VOL. 144 MAY 2020
TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS 6 12 The Tohoku Region, Moving into Sharing Stories of Disaster the Future Preparedness An interview with Ishida Masaru, Director- As a storyteller at the Inochi o Tsunagu General of the Reconstruction Agency of the Miraikan in Kamaishi City, Kikuchi Japanese government. Nodoka works to share her knowledge of disaster preparedness. 8 Tsunami Recovery and New Town Development Onagawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture has achieved safety and restored vigor by re- building its urban district in a compact form. 14 The Fermented Foods of Tohoku
Features The people of Tohoku produce a remarkably wide variety of fermented foods.
10 J-Village: A Symbol of Restoration J-Village in Fukushima Prefecture, the national training center for football, has reopened with renewed purpose.
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PRIME MINISTER’S POLICY-RELATED NEWS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY DIARY Japanese “Mottainai” Culture Low-Cost Bioplastic to Reduce
Also — Reducing Food Loss and Plastic Waste Waste
COPYRIGHT © 2020 CABINET OFFICE OF JAPAN WHERE TO FIND US The views expressed in this magazine by the interviewees Tokyo Narita Airport terminals 1 ● JR East Travel Service Center (Tokyo Narita Airport) ● JR Tokyo Station Tourist and contributors do not necessarily represent the views of Information Center ● Tokyo Tourist Information Center (Haneda Airport, Tokyo Metropolitan Government the Cabinet Office or the Government of Japan. No article Building, Keisei Ueno Station) ● Niigata Airport ● Chubu Centrair International Airport Tourist Information & or any part thereof may be reproduced without the express Service ● Kansai Tourist Information Center (Kansai Int’l Airport) ● Fukuoka Airport Tourist Information permission of the Cabinet Office. Copyright inquiries should be made through a form available at: www.gov-online.go.jp/eng/mailform/inquiry.html
2 | highlighting japan ISSUE 144, MAY 2020
Theme for MAY: TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
ine years after the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 16 2011, recovery in the Tohoku The Deep Mochi Culture of Iwate region of northeast Japan is In Iwate Prefecture, a unique culture N progressing. We take a look at associated with the eating of mochi rice some of the recovery initiatives, cakes has been passed down for some 400 years. while also taking in some of the landscapes and traditions that 20 continue to define Tohoku. Eco-tourism in the “Reconstruction” National Park The Sanriku Fukko National Park is being maintained with a new mission to pass down the reconstruction (fukko) from the Great East Japan Earthquake. 18 Towada-Hachimantai: A Joy for All Seasons Towada-Hachimantai National Park offers spectacular views all year round.
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MY WAY ENJOY DRINKING ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES “Love-to-Eat” Sausages for Sake: Created Naturally with A Five-storied Pagoda Among the the Community the Wisdom of Brewmasters Mountains of the Gods
PRODUCTION The Japan Journal ON THE COVER MANAGING EDITOR Sawaji Osamu Tohoku: Traditions and New Directions EDITORS Alex Hendy, Chiba Hitoshi, Fujita Mao Photo: Courtesy of J-Village EDITORIAL SUPPORT Kiura Eriko CONTRIBUTORS Sano Kentaro, Sato Kumiko, Umezawa Akira DESIGN Imai Mei, Okadome Hirofumi PHOTOS Tanaka Satoshi EDITORS’ NOTE Japanese names in this publication are written in Japanese order: family name first, personal name last.
MAY 2020 | 3 Prime Minister’s Diary
JAPAN-EU LEADERS VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING
struction of a resilient supply chain and direct investment by foreigners, as well as continuing to make prog- ress in fields such as digital transfor- mation of the economy including 5G and beyond 5G research and devel- opment, while maintaining coopera- tion between Japan and the EU. With regard to Japan-EU Rela- tions, Prime Minister Abe conveyed Japan-EU Leaders Video Teleconference Meeting his support for the strong and united EU as strategic partners with shared n May 26, 2020, Mr. Abe and the EU would cooperate closely fundamental values. And he also Shinzo, Prime Minister of as strategic partners with shared expressed the effective application OJapan, held a Japan-EU Lead- fundamental values and adopt of Japan-EU Economic Partnership ers Video Teleconference Meeting even greater roles and responsibili- Agreement (EPA) would prove even with H. E. Mr. Charles Michel, Presi- ties to measures against COVID-19 more important in ensuring stead- dent of the European Council and H. infection. fast economic recovery of both sides E. Dr. Ursula von der Leyen, President The EU stated that Europe would following the COVID-19 crisis, as of the European Commission. endeavor to implement economic well as his determination to develop This meeting marked the first talk measures following its Roadmap for greater cooperation under Japan- to be held among the three leaders Recovery in order to reliably achieve EU Strategic Partnership Agreement since the formation of new EU lead- economic recovery. Prime Minister (SPA), such as sustainable connectiv- ership in December last year. The Abe responded by firstly explaining ity, quality infrastructure, and global exchange of opinions that followed Japan’s economic measures, then issues. The EU stated that the Japan- focused on countermeasures against expressed the increased importance EU relationship is closer than ever the spread of the novel coronavirus of constructing and expanding a based on EPA and SPA, and bilateral disease (COVID-19), including eco- highly secure and reliable telecom- cooperation should be deepened in nomic measures aimed at recovery, munications infrastructure from the the wide fields including green deal while the leaders affirmed the col- perspective of maintaining economic and digital which the EU emphasizes. laboration between Japan and the activity during the current global cri- The three leaders shared the view EU. The overview of the talk is as sis. He also added that, for reasons of to arrange to convene at the next follows. guaranteeing security, it was essen- Japan-EU Summit once the COVID-19 The three leaders asserted Japan tial to manage appropriately the con- situation has been resolved.
FOR INFORMATION
For information for foreign nationals regarding Japan’s measures against COVID-19 infection, please visit “Coronavirus related information” in A Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals on the Ministry of Justice website at www.moj.go.jp/EN/nyuukokukanri/kouhou/m_nyuukokukanri10_00001.html
The Japan National Tourism Organization also provides advisory information to people from overseas on its website at www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/
Photographs and text courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Cabinet Public Relations Office of the Government of Japan
4 | highlighting japan Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
Tohoku: Traditions and New Directions
Tohoku region A little over nine years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, and recovery in the hard hit Tohoku region is progressing steadily. We interview Ishida Masaru, Director-General of the Reconstruction Agency of the Japanese government, to hear his thoughts on the overall state of recovery in the affected areas and the challenges that still lie ahead. We introduce some inspiring examples of reconstruction, such as the redevelopment of Onagawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture and the reopening of Tokyo J-Village in Fukushima Prefecture, the national training center for football. We take a look too at some of the remarkable landscapes, culture and food that help to define the “North East” of Japan, Tohoku.
Photo: Tanaka Satoshi
MAY 2020 | 5 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
The Tohoku Region, Moving into the Future
bout nine years have passed since the as well as new lifestyles in public housing, many Great East Japan Earthquake of March initiatives are being carried out, such as consul- A2011, and the recovery of people’s lives, tations on health and rebuilding life for affected infrastructure and industry in the affected areas people, support for everyday life, support for in the Tohoku region is progressing. We spoke community creation, and more. At the same time, with Ishida Masaru, Director-General of the initiatives are being carried out to advance the Reconstruction Agency of the Japanese govern- rejuvenation of industries, including opening up ment, about the overall state of the recovery and new markets for seafood products, reviving tour- recovery initiatives in the affected areas. ism geared towards overseas visitors, dispelling negative reputational damage to agricultural, for- About nine years have passed since the Great East estry and fishery products, and so on. Japan Earthquake. Tell us about the state of the recovery and about government support in Iwate, Tell us about a recent example that symbolizes Miyagi and Fukushima Prefectures in the Tohoku the recovery of the affected areas. region which were severely damaged. One would be the Rugby World Cup match held Right after the earthquake, there were approxi- in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, in September mately 470,000 evacuees. As of April 2020, the 2019. The match was held at the Kamaishi Unosu- number of evacuees was about 44,000. Recon- mai Memorial Stadium, built on the site of former struction of housing for victims is progressing, elementary and junior high schools that were with 30,000 public housing units and 18,000 completely destroyed by the tsunami, and this houses in the residential area completed for hous- event showed the world a glimpse of an affected ing to move to higher ground. Additionally, the area where recovery is progressing. reconstruction of infrastructure, including roads, Another was when the Takata Matsubara ports, railways, agricultural facilities and sea- Tsunami Reconstruction Memorial Park partly food processing facilities in areas that were dam- opened in Rikuzentakata City, Iwate Prefecture, aged by the tsunami and earthquake, has mostly in September of the same year. Inside the park, been completed. Construction is currently pro- facilities were built to pass on the memories of gressing on the Reconstruction Roads, which run the damages and lessons learned from the earth- from north to south along the Sanriku Coast on quake. In December of the same year, part of the the Pacific Ocean, and the Reconstruction Sup- Minamisanriku Town Reconstruction Memo- port Roads, which connect the coastal and inland rial Park opened in Minamisanriku Town, Miyagi areas from east to west, both networks of which Prefecture, and the entire park is set to open in support the local economies of affected areas. autumn of this year. Approximately 70% of the total 570 km of roads Additionally, full operations resumed in March have been opened, and the remaining sections are 2020 along the JR Joban Line, which was partially planned to open this year. Reconstruction of the suspended within Fukushima Prefecture due to affected areas is progressing steadily. the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the opening As there are a variety of problems following of the entire line connecting Tokyo with Miyagi is long-term life as evacuees in the affected areas, an accomplishment symbolizing the recovery of
Photo: Courtesy of Reconstruction Agency
6 | highlighting japan Ishida Masaru, Director-General of the Reconstruction Agency of the Japanese government the affected areas.
