Latest news with #MimiNiimiya
The Mainichi
11 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Japan Photo Journal: 6,000 iris plants in full bloom at historic Tokyo garden
Iris flowers are seen at Horikiri Shobuen Iris Garden in Tokyo's Katsushika Ward, June 13, 2025. Some 6,000 Japanese iris plants in around 200 varieties are in full bloom, delighting visitors with their vibrant white and purple hues. The peak viewing period is expected to continue until around June 20. Horikiri has long been known as a famous spot in Tokyo for its irises and is said to have been the subject of "nishiki-e" woodblock prints by artists including Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858). (Japanese original by Mimi Niimiya, Tokyo Photo and Video Department)
The Mainichi
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
'Bad guys doing good': Star Wars villains pick up trash in Tokyo's Shinjuku
TOKYO -- Villains from the "Star Wars" movie franchise suddenly appeared in the neon-lit streets of Tokyo's Kabukicho nightlife district in a recent event. But instead of wielding lightsabers or blaster guns, they held trash bags and tongs. They are members of the 501st Legion Japanese Garrison, a group made up of Star Wars fans. The 501st Legion is an international Star Wars costuming organization, formed in the United States in 1997, and its members exclusively wear costumes that "portray the villainous, morally ambiguous or non-partisan characters" from the franchise. Their activities go far beyond promoting the movies. Members also visit hospitals and children's homes, take part in charity work, and engage in community service. More than 13,000 members are active around the world. The Japanese Garrison has about 130 members who carry out activities across the country. In this recent event, members joined a cleanup effort organized by Green Bird, a group dedicated to picking up trash in urban areas. The unique sight of Star Wars villains earnestly collecting litter brought smiles to passersby. During the cleanup, the members gladly posed for photos and waved to onlookers. Yoko Murakami, 55, who took part in the event, said, "It's fun for me, and when we make others happy, I really feel it's worth doing. I also get to go places I normally wouldn't and make friends with members (of the 501st Legion) from around the world, which is one of the great things about it." Members of the Japanese Garrison say the goal of their activities is to make everyone smile and have fun, based on their slogan, "We are bad guys doing good!" (Japanese original by Mimi Niimiya, Photo Group)
The Mainichi
21-04-2025
- General
- The Mainichi
Production of pickled cherry blossoms in full swing in east Japan city
HADANO, Kanagawa -- Production of salted multilayered cherry blossoms, known as "sakura-zuke" (pickled cherry blossoms), has reached its peak in this eastern Japan city. Hadano is one of Japan's leading producers of edible multilayered cherry blossoms. The processing facility of the Chimura Wakatake-kai, a group of producers in the city's Chimura district, is awash in pink from the harvested blossoms. The group uses the vivid "Kanzan" variety. Blossoms flowering at 70% to 80%, which boast good color and fragrance, are picked and soaked in salt, plum vinegar and other ingredients for about a month to make sakura-zuke. The blossoms bloomed slowly this year due to many cold days. Also, with little rain, high-quality sakura-zuke of excellent color and shape are apparently expected. The group's representative Kikue Kato, 45, expressed her delight, saying, "Just adding a single sakura-zuke can brighten up a dining table, bringing a sense of spring. I'd be happy if many people enjoy this 'edible spring.'" (Japanese original by Mimi Niimiya, Photo Group)
