Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News

Maido, everyone!  Brazilian CIR Luciana here, bringing you the latest Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News.  How have you all been dealing with the summer heat this year?  Brazil has a mainly tropical climate, but I still haven’t gotten used to the humidity of Japan, even though one year has passed since I arrived here.  As soon as I finish taking a shower, I find myself sweating again!  In light of this situation, I would like to talk about some interesting places and cool spots in Hyogo to enjoy during the summer.

I know many of you are interested in Japanese history like me, so I’d like to introduce some historical spots.  This year, leaflets about “Kobe de Kiyomori” are to be found in stations in Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto and other places in Kansai.  This is because an NHK period drama “Taira no Kiyomori” has been running since this January.  In Kobe, two attractions related to the show have opened – the Drama Museum and History Museum.  When I saw them, I started to wonder, “Who was Kiyomori?  How is he related to Kobe?”  To solve the questions, I visited several places in Kobe. 

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Starting early in the morning, I bought a highly economical “Kiyomori 1-day pass” in Sannomiya Station.  With the pass, I could ride subways and some other trains freely.  Attached to the pass were a ticket to the two Museums above, a gift coupon, and a railway map.  I got off at the Harborland subway station and headed for the Drama Museum.  On the way, the “Street Dance Festival in Kobe Harborland” was going on and I saw some girls doing some pretty awesome dances.  In the Drama Museum, some handsome men welcomed me and let me take pictures with them (I was really glad!).  A full-scale figure of Ken’ichi Matsuyama, who plays the role of Kiyomori in the drama, stands in the lobby and visitors can take pictures with it.  The plot of the drama, dresses, and inside stories are also introduced in the museum.

The History Museum tells us about Kobe 800 years ago, and Kiyomori’s achievements are introduced in an animation.  Excavated objects from those days are on display as well.  There were various outdoor events, such as a stage performance and guided historical tours.  It was too early for the starting time, so I decided to look around by myself.  The History Museum is located just in front of the central wholesale market, so I enjoyed a sashimi set meal. It was a generous portion and cheap, too (only 500 yen)!  I feel like I would like to have it again.
After lunch, I visited Wada Shrine and received a small gift. Then, at a transfer station, I stopped off, went through a large shopping street and dropped in at Nagata Shrine. Then I moved to my final destination, Sumaura Sanjo Amusement Park.  I bought a set ticket for the ropeway, “carlator” and revolving observatory.  The scenery was of course wonderful, but what impressed me most was the carlator, which I had never seen before.  Very shaky but really fun!

The view from the top was simply gorgeous.  I could see the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the cities of Kobe and Akashi, and Awaji Island. Next I got off at Sumadera Station. The day fell on July 7, so I saw events related to the star festival.  Japanese communities hold larger annual events in Brazil as well, but they are a little different from those in Japan.  Here children in yukata enjoy goldfish scooping, receive toys and eat Japanese food.  It was a uniquely Japanese scene.

With its long history, Suma-dera Temple is a very unique temple.  In addition to the treasure house, there were interesting items and monuments.  “Shichifukujin Manikoro”: Roll the seven deities on the back of a turtle, and pray.  You can get on the back of the turtle, but if you ride on the deities, you will be punished by them.  “Buji Kaeru”: If you want to be surprised, touch its eyes, and if you are in trouble with loans, turn its neck around.  “Misia Guma”: If you pat its head, the tune of “Ikoku-no-oka” (an old Japanese popular song during WWII) is played by a simple-stringed Japanese zither.   

Then I visited Hyogo Sumiyoshi Shrine to see Kiyomori-zuka (a memorial tower dedicated to the soul of Kiyomori).  It is a 13 storey stone tower with an inscription of the year 1286.  At the shrine, there was also a statue of Kiyomori that was constructed during the Showa era.  I concluded my tour by seeing the Great Buddha of Hyogo.

On my way home, I lost my pass.  But thanks to a kind member of the station staff, I managed to get home safely.  I’m really grateful, thank you!  There are many other Kiyomori-related historic sites to be seen in Kobe, Kyoto and Miyajima (Hiroshima).  Each of them may have their own unique features, but I believe Kobe is very special.  I will continue my adventure, as I have still a wealth of places to visit!  I recommend that you also try Kiyomori tours!

【Kobe de Kiyomori 2012 Project】

Period: Jan. 21, 2012 (Sat.) – Jan. 14, 2013 (Mon.)

Venue: various locations in Kobe

(1) Drama Museum & History Museum

Special sites established at the Kiyomori-associated harbor area of Kobe as a venue to learn about Taira no Kiyomori and the history of Kobe.

(2) Promotion of Taira no Kiyomori

Spreading information in and out of Kobe concerning the city’s historical value, with a focus on Kiyomori.

(3) Citizen’s involvement

Promoting historical and cultural events, especially those featuring Kiyomori, in the city of Kobe by involving citizens and local communities at the History Museum and other places.

Events in Hyogo this September

1. “Charms of highlands in Kamikawa” 2,500 yen/person

(A tour around locations of the movie “Norwegian Wood” and TV drama “Taira no Kiyomori”)

In the morning, participants will visit the majestic Tonomine Highlands, a filming location for “Norwegian Wood” and “Taira no Kiyomori.”  This is an ideal place to enjoy Kamikawa’s romantic atmosphere.
Afternoon events include an introduction of inside stories during filming, performance by Kiyomori Chaya Osettai (café Kiyomori hospitality team) from Kobe, live performance of Heike-biwa (a type of Japanese lute) by Mr. Tsutomu Arao, and a lecture by Mr. Atsuro Kawauchi to retrace the life of Kiyomori.  The day is concluded with a mini concert by Kami Fusen.

Date and time: Sep. 29, 2012 (Sat.) 11:00-16:30

Venue: Tonomine Highlands and Kamikawa Central Community Center Grindel Hall (located in the town hall premises)

Access: (by car) An 80 min. drive from Chugoku Expressway Suita IC to Kanzaki-Minami ramp via Bantan Renraku Road.  The town hall is a 5 minute drive from Kanzaki-Minami.
(by public transportation) 40 min. from JR Himeji Station to Teramae Station via Bantan Line.  A 3 minute walk from Teramae Station to the town hall.

What is the "eco cap campaign"? 

Through recycling caps of PET bottles, the eco cap campaign provides opportunities to learn, consider and take action against environmental problems, poverty and other problems that the world is facing.  CO2 emission is reduced by collecting and recycling bottle caps*.  The profit gained through recycling is contributed as vaccines for children in developing countries**.

*If 400 caps are incinerated instead of being recycled, 3.15 kg of CO2 will be emitted.

**With 800 caps, one polio vaccine can be purchased.

Collection place: Mizuno Square in Hanshin Koshien Stadium

Collection day: On the days of Dream Link festivals (5 times/year, 10 games at Hanshin Koshien Stadium)

Let’s go and participate in this great project!