Kyoto International Community House・京都市国際交流協会

Revolutionary Industries Kyoto
Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd.
　　
　　Just a stones' throw away from Keihan Tofukuji station in the south of Kyoto you will find a group of swanky through the company gate, we were surprised by the beautiful surroundings and instantly our tension was relieved. When the automatic glass doors opened at the entrance, the first thing we noticed was the framed company motto "Let us contribute to building a better society through our corporate activities". We pondered this founding motto for a moment before being ushered inside by a smartly dressed staff member to meet Mr. YOSHIDA, the chief of the Public Relations section.
　　Mr. Yoshida gave us a warm welcome and talked in detail about Sanyo Chemical's activities. The current site was originally just a wide-open vegetable field in the Meiji period (1868-1912), where a Mr. TODA had begun making cakes of soap in a small wooden hut. The soap later became known as the popular brand "Maruseru Soap" and formed the humble foundations of the company, which was formally established in 1949.
　　Sanyo Chemical has grown from a manufacturer of surfactants into a developer and producer supplying some 2,800 products across a broad spectrum of industries to local and international markets. The company manufactures "performance chemicals" including polyurethane chemicals, and high-molecular agents that are now indispensable materials for numerous consumer and industrial products.
　　Headquartered in Kyoto, it also has factories in Nagoya and Kashima, and subsidiary companies in Japan and overseas. Sanyo Chemical is committed to satisfying customer needs for safer, healthier and more efficient products. It recognizes people's desire for a better life, and understands that society is growing even more diversified and complex. Sanyo Chemical endeavors to meet this challenge whilst maintaining an active role in preserving our environment. While many of its products are not eye-catching, they are widely used in our daily lives and across many industries. Let's take a closer look at what is being developed at Sanyo Chemical.
　　In the 1960's Sanyo Chemical came up with polyols, the main ingredient for polyurethane foam which was used in automobile interiors (seat cushioning, door and ceiling panels etc.). It soon became the boom product of the petrochemical industry. In more recent times polyurethane foam (hard and flexible) has been used in beds and sofas, and as a heat insulator for housing, refrigerators and freezing warehouses. In 1969 lubricating oil additives were developed and later gasoline additives to improve motor engine performance.
　　Today the range of textile products produced by Sanyo Chemical is vast. It is developing various spinning oils to suit synthetic fiber manufacturers' diverse needs and to prevent fluffing and end breakage during the spinning process, contributing to improved productivity. Scouring agents that clean yarn by removing unnecessary oil; dyeing auxiliaries for beautiful dyeing; and softening agents for the texture of the final product. Polyurethane synthetic leather is another innovative product. This waterproof leather which can be easily cleaned and colored brightly is used in articles from outerwear, footwear and bags to automobile seats and architectural interior goods.
　　When you were (perhaps) still running around in diapers, Sanyo Chemical was devising ways to improve their absorption capacity. Now, thanks to the technological innovation of a new super-absorbent polymer, disposable diapers and sanitary napkins are more comfortable and compact. Sanyo Chemical was the first company to successfully apply this technology on a commercial basis. As previously mentioned, the company is an old hand in the development of surfactants, which are employed in various products from hair care to cosmetics and toothpaste. However, it is also involved in the game of helping save lives. The company has developed 20 different EIA (enzyme immunoassay) diagnostic reagents detecting ailments such as cancers, diabetes, allergies, and leukemia.
　　Sanyo Chemical is playing an increasingly important role in the area of environmental protection and effective use of natural resources. Organic substances collected from wastewater in sewage treatment plants can be decomposed and divided into clear water and sludge. The sludge is then dehydrated using a technology (a type of polymer flocculent) developed by the company, and can be used as fertilizer, fuel, or as an material used in the production of bricks.
　　As you would no doubt be aware, rice is the staple diet of Japan. Sanyo Chemical has come up with rice plant seedbeds sheets made of super-absorbent polymer and natural pulp. When this sheet is spread in the seed pan, it helps growth of rice plant roots and reduces the required amount of soil by half, facilitating greater land efficiency.
　　Despite inroads into rubber recycling technology, there is still a long way to go. Sanyo Chemical has applied the idea of elastic pavement materials to walkways. A degree of elasticity in the pavement of golf course buggy roads and park promenades makes walking more comfortable and is one use for recycled rubber. A weather-resistant adhesive, together with pavement materials made of recycled rubber and other materials has been developed for this purpose.
　　Of course the products mentioned above are just a handful of examples of Sanyo Chemical's many innovations. Nearly one hundred new performance chemicals are developed each year to keep up with customer demands. Of the company's 1,300 employees, over 30% are assigned to Research and Development (R & D), with about 6% of total revenue spent in this area. The company structure is not like the typical Japanese pyramid-shaped hierarchy. Groups or individuals propose new products, and once agreed upon, take full responsibility for their project. Such a positive approach has promoted a creative environment in the company, enabling each employee to pursue their own goals as well as those of the company. Let us keep an eye on this local company and see how they grow in the future.

