Our reporter travels to the world-renowned metalworking region of Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata Pref. He tours factories to witness 200 years of skilled techniques and precision in polishing cutlery to give it a mirror-like sheen, in forging blades, and in pounding a single sheet of copper into a kettle. He too tries his hand at working metal to a gleaming and sharp finish. Also, our correspondent visits Wakayama Pref. to marvel at the chalky coast, which mother nature has carved over millenniums.