Tell us about the state of radiation levels in Fuku- shima Prefecture, where the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident occurred, as well Energy Research Field in Namie Town, which as the safety of agricultural, forestry and fishery features the world’s largest hydrogen production products and initiatives towards recovery. unit, opened in March of this year, respectively. The radiation levels in major cities within Fuku- shima Prefecture are currently at about the same What kinds of initiatives are being carried out in level as other major cities elsewhere in Japan and the affected areas in preparation for the Tokyo overseas. Additionally, the areas under evacua- Olympics and Paralympics, which have been tion order total just 2.4% of the entire prefecture, postponed until 2021? and currently, normal life is possible in the major- The government defined the Olympics and Para- ity of areas. lympics in Tokyo as the “Olympic Games for As for food products in particular, agricultural, Recovery,” and this policy has not changed, irre- forestry and fishery products undergo a strict spective of the postponement. The government inspection before shipment, and products that takes initiatives in collaboration with the affected exceed standard levels are not circulated into the areas so that the Olympics and Paralympics act market. The standard level of radioactive mate- as a boost for recovery, and will show the world a rial in foods is set at 100 Bq/kg — stricter than the glimpse of the affected areas which are recovering 1,000 Bq/kg defined by the Codex Alimentarius thanks to warm support from all over the world. Commission, an international organization that Many local governments that were affected by the establishes international standards for food safety earthquake have already become “Arigato (thank and quality — and there have been almost no agri- you)” Host Towns for Supporting Reconstruction, cultural, forestry or fishery products that have interacting with countries and regions that have exceeded this standard in recent years. supported the affected areas. In addition to using Various initiatives are being carried out in recycled materials from the temporary housing Fukushima Prefecture for industry recovery. built in the affected areas as part of the torch for One of those is the Fukushima Innovation Coast the Olympic Torch Relay that will travel around Framework, which aims to create a new industrial the affected areas and all over Japan, victory infrastructure. Focusing on the coastal regions of bouquets for medal recipients will also be made the prefecture, this Framework is moving forward mainly using flowers grown in the affected areas. through inviting new corporations to the prefec- I hope that many people from overseas will ture, as well as advancing cutting-edge research come and visit the affected areas leading up to and development related to the decommissioning and after the Olympics and Paralympics once the of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station novel coronavirus pandemic has ended. We will and in the fields of technology, robotics, energy, continue to better distribute information in the agriculture, medicine, aerospace and more. As future on a wide variety of topics, including the part of the Framework, both the Fukushima Robot charming nature, culture and food of the affected Test Field in Minamisoma City and Namie Town, areas. which allows robotics research and demonstra- tion experiments on unmanned aircraft and disas- Interview by SAWAJI OSAMU ter response robots, and the Fukushima Hydrogen
MAY 2020 | 7 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS Seapal-Pier Onagawa
Tsunami Recovery and Onagawa Miyagi Town New Town Development Prefecture
Former Onagawa Police Box Onagawa Station was designed by Ban Shigeru. Inside the station building is the bathhouse Onagawa Onsen Yupo’po
Heavily damaged by the tsunami which followed the close to the island of Kinkasan, one of the world’s Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011, Ona- most productive fishing grounds. Onagawa has thus gawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture has achieved safety developed as a port town based on the fishing and and renewed vigor by rebuilding its urban district in marine product processing industries. a compact form. However, the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011 inflicted devastating SAWAJI OSAMU damage on the town. A tsunami close to 15 meters high left 827 people dead and missing among a popu- nagawa Town in Miyagi Prefecture lation of about 10,000, and destroyed almost all the is located on the Pacific coast of the buildings along the coast. Tohoku region of northeast Japan, which About six months after the earthquake, the town is characterized by its many intricate decided on the restoration plans and started building Osmall inlets and bays. An abundance of fishery prod- a new port town based on the basic vision of disaster ucts are caught year round off Onagawa in waters reduction. Before the earthquake, many residents of All photos: Courtesy of Onagawa Town
8 | highlighting japan Onagawa lived on the limited area of flat land sur- and in December 2016, Local Market Hama Terrace, rounded by mountains along the coast. To reestab- a tourism and specialty store dealing in fresh fish, lish itself as a town where people can live in safety, processed fishery products and other local special- the planners cut into the mountains, developed resi- ties, also opened for business. These facilities are not dential areas, raised the embankment of the flat land only places where people both inside and outside the with the cut soil, concentrated educational, medi- town can gather to enjoy the landscape surrounded cal, transport, commercial and administrative cen- by mountains and the sea, but also serve as land- ters around Onagawa Station, and reconstructed a marks on an evacuation route, a brick road leading to compact central urban district. The intention was to high ground in case of disaster. reproduce a town that could continue to create live- Doi Hideki, an official of Onagawa Town, says, liness, even amid the acceleration of depopulation, “Inside the two facilities, not only did business by concentrating the flows of people from residential recommence after the earthquake, but new busi- areas to a central urban district. nesspeople from both inside and outside the town Onagawa Station of Japan Railways reopened in also established about thirty-five shops such as res- March 2015, four years after the earthquake. The new taurants, souvenir shops and daily commodities station building, featuring a white roof based on an shops. This has made the place livelier than it was image of a black-tailed gull in flight, was designed before the earthquake.” by world-famous architect Ban Shigeru. Inside the In February 2013, students from Onagawa Junior station building is the hot spring facility Onagawa High School played a central role in launching the Onsen Yupo’po. The wall of the bathhouse is deco- “Onagawa Inochinosekihi” project of building stone rated with a beautiful tile painting by Senju Hiroshi, monuments, inscribed with lessons from the earth- a renowned Japanese painter. An observation deck quake, at all twenty-one beaches in the town under on the third floor affords a view of Onagawa Town the slogan of “Protecting lives 1,000 years on.” To and Onagawa Bay. Onagawa Station made a new start date, twenty monuments have been built. as the gateway to the town. Construction of “Remnant from the Great East In addition, in December 2015, Seapal-Pier Ona- Japan Earthquake: The Former Onagawa Police Box” gawa, a commercial facility based on the concept of was completed in February 2020. The police box “a town with a park from which people can enjoy was the first reinforced concrete construction to be seeing the sea,” opened along a brick promenade toppled by a tsunami in Japan, and a rare case world- linking Onagawa Station and the port of Onagawa, wide. Onagawa Town wants to pass on to future generations the memories and lessons of the Great East Japan Earthquake as well as the people’s path out of despair toward recovery, and wishes that the people of the future won’t have to experience the same sadness and suffering. That is why this “For- mer Onagawa Police Box” was saved as a remnant of the disaster. Nine years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, and as new facilities and the town scenery are coming back to life, with fishery facili- ties, businesses, local government offices, lifelong learning centers and libraries in place, the people of Onagawa are united in heart and marching into the The central area of Onagawa Town immediately after the earthquake future with firm determination.
