The hope arrows of Hokkaido, Yabane

Hello, I am Shiho.

I have lived in Hokkaido since I was born. I don't know much about other prefectures, so I was surprised when someone from another prefecture said to me, "This is only found in Hokkaido" when I thought it was common thing in Japan. Recently, I was surprised by something like that.

The Yabane

It is the Yabane means arrow feathers. It is one of the signs on the roadway and looks like this. Hokkaido has a lot of snow and the lanes are hidden by heavy snowfall and poor visibility due to snowstorms makes it dangerous for drivers. These signs are useful in such situations. They are mainly used to prevent traffic accidents. 

Height of the Yabane

They are basically installed at a height of approximately 5m above the road surface and are not affected by snow. It guides the driver's sight and tells them the direction they should go and the width of the roadway. The arrow is 1.2m long. 1.2m is about the height of a first or second grader. It is bigger than I thought.

A heavy snow in Hokkaido

Blizzard in Hokkaido

A Yabane I found

I found a Yabane on my way to school the other day. The round things on the surface reflect the light and in areas that are heavily affected by snowstorms, they install self-light-emitting on the surface.

A Yabane taken from a bus

They had appeared in previous Japanese university entrance examinations

In researching this sign, I found an interesting topic. In fact, it seems that Yabane was used as a question in a university entrance exam. Here is that question.

2015 university entrance examinations, geography questions

This is a geography question from 2015. You are asked which items are not suitable measures against snow in Hokkaido: number 1 is a solar-powered clock, number 2 is a vertical traffic light, number 3 is a Yabane, and number 4 is a fire hydrant with a high hose. This may have been a lucky question for people in Hokkaido.

Driving on snow-covered roads or in a snowstorm can be very dangerous, so please drive safely.

Thank you for reading to the end!

Yoshitake Shima

Yoshitake Shima

 

 Do you know Yoshitake Shima?  It has been about one hundred fifty years since he died. Also he is also known as the father of developed of Hokkaido. Why is he called this? So let’s learn about him!

 In 1822, he was born in Hizen which is called Saga in the Kyusyu area now. And his father was a samurai. At that time, there were Samurais in Japan because the period was the end of Edo era. In 1856~1857, he went to Karahuto area which is Russia’s territory now but it was not at that time. He was ordered to go by Naomasa Nabeshima. He was the Hansyu in Hizen. (Hansyu means local governor )

 In 1867, he was the soldier for the new Meiji government. So he fought against the old Edo government. In 1868, he went to the Tohoku area because he fought against people who were allied to the Edo government. As a side note, these battles were known as the Boshin War.

 In 1869, the Ezo area was renamed Hokkaido. He was the Meiji government official who was in charge developing of Hokkaido. So he went to Hokkaido to help it develop and prosper. 

 The Meiji government decided to develop the Sapporo area because they wanted to create a big city. So he developed of Sapporo. But it was hard for him to develop of Sappporo because the weather was bad. The development of Sapporo started in the winter season. So it was very cold and snowy. Also he didn’t get enough food because the ships which were supposed to deliver it sunk . But he got much cooperation from the Ainu people. Finally, he finished this work.

 In 1870，he went back to Saga. And gradually he became dissatisfied of Meiji government. So he took part in the battle of Saga. This battle was a rebellion against Meiji government led by Shinpei Eto. But they were defeated in this battle and were captured and executed by the Meiji government . 

Curling

 Roco Solare

I will introduce a Japanese famous curling team Roco Solare.

Roco Solare was established by Mari Honbashi who experienced winter Olympic games in 2010. Mari Honbashi wanted curling to become popular. Also, Kitami didn’t have many people who could do curling on a global level so she supported young curlers.

Roco Solare won the third place in the Winter Olympics in Korea and won second place in the Winter Olympics in China. For these achievements, you will realize that the team is very strong.

The team is famous for Mogu-Mogu time. In Mogu-Mogu time, they were introduced on TV, eating a famous food, Akaisairo in Kitami. That is why it became so popular.

Where can you curl?

You can enjoy curling in many places. For example, Dougin curling stadium, Adovicks Tokoro curling hall, Moseushi curling hall, and more.

Dougin curling stadium is open from 10 to 9 o’clock. It is near Tsukisamu Station. You can go there easily. The parking area is free for everyone.

