#Drone Shots in Fukuoka

[sweatykittentyrant]

【#11】これからの季節にぴったりな福岡の絶景スポット – Fukuoka Summer Vlogs – しのきちチャンネル 【#13】大分県日田市のライフスタイルといえば…あれ！ 小鹿田焼の里を訪ねる 【#14】 大分市の名所や大分県のライフスタイルを紹介。

[putschki1969]

LINE LIVE ~ Summary

Here’s my summary of yesterday’s LINE LIVE. I am incapable of keeping things short so be prepared for a wall of text. I tried to lighten things up by inserting a few screenshots here and there ⊂((・▽・))⊃ Title: Wakana Solo Debut、「Toki wo Koeru Yoru ni」Release Special Broadcast Date/Time：2019/2/6 21:00～21:50 Victor Channel Download link

We start off with an introduction to the program. In order to celebrate the release of Wakana’s solo debut single, Victor Channel is hosting a special LINE LIVE. The program is hosted by Natsuko Aso. She says she will ask Wakana about all kinds of things, her profile, her music, her hobbies. Towards the end of the program they will play the full PV of “Toki wo Koeru Yoru ni”, etc

Natsuko then advises viewers to remove the comment section on the side if they want to see a full-sized Wakana.

It seems like Natsuko and Wakana have met before but it’s been a while since they have last seen each other. [All I could find on that is an old Kalafina blog post from 2011. Apparently they all performed together at KITAKYUSHU 2011 but they probably met on various other occasions.] Anyways, after the usual formalities of telling each other how happy they are to see each other again Natsuko asks Wakana whether she is feeling nervous to do this live together with her and Wakana confirms that yes, she is super nervous.  She then asks Natsuko if it’s okay to call her Nat-chan like she used to back in the day. Natsuko immediately says yes, of course it’s okay. Wakana continues by saying that it’s totally fine if Natsuko calls her “Wa-chan” or “Waka-chan” or simply “Wakana”, no formalities please [Natsuko is quite a few years younger than Wakana so that offer seemed to make her a bit uncomfortable].

Nat then congratulates Wakana on the release of her single and asks her how she feels now that the CD is finally out. Wakana is super happy and excited of course. The song really transcended time because there was quite a long period between its first performance in August last year and its release. It’s about time it got released!

We continue with a short profile of Wakana’s life/career. The usual stuff, born on Dec 10, from Fukuoka, started singing early, first acitivities as FictionJunctuion Wakana, breakthrough as member of Kalafina and now after celebrating the 10 year anniversary of Kalafina she is debuting as solo artist under Victor Entertainment. Nat is surprised to find out Wakana is from Fukuoka. Wakana then explains that she was born in Tokyo but raised in Fukuoka so she feels like that is her home. Nats wonders if there is any good stuff to eat there and Wakana is more than happy to answer, she is like, “YES, there is!!!!” People in Fukuoka like to eat udon instead of ramen and Wakana’s favourite is udon with fried burdock (gobouten) (something that’s very hard to find in Tokyo). Wakana is like, “now I have become an udon ambassador”. Next they talk about how Wakana got into music. It’s the usual stuff again. Her dad likes to play the guitar, her mum used to be a music teacher, she has always been surrounded by music so naturally she became very fond of it too. She started taking lessons very early, then she was part of a gospel choir and took vocal lessons. But as we know, she originally wanted to become a mangaka or opera singer but that didn’t really happen. She then decided she would focus on singing (although not on an operatic level).

Next up is some talk about Wakana’s private hobby, namely her camera. Wakana reads through some of the comments and sees how many people are watching so she gets a bit nervous. There are lots of people waving so Wakana being the energetic person she is goes a little overboard with her waving.

Now we get to the camera. Wakana grabs it from a table nearby and says that she really loves taking pictures. She shows off all the cool features of the camera and takes a picture of the two of them. Wakana has always loved taking pictures of the sky with her phone so she wanted to try using a real camera for a change. Wakana is proud of the pic she took of them, it turned out nicely, a girly get together. She feels like this has turned into a teleshopping channel, she apologises. With this camera she likes to take pictures of the sky (like before), of nature and she also likes to capture special off shot moments.

Then we see some recent shots Wakana took.

This is one of her plants at home, she has forgotten its name though. She talks about spending a lot of time watering her plants and talking to them. It has become a ritual. She also has a little “angel” corner here which she likes a lot, she is a big fan of wings.

Next up is another one of her plants, it’s a christmas rose which she received as present recently. She is so happy that it already bloomed but she worries what will happen to it this summer since the flowers only bloom when it is cold

They just reached 10,000 viewers. CONGRATS! Wakana gets even more nervous.

