Overview of Sendai
Sendai, a venue of this conference is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. The city has a population of more than one million, and plays an important role as the political and economic center of the Tohoku region. It is well served by transportation, with the Tohoku Shinkansen, Sendai Airport, and expressways providing easy access to all parts of the country. It is also an academic city with many educational and research institutions, including Tohoku University.
Sendai is also known as “The City of Trees”, and Hirose River running through the city and Aoba-dori and Jyozenji-dori avenue lined with zelkova trees create beautiful scenery in each season. There are many parks in the center of the city, and the environment is characterized by a harmony between nature and the city. If you make a short trip from the city center, you can see many beautiful onsen (hot spring) resort that retains the atmosphere of good old Japan. One such attraction is “Akiu Onsen”, which was loved by Date Masamune, a warlord who built the foundation of Sendai. The environment blessed with nature heals the body and mind of visitors.
Introduction of Date culture
Sendai developed as a castle town of Sendai-clan founded by “Date Masamune, a warlord”. Date Masamune was active during the Warring States Period and the early Edo Period. (1567-1636). During the Warring States Period, he expanded power through superior military strategy, had unique influence under the Tokugawa Shogunate*, and was also a skilled diplomat and strategist, dispatching the Keicho Mission* to Rome. A glamorous and sophisticated culture developed by Date family was called “Date Culture”, and its characteristics are still evident today in the food, crafts, and festivals. In terms of food, Zunda rice cakes and Sendai Zoni; in terms of crafts, Sendai Tansu (Traditional chest of drawers) and Tamamushi lacquerware; and in terms of festivals, Sendai Tanabata Festival is famous. The city is dotted with places associated with Date Masamune, such as ruins of Sendai Castle with a statue of Date Masamune mounted on a horse, and luxurious and gorgeous Zuihoden, which was influenced by Momoyama Culture*. If you make a short trip from the city, you can visit many attractions including “Matsushima”, one of the Three Great Views of Japan, Zuiganji Temple, designated as a national treasure, and Godaido Hall, designated as a national important cultural asset.
