A dazzling Sado picture scroll of the ages
Between the 13th and 15th centuries on Sado Island where noblemen, warriors, artists and high priests were exiled for political crimes, numerous legends remain of these figures who had important and historic roles to play. The Sado Historical Legend Museum is divided into 12 scenes in which everything ranging from the many dramatic episodes of Imperial family tragedy and the miracles of Saint Nichiren to the performances of exiled Noh actor Zeami and the folk tales of Sado are introduced. Although the performers are robots, the performances and elaborate garb which can only be found in the Noh nation of Sado Island are excellent. Effects such as light and sound are freely used so that you will want to enjoy the legends of Sado through this beautifully recreated spectacle.
The masterpieces of Shoudou Sasaki whose works have even graced the Imperial Palace
In the Shoudou Sasaki Museum which is located within the Sado Historical Legend Museum, the works of Sado-born sculptor Shoudou Sasaki are on display. It is a valuable facility where you can see some of his finest masterpieces. Sasaki was known for his style merging traditional Japanese beauty and Western modernism and has received numerous awards in Japan including his inclusion as a Human National Treasure in 1960. One of his representative works, “Zuichou” (Crane), had its design used as a decorative element in the new Kyuden facility of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, with a replica of the same size displayed at the entrance of the building. A chronology for Sasaki through a panel display and the production process behind wax metal casting are very interesting.
Original products based on the works of Sasaki are on sale
Original goods with a Sasaki motif can only be purchased here. Along with accessories with a motif of “Zuichou”, iron tea plates that are patterned after his other work of “Onigawara” (Demon Tile) are popular for being items of rare beauty only available on Sado. The souvenir area sells special goods on Sado and folk craft as well as many kinds of candy and local sake in great variety. The shop is also famous for one of its employees, Charles Jenkins, whose wife, Hitomi Soga, had been one of the North Korean abductees who was returned in 2004.