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Naoko Yamazaki uses the virtual reality lab in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center to train for some of her duties aboard the space shuttle and space station.25 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, uses the virtual reality lab in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center to train for some of her duties aboard the space shuttle and space station. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with space station elements.May 25, 2010
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2008 March 15 -- Naoko Yamazaki working as J-COM at the Kibo Mission Control at Tsukuba Space Center, Ibaraki Prefecture. She is helping Takao Doi install the Kibo module at the International Space Station. (JAXA photo)May 25, 2010
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12 Jan. 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki participates in a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) training session...12 Jan. 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, participates in a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) training session in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.May 25, 2010
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2010 March 4 --- Training for emergency escape during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test at Kennedy Space Center.May 25, 2010
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21-25 June 2004 --- Naoko Yamazaki learns about the operation of a life raft during water survival training at Pensacola Naval Air Station.May 25, 2010
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13 October 2004 --- From the left, JAXA astronauts Satoshi Furukawa, Akihiko Hoshide and Naoko Yamazaki discover the joy of weightlessness aboard a KC-135, reduced gravity aircraft.13 October 2004 --- From the left, JAXA astronauts Satoshi Furukawa, Akihiko Hoshide and Naoko Yamazaki discover the joy of weightlessness as they join members of NASA's 2004 class of astronaut candidates for a familiarization flight aboard a KC-135, reduced gravity aircraftMay 25, 2010
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23-26 August 2004 --- Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki boils water over a campfire during 2004 ASCAN land survival training in the wilderness of Maine.May 25, 2010
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29 April 2010 --- Members of the STS-131 Ascent flight control team and crew members pose for a group portrait in the space shuttle flight control room in the Mission Control Center...29 April 2010 --- The members of the STS-131 Ascent flight control team and crew members pose for a group portrait in the space shuttle flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Flight director Bryan Lunney and NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter, commander, (left center) stand on the second row. Additional crew members pictured are NASA astronauts James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Clayton Anderson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Rick Mastracchio and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, all mission specialists.May 25, 2010
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2010 April 1 -- STS-131 crew are ready for launch as they arrive at Kennedy Space Center via a NASA jet.May 25, 2010
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2010 March 4-- Crew poses in front of the launch pad before the start of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, a simulation of the final hours of a launch countdown.May 25, 2010
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2010 March 5 -- After emergency escape training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, the crew poses for a picture at Kennedy Space Center.May 25, 2010
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Official poster for STS-131. Looks like a movie poster, except that this adventure is for real (even though the poster makes it look like it's not real).May 25, 2010
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21 Oct. 2009 --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-131 crew portrait.21 Oct. 2009 --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-131 crew portrait. Seated are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter (right), commander; and James P. Dutton Jr., pilot. Pictured from the left (standing) are NASA astronauts Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists.May 25, 2010
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9 Dec. 2009 --- The STS-131 crew members, attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, take a moment to pose for a crew photo prior to a training session...9 Dec. 2009 --- The STS-131 crew members, attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, take a moment to pose for a crew photo prior to a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Pictured from the left are NASA astronauts Clayton Anderson and Stephanie Wilson, both mission specialists; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Alan Poindexter, commander; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, all mission specialists.May 25, 2010
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2009 Dec. 2 -- Logo for Naoko Yamazaki's STS-131 Mission. The image on the logo is of a seed encompassing life in space and continuing to grow into a new life, a new age in space...The STS-130/19A mission is the final assembly mission of the International Space Station (ISS), a symbol of international cooperation. Astronaut Yamazaki is the first Japanese woman to be assigned as a NASA Mission Specialist and is scheduled to fly to the ISS. She is also the eighth Japanese to fly to space, represented on the logo by eight four-leaved clovers.
The image on the logo is of a seed encompassing life in space and continuing to grow into a new life, a new age in space. It was designed with the hope of leading all life within the universe to a better future. Moreover, the logo is made with the hope that the technology and knowledge cultivated through ISS missions, including those in the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibo,” will be used to enrich the future of the Earth, the Moon, and Mars. Finally, we hope that life in the future will grow to play an active role on both the Earth and in space.
