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• Articles Published in December 2006

Alien Times is an English newsletter that has been published in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan since 1987. It has been online at http://www.alientimes.org since 2002. All of our writers and staff are volunteers.

More about Alien Times

For those who want to give money/goods donations, you may course it though the Filipino Association of Scholars in Tsukuba (FAST). They are collecting money and goods for donation, which will be forward to the RED CROSS.

PLEASE CONTACT:
Vallerie Ann Innis Samson
X-ray Laboratory
National Institute of Materials Science
1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047, Japan

Other related blog posts on the web :

1. How to help Typhoon Ondoy victims
2. Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) disaster relief efforts in San Francisco, CA
3. Donating to Manila from abroad
4. Ondoy Victims - Send Online and In-Kind Donations
5. Some Photos taken during the height of the Typhoon

And if you visit YouTube, you would find lots of videos there to see how Typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila.

Thanks and be safe to all.

======
dimaks blogs at skamid.com

1 Comments

• At October 5, 2009, PaperTiger wrote:

  Thank you very much for creating this entry to solicit help for Ondoy victims. You are offering a huge favor.

  The Philippines is still in need of more donations for the victims of the 2 recent typhoons which hit the country the past 2 weekends.

  An American Entrepreneur already offered help by giving away $50 each to chosen people in the Philippines who are personally extending help to their own relatives, family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers who are greatly affected by the strong storms. He even created a site that gave way for soliciting help around the globe. He has started the movement. Let us offer help in any way we can.

  No amount is too little when it comes from the heart.

  Please visit:

  http://nanoaid.org/papertiger/ for information on how you can help.

This Hello Kitty vending machine is located in the Moriya Service Area on Joban Express Way. I know this is the service area we, Tsukuba area residents, tend to skip since it's the first service area from Tsukuba, but I think this vending machine is a good reason to stop there! I know some of you, TsukuBlog readers would LOVE to take pictures of this vending machine to be added to the list of "weird things I saw in Japan"(I would!) ;-> Please note that Hello Kitty-shaped vending machine is only at the service area on the up lane(上り) side.

If you don't have a plan of going there anytime soon, I'll tell you a secret: you can actually see the backside of this vending machine from the Tsukuba Express train(yes, I've seen it, and it was easy to spot the famous kitten)!

Visit NEXCO East Japan's Press Release to see what this vending machine looks like.

1 Comments

• At May 12, 2007, TsukuBlog » Here’s the Kitty wrote:

  [...] posted a piece titled “Hello Kitty-shaped vending machine in Moriya” in April, and I finally got a chance to take a picture last [...]

From April 15 article:

Pottery-clad audio products hit the right notes

KASAMA, Ibaraki -- An electronics manufacturer in Ibaraki Prefecture has begun receiving orders for audio products set in local Kasama-style pottery.

The speakers are shaped like a pot and their sound is clearer than that of normal wood speakers.

The amplifier is priced at more than 800,000 yen and each speaker at more than 30,000 yen.

An official from the manufacturer in Omitama said that the firm planned to market cheaper and smaller pottery-covered audio products. (Mainichi)

If this article got you interested in the Kasama Yaki(pottery), then 陶炎祭(ひまつり or Himatsuri), the largest pottery fair in the entire Kanto Region, will be waiting for you!

From Himatsuri Website:

‘Himatsuri’ in Kasama is the biggest event during the Golden Week with 219 potters and ceramic artists participating. Himatsuri can offer much more than other ‘Pottery Fairs’.
Potters have their individual stalls fashioned with their unique works and wares, and visitors can enjoy shopping for special finds. Visitors may also enjoy hands-on experience while interacting with artists.

In addition to Show-and-Sale of Kasama ware, there will be an auction of clay masks by ceramic artists and an exhibit of clay masks made by over 1000 local school children. There will also be brass band performances by elementary and middle school children.

On May 3rd visitors may enjoy ‘Evening Market’ until 7 p.m. and the main attraction of Himatsuri, ‘Evening Fest Live’ with their favorite potters while enjoying delicious food.

