched. haha

And yesterday was the one of those holidays, actually last holiday in 2016.

Yesterday was The Emperor's Holiday (Tenno Tanjobi) which is determined by the reigning Emperor's birthdate.

Moreover, yesterday was Friday! It means people who work only weekdays have 3 days off!! What a nice calendar hahaha

Like this, Japanese sometimes have a long vacation by using national holidays.
We say, "Golden Week" or "Silver Week"

2017 Golden week calendar (Green is weekday)

In 2017, you can get maximum 9 days' holidays if you can apply the holiday to work place.

Some people use this wonderful week to go to abroad or to short trip.

Silver week is around September, competely same as Golden week.

Well,,,

I think I have to decide what I should do in the Golden week from now on. haha

How about you?

Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

When you feel the stress...

People always feel some stress.

I am one of them.

However, we need to get rid of it right? What is your way to reduce your stress?

I think there are some ways to reduce it. Heres are some common ways

1. Hang out with friends

For me, "with friends" is the key word when reducing stress. So, I like to go to eat, go to party and so on.

2. Playing sports

I like to play soccer every week. I cannot imagine my life without playing soccer in the weekend lol
For me, it is soccer, but for other people, move your body might be a good way to reduce the stress.

3. Sing it loud

Say something loud is definitely good way to reduce the stress. Have you ever seen the typical scene in the movie or drama like people suddenly shout to the ocean, and say "ughhhhhhhhh!!!!!" ... (scratching head o_O;) lol


I want to focus on number 3 today because Japan has such great culture or facilities in order to shout lol

Karaoke is the popular in the world now

Karaoke is really popular entertainment for all generations.

The music is typically an instrumental version of a well-known popular songs. Lyrics are usually displayed on a screen.

So, you do not have to remember the lyrics, and you can sing whatever you want.

Young generation's girl often become Taylor Swift lol

Moreover!!!

For my work position, I have to say this.

Please do not forget about the "anison"!!!

Anison, an abbreviation of "Anime Song", refers to songs that appear in Japanese animation (anime), commonly as opening themes, ending themes, insert songs, and character songs.

I know the good place to sing anison!!

Here.

http://cooljapan.jpn.org/entertainment/starscity/

OMG!!! Looks so fun.

I heard here is opened new store... I will let you know about it later.

Sing a song louder, and welcome hard work!! Go for it people!!!



Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Kaisen don

There is the one big and serious issue in Japan.

It is the Tsukiji Shijo (Tsukiji Market) issue. Tsukiji Shijo is Japan's "Food Town," where you can encounter all kinds of Japanese traditional foods.

The serious issue I am saying is that the market will move to the other place.

Because of that, many many problems come up, and I have started to think why the gorvernment want to move there...lol

Ok, cut it out Akira...

I do not want to talk about the issue! I want to introduce good food there.

Tsukiji has lots of great and fresh seafoods.
So, you can eat SUSHI of course!!

I tried "Kaisen-don", which means seafoods bowl.

Look!

at !

this picture!!



salmon, salmon roe, and sea urchin

Yeah... I know right...

It was sooooo yummy!!!

You can eat this if you go to Tsukiji!!!

Of course, there are many kinds of foods there , so you should try.

This is just my recommendation :)

See you tmr!

Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Why Shibuya!?!?

Hello today~
Hope you are doing well~ :)

A little bit cold in Tokyo (around 10 ℃), but still like fall's weather. I am thinking that December should be colder... right?

But, when we attempt the new project with coworker in Shibuya, it was soooooo cold lol
Maybe you are saying, "What did you challenge in Shibuya?"

It is youtube video for foreigner!! (woooo hoooo)

Shibuya 109 is the shopping place for girls

First, we were thinking to talk with foreigners and let them to play Kendama. Of course, there was the penalty if they failed the mission, but they could get ramen noodles if they succeeded.
We worried that Kendama was hard to play, so we could not give the present, noodles. We did not want to give them penalty!

Kendama is the traditional toy of Japan

However, the serious problem was occurred...

