Some video highlights of a local matsuri on Port Island in Kobe, Japan. I have quite a few photos as well, and these will appear in a later post.
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Videos. Show all posts
Nov 4, 2013
Aug 3, 2011
Tenjin matsuri fireworks
Our 300km ride for Project Biwa successfully took place last week-end. Many thanks to everyone who posted messages of support. It really helped during the most difficult moments.
I will come back to this later on, but in the meantime, I just wanted to share with you some fireworks, as announced during an earlier post about the recent Tenjin matsuri.
There is not much to explain (apart from saying that I hope to get a better spot the next time I am going to see fireworks), so here are the pictures.
As usual, you can click to see larger versions.
It had been a while since I last attempted to take fireworks pictures, so comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
We are right into the fireworks season, so the next opportunity will likely come very soon.
And in case you have missed, I also have a short video from the fireworks, to give you an idea of the matsuri atmosphere.
I will come back to this later on, but in the meantime, I just wanted to share with you some fireworks, as announced during an earlier post about the recent Tenjin matsuri.
There is not much to explain (apart from saying that I hope to get a better spot the next time I am going to see fireworks), so here are the pictures.
As usual, you can click to see larger versions.
It had been a while since I last attempted to take fireworks pictures, so comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
We are right into the fireworks season, so the next opportunity will likely come very soon.
And in case you have missed, I also have a short video from the fireworks, to give you an idea of the matsuri atmosphere.
Jun 1, 2011
Rain, rain, rain
It will soon be a year since we moved to Ibaraki-shi, just North of Osaka. I think any such anniversary is time for reflection on past and future plans, but this will be for another post.
What this anniversary also means that we are entering the rainy season again!
A lot can be said about the rainy season here in Japan. This time last year was a fairly busy period for me, and I only touched the surface with these two blog posts: here and here.
It is only the beginning now, so I am still enjoying the rain, especially if I get the chance to go for a short walk:
However, after a few weeks, it can feel depressing. Fellow blogger Kevin recently made a list of ten ways to keep upbeat and happy during the rainy season in Japan. Make sure to check it out if you leave here.
What this anniversary also means that we are entering the rainy season again!
A lot can be said about the rainy season here in Japan. This time last year was a fairly busy period for me, and I only touched the surface with these two blog posts: here and here.
It is only the beginning now, so I am still enjoying the rain, especially if I get the chance to go for a short walk:
However, after a few weeks, it can feel depressing. Fellow blogger Kevin recently made a list of ten ways to keep upbeat and happy during the rainy season in Japan. Make sure to check it out if you leave here.
May 30, 2011
May 24th: Hanshin Tigers vs. Seibu Lions
Here are a few photos from last Tuesday's game between our favourite Hanshin Tigers and the Seibu Lions (from the Pacific League). During the interleague, the Tigers are wearing their "black" (actually dark blue) uniforms once again. Classy!
As always, you can click on the photos to get larger versions.
Brazell and Shimoyanagi:
Hirano and Uemoto (who was replacing the then-injured Toritani), and Murton on the right:
Murton at the plate:
This game maintained my 100% record at Koshien, as the Tigers came from behind to win 5-3. Here is a video of the celebrations after the game. You will recognise the team song, Rokko oroshi (六甲おろし), as well as the cheering song for each starting player.
As always, you can click on the photos to get larger versions.
Brazell and Shimoyanagi:
Hirano and Uemoto (who was replacing the then-injured Toritani), and Murton on the right:
Murton at the plate:
This game maintained my 100% record at Koshien, as the Tigers came from behind to win 5-3. Here is a video of the celebrations after the game. You will recognise the team song, Rokko oroshi (六甲おろし), as well as the cheering song for each starting player.
Apr 23, 2011
April 22nd: Hanshin Tigers vs. Yokohama Baystars
First game of the season at Koshien for me!
Here is a quick video with my highlights for this very fine game (sayonara victory, 4-3).
I have also taken a few photos... I have posted a lot for other games last year (and it is almost 2am here), so I have selected three to share with you.
Kubo and Brazell:
Toritani and Hirano:
Murton:
Well done Tigers!
And see you again very soon at Koshien!
Here is a quick video with my highlights for this very fine game (sayonara victory, 4-3).
I have also taken a few photos... I have posted a lot for other games last year (and it is almost 2am here), so I have selected three to share with you.
Kubo and Brazell:
Toritani and Hirano:
Murton:
Well done Tigers!
And see you again very soon at Koshien!