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the May 2019 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 9 Scene from the J-Village TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS re-opening ceremony Feature Photo: Courtesy of J-Village
J-Village
Fukushima Prefecture
J-Village: A Symbol of Restoration
Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March “Immediately after the disaster occurred, J-Village 2011, J-Village in Fukushima Prefecture, formerly was converted into a hub to enable the relevant peo- the national training center for football, was used ple to congregate, including the members of the Self- exclusively as an operational base to deal with the Defense Forces, fire departments and Tokyo Electric disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Power Company who were involved in the disaster Station. However, in July 2018, J-Village was reborn response operations. They prepared everything here and restarted as a symbol of restoration, and is cur- before traveling to the accident site by bus.” rently regaining the appearance it had before the Workers’ dormitories were constructed on the disaster, with about 490,000 visitors in 2019. premises, and the turf fields were graveled to create parking spaces. J-Village had no choice but to sus- UMEZAWA AKIRA pend its business after the earthquake. However, the appointment of Tokyo as the host -Village in Naraha Town, which faces the city of the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics Pacific Ocean in eastern Fukushima, was prompted the venue’s reopening. In January 2015, unveiled in 1997 as Japan’s first national train- Fukushima Prefecture drew up the J-Village Res- ing center for football. The Argentina National toration and Redevelopment Plan with a view to JTeam used the facility as their training camp at the resuming the operation of J-Village as a symbol of time of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was jointly restoration before the 2020 Summer Olympics and hosted by Japan and Korea. Paralympics. They initiated the process for reopen- When the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the ing with a new mission covering five core areas: (1) area on March 11, 2011, it was used as an operational Show people in Japan and overseas how Fukushima base to cope with the disaster at the Fukushima Dai- Prefecture has risen to the challenge of restoration; ichi Nuclear Power Station, which was managed by (2) Lead the restoration and regeneration of the area; Tokyo Electric Power Company. Takana Yusuke of (3) Contribute to the promotion of sports; (4) Nur- J-VILLAGE Inc. explains: ture top athletes; and (5) Contribute to the health
10 | highlighting japan 1 2
3 4
1 The Olympic flame on display at J-Village, April 2020 promotion of the local residents. Photo by Tokyo 2020 2 The J-Village Sports & Community Hotel After restoration work carried out over seven 3 The J-Village stadium and natural turf pitch years and four months, J-Village resumed operation 4 Children gather for a sports event Photos: Courtesy of J-Village on July 28, 2018 after an extended closure. Approxi- mately 1,000 people attended the commemorative opportunities, as well as conferences held to bring ceremony to celebrate the resurrection of J-Village, decommissioning experts together. including Hisako, Princess Takamado, Honorary In 2019, J-Village attracted approximately 490,000 Patron of the Japan Football Association; the Gov- visitors. Among them was the Argentina National ernor of Fukushima Prefecture, members of the Team, which used the venue as a training camp dur- football community and residents of Fukushima ing the Rugby World Cup held in Japan from Septem- Prefecture. ber to November 2019. It was also decided that the One stadium with spectator stands, seven natu- Olympic torch relay inside Japan would start in J-Vil- ral turf pitches, two artificial turf pitches, and a lage, ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, roofed all-weather practice field have been rebuilt this plan was revised due to the postponement of the as the new J-Village, which occupies approximately games, and a public exhibition of the Olympic flame 49 hectares in total. The practice field of approxi- was held in J-Village in early April, with appropriate mately 10,000 square meters is the largest indoor COVID-19 infection control measures in place, shin- practice field in Japan, and it is suitable for multiple ing a light on the future. sports including football and rugby. A seven-story “We hope to welcome people from around the hotel with a convention hall that can accommodate world here by cooperating with the local residents, up to 300 people was also constructed to meet the and show them how Fukushima has risen to the demand from businesses, including the Fukushima challenge of restoration,” Takana says. Innovation Coast Scheme drawn up by the govern- J-Village has made a new start as a place where the ment and Fukushima Prefecture to create robot joy of sports can be shared with people around the and energy-related new industries and employment world.
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the October 2019 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 11 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
Kikuchi Nodoka Panels and pictures help to inform Photo: Courtesy of Kikuchi Nodoka visitors about disaster preparedness Photos: Courtesy of Saijo Yoshiyasu / Grafica Inc.
Iwate Prefecture Kamaishi City
Sharing Stories of Disaster Preparedness
Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture was one of the hardest hit areas dur- computer graphics technology. ing the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. The Inochi o Tsu- One of the exhibits chronologi- nagu Miraikan was recently established there as a center for disaster cally introduces evacuation proto- preparedness education, passing on the history of the tsunami disaster cols and detailed routes taken by to future generations. Kikuchi Nodoka, a storyteller at the Miraikan, 570 students at Kamaishi Higashi shares her experience of the disaster that hit her hometown with visi- Junior High School and Unosumai tors from Japan and overseas. She explains how important it is to pro- Elementary School. Both schools tect your life in a disaster. were completely destroyed by the tsunami, but all of the stu- UMEZAWA AKIRA dents escaped the surging sea by running 1.6 kilometers for 30 n March 2019, the Inochi o experts from the local communi- minutes to the surrounding hills. Tsunagu Miraikan was estab- ties as well as from all over Japan This evacuation gathered a lot of lished in Unosumai Town, and around the world. media attention as a successful Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefec- The facility has an exhibition example of disaster management ture.I Adjacent to Unosumai Sta- room with displays including pan- education. tion on the Sanriku Railway Rias els and photographs that intro- “The tsunami will come soon Line, the facility is designed to duce the destruction in Kamaishi, after the shaking stops. I must pass on the history of the disas- the history of recovery from the evacuate to the surrounding hills ter to future generations and pro- disaster, the initiatives to promote as quickly as I can. As soon as mote disaster preparedness edu- disaster preparedness education, this idea entered my mind, my cation. During the initial year of and items such as a clock that body reacted, thanks to the rou- its establishment, the center has stopped ticking at the moment the tine emergency drills that I had seen a total of over 68,000 visi- tsunami hit. Visitors can access experienced before,” says Kikuchi tors, including disaster prevention a virtual tsunami system using Nodoka, a storyteller at the Inochi
12 | highlighting japan The newly established Inochi o Tsunagu Miraikan in Kamaishi City Photos: Courtesy of Saijo Yoshiyasu / Grafica Inc.
o Tsunagu Miraikan. Kikuchi was a third-year stu- dent at Kamaishi Higashi Junior High School when the Great East Japan Earthquake struck on March 11, 2011. She, her classmates and at conferences and symposiums to stay in a small living space sur- teachers fled to the surrounding focused on disaster prevention ini- rounded by cardboard partitions hills to escape the surging sea as a tiatives. Through these activities, with limited supplies, overseas siren wailed continuously across Kikuchi shares lessons learned visitors to the facility found their the area. They ran for their lives from the disaster. visit to be a significant opportu- along with the students from the “Through a number of activi- nity to understand the need for adjacent elementary school, with ties, I have built up a network of improvements in evacuation shel- whom they had conducted regu- people engaged in regional disas- ter and relief supplies delivered to lar evacuation drills to ensure that ter management activities across those affected. they survived in an emergency. Japan," Kikuchi says. “Going for- International rugby fans visited The Sanriku region, where ward, I will stay active in passing the Inochi o Tsunagu Miraikan Kamaishi is located, has a history the insights and expertise learned before and after the games when of significant seismic activity and from my colleagues on to the the 2019 Rugby World Cup was devastating tsunami damage. In youth in local communities.” held in Japan. an attempt to prepare the children The Inochi o Tsunagu Miraikan “I was so glad that so many peo- for another disaster, the Kamaishi holds exhibitions on new themes ple from around the world came Government advocates disaster almost every month. Last Novem- to visit the facility. I was deeply management education. Conse- ber, for example, the facility hosted touched when I saw visitors in quently, 1,927 elementary students an exhibition displaying photos of tears at the exhibits as if they were and 999 junior high school stu- Unosumai Town before the disas- also disaster victims.” dents survived the 2011 disaster, a ter which attracted visitors from When asked about the chal- survival rate of 99.8%, but mean- across the region. People appreci- lenges confronting disaster pre- while, the city was entirely devas- ated the exhibition as it reminded vention, Kikuchi says without tated. In the city, approximately them how the town once looked hesitation, “It’s indifference. You 1,100 people were killed or listed at a time when recovery efforts cannot forget the people who as missing. including the development of new sacrificed their lives to save other “Many of the schoolchildren in facilities and roads as well as land citizens who were not prepared the city survived the tsunami, but readjustment projects are changing for the disaster. Quite a few of the so many people in our region died. the city’s landscape significantly. tsunami victims included ordi- I have come to realize that our Also displayed in the exhibi- nary citizens with a keen interest generation must address regional tion hall is a typical example of an in disaster prevention calling for disaster management issues seri- evacuation shelter space allocated evacuation as responsible mem- ously,” Kikuchi says. to a family of four in the wake of bers of local community organiza- Having worked as a storyteller the disaster, which was repro- tions.” Indifference puts you and at the facility since its establish- duced with reference to the mem- the people around you at risk. I ment, Kikuchi shares her expe- ories of the evacuees and photo- will stay committed to local com- rience and disaster-prevention graphs taken on site. munity development and make education with visitors. She has Struck by the exhibition show- people realize the great impor- been invited to address audiences ing that the tsunami evacuees had tance of disaster prevention.”