May 25, 2010
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Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.14 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.May 25, 2010
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2007 April 20 -- Naoko at the NASA booth at the 2007 Grand Prix of Houston auto race. (JAXA photo)May 25, 2010
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14 Sept. 2009 --- Naoko Yamazaki, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a training session...14 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, participates in a training session near one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.May 25, 2010
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17 Sept. 2009 --- Naoko Yamazaki dons a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session...17 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, dons a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit in preparation for a water survival training session in the waters of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) near NASA's Johnson Space Center.May 25, 2010
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9 Dec. 2009 --- Naoko Yamazaki participates in a training session in one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility...9 Dec. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, participates in a training session in one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, Yamazaki is seated on the middeck for a post insertion/de-orbit training session.May 25, 2010
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2010 March 5 --- Naoko during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.May 25, 2010
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29 Jan. 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, poses for a photo prior to the start of an ingress/egress training session...29 Jan. 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, poses for a photo prior to the start of an ingress/egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.May 25, 2010
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2003 July 2 -- Naoko Yamazaki looking younger in 2003. Notice that her name badge still reads "Naoko Sumino," her maiden name. (JAXA photo)May 25, 2010
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17 August 2004 --- Naoko Yamazaki, ASCAN Class of 2004, representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).17 August 2004 --- Naoko Yamazaki, ASCAN Class of 2004, representing the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).May 25, 2010
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STS-131 poster by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).May 25, 2010
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2 Nov. 2009 --- Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki's official portrait by NASA. The following photos are from NASA or JAXA.Read her preflight interview by NASA here.May 25, 2010
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Along the final stretch of the too-short parade route, the huge crowd followed her. The parade ended at about 3 pm.May 25, 2010
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Luckily she turned my way when I took this shot.May 25, 2010
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As soon as Naoko's car passed by, a huge wave of people rolled in to chase her and see her again. I was barely able to get these last two shots of her.May 25, 2010
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Naoko's car was followed by the mayor's car.May 25, 2010
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JAXA Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki at her welcome home parade in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture on May 22, 2010.May 25, 2010
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It's mind-boggling to see how much training she went through during 11 years or so before she actually went into space. It must've been hard on her husband and daughter, but they stuck it out and must be very proud.May 25, 2010
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After the parade, she went to her junior high school and gave a talk to hundreds of elementary and junior high school students. She spent the night at her parents' home in Matsudo.May 25, 2010
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Naoko Yamazaki in her homecoming parade in Matsudo, Chiba. Also see my video at YouTube.May 25, 2010
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Here are a few of my rapid-fire shots of her when she passed by me the second and last time. It was too crowded to chase her any more.May 25, 2010
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Behind the kids was Naoko Yamazaki's convertible from which she tirelessly waved and smiled. May 25, 2010
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The banner reads, "Welcome home, Yamazaki Naoko" 日本宇宙少年団千葉スペースボイジャー分団員May 25, 2010
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The marching band was followed by a group of kids belonging to the Young Astronaut Club, an educational club.May 25, 2010
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The flag dancers were followed by a marching band from the fire dept. 消防音楽隊May 25, 2010
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The parade started with this group of flag twirlers. May 25, 2010
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She's a very attractive and charming-looking lady. Cream of the cream. Yes, she's the first Japanese mom to fly into space, but she's very bright. Graduate of Univ. of Tokyo in aeronautical engineering.May 25, 2010
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Whenever someone goes into space, there was always something that's first. She's the first Japanese mom in space. The first time more than one Japanese were in space. The first time four women were in space.May 25, 2010
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There she is, my first good shot of her. Many people called out to her and she acknowledged with a wave and photogenic smile.May 25, 2010
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So I really prayed that Discovery would return safely to Earth. Because if there were another tragic accident, it would be too much of a heartbreak. Japanese-Americans lost Ellison, and if the Japanese lost Naoko, I can't even bear to think about it.May 25, 2010
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And so I had to see and welcome her home too. Japan-America relations at its finest, on the highest level, literally. This is near Matsudo Station. Her car was escorted by the Guardian Angels and security guards.May 25, 2010
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Naoko Yamazaki in a black convertible. Ever since the Challenger disaster in 1986 when Ellison Onizuka from Hawaii died (I never got over it), I always viewed the Space Shuttle as a risky vehicle. Even today, so many things can and do go wrong in space.May 25, 2010
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People line the parade route. The parade started at about 2:35 pm.May 25, 2010
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The parade route went around a few blocks and returned to Isetan. The first stretch of the route was here where they threw confetti. Thanks to my friend Gary for these confetti shots.May 25, 2010
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The ceremony was over by 2:30 pm, and she then hopped in a convertible for the parade. After the ceremony was over, I rushed out and ran to the parade route in front of Matsudo Station.May 25, 2010
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The same banner found in Matsudo Station also hung above the stage.May 25, 2010
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Naoko Yamazaki at her homecoming ceremony in Matsudo, Chiba. She was inspired to become an astronaut when she saw a school teacher fly on the space shuttle when she was growing up in the 1980s.May 25, 2010
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Representatives from the Young Astronaut Club gave her a flag and bouquet of flowers. フラッグ、花束贈呈May 25, 2010
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She spoke for only a few minutes.May 25, 2010
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Her biography by NASA is here.May 25, 2010
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"I'm happy to be from Matsudo..." Also see my video at YouTube to hear her entire speech. 帰還の報告May 25, 2010
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The plaza in front of Isetan was quite full. We were warned that we wouldn't be able to see the welcome parade afterward because they would block off the street from us. However, it was still possible for us to see the parade.May 25, 2010
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Naoko Yamazaki speaks, thanking everyone for their support and encouragement. 山崎直子宇宙飛行士 帰還報告会May 25, 2010
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Matsudo Mayor Toshihisa Kawai at Naoko Yamazaki's welcome home ceremony in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture. The man on the right is the Matsudo Board of Education Superintendent. Hidden by the mayor is Speaker of the Matsudo City Assembly.May 25, 2010
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First, Matsudo Mayor Toshihisa Kawai said a few words to welcome Naoko back to Earth and to her hometown of Matsudo. 伊勢丹前広場にてオープニングセレモニーMay 25, 2010
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People wave flags again as Naoko Yamazaki is introduced to speak during her homecoming ceremony in Matsudo, Chiba.May 25, 2010
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When Naoko Yamazaki arrived by car, people started to wave the paper flags as she made her way to the stage. People behind the people in front couldn't see much because of the flags.May 25, 2010
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Isetan Dept. Store in Matsudo had a large vertical banner welcoming Naoko's return.May 25, 2010
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Sign for Naoko Yamazaki's welcome home ceremony and parade. They also passed out little flyers written with the day's schedule. May 25, 2010
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By 1:30 pm, the place was getting quite full of people. I was standing not too close to the stage. The ceremony was to start at 2:15 pm. First the marching band played.May 25, 2010
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The small plaza in front of Isetan served as the venue for Naoko Yamazaki's welcome home ceremony. They had a small, elevated stage. The place was divided into squares for people to stand in.May 25, 2010
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The parade route was fenced off.May 25, 2010
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Staff passing out free paper flags.May 25, 2010
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The paper flag had Naoko Yamazaki's official logo for the STS-131 mission. (See high-quality image below.)May 25, 2010
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They provided free paper flags for spectators.May 25, 2010
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On May 22, 2010, the city of Matsudo in Chiba Prefecture held a welcome home ceremony and parade for astronaut Naoko Yamazaki who came to visit during a brief visit to Japan.May 25, 2010
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Little flags and banners festooned the 500-meter parade route. 道路上街灯にフラッグMay 25, 2010
