Shuuchishin - What's that?

Here is the super group creating a sensation in the music industry. They are not musicians but TV stars who have a unique and charming character in common - they are a bit fools but very talented guys.

Yusuke Kamiji (Left, with yellow tie) played baseball as a catcher with a major leaguer Daisuke Matsuzaka in his high school days. Takeshi Tsuruno (Middle, red tie) is the only member who has children. He appeared a TV show about child care as one of good father. Naoki Nokubo (Right, blue tie) also used to play baseball. He was a possible player for the draft pick.

All three appears in the TV quiz show they become Japanese favorites with quite unique answers and comments. With riding the wave of popularity, they released the first CD as a group named "Shuuchishin".

The Japanese support this song because they always do their best and their supple mind. The words also find an echo of people's heart. It's like as they tell us the most important thing in the life in not just knowledge, but sincerity.

Well, they are keep entertaining us without thinking such a difficult thing. Yes, let's sing with "Shuuchishin"!!

Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine – A sunny day in Kamakura

In early April, cherry blossoms are in full bloom in Kanto area (around Tokyo). Some are having parties under the trees with sake and good food. Yes, that sounds nice, but how about appreciating both cherry blossoms and Japanese culture in a same place?

Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine is one of the famous sightseeing spot in Kamakura. In this season many cherry trees along the street to the shrine welcome visitors. As this road isn’t so wide that people can see flowers closely. Walking under the cherry gate in the sunny day is one of the happiest moments in Japanese spring.

After appreciating cherry blossoms, let us enjoy other Japanese culture. There is a dancing stage called maiden in this shrine. Dedicatory dances and music are performed, but traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies are conducted at the stage. You may see the ceremony if you’re lucky.

When you reached the main hall “honden”, you’ll see people praying to the Shinto deity. Also it’s good chance to try “omikuji” fortune telling slip.
There some places to enjoy both cherry blossoms and shrine experience throughout Japan. Please find your favorite and enjoy the part of Japanese style.