Latest news with #Kitayama
Japan Times
06-07-2025
- Japan Times
A tiny mountain hamlet keeps traditional log rafting afloat
I'm standing near the front of a 30-meter-long wooden raft a few minutes into a journey down the Kitayama River in northern Wakayama Prefecture's Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Piloted by a team of four drivers in traditional straw hats, the craft snakes its way toward a white-water section of the river appropriately nicknamed the 'Nose Dive.' The raft plunges into the rapids, followed by a wave of water washing over the 20 passengers, who laugh and whoop with excitement. They said we'd get wet — and they weren't wrong. With a population of less than 400, the tiny village of Kitayama is the only place in Japan where you can experience traditional ikada-kudari (log rafting). It's been on my radar for some years — I enjoy adrenaline-packed activities such as bungee jumping, tandem paragliding, canyoning and abseiling, but this was something unique: a natural rollercoaster through a remote gorge steeped in centuries of forestry history. In between the adventurous parts of the hour-long trip, there is plenty of time to sit down and soak in the surroundings aboard the raft: the emerald-green river, dramatic rock formations and waterfalls cascading down cliffs. Then, whenever we approach sections of rapids, the call goes out: 'Everybody up!' This certainly makes it more thrilling for the riders, but more importantly, it's easier for the raft to be steered and balanced, as our ikadashi (raft drivers) swiftly navigate the river, leaping from log to log as if it's second nature. During the rafting season, crews lash together logs and install seats and railings every morning. | KITAYAMA VILLAGE Earlier that morning, I'd watched the day's rafts being carefully lowered, section by section, into the river by crane, where they were then fitted with seats and handrails for the passengers. This painstaking work, repeated each morning during the rafting season that runs from May through September, is overseen by Masayuki Yamamoto, the president of Kitayama Shinko, the company commissioned by Kitayama to operate rafting as a tourism activity. 'We're protecting the landscape and nature of Kitayama,' Yamamoto says. 'Our mission is to preserve this long-standing tradition.' The remote hamlet's ikada-kudari dates back over 600 years, when the Kitayama River was the only viable route for transporting lumber from the forested mountains to the urban centers of Kansai. Kitayama's high-quality cedar was sought after by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, unifier of Japan in the late 16th century, for building his strongholds, creating a boom in timber transport. As the use of rafts to transport lumber increased, the practice of ikada-kudari was formalized in the 17th century, with a systemized distribution network put in place. At its peak, there were several hundred ikadashi in Kitayama. Logs were felled in the mountains and then rolled down the slopes, where they were tied together into long rafts. Drivers would then guide the lumber more than 60 kilometers downstream to the port of Shingu on Wakayama's southeastern coast, a journey that usually took two to three days. They made the return journey on foot, carrying their oars with them. It takes about three years of training to become a full-fledged "ikadashi" raft driver. | KITAYAMA VILLAGE The men who undertook this dangerous work were well paid for braving the currents to guide the massive rafts down the river. A local story surrounds the naming of Otonori, the starting point of the rafting trips. The original meaning was 'younger brother riding' — a reference to how families preferred to send off a younger son, deeming the job too risky for a precious oldest son and heir. The last rafts of commercial lumber went down the river in 1965. Roads had improved by then, making it more practical to transport logs overland. However, the tradition didn't disappear. In 1979, Kitayama launched sightseeing raft rides as part of a regional revitalization project, ensuring the legacy would float on in a new form. 'Luckily, some of the former log riders were still around, and they passed on their skills to a new generation,' says Yamamoto, who has been riding the rafts for more than 30 years and now heads a team of 16 ikadashi. He says that the job isn't just about physical strength. Teamwork and keeping a cool head are important for being a good river runner, too. 