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volume 5

Scan for a map of all eventsand places found in this issue!

A DIVERSITY OFSHIGA CERAMICS
While Shigaraki ware is undoubtedly Shiga’s most famous
producer of ceramics, it is by no means alone in the craft.
With a long and vibrant history of local art, culture, andreligion, Shiga has been home to many artists andcraftspeople through the ages. Here are a few more of
Shiga’s notable ceramic styles that we hope you’ll enjoy!

KOTO WARE - A CASTLE TOWN’S LEGENDARY KILN
Koto ware was introduced by merchants of the town around Hikone Castle in1829. It prospered under ownership of the Ii Family, the ruling clan of the Hikone
Domain. However, after Ii Naosuke, the local lord, was assassinated in 1860,business was soon forced to scale down and within two years the ownership
was discontinued. During the ownership period, skilled potters were invited fromall over the country to craft pieces with various advanced techniques such as
sometsuke, or blue and white pottery, and iro-e, or colored artwork. This ware
represented the peak of quality, yet due to the short time it was able to flourish,
very few pieces remained. Hence, it is now referred to as “legendary” ware.

THE ORIGIN OF TEA IN JAPANHikone Castle Museum
TEL 0749-22-6100
ADDRESS 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga
WEB http://hikone-castle-museum.jp/en/

OPEN 8:30am to 5pm (admission until 4:30pm)
CLOSED Dec 9, Dec 25-31, Jan 27-31, Mar 4 (may close irregularly)
ADMISSION ¥500 (adult), ¥250 (elementary & JHS students)

EARTHENWARE EXCELLENCEA DIVERSITY OF SHIGA CERAMICSEVENT SCHEDULE
Careful selection of the best quality leaves for Asamiya Tea

ZEZE WARE – WABI SABI MADE FOR TEASHIMODA WARE - POPULAR WARE FOR EVERYDAY USE

Zeze ware pottery originated in the Zeze Domain of Edo Japan in the 17th
century. In those times, it consisted mainly of tea vessels, produced for the
daimyo lord to give out to as gifts. It typically featured a thinly walled surface
with black iron glaze, thought to embody the spirit of “kirei sabi” or sophisticatedbeauty and refined simplicity, extending from the wabi sabi aesthetic concept.
After the practice nearly died out, Zeze ware was revived in 1919 and is still
produced today, primarily for tea vessels. The Zeze Ware Museum also featuresa tea ceremony room where you can enjoy matcha tea with the local ware.

Shimoda ware began developing around 1750 when community members
discovered thick clay suitable for pottery around the nearby mountains.
Shimoda ware is known for its vivid bright indigo made with gosu glaze, acobalt-rich pigment. They produced a variety of everyday ware such as tea
cups and bowls for generations until 1989, when the lack of a successor forced
its discontinuation. However, the craft was revived 5 years later thanks tosupport from the local community, and now the studio not only produces
pottery, but also provides Shimoda ware workshops.

Zezeyaki Museum

Omi Shimoda-yaki Tobo

TEL 077-523-1118
ADDRESS 1-22-28 Nakasho, Otsu, Shiga
WEB http://zezeyaki.jp/zezemuseum/

OPEN 10am to 4pm
CLOSED Mondays & Tuesdays (expect ntl. holidays), Dec 28 - Jan 7
ADMISSION ¥900 / ¥500 (children under high school) *includes matcha serving

TEL 0748-77-7457
ADDRESS 2-11-9 Higashitera, Konan, Shiga
WEB https://shimodayaki.com/

S H I G A R A K I

AGRI CULT URE AN D ART F ROM AN CI E N T SOI L
What area would you guess may be
the original home of Japanese tea?
Kyoto, perhaps? Would you believethat the first tea seeds were actuallyplanted in Shiga?