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the December 2019 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 13 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
Natto with miso soup The and rice Photo: June. / PIXTA Fermented Foods of Tohoku
Tohoku is home to many food products made from around the world. According to Professor Koizumi, locally harvested ingredients that have been fer- “No other country has as many types of fermented mented. Initially produced out of necessity in foods as Japan. This is because Japan is humid and response to the challenges of its harsh winter cli- the conditions are well suited to reproducing the mate, the fermented foods of Tohoku have become microorganisms that ferment food materials. Since an essential part of the region’s dietary culture. Japan also has abundant food materials such as fish, vegetables and grains, there are naturally more types SAWAJI OSAMU of fermented food.” One of the main advantages to fermenting foods ll over the world, there are many foods is that such foods can be stored for long periods of made by fermenting ingredients through time. In the days before refrigerators, fermentation the natural processes of microorganisms. was necessary to preserve food. The Japanese eat a In Europe, for example, there are the fer- great deal of fish, so there are numerous fermented mentedA milk products of Greece, Italy and France; in foods using fish. Well-known examples are shiokara, Asia, there are the fermented grain spirits of China made of cut, salted and fermented squid and its and fish sauces of Vietnam and Thailand. In Japan intestines; and narezushi, made of fish pickled and too, many types of fermented foods and drinks have fermented together with rice. The Tohoku region in been produced, including miso, soy sauce, sake, northeast Japan has a particularly wide variety of natto (soy beans), rice vinegar, tsukemono (pickles) fermented food. According to Professor Koizumi, one and katsuobushi (dried bonito). reason is its harsh winter climate. Since people could Koizumi Takeo, the Fukushima-born son of a sake not harvest farmed products in the winter because brewer and emeritus professor at Tokyo University of the cold and snow, they made fermented foods of Agriculture, has researched fermented foods from that could be preserved to eat during the winter
14 | highlighting japan A variety of tsukemono in a tsukedoko pickling bed Soybeans (left) are fermented with salt and rice koji (right) to make miso Photo: Hattori Shige / PIXTA paste (center) Photo: Hattori Shige / PIXTA months. The people of Tohoku produce a wide vari- as much protein as meat. People were thus able to ety of tsukemono (pickles), for example. They have obtain plenty of protein from miso soup, natto and historically pickled vegetables such as daikon radish, tofu without having to eat meat, which is why the cucumber, Chinese cabbage and eggplant in a tsuke- people of Tohoku were able to build stamina to get doko (bed) of miso, soy sauce and koji (rice malt). through the cold winter,” says Professor Koizumi. Vegetable tsukemono contain abundant vitamins Of the many kinds of fermented foods in Tohoku, made by microorganisms, are rich in dietary fiber Professor Koizumi highly recommends that inbound and extremely healthy. visitors to Japan try iburigakko from Akita Prefec- “Tohoku was traditionally an agricultural region,” ture. Iburigakko is daikon pickled in nukazuke (salted explains Professor Koizumi. “People sweat from rice bran) and smoked with wood. There are many farm work in the summer and lose salt. Tsukemono food products around the world that are smoked, contain a great deal of salt that replenishes people’s such as coffee, whisky and ham, but iburigakko is the supply. The people of Tohoku needed fermented world’s only smoked fermented pickle. food in order to survive.” “Many fermented food products have a unique The people of Tohoku eat a lot of natto, which smell and taste and may not suit the palates of peo- is made by fermenting soybeans. According to the ple overseas who are not used to them,” says Profes- Family Income and Expenditure Survey by the Sta- sor Koizumi. “But iburigakko has a familiar wood tistics Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and smoke smell and I believe people of other nationali- Communications, the highest expenditure on natto ties would have no problem eating it.” among all major cities in Japan (average from 2017 The combination of climate, agricultural produce to 2019) was in Fukushima in Fukushima Prefecture, and fermentation have led to the creation of count- followed by Morioka in Iwate Prefecture, with fourth less distinctive, delicious and nutritious foods in place taken by Yamagata in Yamagata Prefecture – all northeast Japan. in Tohoku. According to Professor Koizumi, today, the people of Tohoku commonly eat natto on rice as do people in other areas, but during and before the Meiji period (1868–1912), they ate it in their miso soup. Since the Nara period (710–794), the Tohoku farmers grew rice in the fields and soybeans on the ridges between them. Soybeans are the main ingredi- ent of tofu and miso. The people of Tohoku put tofu in their miso soup together with natto. “Prior to the Meiji period when Japan mod- ernized, the Japanese people, including those of Slices of the smoked fermented daikon radish known as iburigakko Tohoku, ate scarcely any meat, but soybeans have Photo: midori_chan / PIXTA
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the February 2013 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 15 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
2
1 3
Iwate The Deep Prefecture Hiraizumi Town
Mochi Culture Ichinoseki City of Iwate 4
5 6
Mochi is a traditional Japanese food enjoyed around ochi, which is traditionally prepared the country. In Iwate Prefecture, however, a unique by steaming glutinous rice, pound- culture of mochi has developed and been passed ing it in a wooden or a stone mortar down from generation to generation for some 400 until it becomes sticky, and rounding orM flattening it, has been considered a sacred food years. since ancient times. Even today, all over Japan, eat- SATO KUMIKO ing or offering mochi is a custom associated with significant events such as the New Year. In Iwate
16 | highlighting japan 1 A typical example of a mochi honzen full-course dinner 2–4 Mochi dishes presented at the Nationwide Local Mochi Specialties Summit 5 Numerous mochi dishes 6 Mochi dishes presented at a regional event Photos: Courtesy of Ichinoseki City (1, 5); Courtesy of Executive Committee of the National Mochi Festival (2–4, 6)
Prefecture, however, some places have such a char- Mochi honzen meals are hosted by a person called acteristic culture of mochi cuisine that they have the otorimochiyaku. After the otorimochiyaku says, a mochi calendar that requires local people to eat “I am very happy to have all of you here today,” peo- mochi on particular days throughout the year. ple enjoy eating their mochi meal while following Ichinoseki City and Hiraizumi Town were once the instructions from the otorimochiyaku. territory of the Sendai domain that ruled the stretch “Our food culture seems unique in the eyes of of land from what is now southern Iwate Prefecture people in other regions. The local people said that to Miyagi Prefecture and northern Fukushima Pre- mochi was everywhere around the country. But we fecture during the Edo period (1603–1867). The first came to consider that mochi culture in Ichinoseki lord of the domain, Date Masamune, is known as and Hiraizumi could be said to be a local food culture an outstanding samurai general who laid the foun- that is peculiar to this region,” says Sato. dations of the domain’s prosperity with numerous The Ichinoseki Mochi Culture Promotion Coun- policies. cil, which was established in 2010, holds seminars According to Sato Koki, Chairman of the Ichi- to teach mochi culture through lectures and prac- noseki Mochi Culture Promotion Council, “Based tice, and since 2012 has held the Nationwide Local on an order from the Sendai domain, farmers were Mochi Specialties Summit, gathering characteristic required to make mochi and offer it to the gods on local mochi from all over the country in one place. Days 1 and 15 of every month. I think that it was one (The next summit will be held as the National Mochi of the domain’s policies on cultural promotion fea- Festival in the spring of 2021.) In 2016, Ichinoseki and turing locally produced glutinous rice.” This practice Hiraizumi were designated as “SAVOR JAPAN” (farm spread to ordinary citizens as well, to the extent peo- stay areas communicating food culture overseas) by ple were eating mochi more than sixty days a year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of including at seasonal events, leading to the creation the Japanese government. of the “mochi calendar.” In recent years, mochi dishes in Ichinoseki and “The protocol associated with mochi cuisine orig- Hiraizumi, which were originally adorned with col- inated from samurai culture, which places impor- orful seasonal ingredients, are said to include an tance on etiquette. Even today, detailed etiquette even greater variety of ingredients including cheese, exists for mochi cuisine on ceremonial occasions. tomato and curry, and now number more than 300. Because my wife is from a different part of Sendai “Mochi dishes have become extremely casual. domain than I am, she was confused early on in our However, we would like to properly pass the back- marriage,” says Sato. ground of the creation of the culture of mochi cui- Mochi honzen was a full-course dinner eaten at sine and our long-standing tradition to future gen- banquets and other such occasions by the samurai erations,” says Sato. of the Date domain. Honzen cuisine is a formal meal At specialty restaurants and Japanese-style inns for celebratory and similar events, said to have origi- in Ichinoseki and Hiraizumi, you can eat casual nated with the samurai etiquette of the Muromachi mochi gozen (a bowl of mochi) or, if you make a reser- period (1333–1573). Although the Sendai domain vation, authentic mochi honzen meals following the complied with this protocol, it also invented mochi traditional etiquette, including a message from the honzen, a formal meal based on mochi. The meal otorimochiyaku. included a range of mochi dishes such as zoni, a soup If you ever have the opportunity to visit Ichi- containing anko (red bean paste) and mochi, as well noseki or Hiraizumi, why not enjoy more than 400 as zunda (mashed beans) and june (mochi mixed years of culinary history and culture along with all its with ingredients like perilla and freshwater shrimp). flavors?
