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This is an NFT art project by Japanese artist Emi Marumeda.

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NFT art project

47 prefectures of Japan series (Published in order)

This 47 prefectures of Japan series is a work in which a girl plays with special products and famous places of Japanese prefectures. There are 47 works in total. It is also the very first work of NFT art.

Daruma in Gunma #1

This is a Daruma in Gunma prefecture. Daruma is a round red traditional Japanese doll. Daruma dolls made in Gunma prefecture are famous and are called "Takasaki Daruma", which accounts for 80% of the production of Japanese Daruma. In Japan, it is customary to draw an eye on the left eye of Daruma after making a wish, and then draw an eye on the right eye when the wish is fulfilled. It is also used as a decoration.

Soka Senbei in Saitama #2

Soka Senbei is a specialty of Saitama prefecture. Soka Senbei is the most famous rice cracker brand in Japan. This is characterized by hard-baked rice and soy sauce, and has a crunchy texture and a simple and nostalgic taste with the aroma of soy sauce. It has been famous in this area since the Edo period(1603-1867), and in addition to the traditional soy sauce flavor, there are also seaweed, sesame, sesame, mustard, strawberry flavor, and chocolate shavings. By the way, if it tastes like soy sauce, it is delicious to eat with green tea.

Tokyo Tower in Tokyo #3

Tokyo Tower is a popular tourist spot as a symbol of Tokyo. The appearance is red and white, and the height is 333m.Tokyo Tower has two observatories, 150m and 250m, and you can see Mt. Fuji on a sunny day.Tokyo Tower was built in 1958 to send television and radio waves, and has finished its role in 2018 with the completion of the Tokyo Sky Tree.However, it is still a popular tourist destination in Tokyo. On a sunny night, it is recommended to see a really beautiful night view.

Yokohama Chinatown in Kanagawa #4

Yokohama Chinatown is Japan's largest Chinatown.This artwork is the Zenrinmon Gate, one of the 10 Pairo gates in Yokohama Chinatown. This is the first gate built in 1955 at the entrance to the center of Chinatown, and often appears on TV and magazines as a symbol of Chinatown.

Strawberry in Tochigi #5

Tochigi prefecture is famous for producing strawberries, and the production volume is the highest in Japan. In particular, Tochiotome in Tochigi is a popular strawberry variety that is large and sweet and represents Japan.Strawberry hunting, where you can eat strawberries grown in a greenhouse on the spot, is also famous, and you can enjoy it from about January to early May. All-you-can-eat for 30 minutes is common. Strawberries have the sweetest tip, so if you take the calyx and eat it from the sour calyx side, you will feel more satisfied.

Natto in Ibaraki #6

This art work is natto in Ibaraki prefecture. Natto is one of Japan's leading foods and is made from soybeans. Natto is sticky, mixed with chopsticks, mixed with soy sauce, chopped green onions, and mustard, and eaten with rice. Foreigners may take some time to get used to the unique scent. My recommended way to eat it is to put natto, soy sauce and raw eggs on top of rice and mix them.

Peanut in Chiba #7

Chiba Prefecture is famous for producing peanuts, and the production volume is the highest in Japan. Dried peanuts are delicious, but boiled fresh peanuts on the market from summer to autumn are also delicious.Throwing beans to demons to dispel disasters Soybeans are usually used on Setsubun days, but in some areas peanut shells are thrown to demons. Cleaning the peanut shells that have been trampled is difficult at Setsubun in the area.

Sake in Niigata #8

Niigata Prefecture is famous for producing sake.Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage. It's Made from fermented rice.Niigata Prefecture boasts the largest number of sake breweries in Japan with more than 90, and there are many brands of sake.Famous sake brands include Koshi no Kanbai, Shime Haritsuru, Kubota, Hakkaisan.The brand of sake I recommend is Kubota Manju, which has a sweet taste.

Shinshu soba in Nagano #9

Nagano Prefecture is a famous soba restaurant in Japan. Since this area used to be called Shinshu, the soba noodles in Nagano prefecture are called "Shinshu soba".The most famous Shinshu soba is Togakushi soba. "Togakushi soba" is considered to be one of the "three major soba noodles in Japan" along with "Wanko soba" in Iwate prefecture and "Izumo soba" in Shimane prefecture. It is a soba noodle that has been handed down in the Togakushi region of Nagano prefecture, and is characterized by a unique way of serving it called Botchi-mori. In one colander, make about 5 bundles of soba that do not drain water and serve them in the shape of a long circle. This bundle is called Botchi.My recommended soba restaurant menu is "Sake" and "Tenzaru Soba". Sake and soba go very well. When you finish eating, ask the shop staff to "give me sobayu" and get soba hot water, then add soba hot water to the leftover soup and drink it.