OPEN 10am to 5pm
CLOSED Mondays, Tuesdays & irregular holidays
ADMISSION Free (ceramic painting workshop from ¥850 by reservation)

In 805, tea seeds were brought over from China by
a Buddhist monk who would soon after plant themnear the Enryaku-ji Monastery, located atop Mount
Hiei in Otsu, Shiga. The teas of Shiga prefecture,
now known as Omi Tea, encompass a few
long-established tea regions such as Asamiya,
Tsuchiyama, and Mandokoro. In particular, Asamiya
tea, named for the farming area of Shigaraki town, is-Cycling in the Ceramic Arts Village of ShigarakiEnjoy cycling in and around the town of Shigaraki, now featured in Scarlet, a morning
drama series on NHK TV. Spot some of the local pottery studios. Enjoy the autumn
breeze while riding at your own pace, discovering your new favorite pottery pieces,and getting a taste of local cuisine at nearby restaurants. If you cycle a bit further, you
can visit the palace ruins of Shigaraki-no-miya, which served as the nation’s capital
about 1300 years ago. Bicycle rental for short distance is available at Shigaraki
Station. For experienced riders, there’s a great ride from Otsu City on a longer coursewith a series of inclines and winding roads.

renowned as a top quality tea with a fine aroma,
included among Japan’s five greatest teas.
The same town of Shigaraki is even more famous for
its pottery, where the various vessels and utensils
for tea are produced. Blessed with quality soil, thearea developed a thriving industry of earthenware
known as Shigaraki ware. One of the defining
features of Shigaraki ware is the scarlet color whichcomes from the local soil. Between the local
communities and kilns, and the tea fields scatteredaround the mountain landscape, we find aremarkable glimpse of past lifestyles and traditions
that are increasingly rare.
continued inside

ABOUT SHIGA

BIWAICHICYCLING NAVIBIWAICHIRENTAL CYCLEBIWAKO VISITORSBUREAUbiwaichi-cycling.com/en/ en.biwako-visitors.jp

Shiga Prefecture is located just northeast of Kyoto, at the center ofJapan’s main island. We’re home to Japan’s largest lake, Biwako, or Lake
Biwa, and a community of unique culture and traditions that developed
over time in harmony with the nature that sustains our local cuisine,industry and lifestyle. Scenic lake views and abundant nature have beena continual source of inspiration for artists. As a junction between Eastand West Japan, Shiga is also a land of many historic sites such as
temples and castle ruins, as well as many enchanting traditional towns.

Easy Access from Kyoto!
FUKUIBY SHINKANSEN- Kyoto Sta. to Maibara Sta. in about 20 min.
- Nagoya Sta. to Maibara Sta. in about 27 min.

GIFU

Lake
Biwa

BY JR TRAIN- Kyoto Sta. to Otsu Sta. in about 9 min.

Maibara

AICHI

SHIGA

KYOTO
Kyoto

Otsu

OSAKA
MIE

PUBLISHING : Shiga Prefecture / 2019.10

NARA

NagoyaTHE ORIGIN

LAKE
BIWA
琵琶湖

OF TEA IN JAPAN
Arrival and Growth of Tea Culture

SHIGA
滋賀県

SHIGARAKI TOWN (信楽町)
ASAMIYA (朝宮)In those early times, tea was a luxury available only to the upper class who
enjoyed it more for medicinal use. As time passed, tea farming spread out andbecame further rooted in other parts of Shiga. Asamiya Tea from Shigaraki
Town is perhaps the most distinguished among them for its superb quality andaroma owing to the area’s ideal growing environment in mountain farms where
the temperature drops down at night and the fresh clear water makes its way
through the granite rock.
The flavor and aroma are also shaped by the local preference for organic
fertilizers and methods, which result in a product with volumes too low for mass
production, yet is recognized and sought as a top premium tea. Asamiya hasrecently drawn international attention allowing tea lovers worldwide to enjoy
this local specialty.

Achieving Quality
Through Organic Methods
Passing through the center of
Shigaraki and heading deeper
into the mists of the nearby
mountains, we soon spotted
the perfectly shaped rows ofgreen from the local tea farms.
Our destination was Katagi
Kokaen, where we interviewed
Mr. Takatomo Katagi, one of
the Asamiya growers whosefamily has been taking on thechallenge of completely organictea production for the past 40
years.
Takatomo Katagi, 7th generation head of Katagi Kokaen.

