Hikone City (彦根市) lies on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa (琵琶期; about 98 sq. km) in Shiga Prefecture.  Hikone Castle (彦根城), standing in elegant profile against Lake Biwa, is the city's symbol and one of the national treasures.  It currently has an area of 196.84 sq. km and the population is 110,880 (April 1, 2008); the density is 563 persons/sq. km.
  Hikone City has an interesting history.  Hikone was first inhabited during the Jomon Period (縄文時代) about 8000 years ago and was famous for its agriculture, providing rice to the Imperial Court.  At Battle of Sekigahara (関ヶ原の戦い) on September 15, 1600, Mitsunari Ishida (石田三成, 1560-1600) of Sawayama Castle (佐和山城), the ruling lord in Hikone was defeated.  The lord's castle was destroyed, and a new one was built using many building materials from the former Sawayama Castle in 1622 (元和8年), with support from the new Tokugawa Shogunate government (徳川幕府).  The erection of Hikone Castle resulted in the swift development of Hikone as a castle town.  In 1622, the construction of the present castle and surrounding town was completed.  During the Edo Period (1603- 1867), Hikone was ruled by the Ii clan (井伊家), who, for generations, was believed to have been the most faithful daimyo (大名; feudal lord) in hereditary vassalage to the Tokugawa Shogunate since the days of the 1st Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川家康, 1542-1616).  During this period Hikone grew and prospered with the building of major roads linking Hikone City to the surrounding areas and a system for shipping rice to major ports on Lake Biwa.
  In 1853 the American Navy Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry (1794-1858) led his ships to Japan causing a great change for the previously secluded country.  The Japanese were divided into two factions: one opposing opening up the country (開国反対派), and one in favor of it (開国賛成派).  Hikone's 15th Lord Naosuke Ii (井伊直弼, 1815-1860) became the Tairo (大老; Chief Minister of the Shogun) in 1858 (安政5年) and established his severe policy while he carried out the Mass Execution of the Ansei Era (安政の大獄) against his numerous antagonists.  Although highly criticized by many people even including Emperor Komei (孝明天皇, 1831-1866; r.1846-1866) at the time, Naosuke Ii dared to sign up the notorious unequal treaty with the U.S. that established "free trade" between the U.S. and Japan in 1858 (安政5年).  As the result, he was assassinated by some ex-retainers of the Mito clan (水戸藩浪士たち) outside of Sakurada-mon Gate of Edo-jo Castle (桜田門外の変) on March 3, 1860 (安政7年).  If Naosuke Ii had not been killed, however, he would have never repented what he did against his antagonists.  He just did what he thought was best to maintain the gone Shogunate, just as his ancestors did for the Tokugawa family who had believed generations of the Ii family as the most faithful retainers.
  In 1868, the new Meiji government was established.  The end of the Tokugawa Shogunate era brought great changes to Hikone City.  Samurais and townspeople were forced to find new occupations, and left Hikone in search of work.  Hikone's population drastically decreased.  However, over time, the city of Hikone adjusted to the change, and began attracting people back because of its convenient rail line, strong educational tradition, and its industrial focus.
  Industry has flourished in Hikone again since the late 1960s.  During this time of economic expansion Hikone City convinced many companies to locate their factories within its area.  Partly due to the ideal climate and location near Lake Biwa, which provides an adequate water resource, three main industries were established.  These were the production of Butsudan (仏壇; Buddhist altars), machinery valves, and garments.  This has led to newer industries such as tire production, aluminum, and electricity. In addition, agriculture in Hikone is still plentiful.  Within the southern part of Hikone large rice fields can be found.  Unfortunately, the population of farmers has been decreasing recently.  However, other areas of agriculture, such as the production of pears and green vegetables, have been developing.