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The Matsudo Tourist Association has a show window in Matsudo Station showing local products and a poster of Naoko.May 25, 2010
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The parade route started on this narrow road near Matsudo Station, coming from Isetan Dept. Store.May 25, 2010
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Naoko Yamazaki went on her first space flight aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on April 5, 2010 and spent almost 2 weeks on the International Space Station. She returned on April 20, 2010 to Kennedy Space Center in Florida.May 25, 2010
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A large banner adorns JR Matsudo Station (Joban Line) to celebrate Matsudo native and astronaut Yamazaki Naoko's return to Earth from her Space Shuttle mission in April 2010.May 25, 2010
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Posters celebrating Naoko's return were all over central Matsudo.May 25, 2010
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View from Kangun-zuka.Mar 04, 2010
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Kangun-zuka Memorial. During the Boshin War between the forces of the shogun and Emperor Meiji, a ship carrying the Kumamoto clan to Hakodate's Goryokaku fortress sank off this shore. This memorial is for the 135 people who died on the ship. 官軍塚Mar 04, 2010
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A tsunami trap if I ever saw one.Mar 04, 2010
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About the Kangun-zuka.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura Lighthouse and cherry blossomsMar 04, 2010
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Katsuura Lighthouse and cherry blossomsMar 04, 2010
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The lookout point on Hachiman Misaki Park can be seen.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura Lighthouse was not open to the public.Mar 04, 2010
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Nice costal views as you walk from Hachiman Misaki to Katsuura Lighthouse.Mar 04, 2010
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When Oman-no-kata was 14, Katsuura Castle was beseiged by Hideyoshi's forces and she, her mother and little brother escaped near here by using a white sheet to go down the cliff to a small boat which took them to Tateyama.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura LighthouseMar 04, 2010
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Statue of Oman-no-kata, daughter of Katsuura Castle lord Masaki Yoritada. She became Tokugawa Ieyasu's concubine at age 17 and gave birth to Tokugawa Yorinobu (clan in Kishu) and Yorifusa (clan in Mito).Mar 04, 2010
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Lookout pointMar 04, 2010
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Hachiman Misaki Park was the former site of Katsuura Castle. Masaki Yoritada was the castle lord until 1590.Mar 04, 2010
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Torii islandMar 04, 2010
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Map of Hachiman Misaki Park, an easy walk from central Katsuura.Mar 04, 2010
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SquidMar 04, 2010
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That white tower is the Katsuura Underwater Marine Tower for observing fish.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura has a scenic coastline. This is the Pacific Ocean.Mar 04, 2010
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AjiMar 04, 2010
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Drying fish in the sun.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura fish marketMar 04, 2010
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Katsuura port with fishing boats.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura Big Hina Matsuri festival poster for 2010. Official Web site hereMar 04, 2010
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So, I think I saw most of the 25,000 hina dolls on display at Katsuura.Mar 04, 2010
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Back in central Katsuura, a house with an elaborate display of hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Hina matsuri dolls at Katsuura City Hall. About 500 dolls here, displayed from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm during the festival period.Mar 04, 2010
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Inside Katsuura City HallMar 04, 2010
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As soon as you step into Katsuura City Hall, you see this large stand of hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Katsuura City HallMar 04, 2010
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One more place to see hina dolls is at Katsuura City Hall. Walkable from the public library.Mar 04, 2010
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Edo Period hina dollsMar 04, 2010
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Dolls in a bottleMar 04, 2010
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Meiji PeriodMar 04, 2010
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From the Taisho Period.Mar 04, 2010
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Older dolls are also displayed.Mar 04, 2010
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Hina dolls made of quilt material.Mar 04, 2010
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Are those ping-pong ball heads?Mar 04, 2010
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The 2nd floor of the public library also displays handmade hina dolls made by local nursery school kids.Mar 04, 2010
