Ibaraki
Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan and Mito Kairakuen, one of the three beautiful Japanese gardens
Ibaraki prefecture is located at northeast of Tokyo along the Pacific Ocean. Ibaraki is known for Kasumigaura, the second largest lake in Japan and Mito Kairakuen, one of the three beautiful parks in Japan. Agriculture is popular in Ibaraki as it has a lot of sunny days throughout a year.
Hobiki boats are famous sight of Ibaraki prefecture. Hobiki boats were no longer used for commercial fishing at Kasumigaura lake, the second largest lake following Biwa lake, around mid 1960s. But it was renewed for tourism and you can get on board during spring and fall.
Kairakuen in Mito city is named as one of the three most beautiful parks in Japan and is known for as many as 3,000 plum trees in 100 different types that bloom in early spring.
Natto - Mito city is known for big production of natto, fermented soybeans.
Namegata don - rice bowl with local vegetables grown in Namegata city and seafoods caught in that area
Shishi-nabe - hot pot with wild boar meat
Yuki-tsumugi is a silk-eating technique that has the longest history in Japan. It traces back to 8th century when a quality cloth was given to the government as a gift. It was used to be characterized as a strong fabric, but nowadays due to the development of woven techniques, it’s known as light and soft texture.
Kasama ware is a pottery made in Kasama area since mid 18th century. Kawama ware is durable thanks to clay that includes iron so Kasama ware has become popular for daily use.
Metal Butterfly
Nissei Inc.
2020 2nd session Award
The Metal Butterfly aluminum bow tie, born from high-precision sheet metal processing technology, has three main features. Firstly, the tie uses butterflies that actually exist as a motif. While bow ties are called “butterfly tie” in Japanese, a product that actually has the shape of a real butterfly has never been seen before. With this in mind, Nissei Inc. has employed its unique technology based on high-precision metal sheet fabrication to produce a three-dimensional shape of a butterfly from a single aluminum plate, which is then coated with seven layers to reproduce the vivid, deep color of the real butterfly wings. The second feature is that it is reversible. Owing to the innovative neckband that can be easily attached/detached with buttons, users can select the desired side according to the mood and outfit of the day. The bow tie reproduces the exquisite color of a real butterfly on one side, while the other side carries a design using the brand logo. The logo, employed with Japan’s traditional “Shippo” pattern that features overlapping circles representing harmony and ties between people, expresses the company’s commitment to create unbreakable bonds and ties.