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@ Nagasaki By Night, Kyushu, Japan
Zen begins his journey through Kyushu!
Nagasaki By Night, Kyushu, Japan
Nagasaki is the capital and largest city of Nagasaki prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. The first contact with Portuguese explorers occurred in 1543. This opened up trade with the rest of the world and the tiny port village grew into a diverse city.

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@ Kanji, Kyushu, Japan

Blue And Copper Egg
The first painted eggs came from Mesopotamia, and because eggs were forbidden food during Lent, people painted eggs while Lent was being observed—after Lent, they would eat the eggs on Easter Day.

Beautifully decorated eggs “pysanka” are associated with Ukraine, and the oldest painted egg that was unearthed in northern Ukraine is dated to the end of the 17th century.

Kanji, Kyushu, Japan
Kanji, is one of the three writing scripts in Japan. Kanji are Chinese characters and each “picture” represents a word. By combining two words you form another word. Train is the words electric and car written side by side. There are tens of thousands of Kanji characters, and 2136 are described as essential for everyday use.

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@ Pine Tree Bonsai, Kyushu, Japan
Japan's Kongo Gumi is the oldest operating business in the world, established in 578. It specialises in the construction of temples and shrines.
Pine Tree Bonsai, Kyushu, Japan
Bonsai (tray planting) is the Japanese art of growing miniature trees in pots. This art form was borrowed from the traditional Chinese art of penjing, which produces natural scenery only in miniature. The Japanese Bonsai creates a miniature tree that mimics nature—the purpose of creating these tiny trees is for contemplation by the viewer.

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@ Nagasaki Night View, Kyushu, Japan
"Okay, if you get stuck speaking in Japanese to a pet, you can say Wakarimasen, which is 'I don't understand'," remarked bunny.
"I can see myself needing that quite a lot!" responded Zen.
"On the other hand," continued bunny, "you can say Wakarimasu—'wa-karri-mass'—which means 'I understand' or Yoku wakarimasu which means 'I understand you perfectly'."
"I don't think I'll be using that phrase any time soon, bunny!"
Nagasaki Night View, Kyushu, Japan
Nagasaki is a mountainous area; to get a stunning view of the city, what better place than on top of a mountain? Mount Inasa has an enclosed observatory with outside access, a restaurant, and benches. Night viewing is always a special treat. Depending on the weather and visibility, you can capture some amazing photographs.

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@ Deer Scare, Kyushu, Japan
"So—the two seas surrounding Kyushu, Shamika?"
"Well, the Pacific Ocean to the east, of course. Um—"
"And the East China Sea on the west," finished Zen.
Deer Scare, Kyushu, Japan
A Shishi-odoshi, meaning deer-frightening or boar-frightening, is a number of items made to scare away animals from agricultural areas. A sozu is a small type of water fountain, usually made of bamboo segments. One of the bamboo poles is pivoted to one side of its pivot point, so the heavier end sits upon a rock with water trickling into the upper part. Once the weight shifts, the pole tilts, emptying the water, usually into a small pool, then the heavier end falls back striking the rock. The sound is what would scare away any animals. The sound is pleasant, and you can find the deer scare in gardens nowadays for purely aesthetic reasons.

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@ Stone Stairs, Kyushu, Japan
"Let's practise our Japanese phrases in the tour guide," suggested Autumn Fall. "I'll ask you what your name is. It reminds us not to pronounce the 'u' on the end of 'desu' — it's just pronounced 'dess'. 'O-namae wa nan desu ka'?"
"Watashi no namae wa Zen desu," came the proud reply.
Stone Stairs, Kyushu, Japan
Stone stairs and walls lead to one of the many castles in Kyushu. There are 15 castles in Kyushu. Put on a pair of comfy shoes and spend the day walking up the stairs to visit some of these ancient sites.

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@ Ema And Dragon, Kyushu, Japan
"What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Garth!" remarked Zen.
We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!"
Ema And Dragon, Kyushu, Japan
Japan has many shrines, some are devoted to love, some to luck. The Ema is a wooden plaque where you can write your prayer or wish. The dragon is seen to be a wise and powerful protector of mankind. They are also a symbol of good luck.

