July 1st is the first day of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival and when the towering-high kazariyama (decorative floats) are unveiled. While most of this year’s Yamakasa events have been postponed due to the pandemic, twelve of these fabulous floats will be on display. Each has two sides with a unique theme ranging from pop culture to historical events and decorated using Hakata ningyo (Hakata dolls), a treasure of local art and culture. I’m thrilled to join Hiromine Nakamura, a fourth-generation Japanese doll maker born and raised in Fukuoka, Japan, for today’s walk. Trained in traditional fine arts and specializing in woodcarving and ceramics, Hiromine challenges old conventions with a fresh approach to sculpture, painting, and calligraphy. He and his father produced the art for three sides of this year’s kazariyama floats. On our walk, we’ll pass by not only their artwork but some other floats and interesting Yamakasa-related places. Hiromine speaks English very well, so this will be an excellent chance to hear a clear explanation of kazariayama and their importance in the Yamakasa festival and culture of Hakata.
Hiromine Nakamura
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FAQ
Who are you?
Nick Szasz, a Canadian who has lived in Japan for about 35 years. Thirty-one years in Fukuoka, three in Tokyo and one in Osaka. I’m the founder and publisher of Fukuoka Now magazine, a monthly printed bilingual magazine about Fukuoka and Kyushu for international residents and visitors from overseas. Fukuoka Now magazine: and Fukuoka Now website – I live in Itoshima – and post about that here:
Why are you doing this?
I love Kyushu, walking, and cameras, so this seemed like a perfect combination and fun. I hope that even in this small way, I can show off and connect Kyushu to the world. Sit back, relax, and let me do the walking and talking.
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Since January 1, 2021 I’ve posted 55 episodes. I’d like to continue but it takes time, so if you can afford to support this please visit my Patreon page and help me to keep this going. Super chats and Super stickers appreciated too!
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Contact
Kyushu Live is a project by Nick Szasz and Fukuoka Now Ltd. Inquiries welcome at live@fukuoka-now.com
主宰者について
日本在住35年、カナダ出身のニック・サーズ。大阪、東京での生活を経て、福岡に居を構えて31年。国際人向け多言語メディア『Fukuoka Now』を1998年に創業し、現在に至る。
この企画の動機
20年以上にわたって印刷媒体を月刊誌として発行してきたが、ビデオも媒体の一つとして取り組みことにした。大好きな九州をカメラ片手に散策することは楽しそうだしね。福岡・九州はまだ、海外での認知度は低いけれど、規模は小さくても世界への発信ができればと考えてる。作り込んだビデオではないから、ゆっくりリラックスして楽しんで。
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連絡先
Kyushu Live（九州ライブ）は有限会社フクオカ・ナウ 代表のニック・サーズが行うメディアを使ったプロジェクトです。お仕事の話も大歓迎です。
メール宛先：live@fukuoka-now.com
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