News

YouTube official channel operated by the culture creation city, Takaoka, is introducing the online performance movie “Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka” showing the historical cultural heritage, townscape, and scenic places in Takaoka as the new stages by presenting the traditional arts, music, and dances performed by the artists in the city.

In addition to the five artworks including the western dances and chorus shown by now, they created the works and made it open using the row of cherry blossoms in Fukuoka Town as its stage.

It is said that the cherry blossoms along the Gandogawa River featured as the stage this time were planted to recover the brightness to children after the war and are very popular among people and chosen “The top 70 sites for viewing the cherry blossoms in Toyama”.

“Gagaku” is the Japanese artistic music inherited from 1,300 years ago.

Gagaku in Fukuoka Town started as the ceremony music at the shrines and temples and is proud of its about 160 years of history. It was designated as the Takaoka City Registered Intangible Cultural Assets and has been inherited by “Yoyukai”, a Gagaku music group.

In this artwork, they show two performances of “Ranryo-o“ and “Manzairaku“. You can enjoy the grace and heroical dances and the magnificent sounds of the winds and percussion under the fully blooming cherry blossoms.

The brightly colored costumes, elaborately designed masks, and dance costumes suited for the performance are also highlights of the performance. Please pay attention to the world view of Gagaku expressed in each performance.

2023 Video Production “Cherry Blossoms Dancing in the Eternity

[Location] Gandogawa River (Fukuoka Town)

[Contents] Gagaku (ancient Japanese court music)

[Performers] Yoyukai

〇Ranryo-o

This represents the struggle of Lan Ling Wang, a famous general’s army in ancient China. Chang Kung was a real-life 6th-century general who had a gentle and beautiful appearance, and it is said that he fought on the battlefield wearing a fearsome mask to maintain his dignity.

In The Tale of Genji, vol.“Minori”(The Rites), there is a very graceful scene where the dance of Lan Ling Wang was performed.

〇Manzairaku

This is a representative dance that has been performed since ancient times to pray for the peace of the land and is still performed today at the Daijyo-sai (Great Taste of Rice Festival), which marks the accession to the throne of the emperor.

This dance was inherited from China and there is a legend that it was created based on a phoenix that played in the court garden during the Sui Dynasty.

Wearing a hat called Torikabuto, the movements of the four dancers, dressed in brightly colored costumes, resemble a phoenix gracefully unfurling and closing its wings.

The name of Takaoka was quoted from one of the passages from the Book of Odes, “The Phoenix Cries on His High Hill”, and its performance is also deeply tied to Takaoka City.

Enjoy the videos we have released so far:

〇Harmony of the Four Seasons on Yamamacho-suji

[Shooting Location] Yamamachi-suji (Takaoka Mikurumayama Kaikan, Dozo-zukuri no Machi Museum, Yamamachi Valley, Red Brick Building), Suehirozaka Small Park

[Contents] Chorus

[Performers] Joto Ongakuin, Women’s Chorus “Doruchie”, Women’s Chorus “Voce Fontana”, Chorus Group “Ongaku Shitsu”, Boy Scouts of Japan Takaoka Troop 11 Beaver Colony

[Chorus Music Supervisor and Arranger] Chiyoko Matsui

〇The fragrant sound of the autumn mountain peaks

[Shooting location] Mt.Futagami, Bussharizan Bussekiji Temple

[Contents] Shakuhachi and flower arrangement

[Performers] The Tozanryu Shakuhachi Foundation　Grandmaster　Kozan Tokai (Shakuhachi), Flower arrangement master　Ikenobo Takaoka Branch (Flower arrangement）

〇Dancing in the moonlight at Shokoji Temple

[Shooting Location] Shokoji Temple

[Contents] Western dance, Koto music

[Performers] Kasai Dancing Company (Western Dance), Ikutaryuseigensha Katakagokai (Koto Music)

〇Traditional Dancing Cheering the Town of Metal Castors

[Shooting Location] Kanayamachi (Row of Houses with Lattice, Kanayamachi Pocket Park, Kanaya Green Park), Arisoshohachimangu

[Contents] Folk Dance, Folk Song

[Performers] Folk Dance, Folk Song Hananokai, Sato Matsukoryu Matsuhirokai, Yagaefu Preservation Society

〇Connecting Age and Culture

[Shooting Locations] Zuiryuji Temple, Amaharashi Coast (Roadside Station Amaharashi)

[Contents] Japanese Dancing

[Performers] Kiku Hanakawa (Hanakawaryu), National Institute of Technology, Toyama College Imizu Campus Japanese Dance Club

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Each of these videos is a work that invites you to discover new attractions, by combining the historical assets and culture of Takaoka City with its own particular charms.

At the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube, you can see a digest version of approximately 4 minutes in addition to the main works.

Just sit back and enjoy works with different techniques and performances than you would normally see at a hall.

A famous manga artist of Japan known for his works such as “Doraemon” and “Kiteretsu Encyclopedia”

Fujiko F. Fujio was born in Takaoka City and spent his time there until moving to Tokyo at the age of 20.

To commemorate his 90th birthday on December 1 of Reiwa 5 (2023),

various commemorative projects will be held at the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery

in Takaoka and on the Doraemon Tram (Manyo Line).

