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Narita-san Shinshoji temple holds its Setsubun Bean-throwing Festival on Feb. 3. It was jam-packed on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. 180 views
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Chiba Koen Station monorail platform 千葉公園駅179 views
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JR Chiba Station179 views
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Taking a break.179 views
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2010 March 5 --- Naoko gives the thumbs up as she heads for Space Shuttle Discovery for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.178 views
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Baruto and Yokozuna Hakuho at Naritasan Shinshoji for Setsubun bean throwing on Feb. 3, 2013.174 views
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Path to park exit173 views
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Ohara beach where the portable shrines will be carried into the ocean. 大原海水浴場173 views
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Inside monorail172 views
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Entrance to Onjuku Beach. Onjuku has various Spanish touches.172 views
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So, I think I saw most of the 25,000 hina dolls on display at Katsuura.172 views
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The beach sand is very fine.167 views
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Main stage at Narita-san temple.166 viewsOn Saturday evening, the festival climaxes with a free show on the main stage. The best taiko troupes from Japan and overseas performed for 2 hours.
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At 3 pm, the first portable shrine is carried into the ocean. 汐ふみ(大原海水浴場)166 views
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9 Dec. 2009 --- Naoko Yamazaki participates in a training session in one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility...166 views9 Dec. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, participates in a training session in one of the full-scale trainers in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, Yamazaki is seated on the middeck for a post insertion/de-orbit training session.
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Priests enter the temple at Narita-san.165 views
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A few photographers come early to secure the best positions.165 views
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They give a few cheers before they started running on the beach.165 views
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View from Kangun-zuka.165 views
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2010 March 5 --- Naoko during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.165 views
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Boats for rent164 views
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Portable shrines from 18 shrines in the area join in the festival.164 views
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The crowd at the beach.164 views
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The portable shrines begin to leave Tamasaki Shrine.164 views
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Onjuku Beach163 views
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5 April 2010 --- After suiting up, the STS-131 crew members exit the Operations and Checkout Building to board the Astrovan...163 views5 April 2010 --- After suiting up, the STS-131 crew members exit the Operations and Checkout Building to board the Astrovan, which will take them to launch pad 39A for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-131 mission. On the right (front to back) are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson and Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists. On the left (front to back) are NASA astronauts James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, both mission specialists. Liftoff of the STS-131 mission is set for 6:21 a.m. (EDT) on April 5. On STS-131, the seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss structure, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.
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They are soon followed by many more photographers.162 views
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Ozeki Kisenosato and Okinoumi at Naritasan.162 views
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This photographer forgot his shorts.161 views
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The castle tower is built on an anti-earthquake foundation.159 views
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View of park grounds159 views
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Ohara beach158 views
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29 Jan. 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, poses for a photo prior to the start of an ingress/egress training session...158 views29 Jan. 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, poses for a photo prior to the start of an ingress/egress training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
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2007 April 20 -- Naoko at the NASA booth at the 2007 Grand Prix of Houston auto race. (JAXA photo)158 views
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Sapce Shuttle Discovery approaches the International Space Station.157 views
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2009 Sept. 18 -- Naoko Yamazaki undergoes water survival training at Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Johnson Space Center. (JAXA/NASA photo)157 views
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Inside the YS-11156 views
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Statue of Chiba-no-suke Tsuneshige 千葉介常重156 viewsLord Chiba-no-suke Tsuneshige was the founder of Chiba Castle in 1126.
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Gas station156 views
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A bridge leads to the Desert of the Moon Museum that shows works by songwriter and artist Kato Masao. Admission charged. Open 9 am to 5 pm. Closed Wed. 156 views
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Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.156 views14 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, attired in a training version of her shuttle launch and entry suit, awaits the start of a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
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Roof tiles with the Chiba clan's crest155 views
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Unfortunately, the mesh fence ruins the view and picture-taking.155 views
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Exhibition space155 views
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The red fence is so low that anyone can fall over.154 views
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View of park grounds154 views
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Princess on camel154 views
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Top floor of castle153 views
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Inside Onjuku Museum of History and Folklore. This room shows noted people of Onjuku.152 views
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Kazusa-Ichinomiya Station on the JR Sotobo Line.152 views
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5 April 2010 --- After suiting up, the STS-131 crew members pause alongside the Astrovan to wave farewell to onlookers before heading for launch pad 39A...152 views5 April 2010 --- After suiting up, the STS-131 crew members pause alongside the Astrovan to wave farewell to onlookers before heading for launch pad 39A for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-131 mission. From the right are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Rick Mastracchio, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists. Liftoff of the STS-131 mission is set for 6:21 a.m. (EDT) on April 5. On STS-131, the seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss structure, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.
