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~May 2012~ Japan Travel Updates is a publication of
the Los Angeles Office of the Japan National Tourism
Organization.
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Lady Gaga visits the New Tokyo Sky Tree! |
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Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route reopens for the 2012 Season |
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Wifi at Fukuoka Bus Stops |
New Asakusa Tourist Information Center Open! |
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New Free Publication: Shibuya Tatsujin Magazine |
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New Facility Openings in Tokyo! |
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Ishikawa Travel Guide Android Phone App |
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Yokohama Starts English Facebook! |
JNTO Global Site April WebMagazine Up |
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Traveling by rail in Japan is definitely the fastest and most convenient option available. However, the cost can add up over a long trip. One way for visitors to save money is to purchase a rail pass. The most popular option is to buy a Japan Rail (JR) Pass. The only problem with this is that sometimes it can be hard to tell if purchasing a pass will actually save the traveler money or not. Also, there are quite a few different passes available so choosing the right one can be confusing. So this month in our feature, we're going to learn all about the various Japan Rail passes and all neat places you can go see on the fast and slow rail lines of Japan! All the information is laid out is hopefully easily understandable tables for quick reference at later times. **NOTE: To receive or use any JR Pass travelers must present a non-Japanese passport with a temporary visitors' stamp. In some cases, Japanese Nationals living permanently in foreign countries or married to non-Japanese (& not living in Japan) can use JR Passes if written proof of residency is given at time of voucher exchange. If proof is not show or is unclear the pass may be denied by the clerk. Those with Japanese passports or other short-term/long-term stay visas are not allowed to use these JR passes even if they are visiting with those that have temporary visitor stamps. Please be absolutely sure of your eligibility before purchasing a pass or exchange voucher (terms vary depending on pass). ***NOTE: There are many many other rail/bus/transport passes available in Japan, many not just for tourists. From local day passes to region passes, please start your search on the JNTO transportation page! |
| JR Pass (Whole Country Pass) | |||
| Area Coverage: | All of Japan [except Okinawa] | Trains Covered: | Japan Rail operated train lines, including bullet trains. Some JR busses and the JR Miyajima ferry. |
| Valid Periods: | 7 - 14 - 21 days | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used for Nozomi or Mizuho Bullet Trains. Full validity & exceptions is listed on this webpage. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices (local price will vary with current exchange rate). | Purchase: | Exchange voucher must be bought from an authorized seller or travel agent BEFORE entering Japan or Purchased Online. |
| Reservations: | Generally seat reservations are not necessary for most trains. However, during heavy travel seasons you may prefer to reserve a seat for bullet trains to reduce your wait time. This can be done at JR offices, service windows or at travel centers. Please see the JR website for more details. | ||
| Notes: | This is the pass that most travelers will purchase. Here's a typical trip break down example to see if this pass is a money saver or not. For the typical traveler spending about a week seeing both Tokyo and Kyoto. Narita Airport Express to Tokyo Station = 5,880Y round trip. Bullet Train (Hikari non-reserved) fare from Tokyo to Kyoto = 25,420Y round trip. Total just for the major trains (not counting local JR trains and busses used) is 31,300Y. A 7-day JR whole country pass is 28,300Y, current savings of 3,000Y or about $37 at the current exchange. A traveler could expect to save a $100 or more on just this trip if local JR train & bus travel is calculated. If going to further flung locals such as Hiroshima the savings is even larger. | ||
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From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Bullet Train line to Kyoto Station, then either take the JR Saga Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk 15 minutes to Arashiyama Park or take the JR Nara line to Uji Station and walk 15 minutes to the river venue. Arashiyama info page. Uji River info page. At both rivers you can either watch for free(!) from the river banks or pay a fee to ride a boat on the river near the fishing activities. Watch master cormorant fishers use techniques handed down over the generations to control up to 12 birds on leashes. The birds dive on command to catch fresh water trout for their owners. |
