 Most viewed - GUNMA 群馬県 |
Hiking up the mountain.148 views
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Takasaki Museum of Art 高崎市立美術館148 views
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Statue in front of Chiaki Mukai Children's Science Museum, Tatebayashi, Gunma. The boy holds a space shuttle.148 views
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View from Fureai Bridge in Tatebayashi.148 views
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Tatebayashi Castle's Honmaru is marked by this Hachiman Shrine on a mound. Gunma.147 views
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Made of concrete.146 views
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The nightly main event was an hour-long Merrie Monarch hula show by Hula Halau 'O Kamuela, the overall winner of the 2008 Merrie Monarch Festival held in Hilo, Hawaii.146 views
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Tanuki and azalea, a good match? I prefer women and flowers. Tsutsujigaoka146 views
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Top of the mountain144 views
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Hula is also performed by men. These photos were taken during the 7th Ikaho Hawaiian Festival (Aug. 5-7, 2003).144 views
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Mayor Kogure speaks with Aloha Dalire and Luana Kawelu after the Merrie Monarch Show.143 views
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Colorful costumes and lots of eye candy.142 views
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Upper left is a letter from Yukiko Irwin, Bella's niece. Upper right are hymns used by Bella's Sunday School. Photo below shows Yukiko Irwin (daughter of Robert Irwin's 2nd son Richard) visiting Ikaho in 1979, meeting with a cultural property142 views
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Right balcony of Daruma temple, Takasaki.141 views
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A young Robert Walker Irwin.141 views
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Festivals in Tatebayashi.141 views
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Bus back to JR Shin-machi Station, takes about 90 min.140 views
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The Kannon statue peers over the trees.140 views
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Garden (photos taken in early May)140 views
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Crowd-pleasing performance.140 views
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The mountain is an easy hike. But hardly anybody climbed it.139 views
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Kumu hula Kau'i Kamana'o does a solo number.139 views
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In 1985, the 100th anniversary of the Japanese immigration to Hawaii, Ikaho designated this residence as one of the town's Historic Places. ハワイ王国公使別邸138 views
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View from halfway up.137 views
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Right balcony of temple.137 views
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Finally, they use feathered gourd rattles called Ulīʻulī.137 views
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To Kannon-yama136 views
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Aloha Dalire taught seminars in hula history, Hawaiian expression, and lei-making (pictured here). She brought a boxful of a'ali'i flowers for lei-making. All the students had heard of the flower, but it was the first time for them to see it.135 views
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An Australian praying at the temple134 views
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Aloha also taught two hula workshops. For the first workshop, she taught the song "Nani Lawa'i" (sung by Na Palapalai). First, she had the students close their eyes and listen to the song.134 views
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In 1985, the 100th anniversary of the Japanese immigration to Hawaii, Ikaho designated this residence as one of the town's Historic Places. ハワイ公使別邸134 views
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This modest building is only part of what was a larger complex of Irwin's summer residence. This is the front entrance. Open to the public, free admission.134 views
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Going down133 views
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View from Kannon-yama.133 views
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Garden133 views
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Entertainment on stage131 views
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Short greetings by Luana Saiki-Kawelu, Assistant Director of the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. Ikaho's Hawaiian festival is Japan's only hula event officially endorsed by the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo.131 views
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Letters to Bella from her Sunday School students. Lower right is a chronology of Bella's life published by her school. Her name "Irwin" is rendered in kanji characters pronounced "Ari-in." 有院131 views
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Ground connection130 views
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Right balcony of temple.129 views
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Cable anchor128 views
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Hula workshops are also offered during the day at cost. A famous kumu hula teacher from Hawaii teaches the class.128 views
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After the bamboo sticks, the girls used a gourd drum called ipu.128 views
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Ground connection: Cable anchor for one string of carp127 views