We introduce recommended plans where you can enjoy the charm and world view

of Fujiko F. Fujio’s works.

〇Commemorative projects at the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery

◆　Celebrating the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio, the “SF (Sukoshi Fushigi) no Essence”

The charm of Fujiko F. Fujio’s works, beloved by children across generations, will be introduced over three periods, focusing on unique motifs and themes.

First Period: “Thank you for inviting us! The mysterious lodgers”
　　　　　　　December 1, 2023 (Friday) to March 31, 2024 (Sunday)

2nd Period: “Am I a hero!?”
　　　　　　　April 2, 2024 (Tuesday) to July 28, 2024 (Sunday)

3rd Period: “Mysterious tools”
　　　　　　　July 30, 2024 (Tuesday) to November 27, 2024 (Wednesday)

The original color drawings in the permanent exhibition will also be replaced with original drawings exhibited for the first time at the Hometown Art Gallery, such as “Perman,” “T.P. Bon,” and “New Obake no Q-Taro.” In addition, a new original short movie will be shown, such as “Doraemon & F Character All-Stars ‘Sukoshi Fushigi Chotokkyu (Express).’”

Also, a photo spot with a special design for the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio’s birth, where you can take pictures with him and many characters, will be set up. Why not take a commemorative photo when you visit?

During the period of the exhibition of original drawings, all visitors will receive an original stamp card where they can collect character stamps. There are three types of stamp designs for each period, so enjoy viewing the various original artworks and collecting the stamps!
(Admission fee is required to receive the stamp card.)

Fujiko.F.Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka

〔Address〕Takaoka Art Museum, 2nd Floor, 1-1-30 Nakagawa, Takaoka City

〔Open Hours〕9:30 to 17:00（Entrance is before 16:30）

〔Closed Days〕Mondays ※ Open when Monday falls on a holiday and closed on next week day 
　　　　　　　　Beginning and End of Year（29th December to 3rd January)

〔Website〕https://fujiko-artgallery.jp/

〔Inquiries〕0766-20-1170

〇Commemorative Projects on the Doraemon Tram

The Manyo Line, connecting Takaoka City and Imizu City, operates a “Doraemon Tram” that is designed with Doraemon’s image both inside and outside to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Doraemon’s birth (September 3, 2012).

Starting from December 1st (Friday), a commemorative sticker for the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio’s birth will be attached to the Doraemon Tram. Take a ride on the special Doraemon Tram to visit spots related to Fujiko.F.Fujio in the city.

In addition, limited quantities of the “Manyo Line 1-Day Free Ticket” and “Doraemon Paper Craft” with original designs commemorating the 90th anniversary of Fujiko F. Fujio’s birth will also be available for sale.

Sales Period: From December 1, Reiwa 5 (2023) to November 30, Reiwa 6 (2024)

Sale Locations: Manyo Line Head Office, Manyo Line Online Shop, Inside Manyo Line Trams (One-day Free Ticket only)

Price: One-day Free Ticket: 900 yen for adults, 450 yen for children

Paper Craft: 330 yen

Number of Tickets for Sale: One-day Free Ticket: 1,000 for adults, 500 for children

Paper Crafts: 1,000 pieces

Inquiries: Manyosen Co., Ltd., TEL 0766-25-4139

Official Website: https://www.manyosen.co.jp/

〇Commemorative Postmark Design of the Doraemon Post Box

At the Doraemon post box located on the first floor of Takaoka Station, a service is being provided where commemorative postmarks with a special design are stamped on mailed items. From December 1st, this commemorative postmark will feature the ‘Fujiko F. Fujio’s 90th Birth Anniversary’ design.

Why not send a letter with this special postmark to someone important to you?

The Takaoka City website introduces various spots around the city related to Fujiko F. Fujio. With this opportunity, we invite you to visit the Hometown Art Gallery and these spots to celebrate Fujiko F. Fujio-sensei’s 90th birth anniversary together!

Takaoka City Website: https://www.city.takaoka.toyama.jp/bunka/bunsou/dora/matome.html

Inquiries: Takaoka City Living Environment and Culture Department, Culture Promotion Division

TEL: 0766-20-1255

FAX: 0766-20-1666

©Fujiko-Pro

“Travel through Time Performances at Takaoka”, an online performance video showing traditional cultural arts, music, and dance by local artists is now distributed on the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube with historical cultural assets and the city scape of Takaoka as a new stage venues.

Last year we distributed three videos works showing traditional cultural arts and dance that were performed at Shokoji Temple, Kanayamachi, Zuiryuji Temple, and the Amaharashi Coast. On this occasion, we have produced and distributed two new works, with the stage set at Yamachosuji and Mt.Futagami!

Each work features an atmospheric stage, where history and culture are fused, and are all works worth watching.

The following is an introduction to the two works distributed on this occasion.

➀ Singing in Harmony with the Seasons in Yamachosuji

【Shooting place】Yamachosuji（Takaoka Mikurumayama Hall, Dozodukuri no Machi Museum, Yamacho Valley, Red brick building）, Suehirozaka Small Park

【Content】Chorus

【Performers】Joto Ongakuin, “Dolce” Female Chorus, Female Chorus Voce Fontana,
“Ongakushitsu” Chorus Group, Japan Boy Scouts Takaoka 11th Beaver Group

【Choral music supervision and arrangement】Chiyoko Matsui

Yamachosuji is a town with the remnants of a wide variety of historical landscapes, including brick houses and Western architecture, in addition to its storehouses, with their traditional Japanese architectural style, and for this reason, it has been designated as an important preservation district of historic buildings. (Within Takaoka City, the towns of Kanayamachi and Yoshihisa have received the same designation, and Takaoka is of only four cities nationwide to have three designated important preservation district of historic buildings within the same city.）

Kingetsu Murosaki, composer of “Sunset”, with the well-known lyrics “Gin-gin, Gira-Gira the Sunset is Setting” was born and raised in Yamachosuji, and after music composition activities in Tokyo, formed a people’s choir in the city, and developed a wide range of other musical activities.

The musical culture left by Kingetsu remains a treasure passed down today by the people of Takaoka. All four chorus groups, active within the City area, will sing children’s songs representing the four seasons on the stage that is the streets of Yamachosuji.

Please enjoy this beautiful harmony, where history and singing are interwoven.

▼Video ‘Singing in Harmony with the Seasons in Yamachosuji/online performance “/“Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka” work’

②Spiritual Echoes on Colorful Autumn Peaks

【Shooting place】Mt.Futagami, Bussharizan Bussekiji Temple

【Content】Shakuhachi, flower arrangement

【Performers】The Tozanryu Shakuhachi Foundation　Grandmaster　Kozan Tokai (Shakuhachi), Flower arrangement master　Ikenobo Takaoka Branch (Flower arrangement）

Mt.Futagami is well known as a mountain blessed with an abundance of natural beauty that changes with the seasons. Otomo no Yakamochi, a representative poet of the Manyoshu, is known for being so impressed by the beautiful nature of Mt.Futagami that he expressed it in numerous poems.

Bussharizan Bussekiji Temple, on the “Mt.Futagami Manyo Line”, a driving course where you can enjoy the scenery of Mt.Futagami, is a direct descendant of Eihei-ji Temple (Fukui Prefecture), the head temple of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, and is popular among local residents for its red-ink stamp tours, zazen meditation, sutra copying, and other activities. You are treated to a truly spectacular view of the Sea of Japan and the Tateyama Mountain range from the are in front of the Jizo-do.

The sound of the Shakuhachi played with Toyama Bay, the Tateyama Mountain Range, and Takaoka City Center in the background, leaves a soft, but powerful, impression. The flower arrangement performed in the austere space of Bussekiji Temple is also truly a sight to behold.

This video was planned, produced, and edited by students from the Toyama University Graduate School of Arts and Culture. Note the exciting chemistry between young sensibilities and traditional arts and culture.

▼Video “Spiritual Echoes on Colorful Autumn Peaks/Online Performance/“Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka”

The videos distributed last year were the following:

〇Dancing in the moonlight at Shokoji Temple

【Shooting place】Shokoji Temple

【Content】Western dance, Koto music

【Performers】Kasai Dancing Company (Western Dance), Ikutaryuseigensha Katakagokai (Koto Music)

〇Traditional Dancing Cheering the Town of Metal Castors

【Shooting place】Kanayamachi (Row of Houses with Lattice, Kanayamachi Pocket Park, Kanaya Green Park), Arisoshohachimangu

【Content】Folk Dance, Folk Song

【Performers】Folk Dance, Folk Song Hananokai, Sato Matsukoryu Matsuhirokai, Yagaefu Preservation Society

〇Connecting Age and Culture

【Shooting place】Zuiryuji Temple, Amaharashi Coast (Roadside Station Amaharashi)

【Content】Japanese Dancing

【Performers】Kiku Hanakawa (Hanakawaryu), National Institute of Technology, Toyama College Imizu Campus Japanese Dance Club

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Each of these videos is a work that invites you to discover new attractions, by combining the historical assets and culture of Takaoka City with its own particular charms.

At the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube, you can see a digest version of approximately 5 minutes in addition to the main works.

Just sit back and enjoy works with different techniques and performances than you would normally see at a hall.

Works of Fujiko.F.Fujio from Takaoka consist not solely of hilarious scenes but have many scenes where the characters end up in tight squeezes.  Even with cases of unexpected happenings developing into greater troubles.

The Fujiko.F.Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka is now displaying an exhibition of original drawings with crisis as the theme,  “Crisis, Trouble, Happening!!”.   Centering on their major work “Doraemon”, heart pounding and exciting original pictures are selected with care and exhibited from such as “Kiteretsu Encyclopaedia”, “Perman”, “Mami with Preternatual Power”.

In addition, showing of a new short movie “Umeboshi Denka & Doraeman [Panparopan-no-Suppappa] ”will be starting to be shown and there are also plans for sales of original pins and post cards in addition to the new exhibition.  Why not pay a visit to the gallery full of must-see things on this occasion?

The large sized tapestry of the Hometown Gallery shown in the Takaoka Station South-North Free Passage is also to be of the design of the new exhibition.  It’s a must see for those of you who use the station for sightseeing, commuting or going to school!   Furthermore, postmarks stamped on post cards and letters posted in the Doraemon Postbox in Takaoka Station Kotsu Plaza has been renewed to the new design.  Please stop by the Takaoka Station when you visit!

