Merry Wanderer of the Night:
Japan

  • Rain chains instead of drains

    Rain chains instead of drains
    Rain chainFor gathering of rain water drainpipes are usually used. Despite long-term tradition of their use, it is possible to note some lacks: it is not visible problems in pipes, the regular control and service is required, at last, them will not name beautiful.

    Rain chain — made in Japan

    Japanese rain chainRecently more and more popular worldwide there are rain chains which are used for a long time in Japan for gathering of rain water. Their doubtless advantages are not only aesthetic value, but also ease of installation, absence of necessity of additional service, durability, stability to temperature drops. It is possible to use the most different variants for gathering of rain water.

    The rain chain is an excellent ornament of the house and a garden in any weather. During rains of a droplet of water, hitting about chain links, create a soft melodious sound. The Japanese rain chain easily fasten on roof corners, providing a drainage system in any capacities.

    Copper rain chainsIn Japan for these purposes usually use copper or ceramic bowls. You can put any capacity for water gathering, for example, traditional flanks. The collected water then can be used for watering of house plants as rain water does not contain some chlorine and fluorides as potable water.

    Iridescent Japanese garden

    VIA «Rain chains instead of drains»

  • Heritage: Four Japanese sites recommended for World Heritage listing

    Heritage: Four Japanese sites recommended for World Heritage listing
    Four groups of historically important areas in Japan were recommended to the Cultural Affairs Agency for registration as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites, the agency announced.

    Four Japanese sites recommended for World Heritage listing
    The Mozu tumulus group, part of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun Ancient 
    Tumulus Clusters, in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture [Credit: Asahi Shimbun]

    The areas are: the Jomon Archaeological Sites in Hokkaido, northern Tohoku, and other regions (Aomori, Akita and Iwate prefectures); the Sado Gold and Silver Mine in Niigata Prefecture; the Mozu-Furuichi Kofungun Ancient Tumulus Clusters in Osaka Prefecture; and Okinoshima island and related sites in the Munakata region of Fukuoka Prefecture.

    Four Japanese sites recommended for World Heritage listing
    Oyukanjoresseki, stone remains that are a part of the Jomon Archaeological Sites
     in Hokkaido, northern Tohoku, and other regions, are seen in Kazuno, 
    Akita Prefecture [Credit: Asahi Shimbun]

    Four Japanese sites recommended for World Heritage listing
    Odatetatekoyagura, a facility of the former Sado Gold and Silver 
    Mine in Niigata Prefecture [Credit: Asahi Shimbun]

    The submission of the draft recommendations marked the first step toward applying for UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 2017, the agency said March 27.

    Four Japanese sites recommended for World Heritage listing
    Okinoshima island in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture
     [Credit: Asahi Shimbun]

    The Council for Cultural Affairs, an advisory body to the agency, will review the suggestions and select one to be submitted to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

    Source: The Asahi Shimbun [March 28, 2015]