Karatsu, Saga

On this week's "journeys in japan," we visit Karatsu city in Saga prefecture. The area, which looks out to the sea, is blessed with a warm climate. People here have long enjoyed marine sports. A legendary French diver had strong ties with the sea of Karatsu. Jacques Mayol was the first man in the world to free dive to 100 meters. And it was a childhood encounter with a dolphin off the coast of Karatsu that inspired him to dive. Our reporter Ian Thomas Ash investigates the diver's deep connection to Karatsu. Ian visits the Nanatsu-caves, where Mayol met his first dolphin. Local diver, Atsushi Takashima, who accompanied Mayol whenever he dived in Karatsu, points out the things that Mayol loved about the area. Mayol also enjoyed the company of the people of Karatsu. He always stayed in the same traditional Japanese inn when visiting. He loved its simple natural aesthetic, and the garden view through the seasons. The inn has long been popular with visitors from overseas. Inn owner, Akihiko Okochi gives Ian a tour of the inn. It's easy to see why people would fall in love with it. In ancient times, Karatsu enjoyed prosperity through its thriving trade with Asian countries. The two Chinese characters of its name reflect this history, Kara is an old word for China and Tsu for port. Ian meets a local fish cake maker, Kazunori Fujikawa. They visit the fish market where Fujikawa points out local specialties. In autumn, the city residents look forward to a major festival called the Karatsu Kunchi, which celebrates abundant harvests. It features a spectacular parade of giant floats. Inn owner Okochi takes Ian to a museum where people can get a close up look at the floats. Ian learns what the festival means to the people of Karatsu.