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Superb views from the mountain.127 views
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The wind died.126 views
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Panel explaining Bella Irwin's Christian Sunday School.125 views
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Kumu hula Aloha Dalire explains that she is a 7th-generation kumu hula in her family, and produced five Miss Aloha Hulas at the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, including all three of her daughters and Kuhi Suganuma, the 2008 Miss Aloha Hula.124 views
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Every year, the overall winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival is invited to perform at Ikaho's Hawaiian festival. They started with a hula kahiko (ancient hula) dance.124 views
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Hiking up the mountain.123 views
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A few words by Kau'i Kamana'o, kumu hula of Hula Halau 'O Kamuela who was the festival's guest performer and overall winner of the 2008 Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii.123 views
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Kumu hula Aloha Dalire, instructor of the Hawaiian seminars during the festival, also greets the audience. アロハ・ダリレ123 views
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Ukishima Benzaiten Shrine in Tataranuma Park, Tatebayashi, Gunma. Part of the spirit of Benzaiten at Enoshima island in Kanagawa was transferred here. 浮島弁財天123 views
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Kumu hula Kunewa Mook also speaks at the opening ceremony. In the background is the flag of the city of Shibukawa. In Japan, all cities, towns, and villages have their own official logo and flag.122 views
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Kupuna ４分ごとに各フラチームがステージで出演。122 views
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Thomas Goya during the closing ceremony.122 views
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Aloha Dalire also speaks during the closing ceremony.122 views
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6. An unpaid bill in the left hand symbolizes trust...122 views
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The Honorable Jiichi Kogure, mayor of Shibukawa, lauds the festival during the closing ceremony. 渋川市長 木暮治一121 views
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Netfishing sculpture.121 views
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7. Large gonads between the legs which is the money bag for prosperity...121 views
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The garden's official website at sibazakura.com and treasuregarden.jp no longer work. 120 views
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Photo of of four of Irwin's children in Ikaho. The building on the right is apparently the building that remains today.119 views
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Built in 1936.118 views
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Tommy Hirano, Honorary Consul-General of Japan from Hilo, Hawaii also speaks. It was his first visit to Ikaho.118 views
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Robert Walker Irwin in his later years. ロバート W. アルウイン. Read more about him here.118 viewsA young Robert Walker Irwin ロバート W. アルウイン
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First floor of Robert Walker Irwin's summer residence in Ikaho. When the house was moved, it was disassembled and repaired before reassembly.118 views
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Wedding chapel brought here from Bristol, UK. 117 views
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Tanuki raccoon dog in front of Tatebayashi Station, east side.117 views
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Cables go all the way up the mountain.116 views
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On the last day of the festival on Aug. 6, 2008, a closing ceremony was held at 8 pm before the prize drawing and Merrie Monarch Show. Luana Saiki-Kawelu gives a few words.116 views
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The way to Morinji temple is lined with some tourist souvenir shops.116 views
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A stone marker for Morinji temple, designating it as one of Tatebayashi's 100 Famous Sites.116 views
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They wore a variety of colorful costumes and used various hula instruments such as these frayed bamboo sticks called Pūʻili.115 views
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Inside the wedding chapel brought here from Bristol, UK. 115 views
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Thomas Goya, from Hilo and president of the Japanese Community Association of Hawaii, speaks as a representative of the County of Hawai'i, Ikaho's sister city. ハワイ島日系人協会会長114 views
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Upper left is a New Year's postcard to Robert. Lower left is a funeral notice for Iki. Upper right is a family portrait.114 views
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After Irwin died, the house was sold to Kodansha, a publishing company, and used for employee training. Eventually, the house was acquired by Gunma Prefecture and later by Ikaho/Shibukawa.114 views
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Wisteria113 views
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Left balcony of temple.113 views
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Hula on the Stone Steps 石段街113 views
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For the second hula workshop, Aloha taught the song "Nani Manoa." The workshops were held at Ikaho Kaikan hall. 伊香保会館113 views