'The conditions are always changing in this job, so it keeps you on your toes,' he says. The log rafting season in Kitayama runs from May through September. | KITAYAMA VILLAGE Nevertheless, customs are evolving. In August 2024, 21-year-old Moko Ono made history when she joined Kitayama Shinko to become Kitayama's first-ever female ikadashi. Although the former gym instructor from Shingu had never actually ridden the rafts before, she responded to a call for new drivers based on the appeal of an active job outdoors, even though she admits that her mother wasn't keen on the idea in the beginning. 'Before I started the job, we took a test ride together,' Ono says. 'She was a bit worried, asking if I'd really be able to do this since it's a physically demanding job, and there are risks like falling off the raft. But she respected my decision and now she understands my wishes.' As Ono approaches her first work anniversary, she still has some way to go before completing the three years of training required to become a full-fledged ikadashi, but she says she hopes to see more women joining the ranks in the future. Outside of the rafting season, the ikadashi work other jobs, and Ono can often be found behind the wheel of the village bus, ferrying schoolchildren and seniors who can no longer drive. Some of her colleagues take part in forestry and conservation work or help with cultivation of jabara, a distinctive citrus fruit and Kitayama's other major industry. Native to Kitayama, jabara has a bold, tangy flavor that falls somewhere between an orange and a lemon, making it popular for use in products like jams, sauces, sweets and juices. Ono recommends a ponzu-style local product called Japon, which she says goes perfectly in nabe (hot pot) dishes or as a dipping sauce for gyōza dumplings. "Ikadashi" drivers use long poles to guide the log rafts down the Kitayama River. | KITAYAMA VILLAGE Kitayama has another unique distinction as Japan's only 'enclave village': though officially part of Wakayama, it is entirely surrounded by Mie and Nara prefectures. When Japan's feudal domains transitioned into modern prefectures, Shingu was aligned with modern-day Wakayama, so Kitayama chose to follow suit because of the historical and economic ties to its neighbor down the river. At the end of our trip, I join my fellow passengers on the bus that ferries tourists between the Kitayama Village Tourism Center and the rafting departure point. A change of clothes and a welcome dip in the onsen (hot spring) await at the neighboring hotel, which is open to day-trippers as well as overnight guests. I'm dripping wet, but my enthusiasm for the experience — and the enduring history it represents — is undampened. Kitayama's log rafting runs twice daily on weekends in May and June, and then daily except for Thursdays through the end of September. Riders must be between the ages of 10 and 75 and in good health. Rides cost ¥7,700 for adults and ¥3,300 for children under 12. Advance reservations are required. Due to the remote location, an overnight stay is recommended. For more information, visit the Kitayama Village website . Travel and accommodation for this story were provided by Wakayama Prefecture. No portion of this story was shared with any third party prior to publication.
The Mainichi
20-06-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Baseball: Fighters' Koki Kitayama misses no-hitter in 9th inning vs Giants
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Koki Kitayama came within two outs of a no-hitter Thursday in their 4-1 win over the Yomiuri Giants in interleague. The 26-year-old Kitayama (5-2) took a perfect game into the seventh inning at Tokyo Dome before issuing his only walk with two outs, and Takumi Oshiro ended a no-hit bid by ripping a 1-2 forkball for a solo home run to right with one out in the ninth. "It was a precious experience. Not managing to achieve it means I'm still weak in some aspects, and I'll keep setting the bar high to eventually accomplish it one day," said Kitayama, who struck out five in a 122-pitch gem for the Pacific League-leading Fighters. Giants starter Iori Yamasaki (6-2) had allowed one run over 17 innings in his past two starts but was roughed up early as Daigo Kamikawabata doubled in a run in the second before Ariel Martinez, Yua Tamiya and Chusei Mannami plated a run each in the third. Kitayama, named the 2022 Opening Day starter despite being the Fighters' eighth-round draft pick just months earlier, said he will "keep giving my best to repay" the faith shown by skipper and former MLB player Tsuyoshi Shinjo. In other action, Jon Duplantier (3-3) had a four-hit shutout, fanning 12 as the Central League-leading Hanshin Tigers beat the Lotte Marines 2-0.
