Japan Pearl Tour and the 7th Japan Pearl Fair hosted by the Japan Pearl Exporters Association

[jeg]

I am so honored to be on a pearling adventure of a lifetime hosted by the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association. This is the second tour hosted by this organization and I cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity to share this experience with the Pearl Guide Community.

My trip began with delays and a missed connection so I arrived a day later than planned after being rerouted through Tokyo. I unfortunately missed the first evening introductions. Our first destination- Fukuoka.

From Fukuoka, our first full day began with a short plane hop to Tsushima Island. A small island nestled between Japan and Korea, it is actually closer to Korea.

Our bus driver greeted us as we arrived. Tsushima Island is not only known for their pearls, but an indigenous animal known as a yamaneko, or mountain cat. It is like a bobcat with a long tail.

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[vampyrika]

Great pictures! This looks so fun and informative!

 

[jeg]

From the airport, our first destination was to visit Kitamura Pearls Oyamakoshi Farm. This farm has been in operation since 1901, and is responsible for 8-10% of the Japanese Pearl Production. Mr. Yusuke Chikazawa is the president of Kitamura Pearls. This farm sits on such a peaceful idyllic setting in the Sea of Japan. It is gorgeous here, but we will be setting out to sea to experience first hand, the love, patience, and hard work that goes into such an operation at the pearl farm.

 

[BWeaves]

JEG: I can't wait to see where they take you on your trip. I'm sure it will be different pearl farms than they took me to visit. I'm so excited for you, and quite a bit jealous. I want to go back!

 

[jeg]

There are buoys with rope lines in every direction holding 3 million Akoya pearl mollusks at every stage of the growth process. Half of these will survive. Out of the half that survive, 1.2 million can be nucleated. The first line to be pulled onto our boat contain nets of baby spat at approximately 8 months. They cling together in clusters because of the plankton. They are hand separated later.

 

[jeg]

We continue out to sea to view another stage of growth. A black container hold these mollusks which are approximately 2 years old. They are in containment before nucleation to prevent the pearl shells from producing eggs and sperm. Apparently this can affect the luster and color of the pearls they create. In about 10 days, they will be cleaning the shells and in about 3 weeks they will be nucleated.

This box contains healthy mollusks as there are several clinging to the lid. The mollusks in this container will hopefully produce 8mm pearls.

 

[jeg]

We pass a monument in honor of the pearl oysters that have sacrificed their lives for the pearls. At dinner, I learned from Mr. Ueda (president of Akoya Pearl Company) that it puts so much pressure on the shell to produce pearls very big. It would be like the size of a volleyball to a human.

 

[jeg]

Next we see nets of nucleated oysters. After they are nucleated, they stay in nets for approximately 2 more years. They are cleaned a couple more times before Hamaage.

 

[jeg]

Our next stop is to see part of the cleaning process. This is a floating cleaning facility that is moved around the water and anchored in the area where the mollusks need to be cleaned.

Inside, they are in the process of removing the shells from the netting for cleaning. They are approximately 6 months old.

This is a resting area for the mollusks after the grafting process.

70 people work on this farm. 18 of them come from Indonesia.

It is one thing to read about the pearl process, but to be privileged enough to experience the labor of love in person was such treasure. Many steps, many hands, hard work and the dedication that goes into pearl farming is truly a passion.

 

[jeg]

We say our goodbyes to this beautiful location and continue on our tour of the island. We work our way through the scenic area of Mt. Eboshi and Wadatsumi Shrine.

 

[jeg]

 

[jeg]

Most of our group. I will post introductions in a later post-

We had a delicious lunch at the Tsushima Grand Hotel where Mr. Chikazawa joined us. We were able to share our thoughts and takeaways about our visit to his farm and ask him many questions. Our heads were as full as our bellies. After heading back to the airport for our short hop back to Fukuoka, we collected our luggage and headed to our next hotel in Nagasaki. Tomorrow (this morning) will be another full day of learning and experiencing.

I would like to introduce you to our hosts from the Japan Pearl Exporters’ Association who have made this trip possible.

Mr. Tatsu Kumamoto, president of pearl processing company; Ms. Yuko Yamashita, University professor who works closely on promotional efforts of Akoya pearls with JPEA; Mr. Takashi Ueda, president of Akoya Pearl Co.; Ms. Yumiko Ijichi, executive director of JPEA; Ms. Miku Iuchi, staff of JPEA who made all the arrangements for our trip and Mr. George Kakuda, current president of JPEA who we will meet in Kobe.

 

[pattye]

Great photos, Jeg and always fascinating pearly stories, thank you so much!