Destinations
Hyogo
The Banshu region of Hyogo Prefecture has a 400-year history of producing abacuses and cutlery, and is proud to be a region in Japan that is highly skilled in producing them. The artisanship in the region is facing a succession problem, so techniques are passed down by reproducing products, for example by improving the design and using abacus production techniques to make clocks. You will encounter valuable products that are not mass-produced but are hand-made.
Gifu
Mino-yaki, a type of pottery in Gifu Prefecture, has a history that stretches over 1300 years. It is characterized by the development of new kinds of glazes that suit the times, as well as covering a wide variety of pottery with different shapes, styles and colors. Today, more than half of the ceramics produced in Japan are said to be Mino-yaki, making it a deeply ingrained presence in everyday life here. From traditional techniques to new glasses that change color depending on the temperature, come learn about the current state of Mino-yaki.