Koshu wine in Yamanashi #10

"Koshu Wine" in Yamanashi Prefecture is made from "Koshu Grape", a white grape variety unique to Japan. There are about 80 wineries in Koshu Wine, and there are also winery tours and tasting tours. Koshu wine is characterized by its fruity aroma and light, refreshing and elegant taste.In 2014, Koshu Wine received a gold medal at the DWWA (Decanter World Wine Awards), an international wine contest in London, which attracted worldwide attention.By the way, Yamanashi Prefecture is also the number one producer of grapes in Japan, and not only "Koshu" used for wine, but also "Kyoho", "Pione", "Shine Muscat" and "Kaiji" which are delicious to eat are famous. I like "Shine Muscat" which can be eaten with the skin.

Firefly squid in Toyama #11

Toyama Prefecture is famous for its delicious firefly squid. Firefly squid is a small squid of 4 to 7 cm that lives in the deep sea. It has the characteristic that the body shines like a firefly. The appearance of the firefly squid that glows pale in the dark sea is mysterious. This is a work of the firefly squid shining in the deep sea. The season for firefly squid is spring, and the peak season is April and May. Firefly squid from Toyama prefecture is thick and plump. My recommended way to eat it is with vinegar and miso. All you have to do is sprinkle vinegar miso, which is a mixture of vinegar, sugar and miso, on the seasonal boiled firefly squid sold at the supermarket. It's plump and delicious.

Wajima-nuri in Ishikawa #12

Wajima-nuri is a representative Japanese lacquer ware produced in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, on the Noto Peninsula. Lacquer ware is tableware and crafts made by applying lacquer to wood. Wajima-nuri bowls have more than 100 processes to complete, and it may take a year to complete. Wajima-nuri is characterized by its graceful decoration and strength. Also, even if it breaks, it can be repaired.In Ishikawa Prefecture, there is also a place where you can experience Wajima-nuri, and you can make your own lacquer ware with a pattern and take it home.

Echizen crab in Fukui #13

"Echizen Crab" is a male snow crab from Fukui prefecture. Even the same snow crab is called "Matsuba crab" off the coast of Shimane prefecture and "Kano crab" in Ishikawa prefecture, but "Echizen crab" from Fukui prefecture is the only delicious and finest product presented to the imperial family. It's a crab.Fukui Prefecture has abundant plankton as bait due to the collision of warm and cold currents, so crabs grown in the sea off the coast of Fukui Prefecture are exceptionally delicious. The black grains on the shell are leech eggs, and if there are many of them, it is said that they eat a lot of food and are delicious and traded at a high price because it has been a long time since molting."Echizen Crab" is tagged with a yellow tag as a proof.In winter, many travelers visit Fukui prefecture to eat delicious crabs. "Echizen Crab" is in season from December to February.My recommended way to eat is simple. Boil the crabs. Eat crab meat and also crab miso. It is delicious to drink the crab miso by burning the shell with fire to remove the water and adding alcohol.Besides, Japanese crabs are delicious, such as red king crab in Hokkaido and hair crab caught in Hokkaido and Iwate prefecture.

Sarubobo in Gifu #14

Sarubobo is a word from the Hida region of Gifu prefecture that means "baby monkey". It is a baby monkey doll with no face like two heads high wearing a hood and a apron. Made in Hida Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, it has been a standard souvenir for tourist destinations in the Hida region as a talisman for good luck, warding off evil, marriage, easy delivery, harmonious couples, and praying for children.Sarubobo has no face because it reflects the owner's own face as a mirror. When it's fun, it makes a happy face, and when it's sad, it makes a sad face. In recent years, in addition to the basic color red, various color variations have been increasing.

Shachihoko in Aichi #15

The shachihoko of Nagoya Castle is called the golden shachihoko and is famous as a symbol of Nagoya.Shachi is a fictional creature whose head is a dragon or tiger and whose body is a fish."Shachihoko" is one of the decorations used on the roof of the castle as a guardian deity. There are two Shachihoko in Nagoya Castle, male and female. Shachihoko has a legend that when a building catches fire, it spits water out of its mouth to extinguish it. In Japan, where there were many wooden buildings in the olden days, fires were a great enemy, so they began to be displayed in important buildings.When it was completed in 1612, the golden shachihoko of Nagoya Castle was made of real gold and was 215.3 kg in pure gold. At the modern gold rate of about 1 billion yen, the monetary value at that time was about 5 billion yen. Was there. It was burnt down in 1945 and rebuilt in 1959, and now about 88 kg of gold is used.There is an observation room in the current castle tower of Nagoya Castle, and a full-scale model of golden shachihoko is placed on the 5th floor where you can ride and take pictures.

