Vol.18 No.622 (Jan 25 Wed, 2012)
World-class astronomical observation instrument developed!
A group led by Yuji Ikeda, an associate professor at the Faculty of Science, Kyoto Sangyo University, succeeded in developing a world-class astronomical instrument at the Koyama Astronomical Observatory of Kyoto Sangyo University. The group also consisted of two graduate students—Takayuki Shinzaki and Yoshiharu Shinnaka—and fourth-year student Chisato Itose.
The instrument is called LIPS, which stands for Line Polarimeter and Spectrograph. (Photo: the box-like black device seen at the front) It took about 10 years for Dr. Ikeda to complete the development with academic institutions, Tohoku University and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and Hiroshima University. This instrument provides the high accurate measurements of stars to astronomy by a pioneering innovation.
The group mounted the instrument on the 1.3-meter Araki Telescope (named after Dr. Toshima Araki, founder of Kyoto Sangyo University) and achieved the first light (commenced scientific observations). As a resut of a post-observation analysis, the group verified that the instrument had achieved the level of performance originally planned.
LIPS can analyze light from celestial objects captured by the telescope by separating it into thousands of colors. At the same time, LIPS can examine precisely how light is polarized and can obtain the information about the distribution and the velocity field of gases (atomic and molecular), dust and other substances surrounding stars, which cannot be resolved even through a telescope. LIPS is the only instrument in Japan and one of only a few in the world that can accurately observe colors and polarization simultaneously. The instrument is therefore expected to play a new, important role in the field of observational astronomy.
"Building an instrument with new functions is meaningful, because it provides new discoveries and dramatically advances to the field of astronomy. I would like to continue publicizing our research results with my students," said Dr. Ikeda.
Contact：Yuji Ikeda, associate professor at the Faculty of Science, Kyoto Sangyo University
TEL：075-705-3001
URL： http://www.kyoto-su.ac.jp/department/sc/news/20111212_lips.html
Foundation for Kobe International Medical Alliance to partner with a Singaporean hospital
Foundation for Kobe International Medical Alliance, which promotes international exchanges and human resource development in the medical field, announced that it would form a comprehensive partnership with a major hospital in Singapore.
As the “flattening” of the international community accelerates, medical researchers, healthcare professionals and patients are increasingly engaging in cross-border interaction. In Asia, particularly Singapore, China, R.O.K. and India, steady efforts are ongoing to establish medical international exchange hubs.
Specifically, Kobe International Frontier Medical Center (KIFMEC), an advanced medical hospital to be opened by the Foundation in fiscal 2013 in Kobe City, will partner with Mount Elizabeth Hospital, a medical institution owned by Parkway Holdings Limited, the largest healthcare group in Southeast Asia.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital provides advanced medical care by specialists in such areas as general surgery and cardiac surgery, in addition to excellent state-of-the-art medical facilities.
KIFMEC will contribute to the international community by promoting international medical exchanges and accepting overseas patients and healthcare professionals. Accordingly, KIFMEC will exchange doctors and nurses with its partner organizations, enabling them to learn from one another the latest treatment techniques in such specialized areas as cancer treatment and liver transplantation, and helping improve the medical care services and hospitality at each organization.
Mount Elizabeth Hospital is the second partner of the Foundation, after Singapore General Hospital. The Foundation is now discussing potential partnerships with organizations in Egypt and Saudi Arabia in Middle East,- and those in Asian countries, such as China and R.O.K. The Foundation will continue expanding its overseas network, eventually establishing a system under which the Foundation and its partners will be able to accept patients from one another.
Contact：Foundation for Kobe International Alliance
TEL：078-303-6221
URL： http://www.kobeima.org/pg492.html
Kansai Economic Federation and other Organizations in Western Japan Launch Western Japan Regionwide Tourist Route Development Project
The Western Japan Regionwide Tourist Route Study Group, comprising six economic federations, including the Kansai Economic Federation and tourism-related organizations in western Japan, has launched a Western Japan Regionwide Tourist Route Development Project as part of the Japan Tourism Agency's initiative to attract more tourists and repeat visitors to Japan from abroad.
