Cool Japan / Aoi Matsuri (Hollyhock Leaf Crest Festival)

One of the traditional events named "Aoi Matsuri Festival" is coming soon here in Kyoto.
This is the annual festival of Shimogamo - jinja Shrine and Kamigamo - jinja Shrine. Its actual name is Kamo Festival. Along with the Gion Festival and the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of Ages), it is one of the three big festivals in Kyoto. Featured is a gorgeous parade in the style of the ancient Heian Court. Everything in the parade is adorned with the hollyhock leaf crest, also called "aoi" _ thus the name of the festival. The parade leaves the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 in the morning. The 700-meter-long parade passes Shimogamo - jinja Shrine and heads for Kamigamo - jinja Shrine Shrine.

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Cool Japan / Constitution Memorial Day

Today, May 3, is the "Constitution Memorial Day" and one of national holodays here in Japan.
Constitution Memorial Day (憲法記念日) is a national holiday in Japan. It takes place on May third in celebration of the promulgation of the 1947 Constitution of Japan. It is a part of the collection of holidays known as Golden Week.

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Cool Japan / 'The Scream' sold for nearly $120 million

("The Scream" by Edvard Munch)
According to CNN News, "'The Scream' sold for nearly $120 million".

New York (CNN) -- A pastel version of "The Scream" by Edvard Munch fetched nearly $120 million from an anonymous buyer Wednesday at Sotheby's in New York, setting a new world record for a work of art sold at auction.
Experts had expected the masterpiece to break new ground at the famed New York auction house; its presale estimate of at least $80 million was the highest ever listed at Sotheby's.
It sold for $119,922,500, which includes the premium paid to Sotheby's.

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Cool Japanese / Yu Darvish, Josh Hamilton snag April honors

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was named American League player of the month and Yu Darvish earned AL rookie of the month honors for April.
Hamilton, who turns 31 this month, led the league with nine homers, 25 RBIs, 64 total bases and a .744 slugging percentage and was second with a .395 batting average in 22 April games.

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