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On the left is a winter coat worn by wife Iki. A few lamps, hibachi heater, and furniture used in the Irwin summer residence also displayed.113 views
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111 views
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The opening ceremony included a few speeches and a ukulele performance by Mr. San'uemon Chigira, the chairman of the festival committee.111 views
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Dreamy stage lighting.111 views
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Morinji-mae Station. Morinji temple is a short walk away (660 meters).111 views
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Even at the Morinji temple parking lot, tanuki statues.111 views
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5. A sake flask in the left hand for innate virtue...111 views
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Left to right: Robert Jr., Bella, 4th daughter Agnes, Iki, 2nd son Richard, Robert, 3rd daughter Marion, and 2nd daughter Mary.111 views
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Students who attended all five Hawaiian seminars were given a Certificate of Completion signed by Aloha Dalire who enjoyed teaching the seminars. She then freely signed autographs and took pictures with the students.110 views
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It cost 30,000 yen to take all five seminars or 10,000 yen for one seminar. The hula seminars were the most popular. Free ukulele lessons were also taught at a different venue by a Japanese teacher.110 views
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Tommy Hirano during the closing ceremony.110 views
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Ikaho is also a sister city of Hawaii island. During Aug. 5-7, 2003, Ikaho hosted the 7th King Kalakaua Merrie Monarch Hawaiian Festival featuring hula performances by numerous Japanese hula groups.109 views
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Hawaiian Waiwai Party ("Waiwai" means boisterous.)109 views
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Map of Tsutsujigaoka, a National Scenic Site. It's a low, flat hill full of azalea bushes. There is a maze of foot paths going through the azalea. 名勝109 views
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Every 4 minutes, a new group of hula dancers went on and performed on stage. This went on for four days 10 am to 6 pm (except on the first day when it started from 1 pm).108 views
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Portrait of Robert Walker Irwin and with his Japanese wife Takechi Iki who was from a samurai family.108 views
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Sights in Jonuma area, dominated by Lake Jonuma.108 views
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Even the edges are incredibly colorful. This edge had group photo stands.108 views
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Ikaho is famous for the Stone Steps lined with shops. A section of it also served as a second hula stage during the day.107 views
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Guests of Honor from Hawaii were introduced to the crowd.107 views
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Mind-blowing just to see so many azalea along the edges. But much, much more was waiting on this hill.107 views
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Town parking lot with a makeshift stage and main venue of the festival. The "Merrie Monarch" refers to King David Kalakaua who reigned over the Hawaiian Kingdom 1874-1891. He promoted hula in Hawaii as well as Japanese immigration to Hawaii.106 views
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Rear view of Irwin's summer residence. This building has moved to a new location up the Stone Steps and these photos show it at the previous location at the foot of the Stone Steps.106 views
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Tanuki raccoon dog in front of Tatebayashi Station, east side.106 views
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Tanuki raccoon dogs in front of Tatebayashi Station.106 views
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Once upon a time, hula in Japan was mainly done by elderly women. Not anymore as hula's popularity has spread to all ages in Japan.105 views
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Foyer of the Irwin summer house. A US flag, but no Hawaiian flag...105 views
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On the top right is a letter from Hawai'i's Governor George Ariyoshi (next image). The lower right are rocks from Kilauea volcano, and the left are souvenir ribbons marking the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigration in 1868.105 views
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Ink stone and brushes used by wife Iki.105 views
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Upper left is a photo of the Hawaiian Minister's residence in Tokyo. Lower left is a pamphlet of the Mitsui Club at the minister's residence. Upper right is a portrait of Irwin and Bella in the US.105 views
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Flower fountain in front of Tatebayashi Station.105 views
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Tanuki sighting near Lake Jonuma105 views
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The first day featured Keiki Hula (hula by children).104 views
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A few hula dancers take a break after performing their number on the Stone Steps.104 views
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At center top and bottom are copies of Irwin's marriage applications. Bottom left is a news clipping announcing Irwin's marriage to Iki. Top right is a photo of the Irwins in Ikaho.104 views