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They use simple, everyday materials to make these hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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These hanging decorations called tsurushi kazari (つるし飾り) often flank the hina dolls. Hanging on the strings are various decorations such as goldfish. Each decoration is significant for something, usually related to prosperity, good health and foMar 04, 2010
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The 2nd floor of the public library exhibits hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Next to the temple is the public library, another venue for doll displays.Mar 04, 2010
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Kakuoji temple 覚翁寺(かくおうじ)山門前Mar 04, 2010
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Hina dolls in bamboo.Mar 04, 2010
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Doll display at Kakuoji temple's Sanmon Gate. About 600 dolls here. Displayed from 8 am to 6:30 pm and lit up at 5 pm. Accented by nanohana rape blossoms.Mar 04, 2010
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Doll display at Kakuoji temple's Sanmon Gate. This is at the end of the Chuo Shotengai shopping street. 覚翁寺(かくおうじ)山門前Mar 04, 2010
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Tourist informationMar 04, 2010
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Hina dolls outside the ryokan.Mar 04, 2010
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This Matsu no Ie ryokan is an Important Cultural Property. 松の家Mar 04, 2010
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Inside the ryokan are hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Doll exhibit for a photo op. Sit there to take a picture with the dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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This is the Katsuura Chuo Shotengai shopping street, the festival's main street. It leads to Kakuoji temple and the public library where there are more dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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This shop decorated its stairway and 2nd floor.Mar 04, 2010
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Sushi (my lunch) with a hina doll and sakura flower design. The head is made of cheese.Mar 04, 2010
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Morning market gets really crowded later in the afternoon when more tourists arrive.Mar 04, 2010
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Each vendor at the morning market also displays hina dolls along with their wares. Very nice touch.Mar 04, 2010
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Held at the same time as the doll festival is the Asa-ichi morning market along a back street.Mar 04, 2010
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It says, "Katsuura Hina Matsuri."Mar 04, 2010
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These dolls are also lit up at night until 8 pm when they are put away.Mar 04, 2010
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This is by far the biggest hina doll display I had ever seen in Japan. A hina matsuri of similar scale is also held in Katsuura, Tokushima Prefecture.Mar 04, 2010
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If the dolls are displayed and it starts to rain, people in the neighborhood all rush out to put away the dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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The dolls are displayed from 8 am to 7 pm (or 8 pm on weekends). If it rains, the dolls are not displayed.Mar 04, 2010
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About 1,200 hina dolls are sitting on these steps. This doll display is assembled every morning at 7 am and put away every evening during the festival. It takes around 15 people about an hour to set up the dolls every morning during the festival.Mar 04, 2010
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This is the famous display of hina ningyo dolls on 60 steps of Tomisaki Shrine. It is the festival's centerpiece and main attraction.Mar 04, 2010
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Entering Tomisaki Shrine.Mar 04, 2010
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Way to Tomisaki Shrine.Mar 04, 2010
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Even this soft drink vending machine had hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Placing hina dolls in bamboo is common.Mar 04, 2010
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Noren shop curtain with hina doll design.Mar 04, 2010
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Dolls depicting figure skaters Takahashi Daisuke and Ando Miki who appeared at the Vancouver Winter Olympics during the time of the hina matsuri.Mar 04, 2010
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A futon bedding shop has hina dolls made of blankets.Mar 04, 2010
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This neighborhood bookstore has hina dolls under the magazine racks.Mar 04, 2010
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Origami hina dollsMar 04, 2010
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All over central Katsuura, you will see hina dolls displayed, especially at storefronts. It makes it a very charming sight.Mar 04, 2010
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Origami hina dollsMar 04, 2010
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About the Katsuura Hina Matsuri doll festival.Mar 04, 2010
