A winter tradition in Izu, the capybara open-air bath at Izu Shaboten Zoo will be held again this year from November 19 until April 2, 2023. During the event period, guests can watch the adorable capybaras as they enjoy a hot bath once a day at 1:30 PM on weekdays and twice a day at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM on weekends and holidays. This season marks the 40th anniversary of the popular event, though it all began as a happy accident. In 1982, an employee cleaning the enclosure with hot water noticed that the capybaras were huddling together in a warm puddle. Since then, each year, employees prepare a warm bath for the animals during winter and early spring. During the event period, in addition to the standard open-air baths, the water will be decorated with unique items depending on the season, from yuzu to rose petals.   40th-anniversary goods will available at the Animal Mart Gift Shop at the zoo, as well as the official Izu Shaboten Zoo online store.    For more information about the event's schedule, visit the official website.

Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.   To kick off the ‘diamond celebration,’ a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform in the concert scheduled to begin on October 22 at 13:30.    Moshi Moshi Nippon sat down with Yoshimi Tsujimoto to discuss her music and, most importantly, her interest in sharing the sound of the shakuhachi with the world.    −How did you become interested in the shakuhachi? My father loved the shakuhachi, and because of that, I grew up surrounded by the sound of it. That’s how it all began! −What attracts you to playing the shakuhachi?I love the timbre of the shakuhachi. Those who play the shakuhachi often say that a single note has the power to bring someone to enlightenment. Curiously, individual differences in tone are more easily discernible with the shakuhachi than with other instruments. That means that a person can express themselves in more unique ways.  −You’ve performed in many different countries. Do you get different reactions to the shakuhachi in other countries when compared to Japanese audiences?I have a vivid memory of a time I performed a classical shakuhachi piece solo. This particular type of classical music is called ‘wabi-sabi,’ and it isn’t very loud or lively. In Japan, when I finish a performance, people usually clap. But when I performed in South America, as soon as the piece concluded, there was a standing ovation with people shouting “Bravo!” That would never happen in Japan, and it left such a lasting impression on me. −Are there any countries that have left a lasting impression on you, or that you would like to visit in the future?I have good memories of every country I’ve visited, but I think that Cuba left the biggest impression. I just made me think about how incredible music can be.I’d love to visit Bulgaria, Morocco, Armenia, Uganda…it’s tough, because I want to visit every country I haven’t been to yet. (laughs) −You’re from Hashimoto City, near Mount Koya. How did you feel when you heard that this concert would be held so close to your hometown?What I felt was pure joy.Personally, I’ve always loved Mount Koya, and I went there many times as a child. It’s such a pleasure to be able to perform there. −Tell us some of your favorite memories involving Mount Koya.I go to Mount Koya at least three or four times a year. It’s not a particular memory per se, but every time I go, I love to eat vegetarian food, explore, and buy wheat buns and sesame tofu as gifts to take home. −Are there any local foods or places that you’d recommend?The fruit is delicious in Wakayama, and my hometown is famous for persimmons.They are so yummy, and I just want everyone to try them!Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo are both World Heritage sites, and they are both absolutely breathtaking. Other than those, I’d recommend Adventure World! It has adorable pandas roaming around freely and the most wonderful dolphin shows. Everyone from around the country should visit! −Finally, do you have a message for Moshi Moshi Nippon readers?Japan is filled with incredible places and culture. The shakuhachi, a beloved traditional Japanese instrument, is one piece of that culture.I want audiences around the world to hear the sound of the shakuhachi and to make it more familiar. If you have a chance to hear it, I hope you will. Be sure to follow Yoshimi Tsujimoto’s activities going forward as she shares the beauty and culture of shakuhachi with the world.

Each year, an incredible event is held at Kumano-Nachi Taisha, a Shinto shrine and World Heritage Site located in the Kii Mountain Range of Wakayama Prefecture.

  To kick off the 'diamond celebration,' a special concert will mark the 1,250th anniversary of the birth of Kobo Daishi, the Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Shingon school of Buddhism. Yoshimi Tsujimoto, a shakuhachi player from Hashimoto, will perform, while the event also hopes to bring tourism to the area by sharing more information about Wakayama with the masses.   

Date: October 22, 2022, 13:30 Venue: Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple

Program:

[Part 1]　Chorus of local elementary school students, etc.

[Part 2]　Talk Session

Participants:

Hougen Yabu (Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya)

Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

[Part 3]　Concert

Performer: Yoshimi Tsujimoto (Shakuhachi player)

*Will include a percussion, guitar, and keyboard session

 

<About the Call for Visitors>

350 Guests are Invited!

*If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held.

*Livestreaming of the event will also be available online.

 

Application Period: August 23 - September 26, 2022

 *Postcards must be postmarked by September 26. Those applying n the website must do so by 23:59 on September 26.