Apr 11, 2011
A month since the earthquake
Today is April 11th, and it is now a month since the earthquake and tsunami. As of this morning, there are 13,116 dead and 14,377 missing. And there are still almost 150,000 people living in shelters.
We are still as committed as always to raising money through our Project Biwa.
The first two weeks of training went as well as I had hoped. As I mentioned in an earlier message, I covered 32 kilometres (instead of 40km) during the first week, which meant my target for the past week was changed from 100 to 108km.
I am happy to report that I have managed 117 kilometres. Even Saturday's 25km ride went very well, (and ended up being an extra two kilometres longer).
The objective for this week is to increase distances further, and to reach a total of approximately 150 kilometres. I already know that Sunday will probably be too busy to include a ride, so I have planned the next big step of this training cycle for Saturday, with 50 kilometres.
I am also trying to find a way to share this training with you. I tried to attach my camcorder to the bike, but there are a lot of vibrations, and the results is not very nice. The extract below is the best I could get so far, played at 800% speed and using the image stabilisation feature on iMovie.
I am still working on improving the vibration issue, but it might be the best I can do. In this case, would it be something you would like to see anyway?
At the time of writing this post, we have already raised $250 on GlobalGiving. Many thanks for your support!
We are still as committed as always to raising money through our Project Biwa.
The first two weeks of training went as well as I had hoped. As I mentioned in an earlier message, I covered 32 kilometres (instead of 40km) during the first week, which meant my target for the past week was changed from 100 to 108km.
I am happy to report that I have managed 117 kilometres. Even Saturday's 25km ride went very well, (and ended up being an extra two kilometres longer).
The objective for this week is to increase distances further, and to reach a total of approximately 150 kilometres. I already know that Sunday will probably be too busy to include a ride, so I have planned the next big step of this training cycle for Saturday, with 50 kilometres.
I am also trying to find a way to share this training with you. I tried to attach my camcorder to the bike, but there are a lot of vibrations, and the results is not very nice. The extract below is the best I could get so far, played at 800% speed and using the image stabilisation feature on iMovie.
I am still working on improving the vibration issue, but it might be the best I can do. In this case, would it be something you would like to see anyway?
At the time of writing this post, we have already raised $250 on GlobalGiving. Many thanks for your support!
Apr 8, 2011
A Friday morning in Kyoto
This morning I had to go to Kyoto, and more specifically to the French Consulate.
It is actually located in a cultural centre known as Institut Franco-Japonais du Kansai, or 関西日仏学館. A great place to visit if you want a small piece of France. As a bonus, they also have some very nice cherry trees.
On my way back to the train station, I walked past Heian Shrine, the Budo centre, and along a canal (I forgot its name) and the Kamo river.
Here are some brief highlights of this walk.
Photos will follow shortly.
(edit: they are here)
It is actually located in a cultural centre known as Institut Franco-Japonais du Kansai, or 関西日仏学館. A great place to visit if you want a small piece of France. As a bonus, they also have some very nice cherry trees.
On my way back to the train station, I walked past Heian Shrine, the Budo centre, and along a canal (I forgot its name) and the Kamo river.
Here are some brief highlights of this walk.
Photos will follow shortly.
(edit: they are here)
Jan 14, 2011
Tooka Ebisu Festival 2011
I had my first experience of the Tooka Ebisu festival here in Osaka back in 2009. I invite you to read that post for all the information about the festival itself.
This year, I am just going to show you a few pictures, and a HD video.
Unsurprisingly, it was very crowded. It is a very popular festival in itself but this year, January 10th happened to fall on a Monday.
Being the second Monday in January, it was the "Coming of Age" day, a public holiday. This certainly helped in attracting such a large crowd.
Getting these decorated tree branches for their workplace was the official purpose for many visitors, but the persons handing them out were also receiving a lot of attention.
And as promised, here is the video.
As I said above, I uploaded the HD version, so make sure to click and go on YouTube to enjoy it in the best quality.
I am quite sure I will miss the 2012 festival, but who knows, I might be able to attend again in 2013. That would be an interesting pattern!
This year, I am just going to show you a few pictures, and a HD video.
Unsurprisingly, it was very crowded. It is a very popular festival in itself but this year, January 10th happened to fall on a Monday.
Being the second Monday in January, it was the "Coming of Age" day, a public holiday. This certainly helped in attracting such a large crowd.
Getting these decorated tree branches for their workplace was the official purpose for many visitors, but the persons handing them out were also receiving a lot of attention.
And as promised, here is the video.
As I said above, I uploaded the HD version, so make sure to click and go on YouTube to enjoy it in the best quality.
I am quite sure I will miss the 2012 festival, but who knows, I might be able to attend again in 2013. That would be an interesting pattern!
