On October 19 (Saturday) and 20 (Sunday), 2019, the "Takahashi River Marche 2019," a market gathering healthy and organic "food" and "living goods," was held.
Delicious, interesting, and beautiful items were gathered, along with numerous workshops.
It was so crowded that it was sometimes difficult to pass through the aisles.
Here is an introduction to the "Takahashi River Marche 2019."
About the Takahashi River Marche
The Takahashi River Marche is a market that gathers healthy and organic food produced in various places in the Takahashi River basin, as well as living goods such as utensils, furniture, accessories, and art that enrich daily life.
In 2019, there were 8 food vendors and 22 craft vendors, and works by artists were also exhibited.
The main venue for the Takahashi River Marche is the "Ohashi House," a town house designated as an Important Cultural Property by the country.
First, let’s introduce the main venue.
Enjoy shopping for food and living goods at Ohashi House
At Ohashi House, there were vendors selling organic "food" and living goods that enrich daily life.
Many shops allowed direct conversations with producers, which was a delightful aspect where you could ask about their points of commitment.
From the vendors, I would like to introduce some that particularly caught my attention.
alfer's Bean to Bar chocolate
A rare Bean to Bar chocolate specialty shop in Okayama.
Bean to Bar refers to the process of manufacturing chocolate bars from the selection of cacao beans to the final product.
Alfer, who wants to "make as much by hand as possible," even peels the cacao beans by hand.
I was also able to taste the cacao beans.
The acidity and bitterness spread in my mouth.
The chocolates made from cacao beans from different regions were fruity or floral.
I thoroughly enjoyed the individuality of the cacao beans.
Chopsticks from Hashizakuya & bolly woodworking studio
Hashizakuya uses domestic lacquer that is dishwasher safe for their chopsticks.
Usually, they supply to department stores and chopstick shops, so opportunities to purchase directly are rare.
The author has been searching for "simple and stylish chopsticks in a size suitable for women" for many years.
While custom-made chopsticks start at 8,500 yen, I found a piece I liked for just 1,000 yen, which was a limited item.
There are also cute miscellaneous goods.
Knots in the wood might be treated as "defective" in industrial products.
However, the natural texture of wood adds value.
I found the knots to be charming.
Sanada cord from Sakamoto Textile Co., Ltd.
Sanada cord, which was used for the cords of paulownia boxes and the straps of swords.
There were straps, corsages, book covers, and shoelaces made from Sanada cord, which attracted the interest of tourists from abroad.
The leftover pieces are said to be a hidden popular product.
Sweets from Komachi Confectionery Studio
Komachi's booth was filled with delicious-looking sweets such as cookies and cakes.
There were both orthodox items and unique ones like "cheesecake with six kinds of spices."
With such a wide variety, there were always people stopping to ponder happily.
Tableware and accessories from Tomoru Glass
Using poly-silicate glass, the glasses with gentle gradients catch the eye.
The shapes are delicate and beautiful, making them wonderful.
Flowers from Hanayoshi
Hanayoshi, with its large flowers, attracted attention.
The workshop for making herbariums was a great success.
I find myself dreaming of living in a room that suits such flowers.
Many other wonderful items
There were many other wonderful items that I couldn't introduce.
Let's See the Art of Ujimune Mari and Take Tae
In 2019, an installation by two young artists with deep ties to Kurashiki was also held (a method of expressing space as a single work of art).
The theme was, "Feel the -wind- passing through Ohashi House, capture the -shadows- that sway, and listen to the -sounds-."
The following explanation was provided.
"Spinning Wheel"
A magnificent spinning wheel with a sense of history, entrusted from the Uchida residence in the Achi area.
This time, the "Achi area" also participated in the Takahashi River Marche.
It evokes the bonds of the people of historic Achi and the possibilities of new encounters."Sound"
Using bamboo entrusted from the "Mabi Town Regional Support Team - Take Akari," which continues support activities centered on Mabi Town after the heavy rain disaster.
We received bamboo decorated with Mabi's bamboo and reused it for the bamboo lights.
The metal parts are combined with impact pits that were used during support activities after the disaster and have rusted.
In a time when disasters continue to occur in various places, we express our intentions and wishes.From the explanatory text in the venue
From the explanatory text in the venue
We spoke with Ujimune Mari and Take Tae.
What kind of work is it?
Take
The theme is wind and sound.
We thought about creating a work that could feel the time and space and make use of the venue, Ohashi House.
Ujimune
I struggled with how to express the path of the wind.
There is not only the wind that passes through Ohashi House, but also the wind created by the movement of people.
Please tell us about the points you worked on.
Ujimune
I made it a monochrome work to match the atmosphere of the Japanese house, Ohashi House, and Take's work.
To let people feel the wind and light, I used paint with pearls that sparkle when they sway.
How was the end of the first day?
Take
It was great to experience the heat and liveliness of the Takahashi River Marche together.
The stylish and light objects swayed, creating a wonderful space.
Next, we will introduce the program of walking around the Achi area and Kurashiki city.
Let's Walk Around the Achi Area
In 2019, shops and private homes in Achi Town were also venues.
At the site of the Shiraishi Genjiro store, a garage sale was held.
There were ceramics such as Hagi ware, glass plates, and candle holders, and people were seen seriously looking at the items in search of treasures.
Workshops using scraps and buttons were also held.
On the walls of the venue, there were old photos of Achi Town.
It is understandable that it used to be the busiest street in Kurashiki.
In the shops of Achi Town, works by Ujimune and Take are displayed.
At the Uchida residence, a tea ceremony was held, and at Candle Fairy, a kamishibai (paper theater) was performed.
I enjoyed some sencha (green tea) and sweets at the Uchida residence, taking a moment to relax.
There were also places decorated with folding screens, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the town.
Mr. Uchida Kotaro, who also serves as the chairman of the urban redevelopment association in Achi 3-chome, shared the following:
“This was my first time participating, but when I reached out, the townspeople were very cooperative. It was great to feel the connections I have built with people over time.”
Let’s Walk and Learn About Kurashiki
I participated in a walking workshop to learn about Kurashiki with university interns.
We learned about the current shops, the history of the copper mine and the red-light district, the features of the Kurashiki station building, and the origin of the name of Ebisu Shopping Street.
We also saw how trash disposal areas and utility poles are designed to blend into the streetscape.
As we walked while learning various things, even familiar scenery appeared slightly different.
Since the participants were young, there were moments when explanations were given using examples from popular manga among young people.
“I didn’t know that the main street used to be a red-light district,” one participant expressed surprise.
Experience the Culture of the Takahashi River Basin
The Takahashi River Marche is great for seeing, eating, and making.
This year, I was able to meet many people who produce and create attractive items.
Seeing the faces of the creators makes me feel a greater attachment to the things I buy.
I'm happy to be able to shop for items that enrich my life.
I wonder what exciting things I will encounter next year.
I am really looking forward to it.
Data for Takahashi River Marche 2019
| Name | Takahashi River Marche 2019 |
|---|---|
| Date | October 19 (Saturday) and 20 (Sunday), 2019, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Location | 3-21-31 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Website | Takahashi River Marche 2019 | Takahashigawa marche 2019 |
