Mikimoto is one of the largest pearl industry base in Japan, starting from raw material production processes in the sea until processing into high-value jewelry. All workmanship carried out manually. It has developed activities for over 100 years, starting early in the 1890s and continued until today.
Pearls from Mikimoto began worldwide since 1937. At that time entrepreneurs from the region following an exhibition held in Paris, France. First appearance was immediately struck participants that since it is also the demand continues to increase.
"Until now, Mikimoto pearls are always chased fans from all over the world. In addition to ordering through a distributor, not a few others come to the centers of production and processing in Mikimoto, "said Noboru Shibahara, The Manager in Mikimoto Pearl Island.
The number of visitors at the Mikimoto Pearl Island ranges from 300,000 people per year. Around 30,000 people of whom came from outside Japan, the United States, Europe, and Asia. Special holiday season, such as in August, visitors can reach 3,000 people per day. "About 70 percent of visitors would buy her pearls," said Noboru.
Mikimoto Pearl Island was in a small island covering an area of about one hectare. In particular there is built exhibition halls, museums, shops, restaurants, and the center of the pearl-making techniques show from the seabed.
In this area there are many small islands with a very clear sea. Cultivated pearls obtained from a search at the bottom of the sea, and partly the result of local farming.
To connect the island of Mikimoto pearls industrial centers with the nearest island which is downtown Toba built a pedestrian bridge is equipped with luxurious escalators. This bridge only for pedestrians.
Decision pearls from the sea floor is women only. The reason, women assessed as having a lower fat content than men and therefore have a long breath and be able to survive longer on the sea floor in search of the best pearls.
"This is our society's belief and proven for decades in search cultivation and pearl in the sea here," said Yuya Iwasaki, a senior staff in government offices Mie Province.
However, he also admitted the option to use the labor of women in search of pearls can not be separated from the tradition that developed in Japan since thousands of years ago. "In the tradition of Japanese society that developed since the first women to work more dominant. This tradition is still growing in a number of activities, such as the search of pearls, "said Yuya.
As the demand for Mikimoto pearls are increasingly global, local raw material supply is not enough to meet perceived needs. So, since a dozen years ago the local industry began to import raw materials from some countries, like Australia and Thailand.
Without mentioning the amount, according to Noboru, the volume of imports tends to increase. "We need to consistently meet market demand. Thus, there is no other option for us than to import raw materials. Indonesia is one potential area of cultivated pearls want optimal, "said Noboru.
Tourists visiting the island will not be made Mikimoto saturated and bored. Not far from where it stood Toba Aquarium, a large building that 850-900 species of fish collected sea water and fresh water are rare in the world.
In-building operation since May 15, 1955 was 850-950 units built aquariums in different shapes and sizes collects to 30,000 fish. All the fish were an average age of 25 years. Mermaid, for example, has 35 years of age.
"Many Japanese people and the world only knew the name of a particular fish, but have not seen from the shape and style. Toba Aquarium offers the opportunity to see first hand the rare fish, "said Yukiyasu Nakaseko from Toba Aquarium Services Department.
During this Toba Aquarium and Mikimoto Pearl always put together in a promotional package tours. Both objects were also supported a number of hotels that offer natural hot water spa and natural atmosphere of the mountains, such as Misugi Resort Hotel. Thus, many tourists enjoy the exciting atmosphere while visiting Mie region.
"Pearl Mikimoto, Toba Aquarium, and Misugi Resort Hotel and Spa is different from the owner. However, we always work together in promoting and capture the tourists. That's why our business is always still exist, "said Noboru Shibahara.
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