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| JR Hokkaido Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | All of Hokkaido Prefecture | Trains Covered: | JR Trains and some JR busses within Hokkaido |
| Valid Periods: | 3 - 5 - 7 days or Flexible 4-day Pass | Pass Exceptions: | There may be extra charges for sleeping cars & carpet cars. Some JR busses not covered. See brochure for more info. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan or In Japan (website). |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at JR Hokkaido Ticket counters. | ||
| Notes: | - JR Hokkaido does offer passes for foreign students and those on working holidays (not just those travelers with a 90-day visitor stamp), see website for details. - Rental Car discounts at Eki Rent-a-Car available to pass holders! |
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From Sapporo take the Ltd Express Soya Train to Wakkanai Station. It's a beautiful and comfortable 4 hour ride though the country-side of Hokkaido, perfect for photo ops. There is plenty to do in the Wakkanai area to keep you busy for a few days. Visit the many national parks in the area; take a short jaunt to the northern most point of Japan at Cape Soya. Or visit the natural beauty of Rishiri and Rebun Island National Park by ferry. At the ferry dock be sure to take pictures of the unusual Breakwater Dome. Built out of concrete the columns and arches mimic ancient Roman architecture, it was built to protect the harbor from the harsh winds and winter ice drifts. |
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| JR East Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | Japan, Honshu east of Tokyo to Aomori (see map here). | Trains Covered: | JR East lines, Narita Airport Express, local JR lines in Tokyo, Tokyo Monorail. |
| Valid Periods: | 5 - 10 day or Flexible 3 - 4 day Passes | Pass Exceptions: | Not valid for Tokaido Bullet Trains (between Tokyo and Kyoto) or JR busses. See this page for details. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. Online. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made online through the JR East website or at Japan Rail ticket counters & travel centers. | ||
| Notes: | Many travelers mistakenly think that this pass can also be used to travel on the bullet train between Tokyo and Kyoto because the pass can be used on local trains within Tokyo. This is not the case so please be careful! | ||
Hiking events from stations and bus stops have recently become a popular way for people to get out and see new, interesting natural areas around Japan. They are very popular with Japanese people since most are easily done as day trips on the weekend. (Most organized hikes/walks are planned on the weekends for convenience.) If your clients have extra time in Japan, please check the webpages of the local train and bus companies for hiking events in their area! See the JR East Destination page for more destination ideas. Keep an eye on the JNTO Global site and the JR East front page for more Eki-kara Hiking events. |
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| JR East Kanto Area Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | Tokyo Metropolitan Area and surrounding areas (covers most popular day trips from Tokyo). | Trains Covered: | JR East lines, Narita Airport Express, local JR lines in Tokyo, Tokyo Monorail and others. |
| Valid Periods: | 3 Day Pass | Pass Exceptions: | Not valid for Tokaido Bullet Trains (between Tokyo and Kyoto) or JR busses. See this page for details. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at Japan Rail ticket counters & travel centers. | ||
| Notes: | This is the most convenient Japan Rail pass for travelers that are just planning to stay with-in Tokyo and maybe do a day-trip or two. | ||
Take the Nagano "Asama" Bullet Train from Tokyo Station up to Karuizawa Station to enjoy the highlands. Trains run 2 to 3 times an hour during normal hours.JNTO Practical travel guide. Karuizawa Town website. Karuizawa, began as a post town on the Nakasendo trade route in the Edo period, it eventually became one of the first inland summer resort towns. The movement to summer homes, spearheaded by A. C. Shaw, a Canadian missionary, who said the area reminded him of his childhood summer vacations back home. He eventually built a summer cottage there and invited many friends out to get away from the summer heat in Tokyo. The whole area is known not only for the beautiful natural scenery but also a relaxed & sporty atmosphere. Karuizawa has even hosted portions of previous summer and winter Olympics. |
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| JR Central (NO PASS) | |||
| Area Coverage: | Tokyo west to Kyoto | Trains Covered: | NA |
| Valid Periods: | NA | Pass Exceptions: | NA |
| Prices: | NA | Purchase: | NA |
| Reservations: | NA | ||
| Notes: | JR Central does not offer a JR Rail Pass. They however do have discount tickets and special travel packages. Please see their website for details. | ||
| JR West Kansai Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji | Trains Covered: | JR local and rapid express trains, Kansai Airport Express |