  

IMAGE	IMAGE NO.	DATA
JR Hikone Station		Hikone Station (彦根駅) is located near the northeast edge of Lake Biwa on the Biwako Line (琵琶湖線), west part of the Tokaido Line (東海道線) and on the Omi-Tetsudo-Honsen Line (近江鉄道本線): 40 Furusawa-cho, Hikone City, Shiga (滋賀県彦根市古沢町40).
	shk2008-001	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Hikone Station, 40 Furusawa-cho, Hikone City, Shiga
Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine		Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine (滋賀縣護国神社) is located east of Hikone Castle (彦根城): 1-5-9 Osue-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga (滋賀県彦根市尾末町1-5-9).  It was founded in 1876 (明治９年) as a Shokon-sha Shrine (招魂社) for the repose of the 26 victims of the Boshin War (戊辰戦争, 1868-1869).   After great wars including the Seinan War (西南戦争, 1877), First Sino-Japanese War (日清戦争, 1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War (日露戦争, 1904-1905), victims were enshrined here for the repose of their souls.  In April, 1939 (昭和14年), it was renamed Shiga-ken Gokoku-jinjya Shrine (滋賀縣護国神社) by the Home Secretary (内務大臣) at that time.  In 1948 (昭和23年) after World War II, it was renamed Sasanami-jinjya Shrine (沙々那美神社).  In 1953 (昭和28年), the shrine was named again as Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine (滋賀縣護国神社) as it is called today.
	shk2008-004	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Tokiwa-bashi Bridge (常磐橋), Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-005	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Tokiwa-bashi Bridge (常磐橋), Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-006	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Signpost and Information Board of Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-007	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Stone Shrine Gate (石鳥居), Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-008	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshppers' Hall), etc., Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-009	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshppers' Hall), Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-010	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshppers' Hall), Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-011	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Interior of "Hai-den" (拝殿; Worshppers' Hall), Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
	shk2008-013	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Meoto-ume" (夫婦梅; the Couples' Ume Tree) donated by two couples from the sister-city Mito City (水戸市) as the symbol of the friendship in December, 1970 (昭和45年).  Shiga Prefectural Gokoku-jinjya Shrine
Hikone Castle		Hikone Castle (彦根城). Hikone Castle (彦根城) is the most famous historical site in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.  This Edo-period castle traces its origin to 1603 when Naokatsu Ii (井伊 直勝, 1590-1662), son of the former lord Naomasa Ii (井伊 直政, 1561-1602), ordered its construction.  The keep was originally built in 1575, as part of Otsu Castle (大津城), and was moved to Hikone by the Ii clan (井伊家).  It was completed in 1622.  Naokatsu's dominions had been taken from him in the interval by the Tokugawa Shogunate, and when his brother Naotake Ii (井伊 直武, 1650-1694) assumed control of the area around Omi Province (近江国), he was able to complete the castle by collecting stones from the former Sawayama Castle (佐和山城).   When the Meiji era (明治時代) began in 1868, many castles were scheduled to be dismantled, and only a request from the emperor himself, touring the area, kept Hikone Castle intact.  Today it remains one of the oldest original-construction castles in Japan.  Hikone Castle was designated a National Treasure by the Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture (文部科学省) in 1952.
	shk2008-017	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Naka-bori" (中堀; Middle Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-018	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Naka-bori" (中堀; Middle Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-022	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Naka-bori" (中堀; Middle Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-023	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Naka-bori" (中堀; Middle Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-025	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Omote-mon-bashi Bridge (表門橋), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-026	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-027	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-029	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-030	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-031	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) A wild swan on "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-033	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) A wild swan on "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-034	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-036	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Omote-mon-bashi Bridge (表門橋) and "Uchi-bori" (内堀; Inner Moat), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-038	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Uma-ya" (馬屋; the stable), Hikone Castle.  It was built between the Genroku era (元禄年間, 1688-1704) and restored in 1968 (昭和43年).
	shk2008-043	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Interior of "Uma-ya" (馬屋; the stable), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-044	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Interior of "Uma-ya" (馬屋; the stable), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-045	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Ume trees behind "Uma-ya" (the stable), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-046	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Ume trees behind "Uma-ya" (the stable), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-047	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Tenko-do" (天光堂), the tearoom of "Mokuzo-to" (木造棟; the wooden building), Hikone Castle.  Courtesy of Hikone Castle Museum (彦根城博物館).