Please also visit the Himatsuri Blog if you want to view the flyers. You can view a larger image of "green" flyer just by clicking on that thumbnail, but for the ones in the middle and right, you'll need to click "ココ" located in the upper left.

Various events will go on during Himatsuri, like hands-on activities for kids and adults, pottery auctions, and live music performances by local brass bands and a professional band. So there are excuses to drag your friends or family members who aren't into pottery with you...!

I have to warn you though. Since this pottery fair is extremely popular and famous, be prepared for traffic congestion (the parking lots can turn into battle grounds)! Kasama City's been trying to come up with ways to ease the traffic/parking issues, but it hasn't found a best solution yet. It's urging people to use public transportations. There are free buses leaving from JR Tomobe and JR Kasama Stations, but only once an hour at the most.

3 Comments

• At April 20, 2007, TsukuBlog » Azalea festivals in Tsukuba and Kasama wrote:

  [...] Kasama Pottery Fair [...]

• At May 29, 2007, TsukuBlog » Yasato Pottery Festival wrote:

  [...] than the one that was held in Kasama during the “Golden Week” holidays (see “Kasama Pottery Fair“), but at least you won’t have to deal with the chaotic traffic. Besides, this is your [...]

• At May 31, 2007, TsukuBlog » Michi no Ichi (arts and craft fair) in Kasama wrote:

  [...] only their 5th year, and is much smaller than festivals like Tsukuba Festival and the Himatsuri(Kasama Pottery Fair), but I really enjoyed it last year! Various artists and craftsmen from Ibaraki and other parts of [...]

In Tsukuba 361 people turned 88 this year (121 men and 240 women). Also, 14 people turned 100 (1 man, 13 women). There are 15 people who are over 100 years old living in Tsukuba (2 men, 13 women).

According to JGCA’s website, it made a selection based on the candidate site’s importance in understanding the geologic history of Japan and how the particular site will benefit the local education and tourism if picked.

So what's so unique about the geology of Mt.Tsukuba?

According to Kazuhiro Miyazaki of Institute of Geology and Geoinformation (part of AIST), Mt.Tsukuba is made up of mainly two kinds of plutonic rocks, gabbro around the top of the mountain, surrounded by granite. The famous "Toad-shaped Rock" on Mt. Tsukuba is one big chunk of weathered gabbro, for example. Mr. Miyazaki states that a mountain made up of gabbro is rare. Orbicular granite is another rarity found in Mt.Tsukuba, and it is designated as the Ibaraki Prefectural natural treasure. Orbicular granite can be seen in the Ishioka City side of Mt.Tsukuba. (information based on June 17 issue of Asahi Newspaper)

As you know, or if you didn’t know, Mt. Tsukuba has been known as one of (100 since 1964 after a book called 日本百名山, Nihon Hyaku Meizain, came out that year) notable mountains in Japan since Edo Period (1603 to 1867 a.d.), so this new project has brought a new glory to this much-loved mountain. Mt. Tsukuba is the only site in Ibaraki to be included in the list of 100 so far.

If you love cycling or hiking, you might be interested in looking at the current exhibit called "Rediscover the Nature of Tsukuba" at Geological Museum before you plan your next outing. The exhibit is all in Japanese unfortunately, but you can still see the images of various geologically interesting sites in Tsukuba area. You can pick up magazine-type and fold out-type catalogs there. If you are heading home for summer, these catalogs can also be good souvenirs for your friends and families to show them what Tsukuba is like..., geologically!

catalogs from the exhibit

Rediscover the Nature of Tsukuba
Geological Museum (AIST)
April 17 to July 16
Hours: 9:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Well, I have a very exciting news to share with you; a new English magazine just came out in Nagano Prefecture! The name of the magazine is NAGAKNOW, and this is the first-ever free English-language magazine in Nagano!!

(The cover of April 27 - May 25 issue. This image was kindly provided by the representative of NAGAKNOW.)

I was afraid that there wouldn't be any copies left for me to pick up since their very first issue came out on April 27th and the launch of this new magazine was in several newspapers in Nagano. Despite my concerns, I was able to pick up copies from the tourist information office in JR Matsumoto Station and also from the Matsumoto Tourist Information Center near the Matsumoto Castle during the "Golden Week" holidays.