I. Hashimoto & N. Suematsu

Past and Present
Kyoto International Community House

　　Have you ever noticed a large old tree standing tall and proud near the north entrance of Kyoto International Community House (KICH)? If you have seen it before, it's me! To tell the truth, many a time I have come close to becoming firewood, but am miraculously still here. Every woodcutter who was about to swing down his axe upon me felt something mysterious, and always gave up. An old fortuneteller who once lived near here told of a white snake that settled in my trunk and gave me the power of longevity and good fortune. She used to hang shimenawa, a decoration of a sacred straw rope, around me and offer a prayer. Thus I have remained here for the best part of 300 years, and have observed the changes of time. I have seen various types of buildings and people come and go, and recently, have stood watch over KICH since its establishment 12 years ago. Although there is no real connection with the previous facilities, KICH has succeeded the formers' spirit. It is a very warm and friendly place, in spite of the extravagant and wealthy setting created during the bubble-economy. Let me tell you about some of the changes that have taken place here since the end of World War II.
　　Several buildings have occupied the current site of KICH. Around the present lounge and Uni-Booth Corner on the 1st floor, there once stood a beautiful palace which was moved here from Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace at the beginning of the Showa Period (1926~1987). It was built for the enthronement ceremony of the Emperor Taisho (1912~1926). As one might expect, it was very dignified: the finest wooden materials had been used in its construction. Above the door frames and wooden panels of sliding door were carved elaborate decorations, while the hallways were lined with expensive tatami mats. As the emperor didn't actually live in the palace, Mayor Takayama, who represented the city from 1950~1966, used to invite many foreign guests there. They were always welcomed with a sukiyaki dinner. Mishima Tei, the most famous meat shop in Kyoto at the time (and still now), catered for the banquets because sukiyaki seemed to be the best and only dish Japanese people could serve foreign guests in those days.
　　Mayor Takayama lived in a part of the site (near the north entrance) after the American Occupation Forces requisitioned his former house. It was a period of postwar rehabilitation for Japan and the mayor worked hard for the citizens of Kyoto. A wedding consultation and matchmaking service was established on the premises, and later the major decided to allow citizens to use the palace for wedding ceremonies. Thirty minute ceremonies were held there no less than 12 times a day, almost everyday. Guests attended the ceremonies in everyday clothes, at the cost of \3000, with coffee and cake provided. Although the ceremonies were quite simple, many young couples chose to begin their new lives here.
　　From 1964 to 1988 Higashiyama Kaikan (東山会館: see left) was built on the site of the present front garden, serving as a resort house for Kyoto City Hall workers. It was also used for public wedding receptions.
　　As you may know, KICH was constructed here in 1989 to promote international exchange between the citizens of Kyoto and people of other countries. The staff of KICH together with volunteers have endeavored to help local residents and visitors alike, by providing useful information, giving advice, holding events and offering language/cultural lessons and so on. This newsletter, "Life in Kyoto" (LIK), is also produced by a group of volunteers. It was first published in 1991 by a small number of dedicated volunteers with a foreign staff member acting as editor and designer. The purpose of LIK is to provide informative and interesting articles on many aspects of life in Kyoto that appeal to both visitors and temporary foreign residents. Frankly speaking, responses from readers of LIK have apparently been very limited so far. The volunteers would be very pleased if you would kindly give them some feedback about LIK, or join them as a member. The perfect opportunity to do so and check out the ikebana and origami volunteer groups is on November 10 and 11. For further details check the Event Guide or call KICH on 752-3511.
And when you come to KICH, be sure to drop by and say hi to me. If you touch my trunk, you may just receive a little of my good fortune. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

The Big T (a.k.a. Y. Matsuda)

Enjoy Takaragaike Park

　　 Have you ever been to Takaragaike-koen (宝ヶ池公園) Park? If you have children under twelve years old, the Children's Fun Park (子どもの楽園: Kodomo-no-rakuen) located within the park grounds is a great spot to take them to play outside. Admission to the park is free and you can enjoy a cheap outing if you pack a picnic lunch.
　　The fun park has plenty of facilities to make children happy. There are two slides built on the side of Yume-no-yama (夢の山) Mountain. Lots of kids slide down it with squeals of excitement. Also, there is a maze ideal for playing hide and seek, trampolines to bounce up and down and an extraordinary shaped jungle gym for the adventurous. In summer (15 Jul.- 20 Aug.), children can bath in a shallow pool for free as well.
　　The various species of trees surrounding Takaragaike Park remind us of seasonal changes, especially in late autumn when the leaves of maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange.
　　Walking along the Iwakura River, you will find Ikoi-no-mori (憩の森) Forest on the left. Behind it are the horse stables of the troopers of the Kyoto Prefectural Police Force (平安騎馬隊: Heian Kibatai). You are welcome to look around the stables between 9:00 and 16:00, and can apply for a horse ride at the main office. For further details, call 075-451-9111 (extension: 3601, Japanese only).
　　At the other side of Ikoi-no-mori, Hoku-en (北園: North-Park) extends as far as the Kokusai-Kaikan station of Karasuma subway line. Continue walking along the path and you will come to Sakura-no-mori (桜の森) forest where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring. At the end of the path, Takaragaike Pond spreads out before you and you may find people jogging around it. For those who like jogging, the target time is about 11 minutes for a round.
　　Beside the pond is Yacho-no-mori (野鳥の森) Forest, where the pleasant singing of birds can be heard. It is also an ideal place for bird watching. If you would like to watch them from the pond, or just to take in the surroundings, you can hire a row-boat or pedal boat.
　　Takaragaike Park also has a plum blossom garden called Bairin-en (梅林園), where plum trees blossom in late March, and Syobu-en (菖蒲園), where calamus irises come alive in June. So, no matter what time of the year you visit, Takaragaike Park is bound to fun for both adults and children alike.