| Valid Periods: | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 day passes | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used for Bullet trains and selected express tickets. See website for details. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. Online. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations not taken for trains/seats covered by this pass. | ||
| Notes: | Rental Car discounts at Eki Rent-a-Car available to pass holders! | ||
From Osaka Station take JR Special Rapid Service line to Akashi Station. Enjoy the Akashi Park & Akashi Castle north of the station or Uontana Fish Market just south of the station. Akashi is a small town near Kobe in Hyogo Prefecture. Located on the Inland Sea it is famous for a few reasons. The Akashi Municipal Planetarium is used to determine Japan Standard Time. The city is also famous for its particular type of takoyaki (octopus ball) that is eaten dipped in a thin soup. The best place to try this local delicacy is at the Uontana Fish Market where it is made with fresh octopus caught right from the Akashi Strait! Stop by this little gem to get a feel for small town Japan. |
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| JR West Sanyo Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | Osaka to Hakata Station (Fukuoka) | Trains Covered: | JR West local, rapid & bullet lines between Osaka & Hakata Station. JR Miyajima Ferry. |
| Valid Periods: | 4 - 8 days | Pass Exceptions: | Not valid for Tokaido Bullet trains between Tokyo and Osaka. See website. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. Online. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Online or at JR West ticket counters/service windows. | ||
| Notes: | Rental Car discounts at Eki Rent-a-Car available to pass holders! | ||
From Osaka take the JR Sanyo Bullet Train line to Shin-Shimonoseki Station then take a the local line to the city center Shimonoseki Station. The Kanmon Strait is an area famous in Japanese history as the place where the downfall of the Heike clan took place. Walk in the footsteps of ancient Japanese warlords or just enjoy the beautiful views of this gateway to Japan. Enjoy the rare delicacy of fugu or blowfish from the local (licensed) market vendors at Karato Market or enjoy the 360 city and water views from Kaikyo-yume (dream) Tower just a short walk from the station. Or walk under the Straits of Kanmon to Kyushu in one of the world's few under sea footpath tunnels. |
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| JR West Kansai Wide Pass (New) | |||
| Area Coverage: | Osaka, Kyoto, Okayama, Wakayama, Toyooka | Trains Covered: | JR local, rapid & bullet lines in the valid area. (see map) |
| Valid Periods: | 4 day Pass | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used on any JR lines or bullet trains outside of the valid area. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. Online. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made for bullet trains lines at JR West service counters. | ||
| Notes: | An extended version of the Kansai Area pass to take visitors to even more locals! | ||
From Osaka take the Limited Express Thunder Bird train to Tsuruga station. Most sites easily reachable by local bus or ferry. Having grown up around trade in the old days, Tsuruga City is still a prosperous port town know for its scenery of white sand beaches, clear blue water and vibrant green pine trees. Enjoy the fresh sea air as you take a relaxing walk on one of the many routes that details the city's history or relax in the famous Tsuruga Tunnel Hot Spring located high above the cityscape. Local delicacies include; Echizen crab and sweet shrimp caught in the surrounding waters. See the Fukui Tourism Guide for more sites to see in the area. |
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| All Shikoku Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | Shikoku Island | Trains Covered: | Almost all rail lines on Shikoku! |
| Valid Periods: | 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 days | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used on Sunrise Seto Trains or busses. |
| Prices: | Yen Prices (scroll down for prices) | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at ticketing/service windows at major stations. | ||
| Notes: | This pass is actually arranged by Tourism Shikoku with the cooperation of JR Shikoku and the other train services on the island. Other discount tickets are available through JR Shikoku. Please see this document for details. | ||
Plan your route around Shikoku Island using the local train lines to see either part or all of the traditional pilgrimage route. Even today thousands of Buddhist pilgrims complete this 88 temple route every year. Traditionally done on foot, many now-a-days can't take 6 to 8 weeks to complete the pilgrimage so they using busses and trains to get around faster. The route makes a large loop around the island hitting all four prefectures, starting in Tokushima, south to Kochi, then to Ehime and Kagawa. Check out the Tourism Shikoku page to learn more about this ancient practice and what you can see along the way. |