Jan 2, 2011
First sunrise of the year
Happy New Year to you all!
2011 has just arrived.
I guess it is fitting that, for my first post of the year, I show you one of the first things I did in 2011.
After a very nice New Year's Eve party with friends, we all took a train to Kyoto and, just as we arrived there, we were able to enjoy the first sunrise of the year (初日の出 in Japanese).
The last few days have been very cold, and it even snowed quite a bit, so Kyoto was even more beautiful than it usually is.
Despite the cold and the early hour, quite a few people were gathered to enjoy this special event.
Here is a short video from that morning.
A few minutes later, we were on another train, to go to the Fushimi Inari shrine (伏見稲荷大社). This will be the focus of a future post.
2011 has just arrived.
I guess it is fitting that, for my first post of the year, I show you one of the first things I did in 2011.
After a very nice New Year's Eve party with friends, we all took a train to Kyoto and, just as we arrived there, we were able to enjoy the first sunrise of the year (初日の出 in Japanese).
The last few days have been very cold, and it even snowed quite a bit, so Kyoto was even more beautiful than it usually is.
Despite the cold and the early hour, quite a few people were gathered to enjoy this special event.
Here is a short video from that morning.
A few minutes later, we were on another train, to go to the Fushimi Inari shrine (伏見稲荷大社). This will be the focus of a future post.
Dec 29, 2010
Movie shoot in Shinjuku
Imagine taking a night bus from Osaka to Tokyo, and arriving in Shinjuku at 7am. You take a quick breakfast and decide that, given the spectacular weather, it would be a good idea to enjoy the view from 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.
Unfortunately, this is only possible from 9.30am. What do you do? A sensible option could for instance be to walk around Shinjuku and enjoy the place.
We did exactly that on December 24th, and ended up seeing some movie (or drama) being shot, just besides the government buildings.
We continued our walk and reached a nearby park, Shinjuku Chuo Koen (新宿中央公園). In the middle of the park, another scene was being shot, involving a blonde lady jogging peacefully.
Given the police car of the other scene, one could assume bad things are about to happen to her.
When we got out of the park, the police car was gone, and the crew was now getting ready on the other side of the street.
It turned out they were preparing to shoot some guy being forcefully arrested. Following the same train of thought, could he be the one who attacked the jogger?
Here is a short video from the "police car scene". Do you recognise any of the actors?
If you have any information about this shooting or the drama/movie, please let me know in the comments!
Unfortunately, this is only possible from 9.30am. What do you do? A sensible option could for instance be to walk around Shinjuku and enjoy the place.
We did exactly that on December 24th, and ended up seeing some movie (or drama) being shot, just besides the government buildings.
We continued our walk and reached a nearby park, Shinjuku Chuo Koen (新宿中央公園). In the middle of the park, another scene was being shot, involving a blonde lady jogging peacefully.
Given the police car of the other scene, one could assume bad things are about to happen to her.
When we got out of the park, the police car was gone, and the crew was now getting ready on the other side of the street.
It turned out they were preparing to shoot some guy being forcefully arrested. Following the same train of thought, could he be the one who attacked the jogger?
Here is a short video from the "police car scene". Do you recognise any of the actors?
If you have any information about this shooting or the drama/movie, please let me know in the comments!
Dec 28, 2010
Christmas Eve city view
This year was my first Christmas in Japan, and it was spent in Tokyo.
Before having dinner with friends in Shibuya, I went to the Mori tower once again. I am not a fan of Roppongi Hills, (quite the contrary actually), but the view from up there is just amazing.
I could spend hours staring at the city view. I find it both relaxing and hypnotic.
This time, Mount Fuji was even kind enough to make a brief appearance just as we reached the top of the tower, right after sunset.
Originally, we were planning on seeing the sunset from there, but the queue was longer than we expected and we arrived slightly late. It still was a very nice view.
An added benefit of the Mori tower is that you can actually go up on the roof.
Being late December, it was windy and very chilly, but it was worth it.
What about you?
Did you have a nice Christmas?
Before having dinner with friends in Shibuya, I went to the Mori tower once again. I am not a fan of Roppongi Hills, (quite the contrary actually), but the view from up there is just amazing.
I could spend hours staring at the city view. I find it both relaxing and hypnotic.
This time, Mount Fuji was even kind enough to make a brief appearance just as we reached the top of the tower, right after sunset.
Originally, we were planning on seeing the sunset from there, but the queue was longer than we expected and we arrived slightly late. It still was a very nice view.
An added benefit of the Mori tower is that you can actually go up on the roof.
