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The Home of Obsidian
Nagawa Town is the home of obsidian,
designated as a Japan Heritage site
under the title,
"Starry Central Highland of the Jomon World"
Obsidian is a natural volcanic glass that was once a precious material used to craft sharp-edged stone tools before the use of metals.
Mt. Wada, now a popular hiking destination along the historic Nakasendo Road, was once a volcano that produced large quantities of obsidian around 900,000 years ago.
Obsidian from Wada-toge (Mt. Wada), twinkling in the light, is "a crystal of dreams and romance!"
Ancient people believed
that shining pieces of obsidian were fragments of shooting stars! How romantic!
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