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the November 2019 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 17 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS Towada-Hachimantai A Joy for All Seasons
Aomori Prefecture Towada- Hachimantai National Park Iwate Prefecture Akita Prefecture
The Oirase Keiryu mountain stream Photo: Tanaka Satoshi
Blessed with deep forests, crystal clear mountain phenomena and the heavy snowfall in winter. streams, waterfalls and a mighty lake, Towada- Lake Towada, for example, is a double caldera lake Hachimantai National Park is a place of magnificent formed by volcanic activity that commenced approx- natural beauty all year round. This scenic part of the imately 200,000 years ago. The trees surrounding Tohoku region is also well known for its various hot the crater rim help form a primeval landscape which springs. changes throughout the year, being draped by a sea of clouds in spring and summer, colorful leaves in SANO KENTARO autumn, and snow and ice in winter. The “Maiden Statue” that stands on the shore of owada-Hachimantai National Park is Lake Towada is by the prominent sculptor and poet located in mountainous northern Honshu Takamura Kotaro (1883–1958). Although it has a (main island of Japan) and is divided into secluded location, the statue is a popular attraction two main areas — the Towada-Hakkoda and a symbol of the lake. area,T location of Lake Towada, the Oirase-Keiryu A ravine shaped by the Oirase River has been des- mountain stream and the Hakkoda mountain range; ignated as a special place of scenic beauty and a natu- and the Hachimantai area, with Mt. Hachimantai, ral monument by the Japanese government, together Mt. Akita-Komagatake and Mt. Iwate. Situated in one with Lake Towada from which the Oirase River flows. of the most prominent volcanic regions of Japan, this Stretching about 14 kilometers, the ravine is a trea- National Park has a varied topography and diverse sure trove of deciduous broad-leaved trees; graceful ecosystem produced over a long period by volcanic in spring, lush in the early summer and of matchless
18 | highlighting japan A gondola passes over the Hakkoda mountains in autumn The spacious hiba sennin-buro bathhouse at Sukayu Onsen Ryokan Photo: Tanaka Satoshi beauty in the autumn when the leaves change their therapeutic purposes. There are various intrigu- color. There is a promenade along the Oirase Keiryu ing legends about the discovery of the hot springs, mountain stream which cuts through the giant trees including wounded deer and monkeys found soak- and along which are scattered waterfalls and fantas- ing in the hot water. The traditional wooden build- tically shaped rocks covered with moss. ings of the Japanese-style inns have a special charm. A national road along the ravine is another course Sukayu Onsen Ryokan (Sukayu Hot Spring Inn) covered with trees that affords magnificent views has been visited by people seeking hot spring cures over the towering mountains of Hakkoda. The course since the Edo period (1603–1867). This hot spring on is dotted with marshes, including Suiren Marsh, a hill surrounded by Japanese beeches is famous for which is surrounded by frost-covered trees in winter, its hiba (cypress) sennin-buro, a gigantic bathhouse and Jigoku Marsh, where hot water with a tempera- big enough for “one thousand people.” There are ture of more than 90 degrees centigrade gushes out. four bathtubs filled with hot spring water from four The highest peak in the Hakkoda mountain range different fountainheads in the bathhouse, which is is Mt. Odake with a height of 1,585 meters. The moun- the size of a 160 tatami-mat room (265 m2). The Inn tain range stretching south spans a group of volcanos welcomes day visitors as well as long-term guests from Mt. Takada-Odake and Mt. Akakuradake to Mt. seeking a hot spring cure. Kushigamine, Mt. Komagamine, Mt. Norikuradake Such inexhaustible charms attract people to and Mt. Yokodake. The mountain trails and ropeway, Towada-Hachimantai National Park all year round. which operates all year round, offer panoramic views of an ever-changing tapestry of colorful leaves and, in the winter, frost-covered trees. There are natural forests, fields of alpine plants along mountain ridges and wetlands in the Hakkoda mountain range, which is a popular ski resort. In the New Year, one road through the area becomes a snow corridor with walls more than five meters high. The mountain range is full of landscapes that are both graceful and grand. At the foot of the mountains are numerous hot springs, such as Jogakura, Sukayu, Sarukura, Yachi and Tsuta, which are popular for relaxation and The “Maiden Statue” by Takamura Kotaro
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the November 2017 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 19 Feature TOHOKU: TRADITIONS AND NEW DIRECTIONS
Aomori Prefecture Tanesashi Coast
1 2 3 Kitayamazaki Cliff Unosu Cliff Iwate Prefecture Jodogahama Beach Yamada Bay Eco-tourism in the Takatamatsubara Goishi Coast Miyagi Kamiwarizaki Prefecture “Reconstruction” Oshika Peninsula Sendai City
Matsukawaura National Park Fukushima Prefecture
Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park, which extends about 250 kilometers north and contribute to the reconstruction of the Sanriku area. south from southern Aomori Prefecture to the If you drive one and a half hours northeast from Oshika Peninsula in Miyagi Prefecture, aims to pass Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, you down the reconstruction from the Great East Japan will reach a beautiful spot called Kamiwarizaki in Earthquake from generation to generation. To this Minamisanriku Town that faces the Pacific Ocean. end, a more than 1,000-kilometer-long nature trail The name “Kamiwarizaki” was derived from the leg- called the “Michinoku Coastal Trail” has newly end that God became angry at a quarrel between two opened, extending from the National Park into villages and ripped a huge rock apart, separating the Fukushima. villages. North of Minamisanriku in Rikuzentakata City, SANO KENTARO Iwate Prefecture, there used to be a place known as Takatamatsubara, a two-kilometer stretch of pine anriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National forests on a white beach. Afforestation began about Park with its beautiful and varied rias coast- 350 years ago, when trees were planted to protect line was originally designated in 1995 as the shoreline. It was a place of scenic beauty, where the Rikuchu Coast National Park. In 2010, about 70,000 pine trees grew, and it attracted 1.09 theS year before the Great East Japan Earthquake of million tourists in 2009 before the earthquake. The 2011, the park attracted about 4.07 million visitors. tsunami washed away Takatamatsubara, forests and In 2013, the park was designated as Sanriku Fukko all. Miraculously, however, a sole pine tree remained (Reconstruction) National Park with a mission to and became a form of emotional support for the local
20 | highlighting japan 1 The Kamiwarizaki rocks at Minamisanriku Town 2 The “Miracle Lone Pine Tree” at Takatamatsubara 3 The Kitayamazaki Cliffs at Tanohata Village Photos: Tanaka Satoshi (1, 2); K@zuTa / PIXTA (3)
people. Unfortunately, this last pine tree withered, but following treatment and reinforcement, the tree has been preserved as the “Miracle Lone Pine Tree,” a monument that symbolizes the reconstruction efforts from the damage caused by the earthquake. A project to plant 40,000 pine trees by 2021 is under way to restore Takatamatsubara. On the Suesaki Peninsula in Ofunato City, which is located on the northeastern side of Takatamatsub- ara, are two popular tourist destinations: the Goishi Coast, where stone-shaped round pebbles like go Kitayamazaki Cliff stones extend along the peninsula; and the Anatoshi- Jodogahama Beach iso Rock Arch, where there are many triangular rocks Yamada Bay protruding from the surface of the sea. Traveling on north from Ofunato to Miyako
Goishi Coast City, the landscape with a wild coastline until then changes dramatically and you will see Jodogahama Beach with a grove of pine trees atop sharply pointed white rhyolite rocks in an extremely transparent blue sea with gentle waves. Sanriku Beach is known for its numerous fishing grounds, and Yamada Bay, where oyster cultivation is active, is located south of Jodogahama Beach. The bay was seriously damaged by the tsunami, but local fishermen have made great efforts and the oyster The pine tree-topped rocks at Jodogahama Beach (top); Yamada Bay cultivation rafts are floating in the bay again. The oysters (bottom) oysters harvested in Yamada Bay have a firm body. Photos: Tanaka Satoshi You can enjoy steaming open and eating fresh oys- ters in their shells in oyster huts erected along the the designation of Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) beach. National Park in 2013. The trail connects Tanesashi Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park Coast in Hachinohe City with Matsukawaura in Soma offers so many beautiful landscapes. The Tanesashi City, a scenic spot in northern Fukushima Prefec- Coast in Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture, which ture, and extends over 1,000 kilometers through is located in the northernmost part of the park, fea- twenty-eight municipalities in four prefectures. The tures a wide lawn of natural grass that stretches trail runs from the National Park to the disaster area along the beach; Tanohata Village in Iwate Prefec- of Fukushima through the coastal area of Miyagi. In ture, about 70 kilometers to the south, is the loca- connecting disaster areas, the trail aims to pass down tion of the Kitayamazaki Cliffs, where cliffs some 200 the reconstruction efforts from the damage caused meters high extend for eight kilometers. Ten kilome- by the Great East Japan Earthquake from generation ters further south again, set in untouched nature, is to generation. Trail walkers can enjoy the rich natu- the overwhelming Unosu Cliff, which is shaped like ral environment of Sanriku and interact with local the teeth of a saw. people along the way. The Michinoku Coastal Trail opened in June Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park is 2019 on the completion of work which began with being reborn as an even more attractive park.
