Tokyo Photo News February 2015

On February 3, the children of Sensoji Kindergarten gathered in front of the Temple to throw beans for the traditional annual Setsubun event. The children with matching costumes shouted at the oni ( a kind of demon from Japanese folklore) and enjoyed themselves throwing beans at it.

(February 3, 2015.)

　On February 9, Governor Yoichi Masuzoe visited the village of Ogasawara on an inspection tour related to problems in the Ogasawara Islands - Izu Islands region with intrusion and illegal fishing by foreign fishing boats. After arriving on Chichijima Island, the Governor first visited Tokyo Metropolis’s fishing survey vessel Koyo. Afterward, he proceeded to Ogasawara Islands Branch Office to participate in a round-table conference, where he listened to the opinions and requests of fishing and tourism industry professionals and local residents.

(February 9, 2015.)

　From February 7 to March 1, the 38th Setagaya Ume Matsuri (Plum Festival) was held in Hanegi Park near Umegaoka Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line. The park’s ume plum groves bloomed in mid-February. The weekends featured additional events including haiku poetry workshops, matcha green tea service, and open-air tea ceremonies.

(February 16, 2015.)

　On February 26, Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe met with Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, on his first visit to Japan. Masuzoe and the Prince, who arrived at Haneda Airport, travelled together by boat from Haneda Airport Wharf. On-board, the Governor explained planned venues for the 2020 Toiyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. They arrived at Hama-rikyu Gardens where the two went on a walk and appreciated the Japanese-style landscaped garden, then partook in a traditional tea ceremony.

(February 26, 2015.)