The town of Taiji, Wakayama and its Australian partner town Broome (WA) are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their formal tie, which actually dates back to mid 19c when Taiji fishers went to Broome for the pearl diving industry. Apparently Japanese divers, many of whom were from southern Wakayama, excelled in their work - they were also diligent workers, some of whom apparently played hard as well. Many families in both towns share the same heritage. The relationship became threatened and was nearly lost when Broome felt the mounting opposition against the whaling & dolphin hunt, in which some Taiji fishers are engaged. The Broome council's decision to put the relationship temporarily on-hold was reversed and met with clear community opposition, and this year, the two towns want to renew their commitment to the friendship. The Suikinkutsu installation, proposed by Simon Wearne and helped by the usual suspects - Mr Kubo, Hide, Simon and the new gang Roku, was completed in time to welcome the Broome delegates arriving in early June. Its sound certainly reminds us of the importance of peace in our mind and people's connection, which was so prevalent at the time of recent disasters.
Shukuho is one of the traditional sake breweries remaining in Wakayama city center. The brewery was established in 1886, whose wooden structure partially remains. The current brewery built in 1965 is an example that human senses and abilities were still controlling the machines. The large scale factory was still serviced and controlled by workers, who lived in the building for the six months while sake making was in process using the barrels, ladders, buckets etc all made with wood. The time was a major industrialisation but was still pre-computer control, when humans were in control of machinery, not being overtaken. The critical senses in sake making, feeling of the temperature and consistency, visual clarity, taste and smell - were controlling the machine.