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the March 2018 issue of Highlighting Japan.
MAY 2020 | 21 Series POLICY RELATED NEWS
Untouched discarded food products from households Courtesy of Kyoto City
Japanese “Mottainai”
Culture Publicity for the Consumer Affairs Agency’s “No-Foodloss Project” Courtesy of Consumer Affairs Agency of Reducing Food Loss and Waste the Japanese government
and the Ministry of the Environ- “Food loss” has become a global problem. Japan has set a national ment of the Japanese government, target of halving food loss and waste compared to 2000 by 2030. food loss and waste in Japan in To this end, a number of actions have been taken to reduce poten- 2017 was an estimated 6.12 mil- tial “discarded” food that can still be eaten. lion tons. Of that, 3.28 million tons SAWAJI OSAMU came from the food manufactur- ing industry, food service and other businesses, while 2.84 mil- here is a huge amount waste can be cut, this would also lion tons came from households. of “food loss and waste” contribute to a decrease in green- In an effort to curtail this food loss around the world every house gas emissions. As such, the and waste, the Act on Promotion day. According to a Sustainable Development Goals of Food Loss and Waste Reduction reportT by the Food and Agricul- (SDGs) adopted by the UN in 2015 was enforced in October 2019. The ture Organization of the United includes the following target: “By Act specifies that people should Nations (FAO) in 2011, global food 2030, halve per capita global food actively engage in cutting food loss and waste reached 1.3 bil- waste at the retail and consumer loss and waste, that all of society lion tons annually. Around a third levels and reduce food losses along should foster an attitude of not of the world’s food was lost or production and supply chains, letting food go to waste, facilitate wasted every year. including post-harvest losses.” use of food that can still be eaten Immense resources and energy According to statistics in April without discarding it, and that a are used to produce, consume and 2020 presented by the Ministry of wide range of actors cooperate to dispose of food, so if food loss and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries promote a reduction in food loss
22 | highlighting japan 食品ロ ス削減レ シピの発信 【機密性○情報】○○限り
○ 地方公共団体や消費者団体から寄せられた「食材を無駄にしないレシピ」を発信。
“The Kitchen of the Consumer Affairs Agency” 「食材を使いきる」レシピのほか、 introduces waste-avoidance recipes on the 「リメイク」レシピを掲載し、食べきる工夫を発信。 popular Cookpad website Courtesy of Consumer Affairs Agency
and waste. such as education Based on the abovementioned on food loss and act, the～ Basic食 Policyべ てon Promotion、高め るwaste防 and災 by意 sup識- ～ 防災備蓄食材活用フェアの開催 of Food Loss and Waste Reduc- porting the （獨協大学 学生食堂）efforts tion was approved by the Cabinet of actors in food- 学生食堂を利用する学生や教職員などに、防災への意識と共に、食品ロスに関する意識も高めてもらうこin March 2020. The basic policy related industries. とをねらいとして開催。expects consumers to take actions The targets are to like only buying what they can increase the pro- use up, not wasting ingredients portion of consum- <大学の食堂メニュー> that防災備蓄品のローテーションに伴う入替食材を活用した学 can be eaten, and controlling ers aware of and ～食べて、高める防災意識～ 防災備蓄食材活用フェア the生食堂オリジナルメニューを期間限定（平成 amount of dishes they order acting to reduce 30年７月16 クックパッドニュースにも紹介されました。 1 when日～ eating20日）で提供する out. It also expects防災備蓄食材活用フェアを開催 the food loss and 。 the ※ 平成agriculture,29年４月に続き、今回で２回目。 forestry and fish- waste to 80% (76.5%連日約 as of January80食 mally eat and then replenish them eries sector to promote use of 2020) and to halve food売上げ！ loss and when they eat. By picking things non-standard and unused prod- waste from both businesses and nearing their expiration dates for ucts毎年 and10 food-related月開催の防災訓練で行う賞味期限切れ間近の防災備 industries households. regular meals, consumers can to蓄食材配布訓練とは別に extend food products’ best-、それ以前に賞味期限を迎える食reduce food loss and waste. before材を有効活用し、学生食堂とコラボレーション！ dates through innovation Disaster The following are examples of in食材に一手間加え「 packaging technology. 学生食堂オリジナルメニュー」としてManagement and initiatives launched in Japan. National and local govern- Tokyo Metropolitan Govern- 通常メニューより若干安めの価格で学生食堂利用者に提供。 ments are accelerating these Food Loss & Waste ment donates emergency stockpile expectations<メニュー：鶏の三色丼 through activities>
温めずにそのまま食べら Agency of the Japanese govern- and junior-high schools, but peri- れる。スプーン付き。立 Retort-pouch curry (center), an てられる容器なので、 小・中学校の給食メニュー ment has introduced the con- odically they also use it as a lunch 皿等に移し替える必要 emergency 小型パン・救給カレー・ウインナー・海藻サラダ・ヨーグルト・牛乳 stockpile food, served at cept of a “rolling stock method” menu item. This attempt is a part がない。 elementary and junior-high schools in Toki City, Gifu Prefecture whereby consumers buy a bit of disaster management education 岐阜県土岐市ウェブサイト： http://www.city.toki.lg.jp/docs/12354.html Courtesy of Toki City more of the foods that they nor- and an effective use of stockpiles.