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@ Nagasaki Night, Kyushu, Japan
"Okay, if you get stuck speaking in Japanese to a pet, you can say Wakarimasen, which is 'I don't understand'," remarked Sir Barkey Barksalot.
"I can see myself needing that quite a lot!" responded Zen.
"On the other hand," continued Sir Barkey Barksalot, "you can say Wakarimasu—'wa-karri-mass'—which means 'I understand' or Yoku wakarimasu which means 'I understand you perfectly'."
"I don't think I'll be using that phrase any time soon, Sir Barkey Barksalot!"
Nagasaki Night, Kyushu, Japan
Nagasaki lays claim to having the best night views in Japan. If you go to the observation deck on Mount Inasa you will have a 360-degree view of Nagasaki. You will also get spectacular views from Mount Maya or Mount Hakodate.

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@ Origami Stars, Kyushu, Japan
"'Japan!'" read out Binky from their tour brochure. " 'A country in which you will be swept off your paws by stunning scenery, pastoral countryside, idyllic islands, dramatic mountains and ancient historic cities. It's easy to understand why Japan is one of the most amazing destinations in the world.'"
Zen settled back in his tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Binky!"
Origami Stars, Kyushu, Japan
Origami–Ori means to fold, and kami means paper–is the art of folding paper into shapes. The origins of folding paper into shapes are thought to have started about 1,000 years ago in Japan. Paper was introduced to Japan in the 7th century, and the first folded paper objects were decorations and tools for religious purposes. Origami as play came later between the 1500 and 1600 century.
Origami is fun for all ages, and many beautiful sheets of paper are created for the sole purpose of folding into shapes. Many books have been written on the subject, and if one wishes to take up this delightful art form, there are easy projects to start with.

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@ Silhouette Of A Samurai, Kyushu, Japan
Major agricultural products of Kyushu are rice, tea, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and soy; silk is also widely produced. The island is noted for various types of porcelain. Heavy industry is concentrated in the north and includes chemicals, automobiles, semiconductors, and metal processing.
Silhouette Of A Samurai, Kyushu, Japan
The Samurai were the hereditary military nobility who were retained by the daimyo (great lord). A ronin was a samurai without attachment to a daimyo. Both carried two swords, a sign of being a samurai. The full-length sword is called a katana, which is a curved single-edged blade with a circular or square guard and a long grip. The other sword, the wakizashi, was short for close combat. When worn together, the pair are called daisho, which translates as “big-little”.

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@ Soothing Sounds, Kyushu, Japan
"What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Suzie!" remarked Zen.
We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!"
Soothing Sounds, Kyushu, Japan
Bamboo and water, are simple things that create a soothing environment when used together. Water pours gently from the bamboo spout of a deer scare. The water trickles in one end of the bamboo pole and when the balance is shifted the pole moves to empty the water, while the heavy end strikes a rock placed behind it. This continues without the aid of electricity, or batteries.

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@ KiHa 71, Kyushu, Japan
Japan's Kongo Gumi is the oldest operating business in the world, established in 578. It specialises in the construction of temples and shrines.
KiHa 71, Kyushu, Japan
The KiHa 71 series is a DMU (diesel multiple unit) trains, operated by the Kyushu Railway Company. The train runs exclusively on the Yufuin no Mori (the forest of Yufuin) between Hakata to Oita and Beppu. Yufuin is a small onsen (hot springs) resort, surrounded by rich forests.

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@ Paper Parasols, Yamaga, Kyushu, Japan
Second only to Hong Kong, the life expectancy in Japan is 84, which is four years higher than in the United Kingdom, three years higher than in Canada and seven years higher than in the USA.
Paper Parasols, Yamaga, Kyushu, Japan
Illuminated wagasa–traditional parasols made from washi (paper) and bamboo–are all ready for the Lantern Dance Festival in Yamaga. The festival is held in the evenings on the 15th and 16th of August each year. The origins of the festival come from the story of how the villagers of Yamaga helped the legendary Emperor Keiko, who was lost in the fog. The villagers held pine torches to light the way for the Emperor and his followers.

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@ A Shisa On A Roof, Kyushu, Japan
The island of Kyushu is linked to the larger island of Honshu by the Kanmon Tunnels, which carry both the San'yō Shinkansen and non-Shinkansen trains of the Kyushu Railway Company, as well as vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.
A Shisa On A Roof, Kyushu, Japan
A Shisa, a lion-dog based on Chinese guardian lions, sits on a red tiled roof as a ward against evil spirits. The open mouth is to catch any evil, and there will be a second Shisa nearby, with a closed mouth, to keep good spirits in.