“Unlike vegetables, tea leaves
will never undergo washing before packaging. While our customers enjoyedand praised our product, we ourselves were still not satisfied, so we made themove to stop using all chemical fertilizer and pesticides,” said Mr. Katagi. For
the first 2 or 3 years, production suffered heavily from pests and disease. He
continued, “I think the trees got stronger and built up a natural immunity todisease without fertilizers, and better microbes started populating the soil.
Organic tea has a deeper flavor and aroma, embodying the truest taste of thetea.”

A CERAMIC JOURNEY OF EARTH AND FIRE

Shigaraki Ware - Pottery toPair with Premium Tea

Asamiya - Fertile Land
for Centuries of Quality
The story of tea in Japan begins about 1,200 years ago. The country wassending many individuals including Buddhist monks to China at the time tolearn from China’s highly advanced academics and culture. One suchindividual, who would eventually be recognized as the historic founder of
Buddhism’s Tendai Sect, Saicho, brought tea seeds back from China and soon
planted them somewhere around Mt. Hiei, which is now part of Otsu City,
Shiga. This planting became recognized as the moment that tea was first
introduced to Japan.

EARTHENWARE
EXCELLENCE

color. Mr. Katagi pointed out that green tea is particularly rich in potent
antioxidants called catechins, and is known to prevent cancer, help allergies,
etc. Research has also shown fewer influenza cases in communities where
green tea is regularly consumed.

The fertile grounds which nurture the quality tea of Shigaraki are also at the heartof the town’s other industry, pottery known as Shigaraki ware. This local craft
began around 700 years ago when people made kilns by digging burn pits in the
ground for large items such as pots and jars. Later with the introduction ofchambered climbing kilns that could fire many more pieces at a time, smaller
items such as daily wares were produced, and in larger quantities to meet thedemands of a market expanding with their growing reputation. With a long historyof trade, developed skill and versatile craft, Shigaraki is now recognized as oneof the "Six Ancient Kilns of Japan."Senchado, or “the way of Sencha,” is a variant of the traditional sado tea
ceremony, but unlike the formal ceremonial style of sado, senchado culture
developed around a more casual natural enjoyment of green tea, becoming
popular and spreading throughout Japan in the 18th century. As a tea producing
region, Shigaraki naturally embraced tea drinking culture, and moreoverproduced all the accompanying ware and utensils. Traditional Shigaraki ware isdefined by a raw, earthy texture and warm “scarlet” glaze. However, for green tea
vessels, a white glaze is preferred to highlight the fresh green sencha color, as
well as a much thinner ceramic for a smooth feel on the mouth. Pottery forsencha inhabits a variety of shapes and sizes for different purposes. For
example, a shaped pouring cup is used to cool water down to brewing
temperature, and smaller tea cups are used for enjoying multiple brewings.

Tanuki - Getting to know
Shigaraki's Beloved Mascot

Green tea itself contains many varieties, which are also distinguished byprocess differences. Sencha is perhaps the most familiar and popular type ofgreen tea. While matcha consists of leaves finely ground into powder, sencha
is made with tea leaves infused in a tea pot and poured in cups, much like black
tea. For the first cup, a low temperature water, about 60 - 70°C is used to steep
leaves for 1.5 minutes. Subsequent cups should be brewed in slightly hotter
water. Mr. Katagi explained, “the first brew offers a deep aroma, while a second
brewing will bring out the distinct bitter hints of green tea.” Green tea also
differs from other teas in that it’s normally consumed without adding any
sweeteners or flavors, to enjoy the natural fresh flavor and aroma. The
catechins in the tea are also antibacterial, helping to naturally refresh yourmouth and rinse oils. This is why green tea is enjoyed during or after meals athome, and is commonly served at sushi restaurants.

