GRAND TRIO > NATURE (1)

N1, Kingyo (gold fish) is a mutation of a crucian carp. They believe that the red and black crucian carp from Yantsu River in China are today's Kingyo's progenitors. It was also said that the first Kingyo was brought in from China during the late Muromachi period (1337-1573), and the cap became popular in the late period of Edo in 1860's. Unlike Koi, Kingyo need a lot of delicate care to maintain good health. Because Kin-yo are so vulnerable, tropical fish have become more popular to keep as pets in recent years in Japan. Nevertheless, Kingyo is still one of the most popular pets in Asia.

N4, Akebi (scientific name Akebia quinata Decaisne), is a type of vine. The Akebi family, a deciduous tree, has three different Akebi growing in Japan; Akebi, Mitsuba (three leaves) Akebi and Goyo (3-5 leaves) Akebi. You can tell the difference between the species by the shapes of their leaves. All three bloom in April and May, and bear long, egg-shaped, sweet fruits in autumn. Japanese people used to weave Akebi vines into baskets or handbags which they exported internationally in the Meiji period. These hand-woven articles are called Akebi Tsuru Zaiku, Akebi Vine Crafts, and were mainly made in the Aomori Prefecture. This traditional handcrafts are still well liked for their unlimited designs and their natural look.