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@ Warbling White-Eye, Kyushu, Japan
Oh look ... you won a pet!
Warbling White-Eye, Kyushu, Japan
This lovely little bird rests atop a cherry blossom branch. The Zosterops japonicus, also known as the Japanese white-eye, has a native range including most of East Asia, and has been introduced to other areas of the world as a pet. This small bird has been depicted in Japanese art and in ancient times it was kept in cages as a pet.

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@ Mount Aso, Kyushu, Japan
“Would you pass me the binoculars, Zen?” said Sugar. "I think that's an Amami Jay flitting around over there! You can tell by its black head, purple neck and back, chestnut body and multi-coloured wings."
Mount Aso, Kyushu, Japan
In Japan, there are 67 volcanoes, and 55 are considered active. It is no wonder that Japan is located in what is called the Pacific Ring Of Fire. Mount Aso, also known as Aso Volcano, is the largest active volcano in Japan and one of the largest in the world. Located in the middle of Kyushu, Mount Aso last erupted Oct. 2021.

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@ Embroidered Crane, Kyushu, Japan
The city of Kagoshima, Kyushu, deals with regular fallout of ash from Sakurajima – a volcano right across the bay. There are even special rubbish bags for ash and specific days for ash collection.
Embroidered Crane, Kyushu, Japan
A stunning red crane, the symbol of long life and good luck adorns this traditional kimono. Embroidered with silk floss and employing the long and short stitches to create the satin stitch.

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@ Omikuji, Kyushu, Japan
"Kyushu is famous for its tea production, Zen. I've certainly been enjoying our morning cuppas at the hotel!"
"We'll have to buy some packets of Kyushu tea to take home as gifts, Susie," remarked Zen.
Omikuji, Kyushu, Japan
An omikuji (sacred lot) is a strip of paper with a random fortune written on it. The omikuji is found in Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples throughout Japan. A small offering is made, and an omikuji is randomly selected from a box. If the prediction is not favourable, it is usually folded up and tied to a pine tree or a wire fence on the temple grounds. The idea behind this is based on a pun on the word for pine tree, which is matsu and the verb to wait is matsu, though both words have different characters. It is thought that the bad luck will wait by the pine tree and not become attached to the person. If the fortune is good the holder can also attach it to a pine tree, thereby increasing the good luck, or keep it.

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@ Tonkotsu Ramen, Kyushu, Japan
"Okay, if you get stuck speaking in Japanese to a pet, you can say Wakarimasen, which is 'I don't understand'," remarked Dean Winchester.
"I can see myself needing that quite a lot!" responded Zen.
"On the other hand," continued Dean Winchester, "you can say Wakarimasu—'wa-karri-mass'—which means 'I understand' or Yoku wakarimasu which means 'I understand you perfectly'."
"I don't think I'll be using that phrase any time soon, Dean Winchester!"
Tonkotsu Ramen, Kyushu, Japan
Tonkotsu ramen originated in Fukuoka, on Kyushu island. It is a specialty dish, that was first created as an affordable and fast dish for labourers at the fish market. The broth is made by boiling pork bones, and other ingredients such as spring onions, ginger, and onions, for upwards of 18 hours. The ramen noodles are traditionally left hard in the center, though some shops offer the customer a choice of noodle firmness. Sliced pork belly is added to the dish along with a choice of toppings: chili bean paste, sesame seeds, kombu (kelp), soy sauce, and other offerings.

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@ Churadama, Okinawa, Kyushu, Japan
Usually, countries are content with just the one script. Not Japan; which has three! Firstly, the syllabic hiragana, used to write native Japanese words. Then there’s kanji – Chinese characters adapted to represent Japanese words. They can be read in different ways, often the “native” or “foreign” reading, sometimes depending on what hiragana comes after it. And if that wasn’t enough – katakana. These usually (not always) spell out foreign words in Japanese syllabary to make it easy for Japanese speakers to say.
Churadama, Okinawa, Kyushu, Japan
Churadama comes from “chura”, which means “beautiful”, and “dama”, which means “jewel”. These glass balls, a popular souvenir in Okinawa, are made from sea glass and Ryukyu glass—recycled glass bottles. Usually one buys the colour that matches their birthstone.