The project covers the region ranging from the Chubu area to the Kyushu area.
To evaluate potential tour routes, the group conducts demonstration project, and will invite one person from each of 17 Chinese travel agencies to participate in tours provided by the group. During the tours, participants will visit tourist spots and take part in hands-on experience-type events and other activities. The group will then incorporate participants' feedback and opinions in developing tour routes.
The group will provide two tour routes for the participants. One tour route (six-day, five-night trip route) will depart from Shanghai and arrive at Fukuoka. The itinerary will include an experience on the remote island of Iki, a tour of the World Heritage Site Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Atomic Bomb Dome), a tour from Kurashiki to Shimanami Kaido, a stroll in the hot spring resort town of Dogo in Ehime Prefecture and a sushi-making experience in the south district of Osaka. The homeward flight will then depart from Kansai International Airport.
The other tour route (five-day, four-night trip route) will depart from Shanghai and arrive at Kansai International Airport. The itinerary will include a hands-on nohgaku experience in Osaka, a tour of scenic spots (Tojinbo in Fukui Prefecture and Kenroku-en in Ishikawa Prefecture) and a tour of the World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go. The home ward flight will then depart from Chubu Centrair International Airport.
On the basis of interviews with the participants from the travel agencies during the tours, the group will determine and analyze the preferences and needs of Chinese tourists, and will develop standard "golden routes" in western Japan.
"We will examine which tourist spots are attractive to Chinese tourists," said an official of the Kansai Economic Federation.
Contact：MasayukiYumuro, Planning and Public Relations Department, Kansai Economic Federation
TEL：06-6441-0105
URL： http://www.kankeiren.or.jp/English/
The 2011 Osaka Cultural Award Presented!
The Osaka Prefectural Government and the Osaka City Government annually presents the Osaka Cultural Award to an individual who during the past year has demonstrated outstanding achievement in such areas as academics, lifestyle and culture, and art. The 2011 Osaka Cultural Award was presented to Hiroshi Ishiguro (photo), an intelligent-robotics scientist and professor at the Graduate School of Osaka University.
As an intelligent-robotics scientist, Professor Ishiguro teamed up with playwright Oriza Hirata to stage the world's first "robot play" at the international art festival Aichi Triennale 2010. The play, Sayonara (Good-bye), in which an android performed with a human actress, created a sensation.
The play has since been performed on many occasions, both in Japan (including in Osaka) and abroad, fascinating audiences. Professor Ishiguro, through such books as How to Create "Humans," has publicized his activities and research results in an easy-to-understand way, and has demonstrated to people the significance of "robot theater" and "android theater," as well as their future potential.
Professor Ishiguro has not only made great contributions to the field of robotics, he has also extensively promoted the culture in Osaka by world-premiering an innovative work in Osaka that integrates science and culture. He is expected to continue contributing to the future development of science and culture.
Contact：Cultural Promotion Group, Cultural Affairs Division
TEL：06-6210-9323
URL： http://www.pref.osaka.jp/bunka/news/osaka_bunka.html
INAC Kobe Leonessa receives the grand prize of the 2011 Kansai Vigorous Cultural Bloc Award
The Kansai Vigorous Cultural Bloc Promotion Conference has presented the 2011 Kansai Vigorous Cultural Bloc Award prizes to Kansai-based individuals and organizations that have contributed to brightening and invigorating Japan through cultural activities.
The grand prize went to INAC Kobe Leonessa, a women's football team that sent seven key players to Japan's national team Nadeshiko Japan, including the player who served as captain. These players were the driving force behind the national team's becoming the first Asian team to win the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 in Germany. INAC Kobe Leonessa also accomplished the long-sought goal of winning the Nadeshiko League title for the first time in 2011. The team has played a leading and crucial role in promoting women's football in Japan. The team was highly appreciated for its performance that cheered the people devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The special prize was given to Yamamoto Nohgakudo (based in Osaka), which has preserved and popularized noh, one of Japan's traditional performing arts, as an art for people today.
