Kozo Ueda is a Tokyo silverware craftsman who was born in 1939 in Daito-ku, Tokyo. He was awarded a medal of honor by the government. In 1954, he began making silverware under the instruction of his father, Shinjiro.
   His wonderful silver dishes show a unique Japanese delicacy, combined with a Western durability and utility. The sincerity and beauty of his works ensures that they are often passed down from generation to generation.
   He says: 'My mission is to continue to suggest to Japanese people that there is a genuine and mature silverware culture. Silverware should become family treasure if it is used for 50 or 100 years, and I'd llike to see its value strengthened with age and use.’
   In 1984, he became a director of the Tokyo Gold and Silverware Industry Association and then administrative director.
   In 1990, he was designated a Traditional Craftsman by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

The main deity at Izumo Shrine in Shimane Prefecture, is known as the god of luck, peace, relationships, agriculture andmedicine. Within the grounds of the shrine, are structures built in the ‘shinkoden’ style, which means ‘luck from god’. They are two-storied and include the treasure hall, which exhibits treasures that prove the development of the Izumo Shrine. The main building, which is designated as a national treasure, is now 24m high, yet it is said that it was once twice the height, at 48m. Excavation in progress has proved this, with the discovery of a  gigantic column on the site. On March 19,  2007, the Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo opened just beside the shrine and exhibits the original column of the main sanctuary. About 600,000 people visit the shrine during the first three days of the New Year