| Reporter:
Today, I am here at the Fukuoka City Museum, located at Momochi-hama,
Sawara-ku in Fukuoka City. This museum exhibits a well-known
national treasure. Can you guess what it is?
Reporter:
I'm embarrassed to confess that this is my very first time
visiting the museum.
Mr. Sato: Just
relax and enjoy it. Let me show you around.
Reporter:
I'm getting a bit nervous.
Reporter:
What kind of exhibitions do you have in this room?
Mr. Sato: This
is the Permanent Exhibition Room, where you can trace Fukuoka's
history from ancient to modern times.
Reporter:
This was also discovered in Fukuoka City?
Mr. Sato: Yes,
and it's more than 2,000 years old.
Reporter:
2,000 years?!
Mr. Sato: It
was discovered in Fukuoka City, but the piece itself originated
from the Korean Peninsula.
Reporter:
Wow..
Mr. Sato:
From here onwards are unearthed articles dating back to
Heian and Muromachi eras. These types of Chinese celadons
and porcelains were excavated in large quantities in Fukuoka.
I think it proves that many Chinese merchants were living
in Hakata at the time, actively engaged in commercial activities.
Narration:
Since Fukuoka is in proximity to the Korean peninsula and
Chinese mainland, it has flourished as a center of business
activity since ancient times. Excavated articles from various
eras show us a glimpse of the City's history.
Question: What
is the gold purity of the Gold Seal?
Answer:
95%.
Question:
What animal is depicted on the knob of the seal?
Answer: A snake.
Reporter:
Mr. Sato, this item!! Isn't this the Gold Seal?
Mr. Sato: That's right. Fukuoka has five
national treasures, but there's no doubt, this is the most
well known.
Reporter:
What are the dimensions?
Mr. Sato: It's
2.3 cm square and weighs 108 g. Those who see it for the
first time are usually surprised that it's smaller than
they had imagined.
Mr. Sato: Well,
I have a pop quiz for you. The Gold Seal is made from gold,
but what do you think the gold purity is?
Reporter:
Well they call it a "gold seal," so it
must be 100%.
Mr. Sato:
No, you’re wrong. It's 95% gold, and the remaining 5% is
silver. If it were 100% gold, it would be too soft and might
not be able to retain its shape. So other metals are usually
added for greater strength and durability.
Reporter:
Then it's not true to history! Perhaps it should
be called the "Gold/Silver Seal."
Mr. Sato: Here's
the next question. A certain animal is depicted on the knob
of the seal. What do you think it is?
Reporter:
You mean the handle of the seal, right?
Reporter:
I know! It's a rabbit.
Mr. Sato: Sorry,
wrong again.
Mr. Sato: It's
actually a snake.
Reporter:
This is a snake?
Mr. Sato: Yes,
you can see it's coiled up.
Reporter:
This part is the head.
Mr. Sato: Right,
you can see its eyes, too.
Narration:
Fukuoka City Museum has many other interesting exhibits
as well.
Reporter:
What kind of room is this?
Mr. Sato: This
is the Asian Experience Room and exhibits household goods,
toys, and ethnic costumes from various Asian countries.
You can do more than just look in here?pick them up, feel
them and enjoy!
Reporter:
Achaaaaaa!
Reporter:
Look at this big smile. But my smile is bigger!
Reporter:
Mr. Sato, where am I now?
Mr. Sato: These
are the classified Permanent Exhibition Rooms comprising
four divisions; history, arts & crafts, archaeology
& folk art, and the Kuroda Memorial Room. We explore
about 20 themes a year, and change exhibits regularly.
Reporter:
Now, I'm at the Museum Shop inside the Fukuoka City Museum.
They sell many original products, and I'll show you the
three most popular items.
Reporter:
The third most popular item is...
Salesperson:
This postcard set showing the diplomatic history.
Mr. Sato: It
has photos of ruins and unearthed artifacts, showing the
diplomatic history of Fukuoka City.
Reporter:
The second most popular item is...
Salesperson:
This book. It's the Permanent Exhibition Catalog, and has
photos and explanations of the exhibits.
Reporter:
And the most popular item is ...
Salesperson:
This real-size Gold Seal.
Salesperson:
This is a full-scale replica of the Seal, and the
inscription is almost identical.
Mr. Sato: So,
what did you think of the Museum?
Reporter:
I learned so much more than reading a history textbook.
Mr. Sato: You
didn't do very well in the pop quiz regarding the Gold Seal
though. You’ll have to do a bit better next time.
Reporter:
Yes, I know..
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