HD Documentary: Journeys in Japan - Kazuno, Akita Prefecture

On this edition of Journeys in Japan, we explore the Kazuno district of Akita Prefecture, in the far north of Japan, about 600 km. from Tokyo. This area has a beautiful natural environment with forests, rivers and waterfalls, and includes part of a national park.

It also has a surprisingly rich history and culture. The reason for this the area had rich mineral resources, including deposits of gold and copper. At its peak, about 100 years ago, there were about 70 mines in the area. The mining companies supplied their employees with housing complete with electricity and running water, as well as hospitals, kindergartens and even a theater.

All of the mines are closed down now. But many of the buildings and industrial sites have been preserved as a reminder of the area's mining heritage. The wealth of the mines is also reflected in the ornate floats that feature in the local festivals.

The legacy of mining has not vanished entirely from the Kazuno district. One company is drawing on its technological knowhow to develop a state-of-the-art recycling industry. It is now recovering gold and other valuable metals from circuit boards and other electronics components.

The site of the Osarizawa Mine is now a tourist facility showing how mining was done in the old days, as well as more modern industrial methods. Visitors can follow a 2 km. sightseeing course through the old mine, and can also try their hand at panning for alluvial gold.

The Korakukan Theater was built by a mining company over 100 years ago to provide entertainment for its workers. It is the oldest wooden theater still in regular use in Japan, and has been designated a cultural asset of national importance. Its wooden architecture is a blend of Japanese and Western styles. The stage was built for kabuki performances, and features a full-scale revolving stage and manually operated elevator.

There are scheduled performances held at the Korakukan almost every day from April through November, featuring troups of taishu engeki, a style of theater that developed from the same origins as kabuki, but was embraced more by the common people.

Of the various festivals held in the Kazuno district, the most vibrant is the Hanawa Bayashi Festival, which includes a parade of ten gorgeously decorated floats (held each year August 19-20th).

The Kosaka Smelting and Refining Company recovers valuable metals, including gold and silver, from the circuit boards of personal computers and cell phones. Known as "urban mining," this technology is attracting great attention from around the world.

Traveler: Julian Carl Crocker (English language instructor)

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Kazuno

[JapanDocumentary]

@terin317 I try to upload it all

[JapanDocumentary]

@terin317 I try to upload it all ;)

[terin317]

Hey thanks for uploading these videos! there are so many episodes, but nowhere online to watch them all! I'd love to see some of the older ones that I can't find on youtube or torrents.