Fun facts about Saga Prefecture!

Temperature – 8

Today’s entry is a little different I thought it would be fun to share some fun facts about Saga prefecture where I live.

1.        Kashima in Saga hosts the Mud Olympics! Since 1985, at the end of May, around 300 participants immerse themselves in the mudflats to compete in various events for a chance to win medals. The event attracts a large crowd and was featured in the episode of "Zombieland Saga," where the girls try to raise awareness about the competition.

2.        "Zombieland Saga" is an anime set in Saga, intended to raise awareness of this lesser-known prefecture. Saga prefecture is an official sponsor of the anime. It was one of the few things I knew about Saga when I first received my placement there. The prefecture embraces the show, and you can find merchandise, manhole covers featuring characters, and even the mayor of Saga cosplaying as the producer. When you arrive at the airport in Saga, you'll see Fran Chou Chou on the "Welcome to Saga" sign. The museum in Karatsu doubles as the girl’s house and the Drive in Tori chicken has become a pilgrimage for fans of the show.

3.        Saga is renowned as the birthplace of ceramics. The prefecture is home to several famous historical pottery towns, including Arita, Karatsu, and Imari.

4.        The flag of Saga features a camphor flower on a green background, reflecting the fact that camphor is the regional tree.

5.        Saga is also the smallest prefecture in Kyushu, consisting of six districts, with Saga City serving as its capital. It is bordered by the Genkai sea and the Ariake sea.

6.        11 percent of Saga land is designated as national parks. 68 percent of the land in Saga is agricultural or forests.

7.        Saga produces at lot of A5 ranked cows making meat cheaper here and higher quality. Saga beef is found for a decent price in local supermarkets and many restaurants in the area. It has a nice marbling and rich flavour.

8.        Karatsu castle is one of the few castles built on flat land as opposed to the usually preferred hills and mountains. It overlooks the bay which can be used as a defensive moat. In July the castle hosts a big fireworks display which is one of the largest in Kyushu.

9.        Karatsu is also home to Karatsu Kunchi a UNESCO registered festival. One of the largest again in Kyushu this festival draws in huge crowds for a weekend. Traditional floats are displayed, and streets are lined with stalls selling food and games where prizes can be won.

10.    Saga Ballon festival is a 4-day internation event, it is one of the largest balloon festivals in all of Asia. Drawing in huge crowds as they watch teams compete in different events and enjoy food and the nighttime illumination event which is considered very beautiful.

11.    During the Edo period Saga domain ruled by the Nabeshima clan also included Nagasaki, the financial situation during this period was suffering as the area was hit by famines and the Siebold Typhoon.

12.    Saga Played a key role in the Meiji Restoration, there are many historical sites that can be visited in the prefecture that make for very interesting excursions.

13.    The earliest ruins in Saga date back to the 6th Century BC they can be seen in Nabatake in Karatsu.

14.    Saga Castle and Karatsu castle both were built in 1602. Saga Castle has been partially restored and can be visited for free.

15.    In 1889 Saga City was founded, it was founded on April the 1st a small amusing fact.

16.    The highest point in Saga is Mount Kyoga at 1076 meters above sea level. Saga is surrounded on most sides by mountains. It is these mountains that can make the weather slightly different from the neighbouring prefectures. They act as a natural barrier from severe weather, but it also opens areas up to flooding and the possibility of landslides. 

17.    As of 2006 Saga prefecture underwent another merger and officially has no more villages.

18.    Not only is Kashima home to the mud Olympic it is also home to one of Japan’s three largest shrines Yutoku Inari shrine. This shrine is a tourism hotspot as it features a lot in C Dramas.

19.    Saga has given the name The seven wise men of Saga to seven famous men who came from the prefecture and went onto do incredible things. The full list can be found online or briefly explained on Wiki.

20.    Saga prefecture has somehow managed to keep some stock of the new sold out Terastral festival Pokémon deck! All hail Saga.