In Kurashiki, the restrictions on activities have been lifted, and the number of market events that thoroughly implement measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus has been increasing.
“Where should I go to the market today?”
When you think about that, there is a market you should definitely visit.
A market that has been held in Tamashima since the height of the pandemic.
Its name is Kawara Marche.
“I want to support shops that are working hard in the local area,” is the sentiment that led local volunteers to form a project committee to hold this event every month.
The market was created through trial and error to provide a place for relaxation and connection between people, even during the pandemic.
Entering its third year in 2022, it has quietly gained popularity as an indispensable market for the local community.
What is "Kawara Marche"
“Kawara Marche” is held regularly on the last Sunday morning of every month.
It is organized by the Kawara Marche Project Committee.
- Location: 209-1 Yuzaki, Tamashima, Kurashiki City (within Hirano Tile Industry)
- Event date: Last Sunday of every month
- Time: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Parking: Available about 50 meters north of Hirano Tile Industry
“Kawara Marche” is takeout only. There is no eat-in space.
Visitors are also asked to limit their stay to “about 40 minutes,” as stated on the flyer.
It seems like a safe place to shop even during the pandemic.
The vendors are unique shops mainly from the local area that are working hard.
From regular shops to first-time vendors, this time there were 24 participating shops.
The atmosphere on market day
On December 25, when the author visited, 21 second-year students from Kanemitsu Gakuen High School participated as part of their inquiry-based learning.
They created various flyers introducing the shops in advance and helped with sales on the day.
There were also groups that planned their own events and set up handmade shops.
Since it was Christmas, they were wearing Santa hats and beards to liven up the market.
The students were very polite and cheerfully posed for photos saying, “Say cheese!”
The energy of youth is wonderful.
Additionally, staff members gave children attending the event sweets, and a rock-paper-scissors tournament was held, making it a lively and homey event beyond expectations.
The author felt excited and immediately started looking around the shops.
Shops selling sweets made with fermented foods
The first shop I visited was “Koji Café Dining Eucalyptus.”
It just opened in July 2022 in Tamashima.
Before opening the shop, they mainly sold at events at “Kawara Marche” and supplied to direct sales markets.
As customers frequently asked, “I want to go eat, where is your shop?” the owner decided to open a café to provide安心して体に良いものを食べてもらいたい.
They offer a variety of sweets made with fermented foods, such as 100% rice flour salt koji chiffon cake, cheesecake with sake lees, and koji miso pudding, making it hard to decide which to buy due to the wide selection.
In addition to sweets, they also sell healthy bento made with homemade fermented seasonings and rice flour bread.
It was cold on that day, so the owner’s recommended warm clam chowder was also well-received.
I bought several types of sweets to take home, and the “okara miso pudding” in particular had a deliciousness that matched the miso-flavored caramel with the pudding, making it addictive.
Next time, I think I will visit the café as well.
Fresh vegetables and heartfelt products
The second shop I visited was “Sueyoshi Farmers.”
A group engaged in agriculture and community revitalization activities in Sue, Kanemitsu-cho, Asakuchi City.
They focus on regional regeneration and revitalization through agriculture.
At the market, they sell vegetables grown on abandoned farmland and handmade products.
Shiny mandarins, radishes with leaves, black beans, and dried sweet potatoes are among the fresh vegetables and handmade products offered at low prices, attracting customers who came in and out to buy.
The items for sale vary by season.
In December, mochi was being sold as the New Year approached.
When I asked, they said the mochi was just made yesterday.
“There’s red bean paste inside the yomogi mochi. If you’re lucky, there might be peanuts inside too.”
Sales are handled by the staff of the farmers.
Students from Kanemitsu Gakuen also helped out.
“Today is a big service! We’ll throw in some mandarins as a bonus.”
It felt like a visit to a neighborhood greengrocer, which was heartwarming.
A long-established tofu shop in Tamashima
Finally, I visited Obata Shoten, established in 1916, which manufactures and sells tofu in Tamashima.
In 2017, it was recognized as a long-established company in Kurashiki City.
They focus on using high-quality domestic soybeans and are particular about their water, which is appealing.
I asked the owner for recommendations.
- Peanut tofu: With the flavor of peanuts and a smooth texture, it’s a taste that becomes addictive after one bite.
- Healthy okara donuts: Packed with soy milk and okara, they are perfect for a snack.
Just then, some children came to buy.
In addition, there were fried tofu, oboro tofu, and the market-exclusive "nama yuba" (fresh yuba).
The author purchased oboro tofu. It was creamy and mild, and I felt like I could eat as many as I wanted.
Conclusion
I visited around 9:30 AM. Some stores were already running low on stock.
It seems that many customers from outside the local area also came to buy their desired products.
When we think of markets, we often imagine them being held near train stations or shopping streets, but it seems rare to find one that is held in a company parking lot.
This is a market that conveys the staff's desire to invigorate the community.
The efforts of those involved in "Kawara Marche" resonate with local residents, and it feels like it is taking root and developing in the community.
When I spoke with members of the project committee, they mentioned that they are still thinking of new and fun projects. I am very much looking forward to it.
Supported by the passionate feelings of local volunteers, "Kawara Marche" is backed by many people in the community.
It is held on the last Sunday of every month, so why not take a visit?
Kawara Marche Data
| Name | Kawara Marche |
|---|---|
| Date | Date: Last Sunday of every month Time: 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Location | 209-1 Yuzaki, Tamashima, Kurashiki City (within Hirano Tile Industry premises) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free |
| Website | Kawara Marche |