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| JR Kyushu All Kyushu Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | All of Kyushu Island | Trains Covered: | All of Kyushu Island |
| Valid Periods: | 3 - 5 day passes | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used for sleeper trains, Sanyo bullet Train or JR Kyushu busses |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. Online. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at ticketing/service windows at major stations. | ||
| Notes: | If 3 or 5 days isn't enough time for you, you can purchase and use more than 1 pass back-to-back. | ||
From Fukuoka take the JR Kyushu Bullet Train from Hakata Station to Kagoshima-Chuo Station. Take local JR train to Kagoshima Station (city center) walk 15-20 minutes to ferry terminals. Take one of the many ferries to Yakushima Island. Enjoy all the rich natural heritage there is to see on the island. Take part in cedar crafting activities or take a soak in the unbeatable Hirauchi Kaichu Hot Springs, which are natural springs carved in the rock on the ocean. But be quick the hot spring is only available for a couple of hours after low tide! Take one of the many sightseeing busses as a convenient way to get around the island. If you miss low tide there are plenty of natural hot springs all around the island and at many of the traditional accommodations! Visit the Kagoshima Travel Guide for more information on the area. |
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| JR Kyushu Northern Kyushu Pass | |||
| Area Coverage: | Northern Kyushu (see map) | Trains Covered: | JR trains in the valid area. |
| Valid Periods: | 3 - 5 day passes | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used for sleeper trains, Sanyo bullet Train or JR Kyushu busses |
| Prices: | Yen Prices | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. Online. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at ticketing/service windows at major stations. | ||
| Notes: | A abbreviated version of the All Kyushu pass for those only staying in the northern prefectures, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Oita. | ||
Take JR bullet train or limited express to Kumamoto Station then take JR Hohi Line to Aso Station. Take local sightseeing bus to various spots on Mt. Aso and enjoy a ride on the ropeway on the west crater (separate fee required about 600yen). Kumamoto Prefecture is also known as the "Land of Fire" because of its many volcanos and hot springs. The largest by far is the Mt. Aso crater basin. Mt. Aso is actually the collective name for the five volcanic peaks, the largest being Nakadake which is also the most active, regularly spewing black smoke and rumbling. Enjoy seeing and feeling the power of the earth while maybe enjoying a soak at one of the local hot springs. |
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| JR Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Pass (New) | |||
| Area Coverage: | Sanyo, Shikoku, Kyushu | Trains Covered: | JR Bullet, Express, Rapid and Local train lines in the valid area & JR Miyajima Ferry |
| Valid Periods: | 5 day pass | Pass Exceptions: | Cannot be used outside valid area, or on Tokaido Bullet train between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo. |
| Prices: | Yen Price | Purchase: | Before leaving for Japan. In Japan. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made at ticketing/service windows at major stations. Or other travel service locations | ||
| Notes: | This is a new pass put together by JR West, Shikoku & Kyushu to cover travelers interested in spending their time in South West Japan. Has two versions one that covers all Kyushu and one that only covers northern Kyushu. | ||
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Upcoming Festivals and Holidays More Information on these events can be found here. |
| June 9th - 16th | Sanno Matsuri | Hie-Jinja Shrine, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo - Sanno Matsuri is probably one of the most widely know festivals in all of Japan that is attended by hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals. Hundreds of participants parade through the heart of Tokyo in traditional costumes and carrying mikoshi (portable shrines), floats and all manner of instruments. For a traveler it's a great opportunity to experience many traditional arts that are on display during the festival week at surrounding venues. | June 14 | Otaue Rice Planting Festival | Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Sumiyoshi, Osaka City - This is an ancient prayer event held to ensure a rich rice harvest in the fall. There are many dances and songs performed as the rice paddies are planted. Similar festivals and events can be seen all over Japan. |
| July 7th | Tanabata (Star Festival) | All of Japan - This is the annual celebration of the stars. All over Japan people write poems or wishes on strips of colorful paper and tie to bamboo branches set up in gardens or at shrines to wish for better skills or pretty much anything. This day also kicks off the summer festival season (unofficially). |
