Knife Carrying in Japan: An Insider's Tips

Japan Has Strict Laws

 

 

Over the past week the subject of knives in Japan has come up in a few conversations.

And, I had sort of, put the thought of writing this blog on the back burner.

This morning's news of the horrors in Sagamihara, Japan got me thinking.

A deranged person, killed 19 and severely wounded dozens of others, using a knife as a weapon.

 Now, is the time to make sure foreigners, in Japan understand the laws concerning knives.

Don't expect the laws, concerning knives, in Japan to become any more lax after this disaster.

Swords and Firearms Control Law

Guns and swords, I won't discuss here.  If you're interested, you can read the links.

The latest revision (English) that I could find on knife carrying, was dated 2009.

Don't carry a pocket knife, with a blade longer than 2.2 inches.

My folding Swiss Army knife (above) is safe, to carry in my pocket and, that's what I do.

The kitchen knife has a blade exceeding 6 inches so, it stays at home.

Does the Knife Carry Law Get Enforced ?

Yes.  I'll give a few examples, to show, it applies to foreigners and Japanese, as well.

An American traveler had a knife which was 1cm longer than the law allows.

He became a guest of the jailhouse for nine days.

Ignorance of the law, in any foreign country, can get you some time behind bars.

Whenever, I take a flight, the little pocket knife, doesn't go through customs in Japan.

It stays at home and, I use my teeth, to rip open peanut bags and, stuff like that.

Crisis Management Official Busted Too

Drinking until you are incoherent is not illegal in Japan and, that's nice to know.

When a policeman comes along, it's best, to not act stupid.

Like, this city official, who had a paring knife, 3cm over the authorized limit in his possession.

Unable to explain, he had been using it to peel fruit, he was arrested.

A Japanese citizen, who was an official of the city of Wakayama, Japan, he lost his job as well.

Comments by people, who come under American or European laws, don't wash here.

Probable Cause.  Where's the Probable Cause, for police to search this man ?

Acting stupid around police, when you're in violation of the law, would be my first guess.

Hunting Fishing and Camping

 

 

Just last Saturday, I was talking about knives, with a gentleman from South America.

He told a story about getting arrested for possession of a knife, in Okinawa.

He was going fishing and, had the knife on the front seat of his car.

Pulled over, for some minor thing, like brake lights, the cop saw the knife.

Had, he kept it in his tackle box, it would have been considered OK.

Many knives, I own exceed the limits of the law but, are used for my work.

As long as, they are stored properly and, only used for business, I'm not violating any laws.

 

Conversations with a Friend Visiting from USA

 

A backpacker, hiking and camping around Okinawa had a question via gmail:

Jul 24 2016

Hey Mike
Hope life is good... Can you tell of any knife shops around Naha/Kumoji where I can buy a good sashimi knife ?

Reply:

Any hardware store I imagine but be aware they have strict laws on carrying knives in Japan.

Same Day His Response:

Thanks and I appreciate the warning. I had no idea until recently. 

For Further Reading:

Japan Customs English Online

Customs Government of Japan English PDF

Day Trip: Grab a Rope in the Guinness Record Tug of War Okinawa

Naha Okinawa Tsunahiki

 

 

This article originally appeared at (now extinct) Yahoo Voices.

The assignment, was to write a one day trip, for someone flying, to visit Okinawa from Japan.

With the Guinness World Record Tug, just a few weeks away, you may want to read this.

If you dislike large crowds, just look at the photos and, avoid the event !

A Centuries Old Tradition

Hop on a plane for an early morning flight out of Tokyo in early October and you can witness the excitement surrounding the World Guinness Record Naha Tug of War. It’s a once a year event where you can participate, or just watch, a crowd of over 15,000 people pull a tug of war rope weighing over 40 tons. The scene in the street, numbering well over a quarter million people, is a sight in itself.

Tug of wars have been held on the islands of Okinawa since the 1600’s in the belief they would insure good harvests of rice in the fields, as well as, a bountiful catch and safe journey for fishermen at sea.
The Naha tug of war has evolved to become a cultural event believed to bring prosperity, good health and fortune to the residents of all the Okinawa islands. The rope was first recognized as the world’s largest, consisting of natural fibers, by Guinness World Records in 1995.

  

There’s More to See than Just a Tug of War

The event takes place on HWY 58 just a few minutes drive north of Naha International Airport and that is a great place to view, or photograph the massive rope. The monster is placed in the center of the highway, the night before, and crowds of observers won’t start swarming the place until mid afternoon.

