■On Dec 2, 2008, the memorial lecture was held to celebrate Itoigawa’s admission as the Japanese Geopark Network members. President Takashi Watanabe of the Joetsu University of Education gave a lecture, named ‘My Nunagawa History’, mentioning various subjects - the Space to the Earth, Jade and history, clay mineral and cosmetics and children’s education and nature. Prepared 80 seats, added another 40 seats, were instantly packed, with unexpected numbers of people. It shows people’s high expectation and concern to Itoigawa Geopark.

　

President Watanabe is specialized in Mineralogy. At his lecture, he showed Jade (omphacitite), which is found at Mie seashore, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, and this specimen is exhibited at Fossa Magna Museum at present, thanks to his cooperation.

←Jade (omphacitite) showed by president.