Adovicks Tokoro curling hall is open from 10 to 10 o’clock. Please be careful since it is closed on Mondays. It is in Kitami city so it is far away from Sapporo. But it is a big hall so you might feel a sense of liberation.

Moseushi curling hall is open from 10 to 10 o’clock. But on Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from 10 to 9 o’clock. You have to pay a fee. If you are a beginner, you can be mentored by making a reservation.

There are many curling halls in Hokkaido. You should enjoy curling! Let’s go!

The history of curling

<The Beginning of Curling>

About 500 years ago, some people played in a similar way to Scottish curling which was the prototype. Also, when children were sliding stones on frozen land, adults who saw it developed it as a sport.

At that time, it was said that the rule of sliding a flat-bottomed stone over the frozen water was established in Canada about 200 years ago.

The name “curling” was established in writing in Scotland in 630.

<Spread as a sport>

At first, it was a local game that was enjoyed by neighbors, but eventually it spread to city, region, and country-specific competition. It became a popular sport in the cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

These days, 64 countries and regions belong to the World Curling Federation (WCF) and it is enjoyed all over the world.

<History in Japan>

The origin of curling is said to be in 1936, many athletes who participated in the Winter Olympics held in Germany brought the sport back to Japan and a demonstration was held at Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture.

The following year, the Yamanakako Water Carnival Festival was held at Lake Yamanaka on January 17th, in 1937. Also, it led to first curling tournament for Japan.

Tensai ~Sugar Beat~

 Do you know Tensai？This is an ingredient from Hokkaido.
This is delicious to eat as it is but it becomes even more delicious when processed. Tensai is called sugar beet in English.

 

I think that you can imagine what it is like by its name, it is processed into sugar. From here, I will explain about sugar beet. It is a plant that is a raw material for sugar.

 

When we think of sugar, we think of sugar millet, but in European countries such as France and Germany, sugar means sugar beet. Lesser known is that sugar made from sugar beet accounts for about 30 percent of the world's sugar consumption and about 25 percent in Japan.

 In addition, it is processed only in Hokkaido. Since it is mainly sold in Hokkaido for household use, it is not well known nationwide, but sugar shipped for commercial use reaches people all over the country through chocolate, confectionery, beverages, etc. Also, it looks like a radish or a turnip, but surprisingly it belongs to the same family as spinach in terms of classification.

 

Let me introduce a little about how sugar beet is produced. 

In early spring, when there is still a lot of snow, seeds are sown, seedlings are grown, and after the snow melts, they are transplanted to the fields, grow after a short summer, and reach the autumn of harvest.

 

From here, I will introduce the history of sugar beet.

 

Sugar beet sugar was discovered in 1747, about 250 years ago. German chemist Margraf succeeded in separating sugar from sugar beet roots. Sugar beet is native to the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus region and is said to have been used as feed for livestock. The world's first sugar beet factory was established in 1801.

 

That is interesting! Why don’t you eat sugar beet?

The Ainu culture

Hi everyone!! We are Happy Puppies!!
Today, we are introducing the Ainu people.
We went to Hokkaido Museum to learn about the Ainu.



The Ainu people are indigenous peoples around the northern part of Japan, especially Hokkaido, and have a different language, culture, and history from the Wajin, who are the majority of Japan. The ethnic name “Ainu” is an Ainu word that means “human”.

The Ainu have a lot of interesting history, but I can’t cover all of it here. So, we will introduce the Ainu culture.

1. Prayer

In the Ainu faith, it is believed that everything in the world has a “soul”. Among them, things that give humans the blessings of nature such as animals and plants, things that are indispensable for living such as fire and water, things that human power does not reach such as weather and infectious diseases are called <kamui>. Kamui is, in other words, the same as God. So, the Ainu respect these things.

2. Clothing

In the olden days, cloth woven from fibers taken from the bark of trees and grass, as well as animal skin and fish skin were used as materials for clothing. Currently, they don't wear these clothes in their daily life. However, more and more people wear traditional clothing when performing ceremonies and performing songs and dances at events.




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Boots Made from Salmon Skin

3. Songs / Dances / Musical Instruments

Musical instruments have been handed down in each region and home through ceremonial occasions and daily living. In recent years, local groups have been actively engaged in activities to learn and convey traditional songs and dances.

