“Ubushina” is derived from the ancient Japanese word for birthplace
“ubusuna” and is the name of a project managed by t.c.k.w inc, a compay
run by design director, Yudai Tachikawa.
　
Ubushina introduces the techniques used by outstanding artisans to
commercial projects undertaken by contemporary architects and designers and,
through structuring the overall project and  product planning stages,
manages to carefully implement the techniques all the way through to the
consumer. They visit artisans’ studios and workshops nationwide and
intricately plan how their extraordinary techniques can be implemented and
applied to commercial products. They engage architects and designers to find
out their needs and requests, contemplating a product’s overall strategy
and attending to every eventuality so that the techniques and design work
together.
　
What is remarkable is their attitude in which they try to bring out a new
value in traditional artworks and artisans’ handicrafts such as lacquer
ware, metalwork, gold leaf and bamboo craft. Fusing unique traditional craft
methods and a modern day design aesthetic, they create exciting new products
with fresh contemporary values.

The Asaina-kiridoshi is an ancient passageway located between Junisho in Kamakura, and Kanazawa-gun in Yokohama, both in Kanagawa Prefecture. The passageway is designated a National Monument.

In Kamakura, there are many passageways for defensive purposes called kiridoshi. The Asaina-kiridoshi connects Kamakura with Kanazawa and Rokuura, and is said to be one of the seven greater kiridoshi in Kamakura.

The name Asaina-kiridoshi comes from Yoshihide Saburo Asaina who, during the 2nd year of the Ninji era (1241) and under the command of Masatoki Hojo, was said to have built the road in a single night.

The road was constructed during a time of dispute between the Hojo and Miura clans. The Hojo clan was in need of a road connecting with the Rokuura port, and leading to Boso without passing through the Miura Peninsula.

The Asaina-kiridoshi still retains its distinct historical atmosphere, and reminds those who walk on it of the culture and life of the Kamakura period.

In the northeastern part of the Kibi Plateau, at the top end of Koigakubo Pond and at 550m above sea level, is a hidden spot where Japanese nature remains intact: this is Koigakubo Marsh.

Koigakubo Marsh is designated as a National Natural Treasure. The precious hygrophytes (plants that grow in moist habitats) that naturally grow here show that Japan was once linked to the landmass of continental Asia. Among the 380 types of hygrophytes growing here are Ogura-Sennou, Mikoshi-Giku, Bitchu-Fuuro, Ryu-Kinka.

The marsh is 3.6ha in area and a walking trail around it is 2.4km long. Some 20,000 people visit every year and are fascinated by the mysteriousness of the plant community here. Recently, there has been concern that these precious plants are endangered. The city of Niimi is now cooperating with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to research, protect and manage the marsh and its flora.

Taiheian is a Japanese soba noodle restaurant in Taku City, Saga Pref., which has been engaged in soba making in this city for over 30 years. The raw noodles at Taiheian are made out of buckwheat flour of dark type and fine natural water as the binder. Tsuyu (dipping sauce) are made of broth that is made from mackerels in Kyushu and dried bonito and hon-kaeshi, which is a kind of concentrated sauce. As it had been in the business of sake brewing since 1868, the techniques of sake making are applied to the present tsuyu making process. In the premise of the restaurant, Taiheian Sake Brewery Museum is located. It was designated as a national Important Tangible Folk Cultural Property. The precious old sake brewing facilities and tools of Kinoshita Sake Brewery are preserved and displayed. When you walk inside, the antique atmosphere will make you feel as if went back to the Meiji period and you will hear the tojis (brewers) singing sake-making songs.