Tokyo Photo News November 2015

　On November 5, a Tori-no-Ichi Fair was held at Sugamo Otori Shrine in Bunkyo Ward. Tori-no-Ichi fairs take place at shrines around the country every year in November. For these festivals, bamboo rakes or kumade - former farming implements - are transformed into beautifully decorated talismans which are thought to have the power to 'rake in' good luck. This year, fairs were held on the three Rooster Days in November (November 5, 17, and 29) and many people visited to seek out these lucky kumade talismans at Sugamo Otori Shrine.

November 5, 2015

　On November 19, Governor Masuzoe and China's Ambassador to Japan, Cheng Yonghua, visited the Ota Kinenkan dormitory in Kugayama, Suginami Ward. Ota Kinenkan was built by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on land donated by Unosuke Ota, who had close links with China. Since taking in the first exchange students from Beijing in 1990, the dormitory has welcomed as many as 600 exchange students from cities around Asia, and this year celebrates its 25th year since opening.

November 19, 2015

　The Para Ekiden (Paralympic Relay Race) in Tokyo 2015 was held on November 29 at Komazawa Olympic Park in Setagaya Ward, hosted by the Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center. Runners both with and without impairments made up teams of eight, and ran the relay - in the first time for it to be held. One loop of the course was about 2.5 kilometers with each runner doing it once to make a total of 20 kilometers per team. There were participants from 11 prefectures, making up 19 teams, with ages ranging from teenagers to those in their 70's.

November 29, 2015

　On November 30, Ueno Park, home to many cultural attractions including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, the National Science Museum and Ueno Zoo, was bathed in full fall colors. The zelkova, ginko, and other trees were at their peak, and many visitors had come to enjoy the colorful seasonal display.

November 30, 2015