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Winter 2018-19 VOL.07
A Secret Worth Sharing: Shikoku - Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi -
Niigata:
Exciting Adventures await you
Love Japan? Follow
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Why “WAttention”?
VOL.07
WAttention is so named with the hope that people in the world would pay more “Attention” to “WA（和）”; an important term in Japanese culture meaning harmony with nature, peace and even Japanese culture itself! 世界中の人々に「和」 （WA）に注目（Attention） してほしいという願いを 込めてWA+Attention= WAttentionと名づけました。
03 04
In Harmony with the Seasons
Feature 1
A Secret Worth Sharing : Shikoku – Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi
08
Feature 2
Niigata: Exciting Adventures await you – Bask in the serene natural landscapes of the region – One-of-a-kind unique activities with the locals – Take part in their colourful festivals
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Kamata Hakensha: The Soul Balanced on the Knife’s Sharp Edge
Publisher
JTB Australia Pty Ltd Level 18, 456 Kent Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia Tel: 02-9510-0410
Editorial & Design WAttention Editorial Team Japan & Singapore
Sales & Marketing
Yoko Yamakawa wattention.au@jtbap.com
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Cover Photo
Angel Road, Kagawa Prefecture
本誌に関する日本国内でのお問い合わせ先 和テンション株式会社 Tel: +81 3-6418-5701 Fax: +81 3-6862-6760 E-mail: info-tokyo@wattention.com
AD_JAL_AUS07.pdf 1 2018/11/01 13:32:22
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暦 Koyomi 1 January
こよみを楽しむ
IN HARMONY WITH THE SEASONS
Zoni 雑煮
The pictured zoni dish is a soup of chicken dashi stock with simmered root vegetables, to which roasted mochi and fragrant mitsuba (cryptotaenia japonica) has been added. text & coordination/ Rieko Ido, photo/ Hajime Watanabe 文とスタイリング:井戸理恵子、写真:渡辺肇
Zoni is the name of a soup containing mochi that is traditionally eaten in Japanese households on the first day of the New Year. Depending on the region, the ingredients can vary, and the soup may be a clear soup, soy sauce-based, or made with miso or white miso. But whatever the style, zoni is a combination of a soup containing several vegetables. Preparations for a New Year’s feast traditionally begin on December 31. Considering that the first day of the
month had been called tsukitachi (rising of the moon), a dark, moonless night was important for resetting everything, and eating zoni on the morning after that also meant that the body was being prepared to accept new things. Burying yourself in the diversity of a full year—despite being surrounded by an array of happenings, the people of ancient times must have focused their wisdom and consideration for their health into these tiny servings of zoni, praying that they could
continue to live on. Eating mochi, where the god of the New Year had been believed to dwell, first thing in the New Year, is an act that represents receiving their energy. For the Japanese, this god had no been doubt a manifestation of their ancestors.
Rieko Ido A graduate of Kokugakuin University, researcher of ancient Japanese customs and knowledge, conducting technical analysis on findings to apply them to modern lifestyles. Currently teaches at Tama Art University.
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A Secret Worth Sharing: Shikoku - Kagawa, Tokushima, Kochi Shikoku had never really come up on my travel radar, and it made me wonder, is Shikoku Japan’s best-kept secret? Over the course of a week I visited three of Shikoku’s four prefectures - Kagawa, Tokushima and Kochi and the secret, it seems, is that Shikoku is where Japanese art and adventure went to meet.
Mi
kael
a Ja cqu
es
Tokyo
Teshima
Access
Osaka Okayama Hiroshima Takamatsu Airport
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3 2 1
Kansai Airport Tokushima Airport
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9
Kochi Airport
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5
7
Pacific Ocean 1 Shodoshima Olive Park 2 Kankakei Gorge 3 Angel Road 4 Yashima 5 Kaizoku No Ie 6 in Between Blues 7 Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark 8 Niyodo River 9 Kamikoya 10 Shikoku Karst (TengusoLodge & Forest Therapy Pass)
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To
Shikoku
From
Tokyo(Haneda)
From
Tokyo(Narita)
From
Osaka(Kanku)
Takamatsu Station Kochi Station *The Shortest Possible Time
To
Takamatsu Airport
To
1h15mins
Air
Tokushima Airport 1h15mins
Kochi Airport
To
1h25mins
1h20mins
Air
3h32mins
Bus
1h4mins Train
2h28mins
Tokushima Station
2h45mins 57mins Train
Hiwasa Station
(Take the Nanpu limited express train from Awa-Ikeda station and make a train transfer to Tsurugisan limited express train to Tokushima station)
More information: Kochi http://www.visitkochijapan.com/ Kagawa http://shodoshima.or.jp/ml/ https://teshima-navi.jp/en/ Tokushima https://discovertokushima.net/en/ https://www.awanavi.jp/_files/00023108/SouthAwaArea2018_English.pdf
Shodoshima Olive Park
Kagawa
Nishinotaki Ryusui-ji Temple
: Island Hopping Adventures
G
eographically, Shikoku sits south of Honshu and east of Kyushu, with several bridges connecting it to its northern neighbour. I started off my adventure from Kagawa prefecture. Kagawa has a thriving art culture, which is spread across its many offshore islands. One must-visit is the island of Shodoshima – a hub of culture and one of the stops on the Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival held every three years (the next being 2019). Shodoshima The problem facing every traveller is priorities and Shodoshima offers so much! From the filmesque Shodoshima Olive Park (Studio Ghibli fans, don't miss it!) to the sacred Nishinotaki Ryusui-ji Temple, there are many places worth visiting on Shodoshima. However, one stop that you must fit into your list of priorities is the Kankakei Gorge, where I experienced perhaps the most impressive scenery I have ever seen in Japan. Accessible by ropeway, Kankakei Gorge starts off as a forest of lush green trees, with a few hiking tracks winding through its branches and then the sea of green slowly parts, making way for the jagged rocks
and cliffs that form the gorge. From the top of the gorge, there is an amazing view encompassing Shodoshima, the Seto Inland Sea, and the gorge itself. For those looking for a challenge, the peak can also be reached on foot by one of two hiking trails, which are roughly two to three kilometre long. Atop the gorge is a nice rest area with a few shops that sell local delicacies such as olive ice cream. While Shodoshima can be visited as a day-trip from the mainland, it is better to stay at least one night and experience the Angel Road. It is a picturesque sandbar that reveals itself during low tide, and disappears back under the waves during high tide. Teshima From Shodoshima, you should definitely hop across to Teshima, another stop on the Setouchi Triennale that offers a more laidback, natural art experience. On Teshima, e-bikes rule the tourist experience. I got off the ferry later and started near Ieura Port, taking a quick look at the surreal artworks of Tadanori Yokoo at the Teshima Yokoo House. The ride from Ieura Port is not too challenging, and I enjoyed looking at the local
Kankakei Gorge
storefronts and houses. Teshima is much more rural than Shodoshima, but its roads are designed to lead you around the island to each attraction, so don’t worry about getting lost or missing anything. As you ride, you’ll be accompanied by breathtaking views of the island and the Seto Inland Sea, and eventually you will arrive at the serene Teshima Art Museum. Contrary to what the name suggests, the Teshima Art Museum is actually a single piece of artwork – a giant structure that you can actually enter and experience. While there, Shima Kitchen is the place to eat on Teshima, and the perfect place to rest during a bike ride. With a nice menu and awesome beverages (try the olive cider), Shima Kitchen has arguably the nicest outdoor seating arrangement I’ve ever seen. This is because the restaurant itself is a carefully designed piece of art! That’s the cool thing about Teshima: all the featured artworks on the island are places that you can enter and experience for yourself.
View from Shihozashi Platform on Shodoshima
Angel Road, Shodoshima
Riding an e-bike on Teshima WAttention Australia |
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Tokushima
Kochi : In Awe of Nature
: Ocean Vibes and Blues
T
he last stop on my Shikoku adventure was Kochi Prefecture. I started from the breathtaking Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark, located near Cape Muroto and including the entirety of Muroto City. It offers an interactive exhibit introducing the history and culture of Muroto, and walking tours of the Geopark's rock formations, which can be conducted in English upon request. If you visit the park, be sure to seek out the impressive Ako Tree.
Kaizoku No Ie “Pirate’s House” restaurant
L
ocated east of Shikoku, Tokushima is known as the home of the largest dance festival in Japan, the Awa Dance Festival (held every year in mid-August). Dancing aside, Tokushima has some of the coolest beachside businesses I’ve ever encountered. In Kaiyo-cho, there is a beachside studio where you can experience the Japanese art of aizome, indigo dying. Owned by the infinitely cool Leki Nagahara, in Between Blues studio offers workshops aimed at reviving the aizome industry, and sells a number of original indigo pieces. Leki is an experience surfer, and talks about aizome as a reflection of the ocean and ocean culture – two things he is really passionate about. I found myself really enjoying listening to Leki talk about indigo, and it was kind of magical getting my hands dirty to create such a clean piece of art – light blue and much like the crests of the waves outside the studio window. Another beachside establishment that I enjoyed was Kaizoku No Ie, which literally means “pirate’s house”, where they sell “pirate food” - a specialty of east and south Tokushima. Pirate food is basically what you’d imagine a pirate would eat at sea – foods such as lobster, scallops, and abalone. The food is all locally-sourced, and comes out fresh and wriggling. You then cook it yourself on a small grill, and although the friendly staff taught me a lot of tricks, it was more of a challenge than I thought (hint: some of them “jump”). Also, be sure to try some local sudachi (a native citrus of Tokushima) sauce with your pirate food. Pirate food can be enjoyed in many restaurants in Tokushima, but Kaizoku No Ie offers a rather unique experience, as the restaurant is literally floating on the water.
Indigo dyeing workshop provided by in between Blues studio 6
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Moving on to the western part of Kochi, you’ll find the Niyodo River, famous as being one of the clearest waterways in Japan, and for being incredibly blue. The Niyodo River is also the site of a great stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP) experience run by SUGGOI Sports. Being my first SUP experience, I was a little nervous, but through the guidance of the friendly and laidback Rangi (co-owner of SUGGOI Sports), I found myself ready to take on the new challenges as my confidence climbed… or paddled. SUGGOI Sports also offers more advanced SUP courses, rafting courses, and mountain biking tours, which makes Kochi a great holiday destination for the active traveller. On my last day in Shikoku, I headed away from the beaches and rivers, deep into the mountains that divide the Kochi and Ehime prefectures. If the weather allows it, be sure to stop by the Shikoku Karst - one of the few.
Niyodo River
karsts (read: sprawling fields of limestone) in Japan, and the only karst in Shikoku. The Shikoku Karst boasts plenty of walking tracks, campgrounds and lodges, making it an ideal destination for every kind of traveller. The art of washi paper making Deep in the mountains (roughly two hours from Kochi City), lies Kamikoya, a fully self-sustainable washi (Japanese paper) studio and guesthouse run by Rogier Uitenboogaart and his family. Hailing from the Netherlands, Rogier is a well-known artist in the washimaking scene, and often collaborates with famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Upon arriving at Kamikoya, I was greeted by Rogier and his son, Yohei, and promptly given the tour of Kamikoya. Showing me around the gallery, guest rooms and workshop, Rogier introduced me to his work, the traditional equipment he uses, and the Kamikoya lifestyle. I was in awe of how dedicated Rogier is to
Stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP)
preserving the traditional washi-making ways. During my two-hour workshop, I learnt about the plants and fibres used in washi (which are all grown at Kamikoya), the rhythmic beating process of the pulp, and how that pulp becomes paper. For the decorating, Rogier gets you to collect flowers and leaves to add to your paper, which you then finish off with paints made from coloured pulp. Overall, Kamikoya made me feel as if I was rediscovering my creative side, and although I only attended the twohour workshop, by the end of it I was wishing I could stay for a week. Authentic Travel Experience By the end of my trip, I was practically screaming – why had I never been here before? Shikoku is a wealth of untouched nature, unbelievably beautiful and a prime location for outdoor sports and adventure tourism. Shikoku’s eclectic mixture of modern and traditional art makes it the ideal holiday destination for art enthusiasts. The local artisans are so welcoming and inspiring, which I believe is what makes the tourist experience in Shikoku so much more natural and authentic than that of other regions. Shikoku really is Japan’s best-kept secret - so much so, that I almost don’t want to tell anyone about it.