Green tea in Shizuoka #16

This art work is "green tea" in Shizuoka prefecture. Wear this traditional uniform when picking tea. Shizuoka Prefecture is the number one producer of tea in Japan, and 60% of Japanese tea is made in Shizuoka.Almost all teas made in Japan are "green tea", and this "green tea" is unfermented tea. By the way, "oolong tea" is a semi-fermented tea. "Black tea" is fermented tea. These can be made from the same tea leaves.There are many types of Japanese tea such as Sencha, Hojicha, Genmaicha, Matcha, and Gyokuro."Sencha" (middle-grade green tea) is the most drunk tea in Japan. The tea that has a good balance of taste and is made from the sprout of the year is called "Shincha" (new tea), and it has a lush aroma. It will be on sale from April to June, so if you buy it, you should drink it while it is fresh."Bancha" (coarse tea) is generally made from sprouts that grow after sprouts, has a refreshing taste, and is low in caffeine."Hojicha" (roasted green tea) is a roasted tea with a fragrant aroma."Genmaicha" (brown rice tea) is also a tea with a fragrant aroma and is made by mixing roasted rice."Matcha" (powdered green tea) is powdered tea leaves. Often used in the tea ceremony, a tool called chasen is used to make creamy foam and drink. If you don't have any tools at home, you can use a shaker instead. Matcha is generally eaten with sweets. In recent years, it is often used in sweets themselves, and matcha latte and matcha ice cream are popular."Gyokuro" (refined green tea) is a high-class tea that is made from tea leaves that avoid direct sunlight, has umami, and is not bitter.My recommendation is a combination of sencha and Japanese sweets. Japanese sweets go well with yokan, monaka, rice crackers, dorayaki, sakura mochi, kashiwa mochi, and warabi mochi. It's also great to drink with Japanese food.

Nebuta festival in Aomori #17

Aomori Nebuta Festival" is a big summer festival in Aomori prefecture. This festival is one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku, along with the Tanabata Festival in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, and the Kanto Festival in Akita Prefecture. Held every year around August for 6 days, it attracts about 3 million tourists from all over the country.The "Aomori Nebuta Festival" is a festival in which a huge "lantern" called a doll-shaped "Nebuta" such as a military commander or a god is put on a float and paraded. It weighs as much as 4t. 500 to 1000 dancers called "Haneto" dance to one Nebuta. Until now, all ordinary people could participate in Haneto by renting costumes, but in 2022, all of them will be pre-registered. The festival can be seen from the roadside, but there are also reserved seats for a fee. On the final day, Nebuta, who won the grand prize, will operate the sea and 10,000 fireworks will be fired.In addition to the festival, at the tourist facility "Nebuta no Ie Wa Rasse", you can learn about the history of Nebuta, and a total of four large Nebuta are on display. In addition, the Nebuta Rasse Land, which is close to the festival, is a waiting area for Nebuta during the festival, and even ordinary people can stop by.The "Aomori Nebuta Festival" is a popular festival that you will surely be addicted to once you see it.

Namahage in Akita #18

Namahage is a very famous traditional event that has been handed down in Oga City, Akita Prefecture.Namahage is a messenger of God who warns of laziness, eliminates misery, and prays for a good harvest. She wears a huge and terrifying mask like a demon, clothes made of straw, and a kitchen knife made of wood.On New Year's Eve, Namahage visits the houses and scares the children, "Are there any crying children?" "Are there any bad children?" To listen to their parents. Namahage is a traditional folk event and is thus famous as a means of education for young children in the region. This scene is often seen in New Year's Eve news in Japan. The owner of the house treats Namahage with food and sake, and Namahage leaves his seat to pray for the health of his family and a good harvest the following year, and moves on to the next house.Namahage was also registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018.Namahage only comes to houses in the area of Oga City, but tourists such as Namahage Dance and Namahage Taiko can also be seen at the "Namahage Sedo Festival" held in February. At the paid "Namahage Museum", you can see Namahage materials, video commentary, 150 Namahage exhibits, and at the "Transformation Corner" you can take pictures wearing Namahage costumes. At the paid "Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum" adjacent to the "Namahage Museum", you can experience Namahage events all year round.

Wanko soba in Iwate #19

"Wanko soba" is a very famous local dish of Iwate prefecture.The way of eating is unique, and every time you finish eating a bite-sized soba in a small bowl, you can continue to put the soba of "bowl (Wanko)" that the waiter has in the bowl one after another. Dashing shouts such as "Yes, Janjan" and "Yes, more and more" of the waiter are also characteristic. The flattened "bowl (Wanko)" is piled up on the table in large quantities. When you're full, quickly close the bowl lid and the waiter won't let you in. However, if you close the lid late, you can quickly put soba in the waiter, so you have to eat the amount you put in. It's a fun way to eat soba.In addition, there are various types of condiments for "Wanko soba" that you can eat without getting tired. As for the condiments, add any amount of spices such as green onion, glue, dried bonito, tororo, tempura, salted squid, tuna, natto, grated radish, nameko mushroom and grated radish, soboro, and wasabi.In Iwate, the "All Japan Wanko Soba Championship" is held every year. There is also a record of eating 559 cups at this tournament. About 10 to 15 cups is the amount for one serving of soba. This situation will be covered in the news.

