As with many old civilizations, Japan is renowned for its »½yÜ¿Ðg (»å±ð²Ô³Ù¨­²µ±ð¾±Âá³Ü³Ù²õ³Ü, traditional arts). These come in the form of ÓÐÐÎÎÄ»¯ßz®b (y¨±kei bunka isan, tangible cultural heritage) and ŸoÐÎÎÄ»¯ßz®b (mukei bunka isan, intangible cultural heritage). The former category includes items like Himeji Castle and the ¡°Manyoshu,¡± while the latter features things such as kabuki theater and the country¡¯s festivals.

Personally, I¡¯ve always been interested in the ÓÐÐÎÎÄ»¯ßz®b, particularly ÌÕÆ÷ (³Ù¨­°ì¾±, pottery). I love the variety of ¸Ð´¥ (kanshoku, textures), ¶àÉ« (tashoku, many colors) and?±ú (gara, patterns), whether they¡¯re drawn from nature, history or pop culture.

With nine whole days of ÌÕÆ÷ and other tableware on display at Tokyo Dome City¡¯s from Jan. 29 to Feb. 6, you can easily see what I¡¯m talking about. Products from?¸GÔª (kamamoto, potters/producers) nationwide will be represented all in one place.