Kamikoya workshop
Muroto UNESCO Global Geopark
Handmade washi paper WAttention Australia |
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Awashima Hachimanbana Observatory
DISCOVER
NIIGATA
Awashima Diving Experience
�険の�まり
L e t ’s g o
Nagaoka Festival / Provided by Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation
Shinano River rafting \ Provided by Tokamachi Tourism Association
Located in the centre of Japan’s Honshu Island, Niigata is packed
Ways of transportation to Niigata Prefecture：
Niigata Airport
From Tokyo ─
it is best known as Japan’s premiere
The easiest way to get to Niigata is to hop on a Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. This route only takes 100 minutes and is covered by the JR East Pass. Once you purchase the flexible 5-day JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area), you have a 14-day period to use it.
rice-cultivation area and home to
Niigata official website: http://enjoyniigata.com/en/index.html
with natural, historical and cultural wonders. Blessed with rich natural resources and a favourable climate,
Murakami· Shibata area
Sado Airport
the world-famous Koshihikari rice.
Sado area
Niigata Station
Tsubame-Sanjo Station
Nagaoka · Kashiwazaki area
Nagaoka Station
Yahiko· Sanjo area
With its vibrant and fascinating landscape, Niigata is the place to be
Urasa Station
if you’re looking to enjoy abundant nature and outdoor activities! 8
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Joetsumyoko Station EchigoYuzawa Station
Itoigawa Station Hokuriku Shinkansen Line
Myoko · Joetsu area
Niigata · Aga area
GALA Yuzawa Station
Niigata Prefecture Map
Yuzawa · Uonuma area
Joetsu Shinkansen Line
\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Uonuma City/
JR Tadami Line
Crossing a Dreamy Sanctuary
This line passes through the secluded mountainous areas in Tohoku, which connects Niigata and Fukushima. Its mystic atmosphere has attracted countless train and photography enthusiasts. As the train passes through Uonuma City, keep a look out for the Koshihikari rice fields and Abukumagawa Dam in the valleys. *Trains are no longer operating between Tadami and AizuKawaguchi stations. Visitors can take a shuttle bus instead. The stops between Koide Station and Oshirakawa Station are within Niigata Prefecture. The JR Tadami Line also stops at Aizu-Wakamatsu. Web: www.iine-uonuma.jp/see/tadamisen.html (Japanese)
Excite your Five Senses onboard this Sightseeing Train
Selected works from a photography contest held in Uonuma City
Selected works from a photography contest held in Uonuma City
Be captivated by the scenic landscapes of Niigata
Behold a Cascading Sea of Clouds \Yuzawa•Uonuma, Uonuma City/
Shioritoge Unkai Begin your hiking trail at Shioritoge leading to Mt. Echigo-Komagatake, one of Japan’s 100 most famous mountains. Stop by the observation deck along highway 532 in the early mornings to catch a breathtaking view. On good days, you will see a vista of cascading clouds over towering mountains when you look towards Ginzandaira and Oku-tadami. *Toge means the highest point of a mountain trail Web: www.iine-uonuma.jp/ (Japanese)
\Myoko•Joetsu, Myoko City/
Setsugekka This cardinal red train not only showcases a panoramic view of Niigata’s countryside, but also the prefecture’s proud craftsmanship. Boasting “all made in NIIGATA,” passengers can appreciate the artistry of this locallymade train, and taste the goodness of local produce onboard. Enjoy all of Niigata’s charms fully by booking a ride!
Recommended viewing points of Lake Okutadami
Mountain Trail Mt. EchigoKomagatake
Web: www.echigotokimeki.co.jp/ setsugekka/index.html (Japanese) *Reservation required, only via phone call.
Ginzandaira Oze
Lake Okutadami
\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Tokamachi City/
Onsen-exclusive Local Cuisine \Myoko•Joetsu, Myoko City/
Red Yakisoba Don’t be fooled by the red color of Akakura Onsen’s specialty yakisoba noodles. Though they look spicy, the noodles get their hue from fresh vegetables, not red chili. A definite musttry for hungry visitors of Myoko City! About 10 restaurants within Akakura Onsen serve this dish. Web: www.myoko.tv/shopping/1422.html (Japanese)
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces Featured in Tenchijin, a famous historical drama in Japan, the photogenic Hoshitoge Rice Terrace in the mountains of Niigata rose to fame. During spring and autumn, visitors are treated to a gorgeous view of the rural landscape with glistening rice fields and misty forests. If you are lucky, you might even catch a sighting of unkai rolling over the rice fields in the early mornings.