Cherry in Yamagata #20

This art work is "cherry" in Yamagata prefecture.Yamagata Prefecture is the number one producer of cherries in Japan. The season for cherries is around June. Although it is a small tournament, in Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture, the "Cherry Seed Blowing Tournament" is held every June. It is a tournament where the seeds after eating cherries are blown by mouth with the signal of "Cherry GO!" And the distance is competed. The longest distance for cherries to blow seeds is 28.51m. In 2016, 2944 people from inside and outside the prefecture participated and were certified as a participant Guinness World Record. Recently, it has been canceled due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection.By the way, the tree that grows cherries is "Wild Cherry". The leaves of cherry blossoms used in Sakuramochi are "Oshima cherry tree". The ornamental cherry blossom is "Yoshino cherry tree". The fruit of "Yoshino cherry tree" is very hard to eat.

Gyutan in Miyagi #21

This art work is "Gyutan" from Miyagi prefecture. "Gyutan" means beef tongue. Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture is famous for its delicious "Gyutan".Miyagi Prefecture has the highest consumption of beef tongue in Japan.In Japan, Gyutan is usually eaten as grilled meat in thin slices, but Gyutan in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture is often eaten in thick slices as a "Gyutan set meal".The characteristics of Sendai Gyutan are its thickness of 8 to 15 mm and its "softness" that makes it easy to bite. Gyutan has cuts on the surface at 1 cm intervals, making it easy to bite off. Also, cooking with charcoal grill will reduce fat and make it easier to eat.The beef tongue set meal includes barley rice, tail soup, miso nanban (pickled green pepper in miso), and some shops also offer "tororo" (Japnese mountain yam) to sprinkle on barley rice as a side menu.There are many restaurants specializing in Gyutan in Sendai city, so you can easily enjoy it for lunch or dinner.Gyutan lunch boxes are also sold at the station.

Akabeko in Fukushima #22

This art work is "Akabeko" from Fukushima prefecture."Akabeko" is famous as a local toy in the shape of a cow in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. "Beko" means cow in the dialect of Aizu.Made about 400 years ago, it is called the "lucky cow" and is a popular souvenir to prevent plague from illness and disaster. Recently, it is also popular as a souvenir for travelers from overseas.Akabeko is one of the crafts called papier-mâché, which is made by sticking many sheets of paper on a mold and removing the mold when it is dry. It is cute that the head sways when you touch it a little.At Enzoji Temple in Aizu, you can meet a huge "Akabeko" (the head shakes properly).

Melon in Hokkaido #23

This art work is a melon from Hokkaido.The best season for Hokkaido melons is summer.Melon made in Yubari, Hokkaido is called Yubari melon and is the most famous brand. This is a type of melon, which has a mesh pattern on the skin and is an orange flesh. It costs about 3,000 to 20,000 yen each and is used for luxury gifts and summer gifts. The first auction is held in May every year, and the highest price is 5 million yen for two melons.Melon is a fruit that needs to be ripened, so make sure it's ready to eat before you eat it.You can eat it with a little brandy on melon, with prosciutto, or with vanilla ice cream. By the way, I like to eat it as it is with a spoon.

Unbaked Yatsuhashi in Kyoto #24

This art work is "Unbaked Yatsuhashi" in Kyoto."Unbaked Yatsuhashi" (Japanese reading: Nama-yatuhashi) is a famous Japanese sweet in Kyoto. There are two types of Yatsuhashi, the hard "Baked Yatsuhashi" and the soft "Unbaked Yatsuhashi". This artwork is modeled on "Unbaked Yatsuhashi" with red bean paste."Baked Yatsuhashi" has been made since 1689. It is a hard-baked rice cracker made by thinly stretching and baking a dough that is steamed by mixing rice flour, sugar, and cinnamon."Unbaked Yatsuhashi" has been made since the 1960s. This is made by steaming the dough of "Baked Yatsuhashi" without baking it and cutting it into pieces that are easy to eat. The chewy and soft texture is attractive."Unbaked Yatsuhashi" has a classic Nikki flavor, as well as matcha and sesame flavors. In addition, some square dough is folded in half and sandwiched with red bean paste. Recently, the taste of chocolate, lemon, peach, etc. has come out. There are many brands of raw Yatsuhashi such as "Shogoin", "Otabe" and "Yuko".When I go on a trip to Kyoto, I buy "Unbaked Yatsuhashi" as a souvenir. I like the simple Nikki (cinnamon) flavor.

Octopus in Hyogo #25

This art work is "octopus" in Hyogo prefecture.The octopus caught in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture, is known as Akashi octopus and is famous for its high quality and delicious taste. The sea off Akashi is rich in food for octopuses, and octopuses grow well. Battered by strong currents, octopus legs become thick, short and strong. The octopus grown in this way is delicious with a chewy, elastic texture and umami.In Akashi City, there is a food similar to takoyaki called "Akashiyaki". Actually, takoyaki is made by imitating Akashiyaki. Akashiyaki is a round dish with octopus in it, but the taste is completely different from takoyaki. Akashiyaki is eaten by dipping it in "dashi". Akashiyaki is called tamagoyaki in Akashi City. By the way, the Akashi octopus, which is too expensive, is not included now, and ordinary octopus is included.

