Have you ever visited Shimotsui, a fishing town rich in tourism resources such as the Seto-Ohashi Bridge, Washuzan Hill, and octopus?
It is also attracting attention as a place for workations and relocation.
The writer has visited places near Washuzan Hill and the Seto-Ohashi Bridge many times, but had hardly ever spoken with people who live in Shimotsui.
Curious to talk with people living in Shimotsui, and drawn by the delicious-looking food, I decided to attend Shimotsui Sakaba.
Here is a report on what Shimotsui Sakaba was like.
The information presented was accurate when this article was published in June 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is Shimotsui Sakaba, now in its fourth edition?
Shimotsui Sakaba is hosted by Sakura Nakatomi, a Kurashiki City Community Revitalization Cooperator and member of Oto no Wa, the music division of the “Tsunagu Project,” which works to “connect” people and pass on local traditions and culture to the next generation.
It is an event where people enjoy food, mainly seafood from Shimotsui, along with musical performances, singing, and exchange with others.
Shimotsui Sakaba came about when Nakatomi, who wanted to create a place in Shimotsui for people to relax and connect over drinks, met Oto no Wa, which wanted to create a place where smiles could spread as people enjoyed music.
It began in November 2022, and this was the fourth time it had been held.
“Shimotsui Sakaba” is a big hit every time.
This time, it was so popular that all the places were filled a week before the application deadline.
Of course, people who don't live in Shimotsui are also very welcome to attend.
Many participants came from outside the Shimotsui area.
A new place for exchange, where food, music, and conversation come together
The event itself began at 6 p.m., but the venue was already buzzing when I arrived.
Once inside, I first filled a plate with food and got a drink.
Everything, from fish and vegetables to meat, looked delicious, and I couldn't help wanting to take a lot.
At 6 p.m., the event began, and Sakura Nakatomi, a Kurashiki City Community Revitalization Cooperator, gave a greeting.
Next, musical performances got the venue going.
The sounds of the classical guitar, harmonica, and sanshin further enlivened the atmosphere.
Once the venue had warmed up, it was time for the open-mic performances, a regular feature of Shimotsui Sakaba!
Watching participants perform their favorite songs accompanied by the piano or play instruments made me want to sing along.
Finally, everyone in the venue danced to the sanshin, and the event came to a close amid calls for it to continue.
How to enjoy Shimotsui Sakaba
If you don't know what “Shimotsui Sakaba” is like, it can be hard to take the plunge and attend.
Here are three ways to enjoy “Shimotsui Sakaba”, based on what I experienced firsthand as a participant.
Food, including Shimotsui's seafood
As the name “sakaba” (bar) suggests, delicious food and drinks are essential.
The menu is as follows.
The dishes on offer vary each time.
There was everything from seafood such as swimming crabs and octopus sashimi to suzuri beef dishes from Yamamoto Seinikuten, a butcher shop in Tsuyama City!
There was a limit of one swimming crab per person, but all the other food was all-you-can-eat!
You can enjoy the food until you're satisfied.
Everything was delicious, but my favorite was the dried beef.
The more you chew, the more savory it gets; I finished the dried beef in no time.
Music is essential to livening up the gathering!
There were two musical acts at the start of the event.
First were the two members of “Hachiko's,” a senior-junior duo who attended high school in Kumamoto Prefecture.
The gentle sounds of the chromatic harmonica and classical guitar filled the venue.
Next was KOTARO's sanshin performance.
At first, I was absorbed in listening, but after another participant invited me, I found myself dancing and waving my hands.
When the performances ended, it was time for open-mic performances.
Participants sang along to Kana's piano playing.
I also joined in!
Most people at the venue were strangers to me, but performing helped me feel more at home in the atmosphere.
It's fine to attend for the first time
Even if reading this article makes you think it sounds fun, it's natural to feel nervous about going somewhere for the first time.
But don't worry. At Shimotsui Sakaba, there are plenty of opportunities for even first-time participants to join in the conversation.
For example, there is a self-introduction session for newcomers between the impromptu performances.
When I introduced myself, the other participants struck up conversations with me.
If you're embarrassed about introducing yourself in front of people, that's okay too.
As a first step toward joining the conversation, they may introduce you to everyone at your table.
At first, I was worried about whether I could join in, but by the end of the event, I had completely forgotten my anxiety.
New encounters in Shimotsui
What I gained from attending Shimotsui Sakaba was the chance to meet people I wouldn't normally get to talk with in my everyday life.
When I first stepped into the venue, I was filled with anxiety, wondering, “Will I be okay?” because the other attendees seemed to be from a different age group than me.
But after experiencing the warmth of the people of Shimotsui, I was already looking forward to the next event by the time it ended.
Shimotsui has many tourist attractions, but I learned that the people who live there are also wonderful, and came to love the area even more.
It seems that the 5th Shimotsui Sakaba is scheduled to be held about two months later.
Why not talk with the people of Shimotsui next time, over delicious food and a nice cold drink in the height of summer?
4th Shimotsui Sakaba Information
| Name | 4th Shimotsui Sakaba |
|---|---|
| Date | June 3, 2023 (Saturday), 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Location | 1-9-8 Shimotsui, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | All-you-can-drink alcoholic beverages: ¥4,500 Non-alcoholic option: ¥3,000 |
| Website | Instagram of Sakura Nakatomi, Shimotsui Community Revitalization Cooperator |
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