Today's print edition Home Delivery a workshop rattles with the mechanical rhythm of old sewing machines beams of afternoon light catch motes of dust Rows of metal molds rest like oversized cookie cutters while gleaming kohaze (clasps) spill out of open boxes gears whir and skilled craftspeople shape tabi Japan’s traditional split-toe socks.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); the town about 90 minutes north of Tokyo boasted over 200 tabi workshops and up to 500 ancillary businesses such as tabi packaging and printing its artisans churned out more than 84 million split-toe pairs each year In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division Corporate Information : Top Technology : Top Design : Top Sustainability : Top Investor Relations : Top Accelerating Adoption of Metal Additive Manufacturing TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the opening of its Nikon AM Technology Center Japan in Gyoda which will be unveiled to invited guests at a Grand Opening ceremony on February 28 This facility marks another milestone in the Nikon Advanced Manufacturing plan to revolutionize manufacturing while enabling and scaling the industrial base using cutting-edge solutions from Nikon This month’s launch of the Nikon AM Technology Center Japan follows the July 2024 opening of the premier Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach the facility in Japan brings together the Nikon AM portfolio and consolidates a diverse and specialized team dedicated to driving success for Nikon and its clients and partners Nikon AM Technology Center Japan is similarly equipped with the industry-leading ultra-large format NXG XII 600 laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF*1) system from Nikon SLM Solutions AG The NXG series utilizes 12 lasers with a build platform that allows printing parts up to a maximum of 1.5m and will be pivotal in enabling the most demanding AM applications Nikon AM Technology Center Japan will also feature Nikon organically developed high-precision directed energy deposition (DED*2) systems including the Lasermeister LM300A for repair and sustainment applications for a variety of industries and other critical solutions to catalyze metal AM technology development and processing for customers in Japan and Asia The opening of this facility furthers Nikon’s Vision 2030 strategy to be a key technology solutions company in a global society where humans and machines co-create seamlessly with Digital Manufacturing being a pillar of growth in this plan The information is current as of the date of publication Return to the top of the page As excitement builds for the release of the anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Castle on July 18th a remarkable tribute is taking shape in Saitama Prefecture The beloved protagonist Tanjiro Kamado is set to be featured in the world’s largest rice field art a Guinness World Record-certified project in Gyoda City part of the annual "Rice Field Art Rice Cultivation Experience Project" has been held in Gyoda since 2008 to promote local agriculture and tourism artists create massive living murals in lush paddies the project earned its place in the Guinness World Records with an artwork covering 27,195 square meters This year’s art will feature a vibrant depiction of Tanjiro in honor of the upcoming Mugen Castle film The rice planting is scheduled to begin in June with the best viewing period expected between late July and mid-October—peaking from late July to late August The finished design promises to be a stunning tribute to the series blending pop culture with traditional agriculture in a uniquely Japanese celebration of both fans of the franchise can also look forward to a revival screening of “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” starting May 9 The re-release is set to rekindle the fiery spirit of the 2020 phenomenon and will include a public stage greeting on May 10 Voice actors Natsuki Hanae (Tanjiro Kamado) and Satoshi Hino (Kyojuro Rengoku) are scheduled to attend the event offering fans a rare opportunity to engage with the stars behind the iconic characters The Gyoda rice field art project is more than just a spectacle—it’s also a learning experience Designed to connect locals and visitors with Japan’s agricultural roots it aims to deepen appreciation for rice cultivation and environmental stewardship the project has featured collaborations with various pop culture icons drawing interest from both domestic and international audiences This year’s collaboration with Demon Slayer is expected to be one of its most popular yet timed perfectly to build anticipation for the upcoming movie release witnessing Tanjiro’s larger-than-life presence in the rice paddies of Gyoda might just be the most unique way to celebrate the Demon Slayer phenomenon Are you going to check out what the rice field looks like Will you be watching the