As you wander through the pottery district of Shigaraki, it’s hard to miss thefriendly faces of the countless ceramic tanuki, or raccoon dogs, waiting towelcome you. The tanuki have long been a popular subject of Japanese folklore
and literature, and are believed to be supernatural characters of mischief andhumor who may disguise themselves as humans or be seen beating theiroversized bellies.
Now a symbol synonymous with Shigaraki, the tanuki first began their mascotrole in 1951 when Emperor Showa visited the town, and ceramic tanuki statues
were produced to line the streets, welcoming his visit. As the event was featured
nationally in newspapers, the tanuki became widely recognized.

Some of the many uniquely designed tanuki statues.

Katagi Kokaen ( かたぎ古香園 )Tea cups and vessels made by Satoki Onishi, accentuating the golden hue of Asamiya Tea.

The “ta” of tanuki can also mean “others” and “nuki” can mean “beat (anopponent),” which have made it a popular figure used as a charm for fortune orbusiness success. You’ll likely find them at the entrances of shops, restaurants
and households throughout Japan, and often depicted with belongings that also
have meaning. The tokkuri sake bottle is for gathering virtue (toku is a homonym
for virtue), an umbrella hat protects from disasters, and so on. Visit Shigaraki tofind the perfect tanuki that’s just right for you!

TEL
0748-84-0135
ADDRESS 1090 Miyajiri Shigarakicho, Koka, Shiga
EMAIL info@katagikoukaen.com
OPEN
9:00am to 4:00pm
WEB http://www.katagikoukaen.com CLOSED Irregular

Exploring the Pottery andCulture of Shigaraki“the first brew offers a deep aroma, while asecond brewing will bring out the distinct
bitter hints of green tea”

The pottery district represents over 70 potters, and includes their kilns andstudio spaces. Exploring on foot, you’re sure to find interesting shops andgalleries, and with luck you may even get to strike up a chat with an artist or
two. A variety of pottery workshops are also available, such as wheel throwing
and ceramic painting for a more memorable way to experience the town.

Green tea is just one of the world’s many tea varieties, which include black tea,oolong tea, and many more. But it may not be so widely known that all these tea
varieties come from the same plant. The processes after harvesting are what
differentiate each of them, and in the case of green tea, the leaves are steamed
while still fresh to stop the fermentation process, so the leaves retain their green

Shigaraki Tourist Association
Katagi’s green tea with package design featuring
traditional style artwork depicting their farm.

Quality green tea meets high standards forboth flavor and aroma.

WEB

http://www.e-shigaraki.org

One local potter’s facilities in the Shigaraki pottery district (left) and an old decommissioned
climbing kiln (right) which used the natural slope to distribute heat to upper chambers.

EVENT SCHEDULE
CURRENT AND UPCOMING SHIGA EVENTS IN

OCTOBER, NOVEMBER, & DECEMBER, 2019
BORDERLESS AREA OMIHACHIMAN ART
FESTIVAL “JOURNEY TO PERCEPTION”

FALL SPECIAL EXHIBITION“ANIMAL MUSEUM IS NOW OPEN!”

Komainu Dog of Yusuki Shrine,
Nagahama

Scan for a map of all eventsand places found in this issue!

Animals have always captured thehuman imagination. This exhibition
provides a curated presentation ofanimals in Japanese art, such asanimal haniwa burial figures,komainu Shinto guardian dogs, aswell as animals depicted inreligious and contemporary arts.