We continue with some shark pics because hey, this is Wakana so of course this program has to include sharks. There are pics of her favourite tiger sharks which can be found at Fukuoka Marine World. She explains that she goes to aquariums all the time and that she really loves sharks, how they are so cute, how their form is beautiful, etc...Nat says that she has watched a couple of shark films and Wakana immediately wants to know which ones (=> Deep Blue Sea and Lost Vacation - some of Wakana’s faves actually). Wakana is so happy to talk about those films and of course she has to mention that Blake Lively’s body looks amazing, no matter how many times she watches the movie, she is always blown away by how gorgeous she looks. She recommends those films to everyone who wants some simple entertainment. And now the teleshopping program has fully turned into a shark program. Time to introduce her shark goods. Her infamous tea cup of course and her keyholder. Nat points out that Wakana’s tour goods look like they could be aquarium merch, they don’t have anything to do with Wakana. When Wakana gives her goods to friends they also usually believe that it’s a souvenir from the aquarium.

It’s time to end this shark corner and continue with some talk about the single. Wakana explains how this was her first time writing lyrics. When she first heard the melody of Toki wo Koeru Yoru ni she worried a lot because she didn’t know what kind of lyrics to write. She had to write tons of notes because she had no idea where to start, she would just write down random thoughts while listening to the song. Eventually she would pick out the lines she liked and create some proper lyrics. At this point she realised how much hard work it is to write lyrics, she had never really been aware of that. Nat asks if Wakana has a favourite line or phrase. She really likes the final chorus. Because this song is s collab between Shusui and a Swedish composer the song has a very Western/European vibe. The first version she heard of the song had English lyrics and she was super impressed by the song and she felt quite intimidated. Wakana was super embarrassed when she sang the song for the first time last August because she didn’t know if her lyrics would be well-received but since then she also performed it during her tour so she has become quite confident. That made it easy for her to do the recording (which followed much later). At that point the song had already changed quite a bit due to the different performances and interpretations, it really became her own and she felt very comfortable singing it in the studio. Then we have the live version of Tsubasa. Wakana says that she started her performance being quite nervous but with every line she sang she gained confidence since the song is quite empowering. That’s why she is happy that this live version was chosen even though you can probably hear her nervousness during some parts. Nat is super impressed by those two completely different songs, Wakana’s expressions are pretty much the exact opposite so it’s quite astonishing. Wakana goes on to explain that the song was written by Satoshi Takebe who also produced her tour. He left a huge impression on her because she learned a lot from him.

~ Toki wo Koeru Yoru ni PV ~ Wakana loves the contrast between the nature and urban setting and she likes how there is such a vast world introduced in the PV. All the wide shots are amazing. Nat says the PV has a very fantastical vibe to it, it almost feels like an illusion with all the lovely sparkles. Nat wonders if the PV was actually shot in Sweden because the atmosphere seems so European. Wakana has to disappoint her though, she did not go to Sweden unfortunately. However, they tried to find a location that would have a sort of nostalgic European vibe. Wakana is super happy they were able to find such a gorgeous location. The water was particularly beautiful because it reflected the forest in the background. She is also excited because she got to go on a boat and all the boat scenes where shot with a drone which turned out super well. Wakana says that she had a phone with her on the boat and staff members would tell her what to do ,“okay, now pretend to sleep. Ah yes, the sun looks beautiful now. Perfect. Stay as you are...” Wakana really wanted to look at the beautiful sun but since she needed to pretend to be asleep she couldn’t. Afterwards she got a chance to look though and she also took some pictures with the phone she had with her, she got some great shots. She will probably upload those pics on the blog someday soon. Nat then points out that it must have been very cold during the shooting since you can see Wakana’s breath during some scenes. Wakana admits that this was the coldest she has ever been in her entire life. In the past she had often shot PVs where it had been freezing but it was never as bad as during her shooting for “Toki wo Koeru Yoru ni”. She had never seen her breath like that. When she watched a few scenes they had shot she thought she had become “Godzilla Wakana”

Nat reassures her that she didn’t look Godzilla-like at all. It really fitted the entire winter atmosphere of the PV and it helped to make it more emotional. We then get some off-shots from the shoot. Nat is impressed how much work it takes to get a PV like that done. Wakana agrees, it’s a group effort and everyone did an amazing job.