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Cherry blossom grove151 views
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20 April 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki, holds a Japanese flag near the space shuttle Discovery shortly after Discovery and the STS-131 crew landed at the Kennedy Space Center...151 views20 April 2010 --- Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, holds a Japanese flag near the space shuttle Discovery shortly after Discovery and the STS-131 crew landed at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., on April 20, 2010. NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Clayton Anderson and Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, all mission specialists, returned from their 15-day journey of more than 6.2 million miles. The STS-131 mission to the International Space Station delivered science racks, new crew sleeping quarters, equipment and supplies. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
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Baruto at Naritasan Shinshoji for Setsubun on Feb. 3, 2013.151 views
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About 30 weeping cherry trees ring the pond's perimeter.150 views
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From 7 pm, the mikoshi started returning to Tamasaki Shrine. At 8 pm, the god's spirit in the mikoshi was returned to the shrine.150 views
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20 April 2010 --- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-131 crew, each holding a flag from his or her country of origin, pose for a portrait in front of space shuttle Discovery.150 views20 April 2010 --- At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, members of the STS-131 crew, each holding a flag from his or her country of origin, pose for a portrait in front of space shuttle Discovery. From the right are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Rick Mastracchio, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists. Discovery landed on Runway 33 after 15 days in space, completing the more than 6.2-million-mile STS-131 mission on orbit 238. Main gear touchdown was at 9:08:35 a.m. (EDT) on April 20, 2010, followed by nose gear touchdown at 9:08:47 a.m. and wheelstop at 9:09:33 a.m. The seven-member STS-131 crew carried the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that were transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also switched out a gyroscope on the station's truss, installed a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieved a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.
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Baruto and Yokozuna Hakuho.150 views
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Castle tower149 views
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Ohara Hadaka Festival149 views
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People streaming into Narita-san Shinshoji temple's main hall.147 views
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Tower of Peace, Narita-san Heiwa no Daito, built in 1984. 平和の大塔146 views
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Turtles huddle for sunshine.146 views
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Through the mesh146 views
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When you arrive at Katsuura Station, you'll see a big display of hina matsuri dolls. Don't be impressed yet though. The Katsuura Big Hinamatsuri festival is held during late Feb. until March 3 which is Girls Day.146 views
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Picnic area145 views
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Doll display at Kakuoji temple's Sanmon Gate. About 600 dolls here. Displayed from 8 am to 6:30 pm and lit up at 5 pm. Accented by nanohana rape blossoms.145 views
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2010 March 2 -- Naoko arrives Kennedy Space Center for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test.145 views
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7 April 2010 --- For the first time, four women were in space.145 views7 April 2010 --- The four women currently on the International Space Station pose for a photo in the Zvezda Service Module while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. From the left are NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, both STS-131 mission specialists; along with NASA astronauts Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Expedition 23 flight engineer; and Stephanie Wilson, STS-131 mission specialist.
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This was Feb. and cherry blossoms appeared.144 views
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PR poster for Kazusa Junisha Matsuri.144 views
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Women standing by to pull the mikoshi.143 views
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5 April 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki flashes the peace sign on the flight deck of space shuttle Discovery during postlaunch activities.143 views5 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, is pictured on the flight deck of space shuttle Discovery during postlaunch activities.
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See more STS-131 photos by NASA here and at JAXA here.143 views
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Onjuku Museum of History and Folklore. Free admission. Open 9 am to 5 pm. Closed Mon. 御宿歴史民俗資料館142 views
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Balcony on top floor141 views
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Toward Chiba Port141 views
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Tossing a mikoshi. Also see the video at YouTube.141 views
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A stampede.140 views
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140 views5 April 2010 --- After suiting up, the STS-131 crew members exit the Operations and Checkout Building to board the Astrovan, which will take them to launch pad 39A for the launch of space shuttle Discovery on the STS-131 mission. On the right (front to back) are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson and Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists. On the left (front to back) are NASA astronauts James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, both mission specialists. Liftoff of the STS-131 mission is set for 6:21 a.m. (EDT) on April 5. On STS-131, the seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss structure, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.