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@ Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu, Japan
Kyushu is noted for its porcelain (Satsuma and Hizen ware). The famous Imari ware was manufactured at the ancient town of Arita.
Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu, Japan
Kumamoto castle, in Kumamoto Prefecture, was constructed in 1607 and is one of the most impressive castles in Japan. Not much remains of the original wooden castle, fires, civil war, and earthquakes took their toll on the buildings. The castle keep and most of the other buildings are reconstructions made of concrete.
The grounds surrounding the castle boast over 800 cherry trees making this a popular spot in March/April to view the blossoms.

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@ Hiragana Wood Stamps, Kyushu, Japan
The island of Kyushu is linked to the larger island of Honshu by the Kanmon Tunnels, which carry both the San'yō Shinkansen and non-Shinkansen trains of the Kyushu Railway Company, as well as vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic.
Hiragana Wood Stamps, Kyushu, Japan
Japan has three writing systems. Hiragana—which young children learn first—Katakana, and Kanji. Hiragana and Katakana are native to Japan and represent syllable sounds, and the two are known as kana. Kanji is from China and is made up of word pictures representing whole words. Kanji is the oldest form of writing.
Kanji came to Japan in the 4th-5th century. Japan had a spoken language but no written language. Kanji is a difficult language, and only men were permitted to study and write in Kanji. In the 8th century, the women of the Heian (modern-day Kyoto) court created the Hiragana. The men realized that Hiragana, based on sounds, was much easier to read and write, so the men adopted Hiragana as well.

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@ Shirato Beach, Kyushu, Japan
“Ooh, it's just starting to get a bit cold, Zen!” said Choco. “Can you hold my map and itinerary while I dig out my gloves?"
Zen good-naturedly took charge of Choco's possessions while she emptied her rucksack of a pack of Sakura Mochi candies, a Thermos flask, a pair of galoshes, a bag of caramels, a paperback novel, a bottle of mineral water, an address book, some postage stamps, biros in three different colours, a bottle opener, a couple of old bus tickets, an assortment of golden and silver moles, a hotel door key, some shopping receipts, a small torch, a bottle of multivitamins, a lottery ticket and a selection of rather battered sachets of salt, sugar and tomato ketchup before locating the gloves right at the bottom. These she donned and then Zen helped her put everything back in her rucksack.
Shirato Beach, Kyushu, Japan
Along the Kumamoto coast, you will find the popular Shirato Beach, known for its emerald waters. The area is surrounded by mountains with rich plantations. Near the beach is a small town with traditional Japanese houses, a cafe, and a hotel.

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@ Japanese Maple Trees, Kyushu, Japan
Second only to Hong Kong, the life expectancy in Japan is 84, which is four years higher than in the United Kingdom, three years higher than in Canada and seven years higher than in the USA.
Japanese Maple Trees, Kyushu, Japan
The beautiful Japanese Maple trees come in a variety of gorgeous colours, golden, red, orange, green, dark purple, and more. The leaves vary from what we think of as the traditional maple leaf shape to long spidery leaves. The trees can grow very tall, 10-25 feet, but there are dwarf varieties that will only grow 5 feet. Artfully displayed maple trees can create stunning garden views.

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@ Shisa, Kyushu, Japan
Zen has now completed his journey through Kyushu! As he prepares to go home, he receives a wonderful gift!
Black Bear, Novice Skier
Two boards to stand on, check; two sticks to hold onto, check—this will be fun. Here we go! Woosh! The cold air is exhilarating, the snow is pristine, and the landscape is peaceful and beautiful.
Wait, what is my right leg doing? It seems to be going off in a different direction. Oh oh! I just lost one of my sticks. Whaaa! What is that tree doing in my way? Oh no! This hill has turned too steep, and I am going far too fast.

CRASH!

Whew! All in one piece. Thankfully I landed in a pile of soft snow, but how undignified.

Hmm, perhaps bears were not meant to ski—it looks fun when humans do it. Maybe I should have taken some lessons. Ok! Hot chocolate first, lessons second, and a smaller hill. I can do this.

Shisa, Kyushu, Japan
This souvenir shop features the stone Shisa, a traditional Ryukyuan cultural artifact. The Shisa is derived from the Chinese guardian lions–a cross between a lion and a dog– most often seen in pairs, that protect from evils. Placed on roofs or flanking the gates. One of the Shisa has an open mouth to gather in any evil spirits, and the other Shisa has a closed mouth to keep in the good spirits.
Zen has enjoyed his journey through Kyushu, but it is time to go home now! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also enjoy a journey through Japan!