Ninja in Shiga #26

Shiga Prefecture is famous as a ninja village. A ninja is a modern-day spy. He can also use a special martial art called ninjutsu, and has supported various battles behind the scenes. Influenced by anime and movies, ninja are very popular all over the world.It is said that many ninja groups existed all over Japan, but the two most famous ninja groups exist: 'Iga' in Mie prefecture and 'Koka' in Shiga prefecture. These two counties are next to each other. This art is modeled after the Koga Ninja.Koka ninjas specialize in medical care and medicine in addition to espionage and fighting. In his normal life, he carried out intelligence activities by selling amulets and medicines. Perhaps for this reason, there are still many pharmaceutical companies in Koka City.Koka City, Shiga Prefecture also has ninja tourism. JR Koka Station is a small station, but the walls and ceiling are decorated with ninja trick art, so you can take interesting commemorative photos.At Koka City's free tourist information center, Koka-ryu Real Ninja Museum, you can learn about the history of Koka ninjas, experience one of the five ninjutsu techniques, goton no jutsu, and buy souvenirs.In addition, at the "Koka-ryu Ninjutsu Yashiki", which is a valuable and authentic ninja residence, there are exhibitions of ninja tools and a karakuri mansion. You can experience throwing shuriken, and they sell shuriken.At Koka no Sato “Ninjutsumura”, a ninja theme park, there is a karakuri mansion and the Koka Ninjutsu Museum. You can rent ninja clothes, and if you can complete various ninja training and clear all of them, you will receive a "scroll" of the full license.

Takoyaki in Osaka #27

Takoyaki is made by pouring flour mixed with dashi and eggs into round dents on a hot, oiled iron plate, and then putting cut octopus into it and grilling it into a round shape. Finally, add the sauce, mayonnaise, green laver, and shaved bonito and it's done. Eat it with a toothpick. It is basically eaten as a snack. It is the soul food of Osaka citizens. In Osaka Prefecture, takoyaki is widely used as a home-cooked dish, and many households own a takoyaki maker.There are many takoyaki shops in Dotonbori, Osaka Prefecture, and many tourists enjoy eating while walking.

Ise Shrine in Mie #28

This art work is "Ise Shrine" in Mie Prefecture. Speaking of power spots in Mie Prefecture, Ise Shrine is famous."Ise Shrine" is the general name for all 125 shrines, including separate shrines other than Geku and Naiku, and "Jingu" is the official name. It is the origin of Japanese shrines and enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the ancestor of the imperial family. Called "Oise-san" by the locals, during the Edo period (1600-1868), "the pilgrimage to Ise" was popular. It is a shrine that I want to visit once in my life.Unlike other shrines, Ise Shrine does not have a donation box and does not offer personal wishes. Give your daily gratitude and get power.After visiting Ise Shrine, we recommend taking a stroll through the stone-paved Oharaimachi shrine town. Okage Yokocho, located in the middle of Oharaimachi, is also a place where you can eat while walking and buy souvenirs.

The Great Buddha of Nara #29

"Nara Daibutsu" is a large bronze statue of Buddha with a height of about 15m in the precincts of the temple "Todaiji" in Nara City, Nara Prefecture.The Great Buddha of Nara is always included in elementary school social studies textbooks, and every Japanese person knows it. Officially, it is called Rushanabutsu.The Great Buddha of Nara was created in 752 by Emperor Shomu to quell various difficulties such as epidemics, earthquakes, and rebellions with the power of Buddhism. The construction cost of the Great Buddha and the Great Buddha Hall is about 465.7 billion yen at the current price.The Great Buddha of Nara is designated as a national treasure of Japan. In addition, Todaiji Temple, where the Great Buddha of Nara is located, is registered as a World Heritage Site as one of Nara's historic sites.Near the entrance of Todaiji Museum on the left side after entering Todaiji Nandaimon, there is a replica of the hand of the Great Buddha, which is about 3m in size, so please take a picture with the replica.

Umeboshi in Wakayama #30

Wakayama Prefecture is famous for its umeboshi. Umeboshi is a pickled plum that has been made in Japan since ancient times, and is famous for its sourness. "Umeboshi" can be eaten as it is or put in rice balls or bento. If you put "Umeboshi" in your lunch, it will prevent food poisoning due to its bactericidal action.Umeboshi is made by pickling ripe plums harvested in June and drying them in the sun. The red color of umeboshi is the color of umeboshi made with red perilla. There are also pickled plums that are not red.Wakayama Prefecture has long hours of sunshine and a lot of rain, which makes it an environment conducive to growing plums, and is the number one producer of plums in Japan. The Nanko plum variety is famous for its soft skin and thick, delicious flesh.

Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori #31

This art work is "Tottori Sand Dunes" in Tottori Prefecture. The Tottori Sand Dunes are one of Tottori's representative tourist destinations. The Tottori Sand Dunes are vast sand dunes that stretch along the Sea of Japan coast in Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture. It extends 2.4km from north to south and 16km from east to west. It is designated as a natural monument of Japan. The sand of the Tottori Sand Dunes is the result of the weathering of rocks from the mountains of Japan, which have been washed into the Sea of Japan and collected on the coast.Tottori Sand Dunes is about 20 minutes by bus from Tottori Station. When you visit the Tottori Sand Dunes, first stop by the "Tottori Sand Dunes Visitor Center" to get the information and maps you need to explore the dunes. If you are worried about getting sand in your shoes, you can rent boots and sandals here. When you go up the stairs at the entrance of the Tottori Sand Dunes, a vast expanse of sand spreads out before you. If you climb a hill called "Umanose" with a height of about 47m in front, you can see the Sea of Japan spread out in front of you with a pleasant sea breeze. The scenery is wonderful. You can also experience camel riding, sandboarding and paragliding here.

Izumo Taisha in Shimane #32

This art work is "Izumo Taisha" in Shimane Prefecture. Izumo Taisha is a large shrine located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It is famous for the benefits of "matchmaking". After that, Izumo Taisha is famous for its “Oshimenawa” made from straw. The largest in Japan, it is 13.5m long and weighs 4.5 tons.In Japan, the old calendar October (mid-November to mid-December in the current calendar) is called "Kannazuki" (meaning: the month when there are no gods), but in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture, it is called "Kamiarizuki" (meaning : the month where God is)”. Because it is said that 8 million gods from all over Japan gather at Izumo Taisha to hold a meeting. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Japan, the gods are gone. At the meetings of the gods, they discuss matters such as relationships between men and women, fertility, jobs, relationships with money, agriculture, and sake brewing.If you go to Izumo Taisha, be sure to try the famous Izumo soba and zenzai, which is said to have originated here.

Momotaro in Okayama #33

Okayama prefecture is famous for "Momotaro". All Japanese people know the old tale of "Momotaro", and they always read it in picture books when they were little. It is said that the birthplace of the story is Okayama Prefecture.The story of Momotaro goes something like this. "There lived an old man and an old woman. One day, when the old woman went to the river, a large peach came floating down the river, and when she cut the peach, Momotaro was born. Momotaro grew up and went to Onigashima to exterminate evil demons. Along the way, they made friends with a monkey, a dog, and a pheasant who gave them millet dumplings.They fought against demons on Onigashima and won.They brought back a lot of treasure from Onigashima, and the three of them lived happily ever after. ."This artwork is modeled after Momotaro, a monkey, a dog and a pheasant from the story of Momotaro.There is a statue of Momotaro at JR Okayama Station Korakuen Exit (East Exit). In Okayama Prefecture, there are many souvenir sweets related to Momotaro.

Oyster in Hiroshima #34

This art work is "oyster" in Hiroshima Prefecture. Hiroshima Prefecture is the largest producer of oysters in Japan. Hiroshima oysters are characterized by their plump flesh and rich flavor. The best season is from January to March at the beginning of the year.There are many shops in Hiroshima, from oyster huts where you can grill your own oysters to oyster specialty shops.My favorite way to eat oysters is to eat them raw with ponzu sauce.

Blowfish in Yamaguchi #35

This artwork is "Blowfish" (Japanese: fugu) from Yamaguchi Prefecture. Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is famous for blowfish. Blowfish is a very tasty but highly poisonous fish. Shimonoseki City has Japan's only blowfish wholesale market, Haedomari Market. Blowfish caught from all over Japan gather here and are treated by craftsmen to remove poison from blowfish. After that, it will be sent to various parts of Japan.There are many Blowfish restaurants in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where you can enjoy a variety of dishes.My favorite Blowfish dish is "blowfish sashimi" (Japanese: fugu sashi). Blowfish's sashimi is called "Usutsukuri". Usutsukuri is a dish of thinly sliced Blowfish dipped in ponzu sauce. Blowfish meat needs to be cut very thinly, as it is very elastic and cannot be chewed through a normal thickness. Usutsukuri requires a higher level of skill, as the texture and quality depend on the skill of the Blowfish chef.After that, we also recommend the “fuguhirezake,” which is made by soaking the browned Blowfish in hot sake and drinking it. The aroma and flavor of the fins transfer to the sake and are delicious.Blowfish is in season from November to February during the colder months.

Udon in Kagawa #36

This art work is "Udon" in Kagawa prefecture.Kagawa Prefecture is so famous for udon that it is called the “Udon Prefecture”. Kagawa Prefecture used to be called "Sanuki", so udon noodles from this region are called "Sanuki Udon". Every Japanese person knows “Sanuki Udon”. Udon is a simple noodle dish made from wheat flour, water and salt. Sanuki udon is characterized by its firm texture, its softness in the mouth, and its chewy texture.There are hundreds of udon restaurants in Kagawa Prefecture. Noodle factory-type udon restaurants close in the early afternoon, and self-service udon restaurants close in the evening, so be careful when you go. Udon taxis are also famous and will take you to various udon restaurants.

