Culture

Kaengata

Kaengata and Jomon – The Original Artists of Japan

Jomon pottery is said to be one of the oldest pottery in the world. The most famous example is the Kaengata earthenware, which was on display at the British Museum. There are many different types of Jomon earthenware, but the Kaengata earthenware has only been found in the area of present-day Niigata Prefecture, suggesting that Niigata Prefecture has been a cultural centre for the past 5,000 years.

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Uncho Ishikawa

Uncho Ishikawa: The Master Artist of Niigata’s Winter Temples

Art in this region of Japan has a long and storied history, including that of YUKIGUNI’s best-known artist: the painter and sculptor Uncho Ishikawa. Born in Edo (modern day Tokyo) in 1814, he was something of a young prodigy in his day. At only 20 years old he had already become a master craftsman, and was given the name Ishikawa as a sign of membership into the famed Ishikawa group of artisans. Very little of Uncho Ishikawa’s early work still exists; instead, his reputation largely rests on the art he has left behind in temples around the Niigata region, for which he has been given the moniker “The Michelangelo of Japan.”

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flame-shaped earthenware

Modern people might learn how to face nature from the Jomon people

A culture that has lasted for 10,000 years, unparalleled in world history. Living in harmony with nature. Villages arranged in a circle so that they can see each other, which develops the connections of people. Plenty of time because we are buried in snow in winter. Something that has been left behind in modern times is there. Something fundamental. Jomon asks us “What is richness?”

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Maker of Echigo-jofu certified as a UNESCO cultural heritage

Relation between Kimono fabrics and snow

Scattered across YUKIGUNI are fabric production areas. These fabrics have, since ancient times, had a deep connection with the climate, nature and the life of the people of YUKIGUNI. We visited local people involved in the production of these fabrics.

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Discovering YUKIGUNI

Let’s go to YUKIGUNI

Many people who come to the YUKIGUNI (snow country) for skiing or snowboarding probably only remember places like the ski resort or the train station. And that’s a real shame!

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