The scissors best in my life!
In January 2012, a new model of scissors was released: “PLUS Fitcut CURVE.” I bought it for 315 yen right after its release and have used it for a year. This is the scissors best in my life. It looks like just an ordinary scissors, but it isn’t. It is smoother, righter and sharper cutting. The secret is its blades. They are precisely curved and connected to keep a fixed angle, 30 degrees, from end to end.
A model for left-handers is available.
“Mamemaki” – Bean throwing
On February 3, “Mamemaki” or Bean throwing is performed throughout the country. So, I went to Kitamuki Kannon in Ueda, Nagano Prefecture. Kitamuki Kannon is a very well-known place where people pray for good health, protection from evil, and good luck for the year. This year was the 99th event.
Men and Women of the Year are given the invocation at Jorakuji (temple) near Kitamuki Kannon. Then, a parade starts from Jorakuji with the local kids, monks and Men and Women of the Year and ends at Kitamuki kannon where they do “Mamemaki.” Sumo wrestlers, famous actresses and actors join Mamemaki and throw roasted soybeans and their signed ball. This year I got so lucky that I caught a Sumo wrestlers’ signed ball. I have a hunch that something good is going to happen this year.
On February 3rd, Mamemaki is performed all over Japan. Try to be in Japan on this day to participate not only to have a fun but also wish for good health and luck for the coming year.
“Setsubun”
In Japan, February 3rd is called “Setsubun” (節分) which is according to the lunar calendar, winter ends on this day or before the beginning of spring. On Setsubun, Japanese participate events to expel evil spirits and attract good fortune. One of the most common practice is” Mame maki” or “beam-throwing ceremony.” People shout “Oni wa soto” (鬼は外) or “Demons out” as they are throwing roasted soybeans from their front door toward outside, then shout “Fuku wa uchi” (福は内) , or Luck in!” as you are throwing the soybeans inside their houses. As part of bringing luck in, after “mame maki,” they eat the number of soybeans as their age plus one, wishing for bringing more good luck in the coming year.
But, nowadays, the soybean is not touted as the leading player in Setsubun. Instead, “Ehou maki” or a thick sushi roll became more popular than “mamemaki, “and it is eaten, while facing in the year’s auspicious direction which is south-southeast for this year.
This custom was practiced only in the kansai region. So, when I was working at a convenience store 20 years ago in Tokyo, I never knew about this. In 1998, Seven-Eleven started to sell Ehou maki around Japan. Now many people all over Japan eat “Ehou Maki.”
Why not you!!
We all can feel something good is going to happen in 2013.
Bessho Onsen – 2
The reason why this Bessho line is famous is because there are only three train lines with round windows in Japan.
In 1928, this train was manufactured exclusively for only this line, and it was used until 1986. Now, it is displayed at Bessho Onsen Station.
People made an attempt to revive the round window. Now, the train was converted into a modern train with round windows and restored.
This line is only of 8 miles with 15 stations, and it retains its original furniture and runs the year around even with snow.
So, relax and enjoy ride to in the good old days.
Bessho Onsen – 1
I live in Shiodadaira which located in Bessho Onsen (hot springs).
I’m going to write a series about Bessho Onsen.
Bessho Onsen is listed as one of the oldest Japanese hot spring. It was discovered in 72 AD.
Ueda Electric Railway Bessho line which connects Ueda Shinkansen station and Bessho Onsen is used for movies, TV and various promotional videos recently. It is getting more popular now.
We can say it will be the most famous private railroad in Japan.
Why don’t you try to ride on it!! You can tell why everyone loves this train.
Bessho Line introduction movie (Japanese)