Last additions - SAITAMA 埼玉県 |
Harp Bridge to Matsubara Ayasegawa Park across Ayase River.Mar 10, 2023
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Pine coneMar 10, 2023
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Soka-Matsubara pine trees in Soka, Saitama. Part of the Nikko Kaido road and Oku-no-Hosomichi stop by Haiku poet Matsuo Basho.Mar 10, 2023
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Non-stop pine trees on Soka-Matsubara. Probably the longest pine tree path I've been on.Mar 10, 2023
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Soka's claim to fame is this pine tree path's inclusion as a Scenic Place along the Oku-no-Hosomichi travel route taken by famous Haiku poet Basho.Monument includes a map of Basho's Oku-no-Hosomichi travel route. He started from Fukagawa, Tokyo, visited Soka, went up north to Sendai, Sakata (Yamagata), and proceeded back along the Sea of Japan, Niigata, Kanazawa, Tsuruga, and ended at Ogaki, Gifu. All the places he visited on this epic journey has monuments or statues celebrating Basho. Mar 10, 2023
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Donald Keene wrote the inscribed sentence: "Place of Scenic Beauty: Soka Matsubara - Scenic Place Along Oku-no-Hosomichi"Donald Keene was a renown professor of Japanese studies (especially literature) at Columbia University in New York. Keene is revered in Soka for helping with local activities related to Oku-no-Hosomichi.
He also famously became a Japanese citizen and spent the last years of his life living in Japan.Mar 10, 2023
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About Soka Matsubara as a Scenic Place Along Oku-no-Hosomichi. It's one of the 25 designated Scenic Places along the Oku-no-Hosomichi extending over 12 prefectures.Mar 10, 2023
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Monument inscribed with: "Place of Scenic Beauty: Soka Matsubara - Scenic Place Along Oku-no-Hosomichi" Calligraphy by Donald Keene.Mar 10, 2023
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Straw bands are wrapped on the tree trunks to catch harmful insects.Mar 10, 2023
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Walking south along Soka-Matsubara pine trees.Mar 10, 2023
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Monument for the Japanese bush clover planted by the late Donald Keene. Mar 10, 2023
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Monument for the Japanese bush clover planted by the late Donald Keene. Flowers not in season in Feb. Donald Keene was a renown professor of Japanese studies (especially literature) at Columbia University in New York. ドナルド・キーン記念植樹Mar 10, 2023
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Along the pine tree path is this monument for the Japanese bush clover planted by the late Donald Keene who first visited Soka in 1988 to give a keynote speech at the Oku-no-Hosomichi International Symposium.Mar 10, 2023
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Southern view of Soka-Matsubara pine trees from Hyakutai Bridge, Saitama.Mar 10, 2023
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Southern view from Hyakutai Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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View from Hyakutai Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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View from Hyakutai Bridge. This road goes to the train station straight ahead.Mar 10, 2023
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Hyakutai Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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Northern view of pine trees from Hyakutai Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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Northern view from Hyakutai Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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Going up Hyakutai Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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Hyakutai Bridge is decorated with small relief sculptures like these pine cones.Mar 10, 2023
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Hyakutai Bridge has steps and a narrow slope for pushing bicycles. Not wheelchair accessible. 百代橋Mar 10, 2023
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Back to Hyakutai Bridge. This is near the halfway point on the Soka-Matsubara path.Mar 10, 2023
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The pine tree path is popular among joggers and for walks.Mar 10, 2023
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Pine needles and pine cones up close.Mar 10, 2023
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Pine needles and pine cones.Mar 10, 2023
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Soka-Matsubara pine tree path.Mar 10, 2023
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Starting to backtrack to Hyakutai Bridge and proceed to the southern end of the pine trees.Mar 10, 2023
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Northern end of Soka-Matsubara.Mar 10, 2023
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Monument says 今様草加松原 mean "Modern-style Soka-Matsubara" in reference to current efforts to preserve the pine tree path in modern ways.Mar 10, 2023
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Northern end of Soka-Matsubara. From here, walk 1.5 km to reach the southern end of Soka-Matsubara pine trees.Mar 10, 2023
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The northern end of Soka-Matsubara has this ring.Mar 10, 2023
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Stone bench.Mar 10, 2023
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Turtle sculptures.Mar 10, 2023
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Ayase River looking south. 綾瀬川Mar 10, 2023
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Ayase RiverMar 10, 2023
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Green pines against the blue sky are therapeutic for the eyes.Mar 10, 2023
