softypapa
Softypapa's New Bicycle - Japanese Mamachari
I'm excited to at last take delivery of my brand new 28 inch Bridgestone Bravestar bicycle (please read below to learn more about mamachari bicycles)! The Bravestar is Bridgestone's extra heavy duty mamachari with thick tubing, reinforced joints and extra strong wheel spokes. The Bravestar is also one of the only Bridgestone mamachari which includes a jumbo 28 inch model (very large by Japanese standards). The bike includes many features such as a three speed integrated gear hub with sealed rear brake. The bicycle's front light is powered by a well designed, low resistance front-hub generator while the rear light includes a solar panel for easy and automatic charging. Both lights come on automatically after the sun goes down though the front light includes a special setting which, when used, will cause the light to stay whenever the bicycle is being ridden. Strong wire baskets at the front and rear provide lots of room for object being moved while the extra strong frame ensures that even a very heavy load may not cause the bike to wobble or become too unsteady. This type of Bicycle is affectionately known in Japan as a "mamachari" and is most popular with homemakers who use the bikes to run errands around town, carry groceries and ferry one or more children to and from kindergarten. Men in Japan also use mamachari though more often these bicycles are used simply as commuter vehicles. I am a great fan of mamachari as these bikes are normally very durable and well designed ...
Japan Mountain Leech vs. Giant Earthworm
While hiking in rugged mountains of the Japan Southern Alps I happened upon a life and death struggle between a very large earthworm and an equally large Japanese Mountain Leech. This was my first leech encounter in Japan and at the time I knew little about this interesting animal. The Japanese Mountain Leech is called yama-biru in Japanese and is known scientifically as Haemadipsa zeylanica japonica. Mountain Leech are quite at home outside of water and are most often found within dark, moist forests. The animal is especially active during the monsoonal rainy season (when I took this video). Blood sucking leech will readily go after farmers and hikers and will eagerly pursue their prey using a strange form of locomotion in which they toss their bodies end over end in rapid pursuit. They can chew right through socks and are quite relentless in their efforts to get a blood meal. Leeches are even known to drop from trees upon unsuspecting passersby! While some Mountain Leech have mouths designed for sucking, others (like the leech in this video) must swallow their prey whole. ---- Welcome to the the Real Japan Monsters blog. Bringing you high definition videos and photographs of some of Japan's most fascinating wildlife. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: realjapanmonsters.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum at: softypapa.net
softypapa meets edtomorrow
A *seemingly* chance encounter with JVLOGGER edtomorrow in the dark of night along a stretch of lonely highway in Japan. Click on the link below to see Ted's take on things: www.youtube.com Ted's YouTube page: www.youtube.com Follow Ted on Twitter: twitter.com
Softypapa's Streamside Tips
The following poem was submitted for this video by YouTube member xxKaoruLoverxx : "Hiking with chocolate, sour and sweet, while, in the pond, placing your feet. A relaxing splash by the rock you threw. A splash that is relaxing you. A memorable place, hidden in Japan. A place for lunch for a hiking man"
Softypapa in Australia
Just saying hi from the land down under. This video was made in the Lakes Entrance area of Victoria. The following poem was submitted for this video by YouTube member "xxKaoruLoverxx": "In Australia we wait to see so many creatures So many, so free. Softypapa also known as Kurt Is giving us a tour on our beautiful earth! birds are flying the grass is green Thanks to Softypapa I have seen this beautiful scene!"
Drive to Japanese Mountains with Softypapa
Driving with Softypapa in Shizouka to the mountains on the outskirts of Shizouka. I'm posting vids of our last trip travelling around Japan & uploading them chronologically as I edit them. Ironocally the topic of floods came up on our way to the mountains as Kurt tells us the history of Shizouka where he lives. www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
Ep. 19 - Softy Papa
bridges.wanwan.fm - Today we're featuring a content creator, the man behind SoftyPapa, LylesBrother and YTBulletTrain, who puts out a huge number of videos on an incredibly regular basis and is one of the pillars of the Japan based YouTube community. His videos are as diverse as his interests, but he tends to do quite a few outdoor videos and has started to film with his daughter, Emily. The two of them really do make a good team. ***Show Notes*** Our full episodes go live every Thursday evening and can be found on our main site and on YouTube.
Making a Softypapa Video
A behind-the-scenes look at how I make videos for the YouTube channel "Walking in Japan".
Geocaching
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Chased by Suzumebachi - Asian Giant Hornet
The Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia) is the most dangerous animal in Japan, killing more humans each year than any other animal including sharks, bears and snakes. Watch me run away quick as these huge hornets (called Suzumebachi in Japanese) take an unwanted interest in me while I attempt to film them in a green tea field in the mountains of central Japan. I know that I am a fool...only now we have the video to prove it.