Awaodori in Tokushima #37

This art work is "Awa Odori" in Tokushima prefecture."Awa Odori" is one of Tokushima's world-famous bon dances, said to have a history of over 400 years. In the past, this region was called Awa, so it was named "Awa Odori". The Awa Odori Festival in Tokushima Prefecture is held for several days in August and attracts more than one million tourists from Japan and abroad.There are mainly two types of dances: men's dances and women's dances. Men's dances are powerful, dynamic, and sometimes funny. They often dance with fans and lanterns. Women dance as well as men. This art was modeled after a man's dance.Women dance wearing yukata, kimono, and braided hats. It is characterized by collective beauty, and dances elegantly and supplely.Tokushima City also has the Awa Odori Kaikan where you can enjoy the Awa Odori all year round.Now, as part of the town revitalization, Awa Odori is held not only in Tokushima, but also in Koenji (Tokyo) and Minami Koshigaya (Saitama Prefecture) all over Japan.

Mandarin orange in Ehime #38

This work of art is "mandarin orange" from Ehime prefecture.Ehime prefecture is famous for mandarin oranges (Japanese: mikan). Mandarin oranges are in season from December to February. On a cold day, I often see mandarin oranges on a kotatsu (a Japanese heating appliance) in many homes. There are various varieties of mandarin oranges, but the most widely cultivated is the Unshu mandarin orange. It is characterized by its sweet and sour taste.In Ehime Prefecture, during the orange harvest season, you can see beautiful terraced fields where the entire mountain is dyed in the color of oranges.I eat mandarin oranges as they are or put them in salads.

Tosa bonito in Kochi #39

This art work is "Tosa bonito" (Skipjack tuna) from Kochi Prefecture.Kochi prefecture is famous for bonito. This land used to be called Tosa country, so the bonito from Kochi prefecture is called "Tosa bonito".In Kochi Prefecture, bonito is pole-and-line fishing, so the catch is small, but the consumption is the highest in Japan.There are two seasons for bonito, spring and autumn. The season from March to May is called the first bonito, and the season from October to November is called the return bonito. Returned bonito is recommended to be eaten raw as sashimi because it is fatty from eating a lot of food.In Kochi Prefecture, there are many restaurants where you can eat fresh bonito. There are many ways to eat bonito, but one of the representative dishes of Kochi is tataki, in which the surface of the bonito is grilled and topped with plenty of condiments such as green onions and Japanese ginger. Recently, salt-tataki, which is grilled bonito that is sprinkled with salt while it is still warm, is very popular.

Spicy cod roe in Fukuoka #40

This art work is "Mentaiko" (Spicy cod roe) from Fukuoka Prefecture.Mentaiko is a famous souvenir from Fukuoka. Mentaiko is a traditional Japanese food made from codfish eggs dipped in a spicy seasoning. In Fukuoka, mentaiko is always sold at sightseeing spots such as Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station. There are many brands of mentaiko, including Fukuya, Yamaya, and Kanefuku. The dryness also ranges from sweet to extremely spicy.You can eat it as it is on rice, put it in pasta, or eat it with sake.

Imari ware in Saga #41

This art piece is "Imari ware" from Saga prefecture.Saga prefecture is famous for "Imari ware" (Arita ware). "Imari ware" (Arita ware) is porcelain produced around Arita town located in the western part of Saga prefecture, and has a history of more than 400 years.Arita ware and Imari ware are the same. In the past, it was exported to the world from Imari Port in Saga Prefecture, so it is more famous outside of Japan as Imari ware.The characteristic of Arita porcelain is the vivid painting on the translucent white base. Arita porcelain mainly has three types of painting patterns: “Kakiemon”, “Nabeshima” and “Koimari”. This art work is modeled after a "Koimari" plate.Every year from the end of April to the beginning of May, the Arita Pottery Market is held in Arita Town, Saga Prefecture. This is a famous event, with 200,000 visitors on weekends and tens of thousands on weekdays, making it difficult to find the Arita porcelain shop you want to visit. From 2020 to 2022, the "Web Arita Pottery Market" will also be held.

Castella in Nagasaki #42

This art work is "Castella" in Nagasaki prefecture.Castella is a famous souvenir from Nagasaki Prefecture. Castella is a confectionery made by whipping chicken eggs, mixing flour and starch syrup into a large square or rectangular mold, baking it in the oven, and then cutting it into small pieces. This art work is modeled after the cut piece. Nagasaki Castella is sweet, soft and moist.Castella is based on the bread of Spain's "Kingdom of Castella", which was brought to Japan by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century (about 400 years ago). After that, castella underwent a change and became the current shape.There are many shops that make castella in Nagasaki, such as Fukusaya, Shooken, Bunmeido, Iwanaga Baijuken, and Izumiya. is.

