Projection Mapping
Roads Linking Wakasa to Nara and Kyoto
Overview
This presentation employs projection mapping technology to show the historical connection between the Wakasa region and the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto. Bright colors, graphics, animation, and other visual effects are used to tell the story of the routes that made possible the flow of goods and cultural exchange between the regions over the centuries. The presentation is about 5 minutes long.
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Map Layout
The map shows the topography of the area between Wakasa Bay and the old capitals of Nara and Kyoto. It is south-oriented, with the bay located near the presentation’s “Play” button. The two capitals are placed near the center of the map, just past the rugged mountains that span present-day Fukui, Kyoto, and Shiga Prefectures.
Salt Shipments
Over 1,300 years ago, large amounts of salt produced in Wakasa and Tsunuga (now Tsuruga) were supplied to the capital in Nara. Excavations uncovered many wooden tablets that served as shipping tags for Wakasa salt and various kinds of seafood. The routes used to transport salt to the capital are shown with illuminated white lines.
Omizu Okuri Ritual
The Omizu Okuri (“water-sending”) ritual is held in Obama on March 2nd to ceremonially send sacred water to Nara for the famous Omizutori (“water-drawing”) ritual at Todaiji Temple. The event at Todaiji involves drawing water from a sacred well and offering it to Buddhist deities. The purpose of the rite is to cleanse people of their sins and usher in the spring season. A shining blue, stream-like animation represents the presumed ritual flow of water from Obama to Nara.
Connection to Kyoto
After the capital was moved to Kyoto (initially named Heiankyo) in 794, the relationship between Wakasa and the capital continued to strengthen. Bright yellow lines illustrate the numerous routes that were used for travel and transportation of goods between the regions. Active trade naturally facilitated cultural exchange, which brought festivals, performing arts, religious teachings, and Buddhist statuary from Kyoto to the Wakasa region. Many traditions and cultural properties originating in the capital or reflecting its influence have been preserved in Wakasa.
Saba Kaido Road
In the Edo period (1603–1867), numerous shipments of mackerel from Wakasa Bay were transported to Kyoto on foot via a network of trade routes that came to be known as the Saba Kaido (“Mackerel Road”). Fish and seafood from the bay were precious commodities in the landlocked capital and became a significant part of Kyoto cuisine. Bright blue lines show the branching roads of the Saba Kaido network leading from Wakasa Bay to the capital.
Modern Transportation Network
Contemporary highways and national routes that have been built throughout the area are shown with illuminated white lines. The well-developed network of roads serves as a reminder that traditions, economy, and lifestyles may greatly change over time, but the main function of the roads remains the same, supporting progress through trade, travel, and the exchange of ideas between people.