Kodomo-no-Rakuen
Open: 4 Jan.~ 28 Dec. 9:00 ~ 16:30 (Apr.~ Sept. Sun. and Nat. holidays, 9:30 ~ 17:00)
Tel: 075-781-3010
Access: Eizandetsu line from Demachinoyagi to Takaragaike stn., or 10 min walk from Kokusai-kaikan on Karasuma line. For further info. about Takaragaike park contact:
Kyoto City Hall, Bureau of Construction, Environment Administration Section京都市建設局(水と緑環境部)緑地管理課, Tel: 075-222-3586
T. Kato

Riverside Town Fushimi

　　Fushimi is located in the south of Kyoto City at the lowest level of the Kyoto Basin. For this reason, it is the source of abundant underground streams, which flow from hills in the east down into the town. The fine quality and natural good taste of this water has been utilized in sake brewing. The Uji River running through the south of Fushimi meets the Katsura and the Kizu Rivers in Oyamazaki where they merge into the Yodo River. Since olden times these rivers have played a significant role in the lives of the local people, particularly as a means of transportation. Swallowing the three smaller rivers, the Yodo flows down to the industrial hub of Osaka and into Osaka Bay, providing a vital link between the two cities.
　　In 1594 TOYOTOMI Hideyoshi ( 豊臣秀吉 ) started to build Fushimi Castle. It was accompanied by a large-scale project to transport construction materials to Kyoto to build both the castle and a road that would be the shortest possible route from Fushimi Castle to Osaka Castle. Parts of this original road, which follows along the Yodo river, still exist today.
　　During the Tokugawa Period (1603-1868) Fushimi came under the direct control of the Shogunate Government. It became a posting station for feudal lords in Western Japan, who were forced to come to Kyoto as part of the alternate-year attendance system devised by the Shogunate to maintain its political power. The Minamihama area, where an old inn "Teradaya" is still preserved, was once a large wharf. It served as the base port for official ships with a capacity of 30 koku (sanjukokubune: 三十石船 or roughly about 5400 liters) and other smaller boats. Numerous inns were dotted around the wharf to accommodate feudal lords, travelers, merchants and mariners. While boats and ships carrying heavy cargoes such as rice, sake and charcoal docked here, it was the scene of arrival and departure of passengers as well. Fushimi enjoyed a long period of prosperity as the port town and home of Fushimi Castle.
　　In 1868 the Battle of Toba Fushimi, one of the last of Japan's civil wars, took place in Fushimi between powerful Satsuma (now Kagoshima Pref.) feudal lords and the Shogunate Government. In this final rebellion against opening up the country, most of Fushimi was burnt down. Fushimi had to undergo drastic changes as the capital was also transferred from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Meiji Restoration. The town lost its value and began to decline. In addition, it continued to face the risk of flood, the doubled edged sword of a plentiful water supply contributing to its development. Local people worked arduously to control the flood situation and maintain safety for town residents. The newly established Meiji Government later launched official water control projects with the help of technological know-how from the West, and Fushimi slowly began to revive.
　　Around 1900 both national and private railways were laid out in the area to satisfy the requests of townspeople. Water transport was still prospering at this stage competing with rail transport. However, when the Amagase Dam was constructed in the far northern section of Uji River and freed Fushimi from flooding, it also significantly lowered the water level of the river. Some of the streams (waterways) branching off from the Uji became illegal dumping pools for daily garbage. In the 1960's water transport was finally replaced by land transport, and many of these waterways and the wharf, once valuable assets of the town, were filled in.
　　This marked the end of a long era of water transportation in Fushimi. In 1982, however, the area was revived again as a water-friendly park for people to relax in nature. Four years ago Fushimi Kankou Kyoukai (伏見観光協会: Fushimi Tourist Commission) started a spring and autumn cruise service, which soon become one of Fushimi's major tourist attractions. Staff of Life in Kyoto (LIK) took the opportunity to experience the boat cruise, which took us past several of the old sake storehouses which line the riverbank. The view of the surrounding scenery from the water level provided a different perspective from that on land. Peering through the branches of the weeping willow trees, everything took on a fresh vitality. So, what are you waiting for? Welcome aboard!

River Cruise Information
Departure spot: South side of Gekkeikan Okura Museum
Date: Until Nov. 25, Weekend and National holidays
Fee: Adults \800 (boat only), \1000 (includes admission to the above museum), Children \500.
Tickets: Available at the museum.
Time: Departs every 15 min. between 10:30 to 16:45. (25 min duration)
Inquiries: 623-2056
M. Matsushita