There was not so many foreigners!!

Why Shibuya!? !?

Shibuya is one of the famous place for sightseeing!!! And we went there at the noon, so they were working!
It was miscalculation...

Shibuya was getting night and some foreigners started to show up,,, finally!!

Here is the first video which was hard to make but this must be fun. Enjoy ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhwsxVhgMzk

Website: http://cooljapan-city.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

The Style of Ramen Varies!!

What's up my friends!!
Hope you are having wonderful Blue Monday!! haha

The last weekend, I went to Kagoshima for my private stuff.
Do you know where Kagoshima is?
Kagoshima is southern part of Japan, and it is part of Kyushu.


*Green: Kagoshima
**Blue: Tokyo and Osaka

It is about 1.5 hours flight from Tokyo and 1 hours from Osaka.
There are lots of relaxing spots such as hot spring spa, foods, and alcohol and so on.
As you can see the picture below, Sakurajima is one of the symbol in Kagoshima. It is big and still erupt!!! lol

Sakurajima is living volcano!!

I want to introduce those things but I just focus on Ramen in Kagoshima.

Do you know there are some types of Ramen in Japan: Tonkotsu, Shio (salty soup base), and Shoyu(soysauce base)

My favorite Kagoshima Ramen

As I said, Kagoshima is the part of Kyushu, and Kyushu is famous for Tonkotsu ramen especially Fukuoka, which is also the part of Kyushu and urban city.
So, the soup of Kagoshima ramen is based on Tonkotsu. However, even though Kagoshima Ramen use Tonkotsu soup, it is not same as Fukuoka one.
What is the difference then?
1. Kagoshima ramen has lots of sprouts or other vegetable. The texture of sprount is one of the feature of it.

2. The noodle is not that thin like Fukuoka one.
I am not saying it is thick, but It is different from Fukuoka one's noodle.

3. The char siu is berkshire pig which is one of the icon of Kagoshima. This is the best feature between Kagoshima ramen and other one. In my opinion, what's good and bad about ramen is soup and char siu. This char siu hardly can see in Tokyo. Seriously, it is yummy!!!


I just line up some differences, but of course you need to taste Kagoshima ramen first without saying anything!! haha

Kagoshima has lots of attractiveness. Japan is not only Tokyo or Kyoto. Please visit Kyushu area and discover the "cool" spots in Japan!!

What do you think? :)

Thank you for reading till the end~ See you~~



Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cooljapanatcity/?fref=nf ( @cooljapanatcity)
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ (@cooljapan_city)
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cooljapanatcity_2016/ (cooljapanatcity_2016)

Nice to Meet You!

Hi!
I am Akira from Cool Japan @ City. Nice to meet you!
I'm glad to announce you that this is the first post and could start to write!

What is "Cool Japan" anyway?

The word, "COOL JAPAN", is one of the created words by Douglas McGray who is the American journalist. It refers anime, fashion, films, cuisines, Japanese music (called J-POP) etc... and people started to spread the unique things to the world as "Cool Japan"

What is COOL JAPAN @ CITY then?

Cool Japan @ City is the website which introduces the deep spot in Japan in terms of food, entertainment, or facilities etc..
And also, we actually go to the interesting spots and write the articles!





ONE PIECE TOWER!!

Please check the article from below link.
 http://cooljapan.jpn.org/

There are bunch of good spots including ramen shops, cosplay shop, or maid cafe etc...
Hope you can find the spots where you are looking for!

Maid cafe is one of the icon of Japan!!

About this blog...

The website introduce "cozy" spot,,, alright then, I will share everything about Japan in here lol That is my idea to start this blog. Every country has something great and Japan too.





Yakitori (skewered chicken)

I will update what is going on in Japan, what is happening to Cool Japan @ City, or what I just found and so on.

Anyway, please enjoy the blog and leave some comments :)

See you soon!!

Facebook: @cooljapanatcity
Twitter: @cooljapan_city
Instagram: cooljapanatcity_2016