The New Power Award for promising individuals and organizations went to the following four parties: Osaka Station City, which helped revitalize the Kansai region by publicizing a wide range of cultural information; the development team for "K Computer," which earned the number one position on the top 500 list of the world's most powerful supercomputers; Machiko Ono, the actress who plays the heroine in NHK's drama series Carnation, which is set in Kishiwada, Osaka; and Manabu Makime, the author of Princess Toyotomi, a novel depicting Osaka and its history.
Contact：Administrative Office of the Kansai Vigorous Cultural Bloc Promotion Conference, of The Foundation for Kansai Region Promotion
TEL：06-6223-7203
URL： http://www.all-kansai.jp/foundation/ja/
Kansai Information：The Second East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress held
The Second East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress was held in Nara Prefecture from October 18 to 26, with the participation of 45 local governments from China, India, Philippines, ROK, Vietnam and Japan. The East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress is an international conference planned and hosted by Nara Prefectural Government and the first Congress was held in October last year.
The objectives of the second Congress were to provide opportunities for local and regional governments to learn from each other and enhance relations of trust and friendship among them in accordance with the Nara Charter adopted in 2010. The Congress consisted of a program for chief delegates (including discussions among heads of local and regional governments) and a program for working-level officials (including sessions for exchanging views), which was introduced this year. During this program, participating officials reported on their local and regional realities and challenges in various areas, and learned how to enhance the administrative capacity of their governments.
Specifically, the program for working-level officials included case study sessions focusing on areas of tourism, community development and cultural heritage conservation, held under the theme of “New Roles of Local and Regional Governments.” Each of these sessions consisted of a lecture by a lecturer and case reports by local and regional governments. The program also included an Executive Seminar of the Aspen Institute Japan, which was held for the first time in Nara Prefecture. Collaboration with the Aspen Institute Japan helped encourage fruitful discussions among participants. In this program, the Second East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress and the Aspen Institute Japan Joint Symposium was also held. In the context of increasing globalization in a wide range of fields, participants discussed the leadership required of local government, residents and corporations to resolve local challenges.
Meanwhile, the program for chief delegates included group discussion sessions, held under the themes of “Risk Management” and “Regional Development.” Under the direction of coordinator Nobuo Ishihara, president of the Research Institute for Local Government, heads of local and regional governments discussed in groups policy determinations and decisions by leaders and each group presented the outcome of their discussion.
At the plenary session of the program, participants reported on their project outcomes, approved new member governments, adopted the Second East Asia Local and Regional Government Congress Joint Statement, and decided to hold the third Congress in 2012.
Contact：East Asia Partnership Division, Regional Development Department, Nara Prefectural Government
TEL：0742-27-5822
URL： http://www.pref.nara.jp/dd_aspx_itemid-73779.htm#moduleid22967
Kansai Information：The first aircraft of Japan’s first low-cost carrier Peach arrives at Kansai International Airport
An aircraft of Japan’s first dedicated low-cost carrier Peach Aviation, Ltd. arrived at Kansai International Airport at 9:00 am, Thursday, November 10 for the first time.
This aircraft, a new Airbus A320-200, will be used for a series of on-the-job flight training programs and will undergo various checks in preparation for its first businessflight in March 2012. Peach Aviation plans to have a fleet of 10 aircraft by two years after launching its flight service.
The visual design of the Peach aircraft is distinctively different from conventional style. The Peach aircraft features a dynamic Peach logo on its tail and a unique paint design that expresses the meaning of the Peach brand name cuteness, coolness and happiness. The swirling pink and fuchsia (color between dark red and pink) symbol mark design on the aircraft expresses vibrancy.