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Nakazone Bridge over Ayase River.Mar 10, 2023
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A local group was formed in 1976 to replant pine trees. Their efforts was successful with 500+ trees planted. Vehicular traffic through the pine trees stopped in 1982. Thankfully, it's now pedestrians only.Mar 10, 2023
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By 1877, Soka-Matsubara had 800+ pine trees. In the 1930s, Soka-Matsubara had over 700 pine trees. However, by the 1960s due to vehicle exhaust fumes, the number of pine trees shrank to 60.Mar 10, 2023
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Soka Matsubara pine trees may have been originally planted as early as 1683 by government official Ina Tada'atsu (伊奈忠篤) in the Fudaba Park area where there was a river boat dock.Mar 10, 2023
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Soka-Matsubara pine trees north of Hyakutai-bashi Bridge.Mar 10, 2023
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Matsuo Basho monument at Soka-Matsubara.Mar 10, 2023
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Matsuo Basho monumentMar 10, 2023
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From Hyakutai-bashi Bridge, I first walked north along Soka-Matsubara.Mar 10, 2023
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Monument indicating Soka-Matsubara as a Scenic Place on the Oku-no-Hosomichi path.Mar 10, 2023
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The arch bridge is near the middle of the pine tree path. If you want to walk through the entire pine tree path from here, go left first, then backtrack and walk south until the end. Monument near the arch bridge. Mar 10, 2023
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Soka-Matsubara pine tree path continues on the right going south. There's another similar arch bridge at the intersection further south.Mar 10, 2023
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This is one of the two arch bridges. Named Hyakutai-bashi (百代橋), 62.5 meters long, 3.5 m wide. It has steps and a narrow slope to push bicycles. Not wheelchair accessible.Mar 10, 2023
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Where the Soka-Matsubara pine tree path intersects with a major road at two locations, there's a large arch bridge to enable pedestrians to keep walking non-stop along the pine trees.Mar 10, 2023
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While walking on this main road to Soka-Matsubara, you will soon see the large arch bridge over the road.Mar 10, 2023
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From Dokkyodaigakumae Station's east exit, walk on this main road to Soka-Matsubara. Short walk.Mar 10, 2023
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Dokkyodaigakumae Station (Tobu Railway from Asakusa) east exit. Get out here to walk to Soka-Matsubara.Mar 10, 2023
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Soka Matsubara is near Dokkyodaigakumae Station (Tobu Railway from Asakusa) east exit.Mar 10, 2023
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Soka Matsubara is a nice, long pedestrian path stretching for 1.5 km lined on both sides with over 600 evergreen pine trees. Part of Soka-juku post town on the old Nikko Kaido road to Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Near Dokkyodaigakumae Station (Tobu Railway from Asakusa).Mar 10, 2023
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About Soka Matsubara. Some 60 of the pine trees have survived since the Edo Period.Mar 10, 2023
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Satte Station platform express train boarding marker.Mar 30, 2021
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Stairs at Satte Station.Mar 30, 2021
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Took the bus back to Satte Station.Mar 30, 2021
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Under the cherries at Satte, Saitama Prefecture.Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Great place to take pictures of your family or love one(s).Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Such a genius to plant rapeseed blossoms next to the cherry blossoms.Mar 30, 2021
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Every spring, they show this on the TV news in Tokyo, but it's way more beautiful to see it in person. The place is also a lot bigger than what you see on TV. Mar 30, 2021
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The cherry blossoms go along the riverbank for 1 km. That's quite long, but it was originally a whopping 6 km long. Mar 30, 2021
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Many of the trees were cut down during WWII for firewood. The ones we see today were planted in 1949. Mar 30, 2021
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Rapeseed flowers at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. The rapeseed blossoms were planted in 1988 where there used to be rice paddies here.Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms and rapeseed blossoms at Gogendo Park in Satte, Saitama Prefecture. Even this is still 80% bloom.Mar 30, 2021
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Such an impressive sight at one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in the Tokyo or Kanto area.Mar 30, 2021
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Nanohana and sakura. It seems that my digital camera thought the picture had too much yellow so it tried to compensate by adding a bluish tinge. I had to correct it.Mar 30, 2021
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Walking around the rapeseed blossoms is the main highlight since you also see the cherry blossoms.Mar 30, 2021
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From the embankment, here's one path that goes to the rapeseed blossoms.Mar 30, 2021
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I walked along the entire length of the cherry blossoms. Very pleasant.Mar 30, 2021
