Experience a Laid-Back Camp!

Rin Shima, a.k.a Shimarin or Rin-chan and Outdoor Exploration Club Members (Nadeshiko Kagamihara, a.k.a. Fujiko, Chiaki Ōgaki, a.k.a Aki, Aoi Inuyama, a.k.a Inuko) visited different campsites and places around the Fuji Five Lake in Japan and enjoyed tasting local foods. Let's take a peek at some of those places, shall we?

Lake Motosu

Lake Motosu Campsite is where the story begins. Since Nadeshiko, who has just moved to Yamanashi, is a Mount Fuji lover, wants to see Fuji-san if it really looks like it's on 1.000 yen bills, so she goes to Lake Motosu with a bike. But unfortunately she gets tired and sleeps. After she wakes up in the darkness of the night she gets scared, but luckily she meets Rin who is solo camping near Lake Motosu and shares her cup of ramen with her. For people who are interested in the scenery, yes, the northwest side of the lake looks like the scenery on the 1000 yen bills which is from the famous photo of Koyo Okada he took in 1935.

Lake Shibire

Rin and Nadeshiko decide to go camping near Lake Shibire with the recommendation of a member from the outdoor club. Even though the area has several myths that scares Nadeshiko, they enjoy the time they spend there. Lake Shibire is a place where you can relax in nature at different seasons; try watersports and watch flower blooming (which is called hanami in Japanese culture.)

Fuefukigawa Fruit Park

On the way to their camping site, outdoor club members stop by the Fuefuki Park. In the presence of its pretty distinctive structure, you can learn and appreciate the nature and fruits for four seasons there.

Kushi-Kiri Dango and Amazake

Aoi, Chiaki and their teacher go to Mount Minobu to watch the new year's first sunrise. They eat Kushi-Kiri Dango (the seller cuts the bottom of the dango's skewer to bring good luck to the new year. Dango is a sweet made from rice flour) and they drink amazake, a traditional sweet Japanese drink which is made from fermented rice.



To Learn More:

Now, if you get in the mood and ready for an adventure, let's go camping together. It doesn't matter wherever you are, whether you are a solo camper like Rin, or a group camper like the Outdoor Exploration Club Members, whether you prefer camping in the forest or at the lake. You can even camp on the balcony or in your backyard. As long as you have the spirit and will to make a laid-back camp, nothing else matters.

• Get your Laid-Back Camp blankets and join the Secret Society BLANKET (if you watched or read the laid-back camp, you know what we mean.)
• Use Laid-back camp cups to enjoy a cup of cacao or coffee like Rin and Nadeshiko while listening to the Laid-back Camp soundtrack.
• Try some recipes and snacks and challenge other CDJAPAN laid-back campers. Since Nadeshiko makes everything she eats look so delicious it is hard to decide, but we prioritized a few that you can try making or eating outside of Japan. Firstly, we recommend you to try Rin's first camping dish that she cooked, soup-style pasta, instant Ramen (Rin and Nadeshiko's favorite looks like curry Ramen but you can challenge with your favorite), and S'mores.

Don't forget to share your laid-back camping with the tag #CDJAPANcamping on social media.

You can create an unforgettable corner in your own room with these merchandise and return to that relaxing moment you feel with the manga and anime anytime you like. And we are curious about your choices, don't forget to share your love with the tag #cdjapancamplove to other laid-back campers who feel your camping love with you.

Özlem Burcu Öztürk
Author, Culture Blogger, Scriptwriter, Documentary Director

Ö. Burcu focused on the significance of intercultural communication and since 2015, she has done volunteer writing to establish a bridge of culture between Japan and the world.

She released four story books; Shine Like A Star (2016, English and Turkish), Chocolate Flavored Murder (2017, English and Turkish), The Guardians Series Book 1 - Dream (2018, Turkish, English and Japanese) and Mystery Vacation (2020, English and Turkish).

She continues to focus and work on projects that can enhance intercultural ties.

Instagram: @authorburcu
Twitter: @AuthorBurcu