The new postmark is a memorial design to celebrate the 10th year of operation of the Doraemon Tram Service

■ Fujiko.F.Fujio Original Pictures Exhibition “Crisis, Trouble, Happening!!”

Exibition Period:  Thursday, December 1st, 2022 to Sunday, November 26th, 2023

(First Period) Thursday, December 1st, 2022 to Sunday, May 28th, 2023

 (Second Period) Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 to Sunday, November 26th

*Schedule for exhibition and the first period and the second period are liable to be changed.  Your understanding is appreciated.

Fujiko.F.Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka

〔Address〕Takaoka Art Museum, 2nd Floor, 1-1-30 Nakagawa, Takaoka City

〔Open Hours〕9:30 to 17:00（Entrance is before 16:30）

〔Closed Days〕Mondays ※ Open when Monday falls on a holiday and closed on next        week day 　

Beginning and End of Year（29th December to 3rd January)

〔Admission Fee〕General, University Student　500Yen (400Yen),  High School Student, Junior High School Student  300 Yen (240Yen),  Elementary School Student, Young Children (Over 4 year of age)  200 yens (160 yen),   Under 4 years of age  Free

※Inside ( ) is the group admission fee for over 20 persons.

※Free for persons with handicapped person’s passbook and up to one accompanying person.

※Persons over Age 65 is 400 Yens

〔Homepage〕https://fujiko-artgallery.jp/

〔Inquiries〕０７６６－２０－１１７０

©Fujiko-Pro

“Travel through Time Performances at Takaoka”, an online performance video showing traditional cultural arts, music, and dance by local artists is now distributed on the Takaoka Cultural Creativity City Official Channel on YouTube with historical cultural assets and the city scape of Takaoka as a new place for the stage.

Fusion of history and culture make up an elegant stage and all the works are impressive!

This time, we introduce the three works.

1.  Dancing in the Moonlight of Shōkōji Temple

【 Film Shooting Place 】Shōkōji Temple

【 Content 】Western Dance, Koto Music

【Performer】Kasai Dancing Company (Western Dance), Ikutaryuseigensha Katakagokai (Koto Music)

Shōkōji Temple is familiar as “furukohan” in the Fushiki district of Takaoka City.  In March, 2021 after finishing the “major Heisei repairs” which lasted for 23 years, a magnificent appearance just as in the Edo Period was revived.

In this video, having the historical Shōkōji Temple as the stage, gorgeous ballet by the Kasai Dancing Company and beautiful tone of Koto by Ikutaryuseigensha Katakagokai color the Shōkōji Temple at night.

The Shōkōji Temple was supported and continuously guarded by so many people over the ages from the Edo Period to the present.  Then, the dancing and the music polishing expression by carefully passing on as well as adding new charm.  One is charmed by a stage only existing in Takaoka where the history and culture are fused.

▼Video “Dancing in Moonlight of Shōkōji Temple / Online Performance “Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka”

2. Traditional Dancing Cheering the Town of Metal Castors

【Shooting Place】Kanayamachi (Row of Houses with Lattice, Kanayamachi Pocket Park, Kanaya Green Park), Arisoshohachimangu

【Content】Folk Dance, Folk Song

【Performers】Folk Dance, Folk Song Hananokai, Sato Matsukoryu Matsuhirokai, Yagaefu Preservation Society

Kanayamachi specified as Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings as historical streetscape where appearance remains from the time of founding of the town.  Yamachosuji and Yoshihisa have also been specified the same in the city of Takaoka. There are only four cities including ours in all of Japan having three Important Preservation District for Traditional Buildings.

Kanayamachi, the stage of the video is the birthplace of Takaoka metal casting where Toshinaga Maeda, who founded the town of Takaoka invited seven metal castors for starting an industry and had them live there.  The contrast between the latticed windows called “samanoko” and stone pavement is beautiful and many tourists pay a visit from all over Japan.

In Kanayamachi with such beautiful scenery, Folk Dance, Folk Song Hananokai, Sato Matsukoryu Matsuhirokai, Yagaefu Preservation Society perform the dance and music of famous folk song sang over generations in Toyama Prefecture, “Ecchu Owara” (Yatsuo area, Toyama City), “Toichinsa” (Gokayama area, Nanto City), “Kokirikobushi” (Gokayama area, Nanto City), “Hobashiraokoshi Iwaiuta” (Fushiki area, Takaoka City), dance, music of “Yagaefu” (Kanayamachi, Takaoka City) are performed.

▼Video  “Traditional Dance Cheering Metal Castors Town / Online Performance “Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka”

3. Connecting Age and Culture

【Shooting Place】Zuiryuji Temple, Amaharashi Coast (Roadside Station Amaharashi)

【Content】Japanese Dancing

【Performers】Kiku Hanakawa (Hanakawaryu), National Institute of Technology, Toyama College Imizu Campus Japanese Dance Club

The first stage for the video is the National Park, Amaharashi Coast.  Many people visit it as land of superb view looking at the 3,000m level Tateyama Mountain range over the sea.  In the Nara era, Yakamochi Ootomo who was moved by this grand scenery wrote many waka poetries and later it was specified as the country’s scenic spot as a scene appearing in “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Basho Matsuo.  At the beautiful Amaharashi Coast which has charmed people’s hearts from the days of the old, and the students of the National Institute of Technology, Toyama College Imizu Campus Japanse Dance Club will dance the three tunes of “Kikuzukushi”, “Hanetsuki” “Madame Butterfly of Nagasaki”.  It is a beautiful stage of Japanese Dance colored brightly by kimono and props.