Established by All Nippon Airways (ANA), First Eastern Investment Group (based in Hong Kong) and the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan, Peach Aviation is a new carrier based in Kansai International Airport.The carrier aims to create new values and choices in air travel by establishing a stable low-cost structure with an innovative approach and offering overwhelmingly low fares, thereby creating a new demand in a fast-growing Asian market.
Under the three themes, “Safe Air Travel,” “Every Day Low Fares” and “Japan Brand,” the carrier also aims to become a regional airline linking Japan and the rest of Asia.
The carrier will begin domestic service between Osaka (Kansai International Airport) and Fukuoka, and between Osaka (Kansai International Airport) and Sapporo (Shinchitose) in March 2012, and is scheduled to commence international service between Osaka (Kansai International Airport) and Seoul (Incheon International Airport) in May 2012.
Contact：Airport Strategy Office
TEL：06-6945-9900
URL： http://www.flypeach.com/?lang=en
Kansai Information：Stick with it, Wakayama!!
In September 2011 Wakayama Prefecture was severely damaged by torrential rains caused by Typhoon Talas (No. 12). In the wake of this disaster, major roads and train and bus services to tourist destinations in southern Wakayama were disrupted. However, due to industrious recovery efforts carried out night and day, these tourist destinations can now be safely and easily accessed.
The roads that connect various tourist attractions inscribed on the World Heritage List, such as Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine, Kumano Nachi Taisha Shrine, Seigantoji Temple and Nachi Falls, have been restored and large-bus services are now available.
Although some parts of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes are still closed to traffic, visitors can fully enjoy popular tourist routes, such as “Gyubadoji-Chikatsuyuoji Course,” “Hosshinmon-Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine Course” and “Nachisan Daimonzaka Course.”
Meanwhile, National Route 371 (also known as Koya-Ryujin Skyline), which snakes along the ridges of the Kii Mountain Range, connecting Mount Koya to Ryujin Hot Spring Resort, one of the three hot spring resorts famous for beautifying the skin, has been also restored.
As for train services, the Kisei Main Line resumed full service on December 3.
With the above-mentioned roads and train and bus services restored, visitors can now stay at accommodation facilities in various areas, such as Hongu Hot Spring Resort Area (Yunomine Hot Spring Resort, Kawayu Hot Spring Resort and Watarase Hot Spring Resort), Katsuura Hot Spring Resort and Ryujin Hot Spring Resort, and fully enjoy hot springs, delicious dishes and warm hospitality.
Under the slogan “Stick with it, Wakayama!!,” prefecture-wide recovery efforts are now being made. For Wakayama, which aims to become a prefecture thriving on tourism, nothing can energize and revitalize its local tourist attractions more than a constant stream of visitors.
Meanwhile, access to tourist destinations such as Wakayama City, Koyasan, Shirahama and Kushimoto has remained available without any disruptions, and business in these areas is going on normally.
Contact：Tourism Promotion Division, Wakayama Prefectural Government
TEL：073-441-2775
URL： http://www.wakayama-kanko.or.jp/world/english/index.html
Kansai Information：Shiga Prefecture promotes Omi beef overseas
Omi beef has the longest history as a beef cattle breed in Japan and is prized as one of the top three beef brands in Japan. (See photo, bottom left)
Beef consumption is increasing overseas, primarily in Asia, where an attractive beef market is being developed with increasing affluence of consumers. Against this backdrop, as an approved meat processing establishment for the export to Macau, Thailand and Singapore, Shiga Meat Center has exported safe and hygienic meat to such regions, following the hygienic management procedures required by the HACCP standard.
This year, the organizations interested in promoting export of Omi beef, including Omi beef producers and suppliers, established the Omi Beef Export Promotion Association and launched the Omi Beef Export Promotion Project. Through this project, the association strives to promote the attractiveness of Omi beef to overseas consumers, develop new markets and export other cuts in addition to steak cuts, which have been exported so far.
