Why Here? Investigating the Insect Vending Machine at Kannai CELTE [Part 1]

Recent Comments

  • I posted the other day, but according to the JR announcement article from December 12th, starting March 14th next year, the “Nozomi” stopping at Shin-Yokohama Station…

  • I actually went and experienced the kind of history that exists right here. In the past, I experienced the timetable (the National Railways timetable, and after privatization, the JTB and Kōsai…

  • In the old days (around 1964 to 1965), it took about 5 hours from Shin-Yokohama Station to Shin-Osaka Station on the “Kodama” with one train per hour…

Kannai CELTE

Kannai CELTE is a modern, multi-purpose event and convention hall located in the Kannai district of Yokohama, Japan. It was established to serve as a key cultural and business hub in the city, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. The venue is part of the ongoing development of the Kannai area, which has historically been Yokohama’s central business district since the port city opened to international trade in the late 19th century.

Shin-Yokohama Station

Shin-Yokohama Station is a major railway hub in Yokohama, Japan, which opened in 1964 to coincide with the launch of the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) line. It was built in a then-underdeveloped area to serve as the primary Shinkansen stop for the city, significantly boosting Yokohama’s connectivity and spurring the growth of the surrounding commercial and business district.

Nozomi

“Nozomi” is not a widely recognized specific cultural site or landmark. However, in Japanese culture, “nozomi” (望み) is a common word meaning “hope,” “wish,” or “desire,” and it is also famously the name of Japan’s high-speed Shinkansen bullet train service introduced in 1992, connecting Tokyo with major cities like Osaka and Fukuoka. The name was chosen to reflect the hope for a new era of rapid and efficient rail travel in Japan.

National Railways

The National Railways, often referring to a country’s state-owned rail system, historically played a crucial role in industrialization and national unity by connecting distant regions. For example, in many nations, these networks were built in the 19th or early 20th centuries to transport goods, facilitate migration, and strengthen central governance. Today, they often remain vital for public transport and freight, though their specific history and significance vary by country.

JTB

“JTB” is not a specific place or cultural site, but is the common abbreviation for the **Japan Travel Bureau**, one of Japan’s largest and oldest travel and tourism companies. Founded in 1912, it played a major role in promoting both domestic and international tourism in Japan throughout the 20th century. Today, JTB Corporation operates globally, providing a wide range of travel services.

Kōsai

“Kōsai” is a city located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, on the western shore of Lake Hamana. Historically, the area has been known for its fishing industry, particularly for cultivated eels and clams, and it developed significantly in the modern era with the establishment of automotive and musical instrument factories. The city also offers scenic lakeside views and is a gateway to explore the lake’s natural beauty and local cuisine.

Shin-Osaka Station

Shin-Osaka Station is the primary shinkansen (bullet train) terminal in Osaka, Japan, opening in 1964 to coincide with the launch of the Tokaido Shinkansen line. It serves as a major transportation hub connecting western Japan to Tokyo and other regions, with conventional rail and subway lines integrated into the complex. While primarily a modern transit center, its history is tied to Japan’s post-war economic growth and the development of its iconic high-speed rail network.

Kodama

“Kodama” refers to spirits in Japanese Shinto belief that are said to inhabit ancient trees and forests, acting as guardians of nature. This concept is deeply rooted in Japan’s animistic history and reflects a cultural reverence for the natural world. While not a physical site, the idea is famously depicted in Hayao Miyazaki’s film *Princess Mononoke*, bringing the folklore to a global audience.