 

How to Apply:

1. By postcard

Address: Yamabutai Concert Section Wakayama Broadcasting Co. 3-3 Minatohonmachi Wakayama, 〒640-8577

What to Include: Zip Code, Address, Name, Age, Phone Number, Admission *Can include up to 2 guests.

 

     2. On the special website

Please apply using the application form on the special website.

URL: https://yume.wbs.co.jp/

 

Keep in Mind:

1. Incomplete entries will be considered invalid.

2. Only one application per person is allowed.

3. If there are too many applicants, a drawing will be held. Winners will be announced when numbered tickets are sent out.

4. Personal information provided in each application will not be used for any purpose.

 

(For Reference) Past Performers

2015 - Hitomi Shimatani (Danjo-garan Buddhist Temple)2016 - Chitose Hajime (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)2017 - *Canceled due to typhoon.2018 - Kumiko (Oyunohara)2019 - May J. (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)2020 - *Canceled due to the ongoing pandemic.2021 - Yuki Koyanagi (Kumano-Nachi Taisha)  

■Cast Profiles

◆ Hougen Yabu / Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya

・1993 - Graduates from Koyasan University

・In 2011, he became the chief priest of Kirihata Temple, where he remains to this day.

        *Kirihata Temple [Fukuoka Prefecture] / Sasaguri 88 Sacred Sites, #10

・In 2021, he became the Director of Head Temple Kongobu-ji on Mount Koya and was also appointed as the director of the 1,250th birthday celebration for Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Buddhist sect.

◆ Yoshimi Tsujimoto / Shakuhachi Player

・Born in Hashimoto, Wakayama Prefecture in 1987.・Graduating from Tokyo University of the Arts, she has attracted media attention since she was a student, and has been active in a number of fields from traditional Japanese music to pop.・She has been invited to perform around the world, from the U.S. to Italy.　　(Overseas tours: 33 cites in 24 countries, 53 total performances)・In 2015, her cover of a song using traditional Japanese instruments went viral.　She began her solo project Bamboo Flute Orchestra to share the beauty of Japanese traditional instruments with people around the world.・In 2016, she made her major debut as the first-ever female solo shakuhachi player.

American music-themed restaurant Hard Rock Cafe has locations across Japan, and the Ueno location will soon be selling limited edition pins featuring Ueno Zoo’s famous giant pandas! Two designs will be available: one celebrating the panda’s birthdays and one commemorating Xiang Xiang’s return to China this December. Each pin will release in limited quantities of 500. Those wanting to grab one will need to either come to the Ueno Hard Rock Cafe location or head to the official online store.

Birthday Pandas Pin

Good Luck Panda Pin-4

  Xiang Xiang’s birthday is on June 12, and the giant panda recently had two adorable cubs Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei on June 23. Both pin designs also feature the Hard Rock Cafe logo. Don’t miss out on these cute pins–they’ll sell out quickly!

The Japanese loungewear brand gelato pique has launched a new series inspired by the twin pandas Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei living at Ueno Zoo! The adorable new items went on sale on May 12, 2022.    The Ueno Zoo is the oldest zoo in Japan. Located in Taito-ku, it was first opened in March 1882.   To commemorate Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei’s first birthday, gelato pique has created an incredible collection of loungewear and sundries. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the Giant Panda Conservation Support Fund to support education regarding pandas and conservation activities at the zoo.  

Xiao Xiao & Lei Lei Collaboration

Roomwear Set

Panda Blanket

Panda Multi-use Cover

   

gelato pique Original Panda Series

Panda Hoodie & Shorts Set

Panda Print T-Shirt / Shorts / Dress

Panda Glass

Small Panda Reuseable Bag

 

Online Exclusives

3-piece Panda Set

 

gelato pique Sleep

3-piece Panda Print Bed Set (Single) / Pillow Case with Panda Ears / Panda Nightcap / Panda Rug

  The Panda Series celebrates both the cute twin pandas at Ueno Zoo and all other pandas around the world. Still an endangered species, gelato pique wants to help these big animals however they can. The new collection’s theme is “happy time at home.”   Panda lovers shouldn’t miss grabbing something cozy from this new collection!

Gelato Pique Cafe is now selling panda-inspired sweets for a limited time! The Hello! PANDA promotion will be going on until June 23, 2022.  

Menu

  Panda Crepe   Panda Gelato   Panda Float  

Merchandise

Panda Glass*Limited quantities available. Available while supplies last.   The limited-time menu includes a Panda Crepe made with Royal Bourbon gelato, Panda Gelato with cookies crumbles for the eyes and around the neck, and a Panda Float made with the cafe’s original blend of Guatemalan coffee and Royal Bourbon gelato.   In addition, the popular panda glasses, which sold out immediately last year, have been redesigned and are now available in limited quantities. You can grab one at Gelato Pique Cafe locations nationwide and online.