Jib-kun's Diary - jibtv tag:blog.jibtv.com,2009-04-10:/jibkun//3 2010-08-31T07:36:27Z Movable Type Commercial 4.261 Theme parks on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.271 2010-08-31T07:00:28Z 2010-08-31T07:36:27Z by Jib-kunWhere I'm from in the serene m... approval-jibkun
Where I'm from in the serene mountains of Japan, the excitement level is not exactly that high.  But this week on Tokyo Eye, our intrepid reporters take us to the peaks of excitement a top the roller coasters of Japan. They visit amazing spectacles like aquariums and character themed parks.  Tokyo has a lot of theme parks!

TE_0901_2.gifAmusement parks, aquariums, parks with thrill rides, water parks, character parks, you name it!  No matter what your interests there is fun to be found at any of these wonderful spots around the city.

TE_0901_1.gif We'll show you around several that offer fun for kids of all ages!

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Check out "TOKYO EYE" [Theme Parks]
It airs Wednesday 9/1!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
]]> Leslie Kee on TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.266 2010-08-10T01:00:05Z 2010-08-10T01:12:27Z By Jib-kun"Leslie Kee - A Celebrated Pho... approval-jibkun

"Leslie Kee - A Celebrated Photographer who Loves Japan more than most Japanese"

Singaporean photographer Leslie Kee landed in Japan in 1994.  His star as a fashion photographer has been rising ever since graduating from a photography school here.  He works in Tokyo and other cities in Asia, as well as in New York.  His portraits are acclaimed for bringing out his subjects best qualities.  Client-fans include Japanese icons Ayumi Hamasaki and Kumi Koda, as well as superstars like Beyonc?. Kee adores Japan. He has done a series of projects featuring people here. For his Super Tokyo exhibition, he shot a thousand Tokyoites. He's donating a portion of his royalties from sales of the Super Tokyo book to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

TFE's ia interviews Kee about his passions-Japan and, of course, his art. They also discuss his background and youth. We watch, too, as he shoots for a fashion magazine feature.



"Anything Goes for this Summer's Yukata!"

Summer in Japan is full of festivals, firework displays, lively street stalls and traditional dancing... Many people enjoy these events in light cotton kimonos called yukata. The yukata trend this season is "making a statement, by individualistic styling."  For young women that only wear yukata once or twice a season, they want to make sure they stand out in the crowd, by turning out in an original style. We'll introduce some of the less conventional options for this season.



Check out "TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS" [Photographer Leslie Kee]
It airs Tuesday 8/10
On Air Schedule for TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS page.
]]> Tokyo Island Experience (Part 1) on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.263 2010-08-03T02:32:42Z 2010-08-03T03:24:52Z approval-jibkun
    Before I moved to Tokyo, I was living in the mountains.  So I'm not the best of swimmers.  Ok... I can't swim.  That said, Japan is an island nation.  Which... as you might have guessed, means we have a bunch of islands.  Seriously a lot of them. 
    Actually, Tokyo has islands of its own and they're easy to visit.  When you think Tokyo, you probably think buildings and bustling streets.  In another part of the city, a boat ride away, there are dolphins swimming, nature hikes awaiting and adventures to be had!
 
TOKYO-EYE_1_0804.jpg     Spectacular natural beauty! Teeming with life on land and sea! A cornucopia of greenery and scenery!  The islands are a paradise and a part of Tokyo.

TOKYO-EYE_2_0804.jpg     So head with Tokyo Eye over the sea to Mikurajima, one of the seven islands of the Izu Island chain and a part of Tokyo.
TOKYO-EYE_3_0804.jpg
     The Tokyo Eye crew shows a side of Tokyo in this episode you probably didn't expect.  Check out this first episode of a two part series that will give you a new view of this always surprising megalopolis (islands included).

Check out "TOKYO EYE" [Tokyo island experience]
It airs Wednesday 8/4!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
]]> Poetically Inspired Shoe Designs by a Top Model on TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.261 2010-07-27T01:53:07Z 2010-07-27T03:29:29Z By Jib-kunSachi is a top model who has g... approval-jibkun
Sachi is a top model who has graced the runways of a number of well known fashion houses for their Paris and Tokyo Collections.
Her extensive modeling career began when she was a student at Vantan Design Institute (Art College.)