Last month Yukiko Kada, governor of Shiga Prefecture visited Singapore, the largest importer of Omi beef. (See photo, bottom right) In Singapore she visited the Embassy of Japan in Singapore and the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA). At a reception held with the attendance of invited government and industry officials, Governor Kada explained the measures being taken to ensure safety of Omi beef, including screening of all cattle to detect radioactive materials. She also promoted the attractiveness of Omi beef by introducing recipes for beef cuts other than steak cuts, thus demonstrating that any cut of beef can be turned into a delicious healthy dish.
In addition to Governor Kada’s sales promotion activity, Omi Beef Export Promotion Association held business meetinｇｓ with local suppliers.
Contact：Livestock Division, Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Shiga Prefectural Government
TEL：077-528-3861
URL： http://www.pref.shiga.jp/g/chikusan/
Kansai Information：Kyoto Marathon 2012-Public transport use encouraged on the day of the event-
In 1994, various projects and events were held in Kyoto to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of founding Heian-kyo (present Kyoto) as the national capital. These projects and events, being served as a new starting point for Kyoto,aimed to implement new city development projects for the 21st century by taking over the achievements and passions of previous generations.
One of those events wasthe Kyoto International Half Marathon, a historic international competition with the participation of 12,000 people, including top runners from home and abroad together with amateur runners. It was later renamed Kyoto City Half Marathon and has been held 16 times.
This half marathon, which arguably triggered Japan’s current running boom, will become a full marathon event as Kyoto Marathon 2012, which will be held on Sunday, March 11 next year after two-year absense.
The main concept is to support reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake as well as revitalizing Kyoto and the whole of Japan.
15,000 amateur runners from home and abroad will appear and this is the first full marathon held in Kyoto as citizen participation type. The marathon course will start from Nishikyogoku Athletic Park, which is well known as the start and finish of the All-Japan Interprefectural Women’s Ekiden Championships, pass through major streets in Kyoto and finish at Heian Jingu Shrine, which is famous for its beautiful vermilion-lacquered otorii (grand shrine gate). Participating in the event will be 15,000 amateur runners from home and abroad.
Enjoying Kyoto’s beautiful natural environment, runners will pass by various tourist attractions, including seven locations inscribed on the World Heritage List, such as Kinkakuji Temple and Ninnaji Temple, and see all five mountains famous for Gozan-no-Okuribi (Bonfires on Five Mountains). This fascinating course of 42.195 km in Kyoto will enable runners to fully enjoy the attractiveness of Kyoto, an international city of culture and tourism.
Along the streets, local people of all generationsstudents ranging from elementary school age to college age, local shop owners and members of local organizationswill cheer the runners on with the spirit of hospitality unique to Kyoto.
Kyoto aims to make Kyoto Marathon 2012 a runner-oriented event led by local residents, by making full use of the attractiveness and characteristics of the city and the citizen power that has been cultivated on the basis of the city’s traditions.
Meanwhile, due to traffic restrictions that will be imposed for long periods on the day of the event, huge traffic jams are expected across the city. Motorists are therefore encouraged not to use their cars, and visitors are advised to use public transport for sightseeing on the day of the event.
Contact：Kyoto Marathon Executive Committee Secretariat
TEL：075-366-0314
URL： http://www.kyoto-marathon.com/outline/index_en.html
Kansai Information：Aiming to develop into a city oasis - Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto -
The Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto, which was established with the intention of developing into a city oasis, is now in its seventh year of operation.
The kaleidoscope was invented by a Scottish physicist in 1816 and was later developed into a beautiful craft through the efforts of an American woman, Cozy Baker, in the 1980s. After suffering a personal tragedy, she found a special healing power in kaleidoscopes. Based on her experience, she introduced kaleidoscopes to many people as a tool for healing. She is known as the “mother of kaleidoscopes” for her achievement of helping elevate the beauty of science to the realm of art.
