佐渡島Sado Island Lying off the coast of Niigata is ’s fifth largest island—. Say the name to Japanese people and most will think of gold. It also played an important role in history as an island of exile;

medieval rulers would banish people to the island. These people were often aristocrats and intellectuals and they brought their culture with them, with some interesting results. One such exile was Zeami, a share of cherry blossom beauty founder of the 600-year-old Noh spots and the ancient cherry trees at theatre tradition. It is surprising to Kaichoji Temple are Old Imperial learn that almost a third of all Noh Palace cherry trees planted by the stages in Japan are to be found on retired Emperor Juntoku who was a Sado Island. Unlike on the exiled to Sado after the Jokyu mainland where Noh was first uprising in 1221. Now of a heavily patronised by samurai and later venerable age, the trees still bloom the aristocracy, Noh became a pastime every year in late April (e) and have of the common people on Sado Island. well outlived the goldmines that Today there are some thirty Noh stages made Sado so famous. (competition between village The mines ceased operation in 1989 communities is said to have given rise to having been active for just under the high number) and in summer there four centuries. There is now a gold are many performances of Takigi Noh or mine museum (g) within the largest Noh by firelight (see photos c & d). b abandoned mine complex. In fact, Other performing arts are strong on the silver was also mined here. The

island. A local traditional dance Sado Okesa is Sado Island mines were an well known in Japan. The island also has its own important source of income for the puppetry tradition. In the second half of the Tokugawa Shogunate during the twentieth century, the island became famous for . While the conditions Japanese taiko drumming and is home to the were tough, the industry did bring world-renowned prosperity to the island.

Kodo Taiko c Today the mines provide a different Drumming Troupe. kind of treasure. Red clay from the These are living mines are used to create the local traditions as mu-myoi pottery. By Japanese attested by the standards this ceramic tradition is success of the young, having been started in 1819. annual summer Mu-myoi is known for its beautiful festival Earth ｄ natural colours. Rich in iron oxides, Celebration. First the clay fires to become a very hard

held in 1988, it continues ceramic and objects gain lustre with use. c and develops the performing arts tradition of Formerly an island of exiles and hard the island. to travel to, nowadays Sado is easily e reached from Niigata city, itself only Being a beautiful island no two hours from Tokyo by shinkansen. f doubt helps attract the From Niigata to the island, there are visitors. The island is several ferries including a high-speed comprised of two mountain link that takes an hour. Once on ranges and has some Sado Island, you might like to try a stunning coast lines. Mass much slower boat-trip and be displays such as the daylilies charmed by the tarai-bune (a), a at Onogame (b) delight traditional tub-like fishing boat. nature lovers. Sado has its

Further information Sado Tourism Association—www.visitsado.com—extensive information about things to see and do in Sado. Accommodation, island transport, places to eat and hotsprings are all covered by this well illustrated site.

g PHOTO CREDITS: c & g © JTA / © JNTO; all others © JNTO

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