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Looking toward the rapeseed blossoms.Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossom tunnel on the riverbank. Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossom tunnel on the riverbank. It goes on for about 1 km. There are 1,000 cherry trees.Mar 30, 2021
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Cherry blossoms on the top of the embankment.Mar 30, 2021
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There are three rows of cherry blossoms. One row on both sides of the embankment, and one row on the top of the embankment.Mar 30, 2021
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There are three rows of cherry blossoms on the riverbank. This row is on the foot of one side.Mar 30, 2021
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At the foot of the embankment with cherry trees and food stalls. Mar 30, 2021
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At the foot of the embankment with cherry trees and food stalls. Mar 30, 2021
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At the foot of the embankment with cherry trees and food stalls. Flowers usually bloom from late March to early April. This is probably around 80% bloom.Mar 30, 2021
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Map of Gogendo Park, a long park along an embankment lined with three rows of cherry blossoms. In parallel are large patches of rapeseed blossoms and Nakagawa River.Mar 30, 2021
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Finally, the entrance to the riverbank lined with cherry blossoms.Mar 30, 2021
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Large parking lot at the park.Mar 30, 2021
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Most people go by car.Mar 30, 2021
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So I started walking to the park. It took about 30 min.Mar 30, 2021
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I couldn't wait for the next bus.Mar 30, 2021
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Long line for the bus to Gogendo Park. Unfortunately, the bus got too full to fit me.Mar 30, 2021
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In front of Satte Station, the bus stop for Gogendo Park.Mar 30, 2021
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Satte Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. 東武日光線幸手駅Mar 30, 2021
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From Satte Station, there are infrequent buses to Gogendo Park. Bus schedule hre.Mar 30, 2021
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Inside Satte Station.Mar 30, 2021
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Welcome to Satte! A city in Saitama Prefecture famous for Gogendo Park when the cherry blossoms and rapesed blossoms bloom at the same time.Mar 30, 2021
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Nearest station is Satte Station on the Tobu Nikko Line. Inside the station is this tourist information desk.Mar 30, 2021
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Seat categories.Jan 29, 2020
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Saitama Super Arena's press room.Jan 29, 2020
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We also visited courtside.Jan 29, 2020
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Asami YoshidaJan 29, 2020
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Mikoto OnumaJan 29, 2020
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Saori MiyazakiJan 29, 2020
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Kadysha Juna Umezawa, from Canada.Jan 29, 2020
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Saori MiyazakiJan 29, 2020
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Saori MiyazakiJan 29, 2020
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Eneos Sunflowers (yellow) vs. Toyota Antelopes. Asami YoshidaJan 29, 2020
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Eneos Sunflowers Jan 29, 2020
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Introducing the Toyota Antelopes.Jan 29, 2020
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Introducing the players.Jan 29, 2020
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The next semi-fonal women's basketball game for the Empress's Cup was Eneos Sunflowers vs. Toyota Antelopes.Jan 29, 2020
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Another concourse.Jan 29, 2020
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稲井 桃子 / Momoko InaiJan 29, 2020
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赤穂 ひまわり / Himawari AkahoJan 29, 2020
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This semi-final game was Denso Iris (white) vs. Mitsubishi Electric Koalas.Jan 29, 2020
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Saitama Super Arena concourse had a few souvenir stands.Jan 29, 2020
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We saw two women's semi-final basketball games for the 86th Empress's Cup at Saitama Super Arena.Jan 29, 2020
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Entering Saitama Super Arena, not so crowded for women's basketball games.Jan 29, 2020
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My second visit to Saitama Super Arena was on Jan. 11, 2020. It was for the Empress's Cup national baskteball tournament.Jan 29, 2020
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Olympic/Paralympic venues in Saitama Prefecture.Jan 29, 2020
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Countdown to Tokyo 2020 as of Jan. 11, 2020. Saitama Shin-toshin Station.Jan 29, 2020
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Outside the srena.Jan 29, 2020
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Seat categories.Jan 29, 2020
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Arena layout.Jan 29, 2020
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Japan easily beat Chinese Taipei.Jan 29, 2020
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Yuki MiyazawaJan 29, 2020
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Nako MotohashiJan 29, 2020