Since 1998, she has regularly appeared as a model for Yohji Yamamoto`s collection.
And though retaining a modeling career, in October of 2005 Sachi launched "atomic green" - a ladies shoe line.

Unlike her own chic and trendy look, her shoe designs are delicate and gently feminine.  After choosing a seasonal theme, she designs her shoe line based on inspirations from the small details of everyday life.
Her unique style includes assigning a poetic title to each design.
For this week's program, we followed her from the preparatory stages to the launch of her collection in mid July.

Sachi is very hands on. Here, she talks with craftsmen at the factory about design details and advises on alterations for the shoe samples.
As a model, Sachi has had the tactile experience of wearing high fashion creations.  How has this inspired her creatively?


■In VOGUE■

This year`s summer swimsuits have the look of clothes: rompers, frills. leggings and casual wear.  The "look" on the street has become the "look" for the beach.
And the fabrics are also eye catching.  A "sweet and sour" mix with denims and faux suede mixed with floral prints and lace.

■CAT WALK TRENDS■

2010-2011 Autumn/Winter New York Collection　Part1

■TOPICS■

Aosando Project、MODA ITALIA　

■UNIFOLM FILE■

Shiseido Co., Ltd.



Check out "TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS" [Shoes designer, model; Sachi.]
It airs Tuesday 7/27
On Air Schedule for TOKYO FASHION EXPRESS page.

]]> Climbing Mt. Fuji (Part 2) on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.260 2010-07-26T06:34:48Z 2010-07-26T08:43:30Z By Jib-kunIt's time to climb Mt. Fuji! J... approval-jibkun
TOKYOEYE3_0728.jpgのサムネール画像It's time to climb Mt. Fuji! Japan's highest peak, Mt. Fuji's elegant profile has made it famous around the world as a symbol of Japan.

TOKYOEYE2_0728.jpgAnd even people with no mountain climbing experience can make it to the summit.

TOKYOEYE1_0728.jpgのサムネール画像Join us for the second part of our two-part special on what you need to know to climb Mt. Fuji.


Check out "TOKYO EYE" [Climb Mt. Fuji (Part 2)]
It airs Wednesday 7/27!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
]]> Climbing Mt. Fuji (Part 1) on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.256 2010-07-20T09:50:44Z 2010-07-20T09:53:46Z By Jib-kunIt's time to climb Mt. Fuji! J... approval-jibkun
tokyoeye_1tv_0721a.jpgIt's time to climb Mt. Fuji! Japan's highest peak, Mt. Fuji's elegant profile has made it famous around the world as a symbol of Japan.

tokyoeye2_0721a.jpgAnd even people with no mountain climbing experience can make it to the summit.
Join us for the first part of our two-part special on what you need to know to climb Mt. Fuji.


Check out "TOKYO EYE" [Climb Mt. Fuji (Part1)]
It airs Wednesday 7/21!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
]]> Town of Forests and Orchards: Minabe on journeys in japan tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.255 2010-07-19T04:42:02Z 2010-07-21T06:20:24Z By Jib-kunOn this edition of Journeys in... approval-jibkun
On this edition of Journeys in Japan, JJ visits Minabe, Wakayama Pref., whose products are an essential part of Japanese food culture.
 
jj w charcoal maker.jpgMinabe produces more ume fruit than anywhere else in Japan - 30,000 tons every year.  The type of ume grown in the area is called Nanko-ume. They are particularly large and flavorful, and are considered the highest quality in Japan.
Most of the fruit harvested is pickled to make umeboshi, one of Japan's most distinctive foods.  These pickled fruit are really sour and salty but they go perfectly with rice.

nako-ume.jpgJJ visits a Zen temple that has a special connection with this ume-growing region.  
Soten Akamatsu, the priest at this temple, has kept a jar of umeboshi made over 150 years ago by a doctor of traditional oriental medicine. In the old days, this was considered a very effective medicine.

Thanks to the thick, lush forests covering the local hills, Minabe is also famous for its premium bincho-tan charcoal. Compared to regular charcoal, binchotan burns for longer and maintains a constant heat during the cooking process. It also cooks foods faster, and draws out their flavors to the maximum. 

binchotan-charcoal.jpgWhen JJ is introduced to veteran charcoal-burners, Yukio Hara and his son Masaaki, they cook fish over charcoal for him.
The forestry tradition that's been passed down since ancient times remains very much alive here to this day.