The second stage for the video is a national treasure Soto School shrine of Zuiryuji.  It is the Soto School shrine known as the family temple of Toshinaga Maeda, the founder of Takaoka.  It has been built by Toshitsune, the third prince over approximately 20 years of time.  Beginning with the Buddhist temple, the lecture hall, and the main gate are specified as national treasures being masterpieces of modern Buddhist temple architecture.

With the historical Zuiryuji Temle as the stage, Hanakawaryu Kiku Hanakawa dances the Japanese dance of “Shima no Senzai”.  Please view the refined, soft, and beautiful movements in the majestic atmosphere.

In this video, Kaoru Mizushima of School of Art and Design/Graduate School of Art and Design, University of Toyama was responsible for the planning, production, and editing.  Please pay attention to the young sensitivity, pro-like camera work, and the editing skills.

▼Video “Connecting Age and Culture / Online Performance “Travel Through Time Performances at Takaoka”

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In all the vides, one can discover a new attraction by having the thing to see in historical assets and culture of Takaoka City mix together.

You can view the approximately 30 minutes original version and a four minutes digest version on the Official Channel of Takaoka a Culture Creating City on YouTube.

Please enjoy the works which are quite different from performances and music you usually enjoy in halls whenever and wherever you please.

Brochures are here

The past or the future…which would you go to if you could time travel? There are many scenes in the work of Takaoka City-born manga artist Fujiko・F・Fujio that feature time travel.

The “Time Travel: Past and Future” exhibition explores the theme of time travel through original art and is currently being held at the Fujiko・F・Fujio Hometown Art Gallery. It features carefully selected original art that explores the fun and mysterious moments of his masterpiece “Doraemon,” as well as titles such as “Perman,” “Chimpui,” “T.P. Bon” and “Pokonyan!”

When it comes to time travel, you never know what might happen. What kind of unexpected events, people, animals or things will you encounter? Why not make a journey of your own to enjoy an exciting and mind-bending ride alongside Doraemon and his friends?

Alongside the exhibition, there will be screenings of a new short film “Doraemon & F Character All-Stars: Getsumen Race de Dai-Pinch” （THE CRISIS RACE on the moon face）, and new badges and postcards available for purchase. Why not stop by and take this opportunity to appreciate these iconic characters?

To coincide with the exhibition, a new large Hometown Art Gallery wall hanging will be displayed in the north-south pedestrian passage of Takaoka Station. It is a must-see for anyone visiting the station for sightseeing or on their way to work or school! Not only that, the postmark on letters and postcards sent from the Doraemon post box in the Takaoka Station traffic square also has a new design. Please feel free to stop by!

The new postmark features Doraemon wearing the kind of beret Fujiko・F・Fujio himself might wear. ©Fujiko-Pro

■  Fujiko・F・Fujio Original Pictures Exhibition “Time Travel: Past and Future”

Wednesday December 1, 2021 to Sunday November 27, 2022

First phase: Wednesday December 1, 2021 to Sunday May 29, 2022

Second phase: Wednesday June 1, 2022 to Sunday November 27, 2022

* Please note that the exhibition schedule is subject to change. Thank you for your understanding.

●Fujiko・F・Fujio Hometown Art Gallery

Address: 2F Takaoka City Art Museum, Takaoka City, Nakagawa, 1-1-30

Opening hours: 9.30-17.00 (Admission until 16.30)

Closed Mondays

* Please note: if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open and closed on the following day. The museum is closed over the New Year season (December 29 – January 3).

Admission: Adults/university students: 500 yen (400 yen), high school students/junior high school students: 300 yen (240 yen), elementary school students and children over 4: 200 yen (160 yen), children under 4: free

* Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more people.

* Visitors with a disability certificate and an accompanying person can enter for free.

* Visitors 65 years or older can purchase a ticket for 400 yen.

Website: https://fujiko-artgallery.jp/

Inquires: 0766-20-1170

★ Click here for the flyer

Would you like to visit Unryūzan Shōkōji Temple?

Shōkōji Temple, located in the Fushiki district of Takaoka City, is one of Takaoka’s precious historical sites, with a total of 12 buildings, including the main temple building and Karamon, designated as national important cultural properties.

The rise of this vast Shin Buddhist temple dates back to the latter half of the 15th century, during the Sengoku (Warring States) Period. Shōkōji Temple, which boasted great power as a base for Etchū Ikkō Ikki (the Jōdo Shinshū Buddhist uprising), then moved to its present location where the Etchū Province government office of the Nara Period was said to have been in 1584 (Tensho Year 14). During the Edo Period, it maintained a close relationship with the Kaga Maeda Clan and constructed a magnificent temple, while being loved by the region’s local religious followers.

