Updated:April 25, 2016

Mayor’s comment on the certification of Japan Heritage

April 25, 2016

The Culture Agency of Japan certified “Chinjufu (Old Naval station)” for “Modernization in Japan and heritage of Japanese Old Navy” and “Mikawachiyaki porcelain” for “Hizen, the home of Japanese porcelains” as “Japan Heritage” .

　“Japan Heritage” is aimed to convey the appeal of our country at home and overseas world. I am very glad and proud of their certification.

　In Sasebo, since the establishment of the Old Navy Sasebo Naval Station in 1889 (Meiji 22), large-scale civil engineering and construction works were executed, with the introduction of the leading edge domestic and foreign technologies of the time towards modernization of Japan.

　From the Meiji period to the Taisho period, industrial infrastructure such as shipyard and urban infrastructure such as railroads, roads, urban areas, water facilities were also developed and many of them have been still in operation in town for 100 years.

　On the other hand, “Mikawachi-yaki porcelain” with its tradition of over 400 years as official kiln of Hirado clan, is the only nationally designated traditional craft in Sasebo City. Many “Mikawachi-yaki” products of the kiln were exported from the end of Edo era to the middle of 20th century and they gained high reputation for their beauty; delicate and refined openwork and “blue and white”. Still today the tableware with an image of “Karako-e(image of Chinese boys)”, a typical design of Mikawachi-yaki is loved by many people.

　In fact, there are no examples of certification of 2 cases at the same time in one municipality as Japan Heritage, which served as opportunity to have Sasebo’s variety of attractions recognized widely.

　By this certification, the new attractions are to be added to those of Sasebo the sightseeing city representing Saikai National Park Kujukushima and Huis Ten Bosch. As the number of foreign tourists is expected to continue increasing until 2020, the year of Tokyo Olympics, we would like to work actively to communicate appeal to many tourists and attract them using our “Japan Heritage” certificated this time by improvement of hospitality in collaboration with citizens.

　My fellow Citizens, I hope that you will know the history and culture of our city and will understand and cooperate in these activities.

Norio Tomonaga
Mayor of Sasebo