At the end of his trip, JJ meets another ume farmer, Masahiko Gekko, who produces sweet and fruity umeshu, liquor made with ume fruit.
He wants more people to discover the rich flavor of this drink, which he prepares from the Nanko-ume fruit that he harvests with such care from his orchards.


■ACCESS■

View Larger Map

To reach Minabe from Tokyo, it takes about 2.5 hours by bullet train to Shin-Osaka, and then another two hours to Minabe by express train. Express buses are also available from Osaka to Minabe.


Next "journeys in japan" [Minabe] 7/20 On Air!
On Air Schedule for journeys in japan page!

]]> Tokyo Ramen Tour on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.252 2010-07-13T00:19:27Z 2010-07-13T01:05:21Z By Jib-kunTokyo is full of great things ... approval-jibkun
Tokyo is full of great things to eat: sushi, tempura, shabu-shabu. But nothing is more delicious than ramen!  Chinese noodles imported to Japan but given a domestic flavor that makes them a truly Japanese dish.  Below you see only one of the many interesting places they visited the "Ramen Museum" in Kanagawa.  It was a collection of the best ramen shops from across Japan!

tokyoeye0714_1右.jpgI tagged along with reporters John and Kevin as they took an extensive tour of the world of Ramen.  They were getting pretty tired of eating after the first 10 bowls or so, and they were nice enough to let me finish off the left overs.  Yum!  But unfortunately, these two didn't leave much behind in these delicious bowls of noodles.  This is waaaaayyy different than the instant noodles you may be used to.


tokyoeye0714_1左.jpgI t was so cool to see all the different types of ramen.  Miso, shio, tonkotsu, and shoyu ramen are just the starting point.  Tokyo is filled with all kinds of new and ever changing versions of this classic food for the soul.  If you come to Japan you need to know your noodles, and you too can chow down on the best ramen in Tokyo.


Check out "TOKYO EYE" [Tokyo Ramen Tour]
It airs Wednesday 7/14!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
 
]]> Unique spots for car lovers! on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.249 2010-07-06T21:21:54Z 2010-07-07T01:06:45Z By Jib-kunLet's go for a drive! Tokyo is... approval-jibkun
tokyoeye_1右0707.jpgLet's go for a drive!
Tokyo is full of car lovers and interesting journeys.

tokyoeye_1左0707.jpgWe visit some of Tokyo's unique spots for the automobile enthusiast.

tokyoeye_1上&tv_highlights0707.jpg
Check out "TOKYO EYE" [Unique spots for car lovers]
It airs Wednesday 7/7!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.

]]> Geo-Touring Kyushu with Journeys in Japan tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.248 2010-07-05T22:06:01Z 2010-07-06T09:01:25Z approval-jibkun By Jib-kun

     This is something fantastic!  "Geoparks", created by UNESCO's initiative in 2004, is aimed for people to learn more about the Earth and for invigorating local economies by sharing the parks with tourists, both domestic and abroad. What a great idea to show another side of this archipelago literally made from and with volcanoes!

     This time, the show traveled by car, from one of the geoparks - Mount Unzen in Shimabara, to Sakurajima in Kagoshima.  It is a trip to feel the Earth's great energy and to learn about volcanoes and their connections to people's livelihood.

journeys0706.jpg     Severe eruptions began on Mount Unzen in 1990.  We went near "Heisei-shinzan" peak that was created during the eruptions at the time, and witnessed scars left by streams of magma and volcanic ash that flowed down the mountain.  It makes me miss the forest!  Such beautiful nature!  Some people think of Japan and only imagine tall buildings and bright lights. This is a great chance to see the raw beautiful nature of the Japanese countryside.  The violent, humbling beauty of a volcano is something to see!

82cm reflrxive terescope.jpg      Then we took a ferry to cross the Ariake Sea to go to Kumamoto.  We went close to the crater on Mount Aso, and felt the mystical smoke rising from the bottom of the crater.  We then visited an astronomical observatory (Luna Astronomical Observatory) at the foot of the mountain.  There, we saw our small corner of earth in the display about the Earth and the universe.  How awesome it was to see that this beautiful place was just a tiny spot compared to the vastness of the universe.