Asahi Shimbun
16-05-2025
- General
- Asahi Shimbun
Children's ‘open' restroom at Osaka expo site causes a stir
A photo of a children's restroom taken by a woman who visited the Osaka Kansai Expo site during a preview of the event (Provided by the woman) OSAKA—Certain restrooms for toddlers at the Osaka Kansai Expo were designed to let parents easily help out their kids, but some say the layout could violate the children's human rights. One mother who attended the three-day event preview that started on April 4 with her husband and 3-year-old daughter took to X to express her displeasure. 'There are no partitions, and it's too exposed,' the woman said in a message with a picture of empty child-sized toilets and urinals. She said her child wasn't uncomfortable because she had used an open restroom at her nursery school until she was 2 years old. 'I'd be happy if there were even low partitions to respect the privacy of children aged up to 3,' the mother said. Others on X defended the unpartitioned restroom, with one user saying they are commonly used at nursery schools. According to the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, this type of restroom is located inside Lost Child and Baby Centers next to the west and east gates of the venue. For those uncomfortable about being seen by others, a private stall next to each facility is available. There are also partitioned restrooms for children aged between 3 and 5 and toilet booths equipped with potty chairs at the expo site. When deciding how to deal with lost children taken into protective custody at the centers, the expo association checked a catalogue of toilets for schools and infant facilities compiled by leading bathroom fixture maker Toto Ltd. The catalogue said a restroom needs to be open for 2-year-olds who need assistance from teachers. But according to a Toto public relations representative, the catalogue lists plans intended for kindergartens and nursery schools, not for public places where strangers can enter. Although Toto provided its products to the expo venue as a sponsoring company, the children's toilets were purchased by the expo association. Designers and clients determine how they want to install the Toto products, the representative said. 'We are not involved in the designing process of the restroom space,' the representative said. Anyone with children can enter the restrooms at the expo centers. Staff members will talk to those who try to enter without children. Hitomi Kitayama, a former principal at the private Wako Elementary School and the Wako Kindergarten in Tokyo, said teacher shortages have forced each staff member to take care of several children. All restrooms for children aged up to 2 are designed in an open-plan style so that adults can rush in to help if something happens. 'But that is not enough to protect the privacy of children,' Kitayama said. 'The fact that (the expo restroom) has sparked controversy is significant. I hope it will serve as a springboard for people to stop and think.' Haruo Asai, a professor emeritus at Rikkyo University who is well-versed in children's human rights, said the idea that children don't mind being seen naked is wrong. 'Naturally, children also feel uncomfortable about things that make adults feel uncomfortable,' he said. 'Kids are also the main people when it comes to human rights. It's not too late to improve the situation.'
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kurt Kitayama: PGA Championship betting odds and preview
Kurt Kitayama: PGA Championship betting odds and preview Kurt Kitayama has +20000 odds to win the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club after taking fifth in THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch May 1-4 in his last tournament. In his 22 tournaments during the past year, Kitayama has a best finish of fifth and an average finish of 28th, with four top 10s. The tournament will be held May 15-18 in Charlotte, NC, hosted at the par 71, 7,626-yard course. The field will seek the title held by previous winner Xander Schauffele. Kurt Kitayama odds to win the PGA Championship PGA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 4:23 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Odds to win: +20000, bet $100 to win $20000 Kitayama's stats and trends Kitayama has finished with a better-than-average score in two of his last five tournaments. He has finished with an average score of -9 those three times he's made the cut. Over his last five tournaments, Kitayama has finished in the top five once. Out of the last five tournaments he's entered, he made the cut three times. Kitayama made it to the weekend in four of his last five trips to this event. Kitayama's recent results THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson: 66-65-68-68 (-17) - Finished fifth 66-65-68-68 (-17) - Finished fifth Valero Texas Open: 71-78 (+5) - Missed cut 71-78 (+5) - Missed cut Texas Children's Houston Open: 68-65-68-72 (-7) - Finished 39th 68-65-68-72 (-7) - Finished 39th Valspar Championship: 80-69 (+7) - Missed cut 80-69 (+7) - Missed cut THE PLAYERS Championship: 72-70-78-66 (-2) - Finished 33rd How to watch the PGA Championship Date: May 15-18, 2025 May 15-18, 2025 Location: Charlotte, NC Charlotte, NC TV Channel: ESPN ESPN Live stream: Watch LIVE with Fubo! ESPN+ is the new home of PGA TOUR LIVE. Sign up now to access 4,300+ hours of live coverage from 35 PGA TOUR tournaments this year.
USA Today
01-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Kurt Kitayama odds to win the 2025 THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
Kurt Kitayama odds to win the 2025 THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson details and info Date: May 1-4, 2025 May 1-4, 2025 Course: TPC Craig Ranch TPC Craig Ranch Location: McKinney, TX McKinney, TX Previous Winner: Rory McIlroy How to watch THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Thursday: The Golf Channel The Golf Channel Friday: The Golf Channel The Golf Channel Saturday: CBS (KBAK-Bakersfield, CA), The Golf Channel CBS (KBAK-Bakersfield, CA), The Golf Channel Sunday: CBS (KBAK-Bakersfield, CA), The Golf Channel Watch golf on Fubo! Kitayama odds to win THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson PGA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Wednesday at 8:58 PM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub. Kitayama odds to finish in the top 5 at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Kitayama odds to finish in the top 10 at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Other betting markets for Kitayama at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Kitayama recent performances Kitayama has taken part in 10 tournaments this season, but he has not earned a finish in the top 10. In his past four appearances, Kitayama has an average finish of 36th.
