Nagasaki, a city of peace where rich, untouched nature remains
Feature
Nagasaki is a prefecture located in the western part of Kyushu. The population is about 1.3 million, and the Prefectural capital is Nagasaki City. Nagasaki has 594 islands, the most in Japan. The area is relatively warm throughout the year, affected by the warm Tsushima Current from the East China Sea.
Nagasaki has been active in exchanges with foreign countries since ancient times, and played a role as the only trading window in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868).
On August 9, 1945, an atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. It became an atomic bomb stricken area, but now it has miraculously recovered as a peaceful city.
Traditional crafts and Local specialties
Nagasaki's traditional crafts are "Mikawachi Yaki" and "Nagasaki Bekko".
Mikawachi Yaki is ceramics made in Sasebo City. The white base is painted with an indigo dye called “Gosu''. It features a delicate pattern like a painting.
Nagasaki Bekko is a tortoiseshell craft made in Nagasaki City. It features a unique luster made using the shell of a hawksbill turtle. Currently, the import is regulated by the Washington Convention, so the rarity is increasing.
Since Nagasaki faces the sea on three sides, it is rich in seafood such as tuna and horse mackerel. Another local specialty is castella, which was introduced from Portugal about 460 years ago.
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