Wakou Museum

Various iron-making tools designated as important tangible folk cultural properties by the government, various video materials, models, etc. are on display, allowing visitors to easily learn about the history of iron from ancient times when iron making began in Japan to modern times. This facility allows people of all ages to learn while having fun, through hands-on exhibits where visitors can operate the “Tenbin Fuigo” (balance bellows), which was actually used in tatara-jo (a traditional Japanese ironworks), and the experience of holding a Japanese sword.

What is Tatara Ironworks?

Tatara ironmaking, an ancient Japanese method of ironmaking, is a traditional method of producing high-quality iron from iron sand, and the “tamahagane” steel used to make Japanese swords is produced by tatara ironmaking. Tatara ironmaking has been popular in the Chugoku region since ancient times, where high-quality iron sand has been available, and it is said that in the latter half of the Edo period, tatara ironmaking in the Chugoku region accounted for approximately 80% of the iron produced in Japan. In addition, at Yasugi Port, where iron produced by tatara ironmaking was shipped nationwide, the folk song Yasugibushi was born, influenced by folk songs and ship’s songs sung by sailors from all over the country.

Registered as a Japanese Heritage Site

The elements that convey the culture of tatara ironmaking are called constituent cultural properties, and there are nine constituent cultural properties in Yasugi City. The “Izumo Province Tatara Topography – A Story Borne of a Thousand Years of Ironmaking,” which consists of the three areas of Yasugi City, Unnan City, and Okuizumo Town, is registered as a Japan Heritage site.

Izumo Province Tatara Fudoki Official Website

Japan Heritage Portal Site