A few minutes walk from the highway, on Kokusai Street (International Avenue) is where the festivities begin, at noon.  There are sights and sounds you won’t want to miss.  A parade is held which will give you a taste of Ryukyu (Okinawa) history and culture, in three hours that would take ages to absorb by reading books watching videos, or traveling throughout the Ryukyu Islands Chain.
The parade showcases some brilliantly colored kimonos, traditional classic dances and a dance, seen only in Okinawa, known, as Eisa.  The sounds of drums, horns, gongs, firecrackers, stringed instruments and music piped over loudspeaker systems fills the avenue and like many other observers, you’re welcome to chant along with the performers. Just memorize the words “Ya sa sa” and “Hi e ya” and learn to whistle like a whippoorwill, only a lot louder, and you’ll fit right in.
Some of the other activities you see include martial arts performances by youth, dancing lion-dogs (known as Shishimai) and a Chinese Dragon Dance. One event, you may want to climb higher to witness and capture on camera, is the Parade of Flags.  Young men demonstrate their strength and skill at balancing a huge bamboo pole displaying a banner representing their district in the city of Naha.  Climbing some stairs or watching from a balcony gives a better view and assures your safety, should a flag come crashing down in your direction.

The World Record Tug

 

 The Tug of War normally takes place on the Sunday prior to Japan’s Sports Day, which is the second Monday in October. It’s always best to check with a travel agent or visit the official site, in the event inclement weather causes sudden changes to plans.
Opening ceremonies and a large gathering of people begin on HWY 58 around 3PM so it’s a good idea to start jockeying for your position about that time.  There are speeches given, karate demonstrations, music played and more activities with village banners but, the World Record Tug is what you want to see.

Shortly before 4 o’clock is when activity with the rope begins. The rope is in two sections which must be joined and they face east and west, lying in the street.  The loops on the ends of the ropes are designated male and female. They are joined and a large wooden peg is inserted through one of them to tie the two ropes into a single length of rope for the tug.
Men, representing the royalty of the Ryukyu Kingdom and dressed in period costumes, climb atop the east and west sections of the rope and issue challenges. This is another good time to climb to a higher level for photography, as the crowd begins to surge closer in anticipation. If you’re there to pull, the masses will help snuggle you closer.

After the shouting and dueling match between the kings takes place, a gold ball above the crowd opens, depositing balloons, streamers and confetti.  A gong sounds, the crowd surges even tighter, and the tug begins.

A sea of humans converges on the rope tugging, shouting, straining and trying to get the five meters movement in their direction it takes to become the winner. The only part of the rope that remains visible to photographer, during the tugging, is the ends of the rice straw rope with the loops on them.
This is where I’ve learned to climb to higher elevations in the pursuit of a memorable photo. 

 Anywhere above the crowds, a stairway, balcony or a rooftop will do. At street level, the rope disappears among the crowd.
The tug of war ends when a team from either the east or west side of town manages to pull the rope five meters in their direction. If neither side manages that within half an hour, the competition ends in a draw. That has happened 14 times over the years.

Excitement When the Tug-O-War Ends 

 

 

A winner or draw is declared. That’s when the fun begins. Pieces of the rope are supposed to bring good luck to your family. So, everyone wants some to take home. Hundreds of thousands of people, some who weren’t even there to watch the event, show up and converge on the monster to grab a few strands of it. 

 Couldn’t take a knife on the plane, could you?

  Not to worry. Uniformed members of the Naha Tug of War Committee are the only persons allowed to have knives at the event. They cut strands and toss them to the crowds. 

Travel Light Like a Pro

Some things I recommend for this once a year, one day event, after having done it a few times:
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a light jacket in the event it gets chilly or rains.
A backpack is the only luggage you will need.
Grab meals at any of the several Family Marts located conveniently along the routes you’ll be taking.
Yen is the currency to bring. Taxi cabs and vending machines generally, don’t accept any other currency.
Returning to Naha Airport for a meal before flying, you’ll get excellent food at reasonable prices.

Japan Airlines Guide to Japan Link for 2014 Naha Otsunahiki

The Japanese Wedding Invitation and What's a Kotobuki ?

A Fancy Card Arrives in the Mail

This photo shows the outside view of a wedding invitation in Japan.

Fortunately, there are friends and family to help me with the translation.

The gold kanji character reads, Kotobuki.