Hot spring in Oita #43

This art work is a "hot spring" in Oita Prefecture.Oita Prefecture is very famous for hot springs. Oita Prefecture's hot springs are number one in Japan, with a volume of 298,416 liters and 5,102 sources (as of the end of March 2021).There are many types of hot springs, and out of the 10 types of hot springs in Japan, there are 8 types in Oita Prefecture. It is said that "If you come to Oita Prefecture, it's like going to a hot spring in Japan."Oita Prefecture is famous for Beppu Onsen by the sea and Yufuin Onsen inland.Beppu has a wide range of lodgings, from reasonable hotels to luxury inns, and there are plenty of hot spring tours. “Yufuin Onsen” is recommended for relaxing in the hot springs of luxury inns."Jigoku Meguri" (meaning: Hell Tour) is famous for sightseeing in Beppu. The blue "Sea hell", the gray hot mud "Oniishibozu hell", "Kamado hell", "Oniyama hell" where crocodiles are raised using hot spring heat, "Shiraike hell" , "Blood Pond Jigoku", and "Tatsumaki Hell" where hot water blows out.All of them have hot water around 100 degrees, and there are also places where you can take a footbath. There are also limited hell goods and hell gourmet.

Watermelon in Kumamoto #44

This art work is "Watermelon" from Kumamoto Prefecture.Kumamoto Prefecture is famous for watermelons. In Japan, watermelon is associated with a hot "summer", but in Kumamoto, it is "spring watermelon", which is in season from March to June. Soft, juicy, and super sweet watermelon will impress you.Watermelon can be eaten in salads, pickles, and kakiage by cutting off the green part of the skin. I often make watermelon pickles too.Watermelons do not ripen, so eat them as soon as you buy them.

Chicken Namban in Miyazaki #45

This art work is "Chicken Nanban" in Miyazaki Prefecture."Chicken Nanban" is a local dish of Miyazaki prefecture.To make it, chicken is dipped in flour, dipped in egg mixture and fried, then dipped in sweet vinegar, served on a plate, and covered with tartar sauce. This art piece is modeled after a girl wearing a chicken headgear sitting in a chicken nanban.Chicken nanban is a dish that originated in Miyazaki Prefecture, and is eaten as a daily meal at home dining tables and restaurants in Miyazaki. It is now eaten all over Japan. The light chicken is mixed with the sweet and spicy nanban vinegar to create an exquisite flavor that is very delicious.Chicken nanban at Ogura, the birthplace of chicken nanban in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, is delicious. Chicken Nanban has been on the menu since 1959. But when I go to Miyazaki, I often eat chicken cutlets there. I prefer the chicken cutlet there.

Mt.Sakurajima in Kagoshima #46

This art work is "Mt.Sakurajima" in Kagoshima Prefecture."Sakurajima" is a volcano that is the symbol of Kagoshima Prefecture.You can see it from various places in Kagoshima city.Sakurajima was born as an island about 26,000 years ago, but in 1914 a large eruption occurred and a large amount of lava flowed out, connecting Sakurajima to the peninsula. Since then, the volcano has been active even now, erupting an average of 200 times a year. When the volcano erupts, volcanic smoke rises about 1,000 to 2,000 meters, and volcanic ash falls downwind. Therefore, in Kagoshima, there are ash fall predictions on TV etc. which areas will receive ash. When ash falls, it often stops after waiting for 10 to 20 minutes under a roof like a quick rain shower.You can also visit Sakurajima. You can see Sakurajima in 15 minutes by ferry from Kagoshima city. There is a Sakurajima visitor center, an observatory, and a footbath.

Shisa in Okinawa #47

This art work is "Shisa" in Okinawa Prefecture.Shisa is a statue of the guardian deity of Okinawa Prefecture. Before 1879, Okinawa Prefecture was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, forming its own culture. Shisa is one of them.Shisa is "lion". Some people call it "Shishi dog". Around the 13th and 14th centuries, lions, the model for Shisa, were brought to Okinawa from the ancient Orient. When you go to Okinawa, you can see Shisa at private homes, public facilities, and historical and cultural properties. Shisa wards off monsters from roofs and gates. Shisa is now popular with many people as souvenirs such as figurines and key chains.As for Shisa sightseeing, there is "Zanpa Great Lion" with a Shisa with a height of 8.75m, and the oldest Shisa "Tomimori Stone Carved Large Lion". In addition, there are Shisa making and Shisa painting experiences at various places.The temperature in Okinawa is warm throughout the year, and even in the middle of winter it rarely drops below 10 degrees. It is a very fun place with unique cultural festivals, buildings, and food, and is a popular resort area for Japanese people. I think you should try it once.

The picture below shows 47 prefectures in Japan. There is one picture in one prefecture.

Yokai series (cominng soon)

In this Yokai series, there are various Yokai and ghosts from ancient times to the present. The total number of works has not been decided.

Emi Marumeda

I am now based in Tokyo, Japan.

I create digital art and mainly send Japanese culture to the world.

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