@ Nagasaki By Night, Kyushu, Japan Frankly Frog begins its 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Frizzle.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Frizzle the Short Haired Guinea Pig. They both received one silver mole!
Blue And Gold 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Choose a name.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
Choose a name gave you 1 "Blue And Gold Egg" FULL SIZE
@ Pine Tree Bonsai, Kyushu, Japan Frankly Frog and Dragoon shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Frankly Frog. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Dragoon. “This is my best side.” 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Dragoon.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Dragoon the Green Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Nagasaki Night View, 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. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Choose a name.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Deer Scare, Kyushu, Japan "Kyushu is famous for its tea production, Frankly Frog. 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, Choose a name," remarked Frankly Frog. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Choose a name.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Stone Stairs, Kyushu, Japan "Let's practise our Japanese phrases in the tour guide," suggested Robby. "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 Frankly Frog 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Robby.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Robby the Bashful Badger. They both received one silver mole!
@ Ema And Dragon, Kyushu, Japan "Does 'Kyushu' mean anything, Frankly Frog?" queried Hero, offering his friend a matcha chocolate brownie before unwrapping one himself. "Yes, indeed!" responded Frankly Frog. " 'Kyū' means 'nine' and the whole thing means 'nine provinces' ". 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Hero.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Hero the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Nagasaki Night, Kyushu, Japan "'Japan!'" read out Woolly 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.'" Frankly Frog settled back in its tour bus seat. "It's certainly been all that so far, Woolly!" 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Woolly.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Woolly the Brown Funky Monkey. They both received one silver mole!
@ Origami Stars, Kyushu, Japan "Okay, if you get stuck speaking in Japanese to a pet, you can say Wakarimasen, which is 'I don't understand'," remarked Cherrie. "I can see myself needing that quite a lot!" responded Frankly Frog. "On the other hand," continued Cherrie, "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, Cherrie!" 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Cherrie.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Cherrie the Yellow Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Silhouette Of A Samurai, Kyushu, Japan "What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Frank!" remarked Frankly Frog. We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!" 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”.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Frank.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Frank the Gibby. They both received one silver mole!
@ Soothing Sounds, Kyushu, Japan "So—the two seas surrounding Kyushu, Guaca?" "Well, the Pacific Ocean to the east, of course. Um—" "And the East China Sea on the west," finished Frankly Frog. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Guaca.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Guaca the Merry Mole. They both received one silver mole!
@ KiHa 71, 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. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Allegra.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Allegra the Blue Beautiful Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ Paper Parasols, Yamaga, 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. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Baby.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Baby the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ A Shisa On A Roof, Kyushu, Japan "Okay, if you get stuck speaking in Japanese to a pet, you can say Wakarimasen, which is 'I don't understand'," remarked get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20. "I can see myself needing that quite a lot!" responded Frankly Frog. "On the other hand," continued get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20, "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, get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20!" 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20.
Frankly Frog shook paws with get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20 the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
get-a-job-bring-me-a-mouse-and-a-20 and you found 10 Travel Tokens!
@ 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Rex.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Rex the Brown Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
Rex gave you 1 "Arctic Feisty Fox Sleeping" size 7
@ Mount Aso, 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. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Kipps.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Kipps the Green Happy Penguin. They both received one silver mole!
@ Embroidered Crane, Kyushu, Japan Nisshoki is the official name of the Japanese flag. But people still call it の丸 Hinomaru, meaning “circle of the sun”. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Ginger.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Ginger the Gingerbread Cookie Kid. They both received one silver mole!
@ Omikuji, Kyushu, Japan Samurai were banned from carrying their two swords (yes, two) in 1868; the rule was an attempt to modernise Japan. The swordsmiths, having no swords to make anymore turned their hands to making knives. Hey presto – the best knives in the world! 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Milk.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Milk the Holstein Friesian Calf. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tonkotsu Ramen, 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. 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to poddu laddoo.
Frankly Frog shook paws with poddu laddoo the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Churadama, Okinawa, Kyushu, Japan Frankly Frog and Nano shook paws, said “How do you do?” and posed for a souvenir photo. “Why am I always on the left?” grumbled Frankly Frog. “Let’s change sides.” “No,” said Nano. “This is my best side.” 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Nano.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Nano the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Karak.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Karak the Fennec Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Hiragana Wood Stamps, Kyushu, Japan "The tour guide was saying just now that the Misaka stone steps leading to Shaka-in Temple are the highest in Japan at 3333 steps," remarked Frankly Frog. "That's a lot of steps!" responded Frank. "Many pets do their best to climb all the steps, and there are rest stops along the way, you know." 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Frank.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Frank the Gibby. They both received one silver mole!
@ Shirato Beach, Kyushu, Japan "What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Choose a name!" remarked Frankly Frog. We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!" 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Choose a name.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Choose a name the Tabby Cat. They both received one silver mole!
@ Japanese Maple Trees, Kyushu, Japan "What a varied tour we're having of Japan, Shelby!" remarked Frankly Frog. We certainly are! Shogun, sashimi, sudoku and saké, you might say!" 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.
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Shelby.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Shelby the Majestic Monarch Butterfly. They both received one silver mole!
@ Shisa, Kyushu, Japan Frankly Frog has now completed its journey through Kyushu! As it prepares to go home, it 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. Frankly Frog has enjoyed its 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!
While jaunting in Japan, you stopped to bow honorably to Thimbl.
Frankly Frog shook paws with Thimbl the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
Thimbl gave you 1 "Black Bear, Novice Skier" FULL SIZE
Frankly Frog has completed the quest of
