Category:Mie Prefecture

Situated in the **Kansai region**, Mie Prefecture stretches along the eastern coast of the Kii Peninsula, facing Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Known for its rich natural beauty — from rugged coastlines and sacred mountains to fertile plains — Mie has long been a spiritual and cultural center, most famously as the home of Ise Grand Shrine (伊勢神宮, Ise Jingū). The prefecture’s crafts reflect both sacred traditions and practical artistry, often tied to its religious and cultural significance.

Mie is marked by a balance of spiritual heritage and artisanal skill. The proximity to Ise Shrine gave rise to crafts associated with worship and pilgrimage, while local resources like clay, wood, and paper provided the basis for traditional industries. Crafts from Mie often express refinement, durability, and a connection to ritual life.

• Ise katagami (伊勢型紙) – Exquisitely cut paper stencils used for dyeing textiles, prized for their precision and artistry.
• Iga ware (伊賀焼, Iga-yaki) – Rustic stoneware with natural ash glazes and bold textures, admired for its wabi-sabi qualities and frequent use in tea ceremonies.
• Suzuka ink (鈴鹿墨, Suzuka-sumi) – Traditional inksticks produced in Suzuka, valued for calligraphy and painting.
• Yokkaichi Banko ware (四日市萬古焼, Yokkaichi Banko-yaki) – Heat-resistant ceramics, especially teapots, combining practicality with elegant design.

Mie Prefecture represents the fusion of spirituality and craftsmanship. From the sacred artistry of Ise to the earthy elegance of Iga pottery, Mie’s crafts highlight both the everyday and the divine, leaving a lasting imprint on Japan’s cultural identity.