| July 22nd - 24th | Warei Taisai Festival & Uwajima Ushi-Oni Matsuri | Warei-jinja Shrine, Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture - Youths carry huge portable shrines through the dark waters of the to the mouth of the Sukagawa River at night and dance in front of Warei0jinja Shrine. In the day time huge floats shaped like the Ushi-Oni (a legendary monster) are carried through the town. Many other festivities are held at during the matsuri. |
| Mid-July to Early September | Gujo Odori Dance Performance | Gujo City, Gifu Prefecture - Gujo Odori, which is famous for the song starting, "When you leave Gujo Hachiman, even if it is not raining, your sleeve will be wet from tears of sadness..." is one of the three most famous traditional dance festivals of Japan, together with the Hanagasa Odori (Flower Hat Dance) of Yamagata and the Awa Odori of Tokushima. This festival, dating back some 400 years, is designated today as a significant intangible folk cultural asset* of Japan. |
| August 16th | Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire) | Kyoto City (All) - The Daimonji Gozan Okuribi (Daimonji Bonfire) is an event held on the evening of August 16th, when gigantic Chinese characters and other motifs are depicted by fires lit to illuminate the surroundings for patrolling on the slopes of the mountains surrounding the Kyoto Basin. It is a famous for evoking the image of a Kyoto summer. (Part of Obon Festival celebrations) |
| August 26th - 27th | Dai-Chochin Matsuri (Giant Lantern Festival) | Suwa Shrine, Isshiki Town, Aichi Prefecture - This festival features enormous chochin (paper lanterns), also known as "amazingly gigantic lanterns," which measure over 5 meters in diameter and 10 meters in length. The 12 sets of paper lanterns appearing at the festival are depicted with pictures and Chinese characters which embody all kinds of meanings and stories. The scene of the Dai-Chochin Tsuriage when the huge brightly-colored paper lanterns are hoisted up very slowly is just breathtaking. |
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Upcoming Large Conventions |
| June 20th-22nd | Manufacturing World Expo | Tokyo - A large manufacturing industry event hosting multiple expos at the same time. Held at Tokyo Big Sight there may be some issues booking hotels around the venue. Expected Attendance: 80,000+ |
| October 12th-14th | IMF and World Bank Group 2012 Meeting | Tokyo - The Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in the autumn of each year, are formal gatherings of the Boards of Governors, the highest decision-making bodies of the two organizations. Held in Tokyo, there should not be too much impact on hotels in the area, though one or two near the convention center may be full. Expected Attendance: 20,000+ |
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ANA Introduces Premium Economy Service Japan Airlines Launched First-Ever Nonstop Flight Between Boston and Asia; Debuted Scheduled 787 Dreamliner Service to the United States Special pricing on direct route LAX - NRT |
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Upcoming Events in the US! |
| July 1st | Los Angeles Dodgers Japan Day | JNTO & JTA are proud to be the official sponsors of the 2012 Dodgers Japan Day. JNTO will be at the stadium on July 1st promoting tourism to Japan and Eastern Japan to all the fans. As well there will be special promotions concurrently with the Japan Day event so keep an eye on the JNTO webpage! |
| September 8th - 9th | Seattle 2012 Aki Matsuri |  Seattle, Washington - Celebrate the 15th annual Aki (fall) Matsuri at the Bellevue College Main Campus just across Lake Washington from Seattle. Join the Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association for a weekend of Japanese cultural events performances and learning fun. |
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Hello Everyone!
I am Yasuyuki Harada and I'm a new Director at the JNTO Los Angeles Office since this April.
It's my first time to come to the United States and I am thrilled with working and living here under the blazing California sun! |
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Hello! My name is Cocoro Morimoto, and I am one of the newest members of the JNTO Los Angeles office. |
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Will your customers be able to
find you when they click on that link from
our website? If you have registered as a Japan Travel
Specialist, the answer is yes. Just watch a few
educational videos and take three short quizzes to become part of
our JTS Program. See the website for
details. |
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JNTO is here to help! We can provide you with updated information, advice, brochures, and more to make yours a trip to remember. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office between 9AM and 5PM Pacific Standard Time. We look forward to assisting you! JNTO Hotline: (213) 623-1952 |
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THE FINE PRINT/LEGAL STUFF
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