Things from Tohoku

A sake with a natto label, which is forbidden by sake breweries? A special junmai sake, a collaboration between two companies from the same hometown...

Wataya is one of Miyagi Prefecture's leading sake brands. Kanenoi Shuzo, the brewery that produces Wataya, sells a limited edition product only once a year. It's called "Special Junmai...".

Aoiwa2025.01.30

Yamagata Kokeshi – Created by Kobayashi Soji, who trained in woodworking at Sakunami Onsen in the Sendai domain...

Kokeshi dolls are one of the traditional crafts representative of the Tohoku region. They are a craft that has spread over a fairly wide area, with at least one unique style found in every prefecture in the Tohoku region. This time, we will be looking at some of these kokeshi...

Aoiwa2025.01.24

Takashiba Deco Yashiki is a village of local toys that remains within the territory of the former Miharu domain [Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture]

Did you know that there is a craftsman's village called "Takashiba Deco Yashiki" near the prefectural border with Miharu Town, about a 25-minute drive from Koriyama Station? It was featured in Season 9/Episode 9 of the popular TV drama "Solitary Gourmet"...

Aoiwa2025.01.22

Taroan's famous "Aizu Tenjin-sama" fluffy bouche with addictive cheese cream...

Have you heard of the sweet "Aizu no Tenjinsama"? It's a long-selling treat that has been sold by the confectionery store "Taroan" since 1979. It has a soft and fluffy bouche with a firm texture...

Haruka Hashimoto2025.01.20

A report on the Usokae Festival at Takahata Tenmangu Shrine [Fukuoka]...

Takahata Tenmangu Shrine in Iizaka-cho, Fukushima City. The "Uso Kae Festival" is held twice a year in January and April at this shrine, where lucky charms are awarded with the powerful power to turn all misfortunes of the year into "lies.".

Aoiwa2025.01.15

Locals share the appeal of Aomori's all-purpose seasoning, "Stamina Gentare," and their recipe variations...

When you think of Aomori, what comes to mind? Apples? The Nebuta Festival? Or perhaps snowy scenery? But as a local who knows Aomori inside and out, I can say with a loud voice, "There's one thing you can't miss!".

Hana Odagiri2025.01.14

[Fukushima Prefecture] Eating horse sashimi with mustard miso is the Fukushima way! Perfect as a side dish with rice...

When you think of horse sashimi, many people think of it as a Kyushu specialty. However, horse sashimi is also a specialty of the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. And in Fukushima, horse sashimi is served with mustard miso...

Haruka Hashimoto2025.01.10

Kijiyama Kokeshi – Akita's traditional kokeshi dolls, characterized by their unique, melancholic expressions...

Kokeshi dolls are one of the traditional crafts representative of the Tohoku region. They are a craft that has spread over a fairly wide area, with at least one unique style found in every prefecture in the Tohoku region. This time, we will be looking at some of these kokeshi...

Aoiwa2025.01.07

Tsugaru Kokeshi – The youngest of the 12 styles, a traditional kokeshi doll originating from the Taisho era [Aomori Prefecture]

Kokeshi dolls are one of the traditional crafts representative of the Tohoku region. They are a craft that has spread over a fairly wide area, with at least one unique style found in every prefecture in the Tohoku region. This time, we will be looking at some of these kokeshi...

Aoiwa2024.12.25

Hijiori Kokeshi – Developed in Hijiori Onsen, drawing on the traditions of Naruko and Togatta...

Kokeshi dolls are one of the traditional crafts representative of the Tohoku region. They are a craft that has spread over a fairly wide area, with at least one unique style found in every prefecture in the Tohoku region. This time, we will be looking at some of these kokeshi...

Aoiwa2024.12.12