This time, I'd like to introduce Otaru Central Market, which is about to hold a milestone event in October. As it is located right next to my husband's parents' house, it's a market that I feel particularly close to. While it has a long history, in recent years the number of unique shops has been increasing. If you have never been there before, it's definitely a market you should visit now!

Next month marks 70 years since the founding of the cooperative

This may be a bit sudden, but has anyone read the "Taguchi Tomoko's Market Stroll" column currently running in the Otaru Shiribeshi section of the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper?

If you look closely, you'll see that it's the same title as this UNGAPLUS market column, "ICHIBA SANPO," just written differently (laughs).

The third Doushin column, published on September 24th, was also an article introducing the Central Market. As I wrote in that column, Otaru Central Market will mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the cooperative this October.

Otaru Central Market was opened in 1946 (Showa 21) by people who returned from Manchuria after the war. They apparently started out by building a two-story wooden shack on a vacant lot. The walkways were bare earth and dark even in the daytime, but the market was so bustling with people that it was difficult to pass each other.

A market attracting attention in Japan

The current building was then built from the barracks.

Otaru Central Market consists of three buildings lined up vertically. The building closest to the sea was built in 1953 (Showa 28), and all the buildings were completed three years later in 1956 (Showa 31).

The second and third floors are residential, making Otaru Central Market the oldest existing market with residential premises in Japan!

Later, in the 1960s, the Central Market became even more lively.

The trains that arrive loaded with coal from Sorachi's coal mines, such as Horonai, are empty after unloading their cargo at Temiya, so many peddlers take the train back from Otaru Station to sell in the coal-producing areas...these women, known as the "Gangan Unit," play an active role.

Otaru's markets were the source of food for the Gangan Unit, and Otaru Central Market in particular was a major supply base.

It is precisely because of this story that the Otaru Central Market is one of the cultural assets that make up the Japan Heritage Site "Coal and Iron Port." And, nationwide, Otaru Central Market is the only market that has been designated a cultural asset that makes up the Japan Heritage Site! There are also exhibits within the market, so I highly recommend you check them out.

A variety of old and new stores that are being promoted by young people.

Despite its long history, the Central Market has experienced a period of loss of vitality over time.

However, in recent years, what has become noticeable at Otaru Central Market are the "new shops run by young shop owners" that are doing well among the long-established shops. What's more, these shop owners, who originally had no connection to the market, have fallen in love with the Central Market's Showa-era atmosphere and have chosen to open their shops there.

For example, there is the fruit tea shop "Tea Three."

In fact, the owner, Teshima-san, is a hairdresser by trade. He serves a fruit tea called "Teatrico" to his customers at his beauty salon "Fresh & Peace," and it has been well-received, and he now sells it at the Central Market. Dried fruits such as pineapple, mango, and peach are used in the tea, and all of them are sweet and sour and delicious! You can buy the tea as a product, but you can also drink it here.

Apparently, some customers come here to enjoy tea while they wait for the fish to be filleted by the fishmongers inside the market, or for their fried food to be ready at the delicatessen.

Another popular item is the pumpkin tart made by the store manager, Mr. Wada. In fact, my daughter Towako loves it too ♡ (The photo shows Towako four years ago.)

Also, Yamamoto, the owner of Kuchiru Flower Shop, opened a stall at the market in 2017 because "the muted colors of flowers go well with the market."

The "Kuchiru" in "Kuchiru Flower Shop" means "to decay."

The shop not only sells fresh flowers but also displays dried flower ornaments, and the dull-colored flowers blend surprisingly well with the retro Showa-era atmosphere of the Central Market. By the way, this "Kuchiru Flower Shop" is Towako's favorite shop in the Central Market.

In addition to Kuchiru Flower Shop and Tea Three, the nearby Jeans Shop LOKKI also sets up a stall at the market about twice a month.

LOKKI's owner, Mr. Hirayama, says, "I love markets," and he has set up a table in a corner of the central market, selling mainly imported foods.

You may wonder why he goes to the market when his store is only a few minutes' walk away, but he explains, "LOKKI mainly sells clothes, so it's a bit difficult to come just to buy food.

"In the market, old ladies will stop by and buy something for us while they're shopping at the market. The customer base is different from LOKKI, so it's fun," she said.

There will also be a 70th anniversary event from October 13th to 15th.

Of course, the Central Market is home to many attractive shops run by young shop owners as well as long-established businesses.

Sakata Shoten, known for its hugely popular specialty "Sakata squid minced meat," is a shop I've been going to since it was located in Irifune Market, and Arai Butcher Shop's "Deep-fried chicken halves" are incredibly juicy and delicious. In my household, this is the only dish we eat (lol).

The Central Market is also full of other delicious things, such as Tarukko's crab rice bento and Zangi.

During the three days of the 70th Anniversary Event on October 13th, 14th, and 15th, featured items at each store in the market will be half price, and there will also be a 300 yen lottery where you can win one item for 300 yen.

Also, as part of the commemorative project, digital signage has been created that features me, Towako (and even my husband and his mother). It will be shown over the three days, so we are all looking forward to it as a family.

So, if you're going to visit Otaru Central Market, now is the time! Be sure to check it out!

Continued in Vol.6

Head to the market with the "ICHIBA TOTE" in hand.

Sasaki Co., Ltd., a tent factory founded in 1945, has combined its long-cultivated sewing techniques with Otaru Department Store UNGA's passion for the market. Grab your ICHIBA TOTE, made from durable tarpaulin fabric used for outdoor construction such as tents, and head to the market!

Purchase page here ↓