[HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS] "Changing" Gotsu and "Unchanging" Gotsu
Fairs and Exhibitions
Building 1, 1F Magazine Street 2023年02月02日(木) - 03月12日(日)
HIROSHIMA TSUTAYA BOOKS has been holding various events in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture from 2019 to the present. Sometimes they invite local producers to sell their products directly, and sometimes they go out of the store and go on bus tours to the area.
Each time, the event has been based on a different theme, but this time the theme is the story of "Gotsu's past and future."
For example, in the case of "Unchanging Gotsu"...
There is a type of pottery called Iwami ware that has been produced in the Iwami region, centered around Gotsu City, since ancient times and has been born and nurtured as part of everyday life.
There is a type of pottery called Iwami ware that has been produced in the Iwami region, centered around Gotsu City, since ancient times and has been born and nurtured as part of everyday life.
Sekishu Shimada Kiln continues to produce Iwami ware, and in fact, since it first opened in 1935, it is the only Iwami ware kiln that still uses a climbing kiln. And that is unlikely to change for a long time to come.
Speaking of "Changing Gotsu"...
This is the redevelopment of Arifuku Onsen.
Arifuku Onsen is said to have been discovered deep in the mountains by the hermit Hodo, who came to Japan from Tenjiku (present-day India) during the time of Prince Shotoku over 1,350 years ago (around 650). However, the area has suffered flooding several times from heavy rains throughout the Showa and Heisei periods, and in 2010 there was a fire that burned down three inns and one private home. The area is now down to just three inns out of the original 20 or so, and the number of restaurants and souvenir shops has also decreased, with a significant drop in the number of customers and the aging of managers becoming issues.
This is the redevelopment of Arifuku Onsen.
Arifuku Onsen is said to have been discovered deep in the mountains by the hermit Hodo, who came to Japan from Tenjiku (present-day India) during the time of Prince Shotoku over 1,350 years ago (around 650). However, the area has suffered flooding several times from heavy rains throughout the Showa and Heisei periods, and in 2010 there was a fire that burned down three inns and one private home. The area is now down to just three inns out of the original 20 or so, and the number of restaurants and souvenir shops has also decreased, with a significant drop in the number of customers and the aging of managers becoming issues.
So in the summer of 2021, a public-private partnership revitalization project was launched with the aim of "preserving this hot spring with over 1,300 years of history," and it continues to this day.
At this fair, we will present the opposing sides of Gotsu - its "unchanging" and "changing" aspects - through objects and stories.
[Products available]
■ Sakurae Town Mulberry Tea Producers Association
Mulberry tea candy
We are committed to food safety, and manufacture and sell food products made from organically grown ingredients that do not use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We knead in plenty of colorful organic mulberry leaves. These delicious pieces contain no additives or preservatives, and are not too sweet, with a clean aftertaste. Please enjoy the exquisite products made with the producers' passion.
■SUKIMONO
Everyday items
"SUKIMONO" creates architecture, furniture, and lifestyle items based on the theme of "inaction and nature." The name comes from the word "sukimono," which means "a connoisseur of taste," and was chosen with the desire to be a "contemporary connoisseur" in today's Japan, where the values built up by our predecessors are fading. Please take a look at the products that will enrich people's lives.
■ Foods Kuwanoki
Iwami Sweet Potato School
"Foods Kuwanoki", which opened in 2015 as a Type B business supporting continued employment, mainly grows and processes sweet potatoes. Everyone loves sweet potatoes, but the finest dried sweet potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, and sweet potato potage made with "Iwami Mitsuemon" allow you to fully enjoy the gentle sweetness of the ingredients themselves.
■ Agriplant Kainoki
Tomato candy
We aim to produce the best tomatoes in Japan by challenging ourselves to use special cultivation techniques to bring out the sweetness. These candies are made using "Emi-chan Tomatoes," which have an excellent balance of sweetness, sourness, and texture. You can enjoy the refreshing taste of tomatoes anytime, anywhere.
■MOG-MOG
Dried strawberries
MOG-MOG is an agricultural corporation that grows rice and strawberries. The name was chosen because they wanted consumers to enjoy safe, delicious rice and strawberries. They grow four varieties of strawberries: Kaorino, Benihoppe, Akihime, and Sachinoka. These "dried strawberries" are made by cutting freshly picked, fully ripe strawberries in half and drying them to the right degree.
■Yamaai Pickles
Pickles (burdock, kiwi, quail eggs, etc.)
Pickles (burdock, kiwi, quail eggs, etc.)
We turn seasonal vegetables delivered by local farmers into jewel-like pickles. Depending on the characteristics of the ingredients, we use different flavors such as Japanese style with dashi, Western style with herbs, honey or curry base, and other flavors to create pickles that are not too strong and are easy to eat. We pay particular attention to the color, shape and combination of materials, as if we were making cute miscellaneous goods.
■ Tohatsu Co., Ltd.
Smoked tofu
Tohatsu Co., Ltd. continues to make delicious food in Gotsu. They do not use any additives and are particular about making the most of the flavor of the ingredients. This "smoked tofu" is made by pickling tofu in miso and smoking it with cherry wood chips. You will definitely become addicted to the rich cheese-like texture.
■Iwami Beer
Stout Pork Curry/Yellow Keema Curry
Iwami Beer is a craft beer brewery that just opened in Gotsu City. The husband and wife duo started up a 30m2 brewery with the desire to create local sake that is unique to this area. The curries on offer this time are made with high-quality meat and vegetables from Gotsu and Shimane Prefecture, and are made with Iwami Beer to add plenty of flavor and richness.
■ Asari Tourism Co., Ltd.
Gotsu Maruhime Pork
Asari Kanko, a hotel company in Matsue City, is headquartered in Asaricho, Gotsu City, where the company was founded, and is working to promote the "good things" of Gotsu City throughout the country. Among these, "Gotsu Maruhime Pork" is a product that they have uniquely branded. By developing products that make the most of the appeal of each product, they hope to make people think, "I want to go to Gotsu to eat this."
■ Shimada Kiln
Various Iwami ware
Iwami ware is characterized by its hardness and lightness, achieved by fine-grained soil and extremely high-temperature firing. Shimada Kiln, which has been in operation for 85 years, has been producing ware that combines the unique firing quality of its climbing kiln with a design that fits comfortably in the hand. We hope you will find your favorite piece.
■ Naminoko General Store
Yuzu pupu
This general store is run by a couple who moved from Hiroshima to Gotsu City, longing for a life overlooking the coast of the Sea of Japan. "PUPU" means "snack" in Hawaiian. This is a luxurious snack for adults, with the flavor of matured miso and a subtle scent of yuzu. Each yuzu is carefully processed from pesticide-free grown yuzu. It can be enjoyed as a snack with wine or sake, or as an ingredient in ochazuke, salads, and rice balls.
■ Windy Engawa
Wind meringue/News from the wind of the changing seasons
A cafe located near the sea in Gotsu City, surrounded by nature. We use ingredients from local farmers and producers to create our menus, lunches and sweets for every day. Our sweets bring you a "breeze" that will relax you and make you feel refreshed.
■Yamane Kansendo
Engadine/Strawberry Financier
Founded in 1907, the shop is now run by a husband and wife who continue to preserve the same flavors, including Gotsu's unique Enokawa Taro Monaka and Egawa Manju Japanese sweets. Engadina, made with plenty of fresh butter, is a popular sweet in our shop. Financiers made with strawberries from Gotsu City are the perfect accompaniment to coffee.
- period February 2 (Thu)- March 12 (Sun)
- place Building 1, 1F Magazine Street
