THE HEART OF SUWA, HANDED DOWN FROM THE AGES OF MYTHOLOGY

Nittoh was founded in Suwa in 1876. Suwa is a natural basin, surrounded by high mountains, located approximately in the center of Japan in the Nanshin region of Nagano prefecture. In the center of the basin is Lake Suwa, the symbol of Suwa. It can be said that the corporate culture of Nittoh is the history and tradition of the people of Suwa nurtured by the grand lake of Suwa. We are proud of the beautiful lands of Suwa. We hope you come visit Nittoh at our homeland, Suwa.

History of Suwa

The history of the Suwa region goes back to the times of mythology. The legends are archived in the Nihonshoki (The Oldest Chronicles of Japan) and the Kojiki (The Records of Ancient Matters). Signs of settlements and pottery from the Jomon period have been discovered, being cultural evidence. During the Edo period, the silkworm industry prospered, and the main industry of this region became the manufacturing of silk. Nittoh was formerly involved with the silk industry as well. After World War II, Nittoh became involved in the manufacture and development of high-precision optical products: chiefly camera lenses, which started in this region, with its clean air and pure water. At present it exists as the center of Japan’s high-precision equipment industry.

For Nittoh’s history

Nature in Suwa

The history of the Suwa region goes back to the times of mythology. The legends are archived in the Nihonshoki (The Oldest Chronicles of Japan) and the Kojiki (The Records of Ancient Matters). Signs of settlements and pottery from the Jomon period have been discovered, being cultural evidence. During the Edo period, the silkworm industry prospered, and the main industry of this region became the manufacturing of silk. Nittoh was formerly involved with the silk industry as well. After World War II, Nittoh became involved in the manufacture and development of high-precision optical products: chiefly camera lenses, which started in this region, with its clean air and pure water. At present it exists as the center of Japan’s high-precision equipment industry.

Suwa Taisha

In the midst of the culture and life of the Suwa region is Suwa Taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The people of Suwa affectionately call Suwa Taisha, “Osuwasama”. The “Onbashira” festival, held once every 7 years, is a grand festival in which all the people of Suwa passionately participate, and which attracts tourists from around the world. Onbashira refers to the 4 pillars that support the 4 corners of Suwa Taisha. They are selected from trees that are older than 150 years, weighing more than 10 tons. The Onbashira is cut, slid down the mountain, drawn by numerous men, and eventually reaches the village. The festival is counted among the world’s most dynamic masculine festivals.