The nation of Japan is famous for being an island nation, so the city of Maebashi will shatter the preconceived notions that anyone has about this geographical arrangement. Out of all the prefectural capitals in the country, Maebashi is the furthest one from the coast. The capital of Gunma has some rather interesting weather patterns that might be good for vacationers looking to duck out of the cold. With the dry karakaze winds blowing in the winter, caused by the blocking of snow clouds by the mountains, the winter is actually relatively mild. The summer, however, is toasty. This might just be the perfect thing for anyone looking to take advantage of the rather new Maechari bicycle rental scheme.

The East Japan Railway Company’s station in Maebashi features a stand out front, from which bicycles might be rented for a low price. The south side of Mt. Akagi features a popular attraction: the Gunma Flower Park. As well as the massive flowerbeds and the five associated greenhouses, there is an event hall and a petting zoo. The park even has a play area for small children to enjoy. Those who enjoy this park will also want to make a stop at the Ogo Green Flower Pasture.

The most famous feature is the 22-meter high Dutch-style windmill that looks rather unique in a Japanese city. Numerous animals call the complex home, and there are even accommodations for guests to stay. Barbeque pits and exercise stations invite people to spend a day or even a whole vacation in the beautiful area. Fall visitors will enjoy the special windmill festival and those in the spring will do the same with the cherry blossom celebrations. Don’t forget to stop at Sampomichi, though. This special store located within the Green Flower Pasture features fresh fruits and vegetables for sale. They’ll make a tasty snack that is far more authentic than spending yet another lunch hour in a restaurant.

Japanese pottery dates back to Neolithic times. Over the centuries, many potters have distinguished themselves and found a place for themselves in history.

By the 6th century BCE, Japanese potters were making coiled pots. They would mold clay rope and coil it into various pot shapes and then bake them over an open fire. This is known as Jomon pottery.

By the 4th century AD, a roofed tunnel kiln type began to emerge. This was built into a hillside, and potters’ wheels became common. This anagama kiln could create stoneware. By the 8th century, potters had created a three color lead glaze technique which allowed them to make more colorful pottery.

Japan began importing pottery from China and Korea between the 11th and 16th centuries. They made special orders from China to fit their tastes. During their wars with Korea in the 1590s, they abducted many Korean potters and took them back to Japan.

As the centuries passed, many different periods developed for pottery. Tea implements were a primary need from potters, and many styles emerged. By the Edo period, they used porcelain quite a bit. They learned a lot about porcelain from the Chinese.

In the mid to late 1800s, Japan went through an industrialization process. By World War I, there were three potters who influenced the rest of the designs of that period: Kusube Yaichi (1897-1984), Hamada Shoji (1894-1978) and Kawai Kanjiro (1890-1966). By World War II, many potters were more interested in sculptural forms. Today, there is another movement known as the Heisei period. It began in 1989 and continues to this day. Pottery is useful for everyday use, or for collecting.