Shigaraki, Shiga
Shigaraki (信楽町 Shigaraki-chÅ) is a town located in KÅka District, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 14,035 and a density of 85.40 persons per km². The total area is 164.34 km².
On October 1, 2004, Shigaraki, along with the towns of KÅka, KÅnan, Minakuchi and Tsuchiyama (all from KÅka District), was merged to create the city of KÅka.
It also served as the imperial capitol for several months in 745, before moving to HeijÅ-kyÅ due to a forest fire destroying the palace (Shigaraki Palace).
Shigaraki is famous for its ceramic kilns since ancient times. The area is known for its clay beds, and locally mined clay is often used by local potters. Works produced here are known as Shigaraki-yaki. Many local potters use wood fired anagama kilns. Many tanuki statues are also produced here.
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