The Ultimate Countryside Experience
*A sea of clouds or unkai is formed only under certain weather conditions during spring and autumn mornings. Access: 20-minute drive from Matsudai Station on the Hokuhoku Line Web: www.tokamachishikankou.jp/en/
Courtesy of Tokamachi City Tourism Association Matsudai Branch
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Thundering Waterfalls resembling Earthquakes \Myoko•Joetsu, Myoko City/
Naena Waterfalls Famous for its thunderous roars of waters crashing down from a 55-metre-tall basalt cliff, the Naena Waterfall has been nicknamed “Earthquake Falls”. This natural wonder is recognized as one of Japan’s 100 greatest waterfalls. On a sunny day, you may get to see an arching rainbow reaching out through sprays of cool water. Access: 15-minute drive from Myoko Kogen Station on the Echigo-tokimeki Tetsudo Web: https://myokotourism.com/naena-falls/
A Treasure Trove of Natural Wonders in the City
Fjord-like Steep Cliffs
\Niigata•Aga, Niigata City/
Fukushimagata Lagoon
\Sado•Sado City/
Home to more than 220 species of wild birds and 350 flora, this extensive wetland is the largest in Niigata Prefecture. During spring, rapeseed flowers are in full bloom. In summer, the makhana–a species of water lily–steals the spotlight by decorating the lagoon with vivid greens. Escape the busy city with a trip down here!
Senkakuwan Bay Known for its meandering gorges and steep cliffs, Sotokaifu-kaigan in Sado is surrounded by stunning tower cliffs reminiscent of Norwegian fjords. Admire the amazing view from above or hop on a cruise to get a closer look at the magnificent structures while also appreciating the underwater beauty through a glass panel at the base of the boat.
Access: 30-minute walk or 5-minute drive from Toyosaka Station on JR Hakushinsen Web: www.pavc.ne.jp/~hishikui/ index.html (Japanese)
Access: 60-minute drive from Ryotsu Port or 1-minute walk from Senkakuwan Ageshima Park (Kaifu Line) bus stop Web: www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0144/
\Niigata•Aga, Niigata City/
Niigata Tare Katsu Don
A Local Favourite of Niigata
Unlike the typical Katsu Don which uses egg as a topping, this local delight includes fried pork cutlets dipped in a special sauce before being placed on warm fluffy rice. This dish first appeared during the early Showa period at a western restaurant. The sweet soy sauce is absolutely tantalizing! Many restaurants in the Niigata Prefecture have this dish on their menu. Web: www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/sys/data?page-id=12370 (Japanese)
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\Sado•Sado City/
Onogame
Dubbed as the secret garden of Sado, Onogame is a 167-metre-high rock formation located on the northern coast of Sotokaifu-kaigan. Awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, the picturesque landscape receives many visitors. During summer, bright yellow licorice flowers carpet the area providing a beautiful contrast against the blue sky and green grass.
Access: 60-minute drive from Ryotsu Port or 1-minute walk from Onogame ( Uchi Kaifu Line) bus stop Web: www.visitsado.com/en/spot/detail0133/
Take a ride on the Longest River in Japan \Yuzawa•Uonuma, Tokamachi City/
Shinano River Rafting Sign up for an unforgettable rafting adventure full of shrills, big splashes and thrilling bumps along the longest river in Japan! The river flows through Tokamachi City before feeding into the Sea of Japan in Niigata Prefecture. While you are here, make sure to take a good dip in the river too! Event period: mid-Apr to 28 Oct Fee: 6,000 JPY (Elementary school students), 8,000JPY (Middle school students and above) Address: 4197 Miyanaka, Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture Web: www.tokamachishikankou.jp/sports/other/rafting/ (Japanese)
Traditional Japanese River Fishing
Shinano River rafting Provided by Tokamachi Tourism Association
\Niigata•Aga, Agamachi/
Mikawa Yanaba Try catching a meal with your bare hands using yana (やな, fish trap), a traditional Japanese fishing platform made of method which comprises bamboo reeds that are laid across a river. Observe how small fishes swim through the gaps, while bigger ones get caught in between the crevices. Grill the fish right away and taste the freshness of Niigata instantly!