The video of the song is attached below. You can hear the Ainu language.

 

4. Others

Housing


Trade goods

You can learn a lot about the history of the Ainu, which couldn’t be introduced here at Hokkaido Museum. Besides Ainu, you can learn various things about Hokkaido. If you are interested, please visit there!!

As soon as you enter the museum, a huge mammoth will welcome you…

Comedians from Hokkaido

Hi everyone!! We are Happy Puppies!!Today, we are introducing two comedians from Hokkaido.

 

The first comedian is…… Koji Kato!!
He plays the role of tsukkomi in a duo called Gokuraku Tombo.

I think he is very popular as the host of a show called “Sukkiri.” He has been the host since 2006!! It’s so long.

He was born in Sapporo in 1969, and he moved to Otaru when he was second grade in elementary school. He is on a radio show called “Katosan to Yamaguchikun” now.

“Katosan” is Koji Kato, and “Yamaguchikun” is Ichiro Yamaguchi, the vocalist of Sakanaction. They met because they grew up in the same town, Otaru!! This radio program is sometimes broadcast as a television program. At that time, Koji Kato spends a lot his money for Otaru. Maybe, you can enjoy watching!!

And finally, he is very good at playing soccer!! He was one of the players picked for Hokkaido when he was a junior high school student. I have never seen him play soccer, so I want to see.

He doesn’t do much manzai (double act) now, but he is so interesting comedian. Please check him out!!


[Writer: Konoha]



The next person is Rei Maruyama. Do you know her? She is the most funny comedian that I want you to know.

 


Actually she is from Kitami in Hokkaido. When I knew this, I was proud of her.

Today I will introduce her attractive points while showing some video.

1. Impersonation
She is good at imitating people. Please look at the Youtube shown below.

→https://youtu.be/X-U2eqqTR-g→https://youtu.be/uSi86Mfarcs
You may think that her imitation is very exaggerated, but it makes people burst out with laughter! I always get a happiness from her imitation.

2. Good speaker of Korean
She is not Korean and her parents aren’t Korean either. But she really likes Korean culture, for example, drama, food, cosmetics and fashion. So she can learn naturally!
The video that I have shown below is the most my favorite video. Though it also imitation, the quality is so wonderful. If you like a Korean drama, probably you are surprised by reproducibility.
→ https://youtu.be/kCbobh16TqE

3. Great eater

When she eats she looks so nice! She eats well anyway! Also, she always solves people’s worries with laughter. Don’t watch it at night because you will be hungry and can’t stop watching her video！

How was it? You interested in her, right?? If you so, let’s check her instagram and the channels of YouTube. Thank you!!


[Writer: Asao]

Thank you for reading!!

Recommended cafe Vol.3

Hello everyone! We’d like you to know there are many great cafes in Hokkaido. So, we have picked some and we’ll introduce them to you. We hope that you find a place to relax!

Carmel-do

Have you ever wanted to spend a relaxing time alone?
If so, you should go to Carmel-do, which is for one person only.  It’s on the 6 floor of the KY building in Odori.

 

I think this café’s most attractive point is the ambience. The interior and syphon coffee makers make you feel you are in the world of a novel.

                                          

And there is a product I really want you to try when you visit there. That is the Carmel-do’s original caramel pudding! The combination of rich custard pudding and bittersweet caramel sauce is the best, and cream cheese mousse and rum raisins make it an acquired taste. 

Would you like to try it with delicious coffee?

They not only have puddings, but there are other attractive products. I hope you find your favorite one and spend a relaxing time.

Café kopher

 Today, the number of cafes which open in the countryside are increasing. Café kopher, one of those, opened in Naganuma town 3 years ago.

 This café’s main product is galette made with buckwheat flour from Hokkaido. If you order it as a lunch set, you can also enjoy three kinds of appetizers with fresh seasonal vegetables. My recommended one is pickled radish.

And the concept of this café is “a café where you can feel the natural Hokkaido”. There are large windows, so you can see a vast view of fields and sky. I hope you feel relaxed and enjoy the scenery that changes its expression every season.

This café gets crowded at lunch time, so I recommend that you make a reservation before you go there.

Have a nice lunch time!

(Chihiro)

More information

Carmel-do:carmel-do official instagram

Café kopher:cafe kopher official

Thank you for reading!