Clever Japanese Farmer
Crows (karasu) are a constant nuisance to the Japanese farmer who must constantly devise new and clever ways to outsmart and frighten away these intelligent birds who love to nibble and peck at a ripening crop. I was delighted at the ingenuity and resourcefulness of one Japanese farmer who makes intelligent and eco-friendly use of his surroundings in an effort to keep his crops safe.
Amazing Japan Child Drummers - TOHO TAIKO CLUB
This is a demonstration of traditional Japanese drumming performed by members of the sixth grade class at my daughter's elementary school. This team is called "TOHO TAIKO CLUB". Drums are called taiko in Japan where drumming has a long tradition within the spheres of entertainment, religion and warfare. The Japanese have produced several distinct drum styles of various sizes, most of which are played with a stick (though hand drums are also used). Traditional drummers may perform alone or in the company of wind and string musicians. Ensemble style taiko performances called kumi-daiko (as seen in this video) are a relatively recent development in the world of Japanese drumming and a style which has gained the attention of many outside Japan. Kumi-daiko performances are typically very impressive with numerous drummers beating out distinct rhythms on various sized taiko. The drummers can produce deep, resonant tones which carry for long distances and produce an unforgettable and almost visceral experience in the hearer. Taiko drum heads are made of cowhide dried and tightly stretched before being attached to the drum by iron nails (byou-uchi daiko style) or sewn onto iron rings (tsukushime-daiko style). Drum heads may be used for several years before needing to be re-stretched, though the cowhide is normally discarded after one or two stretches. Most Japanese drums are formed from the limb or even the trunk of the Japanese Elm (keyaki) tree while other types of wood are also ...
Spooked
Less than comfortable exploring an abandoned tea farm in the high mountains of central Japan. The following poem was contributed for this video by YouTube member "reymiland": "Oni watch as sofypapa climb. make boulder crash, said "home is MINE!"" ----
Mountain Whale
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Large Japanese Carnivorous Mountain Leech - Pharyngobdella
I encountered this animal while hiking in the rain among the mountains near Okabe, Japan (east coast, central Honshu) with my friend and co-worker Takaaki Futami. As we set out to climb a high and rugged peak near the coast, I commented to Takaaki that I hoped we might encounter a giant carnivorous leech on our outing. I was optimistic as my past two encounters with this animal had occurred while hiking on wet and rainy days in similar leaf littered forests. Only one hour into our hike I was delighted to spot the telltale brown and orange markings of a giant leech moving through the leaf litter at my feet. This was my first encounter with one of these animals while it was prowling for food as the previous two leeches I had seen were both busy ingesting giant Japanese earthworms as large as themselves when I found them (please see my YouTube video titled Japan Mountain Leech vs. Giant Earthworm to learn more). Takaaki and I were startled to see just how fast this animal could move when disturbed. It had been my intent to film the animal naturally as it was casually moving along the forest floor, though I quickly found that my only chance to view this animal would be quickly lost lest I carefully try to detain and hold it. I apologize for the poor quality of this video which was shot under bad lighting in a dark forest and by an overly excited cameraman. I never squeezed the leech hard and it is my hope that the animal escaped without damage. The next time I meet this ...
