The Hokkaido federation exhibits are mainly composed of Hokkaido stones, approximately 90% of those displayed. This prefecture has a rich geological history that is idea for the development of a variety of excellent viewing stones. The past volcanic activity brought stones from deep within the Earth’s mantle to the surface and also created metamorphic stones from some sedimentary stones. It is a stone collector’s paradise.
There are always several fine stones from the Kamuikotan region of the Ishikari River in the exhibition. While these are most black basaltic or serpentine stones, stones of other origin and color are also found. But, there are many other excellent stones found in other regions of this northern most major island of Japan. For example, the Kotaro stones come from high in the mountains in central Hokkaido where there are dug from the earth or found in nearby rivers. These often have a rugged texture. The large hut stone illustrated here is a red Kataro stone. Black, Bluish-black and green colored Aotora stones from the Nukabira River are prized among Hokkaido stone collectors. The Pompira stones from the northern most pat of Hokkaido are strikingly different from most other stone. These weathered sedimentary stones make scenic landscape stones. The many other regions and rivers in Hokkaido yield additional nice suiseki.
Every other year, the Hokkaido Federation joins with the All Japan Aiseki Association to hold a joint exhibition in Sapporo. This is usually a larger display of stones from throughout Japan. Stone enthusiasts have the opportunity to combine a nice vacation in this less populated area of Japan while enjoying a great stone exhibition.