Wakana really loved the location for the urban night scenery. She wishes that was her apartment but alas it isn’t. For a moment though she had Nat convinced that it was in fact her apartment XD

Nat catches Wakana a little off-guard when she says they should continue with some information. Wakana looks at her schedule sheet and is a bit confused but then she realises it’s time to talk about her album and tour. Nat introduces all the album details we already know. Wakana is like, “OMG, there is so much content on Version B”. Everyone should get it because it includes a HUUUUGE poster of her XD

Wakana says that the album is very Wakana-like (hence the title) but it also introduces a NEW Wakana so she is looking forward to everyone discovering those new facets of her. Wakana loves the dress she wears on the cover design because it’s super flowy. The wind was strong when they took those pictures so it almost looks like she has wings. She thinks that’s very fitting because she is leaping into a new direction, discovering new parts of herself. On a side note, the pose on her promotional picture was extremely uncomfortable but she likes the end result. She generally loves how the pictures turned out. The weather was lovely during the shoot as well. Wakana says that the cameraman is lucky because he always brings good weather with him (unlike Wakana who always brings rain with her - she notes that it has been raining all day in Tokyo). Nat points out that it didn’t seem to rain during the PV shooting so Wakana isn’t THAT unlucky. However, Wakana reveals that it did in fact rain that day (just a little though and the sky eventually cleared up to allow those grogeous final scenes).

Some more news about the release events, the clearfile tokutens, the tour dates, the LINE ticket lottery etc...

Wakana says she wants to show parts of her new self in the upcoming tour (of course this will involve her single and album). She thinks there will be a lot of people coming that don’t really know her from before so she really wants to leave a good impression. She has been thinking a lot about what to do for this tour. At any rate, she wants to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Lastly, some info about the new twitter account. It is going to be run by staff members because Wakana is absolutely clueless when it comes to Twitter. However, she thinks she might try to post once in a while. Nat then reads out a few comments by fans saying they will attend so and so many tour lives. Wakana is like, “I am gonna attend ALL of them!! So everyone, please come to all of them as well!”

It’s about time to end the program so Nat asks if Wakana has anything left to say. Wakana says they shouldn’t end the video so soon since it’s only been about 30 minutes. Nat then realises that she has failed to call Wakana by her nicknames. Wakana says it’s fine. She then goes on to thank everyone for this precious time. She had lots of fun talking with Nat and sharing some info. She feels grateful to all the fans who watched the LINE live. Wakana asks if Nat would mind if they talked a bit longer, she doesn’t want to force her but she is enjoying herself so much, she doesn’t want it to end yet. Nat doesn’t mind of course and she suggests they talk a little more about Wakana’s favourite topic...sharks. Obviously Wakana is more than excited and even interrupts Nat while she is about to ask a question. Wakana calms down and aplogises, asking Nat what she wants to know. Nat is curious what made Wakana fall in love with sharks. As we all know, she started out by liking dinosaurs. When Nat hears this she can’t believe it because she loves dinosaurs too. Wakana is beyond excited to have found a fellow dino-fan.

Nats asks if Wakana went to the dinosaur expo and Wakana is like, “dude, OF COURSE!” It was so cool. They are already making plans to go together to this year’s expo. Wakans says that she has loved dinosaurs ever since she watched Jurassic Park at the cinema with her father and brother. She was quite scared initially and her dad worried about her but she was fine at the end. The dinosaurs really impressed her. From that point on she was really into dinos and then she found out about the ancient shark megalodon. After that there was no turning back, she fell in love with sharks due to their awesomeness. She is happy the film MEG was released recently because now everyone knows how cool that shark is. Some more fangirling about sharks and dinosaurs. Nat states that this is the first time she has met a woman who is as passionate about dinosaurs as her. Wakana agrees, there aren’t many women with this kind of hobby.

Final info about the tour and some final words of gratitude to the viewers. She hopes everyone will join her on this journey in a new direction.Wakana has already decided on her tour goods and Nat is looking forward to seeing them. Right when they were waving goodbye they reached 20,000 viewers. BANZAI. 

[theopenroadbeforeme-blog]

The monk’s bones appeared to melt, turning him into a rag doll instead of an actual person.  He wrapped his legs into a pretzel and pushed himself onto his fingertips.  The crowd hooted and hollered as they took photo after photo, enthralled by the spectacle.  I was at Golgulsa (골굴사) for the weekend, and we were starting the temple stay with a demonstration of sunmudo.

The purpose of meditation is to make our mind calm and peaceful. If our mind is peaceful, we will be free from worries and mental discomfort, and so we will experience true happiness. But if our mind is not peaceful, we will find it very difficult to be happy, even if we are living in the very best conditions.” – Kelsang Gyatso

After a busy month involving a trip to Jeju Island, an E2 visa run to Fukuoka, and a gradually increasing workload, I needed a couple days off.  A temple stay seemed like just the ticket.  Since I first heard of the concept back in 2011, I’d been curious about what it would entail.  After some research into different temple stay options, I thought I’d found the perfect fit: Golgulsa (골굴사) Temple.  A mere 30 km outside of Pohang, Golgulsa is extremely easy to access and happens to be the center of a Korean martial art known as sunmudo (선무도).

