Born in Kashima City, Saga Prefecture, in June 1954, Shigeto Suzuta is a dyeing artisan and an official member of the Japan Handicraft Association.

Shigeto learned the art of dyeing from his father, Teruji, who had dedicated himself to the revival of 'nabeshima-calico', which had lost popularity after the Taisho period.

The dyeing style of 'nabeshima-calico' is unique in that it is the only Japanese calico to use wood or paper molds. The fabric produced from this method is very elegant.

Shigeto, preserving the technique revived by his father, evolved a new dyeing style that has received high commendations, such as the NHK President Prize at the 45th Traditional Japanese Handicraft Exhibition.


While dyeing fabric at his studio, Shigeto also makes the 'nogomi doll', created by his father to 'enrich our harsh society'. This doll is a simple clay bell featuring one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. It is very popular as a mascot because it is small and beautifully colored. Some of the animals have been featured on New Year stamps: in 1963 and 2001.

All around is a sea of green, with a path crossing through the middle. This is Kashibaru Marsh, located among  the Sefuri Mountains in Saga Prefecture, and famous for its grand view known as 'Oze in Kyushu' (Oze is a famous beauty spot).
   The total area of this marsh is as much as 8 hectares, making it the biggest marsh in Kyushu. The marsh is formed in a basin among mainly granite hills, and its soil is a layer of clay.
   About 60 kinds of rare marsh plants are native to this marsh, including bogbean, pogonia and fringed orchid. They come out in all seasons so whenever you visit, you can enjoy beautiful flowers. You can also see the Haccho-dragonfly, the smallest dragonfly in Japan.
   In 1976, the marsh was designated as Saga Natural Environment Protected Area and has been carefully protected as Kyushu's main reserve for marsh plants and insects.