Under the main concept of emotional healing, which was advocated by Baker, the Museum usually exhibits about 50 works, including masterpieces by the world’s most renowned kaleidoscope artists and kaleidoscopes unique to Kyoto.
Although kaleidoscopes are very fragile, visitors can handle and look into every kaleidoscope exhibited at the Museum. In addition, the Museum makes a variety of efforts to enable visitors to experience a feeling of oneness with kaleidoscopes.
Although kaleidoscopes tend to be considered only a plaything for children, all generations of visitors can enjoy experiencing the marvelous world of light and mirrors and become hooked on the ever-changing beautiful images, losing track of time. To enable small children, and those who are unable to close one eye or unable to turn a kaleidoscope around with one hand, to experience the wonder and beauty of kaleidoscopes, kaleidoscopic images are projected on all the walls of an exhibition room once an hour. This program won the highest award at a world-scale kaleidoscope event and the Museum is the only facility in the world that offers this type of program on a daily basis.
In addition, the Museum offers a 30-minute program called “Kaleidoscope Fantasy.” During this program, visitors can view projected dynamic images from inside kaleidoscopes. Many of the visitors who attended this program were fascinated by the space with images and music that made them feel as if they had wandered inside a kaleidoscope. Such reactions from visitors have made museum staff too rediscover the attractiveness of kaleidoscopes.
Visitors can also participate in a kaleidoscope-making lesson at any time at a low price. As it takes only a short time, many visitors enjoy making a kaleidoscope every day and the lessons are well received. Upon request, a kaleidoscope-making lesson will be provided outside the Museum. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact the Museum.
Meanwhile, the Museum has an art space that can display artistic works, such as paintings, photographs and crafts, which can be also enjoyed by visitors.
Please drop in at this city oasis.
Contact：Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto
TEL：075-254-7902
URL： http://www.k-kaleido.org/museum_e.html
Kansai in Focus：Winter Earthen Pot Sales Race Between Iga and Koga
Earthen pots produced in Iga and Koga, both known as “villages of ninja,” have been selling well this winter. Clay used for Iga ware (produced in Iga City, Mie Prefecture) and the clay used for Shigaraki ware (produced in Koga City, Shiga Prefecture) both have a high heat-retaining effect. Earthen pots are now attracting much attention as excellent energy-saving items this winter, with the power supply said to be tighter than during last summer, due to the negative impact of the accident at Fukushima No.1 Nuclear Power Plant.
Igayaki Toki Matsuri (Iga-ware Sale Festival), which was held last summer with participation of 30-plus Iga ware producers, attracted nearly 50,000 shoppers from around the country during the three days of the event, despite the inconvenient location of the festival venue. According to Keiji Hase (38), chairperson of the festival organizing committee, earthen pots were hot sellers even in summer. The highly refractory clay used for Iga ware has a high heat-retaining effect. Earthen pots have long been popular among gourmets as cookware suitable for preparing hot pot dishes and fluffy rice. Since the disaster on March 11, they have become even more popular as energy-saving items.
Iga ware is characterized by an unsophisticated texture with raised white feldspar particles on a rough brown clay body, and by green bidoro (vitrified glass) glaze that appears on the surface. Since the Momoyama period, Iga ware has been favored as tea ceremony utensils. Some of such utensils bear the names of lords of Iga, such as "Tsutsui Iga" and "Todo Iga," and others were produced to suite the tastes of famous tea masters, such as Sen no Rikyu and Furuta Oribe. Recently, we can see many everyday Iga-ware utensils in addition to those used for the tea ceremony.