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Walk further and you see this small space exhibiting origami hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Since it's wasteful to throw away these hina dolls, they send them to places like Katsuura to be reused. Katsuura's collection has thus grown to 25,000 as people all over Japan sent their old dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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Each hina doll thus represents a family's hope, prayer, and history.Mar 04, 2010
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The hina dolls are traditionally displayed in a home to pray for the health and growth of the family's children. However, after the kids grow up, the hina dolls are no longer displayed.Mar 04, 2010
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The whole town has become involved in the festival's success. Many owners of shops and homes where tourists pass by decorate their buildings with hina dolls.Mar 04, 2010
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The festival in Katsuura, Chiba has grown to have a whopping 25,000 hina dolls on exhibit during late Feb. to March 3, the traditional Girls Day. It has since become famous in the Tokyo (Kanto) area as the TV news report it in late Feb.Mar 04, 2010
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Since Katsuura town in Tokushima had the same name as Katsuura in Chiba, they lent 7,000 hina dolls to Katsuura in Chiba to start their own "Big Hina Matsuri."Mar 04, 2010
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This Big Hina Matsuri festival started relatively recently. The city of Katsuura got the idea for this festival after the town of Katsuura in Tokushima Prefecture (Shikoku) started its Big Hina Matsuri in 1989.Mar 04, 2010
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If it starts to rain, the surrounding neighbors will come out immediately to put away the dolls. There was no threat of rain this day.Mar 04, 2010
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Hina matsuri dolls at Tona street intersection in Katsuura, Chiba. About 600 dolls are displayed here from 8 am to 5 pm during the festival period.Mar 04, 2010
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It was a nice sunny weekday when I went. On weekends, they have various entertainment. But the weekends were cloudy or rainy this year.Mar 04, 2010
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When planning to visit the hina matsuri in Katsuura, make sure it will not rain. If it rains, the hina dolls will not be displayed outdoors. They are the most impressive ones. This is at the Tona street intersection.Mar 04, 2010
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Central Katsuura is compact, and you can reach most places on foot. Sign points the way to Tomisaki Shrine. There are a few places in Katsuura where you can see giant displays of hina dolls. Tomisaki Shrine is the centerpiece.Mar 04, 2010
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A few minutes walk from Katsuura Station, this Tona street intersection will be the first giant display of hina dolls you will see. 墨名(とな)交差点Mar 04, 2010
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When you arrive at Katsuura Station, you'll see a big display of hina matsuri dolls. Don't be impressed yet though. The Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri festival is held during late Feb. until March 3 which is Girls Day.Mar 04, 2010
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Tourist info office near Katsuura Station. They offer maps of the city and hina matsuri points of interest.Mar 04, 2010
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The small coastal town of Katsuura holds one of Japan's most impressive hina matsuri doll festival during late Feb. to early March. A whopping 25,000 hina ningyo dolls are displayed all over town. Photo: JR Katsuura Station on the Sotobo Line. Katsuura is about 2 hours from Tokyo on non-express trains. Board the Sotobo Line at Chiba Station.Mar 04, 2010
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An early-blooming variety of cherry blossom also bloom in Katsuura during the hina matsuri, making it an added attraction. It was held during Feb. 20 to March 3, 2010 when I went.Mar 04, 2010
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Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station on the JR Sotobo Line.Sep 21, 2009
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PR poster for Kazusa Junisha Matsuri.Sep 21, 2009
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Sep 21, 2009
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From 7 pm, the mikoshi started returning to Tamasaki Shrine. At 8 pm, the god's spirit in the mikoshi was returned to the shrine.Sep 21, 2009
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Also see my video at YouTube.Sep 21, 2009
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Women waved fans.Sep 21, 2009
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Sometimes they tossed the mikoshi up.Sep 21, 2009
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Like on the beach, they wave fans and cheer.Sep 21, 2009
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From 6 pm, they paraded the mikoshi on the main road near Tamasaki Shrine.Sep 21, 2009
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Shrine priest arrives.Sep 21, 2009
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More horses arrive.Sep 21, 2009
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Sep 21, 2009
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Making way for the horses.Sep 21, 2009
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The sacred horse arrive in town.Sep 21, 2009
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It would take them about an hour to get back to town.Sep 21, 2009
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Also see my video at YouTube.Sep 21, 2009
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