NAGAKNOW is a full-color magazine about half the size of The Alien Times and is somewhat like The Alien Times (obviously, with more funding). There are articles submitted by local residents, list of events, information on local tourist's spot and restaurant info.

OK, sounds a lot like The Alien Times, but NAGAKNOW is also a bilingual magazine! They place the English and Japanese articles side by side for those who are learning Japanese and vice versa.

NAGAKNOW also goes out to the streets and interview local residents, Japanese and non-Japanese. In their first issue, they went to Matsumoto Castle for their "Street Talk" section of the magazine. In "Local Flavor," they interviewed the local ramen shop owner. The ads placed by local restaurants, accommodations and other businesses are also interesting to look at. We definitely don't see an ad for a lodge located near the peak of 3080 meter mountain around here!

As you can see, their website is still in the making and they are still working on their contents, but if you have friends and families living in Nagano Prefecture, please tell them about this exciting new magazine.

Nagano is already a very popular destination for those who enjoy winter sports and mountaineering, but there are more reasons to visit Nagano this year! Did you know the City of Matsumoto in Nagano is celebrating its 100th year this year? If you are planning a visit to Matsumoto City, please also plan to pick up a copy of NAGAKNOW. You'll love it!

Related website:
Matsumoto Welcomes You! - Official Tourist Information of Matsumoto City in Nagano, Japan

1 Comments

• At May 28, 2007, TsukuBlog » Nagaknow magazine now online wrote:

  [...] I wrote about the Nagano’s first English-language free magazine earlier this month: “NAGAKNOW, the Nagano’s first English magazine” [...]

A nearly intact 3,000 year-old DOGU clay figurine which was unearthed at the Asahidai Kaizuka Shell Mound in Tsukuba

By Avi Landau

For the members of our group, the Society for the Protection Konda`s Ecosystem, the news seemed an amazing coincidence. Just a few days ealier, as part of our monthly history and nature walk, we had taken a party of about twenty to see the Asahidai Kaizuka Shell mound, at the edge of the Konda Woods. This area, strewn with shells, pottery shards, and assorted animal bones, is the site of an ancient trash dump used by the early inhabitants of this area ( about 3,000 years ago) to discard the remains of their meals and other objects which they no longer needed. It should seem obvious that this would to be an invaluable place to learn about how our predecessors in this part of Japan lived. This is obviously not true for  everyone, however, as the construction company UR , which owns the land, has plans to build over this site. We had specifically gone there to show concerned citizens what was going on, and how what we believe to be an important part of Tsukuba`s heritage was going to be quietly paved over. Naturally, those who we took to see shell mound for the first time were impressed and concerned about what was going to be lost. So when on  the following Friday ( our walk had taken place on the previous Sunday) the media announced that there had been a MAJOR FIND at the site- an almost completely intact DOGU clay figurine- we could not help but feel that our concerns had been validated.

The Asahidai Kaizuka excavation site

The newspapers announced that the 3,000 year old figurine would be revealed to the public ( along with other artifacts which had been unearthed at the site) on the following day ( Saturday Dec. 3rd) at the Kaizuka itself.

The next morning, despite it being cold, wet, and  miserable in general, there was excitement in the air. Dozens and dozens of cars came to park in the fields that became temporary parking lots at the edge of the woods. More than 120 paople eventually crowded into the prefabricated structure which is the office used by the archeoligists doing the mandatory pre-construction survey of the site. There was plenty of OO-ing and AA-ing when the DOGU and other newly inearthed artifacts ( the most impressive of which were large ear ornaments) were revealed.

Besides getting a close look at the ancient figurine and getting a detailed explanation from specialists, those present were invited to touch and hold the mysterious object ( which will probably be designated an important cultural property.

Taking a look at the ground as you walk in the area, you will it strew with shells and pottery shards

                                                             WHAT ARE DOGU?

Dogu (土偶) is the name given to distinctive human-shaped clay figurines ( usually portraying the female form) of various styles which have been unearthed at sites throughout much of Japan ( the first record of a DOGU having been discovered was in 1623 in what is now Aomori Prefecture).