I left the festival venue in Iga and headed for Koga by car. Driving along winding mountain roads, I saw houses sparsely scattered. The roads were gloomy, because bamboo and cedar groves shut out the sunlight. I saw no other cars passing by. Ryotaro Shiba writes about this area in his Fukuro no Shiro (Owls' Castle), a novel that won him a Naoki Prize: "Iga was called a 'hidden province'…surrounded by mountains of four provinces—Yamashiro, Yamato, Ise and Omi—only seven passes can lead to the outer world. One such pass leading to Koga in Omi is called Otogi Toge Pass…"
There were many ninja clans who were active behind the scenes during the Warring States period—Fuma, Togakushi and Negoroshu, just to name a few—and haiku poet Matsuo Basho is, in fact, said to have been onmitsu, a highly trained ninja spy. Speaking of ninja, however, Iga and Koga were two major ninja clans. Based in areas close to Kyoto, then capital of Japan, both clans were well-informed about the realities in the whole country and were given responsible positions by feudal warlords such as Tokugawa Ieyasu. They had excellent espionage skills and ninjutsu techniques and made full use of their unique weapons such as tobikunai (scaling wedge) and happoshuriken (eight-pointed hand-held blade). It is said that there was a bitter feud between the Iga and Koga clans because it is not uncommon for neighbors to hate each other.
Anyway, I reached Shigaraki in Koga from Iga through Otogi Toge Pass, or it could be another pass, I am not sure about this. In front of a pottery shop along a road, many small and large ceramic tanuki raccoon dogs were displayed close together. I visited the pottery shop Rian, which is said to be the first creator of ceramic tanuki and heard a story about how ceramic tanuki came to be created from the shop owner Kazuaki Fujiwara (65). (Photo below) "In the middle of the Meiji period, while my grandfather was training in Kyoto to be a Kiyomizu ware potter, on a moonlit night, he saw an adult tanuki and its offspring drumming on their bellies beside the Otonashi River near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. That's when he hit upon the idea of ceramic tanuki," said Fujiwara. Ceramic tanuki gradually became popular due in part to its rarity, and for some period immediately after the Second World War, ceramic tanuki and ceramic hibachi heating devices were Shigaraki-ware hot sellers. Currently, 141 Shigaraki ware producers manufacture various ceramic products, including flower pots, umbrella stands and garden furniture sets, in addition to ceramic tanuki.
Shigaraki ware has an incredibly long history. Its origin is said to date back to the Nara period, when tiles were produced for Shigaraki-no-miya Palace in present-day Koga City in Shiga Prefecture, which was built by Emperor Shomu (701–756). Shigaraki is one of the so-called Six Old Kilns (rokkoyo)—the other five are Seto, Tokoname, Bizen, Tamba, and Echizen—and its simple and rustic style was favored by tea masters during the Muromachi period.
According to Shigaraki Toki Kogyo Kumiai (Shigaraki Ware Manufacturers Association), ceramic pig- and tanuki-shaped mosquito coil holders sold well last summer. It was probably because more households used blinds and window screens instead of air conditioning. Someone told me that during the Shigaraki Toki Matsuri (Shigaraki Pottery Festival) held last October, earthen pots sold much better than any previous year, because many people bought them for winter.
It is very difficult for lay people to tell the difference between Iga ware and Shigaraki ware, because Iga in Mie Prefecture and Koga in Shiga Prefecture are located next to each other, separated only by a mountain, and ceramists in both regions use the same type of clay. "Although we use the same type of clay as ceramists in Iga, our techniques and glazing method have a unique style only found in Shigaraki ware," said a member of the Shigaraki Ware Manufacturers Association, in a confident tone. Although Iga triggered an earthen pot boom, Shigaraki has larger manufacturers and greater organizational power than Iga.
Do Koga and Iga still maintain the culture of ninja clans?—it is said that the Koga ninja clan had a group-oriented culture, while the Iga ninja clan had a "lone-wolf" culture. Ceramists in Iga and Koga both say that they have no rivalry with each other over earthen pots. However, I feel tempted to imagine that they are sparking off each other when they are out of sight, probably because I read too many ninja novels.(Takahito Sato)
All Rights Reserved. Copyright(c) The Foundation for Kansai Region Promotion(The Foundation)