	shk2008-048	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-049	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-050	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-051	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-052	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-054	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-055	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The restored garden of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-056	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "One-no-ma" (御寝之間; the lord's bed room) of the Hikone Castle Museum, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-057	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Stone steps to the donjon (天守閣) of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-059	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Tembin-yagura (天秤櫓; the Balance Tower) and Roka-bashi Bridge (廊下橋; the Corridor Bridge) to the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-060	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Tembin-yagura (天秤櫓; the Balance Tower) and Roka-bashi Bridge (廊下橋; the Corridor Bridge) to the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-063	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Tembin-yagura (天秤櫓; the Balance Tower) to the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-064	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Tsukimi-dai" (着見台; the watchtower) of the donjon, Hikone Castle
	shk2008-066	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hon-maru" (本丸; the keep or donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-068	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hon-maru" (本丸; the keep or donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-069	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hon-maru" (本丸; the keep or donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-070	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Taiko-mon-yagura" (太鼓門櫓; the Drum Gate Tower), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-073	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Taiko-mon-yagura" (太鼓門櫓; the Drum Gate Tower), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-079	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The three-storied "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-080	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The three-storied "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle.  The ume tree in front was presented by the sister-city Mito City (水戸市).
	shk2008-082	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The three-storied "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle.  The ume tree in front was presented by the sister-city Mito City (水戸市).
	shk2008-085	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The three-storied "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-086	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Interior of "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-087	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Interior of "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-088	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Interior of "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-089	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Some loop-holes of "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-090	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The ceiling of "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-091	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The ceiling of "Tenshu-kaku" (天守閣; the donjon), Hikone Castle
	shk2008-094	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), viewed from the top [third] floor of the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-095	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), viewed from the top [third] floor of the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-096	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), viewed from the top [third] floor of the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-097	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), viewed from the top [third] floor of the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-098	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Genkyu-en Garden (玄宮園), viewed from the top [third] floor of the donjon of Hikone Castle
	shk2008-099	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Genkyu-en Garden (玄宮園), viewed from the top [third] floor of the donjon of Hikone Castle
Genkyu-en Garden		Genkyu-en Garden (玄宮園) was the garden of "Genkyurakuraku-en" (玄宮楽々園) or "Keyaki-goten" (槻御殿), which was the "Shimo-yashiki" (下屋敷; the villa) constructed by the 4th lord Naoaki Ii (井伊 直興, 1656-1717) between 1677 (延宝5年) and 1679 (延宝7年).It is located at 3 Konki-cho, Hikone-shi, Shiga (滋賀県彦根市金亀町3).   "Genkyu-en" was named after the Imperial villa (離宮) of the 6th Emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty (唐), Hsuan Tsung (or Xuan Zong; 玄宗 [Jap. Genso], AD 685-762).  This landscape garden in the go-round style (廻遊式庭園) was modeled after the the Eight Views of the Xiao and Xiang Rivers (瀟湘八景; Jap. Shosho-hakkei) in Hunan Province (湖南省), China, or the Eight Views around Lake Biwa in Omi Province (近江八景; Jap. Omi-hakkei).