Translation to English Can Be Tricky

 

 

Serious research, on this kotobuki thing, started last night.

Verbally, I probably, got as many different meanings as the number of beers I consumed.

But, I like to get verification from some written source, before, I start writing.

Jeffrey's Dictionary says it can mean: Congratulations, felicitations, best wishes.

And, longevity or, long life.

Namiko Abe, teaches Kanji characters at About (dot) Com

She shows you how to write it, useful compounds and even, sends out a newsletter.

Her definitions:  Longevity and Congratulations

She got me checking and, I found one of those compounds, engraved in stone.

If somebody took the time to carve "Long Life" on a rock, that's good enough for me.

Variations in Kanji

 

Just as sure as our handwriting may differ, kanji characters can change, too.

So, I took the research a bit farther and found all kinds of stuff.

People paint these letters, have them tattooed and do all kinds of things with them.

There's one, I'd call a bellybutton box.  How wild is that ?

Several variations of the script may be seen at StockKanji.

And, you could order some fancy calligraphy from them, at reasonable prices.

What to Do After You Receive a Kotobuki Card

 

Inside this card, is a smaller one, about the size of a business card.

Customs and proper etiquette may differ from prefecture to prefecture, in Japan.

It would be wise to consult with a local expert, in this case.

In Okinawa, the little card, tells you which table you will be seated at.

In the Expat's Guide to Japan that card, is handled differently.

It should be sent as an RSVP.

For people living in the Ryukyu Islands, there is no need to RSVP.

Everybody goes, anytime there's a party !

Over at Surviving in Japan, they have an article worth reading.

HOW TO: Not make a fool of yourself at a Japanese wedding

 Japanese Wedding Etiquette at eHow, is worth looking at, too.

 Just to be on the safe side, I took my wedding invitation to a book store.

And, asked the gal at the counter to help me select an appropriate wedding envelope.

With all my studying and searching, caught up for the day, I pointed at that gold kanji.

She was surprised.  I could read, Kotobuki !

MORE in Japan: Insider's Tips

  

Okinawa's Iris Fields Are in Full Bloom Right Now !

Some Photos and a Few Tricks

 

 

The other day, I saw it on the morning news.

Big, bright green stems with purple, yellow and white flowers, dancing in the wind.

But, I'm a warm weather type of person so, I waited for today.

 It's nice to have some blue sky in your photo.

To get up high enough for this shot, I brought along a two-step ladder.

For those who don't appreciate blue skies, I aimed lower.

The petals on lots of flowers, are starting to wilt.

So, it's a good idea, to move around and pick on ones you like.

Sometimes, you can find a young rascal, away from the crowd.

Just focus on the one you like best and, wait for it to quit moving.

When you get home, crop the photo any way you like.

For this photo, I got down low on the ground.

Experimenting with a black and white board for background, was fun.

The black turned out to be my favorite.

So, I threw the white one away.  Hah !

It was a nice sunny day and I had some fun.

If you are already in Okinawa, you best get up to Ogimi this weekend.

It looks like these beauties will be done blooming in the near future.

This will be the final Iris Report for 2014 from this desk.

But, standby for plenty more flower festivals, in the coming weeks and months.








 

Photos: Fireworks (花火) in Okinawa, Japan and How It's Done

 

Last Night in Kin Town

 

 

Matsuri or, festival season is in full speed ahead mode, all over the Ryukyu Islands.

These photos were among the hundreds taken yesterday.

And, off we go to another festival, somewhere, tonight.

 

Along with these photos, I'll post some tips to give an idea how I gotterdun.

Find a place where you are away from the crowds.

If you aren't familiar with the area, ask someone where the fireworks are launched from.

Maybe, you'll get an idea where you'll want to set-up your camera.

The camera has to be kept steady, not hand-held.

These images were made with a Pentax KD 10 and a Sigma 10-20mm lens at 10mm.

The Pentax K5 was mounted on a tripod so, I propped the KD 10 up on a wall.

At an aperture of f/11, I set shutter speed for 1 or, 2 seconds and use ISO 100.

With the slightest breeze blowing the camera shakes so, remove things the wind will hit.

The lens hood, camera strap or, any dangling lens covers, have to go !

These shots were made, using a shutter cable release and another little trick.

Both cameras, I used last night were set to continuous shooting mode.

As long as you keep the shutter button depressed, the camera keeps firing.

Normally, I fire the shots, three frames at a time.

Look, listen and fire away, it takes a bit of experimentation.

Now, it's time for me to pack up and get on out of here to head over to another matsuri.

I have more experimentatin' to do !

ALL ABOUT JAPANESE FIREWORKS



Shooting the Almost Full Moon Ain't a Bad Idea

Last night I saw the moon when I stepped out for some fresh air and nicotine.

It's probably a good thing, I took a few practice shots.

The weather for full moon photography, this month, is looking pretty grim.

Right now winds are blowing out of the east and dark skies are headed my way.

But, this is Okinawa, Japan.  The weather can change every five minutes, sometimes.

Here's where I was at 6:52 last night shooting the moon.

It was a little bit windy then, too.

So, I put the tripod way down low and sat on the ground.

If the clouds break, I'll be ready tonight.  The full moon for this month is actually March 27th.

But, its a good idea to shoot the moon the day before its full.

Another great time to shoot, is the morning after the full moon.  You can catch it in blue skies.

The Moon Can Be Tricky

The little sucker pops up in a different position every night.  Ever notice that ?

Well, an unscientific explanation is, it's because earth is spinning.

The moon rises about 54 minutes later, each day.

So, at 6:52PM it won't be where it was last night.  Groan.

With the weather changing every five minutes and a couple of hours to kill, who knows ?

Maybe, I'll be sitting on that sidewalk again tonight.  And, maybe I won't.

Some information on shooting the moon may be found in my Photo Tips.

Another great resource is the Digital Photography School.

Buzzard Eagle Perched (Photos) Sunny Day vs Cloudy Day

This photo of a Grey-faced Buzzard Eagle was taken on a sunny day in December 2008.

Here's a pose of the Buzzard Eagle (Butastor indicus) perched in a tree on a cloudy day in December 2011. 

The second photo was fired with a handheld camera while sitting in the back seat of a car.

The first photo was one of about 150 shots taken using a tripod and moving around to positions where the sun would hit the bird's eyes and light them up.

These two photos got me thinking.  For future photography tips,  I'll start posting photos to demonstrate the right and wrong way to take a picture.

That should help people trying to improve their camera techniques.

And keep me in the office on cloudy vs sunny days, instead of chasing buzzard eagles.

Pray for sun.  OK ?

Related Post: The Eagle That Got Away

Photo Essay with Tips, Give Her Your Best Shot, Lady in Blue

Shooting stage performances whether at night outdoors, or inside at a concert can be a challenge. 

The lighting may change suddenly, people are moving and shutterspeed can be a nightmare.

The photographer has to figure out what angle to shoot from,  direction of lighting and which composition makes a lady look great. 

It takes plenty of moving around, zooming and going wide angle and shooting from the left, right and center of the stage. 

The target, this time, was the lady in blue. I don't know her.  She's just a performer at a festival.
My job is to make her more beautiful than she already is with the light that's available, no photoshopping.

If you ask a woman which side of her face is the prettiest, she can tell you.  Women know stuff like that.

You can't just walk up to the stage and ask a lady, "Hey. Which side of your face is the ugliest?" 

Or, that's what I'd do.  I could save a few gigabytes of shooting.  Instead, I try and guess.

If you were a studio photographer, you might be able to suggest different poses and direct the lighting to help smooth things over.  Here, you're on your own.  Man against the elements.

                               Sometimes a vertical shot helps highlight interesting features.

                                               Like, look how long that gal's hair is !

Beside all the dancing and singing she did the lady in blue was also a drummer.

So, I decided this photo was the most flattering one of my target for that day.

If I ever run across her again at a festival, I think I'll give her a copy.

Then, maybe, I could get away with asking her, "Which side of your face is the prettiest"?

If I give her my best shot don't you think the lady in blue would want to help me make another one ?

VISIT MY HOMEPAGE FOR THE PHOTO OF THE DAY

Photos: My Pictures of the Week that Became Editor's Picks

Here are three photos that made this week worthwhile. All of them became Editor's Picks this week at Better Photo (dot) Com.

Title: Grey Heron   Date Entered: 12/2/2010  Category: Animals

Title: The Honeymooners  Date Entered: 12/3/2010  Category: Travel and Places

Title: A Little Ringed Plover  Date Entered: 12/4/2010  Category: Animals

This is just the first step in the process of getting a photo recognized for an award. You could call it Round One. From there it has to make it into the Finalist batch (Round Two) and if the Judges decide your photo is the creme of the crop, it can go on to become a Winner.