Karamon. Relocated from Kyoto, after going through repairs, the roof was changed to the Hiwadabuki style of a cypress bark roof with hinoki bark thatching.

Major repairs began in 1998 (Heisei Year 10). While repairing each building according to its level of damage, repairs have been carried out for the past 23 years with the aim of restoring the buildings’ appearance to the latter half of the Edo Period. All construction work was completed in September 2020 (Reiwa Year 2). The remaining moat and landscape maintenance were all completed in March.

General tours are already available, but let us introduce the sights of the temple.

At Shōkōji Temple, there are “Seven Mysteries” that the monks have spoken of for some time. The above is one of them.

The monkeys that support the four corners of the main temple building, the “Amanojaku,” are also one of the “Seven Mysteries.” They are said to have the purpose of warding off evil, but it is rare to place Amanojaku (also known as antagonistic demons in Japanese folklore) as a support for the temple’s eaves. We invite you to come check out the real thing at the site.

The long corridor connecting the main temple building and the head temple is also characteristic. It is divided into exclusive use for laymen and for monks.

Shōkōji Temple is also famous for possessing many treasures. The prime example of this is Rakuchū Rakugai-zu, a collection of paintings and drawings that capture the great scenery of the city of Kyoto. You can view a replica in the study. We also want you to discover the gorgeous “Kugi Kakushi” (“Hidden Nail”) that can be seen in various parts of the study’s traditional Japanese architecture, particularly within the beams and columns.

The kitchen area where all of the demolition repairs took place. It is composed of a wide dirt floor and wooden boards, and is furnished with a large kamado (traditional Japanese stove), a deep water well, and a sunken hearth. It is very rare to have a well above floor level.

“Kodō” has a castle-like style and appearance. It was once the place where a drum was struck to let the monks in the temple know what time it was.

Shōkōji Temple, with its many buildings from the Edo Period that remain as they were, where you can enjoy the scenery of the Edo Period as if you are really there. A new audio guide has been introduced to coincide with the completion of major repairs. We invite you to use the guide in order to further understand the profound charm and attraction of the temple.

In addition, Fushiki also has other spots where you can revisit various time periods, such as the Kitamae Ship Museum and the Manyō History Museum.

The katakuri (dogtooth violet) flowers at the Manyō History Museum are also approaching full bloom.

>> Manyō History Museum link

How would you like to take a walk in the Fushiki district, while visiting Shōkōji Temple for a spring outing?

◎Unryūzan Shōkōji Temple

Visiting Hours：9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM (admission is open until 3:30 PM)

Construction Cooperation Fee：

Adults；500 yen,Children (junior high school students and younger); Free

    https://www.shoukouji.jp/

◎Takaoka Hatsu Kawaraban (tile block print): Fushiki Kitamae Ship Edition

　https://www.toyama-ebooks.jp/book/id/2542

The Fujiko・F・Fujio Hometown Art Gallery in Takaoka City, a gallery where you can experience the origin of manga by Mr. Fujiko・F・Fujio, who is a manga artist from Takaoka City, celebrated its 5th anniversary on December 1st.

To commemorate this event, some of the permanent exhibits have been renewed.

Two full pages of handmade manga magazine “Shou-Tai-You” that Mr. Fujiko・F・Fujio collaborated with Mr. Abiko Motoo when he was in high school

●The exhibits are reproductions, but all of their pages are available on tablet devices.

The exhibits will alternate between “Shou-Tai-You”: the “New Year Extra Issue” (111 pages) and the “Children’s Day Celebration Issue” (74 pages).

●Two new short movies to be screened

Movies
“Doraemon & Parman: Be in Imminent Danger!?”
“Kiteretsu Daihyakka & Doraemon: Korosuke’s First Shopping Spree”

“Shou-Tai-You” New Year Extra Issue

The store in our gallery also sells pins of the 5th anniversary.

There is also a new access signboard that you can enjoy walking along the road from the nearest station, Shikino-Chugakko-Mae by Manyo Line, to the gallery.

Furthermore, the commemorative postmark of the “Doraemon Post” in front of Takaoka Station has also been changed to the 5th anniversary design.

This design will be available from December 1st, 2020 (Tuesday) to November 30th, 2021 (Tuesday), so please take advantage of this opportunity.

〜A Growing Project That People (Young and Old, and from in and outside the City) Are Becoming a Part Of: An In-Depth Report on a Metal Caster’s World’s No. 1 Taiyaki Project〜

Takaoka copperware has over 400 years of history. Because copperware making is made up of separate, specialized steps, in Takaoka there are craftspeople possessing diverse skills. In this city, companies and studios frequently collaborate with other companies and studios to conduct innovative joint projects. Also, novel, one-of-a-kind projects are often launched. These activities are one reason why the people of Takaoka are very proud of their city.

Located in Takaoka, Hoxsin Industries is a unique studio. Today we will introduce to you its fun and delicious project that is gathering momentum.

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Nameplates, name signs, monuments, and custom branding irons—Hoxsin Industries produces the castings its customers request. Hoxsin Industries’s FUKITO, a beautifully-designed cast dish made with recycled aluminum, won a Good Design Award in 2016. Known for having an open mindset, the company creates products that meet the needs of the present age.