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They run on the beach while carrying the mikoshi.139 views
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Meiji Period139 views
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2010 March 4 --- Training for emergency escape during the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test at Kennedy Space Center.139 views
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5 April 2010 --- Time-elapsed photography captures space shuttle Discovery's path to orbit. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida was at 6:21 a.m. (EDT) April 5, 2010 on the STS-131 mission.139 views5 April 2010 --- Time-elapsed photography captures space shuttle Discovery's path to orbit. Liftoff from Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida was at 6:21 a.m. (EDT) April 5, 2010 on the STS-131 mission. Onboard are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Rick Mastracchio, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson and Clayton Anderson; along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, all mission specialists. The seven-member crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss structure, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.
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Keisei Narita Station138 viewsThe Narita City Hall can be seen with the green, temple-like roof.
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10 March 2010 --- The STS-131 crew members pose for a photo during a cake-cutting ceremony in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.138 views10 March 2010 --- The STS-131 crew members pose for a photo during a cake-cutting ceremony in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Pictured from the left are NASA astronauts Rick Mastracchio, mission specialist; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Alan Poindexter, commander; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists.
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Keisei Narita Station. Getting to Narita is cheaper via Keisei Railway.137 views
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21-25 June 2004 --- Naoko Yamazaki learns about the operation of a life raft during water survival training at Pensacola Naval Air Station.137 views
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My embedded YouTube video of Naoko Yamazaki's homecoming parade in Matsudo.137 views
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A portable shrine leaves Tamasaki Shrine.135 views
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13 October 2004 --- From the left, JAXA astronauts Satoshi Furukawa, Akihiko Hoshide and Naoko Yamazaki discover the joy of weightlessness aboard a KC-135, reduced gravity aircraft.135 views13 October 2004 --- From the left, JAXA astronauts Satoshi Furukawa, Akihiko Hoshide and Naoko Yamazaki discover the joy of weightlessness as they join members of NASA's 2004 class of astronaut candidates for a familiarization flight aboard a KC-135, reduced gravity aircraft
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Museum's observation deck.134 views
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Pond path134 views
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Origami hina dolls134 views
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7 April 2010 --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov (far left), Expedition 23 commander, prepares to greet the STS-131 crew as it comes aboard the International Space Station134 views7 April 2010 --- Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kotov (far left), Expedition 23 commander, prepares to greet the STS-131 crew as it comes aboard the International Space Station to spend several days in a number of busy joint activities for the two crews. Seen clearly in the hatch are astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 commander, and Japan Aerospace Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, mission specialist.
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White and pink weeping cherry blossoms132 views
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綿打池132 views
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Placing hina dolls in bamboo is common.132 views
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Narita-san Park cherry blossoms. The park opened in 1928. 成田山公園131 views
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This is the famous display of hina ningyo dolls on 60 steps of Tomisaki Shrine. It is the festival's centerpiece and main attraction.131 views
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Back in central Katsuura, a house with an elaborate display of hina dolls.131 views
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23-26 August 2004 --- Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki boils water over a campfire during 2004 ASCAN land survival training in the wilderness of Maine.131 views
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Naoko Yamazaki uses the virtual reality lab in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center to train for some of her duties aboard the space shuttle and space station.131 views25 Sept. 2009 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, uses the virtual reality lab in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center to train for some of her duties aboard the space shuttle and space station. This type of computer interface, paired with virtual reality training hardware and software, helps to prepare the entire team for dealing with space station elements.
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JR Narita Station130 views
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Monorail track130 views
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The mikoshi arrive on the beach.130 views
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Here they come.130 views
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Manhole in Matsudo, Chiba showing koala bears.130 views
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Most of the weeping cherries are planted along the pond's edge.129 views
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2 Nov. 2009 --- Astronaut Naoko Yamazaki's official portrait by NASA. The following photos are from NASA or JAXA.129 viewsRead her preflight interview by NASA here.
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Naoko and Soichi make maki-sushi for the crew, using seaweed wrapper, rice, and shellfish. Naoko also played a miniature koto (Japanese harp).129 views
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Main road to Narita-san temple128 views
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9 Dec. 2009 --- The STS-131 crew members, attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, take a moment to pose for a crew photo prior to a training session...128 views9 Dec. 2009 --- The STS-131 crew members, attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, take a moment to pose for a crew photo prior to a training session in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Pictured from the left are NASA astronauts Clayton Anderson and Stephanie Wilson, both mission specialists; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Alan Poindexter, commander; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Rick Mastracchio, all mission specialists.
