Increase of the Japanese restaurant in the world

According to the announcement of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japanese restaurants are approximately 88 000 outlets all over the world at the time of the July 2015.
As compared to January 2013, it seems to 1.6 times.
The Japanese restaurant, not only traditional food, also contains beef bowl shops and modern meal shop.
The number of stores are often the most in China, then America.
The past few years, the increase is significant region is the Middle East and Oceania.
The reason for the recent worldwide increase, in addition to that the health of the Japanese food is supported, is that Japanese food has been registered as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO in 2013.
I love Sushi and beaf bowl.
When you travel to Japan, please by all means enjoy the new and old of Japanese food ^_^！

Maiko and Geiko -the speciality of Kyoto-

Maiko and Geiko  are the specialty of Kyoto.
She entertaine the guests by the traditional dance.
Maiko is younger than Geiko.
Although the number was reduced, she play the part of a traditional culture of Kyoto.
Maiko and Geiko have  been used in a variety of design of Kyoto. One Maiko is also displayed in the drink that was introduced in the previous blog.
The photograph is a tourist bus. You can see Geiko to the vehicle body.

a drink of Kinki limited for the visit to Japan customers

Beverage company of Japan has launched a drink of Kinki limited for the visit to Japan customers. Such a newspaper article I saw. I was looking for that drink, but did not find in the neighborhood. However, I found by chance at a convenience store in Ashiya.

This drink is a "strength water". It is sold by Kirin Beverage. You can see the familiar two illustrations in Kyoto. They are Maiko and Shimogamo shrine. 

If there is a chance to see this drink in Kyoto, please drink to try.

Shinkansen

Shinkansen is a symbol of Japan's high technology.
Japanese children especially love Shinkansen's trains.
I rode already six times in August.
If you come to Japan, please get on to this bullet train ^ _ ^
This photo is Tokaido Shinkansen.

Kobe's Chinatown-Chinatown in Japan-

Chinatown known in Japan is located in the following three cities.
Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki.

I went to Kobe's Chinatown on August 11. The photograph is a Japanese convenience store "Family Mart" in Chinatown.
Kobe's Chinatown has a unique atmosphere, such as China and Japan are united, it is a fun town.
I ate the dish of shrimp in Shanghai restaurant. I was satisfied.
If if you visit Kobe, come to Chinatown.

Tanabata~a traditional festival in the summer~

Tanabata is a traditional festival of the summer.
Altair and Orihime is can meet only July 7 once a year.
This is a festival named after the Chinese legacy of tradition.
In Japan, it will be held in July or August.
Famous is the Sendai Tanabata festival.
Since I was born and raised in Sendai, I went to look at the the festival.
Video is Kyoto Tanabata festival.

Tour de France and "sissy pedal"

Last month, interest in the Tour de France was growing ever in the younger generation of Japan.
It is the influence of the comic "sissy pedal".
It is a comic that was also covered in my blog of May 12, 2015. This comic covers the cycling part of the high school.
"Ono Sakamichi" have done his best in the road race.
Therefore, interest in the Tour de France has increased around the reader.
Below the video is a promotional video of the animated movie version ^ _ ^

Rilakkuma Is popular in Japan.

Various character mascot in Japan has gained popularity. Japan-born Kitty, Disney's Mickey Mouse, Mifi of Germany , and so on.

The past few years, character mascot that has a deep-rooted popularity is "Rilakkuma". 
He is the mascot of the bear. Its name is made up of English relax and Japanese "kuma " (bear). You will feel that you are relaxed when you see him. 

The photograph is a "Rilakkuma" train running at Hankyu. You can guess the popularity of "Rilakkuma" also from the presence of this train. 

"Attack on Titan" movie live-action version

Comics gained popularity in Japan is "Attack on Titan."

Live-action version of the movie began to be screened in this August.

The story is as follows.



The human race, which has been protected from the invasion of the giant by the wall will meet again giants of attack.

Because giant to break a big wall appeared.

Heroes are fighting in order to defeat the giants in a desperate situation.



This work not only Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, became popular in Hong Kong. In Hong Kong some of the people who seek democracy is superimposed on the heroes their situation,

In this way I've heard in the news. The wall is the boundary line of the Special Administrative Region, Giant is the continent government to suppress the freedom of Hong Kong.



Freedom of maintenance and the people of Hong Kong seeking democracy or will see how the movie "Attack on Titan." Suddenly I was think.