Art festival that gives animmersive art experience as
you wander through the historicOmihachiman town. The 6 total
locations offer different themes
and expressions such as"Overflowing Sound," or"Seeing with Our Hand."OC T ~ N OVS EP ~ N OVDATE October 12 (Sat) to November 24 (Sun), 2019
TIME 9am to 5pm (doors until 4:30pm). Closed Mon (unless holiday, then Tue).
PLACE Shiga Prefectural Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum (6678 Shimotoira
Azuchicho, Omihachiman City)ADMISSION Adults ¥900 (¥690), Students: College & HS ¥640 (¥470),
Elementary & JHS ¥420 (¥310), Seniors 65+ residing in Shiga ¥460 (¥350)*Prices in parentheses for groups of 20+.
TEL 0748-46-2424
WEB http://www.azuchi-museum.or.jp/

DATE September 21 (Sat) to November 24 (Sun), 2019
TIME 11am to 5pm. Closed Mon (unless holiday, then closed on following day).
PLACE Borderless Art Museum NO-MA (16 Nagaharacho Kami,
Omihachiman City) and 5 other nearby spots
ADMISSION Entry for all locations: Adult: ¥1000 (¥900) / College & HighSchool Student: ¥900 (¥800). Entry for 1 location: ¥300
*Children under 13 free *Prices in parentheses for groups of 20+.
TEL 0748-36-5018**Other related events also scheduled.
WEB http://www.no-ma.jp/english.html

EVENT: “TAIMATSU FES 2019”

KAKI TO SEIKA TEN

Every year from March toMay, there is a series of fire
festivals Omihachiman, in
which about 200 taimatsu
torches are made and lit asofferings to Shinto deities.
Respecting this 1000-year-old
festival, we honor the
tradition through an exhibition and workshop where we will
make taimatsu torches together.

Exhibition of ikebana, or Japanese
flower arrangement, presented invases made in Shigaraki, one ofJapan's "Six Ancient Kilns." Enjoy
the collaboration between the
distinctive Shigaraki earthenware
and a Japanese tradition thatembraces the seasonal blessings of nature.

NOV

DATE November 23-24 (Sat-Sun), 2019 *will cancel for severe weather
TIME 9am to 6pm
PLACE La Collina Omihachiman (615-1 Kitanoshocho, Omihachiman City)ADMISSION Festival is free. Shimenawa sacred rope workshop also held foradmission of around ¥1000 (please register in person to attend).
TEL 0748-47-2045 (Masse Co. Ltd.)WEB https://www.facebook.com/massee.jp/

GENKYU-EN AUTUMN LIGHT-UP
Experience the stunning
autumn colors ofGenkyu-en, the adjacentgarden on Hikone Castle's
north side. Enjoy thisonce-a-year chance toview vivid colors reflectedin the garden pond as you
follow the foot paththrough this traditional Japanese garden.

N OV~ D EC

DATE November 16 (Sat) to December 1 (Sun), 2019
TIME 6pm to 9pm (admission until 8:30pm)
PLACE Genkyuen Garden (3 Konkicho, Hikone City)ADMISSION Adults: ¥700, Elementary & JHS students: ¥350
TEL 0749-23-0001
WEB https://visit.hikoneshi.com/en/*info provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

EXHIBITION OF IKEBANA AND SHIGARAKI VASESN OV ~ D EC

DATE Term 1: November 22 (Fri) to December 3 (Tue), 2019
Term 2: December 6 (Fri) - 17 (Tue), 2019
TIME 9am to 5pm. Closed Thu (unless holiday, then closed on following day).
PLACE Traditional Crafts Center of Shigaraki (1142 Nagano
Shigarakicho, Koka City)ADMISSION FreeTEL 0748-82-2345
WEB http://www.city.koka.lg.jp/6099.htm

ISHIYAMA-DERA TEMPLE AUTUMNLIGHT-UP "ATARA YO MOMIJI"

A pair of concerts to celebrate
the winners of the Shiga
Prefecture Cultural Award,
Encouragement Award, andNext Generation Cultural
Award. Featuring "Goshu
Ondo Suite" by Rie Yamamoto
NY Jazz Trio, and "Taiki Matsumoto's Guitar Recital."NOV

DATE November 10 (Sun), 2019
TIME 1pm (jazz trio) and 4pm (guitar recital)
PLACE Shigagin Hall (1-38 Hamamachi, Otsu City)ADMISSION Single Concert: Adult: ¥2000, under 25: ¥1000
Both Concerts: Adult: ¥3000, under 25: ¥1500 *Children under 6 not permitted
TEL 077-523-7146 (Biwako Arts Foundation)
077-526-0011 (Shigagin Keizai Bunka Center)
WEB https://www.biwako-arts.or.jp/rd/

SHIMENAWA "SACRED ROPE"WORKSHOP
Shimenawa, or sacred rope, isdisplayed at the entrance ofJapanese homes to welcome inhappiness and to protect from
misfortune in the coming New Year.
In this workshop, learn to select andhandle materials, and try making
shimenawa using traditional
methods.