Sakurajima Daikon.jpg     The trip's last destination was Sakurajima in Kagoshima Prefecture.  Sakurajima continues to spew out smoke even now.  It is the most active volcano in Japan, repeatedly erupting 3 to 4 times a day.  We went around Sakurajima, visiting Sakurajima Daikon radish farms and other places, met people living with the volcano.  With Daisuke Fukushima who has a doctor's degree in volcanology, the reporter excavated a hot spring for himself alone.  That was so cool to see!

Our reporter made an epic trip on a 4-wheel vehicle, covering about 800 kilometers, to experience the Earth's energy.  You must check this out!


■ACCESS■

View Larger Map

・To reach Shimabara Peninsula and Mount Unzen, it takes 1 hour and 45 minutes by plane from Tokyo to Nagasaki.
・Mount Aso's crater can be reached by bus, car or ropeway.
・To get to Sakurajima, take a ferry from Kagoshima City. The service for the fifteen minute ride is available around-the-clock.


Next "journeys in japan" [Geo-Touring in Kyushu] 7/6 On Air!
On Air Schedule for journeys in japan page!
]]> The Geisha of Asakusa (Part 2) on TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.243 2010-06-29T07:17:02Z 2010-06-29T07:25:11Z approval-jibkun By Jib-kun,
    I don't know if you caught last weeks episode of Tokyo Eye.  I certainly did.  It was an amazing look into the life of real Geisha living and working in modern day Tokyo.  Well, this week check out part two!  This weeks episode focuses on the old neighborhood of Asakusa.  Lots of traditional Japanese arts, products, foods, and crafts can be found in this neighborhood. So of course it is a popular place for Geisha too.

tokyoeye_10630.jpgAsakusa is one of Tokyo's prime sightseeing spots for foreign tourists. If you ever visit Tokyo you will want to check out this neighborhood.  This would be a great way to find out more about the area before you visit!

tokyoeye_20630.jpgThe show visits some of the places where geisha actually shop.  Its definitely worth checking out this interesting and famous part of Japanese culture.
 

Check out "TOKYO EYE" [The geisha of Asakusa : Part2]
It airs Wednesday 6/30!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
]]> City with a Warrior's Legacy: Yonezawa on Journeys in Japan tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.242 2010-06-28T07:22:04Z 2010-06-28T07:25:41Z approval-jibkun koura.jpgBy Jib-kun

     Samurai are cool.  Pretty much everybody must think so.  I know I do.  That's, why I am so eager to watch this latest episode of "Journeys in Japan." This time the crew headed to northern Japan to visit a historic city with a warrior legacy -- Yonezawa in Yamagata prefecture. For many years, it flourished as a famous castle town and was a home to many samurai. Our reporter JJ explores its samurai legacy.

uesugijinja.jpg     JJ first visits Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to the great lord Uesugi Kenshin who was in power about 500 years ago. Yonezawa was long ruled by generations of Kenshin's descendants. In 1871, local followers of the Uesugi clan built Uesugi Shrine in honor of Kenshin on the former site of Yonezawa Castle.  At the shrine, JJ meets samurai enthusiasts who show him the appeal of samurai. In fact, Yonezawa is home to a big festival called the Uesugi Matsuri every May. Some 700 samurai enthusiasts from across Japan don costumes and participate in the mock battle to get a sense of what is was like to be a warrior 500 years ago. JJ wears the armor of a 16th century warlord.

onsen.jpg     In Yonezawa, there are lots of hedges with the ukogi plant. Many ukogi hedges were created during the 18th century as part of a clan policy. The lord of Yonezawa domain at the time was Uesugi Yozan, the tenth family head of the Uesugi clan. Yozan conceived the idea to utilize ukogi as an emergency food source. During his reign, Yonezawa's food supply was very tight. So Yozan encouraged people to cook and eat ukogi plant with staples. JJ meets local people who are carrying on the tradition of ukogi dining.  JJ caps off his visit by dipping at a hot spring in Yonezawa frequented by generations of the Uesugi clan.

     JJ feels the warrior's legacy in Yonezawa.  I hope you will too!  Check it out all day Tuesday 6/29/10 on Jibtv.com's live streaming video page.