Michihiro Jyozuka is the CEO of Hoxsin Industries and a Certified Skilled Worker in casting. There is one more thing Jyozuka is, though. He is a taiyaki (fish-shaped stuffed waffle) maker. About twenty years ago, Jyozuka created an obanyaki (stuffed waffle) pan in the shape of the Takaoka Daibutsu (large statue of Buddha). He did so because he wanted to use his skills as a veteran casting craftsman and energize Takaoka. Since then, he has made and sold Buddha statue-shaped obanyaki at various city events. This is not Jyozuka’s only accomplishment. He has created easy-to-follow recipes, has sold ingredients that people can use to practice making sweets, and has referred people to suppliers. Helped by these efforts, he has sold over 180 custom taiyaki and obanyaki pans. These pans were sold to people located all over Japan.

A TV station telling Jyozuka that it wanted to make a 2-meter-long taiyaki was what prompted him to launch this project. At the time Jyozuka answered that it was too difficult to make a 2-meter one, and the project was never started. However, afterwards Jyozuka pondered the idea. In 2015, he created a 1-meter-long taiyaki pan. A special cooking table for the pan was built in 2016. He presented his creations to interested citizens and exhibited them at trade fairs. Also, several times, he used the pan and tried to make a 1-meter-long taiyaki.

Jyozuka commissioned a company in Osaka to construct the cooking table. He said that the workers at the company had much fun making it.

After Two Years of Hiatus, He Began Again in 2018

In 2016, Jyozuka was trying to make a taiyaki using the pan. He could successfully make a 1-meter-long taiyaki waffle that was stuffed with 250 to 300 normal-sized taiyaki. But when Jyozuka put batter and sweet bean paste into the 1-meter-long pan (like he would if he were making taiyaki normally), the huge taiyaki would not cook properly. Jyozuka was stumped. Consequently, the project went on hiatus for some time.

Then, after two years, at the end of 2018, urged by friends and acquaintances who knew about his plan, Jyozuka decided to try again. In January 2019, he held the first project-related event.

This event was a get-together for people who were interested in the project. For the first time in a while, Jyozuka heated the taiyaki pan. Attendees mingled and talked. Each of them suggested ideas that he or she thought might be helpful.

The following photos were taken when I went to the get-together to cover it.

Heating the pan again after two years.

A test was conducted by making a waffle in a slightly smaller, 70-centimeters-long pan.

Yakisoba (stir-fry noodles) was made in the pan for the attendees!

Everyone ate yakisoba and taiyaki waffles. As they ate, they gave ideas.

The model Jyozuka used to make the taiyaki pan was sitting in the workshop.

Coincidentally, a TV episode about taiyaki was being aired that day. Through it, people learned that the biggest taiyaki in Japan was 60 centimeters long. This meant that if Jyozuka can successfully make a taiyaki using the 70-centimeters-long or 1-meter-long taiyaki pan, he would become the record holder. He could even maybe go into Guinness World Records.

High Schoolers and University Students Begin Conducting Research, and an Enormous Taiyaki Is Made

Afterwards, every month the project members tried to make a huge taiyaki. Failures were turned into opportunities for improvement. Every time they did not succeed, people from the city and outside it came to assist them. Together with the members they tried to figure out what went wrong, making suggestions.

In 2019, the project members asked Manabu Iwai, a professor of engineering at Toyama Prefectural University, and Takenori Fujikawa, a science teacher specializing in physics at Takaoka Koryo High School, to help them. Giant taiyaki making then became a research project for the schools’ students.

In April, the university professor, university students, and project members attempted to make a taiyaki. Using a thermal imaging device to precisely control the temperature, the group carefully studied the cooking process. (The photo is from the official Facebook page.)

They tried again in May. By using carbonated water and aluminum foil and adjusting the proportions of the dry ingredients, they succeeded in making a perfectly-cooked 1-meter-long taiyaki. (The photo is from the official Facebook page.)

After a huge taiyaki was made in May, the students conducted more research. In October, at the school festivals of Toyama Prefectural University and Takaoka Koryo High School, the students presented their research project.

A scene from Takaoka Koryo High School’s school festival. A poster presentation on the students’ research project was displayed, and an enormous taiyaki was cut into pieces and given out. (The photo is from the official Facebook page.)

The poster presentation being displayed at Toyama Prefectural University’s school festival. People made long lines to have a piece of the perfectly-made mammoth taiyaki.

How to Make a Mille-Feuille Taiyaki

In just a year the World’s No. 1 Taiyaki Project had evolved tremendously. Because I wanted to talk with the project members, in March 2020 I visited a taiyaki-making session. This was the first time in about a year that I met them.

The day I visited the project members, they were filming a how-to video on how to make a giant taiyaki, so that people everywhere could make one for events. Jyozuka and the two teachers—Iwai and Fujikawa—were going to be the cooks.

The temperature of the pan is being measured so that the appropriate temperature after the heat is turned on can be determined.

On this day the three made a mille-feuille taiyaki. The students created the recipe. Waffles, sweet bean paste, and sweet potatoes are layered. At the school festivals tasters loved the mille-feuille taiyaki.

Batter is poured into the pan. It is spread well so that the entire pan is covered.

After both halves are spread with batter, sweet bean paste is slathered. Next, steamed sweet potatoes are put in.

