To feel the atmosphere of the Bikan Historical Area, it's best to visit the site, right?
However, there may be various reasons why you cannot travel.
In such cases, reading novels set in the Bikan Historical Area is also a good option.
The novel set in the Bikan Historical Area, "Welcome to the Souvenir Shop of the Underworld 'Mahoroba-do' in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area" (hereafter referred to as "Mahoroba-do"), was published in September 2020.
The shop that appears in the work, "Mahoroba-do", is set as a souvenir shop located in the Bikan Historical Area.
However, the title includes "Underworld".
What kind of story could it be?
The author, Koumyouji Saito (こうみょうじ さいと), resides in Kurashiki City.
We conducted an interview focusing on the reasons for setting the story in Kurashiki, points you should read, and feelings towards the local Kurashiki.
Content of "Welcome to the Souvenir Shop of the Underworld 'Mahoroba-do' in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area"
Nozomi, an OL working as a temporary employee, unexpectedly meets the souvenir shop "Mahoroba-do" in the Bikan Historical Area and its owner, Aotsuki Mahoro (あおつき まほろ).
The story features many landscapes, specialties, and souvenirs from Kurashiki, and if you know about Kurashiki, you will surely think, "Oh!"
Even if you are not familiar with Kurashiki, the careful expressions will help you visualize the scenes.
In the midst of this, a mysterious interaction begins between the souvenir shop and Nozomi.
In a corner of the historically rich tourist destination "Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area," there is a shop that sells things that cannot be bought with money. The long-established souvenir shop "Mahoroba-do." That is the name of the shop that Nozomi, a nearly unemployed OL burdened with debt, encounters.
When the old clock in the stillness of the night chimes seven times, if you come here, the handsome shop owner Aotsuki Mahoro, dressed in indigo-dyed clothing, will warmly welcome you and grant you one wish.
However, the price you pay in return is something that is more precious than anything to you—.
Welcome to the Souvenir Shop of the Underworld 'Mahoroba-do' in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area | Kotonohabunko | MICRO MAGAZINE
The setting of this work is, as mentioned in the synopsis, the long-established souvenir shop "Mahoroba-do".
There are many souvenir shops in the Bikan Historical Area.
The title of the story includes "Souvenir Shop of the Underworld", which might give you a scary image when you hear the word "underworld…".
But don't worry. By the end of the reading, it is a wonderful story that will warm your heart.
Spots around the Bikan Historical Area featured in "Mahoroba-do"
Here are some spots around the Bikan Historical Area that appear in the story of "Mahoroba-do".
▼ First, the "shopping street" used in the transition expressions of the story.
This is the shopping street that Nozomi walked towards the Bikan Historical Area after arriving in Kurashiki.
Crossing the pedestrian bridge in front of Tenmaya Kurashiki store, I proceed to Kurashiki Shopping Street.
Looking around curiously, I see traditional shops and izakayas lined up.
There is a certain nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era.
From the work: P14
▼ Next is the main setting of the work, the Bikan Historical Area.
Mahoroba-do is set along Kurashiki River.
Walking along the riverside of the Bikan Historical Area. The townscape is rich in historical charm. The low autumn sun and the murmuring of Kurashiki River are particularly dazzling.
From the work: P30
▼ While walking along Kurashiki River, you can also see the punting boats, which are a recommended sightseeing point by Koumyouji.
In the story, there is an episode where the protagonist Nozomi rode a punting boat with her family when she was a child, so pay attention!
▼ Achi Shrine appears in a scene where Nozomi stands overlooking the city of Kurashiki.
▼ Perhaps this is what the scenery looked like?
Interview with Koumyouji Saito
This interview took place at the "Ohara House Katalyzer (Book Cafe)" located along Kurashiki River.
I read the work. It matched the atmosphere of the Bikan Historical Area and was very interesting.
When did you come up with this story?
Koumyouji
Originally, I often visited the Kurashiki library near the Bikan Historical Area for personal reasons.
On my way back, I would sometimes stroll around the Bikan Historical Area or take a break.
During such times, the word "Souvenir Shop of the Underworld" came to my mind, and from there, the story rapidly developed.
