Greetings from the Tokai region and Japan’s Heartland. In this month’s issue we will highlight events occurring in February in the Tokai region - Aichi, Gifu, Mie, Shizuoka Prefectures and Nagoya City. We hope that you will enjoy learning about fascinating historical and cultural aspects that are still part of everyday life in the “Heart of Japan”.

As we enter into the month of February, plum blossoms start to bloom and can be seen here and there throughout the region. An enjoyable weekend outing can be had by heading out on a sunny afternoon to parks, orchards or by taking a drive out of town. A wide variety of plum trees be found - delicate white, light pink, fuchsia pink and even red plum blossoms.

Days here have started to become lighter and the sun stays out a little longer, but the mornings and evenings still are quite cold. Average February daytime highs hit around 9 C (48 F) and lows drop to 0 C (32 F), so one cannot say the weather is exactly balmy. The air is quite dry and if there is a strong wind, it feels even colder. To warm up, many people enjoy dishes that heat up the insides. Popular dishes are Misonikomi, a specialty of Nagoya, consisting of long, thick white noodles, Udon, cooked in red miso, Hatcho, soup; Nabe, consisting of vegetables, seafood or chicken is cooked in an earthen pot; Yudofu, tofu boiled in a light broth and then dipped into a sauce of soy sauce or citrus flavor are just a few examples of main dishes generally eaten in winter. If you happen to be in the area, why not try one of them?

A fun event that happens at the beginning of the month is Setsubun - a festival in which young children throw dried soybeans at an oni (often their dad with a “demon” mask on) to chase out bad spirits and bring in good luck. As the oni approaches an entryway to a house or apartment, children throw beans and say “Out with the demon, in with good fortune!” This is called yakubarai, in which people drive away “evil” from their homes and families before the harshest days of winter set in.
“Demon masks” and beans can be found in supermarkets and convenience stores in neighborhoods across the country. As this event is celebrated nationwide every town, big or small, has at least one event marking this old tradition. So, when you see little children throwing beans at adults in masks, keep in mind this is a fun game - no need to chase after the adult!

Plum Blossoms at Mukai-yama Bairi-en. (Toyohashi city, Aichi Pref.)

From late February through early March plum trees ranging in color from red to white, bloom at Mukai-yama’s plum orchard. The 1.3 ha grounds have 421 trees from 27 varieties. For at least a month visitors can enjoy plum trees in bloom. As entry is free, why not go more than once? You will be able to enjoy different varieties in bloom during the month of February.

Setsubun Festival, Feb. 3 (Sun.), (Gifu Pref.)
Many towns and temples celebrate this festival throughout the country as well as in Gifu. This is an ancient event that aims to drive out “bad influences” and welcome in “luck” just prior to spring. Red and blue demons and “good luck” ladies play parts in mini-skits held to mark the Setsubun Festival. The climax of the event is the throwing of beans at the demons! An event guarantee to thrill all ages!

The Ya-Ya Festival, dating back to ancient times, is packed full of activities during its five day period. In the evenings of the 2nd to the 4th, young men parade through the temple and streets of the city in white loincloths, jostling each other before jumping into the freezing cold sea waters to purify their bodies. On the 5th a large “daimyo” procession winds its way through the streets of the town. Visitors will be sure to enjoy the colorful and lively processions, archery events and dancing in the streets during this unique festival.

Mariko Bairi-en, (Mariko, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Pref. ) 　

Found along National Route 1 is Mariko Plum Orchards and the old stop-over town of Mariko, part of the old Tokai-do road. Over 800 plum trees of 330 varieties bloom at various times from the end of January to the beginning of March. The light, sweet scent of plum trees gently perfumes the air as visitors take in the colorful tiny blossoms. Across the street from the orchard is a popular restaurant, Cho-ji-ya, serving dishes made from finely grated potatoes. Why not enjoy both while you are in the area?

Nagoya Congress Center (Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City)
March 22 - 24 (Fri. - Sun.)

Nagoya City is proud host of the “World Quilt Carnival” - set to take place over a three day period, this large scale event is expected to attract quilt lovers from all corners of the globe. The World Quilt Carnival Nagoya 2002 is intended to promote international communication and focus attention on
Aichi Prefecture as the site for the 2005 Japan International Exposition.

The Carnival will exhibit work from quilting associations in 17 different countries and regions including North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. It also provides a forum for global networking among quilters. A wide range of activities and exhibitions are slated to take place - workshops, an exhibit celebrating 100 years of the teddy bear, Yuki Paris's exhibition on traditional arts & crafts and European life and to top it off, a workshop and work by Laura Wasilowki and Melody Johnson will also be displayed. This and much more awaits you!

For people who desire to participate or simply admire handicrafts, this is an excellent opportunity! For more information please access the site at:
http://www.quilt.ne.jp/eng/index.html

This month’s special feature: “The Cuisine of Gifu”

Gifu Prefecture is located in the middle of Japan and thus has no coastline. However it is blessed with an abundance of nature - including the Kiso, Nagara and Ibi Rivers and rolling mountains. In Gifu you can find beautiful scenery from 0 to 3000 meters above sea level.
There are also many historical sites, hot-spring resorts and ski slopes that attract visitors all year round.
For those who enjoy tantalizing treats that tickle the palate, Gifu has much to offer in the way of culinary delights as well.

Hida Sweets
Made with such ingredients as soybeans, grains and mochi (rice), Hida sweets maintain old traditions. Found only here in Hida, Gifu can you enjoy the nostalgic sweets of old Japan.

For more information, check out Gifu Prefecture’s homepage at: http://www.pref.gifu.jp/HIMIKO/
Or our section on “Gifu” in our homepage: http://www.j-heartland.com/

Back issues are available on our site in the "Tokai Newsletter" section
http://www.j-heartland.com

Compiled by Christine Sakamoto
(Clip art utilized for non-commercial purposes from: Komon-ya.net, Clip Arts of ancient Japan, Queen’s free world, Genei Sozai Koubou & Mashi-ushi-do. Copyright held by respective parties.)
Copyright (C) 2002 Tokai Association for Tourism Promotion (TATOP). All rights reserved.