When the fields of archaeology and anthropolgy were introduced to and started to develop in Japan after the Meiji Restoration of 1868, over the years specialists have divided these figurines ( which were created over a period of THOUSANDS OF YEARS- from 8,000 years ago- 2,500 years ago), into different types.

The earliest were merely what appear to female torsos ( without head or limbs), discovered in what is now known as the Kanto Region ( around Tokyo, and including Tsukuba).

A front, side, and back view of the earliest type of DOGU- what appear to be simple female torsos. This type has been dubbed the VIOLIN TYPE DOGU

As the centuries and millenia passed. DOGU culture spread and  styles varied with time and location.

The next stage in the DOGU`s development showed heads arms, legs, and holes in various strategic spots ( this was uneathed in Aomori Prefecture)

A KAMEN (mask) TYPE DOGU found in Nagano Prefecture

It is easilly imagined howDOGU like this could spawn UFO visitation theories, but the designs on the body probably full-body tatoos. But why the big eyes?

Then there are the DOGU with these distinctively shaped faces appropriately called the HEART-TYPE DOGU ( this was unearthed in Miyagi Prefecture)

The Asahidai Kaizuka DOGU can be classified as a MIMIDZUKU type- which was popular in the Kanto Area around 3,000 years ago. These are characterized by round or oval shaped mouths and eyes ( though this one has a POUTY mouth!).

Typical MIMIDZUKU type DOGU with rounded eyes and mouths ( discovered in Saitama Prefecture)

                                                                     HOW WERE DOGU USED?

Just what these DOGU were exactly made for nobody can say for sure. Going to a university library one can find an amazing number of scholarly papers on the subjet. Some suggest they might have been used in prayers or ceremonies for fertility. There are those who have believed that they were toys, or ornamental objects, or a medium of exchange. but as I have said there is no way of knowing just what these often bizarrely shaped figures were made and used for. The most interesting idea for me ( which shows continuity with later Japanese civilization, is the idea that these figurines were used as scapegoats into which ones sins are cast. The figurines themselves were then smashed or discarded, thus ridding humans of sin and impurities. Even today, dolls are used in Japan in such a way. See my article:

http://blog.alientimes.org/2011/02/the-evolution-of-japans-hina-dolls-%e9%9b%9b%e4%ba%ba%e5%bd%a2-a-deeper-look/

Personallly I find pondering this mystery quite challenging and whenever I`m at the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno for a special exhibition I always make sure to drop by the DOGU displays and try to imagine for myself what they must have meant to the ancients.

DOGU have also had an impact on certain Japanese artists who have searched for a way to be remain distinctively Japanese artists while working in Western created styles. The most notable of these is Okamoto Taro, whose sculptures ( including one at the TX`s Bampaku Kinen Koen Station) are sometimes simply large and uniquely colored renditions of DOGU.

The Ibaraki born artsit Enokido Shouei ( recently shown at the Tsukuba Art Museum) also incorporated DOGU into some of his more interesting works.

The most famous of Okamoto Taro`s works which are based on ancient DOGU designs- the Sun Tower

Which derive from these HEART-TYPE DOGU discovered in Ibaraki Prefectire

                                                         Protecting Tsukuba`s Archaeological Heritage

This pond was created years ago when a road was built nearby- it has long provided a resting place for migrating birds and beneath its waters lie the rest of the shell mound!

Getting back to the Asahidai Kaizuka Sell Mound. I hope that nowmore eyes will be opened and more support given to the idea of preserving this area, for further investigation and for the enjoyment of future generations.

And one thing that must be made known is that much of the shell mound lies beneath a pond. There were no plans to excavate there, as the city says that they have not been given permission by the owner. Checking with the land registration office, ho.wever, we discovered that the land under the pond is owned by none other than the UR construction company!