One of these days, I'll put together a series of Photography Tips and explain some of the things Judges look for in Photo Contests. Competition can be fierce but, there are a few things, other than taking good photos, involved in the process. If you learn them, it gives you an edge.

These pictures may, or may not, go any higher in the competition. They are all I've entered in the monthly contest for December, so far. Three Editor's Picks made it a good week for me !

Photography Tips: Travelers Be Aware!

To me there’s nothing more annoying than having a camera that won’t shoot. Well, maybe eating live chickens. But, here are a few tips for travelling photographers......

Often, travelers ask me which type camera or lens they should buy and I always answer them with a question or two. What is your level of experience and what type of photography are you interested in?

The truth is a disposable film camera can capture an award winning photo for under $20 and the top of the line DSLR equipped with a lens that cost more than my first house can take horrible pictures.

After I find out what type shooting someone wants to do, I always guide them to websites where they can read reviews by both camera professionals and consumers.

A pro may be influenced by his favorite brand (or sponsor) but, a consumer will tell you exactly what they think of the model they bought.

A traveler has to make decisions about purchasing camera equipment based upon the type of travel they do and how much they can pack away in suitcases, carry on bags or backpacks.

A pro might take a camera body and one or two lenses and rent the equipment needed for the shoot in another country.

Regardless which type of camera you’re leaning towards buying, one important thing many people forget is power supply. Modern lithium batteries are great, but require charging. Make sure your charger will adapt to the power source of the country you are heading to.

In some remote countries you may be better off having a camera that uses alkaline batteries; they’re available almost everywhere.

Ask your travel agent about your destination country’s power supply, the availability of batteries and avoid spending your vacation buying disposable cameras.

There are too many websites, I use, for researching camera gear to list here but, one of these days I’ll put together a Photography Tip and list my Top Five or Ten. Meanwhile, if you’re just itching to buy a camera and leave the country you’re living in, have a peek at Matador Travel where you’ll find lots of discussions and links provided by some serious travel photographers.

Photography Tip: Patterns and Designs

Train your eyes to find patterns or designs when you travel.  Then fill your viewfinder or LCD screen with them for some one of a kind travel photos. Sometimes the designs are things you see everyday, maybe, you walk right over them without even giving them a second thought. A spiral staircase or a manhole cover for example, may make an eye-catching picture if it’s looked at from an angle you hadn’t thought of before. Some patterns are manmade, others occur in nature.  It’s just a matter of you being in the right place at the right time and recognizing the opportunity when it comes along then, getting yourself in position to capture the shot.

The photo resembling a mob scene was taken at an annual parade on the International Avenue, Kokusai Street in Naha Okinawa, Japan. The design is something that rests atop a 30 foot bamboo pole called a Hatagashira. It displays the banner of the village where the young men hoisting it reside.  I have thousands of pictures of them dancing in the streets trying to balance the pole in an upright position but had never before thought of taking a shot while they were carrying it to their assembly area. Not so blue skies that day and the distracting telephone wires, I knew I’d be dealing with when the banner was raised, gave me the idea for this composition.

The bright yellow circular pattern is something on the ceiling of a Chinese Pagoda. I had probably spent 20 minutes under it one day, trying to shade myself from the hot summer sun and not even noticed it until someone pointed it out to me. This was a little tricky, getting this shot. I had to lay flat on my back on the cool cement floor.  There was no way to compose the shot using a tripod and camera I was equipped with and get directly beneath the design. I had to improvise but it was only for 1/6 of a second.

Both of these photos turned out to be favorites of mine for the particular days they were taken. It’s not so much that they were some kind of award winning photos; it’s because they were different from my normal compositions and probably a whole lot different from the photos everyone else walked away with that day.

Look for patterns and designs when you’re out and about and catch some one of a kind travel photos, too. Thank you for reading my Photography Tips and commenting. I have plenty more to share with you.

Have a great weekend!
 
Cheers,
Mike

Tipping in Japan: An Insider's Tip

TIPPING?

So, you go to a really nice restaurant and are greeted by a friendly staff, waited on hand and foot. The steak is mouthwatering, you have your choice of rice or bread, plenty of iced tea, and the waitress checks with you every five minutes to see if there's anything else you'd like.

 What percentage of the tab is a reasonable tip to leave?

NOTHING !

 In some places it's even considered rude to leave a tip.

 In Japan, you don't tip; excellent food and service is a way of life!