Tobe is situated in the
centre of Ehime Prefecture, in South West Japan
(Latitude:3245'E, Longitude:3340'-3345'N), and extends
over 57.2 square kilometers. It enjoys a mild climate
throughout the year, the average temperature begin about
15C. The town is close to the principal city of Ehime,
Matsuyama, and is developing as the latter's southern
gateway. Tobe has a population of 20,841 (1995), and is
famous for the style of porcelain that bears its name, as
well as for its mandarin oranges and beautiful flowers. The
town's main industries are the cultivation of mandarin
oranges and the manufacture of Tobe porcelain. Vases and
other pottery items are produced in 94 different workshops.
Among the attractive and interesting things that one can
enjoy in Tobe are the town's traditional Tobe-yaki
porcelain-manufacturing workshops, hot spring bathing, the
Town Hall and the multi-purpose park.
Tobe-yaki pottery was
born in Tobe Town, surrounded by the beautiful mountains
about 13km south of Matsuyama, about 320 years ago. Warm,
white lacquered porcelain, celadon porcelain like clear
water, and the simplified designs on the rather thick
pottery painted with absolite are the leading
characteristics of Tobe pottery. There are over 70 kilns
here and Tobe-yaki pottery has been designated one of the
Japanese Traditional Industrial Arts for its beauty. At such
places as Togei Sosaku-kan, Tobe-yaki Togei-kan, or Tobe
Kanko Center, you can experience making your own original
work.
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