With the recent exciting find, however, it is probable that excavations can be continued and broadened

Hard times ahead! If things go according to the plan of the construction company UR, this pond will be drained and the soil hardened with chemical agents. The problem is that they are trying to cover up the fact hat a large portion of the shell mound ( kaizuka) lies under this water.

the

Another type of DOGU- this one is a Yamagata-Type discovered in Ibaraki Prefecture

The thrill of discovery! Two of the workers on the excavating crew showed their enthusiasm as I returned to the excavation site on Tuesday Dec. 6th for another look at the DOGU

Dogu dug up in Chiba Prefecture- What could these bizarre figures possibly have represented?

If you`d like to see ( and touch) the Kamizakai Dogu for yourself ( before its put behind glass at some museum, these excavation office will be at the site through December, and open on weekdays.

And dont forget the next Nature and History Walk in Konda- which will be held on the 4th Sunday of January. We will meet in front of the gym at the Former Sakure Branch Office.

3 Comments

• At December 9, 2011, Mamoru Shimizu wrote:

  Very exciting article! I surely will vist that place and would like to touch Dogu very near future. Yah, Mr Okamoto's that monument looks like Dogu!! Sun←→Earth.

• At December 24, 2011, Tomoko seto wrote:

  Hello Avi sensei.

  I was very happy to see and touch DOGU.

  It was my first experience.

  DOGU’s design is simple and fun.

  DOGU is heavier than expected.

  I feel ancient’s people had strong –minded.

  Thoughts flew to the ancient.

  I had a good time thanks to you.

• At December 28, 2011, Avi Landau wrote:

  Hi Tomoko-San! Holding the 3,000 year old dogu in 0ur hands WAS a special experience, one that will probably never happen to us again. I was glad you could also climb OYAMA, one of the HANAMURO SANZAN (花室三山) and see the mysterious Large-Nosed Dainichi Sama.

  What a great day it was!

A few weeks ago I was surprised to see that there were policemen at each corner of every intersection along Higashi-Odori (one of Tsukuba's main thoroughfares), for as many kilometers as I would travel down it. Each of these officers had a little decoration on his shoulder, so it was clear that this was VIP related. Since I had read that Prince Charles was in Japan on that day, I assumed that he had made a surprise visit to Tsukuba.

Well , it turns out that the Prince of Wales never did come to Tsukuba. However, I was not very far off the mark. Royalty, was in fact coming, and in heavy doses.  What I had seen was merely a dress rehearsal. There would be still more rehearsals (not only for the police) after the one I had seen -- because this was going to be MAJOR == the Emperor and Empress of Japan (representing the longest continuous dynasty in the world) would be visiting Tsukuba. This in itself would merit a rehearsal or two, but putting more pressure on security services and Tsukuba City officials, they would be bringing along two very special guests, also of very ancient lineage: the King and Queen of Spain. (The King is a successor to the Capetian Dynasty which is the oldest in Europe. He is a descendant of Charles V, Louis XIV and Queen Victoria, among others.)

Though we have had a Nobel Prize winner or two among us, since the Tsukuba Expo of 1985, when a whole slew of world leaders and royalty whipped in and out of town, there have been few such occasions to excite our local royal and celebrity watchers. 

I was surprised to learn (since I come from a very security conscious country) that a detailed itinerary of the visit was released in advance, and even more surprised to eventually find that it was followed, to the minute.

The plan to visit Tsukuba certainly came about due to a shared interest on the part of the Emperor and the King in science and technology. But by this I do not necessarily mean the space and robot technology that they would be shown at the Tsukuba Space Center or at Tsukuba University. It seems that the planners of this trip took into consideration both monarchs' particular affection for a more classic technology -- TRAINS! (I was glad that Juan Carlos was not taken to indulge in one of his favorite pastimes: BEAR HUNTING!)

The two couples would be setting out from Ueno Station after having boarded the Imperial Family's new PRIVATE TRAIN, several cars long, which would let them off at Tsuchiura Station. Later, they would be going back to Tokyo by TX (with the whole train specially reserved, of course).

The day of the royal arrival was dark, drizzly and a little cold. This did not deter lovers of the Imperial Family from waiting by the road, for an hour or two, at various locations along the route of the Imperial procession, so that they would be able to watch as it passed by. They came, mostly women over 60, by the busload (many of these women also volunteer, at no small personal expense, to clean the grounds of the Imperial Palace every year -- the subject of a future entry).

