Shimotsui, a port town in Kurashiki City that flourished as a port of call for Kitamae ships from the Edo period to the Meiji period.
There, the seaweed and seafood shop Yoshimata Shoten, which is struggling to revitalize Shimotsui with young people, has reopened as Shimotsui Yokocho in February 2024.
We will introduce information about the opening event of Shimotsui Yokocho, which will be held on March 24, 2024 (Sunday), and the thoughts of the people involved in the operation of Shimotsui Yokocho.
What is Shimotsui Yokocho
Shimotsui Yokocho is a space that has opened in Shimotsui, Kurashiki City, where the people of Shimotsui and those from other areas come together to revitalize Shimotsui.
Yoshimata Shoten has been dealing in seaweed such as wakame since around 1952 (Showa 27). However, seeing that tourists and locals could not easily access fresh fish, they decided to take action. After a month of store renovations, they restarted as "Shimotsui Yokocho" on February 1.
- From February 1, the dried goods section of "Yoshimata Shoten," which handles Shimotsui's wakame and seafood, has reopened.
- From March 8, the "fresh fish section" has opened.
The above two stores are always open.
Additionally, "Miyake-kun's Taiyaki" and "Shimotsui Kura Coffee Kula-n" will set up shop a few days each month.
On March 24, 2024 (Sunday), to commemorate the opening of "Shimotsui Yokocho," delicious food and music from the port town will gather at Shimotsui Yokocho.
Please see the flyer below for the delicious food expected to be available and the music that will be played.
The 7th Shimotsui Sakaba is fully booked.
Thoughts on the Shimotsui Yokocho Opening Event
We interviewed Yoden Yoshie, the owner of Yoshimata Shoten, and Nakato Sakura, a member of the Shimotsui Yokocho Management Committee, about their thoughts on the opening event.
Can you tell us about the impetus for the opening of Shimotsui Yokocho?
Yoden (no honorifics)
Originally, this was Yoshimata Shoten, a shop dealing in Shimotsui's wakame and seafood from March 2014 to January 2023. Since I am from Shimotsui, I have been working with the desire to make Shimotsui a more attractive town by utilizing the sensibilities of young people.
In the process, I met many people and thought it would be fun if Yoshimata Shoten became a place like a lively market in Shimotsui, so I decided to renovate it into a yokocho where various shops could gather.
Were there any specific considerations when opening as "Shimotsui Yokocho"?
Yoden
There are two main considerations I had.
The first is to create a space where local production for local consumption can be realized, even in small quantities. I have always wanted customers to taste delicious things that can only be experienced here, utilizing the local advantages, so I am relieved that the long-awaited fresh fish section has been established.
The second is that I want Shimotsui Yokocho to be a place where people gather and where they can challenge themselves in various ways.
What kind of "challenges" do you envision?
Yoden
As I mentioned earlier, Shimotsui Yokocho is a lively market. In other words, I want it to be a place where people who want to start a small business can easily open a shop. Therefore, I hope to have various shops set up like a market here every weekend.
The coordination of the vendors is entrusted to Nakato, a regional revitalization cooperation volunteer. I hope she can learn the basics of management here.
What activities are you involved in as a regional revitalization cooperation volunteer, Nakato?
Nakato (no honorifics)
My mission is the Washuzan and Shimotsui regional revitalization project, utilizing the charm of the Kurashiki Shimotsui area. I provide coffee at the Washuzan Visitor Center every month and plan and operate Shimotsui Sakaba. During this opening event, we will also hold the 7th Shimotsui Sakaba in the evening.
For the daytime opening event, I collaborated with the folk singer from Shimotsui, Yukari Tsumoto, who has been involved in planning and operating Shimotsui Sakaba, to create a music stage program. Since it will be during the daytime, we have also prepared a stage for children to perform.
What kind of event do you envision for this opening?
Nakato
Since many delicious shops will gather, I hope everyone enjoys the flavors of Shimotsui.
Also, as Yoden mentioned, Shimotsui Yokocho will have various shops set up every weekend, creating a place for customers to enjoy. Many shops are expected to participate in this opening event, so I hope those who want to set up shop at Shimotsui Yokocho can get a vision of what it would be like to set up a shop.
Yoden
I want it to be a place where many people gather, just like in the past in Shimotsui.
I want everyone to fully experience the flavors, human warmth, and climate of Shimotsui. Thank you very much.
Conclusion
At Shimotsui Yokocho, we also held a earthen wall painting workshop to increase the number of people involved in the renovations.
I also participated as a participant, so I am very much looking forward to seeing the completed store at the opening event.
The evening Shimotsui Sakaba is already fully booked, but it seems that anyone can casually participate in the daytime opening event.
How about spending a weekend enjoying food and music in the port town of Shimotsui?
Data on the Shimotsui Yokocho Opening Event
| Name | Shimotsui Yokocho Opening Event |
|---|---|
| Date | March 24, 2024 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |
| Location | 1-9-12 Shimotsui, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free (Food and drink must be purchased at each store) |