	shk2008-102	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Higashi-guchi" (東口; East Gate), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-103	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Taka-hashi" Bridge (高橋, left) and "Ryuga-bashi" Bridge (龍臥橋, right) crossing over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-104	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Taka-hashi" Bridge (高橋, left) and "Ryuga-bashi" Bridge (龍臥橋, right) crossing over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-106	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Ryuga-bashi" Bridge (龍臥橋) crossing over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-107	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) A stupa and a small shrine, Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-108	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Ryuga-bashi" Bridge (龍臥橋) crossing over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-109	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-110	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Kakumei-nagisa" Beach (鶴鳴渚), viewed from "Kangetsu-ho" Mound (鏡月峯), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-111	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-112	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Funa-tsuki-ato" (舟着跡; the pier site), Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-113	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Kakumei-nagisa" Beach (鶴鳴渚), viewed from "Kangetsu-ho" Mound (鏡月峯), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-114	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Hiryo-kei" Gorge (飛梁渓), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-115	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The donjon of Hikone Castle viewed over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼) and "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-116	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The donjon of Hikone Castle viewed over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼) and "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-117	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The donjon of Hikone Castle viewed over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼) and "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-118	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The donjon of Hikone Castle viewed over Gyoyaku-sho Pond (魚躍沼) and "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-119	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The donjon of Hikone Castle viewed over "Shichiken-bashi" Bridge (七間橋) and "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-120	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The donjon of Hikone Castle viewed over "Shichiken-bashi" Bridge (七間橋) and "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-125	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Go-shoin" (御書院; the drawing room) of "Rakuraku-en" Villa (楽々園), viewed from Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-126	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Go-shoin" (御書院; the drawing room) of "Rakuraku-en" Villa (楽々園), viewed from Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-128	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Entrance to "Rinchi-kaku" Hall (臨池閣), Genkyu-en Garden
	shk2008-129	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The wall of Genkyu-en Garden
Statue of Lord Naosuke Ii		Bronze Statue of Lord Naosuke Ii, Chief Minister of the Shogun (井伊直弼大老銅像), Hikone Castle.  It was designed by Daizo Mori (森 大造) and reconstructed by Sahei Oji (黄地 佐平) on November 10, 1949 (昭和24年).   Naosuke was born on October 29, 1815 (文化12年) as the 14th son of the 13th lord Naonala Ii (井伊 直中, 1766-1831) when he was 50.  Naosuke spent a miserable youth until his elder brother, the 14th lord Naoaki (井伊直亮, 1794-1850) adopted him as his heir.  When Naoaki died in 1850, Naosuke inherited the Ii clan and became the 15th lord.   In 1853 the American Navy Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry (1794-1858) led his ships to Japan causing a great change for the previously secluded country.  The Japanese were divided into two factions: one opposing opening up the country (開国反対派), and one in favor of it (開国賛成派).  Hikone's 15th Lord Naosuke Ii (井伊直弼, 1815-1860) became the Tairo (大老; Chief Minister of the Shogun) in 1858 (安政5年) and established his severe policy while he carried out the Mass Execution of the Ansei Era (安政の大獄) against his numerous antagonists.  Although highly criticized by many people even including Emperor Komei (孝明天皇, 1831-1866; r.1846-1866) at the time, Naosuke Ii dared to sign up the notorious unequal treaty with the U.S. that established "free trade" between the U.S. and Japan in 1858 (安政5年).  As the result, he was assassinated by some ex-retainers of the Mito clan (水戸藩浪士たち) outside of Sakurada-mon Gate of Edo-jo Castle (桜田門外の変) on March 3, 1860 (安政7年) when he was 46.  If Naosuke Ii had not been killed, however, he would have never repented what he did against his antagonists.  He just did what he thought was best to maintain the gone Shogunate, just as his ancestors did for the Tokugawa family who had believed generations of the Ii family as the most faithful retainers.
	shk2008-131	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Signpost of the bronze statue of Lord Naosuke Ii, Chief Minister of the Shogun
	shk2008-133	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Bronze Statue of Lord Naosuke Ii, Chief Minister of the Shogun
	shk2008-134	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Bronze Statue of Lord Naosuke Ii, Chief Minister of the Shogun
	shk2008-137	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Bronze Statue of Lord Naosuke Ii, Chief Minister of the Shogun
Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road		Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road (夢京橋キャッスルロード) is a new shopping street whose northern edge is at Kyo-bashi Bridge (京橋) of Hikone Castle.  The area is in Hon-machi (本町) which was built with the construction of the castle in 1603 (慶長8年).  Although the road was 6 meter wide, this historical town remained undeveloped until 1985 (昭和60年) when the city office planned to improve this area: The reconstruction was completed in 1999 (平成11年).  Its nickname is the "Old New Town" which reminds us of the ad copy "OLD IS NEW," the old TV commercial for "Suntory Old Whisky" some years ago.