Explore the different charms of Niigata
A Peek into a Copper Artisan’s Studio
Event period: 8 Apr – 7 Nov Access: 7-minute bus ride from Mikawa Station on JR Banetsusai Line Address: 2598 Ikazawa, Higashikanbaragun Agamachi Web: http://hotel.mikawa.com/tourism.html (Japanese)
\Yahiko•Sanjo, Tsubame City/
Gyokusendo
Outdoor Seaside Activities in Niigata \Murakami•Shibata Awashimaura Village/
Awashima With a small population of less than 400 people, Awashima is an island touted as a natural oceanic paradise, offering not just incredibly fresh seafood, but also various fun activities like fishing, water sports, cycling and bird watching. If you are searching for the perfect summer getaway, look no further! Access: Take a boat from Iwafune Port to Awashima Port (55-minute ride on high-speed catamaran Awaline and 90-minute by boat) Web: https://awa-isle.jp/ (Japanese)
Well-known for its metal-processing industry, Tsubame City is the birthplace to Gyokusendo, a major copper craftsmanship studio with over 200 years of history. Get a glimpse of how professionals work there, as artists tirelessly hammer and shape copper into elegant cups, vases and kettles—all by hand. Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm, Closed on Sun & PH Factory tour: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3:10pm Access: 3-minute walk from Tsubame Station on Yahiko Line or 5-minute drive from Tsubame Sanjo Station Web: www.gyokusendo.com (Japanese)
\Yuzawa•Uonuma, Tokamachi City/
Soba served in a Traditional Wooden Dish When in Niigata, you cannot afford to miss the chance to savor one of their local delicacies—Hegisoba. Served on a wooden dish, the noodles are sectioned into bitesized portions. Hegisoba has a smoother and firmer texture compared to ordinary soba. Many restaurants in Tokamachi City have this dish on their menu. Web: www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/sys/ data?page-id=15117&noicon=1 (Japanese)
Niigata Speciality Soba WAttention Australia |
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Tsumari in Bloom by Yayoi Kusama ( Japan) Photographed byOsamu Nakamura
Culture, Art and Tradition in the Rural Landscapes of Niigata
Reverse City by Pascale Marthine Tayou (Cameroon / Belgium) Photographed by Osamu Nakamura
\Yuzawa•Uonuma Tokamachi City, Tsunanmachi/
Make it a point to catch this triennial showcase of colourful artworks inspired by nature and the local culture. Some 380 pieces will be displayed around the farmlands, turning the area into a treasure trove of art. Witness how innovative these artists can be and see how they cleverly blend their art pieces into the local scenery!
Incorporating Art into the Countryside
Event period: 29 Jul – 17 Sep Web: www.echigo-tsumari.jp/eng/about/
\Nagaoka•Kashiwazaki, Nagaoka City/
Koshinoyuki With a history of 230 years of making traditional Japanese sweets , Koshinoyuki Honpo Yamatoya Honten’s delicious treats do not disappoint. The incredibly soft Koshinoyuki is made from locally-produced sticky rice powder and wasabon sugar from Shikoku. These sweets were once a delicacy saved only for feudal lords in the past, but now they are a common gift for special occasions.
Hachi & Seizo Tashima Museum of Picture Book Art by Seizo Tashima ( Japan) Photographed by Takenori Miyamoto & Hiromi Seno
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Koshinoyuki Honpo Yamatoya Honten Hours: 9am-5:30pm Access: 15-minute walk from Nagaoka Station on JR Joetsu Line, Joetsu Shinkansen, Shinetsu Main Line Address: 3-3 Yanagaharamachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture Web: www.koshinoyuki-yamatoya.co.jp/index.html (Japanese)
Kiss & Goodbye (Doichi station) by Jimmy Liao (Taiwan) Photographed by Gentaro Ishizuka
Echigo Tsumari Art Festival 2018
The Top Three Traditional Sweets of Japan
Nagaoka Festical \ Provided by Nagaoka Fireworks Foundation
Spectacular Fireworks Lighting up the Night \Nagaoka•Kashiwazaki, Nagaoka City/
Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival Ranked as one of Japan’s top three fireworks displays, the Nagaoka Grand Fireworks Festival launches about 20,000 fireworks over a two-day period. The beautiful sparks light up the night sky, completely transforming the city’s atmosphere. During this time, locals also mourn for the deceased, thus making it a more meaningful event. Event period: 2-3 Aug every year (Nagaoka Peace Festival falls on 1 Aug) Access: 30-minute walk from Nagaoka Station on JR Joetsu Line, Joetsu Shinkansen, Shinetsu Main Line Web: https://nagaokamatsuri.com/ (Japanese)
\Murakami•Shibata, Shibata City/
Goldfish Floats Parade exclusively during Summer
Castle Town Shibata Festival For over 280 years, the Goldfish Float parade has been one of the most important summer events in Shibata City. Join the festivities as children pull goldfish floats and men jovially march the daiwa (台輪 , portable shrine) around the town on the last day of the festival. Event period: 17-29 Aug Web: http://sibata-info.jp/ archives/3311 (Japanese) *content to be updated soon
\Murakami•Shibata, Sekikawa Village/
Echigosekikawa Great Serpent Festival Since 1988, it has been a customary practice for the locals to parade through the town with a locallymade, 80-metre-long bamboo straw serpent weighing over 2,000 kilograms to warn others against the dangers of flood waters. On this occasion, about 500 residents gather together to carry the snake before coiling it up at the village office.
