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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi visited Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures, where he and Mr. Hayao Kawai, the Commissioner of the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and others observed traditional and cultural tourism resources enjoyed by both Japanese and foreign visitors. After arriving in Ishikawa Prefecture on the morning of May 20, Prime Minister Koizumi visited the Kiriko Hall, which displays about 20 real "kiriko," or large lanterns used for summer festivals in the Noto region. Afterwards, Prime Minister Koizumi visited the Ishikawa Wajima Urushi Art Museum, the first museum in Japan to specialize in the art of urushi or Japanese lacquer. At the museum, he viewed excellent works of lacquer art, such as masterpieces by living national treasures. Asked about his impressions after the viewing, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "I knew that the English word for pottery was 'china,' but I did not know that lacquer works were called 'japan.' So japan is a product of Japanese culture. Japanese lacquer art deserves credit. I learned a lot today." In the afternoon, Prime Minister Koizumi observed the Shiroyone-Senmaida, or multi-layered terrace paddy fields in Shiroyone, located on a steep mountain slope, the foot of which dives directly into the Sea of Japan. The fields are designated as one of the scenic spots of Japan. On the morning of May 21, Prime Minister Koizumi observed the former National Fourth Upper Secondary School and the Kanazawa Castle Park in Kanazawa City. Thereafter he observed Kenrokuen, a specially designated scenic spot in Japan and a park that has been shaped into what it is today under the hands of several generations of the shogunate lords of Kaga, located in today's Ishikawa Prefecture. The next stop was Kutani-Kosenyo pottery kiln, the only pottery kiln of Kutani style in Kanazawa. There Prime Minister Koizumi observed the process to create ceramics. Prime Minister Koizumi then visited Nagamachi district in the city where residences of the samurai are preserved with characteristic dark yellow earthen walls that retain the image of the old days. In the afternoon, Prime Minister Koizumi traveled to Toyama Prefecture, where he observed Takaoka Yamacho Street Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings, Takaoka City, where more than 50 buildings built in the traditional style of mud-walled warehouse still stand along the streets. Thereafter, Prime Minister Koizumi observed the Takaoka Fushiki Kitamae Transport Museum, which displays materials related to kitamaebune, or ships used for transportation in the Sea of Japan during the Edo Period. Referring to the observations, Prime Minister Koizumi said, "It is part of the Visit Japan Campaign, which once again reminded me today that there are plenty of tourism resources sleeping in Japan. We have the bright sunshine of May today. I think we are lucky to be blessed with such nice weather." View Video (Available only in Japanese) Real(Narrowband) / Real(Broadband) Windows Media(Narrowband) / Windows Media(Broadband)