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Noren shop curtain with hina doll design.127 views
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5 April 2010 --- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member STS-131 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station.127 views(5 April 2010) --- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member STS-131 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 6:21 a.m. (EDT) on April 5, 2010, from launch pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Onboard are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Rick Mastracchio, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Stephanie Wilson and Clayton Anderson; along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, all mission specialists. The crew will deliver the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, filled with supplies, a new crew sleeping quarters and science racks that will be transferred to the International Space Station's laboratories. The crew also will switch out a gyroscope on the station's truss structure, install a spare ammonia storage tank and retrieve a Japanese experiment from the station's exterior. STS-131 is the 33rd shuttle mission to the station and the 131st shuttle mission overall.
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10 April 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, floats freely in the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module.127 views10 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, floats freely in the Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) linked to the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.
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Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, works at a robotic workstation in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.127 views15 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, works at a robotic workstation in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.
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Manhole in Sawara, Katori, Chiba. River fish and irises.127 views
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Shonanko (Kusunoki Masatsura) float from Shimowake 下分 in front of JR Sawara Station.127 views
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Sawara Autumn Festival in Katori, Chiba. Ushi Tenjin float from Shin-Uwagashi 新上川岸.127 views
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Steps to front entrance126 views
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Inside Lotus Pavilion, pictures of the Ohga Lotus is displayed. 蓮華亭126 views
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21 Oct. 2009 --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-131 crew portrait.126 views21 Oct. 2009 --- Attired in training versions of their shuttle launch and entry suits, these seven astronauts take a break from training to pose for the STS-131 crew portrait. Seated are NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter (right), commander; and James P. Dutton Jr., pilot. Pictured from the left (standing) are NASA astronauts Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson, all mission specialists.
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Manhole in Matsudo, Chiba showing boat crossing.126 views
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This Big Hina Matsuri festival started relatively recently. The city of Katsuura got the idea for this festival after the town of Katsuura in Tokushima Prefecture (Shikoku) started its Big Hina Matsuri in 1989.125 views
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12 April 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki watches a water bubble float freely between her and the camera, showing her image refracted , on the middeck of space shuttle Discovery...125 views12 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, watches a water bubble float freely between her and the camera, showing her image refracted, on the middeck of space shuttle Discovery while docked with the International Space Station.
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Most people came to see the celebrities throwing the beans for mamemaki. They included sumo wrestlers Yokozuna Hakuho, Ozeki Kisenosato, Baruto, and Okinoumi. Also Haruka Ayase, Ayame Goriki, Kotaro Koizumi and other stars of the current NHK Taiga Drama.125 views
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Sawara Autumn Festival held in Oct. in Katori, Chiba. Shonanko (Kusunoki Masatsura) float from Shimowake 下分 in front of JR Sawara Station.125 viewsShimowake 下分
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Sawara Autumn Festival in Katori, Chiba. Dainanko (Kusunoki Masashige) float from Higashi Sekido 東関戸.125 views
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Manhole in Funabashi, Chiba125 views
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Monument for the Ohga Lotus, a 2,000-year-old lotus flower species discovered in Chiba by the late Dr. Ohga in 1951. 大賀ハス124 views
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The girls had their hair airbrushed with colorful designs. I've noticed that women and girls participating in matsuri have become quite fashionable, chic, or hip.124 views
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Girls were originally not allowed to participate in the festival, but now they do even though it is a hadaka (nude) festival. Of course, no one is really naked.124 views
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Hina matsuri dolls at Tona street intersection in Katsuura, Chiba. About 600 dolls are displayed here from 8 am to 5 pm during the festival period.124 views
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9 April 2010 --- The seven STS-131 crew members are seen in Japan's Kibo laboratory during a video downlink. That's a Canon camcorder in the foreground.124 views9 April 2010 --- The seven STS-131 crew members -- working guests for several days aboard the International Space Station -- are seen in Japan's Kibo laboratory during a video downlink to the ground. NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter is at bottom center. Others pictured are astronauts James P. Dutton Jr. (top edge of frame), pilot; and Rick Mastracchio (from far left), Clayton Anderson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Stephanie Wilson, along with Japan's Naoko Yamazaki, all mission specialists.