Being late December, it was windy and very chilly, but it was worth it.
What about you?
Did you have a nice Christmas?
Winter is here!
A fairly brief post today, as I just wanted to share with you a short video I shot on Sunday (December 26th).
As you have probably noticed if you have been following this blog for a while, videos usually tend to be a lot sparser than I announce. This was, among other factors, the result of the poor quality of my previous attempts with a fairly cheap camcorder.
This is all going to change.
On the motivations behind starting a blog was to reduce the distance between us and our family and friends. Living abroad is a fascinating experience, but also has its downsides.
Putting up snapshots of our life (currently in Japan, and somewhere else before/after that) really helps closing part of this gap.
A couple of recent family events made the need for this even clearer.
Of course, this blog remains open to all, and I hope everyone will be happy with this increased production of videos, courtesy of a new Sanyo Xacti camcorder.
I am still in a test phase with it, but I already enjoy it a lot more than my previous equipment.
Below is one of my first videos with this camcorder.
As you can see, winter really is upon us now. Given that it barely ever snows in Osaka, this very brief shower qualifies as a noteworthy event.
The current weather forecast is announcing some more snow on Thursday, so I will keep my eyes open (and cameras at hand) in case anything happens.
In the blog post related to a previous video, back in July, I mentioned showing you around campus. I have not forgotten about this and, now that I can shoot decent material, this should happen very soon.
As you have probably noticed if you have been following this blog for a while, videos usually tend to be a lot sparser than I announce. This was, among other factors, the result of the poor quality of my previous attempts with a fairly cheap camcorder.
This is all going to change.
On the motivations behind starting a blog was to reduce the distance between us and our family and friends. Living abroad is a fascinating experience, but also has its downsides.
Putting up snapshots of our life (currently in Japan, and somewhere else before/after that) really helps closing part of this gap.
A couple of recent family events made the need for this even clearer.
Of course, this blog remains open to all, and I hope everyone will be happy with this increased production of videos, courtesy of a new Sanyo Xacti camcorder.
I am still in a test phase with it, but I already enjoy it a lot more than my previous equipment.
Below is one of my first videos with this camcorder.
As you can see, winter really is upon us now. Given that it barely ever snows in Osaka, this very brief shower qualifies as a noteworthy event.
The current weather forecast is announcing some more snow on Thursday, so I will keep my eyes open (and cameras at hand) in case anything happens.
In the blog post related to a previous video, back in July, I mentioned showing you around campus. I have not forgotten about this and, now that I can shoot decent material, this should happen very soon.
Aug 10, 2010
92nd Summer Koshien - Opening day
High-school baseball is back! The 92nd Summer Koshien started last Saturday, and I was there for the opening ceremony as well as the first game.
The atmosphere was great, and I will probably try to go again before it ends.
It seems that the more pictures I include in a post, the shorter the descriptions get. To keep that trend alive, here are quite a few pictures, with very short description.
Please feel free to ask questions in the comments if you want more details.
Supporters making their way to the stadium:
Flags of participating teams:
Start of the opening ceremony:
Teams parade:
Facing the flag, for the national anthem:
The first game is about to begin:
The tournament is now officially beginning:
After the ceremony, the other teams join the crowd to watch the first game:
At the end of the game, the anthem of the winning school is played, and both teams then go and thank their respective supporters. Players from the losing team collect dirt from the ground, as a souvenir from this occasion:
Now that you have seen what happened, I suppose I can let you see the video below. The image quality is poor, but the sound is OK. Combined with the pictures above, it makes for a decent summary of that day.
If I can make it to Koshien again before the end of the tournament, I will make sure to post a few pictures again.
The atmosphere was great, and I will probably try to go again before it ends.
It seems that the more pictures I include in a post, the shorter the descriptions get. To keep that trend alive, here are quite a few pictures, with very short description.
Please feel free to ask questions in the comments if you want more details.
Supporters making their way to the stadium:
Flags of participating teams:
Start of the opening ceremony:
Teams parade:
Facing the flag, for the national anthem:
The first game is about to begin:
The tournament is now officially beginning:
After the ceremony, the other teams join the crowd to watch the first game:
At the end of the game, the anthem of the winning school is played, and both teams then go and thank their respective supporters. Players from the losing team collect dirt from the ground, as a souvenir from this occasion:
Now that you have seen what happened, I suppose I can let you see the video below. The image quality is poor, but the sound is OK. Combined with the pictures above, it makes for a decent summary of that day.
If I can make it to Koshien again before the end of the tournament, I will make sure to post a few pictures again.
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