The waffle cooked in the other halve is placed over the sweet bean paste and sweet potatoes. Afterwards, more sweet bean paste and sweet potatoes are put on top of the waffle.
This procedure was repeated. The trio made a mille-feuille taiyaki with three layers. Students have made ones with six and seven layers during their research.

The three of them putting the pan together. This step is the climax of the giant taiyaki-making.

A perfect taiyaki!

Layers can be seen on the cross-section of a piece. If the taiyaki is cut into big pieces, it feeds 20 to 30 people. If cut into small pieces, 40 to 50 can be fed.

“I Want to Make Takaoka ‘The City of Taiyaki’”

“This project isn’t just for enjoying taiyaki. Through it, I want people to use their skills, and I want them to make things happen by doing something they like to do,” Jyozuka said when I asked him what the aim of his project was.

“Everyone has his or her idea for the project. What if we ask people to imagine a taiyaki they would like to eat? We could create a pan for it, cook it, and eat it. We could prepare the taiyaki and give it as a gift. If this movement spreads, it would be fun and interesting. People might start to say, ‘Every family in Takaoka serves taiyaki to guests!’”

Currently, a pan in the shape of a shishimai (lion-dance) lion is being finished. An Inami woodcarving artisan made the model of the lion.

The people of Toyama Prefecture cherish shishimai. A stuffed waffle cooked in a shishimai lion pan might become a big hit. (Above the pan is the model.)

Jyozuka says that the 1-meter-long taiyaki is not finished yet. He says that plenty of improvements can still be made.

“This is going to be a three-year project. I’m going to keep meeting people from various industries, and I’ll ask them to advise me. I have two more years. How much can I grow this movement? When we make a taiyaki, it turns out differently every time, depending on the ability of the cook. It’s not at all a finished project.”

Jyozuka wants to increase the number of people who can make taiyaki, whether it is a 1-meter-long taiyaki or normal-sized taiyaki. He wants Takaoka to become the City of Taiyaki. This is Jyozuka’s true ambition, his ultimate goal that lies beyond the 1-meter-long taiyaki.

Jyozuka will continue to collaborate with Toyama Prefectural University and Takaoka Koryo High School. The project members and people from the two schools will meet periodically and hold sessions. A good chance exists that serendipitous meetings with individuals during the next two years will bring about more developments.

If you’ve become interested, check out the project’s official Facebook page and the YouTube video.

　◎Official Facebook page: Let’s Make the World’s No. 1 Taiyaki!　　https://bit.ly/2URDSdL

◎How to Make the World’s No. 1 Taiyaki (the video the project members were filming the day the reporter visited them)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08hn5UjK-Xo

The dates for our event have been confirmed！

Each Autumn, we hold our craft fair in Takaoka city center. Last year, visitors to our city to enjoyed the event’s 100 venues, 23 factories, and approximately 3000 pieces of art.

All are welcome, whether or not they are familiar with craftwork. Come to our city, and enjoy speaking with our city’s artisans, dining on elegant dishware made in Takaoka, and making your own craftwork. Enjoy the beautiful streets of Kanayamachi, as men and women dressed in traditional Japanese wear bring the town to life.

Many new and unexpected experiences await you. You may find inspiration in the wonderful works of our local artists and writers, learn of the joy of handcrafting art, or discover the unique charm of everyday life in Takaoka.

This year, we will be holding 3 events between Thursday, September 9th to Monday, September 23rd (national holiday). We shall give a brief outline of each event.

●Takaoka, City of Crafts: Craft Exhibition 2019 (9/21-25)
A comprehensive exhibition showcasing the works of the country’s greatest craftsman in Takaoka since 1986. You can also buy works which take your fancy. From metalwork and lacquer to glass and furniture, a wide range of items across materials and uses will be available.

We are currently accepting submissions for our event, Craft City Takaoka: 2019 Craft Exhibition. The theme for submissions is Embracement 2. The deadline for submissions is July 21st.

http://www.ccis-toyama.or.jp/takaoka/craft/entry/

＊Dates : Sep.19,2019〜Sep.23,2019（tentative schedule）

＊Venue : OTAYA SERIO（tentative schedule）

＊URL：ccis-toyama.or.jp/takaoka/craft

＊Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/takaoka.craft/

●Takaoka Craft Market Town (9/21-24)
Whether you want to see, buy, or experience crafts – or even eat some delicious food with crafted cutlery, this event will allow you to enjoy Takaoka’s crafts from all angles. From workshops you won’t get anywhere else, to talking with the artisans, there’s plenty of unique opportunities here!

＊Dates : Sep.21,2019〜Sep.23,2019

＊Venue : Based around Yamachousuji, also in Takaoka station, Otaya-doori, etc.

＊URL：ichibamachi.jp

＊Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/ichibamachi/

●Mirare Kanayamachi (9/22-23)
The timber facades and cobbled streets of Kanayamachi, the metalworking district, will be host to a variety of events – from guided tours to talks over tea, to craft exhibitions, and a student fashion show. The vibrant streets will be alive!

＊Dates : Sep.21,2019〜Sep.22,2019

＊Venue ：Around the streets of Kanayamachi

＊URL：www.mirare-kanayamachi.com/

＊Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/mirare.kanayamachi