movie in theaters As always, stay tuned to Animemojo.com for more anime news Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version Share your travel photos with us by hashtagging your images with #visitjapanjp HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Gyoda Hanachozu Week When visiting a shrine or a temple in Japan you may have noticed large water basins at the entrance where worshippers wash their hands and rinse their mouth in an act of ritual purification called “chozu.” Due to the COVID-19 outbreak this practice has been largely discontinued but Gyoda City in Saitama Prefecture has found a new purpose for unused chozu bowls Colorful flowers (“hana” in Japanese) are placed in the water creating artistic displays known as Hanachozu more than 90 Hanachozu displays are periodically exhibited around town for the Gyoda Hanachozu Week which is held from the 1st to the 14th day of every month except July and August and from the 15th day to the last day in January and November Stroll around the heritage town of Gyoda and enjoy beautiful floral arrangements that make for great photo spots Designs and flower types change according to the season so you will probably find different Hanachozu on each visit the Hanachozu at Gyoda Hachiman Shrine and Sakitama Shrine are lit up for a special event called Light of Hope the famous Oshi Castle is also illuminated for the occasion delighting visitors with a magical and evocative atmosphere take the JR Takasaki Line to Gyoda Station (about 4 minutes) or the Chichibu Railway to Gyodashi Station (about 9 minutes) Gyoda Hachiman Shrine is 7 minutes on foot from Gyodashi Station Gyoda Tour Guide Kanto Region | JNTO Official Website Saitama Prefecture | JNTO Official Website Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages Japanese version Despite digitization rendering many businesses obsolete crane game enterprises are a shining example of what can never be replaced by the online experience with their physical prizes an anchor to their enduring appeal which took a significant hit due to the COVID-19 pandemic has seen nearly 8,000 stores disappear over the past decade with a 30 percent reduction in the last five years alone a recent survey from credit research firm Teikoku Databank Ltd showed But claw machines have bucked the digital and console trend with demand for prize games remaining high even during the pandemic The Japan Amusement Industry Association says revenue from the games hit 306.2 billion yen ($1.9 billion) in fiscal 2021 and the genre now makes up nearly 70 percent of an amusement facility's overall sales "What we are doing may seem counterintuitive to the times but we are dedicated to pursuing analog experiences We use crane games as a tool to achieve this," said Hideo Nakamura a warehouse-style crane game chain headquartered in Saitama Prefecture which has only grown since it was given a second life in the city of Gyoda in 2011 with a fourth branch opened just over a week ago who has been in the crane game industry for over 30 years previously operated four arcades in Saitama and Gunma prefectures under the Everyday brand While he was forced to close all of them as times changed with the rise of smartphones and online games "I firmly believe that analog experiences are stronger than digital ones What excites human instincts are things right in front of us -- things we can touch Nakamura's risky revival of Everyday faced headwinds at first Despite the Gyoda store briefly generating buzz when it was awarded the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of crane game machines in a single venue it failed to make a profit in its first two years of operation Nakamura said while he adopted a counterintuitive approach of opening the store in the middle of nowhere so it would stand out the small population of the area also meant that the number of visitors struggled to grow "At that time we often joked that more insects than people would gather at night," Nakamura recounted with a laugh But things began to turn around after Everyday caught the attention of TV stations who were intrigued with the idea of a place filled with hundreds of used crane game machines in such a remote location Nakamura opened a second branch in Yashio just outside Tokyo's northern edge All branches are located in relatively rural areas with the fourth store that opened in Okegawa earlier this month also continuing that trend "Our concept isn't about having the newest machines or the best location; it's about how much we can make our visitors smile," Nakamura said it's like Tokyo Disneyland -- it's in a remote location but people go there because it makes them happy." In addition to setting machines so prizes are easier to win Everyday also offers crane games that can be played for 10 yen or 50 yen making them more appealing to children and easier on their parents' bank accounts who established the