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Dishes and cutlery used in Irwin's Ikaho residence. Most were imported from Europe and the US. Some are also from Japan.104 views
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Along Tsuruudagawa River were koinobori carp streamers flanked by cherry trees and azaleas.104 views
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A symbol of Tatebayashi, Tanuki raccoon dogs welcome you in front of Morinji-mae Station. A hint of what's in store. A story panel starts to explain the tanuki story. Other story panels are found on the way to the temple.103 views
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Tanuki statues on the right side of the Sando path to the Sanmon Gate.103 views
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Robert Walker Irwin's summer villa was moved to its present and original location in fall 2013. Map here.103 views
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All the seats were filled during the all-day performances. So many hula groups applied to perform during the festival that Ikaho had to draw lots to decide who could appear.102 views
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From 7 pm to 8:30 pm, the Hawaiian Waiwai Party allowed anybody to go up front and dance the hula. Hawaiian music provided by a Japanese Hawaiian band (Dan Yamamoto & Ikaho Hawaiians).102 views
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Lake Jonuma102 views
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Obiki ferry dock is on the left above the bridge on this map.102 views
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Now this is an entrance to Tsutsuji-en, a long, slim azalea garden. I walked through this on the way back.102 views
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Canopy for the spectators fronting the main outdoor stage.101 views
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Main stage where many Japanese hula troupes performed during the day for three days. Free admission.101 views
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A total of five 90-min. Hawaiian seminars were held during Ikaho's Hawaiian festival in Aug. 2008, and they were all taught by kumu hula Aloha Dalire who was very well received by the (thrilled) students.101 views
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After the Waiwai Party was a nightly drawing for prizes. People staying at any Ikaho inn/hotel would receive a lottery ticket which they put in this large box. The grand prize was a trip for two to Hawaii. The prize drawing was held on all four nights.101 views
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Veranda with a life-size Irwin cut-out.101 views
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Upper left is a Japanese letter from Bella Irwin written in roman letters. Upper right is an obituary for Robert Irwin in a Philadelphia newspaper. On the bottom left are condolence telegrams from Ikaho to Bella. Bottom right is get-well letter to Robert.101 views
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Tsutsujigaoka Park is a 15-20-min. walk from Tatebayashi Station.101 views
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Tatebayashi Station platform101 views
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The next display case includes this panel explaining Irwin's activities as Hawaiian Minister to Japan.100 views
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Top left is a photo of four of Irwin's children in Ikaho. Top right is a photo of Irwin and his children in Ikaho. Bottom left is a postcard addressed to Irwin in Ikaho. Bottom right are Ikaho postcards bought by Irwin.100 views
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Flower fountain in front of Tatebayashi Station.100 views
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Wisteria100 views
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Tsutsujigaoka Park is a lakeside park featuring this low hill almost 200 meters long and 80 meters wide.100 views
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Rest house on Tsutsujigaoka.100 views
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The Hawaiian festival's opening ceremony was held on the festival's first day on Aug. 3, 2008. Among Japan's many hula festivals, this one is unique since it is organized by a city government based on sister-city ties.99 views
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This inn called Kanzanso has been torn down to make way for the relocated Irwin house.99 views
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Kanzanso, an inn fronting the bottom of the Stone Steps and where Irwin's summer estate was located. (No longer in existence.)99 views
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Tourist information office in front of Tatebayashi Station.99 views
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3. The large eyes is for seeing the situation and making correct and considerate decisions...99 views
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8. A thick tail for reliability and stability no matter what.99 views
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Azaleas continue to lead the way to the park.99 views
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Way to Obiki ferry boat99 views
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Shopping street for tourists next to Tsutsujigaoka.99 views
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My friend in Tatebayashi tells me, "The legend of the azalea park is that the lord of Tatebayashi, Sakakibara Yasumasa, had a mistress named Otsuji.99 viewsThe wife was jealous of her and gave her such a hard time that Otsuji threw herself into Lake Jonuma and died. Since her name sounded like tsutsuji, the lord planted the garden to console her soul."
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Poplar tree and azalea99 views
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