	shk2008-138	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Kyo-bashi Bridge to Hikone Castle
	shk2008-140	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road
	shk2008-141	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road
	shk2008-142	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road
"Funa-zushi"		"Funa-zushi" (鮒寿司), Sochian (宗知庵), Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road, 1-1-30 Hon-machi, Hikone City (彦根市本町1丁目1-30).   Funa-zushi, the special product of Shiga Prefecture, is fermented "[nigoro]-buna" (Japanese carp; Carassius auratus grandoculis).  The raw fish is packed tightly in salt for a year, then dried and mixed with rice.  This mixture is left to “ferment” for 3 years.  The rice is changed every year, but the fish is allowed to decompose.   About 1000 years ago, a preservation method called "nare-zushi" (馴れ寿司) came to Japan from China.  In Shiga, "nare-zushi" became "funazushi."  Fermentation was used as a way to preserve food stocks for winter.  Like many other Japanese foods ("umeboshi" (梅干し), "natto" (納豆), "funa-zushi" became a national delicacy, even after fresh foods became available all year round.   ””Funa-zushi" has been increasingly rare.  As fresh fish has become available, modern "sushi" has been developed, reducing "funa-zushi" to novelty status.  Younger Japanese people, who have more Western tastes, are less likely to develop a taste for the dubious treat.  Nowadays, it can only be found in Shiga, and the smelly preservation technique may soon be redundant.   As you’d expect, "funa-zushi" has an overwhelming smell, which discourages many people from other areas to eat it, even holding their noses.  The taste is salty and vinegary.  It can be used in soups, deep-fried in batter to make tempura, or best-served in green tea (お茶漬け; ocha-zuke).   There is a famous anecdote about "funa-zushi" and Nobunaga Oda (織田信長, 1534-1582).  On June 5, 1582 (天正10年5月15日) when Nobunaga ordered Mitsuhide Akechi (明智光秀, 1528?-1582) to treat Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川家康, 1542-1616) at Azuchi Castle (安土城).  Mitsuhide very carefully selected the menu of the banquet and treated Nobunaga and Ieyasu with the best local dishes of Lake Biwa, including "funa-zushi."  The fish naturally stinked in the rainy season, enough to change Ieyasu's color.  Born in the present Aichi Prefecture, both Ieyasu and Nobugara had never tasted "funa-zushi" before.  Nobunaga got mad at and insulted Mistuhide severely in front of the special guest.  About two weeks later, Mitsuhide rebelled against Nobunaga at Honno-ji Temle on June 21, 1582 (天正10年6月2日).  So "funa-zushi" might have changed the Japanese history.   CAUTION FOR FIRST-TIME EATERS: Well prepare yourself to eat it and you do not have to eat up every piece on your dish.  Just like the traditional Normandy cheese "Livarot" or a durian fruit, "funa-zushi" is an acquired taste.
	shk2008-145	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Funa-zushi," Sochian, Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road, 1-1-30 Hon-machi, Hikone City
	shk2008-147	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Funa-zushi," Sochian, Yume-Kyobashi Castle Road, 1-1-30 Hon-machi, Hikone City
	shk2008-148	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Funa-zushi," Sochian
	shk2008-149	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) "Funa-zushi," Sochian
	shk2008-150	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The trial pack of "Funa-zushi," Sochian (950 yen each)
	shk2008-151	(Thursday 20 March, 2008)The trial pack of "Funa-zushi," Sochian (950 yen each)
	shk2008-152	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The trial pack of "Funa-zushi," Sochian (950 yen each)
	shk2008-154	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The informative picture of how to make "Funa-zushi," Sochian
	shk2008-155	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) The informative pictures of how to make "Funa-zushi," Sochian
Zuiho		Zuiho (ずいほう), a Taiwanese restaurant, 7-23 Asahi-machi, Hikone City (彦根市旭町7-23) near JR Hikone Station.  The chef is said to have well-trained Taiwanese cooking for many years.
	shk2008-157	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Zuiho, Taiwanese restaurant, 7-23 Asahi-machi, Hikone City
	shk2008-159	(Thursday 20 March, 2008) Zuiho, Taiwanese restaurant, 7-23 Asahi-machi, Hikone City: My lunch "Nagasaki-Sara-udon and Han-chan [half-sized Chinese fried rice] table d'hote" (長崎皿うどん・半チャン・セット, 1,000 yen)

        

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