Kochi Prefecture is the birthplace of coral harvesting in Japan, and all bidding for domestic precious coral logs takes place there. Precious coral harvested off the coast of Kochi Prefecture includes the very rare red coral as well as pink and white coral. Even within the same species, there are wide color variations. Coral is processed into a wide range of products, from art and craft works to sculptures, prayer beads, accessories, and jewelry. Kochi Prefecture's processing techniques, passed down through the generations, are recognized as being at the world's highest level.