"Mahoroba-do" falls into the light literature genre, but it is a work that mixes elements popular in light literature with the mystery and human drama that I want to write.
Light literature: A genre that lies between literary works and light novels, mainly featuring romance and work-related stories. Also called character novels.
I understand you currently reside in Kurashiki City, but are you originally from Kurashiki?
Koumyouji
I am originally from Okayama City, and I moved to Kurashiki due to family circumstances.
I think it was good for the work to see Kurashiki from a different perspective, which has now become my hometown.
I believe I was able to convey the feeling of the protagonist Nozomi living in Okayama City, who feels, "Even though we are in the same prefecture, I haven't been to Kurashiki or the Bikan Historical Area much."
Having moved from Okayama City, I hope readers can also feel the freshness I experienced.
The cover illustration also matches the work and is wonderful. After reading the work, looking at it again is even more enjoyable.
I have passed through the Bikan Historical Area at night several times, and I think it perfectly matches the atmosphere of the story.
Koumyouji
The cover illustration was created by the popular illustrator Gemi, who discussed it with the editor.
Originally, when I was writing on Web (Shousetsuka ni Narou), I used to create my own covers.
At that time, I designed the visual of the shop owner Aotsuki Mahoro with colors inspired by Kurashiki Glass and denim.
This work "Mahoroba-do" is one that I wrote with a focus on visuals.
Originally, I had the image of Mahoroba-do being located in a back alley, but I wanted readers to visualize the scenery, so I changed its location to along Kurashiki River.
The scene where the protagonist Nozomi is sightseeing was also added at the request of the editor during the book publication process.
"Mahoroba-do" was published on the novel posting site "Shousetsuka ni Narou".
It was published as a book in September 2020 due to an offer from a publisher.
The story features many sweets such as Fujito Manju and Murasuzume.
Do you have any recommended sweets from Kurashiki, Koumyouji?
Koumyouji
I added information about tourism when it was published as a book, but the descriptions about sweets remain as they were in the web version because I have always liked them.
I recommend "Riku no Hōju".
The story also involves Ryoan Temari.
For those visiting Kurashiki City for the first time, is there a place you would like them to go?
Kōmyō-ji
I really want them to walk around the Bikan Historical Area, taking in the scenery and feeling the atmosphere.
Riding a punting boat is also recommended.
I would be happy if reading this work makes someone think, "Let's go to the Bikan Historical Area."
The scene where Nozomi misses the JR Sanyo Line and arrives in Kurashiki, entering the Bikan Historical Area from the shopping street, was impressive.
Kōmyō-ji
There is a technique in novels where something is passed through at the entrance of the story to express a transition.
Since the story is set in a "souvenir shop of the underworld," I thought of using the shopping street as the entrance to a tunnel where the story transitions.
Kurashiki is a land that shines as a stage for novels, and the characters appearing in "Mahoroba-do" are also charming, so I hope for a series!
Kōmyō-ji
The first two volumes of the series are available on the web.
I have a plan for the development in my mind.
I have many images and a lot I want to write about the history of Kurashiki and the history of Mahoroba-do.
There are many attractive spots in Okayama Prefecture, starting with Kurashiki, that I would love to feature in my works.
Please tell us your future aspirations.
Kōmyō-ji
I want to publish the "Mahoroba-do" series as a book.
I want to create while valuing the "drama born from mystery" that is at my core.
I love Kurashiki, so I want to continue writing with Kurashiki as the stage.
Right now, I am doing PR for "Mahoroba-do," so once things settle down, I want to write other works as well.
Conclusion
Both locals and those visiting the Bikan Historical Area for the first time will likely enjoy it even more after reading "Mahoroba-do."
There are also relatable "common experiences" that Kurashiki citizens and Okayama residents will nod in agreement with, so please try to find them.
Kōmyō-ji is a favorite of the author, Soji Shimada, who is from Fukuyama City, and I was excited to discuss the "Bara no Machi Fukuyama Mystery Literature Award."
I definitely want to read and look forward to a full-fledged mystery (full-fledged mystery = a mystery focused on solving puzzles and tricks) set in the Bikan Historical Area.
How about exploring the Bikan Historical Area with "Mahoroba-do" in hand?