Japan Crane Game Association in 2014 to promote the industry said the machines and their exclusive prizes have also become a Japanese subculture export akin to anime and manga While claw machines were invented in the United States helped redefine the landscape with their highly successful UFO Catcher machines in the 1980s offering prizes like plush toys and other merchandise rather than just sweets a couple based in Florida that runs the YouTube channel Plush Time Wins said the consistent rotation of prizes and their overall quality is something that makes the crane gaming experience in Japan unique "You can visit an arcade on a Monday and have a great time then go back on Friday and there are new prizes in the crane games thus leading to another great time at the arcade," they said "We have yet to have a similar experience anywhere else in the world." who has also played crane games in the United States document their adventures on their channel which has amassed over 1.8 million subscribers since launching in 2014 "Japan definitely has some interesting setups We are often asking our local arcades about incorporating fun crane game ideas that we have seen from our visits in Japan," they said Major Japanese amusement companies have also grasped the growing popularity of crane games among foreign visitors and are expanding their overseas operations subsidiary would acquire leading amusement kiosk operator National Entertainment Network LLC increasing its reach in the United States more than 20-fold NEN runs over 8,000 unmanned game corners in the United States including in Walmart superstores and Denny's restaurants and GENDA aims to install crane games featuring Japanese merchandise in all locations The company has also announced its first venture into Southeast Asia with the establishment of a GiGO subsidiary in Vietnam in December opened its first overseas arcade in 11 years in Hong Kong while amusement facility operator Round One Corp renovated around 75 percent of its complexes in the United States to significantly increase the number of crane game machines by April this year The expansion of crane game arcades in Japan and abroad comes despite the online form of the game also gaining traction since it first appeared around 2011 players can remotely control the claw on their smartphones and PCs while watching the machines Prizes they win are later delivered to their homes this bucking of the trend comes as no surprise While he acknowledges that online crane games fill a need for those who do not live near any amusement facilities he stops short of considering them competition where almost everything can be done online analog experiences remain timeless and enduring No matter how much digitalization progresses and despite the existence of online crane games I think most people would agree that real-life crane games are more enjoyable," Nakamura said FEATURE: India's lowest caste female reporters spotlight society's weakest FEATURE: Gacha capsule toy business booms in Japan, with sights set abroad FEATURE:Costco proving a one-stop shop for regional revitalization in Japan To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Tokyo There’s no shortage of innovative art in Japan. From Tokyo’s many galleries to the country’s stunning outdoor art museums, there’s always an exhibition on or something to see even Japan’s rice fields have become canvasses – some of the rice paddies in Saitama have been turned into giant works of art.  Gyoda city in Saitama prefecture has been turning local rice paddies into jaw-dropping murals every year since 2008 as an effort to draw tourists The city even took the Guinness World Record back in 2015 for creating the world's largest rice field artwork In honour of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, this year's rice paddy artwork features a depiction of the famous Hokusai ukiyo-e woodblock print 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' along with an image of a kabuki actor, similar to the one seen at the Olympic opening ceremony This year's design was selected to showcase Japan's cultural heritage to the wave of international visitors that were expected in Tokyo and Japan for the Games the pandemic has largely kept overseas tourists away but these photos and videos let you enjoy the artworks from anywhere in the world Although it looks like the field has been cut into shape, the images are actually created by planting types of rice that grow in different colours. The rice for the artwork was planted back in June and reached full bloom on July 30 The best time to see the field is from mid-July to mid-October before the rice is harvested in the autumn You can see the full rice paddy from the 50m-high lookout spot at the nearby Gyoda Ancient Lotus Park The park is just over two hours from Tokyo Station by train and bus and entry is ¥400 (¥200 for children) take the Ueno-Tokyo Line to Fukiage Station and switch to a bus before alighting at the Fujiharamachi Bus Stop For more information, visit here.  