Ultraviolet rays become a concern, Tanaka Hat Shop in Kasukabe City, Saitama Prefecture, is busy shipping straw hats. Founded in 880 (Meiji 13), the company has carried on the handmade tradition for over 100 years. Yu Tanaka (33), the 6th generation owner, says of the company’s appeal, “Each hat is carefully made and fits perfectly on your head, making it easy to wear.” During the Meiji period, hats were worn and the culture of the state was introduced, and in Kasukabe, where wheat was first cultivated, people began knitting wheat stalks left over after the harvest. It is said that in those days, it was often worn during agricultural work. The manufacturing method has not changed since then. The tools used to determine the shape, such as wooden molds and shins, have been passed down for decades. The process of spinning and weaving thin grains of wheat is a craftsmanship that only a few people can master, and it takes about 10 years to become an expert. There are only a few workshops in Japan that have inherited the techniques. Unlike mass-produced overseas products, they are made to fit the round shape of Japanese people, so you won’t get tired even if you wear them for long periods of time. A special feature is that the size can be adjusted using the sweatproof tape on the back. Approximately 20 years ago, cloth hats became mainstream, and although there were times when business was difficult, they continued to manufacture hats because they could not let the tradition die out. Recently, the benefits of natural materials have been reconsidered, and the company now makes about 50,000 pieces a year.
The Tokushima Ramen Museum, where you can purchase frozen products from famous local ramen shops in Tokushima Prefecture, opened on the 17th in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. There are 8 Tokushima ramen shops with different types of subs: brown, white, and golden. Ramen bowls and staff T-shirts from each store are also on display, and curator Kiyonori Takahashi (47) says, “Just by coming, you can get a feel for the world of Tokushima ramen.” You can take them home, compare them, and even make your own toppings. “It’s attractive to be able to do that,” he said. The in-house vending machines sell meals that include soup, noodles, chashu, and other ingredients. There are 7 types, one of which changes monthly. Prices range from 800 to 1,200 yen. Tokushima ramen is characterized by the addition of an egg on top, and there is also a raw egg vending machine in the building next door.
The town council of Zao Town, Miyagi Prefecture (approximately 111,000 people), which had had no female councilors or candidates since its establishment in 1955, now has three female councilors for the first time. Both women participated in a “mock magnet meeting” held by the town last year through open recruitment, and served as female council members, which led to their candidacy. Ta. This may provide hints for further efforts to increase women’s participation in local assemblies. 16 men and 3 women are running for town council elections in February 2017 (constant number of 13) due to the expiration of their terms of office. Chika Kon (52) was the top overall winner, while Masayo Ito (68) and Maiko Fujisawa (40) also won. “Based on my experience, I want to get involved in the town,” said the person, who works as an after-school child care assistant, with enthusiasm.
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