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Kadysha Juna Umezawa, from Canada.Jan 29, 2020
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Kadysha Juna Umezawa, from Canada.Jan 29, 2020
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Cheerleaders shoot a prize to the crowd.Jan 29, 2020
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Tip off.Jan 29, 2020
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Chinese Taipei practicing.Jan 29, 2020
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Japan women's national team in red.Jan 29, 2020
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Large block of empty seats. It seems the TV cameras needed a clear view and the red seats were for sponsors left unused. Hope we don't see this at the Olympics.Jan 29, 2020
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Next was the women's national team playing against Chinese Taipei. The arena became pretty empty for women's basketball. Aug. 25, 2019.Women's basketball is nowhere near as popular as men's basketball in Japan. This was my first time to see a women's basketball game in Japan.Jan 29, 2020
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Saitama Super Arena snack bar.Jan 29, 2020
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Speech by Rui Hachimura.Jan 29, 2020
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Remarks by Rui Hachimura, the main reason for Japan's renewed interest in the NBA.Jan 29, 2020
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After the game, team members lined up on the court for a thank you speech by Rui Hachimura (in black on the left).It seems men's basketball has finally become a lot more popular with Rui being drafted to the NBA's Washington Wizards and a member of Japan's national team. Rui has a Japanese mother and Beninese father. Born and raised in Toyama, Japan and fluent in Japanese. He's likely to appear in Tokyo 2020.Jan 29, 2020
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Post-game comments by Yuta Watanabe.Jan 29, 2020
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Yuta Watanabe expresses his disappointment with the loss.Jan 29, 2020
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Final score.Jan 29, 2020
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Cheerleaders in a corner.Jan 29, 2020
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Today's attendance.Jan 29, 2020
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Courtside TV cameramen.Jan 29, 2020
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CourtsideJan 29, 2020
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Makoto Hiejima. Japan trailed Tunisia most of the time, but it finally caught up and tied the score during last few minutes. But a basket by Tunisia during the final seconds beat Japan. Good game.Jan 29, 2020
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This is Yuta Watanabe, one of the star players and an NBA player for the Memphis Grizzlies.The national team's other NBA player, Rui Hachimura, didn't play this day and was on the sidelines.Jan 29, 2020
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Naoto TsujiJan 29, 2020
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Naoto TsujiJan 29, 2020
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Naoto TsujiJan 29, 2020
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The national basketball team also has cheerleaders named "Akatsuki Venus." Like the players, most cheerleaders come from cheerleading squads from various pro basketball teams in Japan.Jan 29, 2020
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Daiki TanakaJan 29, 2020
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Daiki TanakaJan 29, 2020
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Yuta Watanabe, one of the star players and an NBA player for the Memphis Grizzlies.Jan 29, 2020
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Daiki Tanaka. Tunisia in white.Jan 29, 2020
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Roster for Japan and Tunisia. Rui Hachimura didn't play this day and was on the courtside. Too bad! He had played the day before against Germany and the crowd went wild whenever he scored. The crowd was still very excited on this day too.Jan 29, 2020
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"Akatsuki Five" is the nickname for Japan's national basketball team (for both men and women). "Akatsuki" means "red dawn."Jan 29, 2020
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Spectators were given red-colored file folders to create this red blanket. It seems red is Saitama's sports cheering color.Jan 29, 2020
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"Japan as One"Jan 29, 2020
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The crowd was excited to see their national team.Jan 29, 2020
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Introducing the players.Jan 29, 2020
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Introducing the players.Jan 29, 2020
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Introducing the players.Jan 29, 2020
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For smaller crowds, Saitama Super Arena can be adjusted to have only two tiers of seats.Jan 29, 2020
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For smaller crowds, Saitama Super Arena can be adjusted to have only two tiers of seats.Jan 29, 2020
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For smaller crowds, Saitama Super Arena can be adjusted to have only two tiers of seats. The ceiling is lowered to hide the third tier on the top.Jan 29, 2020
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When full, Saitama Super Arena has three tiers of seats.Jan 29, 2020
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When full, Saitama Super Arena has three tiers of seats.Jan 29, 2020
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The men's basketball game was held first, with Japan vs. Tunisia. The stadium was packed with over 18,000.Jan 29, 2020
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