Rice Ball Mess
Softypapa fails in his attempt to properly extract a Japanese riceball from it's specially designed plastic wrap. My apologies for the "gaijin" (foreigner) remark as most foreigners in Japan are quite capable of opening these wraps properly. ---- Seen in this video: akihi007 (aka Shimomura-sensei) www.youtube.com
SoftyMully
WarmothStrat (Mully) steps in as guest host of Walking in Japan. Link to Jim's channel: www.youtube.com Link to Jim's blog: warmothstrat.wordpress.com Interesting in talking with others about Japan. Please consider visiting our forum: softypapa.46.forumer.com
Mushroom Patch
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Edge of Civilization
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In The Green
Swimming along a Japan forest trail. This video is part of a collection of videos across multiple channels which were shot during a day-long adventure seeking the hidden waterfall (aka "Softypapa's White Whale) which I failed to reach during the 2011 hiking season but which I managed to reach during this outing. The link below will take you to the official playlist for this adventure which includes videos from multiple YouTube channels. The playlist is titled "The Stream of Consciousness Hike." Here is the URL: www.youtube.com
Evidence of Japanese Civilization
This video is part of a collection of videos across multiple channels which were shot during a day-long adventure seeking the hidden waterfall (aka "Softypapa's White Whale) which I failed to reach during the 2011 hiking season but which I managed to reach during this outing. The link below will take you to the official playlist for this adventure which includes videos from multiple YouTube channels. The playlist is titled "The Stream of Consciousness Hike." Here is the URL: www.youtube.com
Return To The Octopus Tree
This video is part of a collection of videos across multiple channels which were shot during a day-long adventure seeking the hidden waterfall (aka "Softypapa's White Whale) which I failed to reach during the 2011 hiking season but which I managed to reach during this outing. The link below will take you to the official playlist for this adventure which includes videos from multiple YouTube channels. The playlist is titled "The Stream of Consciousness Hike." Here is the URL: www.youtube.com
Japan Giant Frog Grotto
Come with me as I investigate strange sounds in the forest and discover a fascinating grotto of giant Japanese frogs. ---- Welcome to the the Real Japan Monsters blog. Bringing you high definition videos and photographs of some of Japan's most fascinating wildlife. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: realjapanmonsters.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum at: softypapa.net
Only In Japan
Discovering an unlikely form of recycling in the high mountains of central Japan. This video is part of a collection of videos across multiple channels which were shot during a day-long adventure seeking the hidden waterfall (aka "Softypapa's White Whale) which I failed to reach during the 2011 hiking season but which I managed to reach during this outing. The link below will take you to the official playlist for this adventure which includes videos from multiple YouTube channels. The playlist is titled "The Stream of Consciousness Hike." Here is the URL: www.youtube.com
Japan Seaside Exploration
This playlist features videos across multiple channels documenting my day-long excursion to Kambara, Japan. These videos were made on April 29th, 2012. The playlist for these videos may be viewed at the following URL: www.youtube.com ---- Welcome to the the YouTube Bullet Train. Bringing you Japan at the speed of life. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: lylesbrotherslife.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit the forum at: softypapa.net
Abandoned Japanese House
Looking over a lonesome structure in the mountains of central Japan. Forum information: Our forum is at softypapa.net Please consider visiting the jvlog site at the following URL: japan.appbbs.com
Bonsai Refuse
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Japan Police Car
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Japanese Fireman
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Keeping in Touch with You
My plan to use my Twitter ID "softypapa" as my main form of on-line communication. Interesting in talking with others about Japan. Please consider visiting our forum: softypapa.46.forumer.com
Japan Trash Bicycles
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No Trespassing
Keep out where it's clear you should stay out. Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum: softypapa.46.forumer.com
Abandoned Japan Farm Sheds
Welcome to the the Abandoned Japan blog. Exploring Japan's lost and forgotten places. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: abandonedjapan.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum at: softypapa.net
Return to Frog Grotto
Venturing back a week after my first visit to the amazing Japan Giant Frog Grotto. Click here to see the original "Japan Giant Frog Grotto" video: www.youtube.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum: softypapa.46.forumer.com ---- Welcome to the the Real Japan Monsters blog. Bringing you high definition videos and photographs of some of Japan's most fascinating wildlife. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: realjapanmonsters.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum at: softypapa.net
Super Mario Brothers Saxophone Recital
Super Mario Brothers Saxophone Recital Appearing in this video: akihir007 (aka "Shimomura-sensei) www.youtube.com
What's This in Japan? - Autumn Mystery
Can you identify the mystery item in this video? Please comment below if you know the answer or want to take a guses.
A Special Place
While hiking alone in the mountains of Japan I discover a small patch of land which captured my heart. The following poem was contributed for this video by YouTube member 'reymiland': "A garden naps. Snail and spider doze. The rock wall waits for footsteps." -----
Japan Electric Insect - Denkimushi 電気虫
Discovering a curious caterpillar with an astonishing natural defense. The Japanese word "denki" means electric (or electrical) while "mushi" means insect. Together they form denkimushi 電気虫. ---- Welcome to the the Real Japan Monsters blog. Bringing you high definition videos and photographs of some of Japan's most fascinating wildlife. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: realjapanmonsters.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum at: softypapa.net
Stacked Stones
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Giant Japanese Mosquito
Emily and I discover a very large insect which strongly resembles a mosquito. This insect was seen in a forest in central Japan. ---- Welcome to the the Real Japan Monsters blog. Bringing you high definition videos and photographs of some of Japan's most fascinating wildlife. Find us on YouTube at the following URL: www.youtube.com Please visit our blog at the following URL: realjapanmonsters.wordpress.com Follow us on Twitter twitter.com Interested in talking with others about Japan? Please visit our forum at: softypapa.net
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