Folklore Creature "kappa"

In Japanese folklore, the kappa or "river-child" is a familiar type of water monster, considered one of three major yokai.

Kappa are said to be inhabiting the ponds and rivers of Japan.

Folklore Creature "Tengu"

Tono City

Tono City is the setting for Kunio Yanagita’s "Tono Monogatari" or "The Legends of Tono" and is home to traditional folklore featuring creatures such as "kappa" and "zashiki-warashi."

The city is located inland in the southeastern part of Iwate Prefecture.

The View From Aoba Castle and Gokoku Shrine

The Castle is located on a plateau overlooking the city of Sendai, on the opposing bank of the Hirose river. The site is protected by cliffs to the south and east and by a forest to the west.

Bridal Procession at Gokoku Shrine

Aoba Castle and Aobayama Park

Date Masamune

Aoba Castle is a Japanese castle located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. 

Throughout the Edo period, Aoba Castle was home to the Date clan, daimyo of Sendai Domain. 

The castle was also known as Sendai-jo. 

In 2003, the castle ruins were designated a National Historic Site.

Date Masamune

Date Masamune

JAXA Kakuda Space Center

The Kakuda Space Center is dedicated to the research and development of rocket engines—the heart of the launch vehicles that carry artificial satellites beyond the atmosphere.

Researchers conduct R&D and testing for liquid-propellant rocket engines—such as those used in the H-IIA rocket—as well as for liquid-propellant apogee engines for satellites.