MAY 2020 | 23 Series SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Biodegradable baby tableware produced under patent license of Komatsu Courtesy of iiwan© (HOEI Industry Low-Cost Bioplastic Co. Ltd.) to Reduce Plastic Waste
Against a background of growing concerns about marine litter and of Komatsu & Associates, a profes- microplastic pollution, a Japanese company has developed a technol- sional engineer’s consulting firm in ogy for the mass production of eco-friendly and biodegradable plastic Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, products at low cost. The technology enables the low-cost manufac- overcame the processing chal- turing of polylactic acid products from corn starch or sugarcane and is lenges and developed a technol- attracting attention around the world. ogy of mass-producing polylactic acid products at lower cost than by UMEZAWA AKIRA using existing methods. The main reason why polylactic acid is hard to lastic products made a replacement for the current plas- process is that it is far more viscous from oil, such as PET tics made from oil. Biodegradable bottles and food trays, plastics are considered to lessen are widely used around the environmental load because theP world. Disposal of these plas- they are ultimately decomposed tics affects ecosystems because into carbon dioxide and water by if the products are burned, they microorganisms in the natural contribute to global warming, and world. Polylactic acid, one of the if they flow out into the sea, they biodegradable plastics, which is create marine litter and microplas- made from corn starch or sugar- tic pollution. The World Economic cane, began to be used as a mate- Forum announced in 2016 that by rial for products such as dishes and 2050, the amount of plastics drift- garbage bags about twenty years Biodegradable plastic products ing in the sea around the world is ago. However, polylactic acid was including baby tableware on display projected to surpass the amount of hard to process and products made at a reception celebrating the 83rd fish in terms of weight. from it were so expensive that they birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan at the Lyon In this situation, biodegradable did not become popular at all. Consulate Office in France plastics are attracting attention as Komatsu Michio, the president Courtesy of Komatsu Michio
24 | highlighting japan 1 2 1 Biodegradable plastic products on display at the K 2019 than plastics made from oil. Gener- reaches this state, it is caught in plastics and rubber trade fair in ally speaking, to process plastics, a the mold core and impossible to Düsseldorf, Germany method called injection molding is eject. Because of this, it takes a lot 2 Komatsu Michio holds a used, which involves heating and of time and effort to get the molded champagne glass made from melting plastics, injecting the mol- article out, and articles cannot be polylactic acid in front of the technology he demonstrated at ten plastics into a mold, putting produced at the same pace as ordi- K 2019 them into a shape, waiting for them nary plastics. Photos: Courtesy of Komatsu Michio to cool down and solidify, then Komatsu also overcame this issue ejecting them from the mold. In the by making use of his experience of Technology, a prestigious award case of highly viscous polylactic working as a mold expert for a lead- granted in the field of die and mold acid, however, the materials do not ing electronic parts manufacturer. technology. His technology has flow to the end of a mold cavity by “I put an infrared temperature been granted numerous patents in normal injection molding, and the sensor in a mold and measured the Japan and overseas. article cannot be molded well. temperature of the polylactic acid In January 2018, the European To solve this problem, Kom- in units of thousandths of a sec- Union (EU) proposed putting an all- atsu focused his attention on a ond. After repeating the measure- out ban on all inter-regional dispos- super critical phenomenon. Mat- ments many times, I found that able plastic containers by 2025 and ter can exist as a solid, liquid or as soon as the temperature falls to declared that it would aim to make gas according to the temperature 110˚C, the polylactic acid begins all inter-regional plastic packages and pressure conditions. But if you solidification. I found that the recyclable by 2030. The demand for keep applying pressure and heat to polylactic acid could be detached biodegradable plastics as materials matter, it will enter a super critical easily by capturing that timing and to cope with these environmental phase in which it is indistinguish- injecting air into the gap between regulations is expected to grow. able from a gas or a liquid. the mold and the polylactic acid Orders for Komatsu’s biodegrad- “Matter in a super critical phase article,” says Komatsu. able baby tableware, for example, is called super critical fluid and Komatsu demonstrated his are pouring in from Europe and has both the diffusiveness of a gas technology at K 2019, the world’s other countries as well as Japan. and the solubility of a liquid. By largest trade fair for plastics and “We still have an issue in terms mixing carbon dioxide in a super rubber, in Düsseldorf, Germany of the high material costs. But we critical phase into melted polylac- in October 2019. Specifically, have recently seen an increase tic acid, we succeeded in increas- Komatsu demonstrated a technol- in the number of polylactic acid ing the fluidity of polylactic acid,” ogy for molding thin champagne manufacturers and production explains Komatsu. glasses developed in collabora- volumes, which leads to lower Molding polylactic acid had tion with plastic injection molding costs. In this situation, I think that another significant issue. Ordinary machine manufacturers in Japan. products using polylactic acid will plastics gradually solidify when The demonstration attracted a lot gradually become popular. I will they cool down, whereas a heat- of attention from visitors. be extremely happy if the technol- resistant grade of polylactic acid In April 2020, Komatsu won the ogy I developed helps preserve the contracts rapidly when it reaches Technology Award 2020 from The natural global environment,” says a certain temperature. Once it Japan Society for Die and Mold Komatsu.
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the November 2019 issue of Highlighting Japan. MAY 2020 | 25 Series MY WAY
“Love-to-Eat” Sausages for the Community
Michal Taberski, a Polish man residing in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, contributes to the com- munity by manufacturing high-quality sausages and Michal Taberski other meat products using locally raised pork.
SATO KUMIKO
ed-packaged Polmeat daisuki means to love. products line the ham Taberski is well-known in and sausage sections Daisen. When he walks along the of Akita supermar- street, people do not hesitate to Rkets. They are from IMI Corpo- talk to him because they know ration, headquartered in Daisen how friendly he is. He responds City, located in the southeastern in fluent Akita dialect. “I would part of Akita Prefecture. The red never consider myself a foreigner package is inspired by the flag here,” Taberski says with a laugh. of Poland, the home country of In 2001, after graduating from Michal Taberski, CEO of IMI Cor- university, Taberski married a poration. Alongside Taberski’s Japanese woman who worked in name and photo on the package is Poland. Subsequently, he moved the company’s slogan, “Taberuno to Akita Prefecture, where his daisuki.” Taberu means to eat and wife’s parents live. He held sev-
All photos: Courtesy of Michal Taberski 26 | highlighting japan Servings of Taberski’s meat products, which number almost fifty in total
eral jobs and learned Japanese iburigakko, local Akita cuisine pre- ing students for practical training, and Japanese business culture pared by smoking pickled radish. the project for developing human before deciding to start a meat Polmeat products are made from resources will affect the future processing business. “In Poland, I tochuton pigs raised in Daisen in of Akita Prefecture. “When start- ate tasty ham and sausages every pursuit of tasty meat. Product ing my business, I received grant day. Some small and mid-sized development is driven by staff money from the government and companies in Japan make very members’ suggestions for making support from many people. I would tasty food. However, products products unique to the prefecture like to repay society twofold,” says from these companies are expen- and in collaboration with local Taberski. “As a business manager, sive and most customers can- food producers. “Akita Prefecture I take responsibility for company not afford to eat them every day. has heavy snowfall and is blessed growth to make the people of Akita I thought about delivering good with abundant meltwater, which is Prefecture proud and to provide food to Japanese customers at why we have tasty rice, Japanese employees with a happy work- reasonable prices,” he says. sake and many wonderful ingredi- place. It would be great if local Taberski loves cooking and ents,” says Taberski. people were thankful for having even makes his own cheese and Currently, Taberski is partnered our business in their community as pickled herring in oil so his fam- with Omagari Agricultural High they look back. I hope to make this ily can enjoy the flavors of Poland. School. By inviting and accept- happen by working hard.” In 2013, he began to remodel the garage of his home and manufac- ture ham and sausages. Since his factory was established in 2014, sales of his company have dou- bled every year. Polmeat’s product line-up con- sists of nearly fifty different items. “We implement improvements again and again to proudly present our products everywhere,” says Taberski confidently. Most of the items follow the traditional man- ufacturing processes of Poland. Some use Akita’s traditional soy sauce for seasoning, while oth- Taberski gives a lecture at Omagari ers contain sliced and mixed Agricultural High School
This is a revised version of the article that appeared in the January 2020 issue of Highlighting Japan. MAY 2020 | 27 Series ENJOY DRINKING Clear Japanese sake produced using the kimoto method Courtesy of Daishichi Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.
CreatedSake: Naturally with the Wisdom of Brewmasters Fukushima Prefecture is home to many famous and long-standing kuramoto, or Japanese sake breweries. We interviewed the 10th-generation head of one kuramoto to learn about the tradition of sake brewing in Fukushima and how local brewmasters’ wisdom is being passed down to future generations.
SAWAJI OSAMU
ake production in pres- ing a center of sake production in ent-day Fukushima Pre- Japan. The brewing tradition con- fecture is said to have tinues in Fukushima, where over started over 300 years ago sixty kuramoto are currently pro- underS the Aizu Domain. The Aizu ducing sake. region is surrounded by moun- Fukushima has many tradi- tains, the snowcapped peaks of tional dishes that pair well with which are the source of pure, min- sake, and one of the biggest draws eral-rich water that is well suited to the prefecture is the ability to both for the production of sake and enjoy sake together with these the cultivation of rice from which local foods. Examples include sake is brewed. The climate is also kozuyu (also called zakuzaku), lots quite cold, preventing the growth of vegetables in a broth made from of unwanted bacteria that lower dried scallops; ika ninjin, thinly Brewers grind the yeast starter the quality of sake. Sake brewer- sliced dried squid mixed with car- using the traditional yamaoroshi technique ies, or kuramoto, soon opened up rots; and anpo gaki, sweet jelly-like Courtesy of Daishichi Sake Brewery in areas around Aizu as well, creat- dried persimmons. Co., Ltd.
