Ei Thinzar Ko

A two-day sightseeing tour of the famous spots of Okawa A two-day study trip to Okawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture with foreign research students and teachers from Nagasaki Junior College, Nagasaki International University, and Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University. We went on a two-day trip to Okawa and got a glimpse of its charm.

Okawa City is located in the southern part of Fukuoka Prefecture and has been famous as a producer of woodwork and furniture since the Edo period. Woodworking techniques and modern media We fuse design and craftsmanship to create beautiful furniture and handicrafts. These products are becoming increasingly popular not only in Japan but also overseas. We had the opportunity to delve deeper into its charm and learn about the "Kumiko" craft, as well as the furniture industry, famous tourist spots, and local food culture.

Although Okawa City does not seem to have mountains or vast forests around it, it is an interesting place in terms of the development of the lumber industry and the lumber industry. Okawa City's lumber supply It is also closely related to the surrounding area. Okawa City sources its lumber, the main raw material for its woodworking industry, from neighboring areas. Kumiko (Yago) craft experience Kumiko, a traditional craft handed down for a long time in Okawa, is a technique of combining pieces of wood into geometric shapes without the use of glue or nails.

At the craft studio, you can make your own small Kumiko crafts under the guidance of a skilled craftsman. It is a job that requires great precision and delicacy, but the sense of accomplishment when completed is exceptional. It is a work that requires delicate techniques, but once completed, you will be amazed at the beauty and intricacy of the Kumiko. You can feel the beauty and precision of the work. Through this experience, I was able to directly feel the warmth of wood and the beauty of meticulous craftsmanship, making it a very meaningful experience.

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Experience in the furniture industry Okawa City is one of the leading furniture manufacturing cities in Japan. We visited the factory and were able to see the entire process from wood selection, cutting, joining, coloring to the final product and import. I learned that high-quality furniture can be produced by combining advanced industrial technology and traditional craftsmanship.

Okawa City's specialty: fried chicken There are many delicious local delicacies around Okawa. Among them, fried chicken is especially famous. The juicy fried chicken made with local ingredients is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is made with locally produced soy sauce and goes perfectly with rice, making it a favorite of locals. There are many fried chicken specialty shops, and many tourists come to try it.

Viaduct (lift bridge) connecting Saga and Okawa The bridge connecting Okawa and Saga is also a tourist attraction. A "lift bridge" means that the middle part of the bridge rises, and you can actually see that moment. As the name suggests, the center part of the lift bridge rises, and you can actually see the movement by lowering it. This bridge used to be a shipping route, but now it has become a tourist attraction. There is a walkway around the bridge, so you can take a walk outside. This bridge, which has high historical and cultural value, has been designated as a cultural heritage site, and is a must-see place if you visit Okawa.

History of Okawa Okawa City has developed as a woodworking town since the Edo period. The natural resources of the Chikugo River contributed to the growth of timber production and transportation, and since then, the furniture industry has become the city's main industry. There are many historical buildings and museums in the city where you can learn a lot about local history and culture.

Summary This time, I visited Okawa City and was able to experience the city's unmissable ancient techniques, beautiful furniture, historical buildings, delicious food, and more. Especially the craftsmanship that is imbued with the skills and passion of the artisans. The precious charm of Okawa City is reflected in the production of swans and furniture. As a city worth visiting, I hope to continue to convey the charm of this city to more people.