In Shimotsui, located in the Kojima area, a new space called "Shimotsui Yokocho" has opened, where the people of Shimotsui and those from other areas can come together to take on challenges.
To commemorate the opening, an opening event was held where the delicious food and music of the port town gathered at Shimotsui Yokocho, and I participated in it.
In this article, I will report on the atmosphere of the yokocho on that day.
Shimotsui Yokocho
Shimotsui Yokocho is a space that has opened in Kurashiki City, Shimotsui, where the people of Shimotsui and those from other areas can take on challenges by utilizing the local advantages. The opening event was held on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
The event was held from 10 AM to 8 PM, with breaks in between, throughout the day.
Please check the image below for details of the day's program.
A Day of Great Success Despite the Rain
On the day of the opening event, it unfortunately rained.
However, Shimotsui Yokocho has a roof, so the rain was not a problem.
I arrived at the venue just in time for the opening event, and I could tell from the bustling atmosphere outside the shops that there were already many customers.
It was still a chilly spring day, but the yokocho was filled with warmth.
Customers were shopping while products were still available, and others were excitedly reuniting with familiar faces... Everyone was enjoying their time in their own way.
Music Stage
The highlight of the opening event was the music stage.
Opening Stage: Drum Performance by Ko
Starting with a tape-cutting ceremony, the first performance was a drum performance by "Ko."
The powerful drumming by the children resonated throughout the venue. It was a glorious performance fitting for a new beginning.
Shimotsui Hanakoji
Next was a dance performance by "Shimotsui Hanakoji."
The dance of Hanakoji, gracefully performed to the singing of Yukari Tsumoto, who has won national competitions for the Shimotsui-bushi, was beautiful and captivating.
KS+ Rhythm Dance Exercise Class
Both the drum performance and Hanakoji were children's stages, but the next performance by the "KS+ Rhythm Dance Exercise Class" also featured children as the main performers.
Shimotsui is a town along the Seto Inland Sea. In addition to dancing to the local music "Setouchi Uo-chin," they energetically performed the dances they usually practice in class.
Shamisen by Kazumasa Morimoto
Now, we move on to the adult stage.
First up was a shamisen performance by Kazumasa Morimoto. On this day, he showcased both the Okinawan sanshin and the Tsugaru shamisen.
The delicate sounds of the strings made the once bustling venue feel serene.
KATH with Shuuma Yamamoto
The finale of the music stage was a jazz performance by "KATH with Shuuma Yamamoto."
There were customers who said, "I came to Shimotsui to hear KATH's performance," showing the band's popularity.
In addition to the harmony of the band, the individual solos were also very impressive. Not only the customers but also the food vendors couldn't help but stop and listen in admiration.
Eating and Shopping
The "Eating and Shopping" section was also a great success.
From dried goods at Yoshimata Store, the initiator of Shimotsui Yokocho, to fried foods made with seafood from Kushida Maru, and taiyaki wrapped in seaweed from Miyake-kun, there were always lines of people waiting.
During the opening event, there was a continuous music stage, so it was appreciated that there were many menu items for walking and eating.
Of course, there were also takeout products available.
A place where consumers can see the faces of the producers and say "thank you" directly is valuable for both consumers and producers.
Since it was raining that day, it was fine to take out food and eat at home, or to arrange the takeout items in the resting area and eat them like hors d'oeuvres.
Shimotsui Yokocho is expected to become a space like a lively market where various shops gather every weekend.
On that day, there were customers looking for products that had sold out quickly, and the shop staff were heard saying, "We'll bring it next time on the 〇th." It's something to look forward to.
7th Shimotsui Sakaba
In the evening, the 7th Shimotsui Sakaba was held at Shimotsui Yokocho.
Shimotsui Sakaba is a bar that connects people through alcohol, music, and conversation, organized by Sakura Nakatomi from the Kurashiki City Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team and Yukari Tsumoto, a winner of the aforementioned Shimotsui Bushi National Competition.
At the venue, many local sake and delicious items from Shimotsui were lined up.
After paying the participation fee at the entrance, it was all-you-can-eat and drink inside the venue. Both familiar members and newcomers enjoyed their time, saying, "Let's sit together" and "This is delicious."
From the middle to the end of the event, a karaoke contest was also held. Adults and children alike showcased their specialty songs.
The finale was, of course, "Yozakura Oshichi" sung by Yoshie Yoden, the initiator of Shimotsui Yokocho.
With Yoden's passionate singing, Nakatomi and others created a handmade cherry blossom snowstorm, and the event concluded with great excitement.
The next, 8th Shimotsui Sakaba is scheduled to be held on May 3, 2024 (Friday, holiday).
Conclusion
From morning till night, Shimotsui Yokocho was lively with customers continuously enjoying themselves.
It was a successful day that gave a glimpse of the future image of Shimotsui Yokocho.
The future development of Shimotsui Yokocho is also something to look forward to.
The fresh fish section and Yoshimata Shoten will also become a place where shops that want to challenge themselves like a lively market will gather on weekdays. How about visiting Shimotsui Yokocho on a day you want to experience the warm-heartedness of Shimotsui?
Data on the Shimotsui Yokocho Opening Event
| Name | Shimotsui Yokocho Opening Event |
|---|---|
| Date | March 24, 2024 (Sunday) 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Location | 1-9-12 Shimotsui, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free (Food and drink must be purchased at each store) Shimotsui Sakaba (for drinkers: 4,500 yen, for non-drinkers: 3,000 yen) |
