Tokyo Weekender - October 2017

[ PROMOTION ]
Stand 2 houses Hioki, a city on the west
coast of Kagoshima, known as the birthplace
of Satsuma pottery. Brought over from
the Korean peninsula over 400 years ago, this
craft is part of an industry known worldwide.
Many craftsmen still use over 400-year-old
kilns to fire their kama-style ceramics.
Stand 3 belongs to Suzuka city, which has
a long history of craftsmanship. Suzuka
Sumi ink sticks are made from pine tree
soot and oils and were first produced in the
Heian period (710-784). These ink sticks are
sought after by calligraphy artists nationwide.
Today, only two artisans have inherited this
traditional craft. Suzuka is also known for its
Ise Katagami Stencil paper, which has over
1,000 years of history behind it. The stencil
is used to create designs for kimono dyeing.
Planned patterns are painstakingly carved out
of the paper, which requires the utmost skill
and patience.
Sharing Stand 4 are Awashimaura, Yahiko,
and Izumozaki – all of which are in Niigata
Prefecture. Awashimaura is a green and lush
island, rich in natural resources despite its
small size. Yahiko is home to Yahiko Shrine,
a centuries-old pilgrimage destination and
home to ancient Echigo (old Niigata) culture.
Japan's largest chrysanthemum festival is held
here every year in November. Izumozaki is
as known for its fishing as it’s known for its
waxed paper balloon making. The city boasts
100 years in the paper balloon business and
is the number one paper balloon purveyor in
Japan. Together, these three areas represent
Niigata's finest features of sea, mountains,
and abundant greenery.
SIP RARE SAKE
As the evening breeze begins to cool, a sip of
something stronger can help keep you warm.
Find hard-to-get sake and shochu at the market
stands from the various regions. Komono's
Hayakawa Shuzo gives visitors a choice of
three different Tabika sake so they can taste
the difference between sake types within the
same company. As Hioki is in shochu country,
offers bargain sips of imo (sweet potato)
shochu instead of sake. Seikai no Kaori has a
rich and sweet flavor, while Haraguchi Shuzo
offers a round, rich mouthfeel with earthy
tones. Both come at an affordable ¥300 a
glass. Suzuka's Zaku Ho no Tomo sake has
received international recognition for its mellow
and slightly sweet, but balanced flavor.
Niigata touts its Koshi no Hakusetsu from
Yahiko Shuzo, which is has a clear sharpness
to it and is the brewery's standard. For those
interested in purchasing sake by the bottle,
the Tabisuru Store has a wide range of sake
for all tastes.
TASTE REGIONAL, SEASONAL NABE
Just as every season has its own charm,
every region has its own take on autumnal
delicacies. As temperatures cool, the hotpots
come out and, here, each region uses its own
distinctive ingredients and cooking methods.
Komono's souhei motsu nabe (literally priest
soldier offal hot pot), contains a variety of
local specialty meats and serves two to three
people. Kagoshima prides itself on its black
pork, chicken, and seafood – and Hinoki's
barley miso nabe makes the most of these,
creating a bowl of umami deliciousness.
Suzuka's delightful take on shabu shabu
features sakura pork and a delicious tea soup
base (serves two to three people). For those
wanting something a little bit heartier, the
Niigata trio have come up with an omusubi
lunchbox coupled with miso soup. Omusubi
is another word for rice ball, but the verb
musubu means to tie together or unite –
which is what the dish does for these
Niigata towns.
WEAR SAMURAI ARMOR AT THE
POP-UP MARKET
In mid-October, there will be a special twoday
event featuring fresh vegetables, crafts,
and workshops. Visitors can wear samurai
armor from Kagoshima, try their hand at
making their own Ise katagami stencil paper,
and write with Suzuka Sumi ink. It will be a
rare chance to buy crafts from each of the regions,
as well as sample vegetables and local
dishes. This is a unique chance to get a true,
in-depth experience of these regions.
Oct 13, 3-8pm, Oct 14, 11am-5pm.
TABISURU SHINTORA
MARKET AUTUMN EDITION
Market: Oct 4-Dec 27.
Address: 2-16 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku.
Web: www.tabisuru-market.jp
TOKYO WEEKENDER | OCTOBER 2017 | 39