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Main gear touchdown was at 9:08:35 a.m. followed by nose gear touchdown at 9:08:47 a.m. and wheels stop at 9:09:33 a.m.124 views
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Sawara Autumn Festival in Katori, Chiba. Float pullers/dancers shout "wasshoi" at Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo float from Kaminakajuku 上中宿.124 views
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Dainanko (Kusunoki Masashige) float from Higashi Sekido 東関戸.124 views
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They are cheering and shouting throughout.123 views
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7 April 2010 --- NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (left) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki appear especially happy to be aboard the International Space Station shortly after the Discovery docked with the orbital o123 views7 April 2010 --- NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (left) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki appear especially happy to be aboard the International Space Station shortly after the Discovery docked with the orbital outpost. Each of the two mission specialists is enjoying her first trip into space, and the two are joined by two other women and nine men for several days of joint activities as work continues on the station.
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Ono River has these little statues of the Gods of Good Fortune. Sawara, Katori, Chiba.123 views
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Stone wall at entrance122 views
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The path to Shinshoji has sculptures of the oriental zodiac. 2013 is the year of the snake.122 views
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Somon Gate is what you first see, Narita-san's main gate. 総門122 views
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Main room of Tojotei with sweeping views of the lawn outside. Tojotei residence, Matsudo, Chiba.122 views
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They had Hinamatsuri Girls Day dolls decorating the room in late Feb. Tojotei residence, Matsudo, Chiba.122 views
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Manhole in Ichikawa, Chiba122 views
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This neighborhood bookstore has hina dolls under the magazine racks.121 views
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12 Jan. 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki participates in a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) training session...121 views12 Jan. 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, participates in a Thermal Protection System (TPS) Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) training session in the Jake Garn Simulation and Training Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
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Red plum blossoms121 views
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Lotus Pavilion, the Ohga Lotus blooms around this pavilion during June and July. 蓮華亭120 views
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When planning to visit the hina matsuri in Katsuura, make sure it will not rain. If it rains, the hina dolls will not be displayed outdoors. They are the most impressive ones. This is at the Tona street intersection.120 views
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All over central Katsuura, you will see hina dolls displayed, especially at storefronts. It makes it a very charming sight.120 views
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Are those ping-pong ball heads?120 views
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April 2010 --- Astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 mission commander who has led the Discovery crew on its mission to the International Space Station, displays a pleasant countenance as the hatches come open120 views7 April 2010 --- Astronaut Alan Poindexter, STS-131 mission commander who has led the Discovery crew on its mission to the International Space Station, displays a pleasant countenance as the hatches come open and two crews begin their traditional handshakes aboard the orbital outpost. Behind Poindexter is Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, mission specialist.
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Plum blossoms and Tojotei120 views
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Narita-san Park has a Japanese garden, quite scenic in spring with cherry blossoms.119 views
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綿打池119 views
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A few minutes walk from Katsuura Station, this Tona street intersection will be the first giant display of hina dolls you will see. 墨名(とな)交差点119 views
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Dolls depicting figure skaters Takahashi Daisuke and Ando Miki who appeared at the Vancouver Winter Olympics during the time of the hina matsuri.119 views
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2009 Aug. 26 -- In a domed simulator, Naoko Yamazaki(right) and Stephanie Wilson practice manipulating the space shuttle's robot arm (Shuttle Remote Manipulator System: SRMS).119 viewsShuttle Remote Manipulator System: SRMS
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10 Feb. 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki (center), along with NASA astronauts Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (background) and Stephanie Wilson participate in an ingress/egress time...119 views10 Feb. 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki (center), along with NASA astronauts Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger (background) and Stephanie Wilson, all STS-131 mission specialists, participate in an ingress/egress timeline training session in a shuttle mock-up in the Space Vehicle Mock-up Facility at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
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Liftoff was at 6:21 a.m. (EDT) on April 5, 2010, from launch pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. 119 views5 April 2010 --- Space shuttle Discovery and its seven-member STS-131 crew head toward Earth orbit and rendezvous with the International Space Station. Liftoff was at 6:21 a.m. (EDT) on April 5, 2010, from launch pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center.
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6 April 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki floats through a hatch on the middeck of space shuttle Discovery during flight day three activities.119 views6 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, floats through a hatch on the middeck of space shuttle Discovery during flight day three activities.
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7 April 2010 -- Marking the first occasion of more than one Japanese astronaut onboard any space vehicle at any time in history, JAXA astronauts Soichi Noguchi and Naoko Yamazaki reunite in the Japanese Kibo laboratory119 views7 April 2010 -- Marking the first occasion of more than one astronaut representing the Japan Aerospace Space Agency onboard any space vehicle at any time in history, JAXA astronauts Soichi Noguchi and Naoko Yamazaki reunite in the Japanese Kibo laboratory aboard the International Space Station shortly after it docked with the space shuttle Discovery on April 7. Noguchi, Expedition 22/23 flight engineer, is in the back end of a six month stay aboard the orbital complex. Yamazaki is a mission specialist with the STS-131 crew.
