Dried gourd making in Shiga

Dried gourd making in Shiga

Sliced gourd are hung on bamboo poles in the summer heat to produce edible dried gourd "kampyo" in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, on July 25, 2023.

Dried gourd making in Shiga

Dried gourd making in Shiga

Sliced gourd are hung on bamboo poles in the summer heat to produce edible dried gourd "kampyo" in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, on July 25, 2023.

Tourney held to mark 'Jumbo' Ozaki's 45th year as pro golfer

Tourney held to mark 'Jumbo' Ozaki's 45th year as pro golfer

NAGOYA, Japan - Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki (R) of Japan chats with compatriot Isao Aoki during a tournament to commemorate his 45th year as a professional golfer in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, western Japan, on April 14, 2014.

Golf: Teenager Ishikawa gets 1st professional win

Golf: Teenager Ishikawa gets 1st professional win

KOKA, Japan - Sixteen-year-old golfer Ryo Ishikawa holds the winning trophy after clinching his first title as a professional with a victory at the Kansai Open in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, on Aug. 24. Ishikawa, who became the youngest Japanese tour event winner in May last year and turned pro in January, shot a final-round 69 that gave him a four-stroke win at the regional tournament in western Japan with a 72-hole total of 12-under-par 276.

Golf: Teenager Ishikawa gets 1st professional win

Golf: Teenager Ishikawa gets 1st professional win

KOKA, Japan - Sixteen-year-old golfer Ryo Ishikawa celebrates after picking up his first title as a professional with a victory at the Kansai Open in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, on Aug. 24. Ishikawa, who became the youngest Japanese tour event winner in May last year and turned pro in January, shot a final-round 69 that gave him a four-stroke win at the regional tournament in western Japan with a 72-hole total of 12-under-par 276.

Emperor, empress watch Shigaraki pottery manufacturing

Emperor, empress watch Shigaraki pottery manufacturing

KOKA, Japan - Japanese Emperor Akihito (2nd from R) and Empress Michiko (R) observe how to make Shigarakiyaki pottery in Koka, Shiga Prefecture, on Nov. 12.