How to watch the Tokyo Paralympics online for free Understanding the Paralympic Games: impairment classifications in Para sport 6 Paralympic fringe events you should check out in Tokyo Check out these Tokyo Paralympic Games installations around Tokyo Download these free craft and colouring pages featuring the Tokyo 2020 Olympic mascots Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan. facebooktwitterpinterestinstagramAbout us Japanese version Read the full story on Japan 2 Earth - AI Robots Revolutionize Rice Planting, Reduce Labor in Saitama Prefecture The rice planting season is approaching its peak. In northern Saitama Prefecture, a group of agricultural producers researching smart agriculture recently demonstrated a robot rice-planting machine that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) The farmers are operating in the cities of Kazo Those who have already begun using the rice-planting robot have reported a marked decrease in the level of fatigue associated with the farmwork The machine used in the demonstration was the Kubota Agri Robo NW8SA Equipped with a total of eight obstacle detection sensors at the front The Agri Robo has position correction capability based on linkage to GPS information and radio waves Its system can correct for misalignment caused by slippage of the vehicle's tires due to uneven surfaces in the rice paddies enabling automated rice planting with an error of 5 to 10 centimeters Continue reading the full story on Japan 2 Earth And find more great articles on the environment and the challenges of achieving the SDGs on our new website Japan 2 Earth (J2E) (Read the article in Japanese.) You must be logged in to post a comment ' + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text + ' " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title + " " + scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text + " Japanese version Japanese version Murakami Ryu is an expert in the history of materials science Director of the Takaoka Art Museum and Specially-Appointed Professor at Kyoto Arts and Crafts University Murakami about the history of the production and use of gold in Japan No article or any part there of may be reproduced without the express permission of the Cabinet Office. Copyright inquiries should be made through this form Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version Japanese version Japan ― An honest taiyaki (fish-shaped hotcakes filled with custard or anko sweet bean paste) stall owner apologised for reducing the anko filling on his product after realising that he would soon go bankrupt Taiyaki is a Japanese delicacy that is especially popular during the colder spring To make ends meet amid the scorching summer months and Covid-19 travel restrictions the owner of Taiyaki no Bunfukuya in Gyoda City decided to put more anko in his taiyaki to make up for the price increase continuously wondered if he was putting enough filling to satisfy customers and proceeded to add more Soon he realised he was selling at a loss, reported SoraNews24 on Sept 20 Mr Hashimoto did not want to increase the price again so he had no choice but to reduce the anko filling He issued a public apology on Twitter for the decision 行田のたいやき屋で御座います。みんな、すまねえ！！どうか、リツイートにチカラをかしてください(>_<) pic.twitter.com/oNEYqrsU7L — たいやきの分福屋（行田市） (@tenjingouitsu) August 24, 2021 I will reduce the amount of anko because the store is about to go broke with over 27,000 retweets and 65,000 likes Many noted that the shop’s anko filling uses high-quality red beans the price of the ingredient has also increased it will be full of charm,” said a Twitter user One had a witty suggestion of selling the taiyaki as a set of five “Make it like a game,” the Twitter user suggested Netizens noted that they already liked the cake part while others marked the shop on their map apps for a future visit Mr Hashimoto’s shop was recently featured in local news noting customers rushed to buy taiyaki and support the over honest owner Read related: 8 Deer in Japan’s Nara Park ‘lepak’ together-gether, but still practice social distancing at parking lot 8 Deer in Japan’s Nara Park ‘lepak’ together-gether, but still practice social distancing at parking lot Gyoda has a very high level of seismic activity Based on data from the past 25 years and our earthquake archive back to 1900 there are about 2,600 quakes on average per year in or near Gyoda Gyoda has had at least 2 quakes above magnitude 7 since 1900 which suggests that larger earthquakes of this size occur infrequently probably on average approximately every 60 to 65 years The quake had a shallow depth of 37 km (23 mi) and was too small to be felt by people Gyoda has had 23 small quakes up to magnitude 1.8 The quake had a shallow depth of 50 km (31 mi) and was too small to be felt by people.