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The four women currently on the International Space Station pose for a photo in the Zvezda Service Module while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.119 views7 April 2010 --- The four women currently on the International Space Station pose for a photo in the Zvezda Service Module while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. Pictured clockwise from the lower left are NASA astronauts Tracy Caldwell Dyson, Expedition 23 flight engineer; NASA astronaut Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki and NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, all STS-131 mission specialists.
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Tamasaki Shrine is crowded with people as a ceremony still goes on. The Kazusa Junisha Matsuri started in 807. It is designated as Chiba Prefecture's Intangible Cultural Property.118 views
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It was a nice sunny weekday when I went. On weekends, they have various entertainment. But the weekends were cloudy or rainy this year.118 views
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2010 March 5 -- After emergency escape training during Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test, the crew poses for a picture at Kennedy Space Center.118 views
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Soichi Noguchi, Expedition 23 flight engineer; and Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, pose for a photo in the Kibo laboratory.118 views14 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronauts Soichi Noguchi, Expedition 23 flight engineer; and Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, pose for a photo in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.
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14 April 2010 --- STS-131 and Expedition 23 crew members share a meal in the Unity node of the International Space Station. Naoko wears a pink kimono.118 views14 April 2010 --- STS-131 and Expedition 23 crew members share a meal in the Unity node of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station. Pictured are Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kotov, Expedition 23 commander; Mikhail Kornienko and Alexander Skvortsov, both Expedition 23 flight engineers; NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, STS-131 commander; James P. Dutton Jr., STS-131 pilot; Clayton Anderson, STS-131 mission specialist; Tracy Caldwell Dyson and T.J. Creamer, both Expedition 23 flight engineers; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronauts Soichi Noguchi, Expedition 23 flight engineer; and Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist.
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18 April 2010 --- The STS-131 crew members pose for an in-flight portrait on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery...118 views18 April 2010 --- The STS-131 crew members pose for an in-flight portrait on the aft flight deck of the Earth-orbiting space shuttle Discovery. Pictured on the front row are NASA astronaut Alan Poindexter, commander; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Naoko Yamazaki (left) and NASA astronaut Stephanie Wilson, both mission specialists. Pictured from the left (back row) are NASA astronauts James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Clayton Anderson, Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger and Rick Mastracchio, all mission specialists.
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A futon bedding shop has hina dolls made of blankets.117 views
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They use simple, everyday materials to make these hina dolls.117 views
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Posters celebrating Naoko's return were all over central Matsudo.117 views
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20 April 2010 --- The space shuttle Discovery is seen as it lands at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 20, 2010.117 views20 April 2010 --- The space shuttle Discovery is seen as it lands at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 20, 2010. Discovery and the STS-131 mission crew, NASA astronauts Alan Poindexter, commander; James P. Dutton Jr., pilot; Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger, Rick Mastracchio, Stephanie Wilson, Clayton Anderson and Japanese astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, all mission specialists, returned from their mission to the International Space Station. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls
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More women in fashionable clothing to pull a mikoshi.116 views
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Walk further and you see this small space exhibiting origami hina dolls.116 views
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2008 March 15 -- Naoko Yamazaki working as J-COM at the Kibo Mission Control at Tsukuba Space Center, Ibaraki Prefecture. She is helping Takao Doi install the Kibo module at the International Space Station. (JAXA photo)116 views
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Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, floats freely in the Leonardo Multi-purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) linked to the International Space Station...116 views15 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Naoko Yamazaki, STS-131 mission specialist, floats freely in the Leonardo Multi-purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) linked to the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.
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12 April 2010 --- Naoko Yamazaki (left), STS-131 mission specialist; and Soichi Noguchi, Expedition 23 flight engineer, pose for a photo near a window in the Kibo laboratory...116 views12 April 2010 --- Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronauts Naoko Yamazaki (left), STS-131 mission specialist; and Soichi Noguchi, Expedition 23 flight engineer, pose for a photo near a window in the Kibo laboratory of the International Space Station while space shuttle Discovery remains docked with the station.
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The Dai-hondo main hall of Narita-san temple. 大本堂116 views
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