However, with all the blue blood seated in their specially made limousines, these women were mostly interested in catching a glimpse of a commoner. Of course, I'm talking about Empress Michiko, the first woman of non-aristocratic lineage to marry into the family of the Sun-Goddess. I have found that many Japanese, again, usually women of a certain age, are deeply moved by what they consider to be Michiko's kindness, patience, concern for the people, and beauty.

(I have my own Michiko moment. In Tokyo, on another drizzly day near the Empress's alma mater, Seishin, we found a street lined with policemen. I asked what was going on, and was told that Michiko would be passing by soon, on the way to a class reunion. We asked if we could wait and were told that by all means we could. A plain-clothes officer then proceeded to talk into his radio. I couldn't overhear him, but I assumed he was reporting our presence for security. I was wrong, however. He had informed the procession that some foreigners were standing and waiting outside in the rain to greet the Empress. Anyway, I guess that is what he said, because the car Michiko was in (in the middle of a convoy, of course), came to a near halt. The window then rolled down and we were given a very elegant nod by Her Majesty. I'm almost embarrassed to say that it was a MOVING experience and that I've had a special feeling for the COMMONER EMPRESS ever since.)

I had no particular plan to watch the processions, but as it turned out I was able to see both couples clearly, on at two different times of day, as they slowly drove by, waving to the crowd from open windows. I was also able to snap some pictures with my cell phone camera, which by shear luck (I held the keitai high over the crowd and shot at random) captured the moment.

An important impression which remains after any imperial sighting of this sort is the sheer sense of thrill in the air -- exuded not only by the older women who had come by chartered bus, or by the few 30-ish, male amateur paparazzi (though they seem to be just ardent fans of the Imperial Family) mounted on tall step ladders with very long and expensive-looking telephoto lenses who proudly show off their shots to the excited ladies after the procession has passed (to cries of "Michiko's face really IS kind and gentle"), but also the local policemen who show genuine emotion which lingers strongly even after the royals have been long gone. They bow, to the well-wishers and give an emotional thanks to all those who came out in the bad weather - ARIGATO GOZAIMASHITA!

For me, this double royal visit was less thrilling than thought provoking. Of course ,one cannot be but baffled at what makes blue blood so captivating for the public in this day and age. I would recommend reading a little about Juan Carlos- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Carlos_I_of_Spain                                                                         

and the current Emperor of Japan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akihito

and then tying to imagine what they spoke about sitting side by side during the train rides from Tokyo and back.

The visit also gets one to reflect on the history of Japanese-Spanish relations,which go back to the16th century.  Spain in fact  had  an immense impact on the course of Japanese history. It was distrust of the motives of the Spanish and the missionaries who came with them (fuelled of course by the opinions of the Dutch and English), which led to the banning of Christianity, and the more than 200 years of National Seclusion(sakoku) which followed http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sakoku .

I didn’t think this was relevant to the foreign community since the contents of those chain e-mails are in Japanese, but I now feel that I should warn Tsuku Blog readers about those e-mails because they have prompted many people in the area to inquire about them in the local message boards, mailing lists, and even in my work message board.

The “basic” content of the recent chain e-mails is something like this:

A small child who went to the rest room alone at XX (a name of the actual grocery store or other shopping facilities) in XX (the name of the actual city), XX (prefecture name) was assaulted (in some versions, sexually assaulted). Do not let small children use public bathrooms alone. This is important, so please forward this message to many people immediately.

There are many variations, but one variation I’ve seen went on to say that a toddler ended up having her uterus removed due to the injuries she received. I've seen other sick contents, but all I can say is that some sick people are enjoying their literary talent too much, I guess.

I totally agree about not letting small kids go use the public rest rooms alone, but the recent chain e-mails just went too far. Area police stations are flooded with inquiries regarding those chain e-mails. However, the Ibaraki Prefectural Police states on its website that it has not received any report on the cases mentioned in those chain e-mails, and they are asking anyone who know about that crime (if it ever happened) or the recent chain e-mails to come forward with the information.

According to ひばりくん防犯メール (Skylark Crime Prevention Mail), the similar e-mails went around last year. So now you know!