All prefectural public schools which have been closed due to the swine flu scare will reopen for classes on May 27 (Wed.). Nursery, elementary, and junior high schools in the… Read more
I finally visited the third Konan Sanzan temple, Zensuiji which is near JR Kosei Station. This is the largest temple of the three, and I would say the most impressive.… Read more
On the morning of May 20, 2009, Shiga’s first case of swine flu has been confirmed. A 23-year-old male student at the Biwako-Kusatsu campus of Ritsumeikan University has been confirmed as… Read more
Due to the spread of swine flu, the Shiga Prefectural Board of Education has decided to cancel all high school student exchange trips to sister cities in Michigan, USA. Some… Read more
Kongorinji temple (金剛輪寺), one of the Koto Sanzan temple trio of Tendai Buddhist temples (National Treasures) in Aisho, eastern Shiga, lost its precious Mandala about 140 years ago during the… Read more
Yogo town, home of Lake Yogo in northern Shiga, held an unusual festival called the Chawan Matsuri or Teacup Festival. It’s been 6 years since it was last held in… Read more
I’ve been informed that Aisho town in eastern Shiga will form the Aisho International Association in April 2010 and preparations are currently underway. They have an interim Web site here: http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/aishointernational… Read more
On March 29, 2009, I saw the Saio Princess Procession in Tsuchiyama, Koka (あいの土山斎王群行). It was very nice. The Saio princess was an unmarried, young Imperial princess, often the Emperor’s… Read more