28 | highlighting japan “What makes the sake ity of Fukushima’s sake is of Fukushima Prefec- the result of many years of ture special is that the personnel development,” various sakagura – from says Ohta. “Fellow gradu- long-established brewer- ates of the Sake Academy ies to new ones – make a raise each other’s technical wide variety of sake, each In a process known as tokomomi, a brewer kneads level while working hard. using their own meth- koji spores into a bed of steamed rice Fukushima suffered harm- ods. Someone once com- Courtesy of Daishichi Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. ful rumors due to the Great mented, ‘Fukushima is East Japan Earthquake, like a department store of sake.’” ated using it has a soft, smooth but through cooperating and pro- So says Ohta Hideharu, the flavor that is bursting with umami. ducing even more delicious sake, 10th-generation head of Daishichi Daishichi Sake Brewery’s sake the sakagura were able to regain Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. which is has received high praise both in customers’ trust. We will also over- located in the city of Nihonmatsu Japan and abroad for pairing well come the novel coronavirus crisis in central Fukushima. Established not only with Japanese food, but through everyone’s efforts.” in 1752, the brewery is one of the with French, Chinese and other long-standing sakagura represen- international foods as well. The tative of Fukushima Prefecture sake has been served at banquets and one of the very few in Japan hosted by the Dutch royal fam- still to use the “kimoto method” of ily, as well as at the 2000 Kyushu- sake brewing. Okinawa Summit and the 2008 The kimoto method, which was Hokkaido Toyako Summit. developed during the Edo period “The skills of sake brewers, (1603–1867), is what makes the which have been passed down Daishichi Sake Brewery’s sake spe- over many years, bring out the cial. In sake production, there is a power held in natural microorgan- process for creating “moto” (yeast isms, leading to the creation of starter) containing large quanti- sake with deep flavors,” says Ohta. ties of yeast required for ferment- The sake of Fukushima Prefec- ing alcohol. At the Daishichi Sake ture is highly evaluated by con- Brewery, steamed rice, koji and noisseurs. At the Annual Japan Two specialties of Fukushima: water are mixed inside a shallow Sake Award, for example, brands Ika ninjin and kozuyu tub, and sake brewers perform a from Fukushima received more Courtesy of Fukushima Prefecture Tourism & Local Products job called yamaoroshi, in which Gold Awards than any other pre- Association they grind the mixture into a mash fecture for seven years in a row, using long wooden paddles. Lactic up until 2018. Their popularity and acid bacteria, which exist within success owes partly to the influ- the brewery, are then naturally ence of the Fukushima Prefectural incorporated into the moto, where Sake Academy, which opened in they start producing lactic acid. 1992 offering a three-year course This sour environment dispels all in all aspects of sake production. other unwanted microorganisms, The Academy is operated by the so that the yeast, after it has been Fukushima Prefecture Sake Brew- Éric Briffard, Executive Chef at added, can proliferate in a clean ers Cooperative and many of its Le Cordon Bleu Paris, pairs sake with French food at the 2019 and pure environment. This pro- graduates are active as sake brew- "Taste of Paris” festival duction method requires much ers in the prefecture. Courtesy of Daishichi Sake Brewery time and effort, but the sake cre- “The improvement in the qual- Co., Ltd.
MAY 2020 | 29 Series ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES
Five-storied Pagoda of land Asia, originated in the Heian Mount Haguro period (794–1185), and began to Courtesy of Yamagata expand all over Japan. Rigorous Prefecture spiritual training was practiced by ascetic mountain priests, known as yamabushi, on the mountains deemed sacred for Shugendo. The Dewa Sanzan, or the Three Mountains of Dewa, which lie in the central part of Yamagata Pre- fecture, are among the representa- tive sacred mountains. The Three Mountains of Dewa are Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono. Prince Hachiko, son of Emperor Sushun, is said to have undergone ascetic training here at the end of the sixth century, mark- ing the beginnings of the worship of the Dewa Sanzan. The belief that one can gain happiness in this world at Mount Haguro, experi- ence the world of the afterlife at Mount Gassan, and gain new life and be reborn at Mount Yudono, was developed here. This belief spread to many people via the A Five-storied Pagoda yamabushi who traveled around the country, and by the Edo period (1603–1867), many worshippers Among the Mountains made the pilgrimage to the Dewa Sanzan from all over Japan. The celebrated poet Matsuo Basho of the Gods (1644–1694) left behind a haiku The Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture have been worshipped as about Mount Haguro. holy mountains since ancient times. The wooden Five-storied Pagoda of Mount Haguro, built about 650 years ago among these mountains, Suzushisa ya / hono mikazuki presides among old cedar trees and offers peace to those who visit with no/ haguroyama its simple beauty in harmony with nature. Coolness– / the crescent moon faint / over Black Feather SAWAJI OSAMU Mountain — From Basho’s Haiku: Selected n Japan, where mountains revering mountains as sacred Poems of Matsuo Basho (Trans. make up three-quarters of places where gods dwell. Shu- David Landis Barnhill) the country’s land, mountain gendo, which combines mountain worship has been practiced worship with religions such as Standing at the base of Mount sinceI ancient times, with people Buddhism and Taoism from main- Haguro is the Five-storied Pagoda
30 | highlighting japan A section of kumimono joinery Photo: Tanaka Satoshi
of Mount Haguro, a National Treasure. When Buddhism was brought over to Japan in the sixth century, pagodas were built in Nara and Kyoto, the capitals at the time, and construction of these pagodas spread across Japan along with Buddhism. The Five-storied Pagoda of Mount Haguro is said to have been built in the tenth century, and it is thought that the current pagoda was rebuilt in 1372. The pagoda stands among a forest of cedar trees over 300 years old off to the rounded by cedar trees, is truly gently upwards, and the eaves side of the path that leads to the in harmony with nature. Its white are deep. Another feature of the summit of Mount Haguro. The bark, exposed to wind and snow pagoda is the kumimono (“bracket pagoda lies beyond the Zuishin over many years, exudes a simple complex”) that supports the deep Gate, the entrance to the Dewa beauty.” eaves and protects the columns and Sanzan, and across the Harai River, The pagoda is constructed from walls from snow and wind. Kumi- where, in the past, worshippers cedar and Japanese elm, and the mono, made by intricately combin- would purify themselves. The wooden joints are stabilized with ing multiple pieces of wood, not pagoda is about 29 meters tall, and wisteria vine, which tightens over only strengthens the pagoda, but is very distinctive with its simple time as it dries. No metal nails are also lends it a decorative beauty. wooden construction that lacks used. The five-layered roof is cov- More than one meter of snow colors or decorations. ered with many overlapping layers accumulates in winter around Watanabe Sachi, curator of of thin cedar planks in a technique Mount Haguro. Repairs have been the Dewa Sanzan Museum of known as kokerabuki (shingling). repeatedly carried out on the five- History, says, “The pagoda, sur- The four corners of the roof slope storied pagoda, which has contin- ued to stand even in such a harsh natural environment, and they continue to this day. “I think that the pagoda has been preserved over many years precisely because of the deep faith held by the yamabushi and other visitors,” says Watanabe. “Some visitors spend a long time in front of the pagoda. Many say that they feel calm seeing the pagoda stand- ing there surrounded by nature.” The five-storied pagoda, stand- ing among the mountains where gods dwell, quietly symbolizes the beliefs associated with the Dewa The path to the summit of Mount Haguro Sanzan and their deep historical Courtesy of Yamagata Prefecture connection with nature.
MAY 2020 | 31 JAPAN HERITAGE
D e wa Sanzan Courtesy Prefecture Yamagata of Climbing Through the Cycle of Life
ewa Sanzan, “the Three Mountains of Dewa,” is the collective name for Mt. Haguro (414 m), Mt. Gassan (1,984 m) and Mt. Yudono (1,504 m) in Yamagata Prefecture. Haguro Shugendo, Da form of mountain asceticism, was born in these mountains 1,400 years ago. According to this faith, Mt. Haguro represents the present and the fulfillment of worldly desires; spirits come to rest under lofty and graceful Mt. Gassan, which represents the past; and Mt. Yudono represents the future, the hot water gushing from its sacred red boulder symbolizing the birth of new life. In the Edo period (1603–1867), climbing the three mountains became popular as a way to reclaim youthful vitality. The pilgrimage remains popular to this day as a “journey of rebirth.”
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