After booking the temple stay, all I had to do was show up.  Much of the time I would be spending at Golgulsa was regimented: chanting services, sunmudo demonstrations, and training were all scheduled.  Of everything included in the experience, I was most eager to try my hand at the archery.  I’d come for peace and relaxation, but — let’s be honest — it’s not often I get to shoot a bow and arrow.

The archery was already underway as I arrived — a sunmudo master and apprentice showing Korean temple stayers the fundamentals of sunmudo archery.  As with other aspects of sunmudo, archery is not strictly a martial activity, but a meditative one as well.  Making a shot involves breathing technique, precise movements, and calming the mind — all of which must be completed before the arrow is let loose.  I took to it quickly and was soon able to hit the target on most of my shots.

A brisk hike up the hill took us to the main shrine, built below a cave-speckled cliff.  Walkways criss-cross the rock face, and a seated Buddha is carved into the peak.

A crowd of tourists gathered in front of the sanctuary, chattering excitedly.  The sunmudo demonstration was soon to start.  I’d heard of the sunmudo master’s showboating from another blogger (read Wee Gypsy Girl’s post about her Golgulsa Temple Stay here!), so I’d adjusted my expectations accordingly.

Several students came out and demonstrated various sunmudo routines.  I watched closely, noting how balance and control seemed to be valued over speed and power.  Some of the routines were almost like sequences of yoga moves, but on closer inspection, it was easy to see the martial applications.

Then, the master made his appearance.  The crowd greeted him like he was Maximus riding into the Colosseum, and he egged them on as he began his routine.  I tried to tune out the showmanship and focus on his sunmudo.  It was truly impressive and one of the most mind-boggling displays of human ability I’ve ever seen.

Dinner afterward was a simple affair, but a delicious one as well.  Korean temple food is legendary, and Golgulsa’s was certainly no disappointment.

But throughout dinner and the short break which followed, I couldn’t help but dwell on the upcoming sunmudo training. Would I be able to handle it? I hike a lot, but that’s about the extent of my exercise.  A full body workout would destroy me, I knew.  The real question was how much of an idiot I’d make of myself in the process.

As it turns out, just as much as everyone else.  I did well with the stretches, but drilling the actual sunmudo sequence was a different story.  The instructor walked among us, carefully correcting postures and movements as we went through the sequence.  By the end, my arms and legs were shaking with exertion and sweat was dripping down my forehead.

Considering how simple the workout was, I have a new appreciation for those who train in martial arts.  It’s not nearly as easy as it looks!

Morning came all too soon.  Perhaps my least favorite part of the temple stay was waking up at 4 am for the chanting service.  As I mentioned above, I was more interested in the martial arts and cultural aspects of the temple stay — Buddhism only holds a passing interest for me.  Simply put, waking up at 4 am and listening to a monk drone on and on while banging a wooden block for 30 minutes WITHOUT having any coffee in my system led to a very non-zen Nathan.  There.  I said it.  Some people have their morning chants.  I have my cup(s) of java.

After the chanting service came meditation.  I’d been under the impression we could be outside, but everyone filed into the training room to sit for more chanting and bowing.  I tried, I really did, but all I wanted was to be outside in Nature, smelling the crisp spring air and watching the sun break over the hills.  When meditation finished and we’d eaten our ceremonial breakfast, I scrambled up the cliff paths and found a vantage point just as the sun burst into view.  My annoyance with rote and ceremony faded as I breathed deeply and savored the fresh air.

Now that was meditation I could get behind.

By the time our Dharma talk and 108 bows of supplication came about, I was ready to go.  I’d affirmed something I’d always known.  Chanting, incense, and strict meditation may work for some people to attain inner peace.  Me, not so much.  Give me a mountain peak bathed in the golden light of dawn, give me a forest creaking and rustling as the wind blows through it, give me a seashore stinking of brine and roaring with the sound of the surf…

Nature is my sanctuary.  It always has been.  If I need a weekend to recharge, I’ll go on a hike and bask in its splendor for a while.  That’s not to say that I wouldn’t do a temple stay again.  I genuinely enjoyed my experience at Golgulsa.  It’s just that if I did another temple stay, it would be as another cultural experience.

Booking a Temple Stay

Eager to book your own temple stay in Korea? Head over to the website for Temple Stay Korea and have a look at the ones available.  You’ll need a Korean bank account to book online, though I emailed the temple contact directly and booked through her.

How about you? Have you ever done a temple stay in Korea?  Where was it, and what was your experience?  Any reason you wouldn’t consider doing one? Share it all and more in the comments below!

Temple Stay at Golgulsa The monk's bones appeared to melt, turning him into a rag doll instead of an actual person.