Sakaki History and Culture

From Hunters and Gatherers to Rice Farmers...

It is believed that human beings lived in the Sakaki area since the prehistoric Jomon and early Yayoi periods of Japanese History (several hundred years B.C.). Ancient ruins, such as several clusters of mound tombs, support the theory that a community thrived here thousands of years ago.

Shinano and the Powerful Murakami

In the Sengoku ("Warring Countries" or "Civil War") period of Japanese History (14th and 15th centuries), the powerful leader of the Shinano, Murakami Yoshikiyo, stationed his castle here and staged many fierce battles.

In the Edo period, as Zenkoji Temple in Nagano attracted a stream of pilgrims and as Daimyo, feudal lords, were frequently required to travel to Edo (now known as Tokyo), Sakaki developed as a convenient inn town, stationed along the old Hokoku highway.

The Birth of a Town

In accordance with a system introduced in the Meiji era, several nearby towns in the area where assigned different names. In the period from 1955-1960, these towns were incorporated into one and now are called Sakaki-machi.

During Japan's rush towards modernization in the Meiji Era, the Kakuchi school, exhibiting Japan's adaptation of Western-style architecture, was constructed in 1878.

Recent History

• 1957: Laws intended to attract factories were passed. Sakaki achieved rapid growth.
  
• 1962: Designated for the First Agricultural Reform and Improvement Project/Act. Large-scale, modern cultivation methods were adopted at the area's orchards.
  
• 1980: The School for Development of Small and Medium Business was opened.
  
• 1993: The Sakaki Techno Center was opened.
  
• 1996: The Joshinetsu Sakaki Interchange was opened.

Kagura Shinto dancing at the Jizai Shrine

Sakaki is a town rich in culture and spirit.

At Jizai Shrine halfway up the slopes of Jizai Mountain, a traditional form of Shinto religious dancing, kagura, is performed at the Spring Festival (the fourth Sunday in April) every year.

The modern day dai-dai kagura dancing performed here is a reconstruction of that performed in the middle of the Meiji era (1868-1912). Learned at the Togakushi shrine, it encompasses 8 different dances: the Tree, the Halberd (ax), the Fan, the Sword, the Daido (Principle), the Old Man, the Stone Gate, and the Seed Throwing dance.

The Hall of Culture

The Hall of Culture (Bunka no Kan) was established on July 1, 1995 by means of a generous donation. With a time-honored tea-room and garden as its center, the building serves as a base for cultural activities and exhibitions.

The Hall of Culture is open from 9 AM to 10 PM, and is closed on Tuesdays. (In the case of a Tuesday holiday, the Hall will be closed on Wednesday.)

Town of Swordsmiths

Sakaki's dry, sunny climate is well-suited to the production of quality swords. In 1963, Sakaki's sword makers were designated a Living National Treasure, and a portion of Sakaki became known as the "Town of Swordsmiths" (toshou no machi). Even today, visitors come to appreciate the mysterious beauty of the Japanese swords made by these skilled craftsmen.

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Sakaki Societies of Commerce and Industry Oaza Sakaki 10051, Sakaki-machi, Hanishina-gun 389-0601 JAPAN tel 0268 82 3351; fax 0268 82 8228; e-mail cci@sakaki.com

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