■ACCESS■

View Larger Map

From Tokyo, it takes about two hours to reach Yonezawa by bullet train. 
At the Uesugi Shrine, dedicated to the great lord Uesugi Kenshin, many valuable cultural assets are exhibited, including armor worn by the Uesugi family. 
The mountains surrounding Yonezawa have many hot springs and inns.


Next "journeys in japan" [Yonezawa: Yamagata Pref.] 6/29 On Air!
On Air Schedule for journeys in japan page!
]]> The geisha of Asakusa / TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.237 2010-06-22T02:03:14Z 2010-06-22T02:52:29Z approval-jibkun
Hey Everybody,

     It's me Jibkun!  Where I'm from, the ancient forests of Japan, there isn't a lot of what you might call entertainment.  I mean... it's not that it isn't fun. Trees have stories to tell.  Deer slipping on ice is always funny.   And the sun can set over the mountains so gracefully, it brings a tear to your eye.
    So when I saw this episode of Tokyo Eye I was amazed to hear the ancient stories, the hilarious comedy and the eternal beauty of the Geisha.  In a single person is years of history, training, art, music and beauty.  Find out more about these amazing women in the next episode of Tokyo Eye.
     It airs 6/23. Forget memoirs of a Geisha, see how they live today!

tokyoeye_0623_3.jpg     Visit a neighborhood with a long history.  Asakusa has been a cultural center of Tokyo for centuries. Asakusa is also a geisha district. Geisha are among the most famous symbols of traditional Japanese culture, but what do they actually do?

tokyoeye_0623_2.jpgHow do they spend their days? This time we explore the world of the geisha in Asakusa. 


Next "TOKYO EYE" [The geisha of Asakusa] 6/23 On Air!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page. ]]> Amanohashidate: Japan's Scenic Treasure on "Journeys in Japan" tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.236 2010-06-21T07:01:57Z 2010-06-21T08:59:37Z approval-jibkun
     Jib-kun here to let you know about what's on this week.  Check out Japan's scenic beauty in the latest episode of "Journeys in Japan" coming up on 6/22.
     I tagged along with the film crew and saw lots of interesting things.  Here are some photos from my trip with the camera crew of "Journeys in Japan." The pine-studded sandbar spans Miyazu Bay, facing the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto.
     The accumulation of white river sand over thousands of years sculpted this impressive strip of land, which has been the subject of significant poems and paintings for more than 1000 years.
     In this edition of "Journeys in Japan," our reporter, Judit Kawaguchi, meets the friendly residents of this gorgeous area where history is very much alive.

amanohashidate.jpg     Looking at the "bridge in heaven" from above is not the only way to enjoy Amanohashidate.  Walking across it is also delightful. The white sand beach, with its 8000 pines, has been considered a mystical place since ancient times.

matanozoki.jpg     The city also prospered as a kimono textile center for several hundred years, drawing buyers from Kyoto. Structures reflecting its past glory can be found in many parts of Miyazu.
The city also prospered as a kimono textile center for several hundred years, drawing buyers from Kyoto.

geisha.jpg     Geisha also have a repertoire of amusing parlor games, called ozashiki-asobi.
The living art of the geisha has been passed down in Miyazu for hundreds of years.


journeys_judy.jpg
Traveler: Judit Kawaguchi


■ACCESS■


View Larger Map

To get to Miyazu from Tokyo, take the shinkansen to Kyoto and change there for a limited express to Miyazu on the Kitatango line. The total journey takes about four and a half hours. Miyazu Station is an excellent starting point for Amanohashidate sightseeing.



Next "journeys in japan" [Miyazu: Kyoto Pref.] 6/22 On Air!
On Air Schedule for journeys in japan page!
]]> Snapshot Tokyo! / TOKYO EYE tag:blog.jibtv.com,2010:/jibkun//3.232 2010-06-14T23:41:54Z 2010-06-15T01:25:06Z Hey Everybody,Next episode of "TOKYO EYE... approval-jibkun

Next episode of "TOKYO EYE" coming up on 6/16.


-Photo tour of Tokyo: Part2.-

The city has so many great photo spots.
Even seemingly humdrum scenes can look fascinating if you change your point of view.

TE0616_1.jpgSo get ready to snap your own take on Tokyo!



Next "TOKYO EYE" [Snapshot Tokyo!] 6/16 On Air!
On Air Schedule for TOKYO EYE page.
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