DEC

DATE December 14 (Sat), 2019
TIME AM Session: 9:30am to 11:30am. PM Session: 1:30pm to 3:30pm
PLACE Okumura Residence (8 Nagaharacho Kami, Omihachiman City)ADMISSION ¥1,500. First come, first served.
Reservation required (see web below for reservation contact info).
TEL 0748-47-2045 (Masse Co., Ltd.)WEB https://www.facebook.com/massee.jp/

EIGEN-JI TEMPLE AUTUMN LIGHT-UP

Over 2000 autumn trees
share the spotlight with thehistorical National Treasuretemple buildings. Enjoy theworld of colorful illusion
where traditional andcontemporary arts meet,such as papercut art pairedwith color illumination.

N OV ~ D EC

DATE November 15 (Fri) to December 1 (Sun), 2019
TIME 5:30pm to 9pm (admission until 8:30pm)
PLACE Ishiyama-dera Temple (1-1-1 Ishiyamadera, Otsu City)ADMISSION Adults: ¥600, Elementary & JHS students: ¥300
TEL 077-537-0013
WEB https://www.ishiyamadera.or.jp/en*info provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

CONCERT OF SHIGA PREFECTURE
CULTURAL AWARD WINNERS

Established 650 years
ago, this Buddhist temple
is well known for its
beautiful momiji maple
trees. The colorful trees
blend beautifully into the
traditional garden, andthe numerous maples
covering the entire area
seem to envelop the mountains in a fiery red.

NOV~DEC

DATE November 2 (Sat) to December 1 (Sun), 2019
TIME 5pm to 8:30pm
PLACE Eigen-ji Temple (41 Takanocho Eigenji, Higashiomi City)ADMISSION ¥500. Children 12 and under free.
TEL 0748-27-0016
WEB http://www.eigenji-t.jp/index.html*info provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau

BIWAKO HALL EVENTSTEL 077-523-7133
ADDRESS 15-1 Uchidehama, Otsu City
OPEN 10am to 7pm
CLOSED Tuesdays (unless a holiday,
then day after the holiday),Dec. 29 - 30, Jan. 1 - 3
WEB https://www.biwako-hall.or.jp/en/

2019.10.19

Hidemi Suzuki plays Bach I

Ensemble Hall2019.10.26

Hidemi Suzuki plays Bach II

Ensemble Hall2019.11.02

Sukeyuki Iwatani Violin Concert

Ensemble Hall2019.11.16

Kotaro Fukuma Piano Recital

Ensemble Hall2019.12.07

Mitsutaka Shiraishi Piano & Commentary Concert “Hello, Wagner”

Ensemble Hall2019.12.16

Nobuyuki Takami Trumpet Concert

Ensemble Hall2019.12.21

Symphony No.9 “Choral” by L. v. Beethoven

Main Theatre

2019.12.31

BIWAKO HALL Silvester Concert 2019-2020

Main Theatre

Biwako Hall Center for the Performing Arts is
one of the only spaces in Japan equippedwith a four-tiered quadruple stage main
theatre, as well as a performing arts theatre,and smaller ensemble hall. A wide variety ofwonderful performances take place here instate-of-the-art facilities featuring exceptional
acoustics to offer immersive enjoyment foraudiences here in our lakefront theatre.
Scan code for English Calendarof Biwako Hall Performances:https://www.biwako-hall.or.jp/en/performance/

PUBLISHING : Shiga Prefecture / 2019.10