Enormous Straw Snake Parading through the Town
Event period: 26 Aug (The fireworks display and Bon Odori festival are held on 25 Aug) Hours: [snake parade] 9:30am - 12pm [fukumaki] see the snake coil up after the parade at Sekikawa Village Office Web: www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/sys/data?page-id=2222 (Japanese)
\Murakami•Shibata, Shibata City/
Poppoyaki
Mouth-watering Street Food
A hundred years ago, the locals created Poppoyaki by mixing brown sugar with flour on a stick. Served only during festivals, it got its name from the popping noises during the baking process. The sweet fragrance paired with the chewy texture makes it irresistible! Can only be eaten during festive period of Shibata City and other nearby cities Web: www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/sys/data?page-id=12373 (Japanese)
KAMATA HAKENSHA: THE SOUL BALANCED ON THE KNIFE'S SHARP EDGE Samurai were said to believe that their soul resided inside their katana swords. Mr. Kamata of the eponymous and worldwide known store in Asakusa gives soul to Japanese blades today.
Located in the nostalgic-looking Kappabashi area among other craftsmen and kitchenware shops, Kamata has been a constant since 1923. Now run by Seiichi Kamata, the third generation, while also training his son Yosuke in the art of sharpening blades, this store does not only sell knives, but also sharpens old knives, giving them a second life.
MORE THAN JUST A STORE When it comes to knives, Kamata is a cut above the rest. The owner personally inspects the blades of knives made by their subcontractors and upon purchase, ever y customer is given a manual on proper maintenance. This is especially needed when it comes to Japanese knives (wabocho) many of which have single edged blades, unlike Western knives (yobocho), and hence they are easier to break if used carelessly. “It's a given that any knife can cut, but the beauty and mastery lies in the sharpness of the blade” Mr. Kamata explains. This is why many of his clients are professional chefs, who bring their knives to him for sharpening. Professional Japanese chefs abroad are actually the reason why Japanese blades have garnered worldwide popularity. The Kamata store sees a fair share of foreign customers, both professionals and visitors buying a meaningful souvenir that will last and maybe even become a family heirloom. Some of them return to the store with their knives to be resharpened by the master. The knives here are also given a personal touch as they can be engraved upon your request for free.
THE MASTER OF SHARPENING Sharpening is not only for maintenance, it's also one of the impor t ant s teps in Japanese blade - mak ing - w i th di f ferent professional in charge of a different step. Starting from forging and shaping, sharpening and hardening – authentic Japanese blades are the result of a team effort. Mr. Kamata is a sharpening master who says that learning never ends. However, “to be a master you need at least 10 years of constant training” he says, both your sharpening skill and your sharp eye to notice the customer's specific needs. Mr. Kamata can breathe life back into any knife, restore broken and darkened blades to look as good as new. So, go down to Kamata store to see the sharpening magician on the whetstone and learn more about the soul of the blades, balanced on their thin sharp edges. Mr. Kamata sharpens the blades right there in the Address: 2-12-6 Matsugaya Taito-ku, Tokyo Hours: 10am-6pm (No scheduled holidays) Access: About 8 minutes from Tawara-machi station(Ginza line) URL: http://kap-kam.com/index_en.html 14
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store behind a glass pane, and many people stop by to watch the master at work.
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