Hirado, Nagasaki Prefecture

Hirado is located in Nagasaki-ken, and has a population of about 36,000. During the beginning of the Edo era (1600-1868), Hirado used to be a centre of international trade, with offices maintained by the Dutch and the English East Indian Company. Among the places to visit: Hirado Castle, Matsura Historical Museum, A View of Temples and a Church, the grave of Matsura Takanobu (Soyo), Hirado Xavier Memorial Church – see the post on 12 September. Komyo-ji is a Buddhist temple founded here at the beginning of the 17th century.

Ashiyu - presented in the post on 5 July:

Le petit Chaperon Rouge - Little Red Hiding Hood:

Kujira means whale.

Of course, it observes the international whaling regulations of IWC, and it is so rare to find it anywhere in the entire country. It may be imported from Norway and Iceland. The Ainu folklore relates about spiritual relations with whales. It seems to be such a delicate topic. With all due respect, such a tiny piece was delicious.

Hirado Castle: