A Taste of Resilience: Miyagi’s Post-Disaster Revival
This year’s exhibition holds special significance, marking 15 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Visitors will find a dedicated panel exhibition, “Miyagi Reconstruction Travel,” offering insights into the region’s recovery and suggesting travel plans to support local communities. This display, located in front of the eat-in corner, highlights the journey of resilience and growth.
Many participating vendors have stories of overcoming adversity and rebuilding their livelihoods. From Yamamoto-cho, Maruta Fruit Juice Factory Tadokoro Foods, which opened a Shine Muscat tourist farm and direct sales store after the disaster, offers popular smoothies.
Monsieur Masuno Alpajon from Ishinomaki City, which reopened five years post-disaster, presents parfaits made with strawberries from the reconstructed San-san-en farm in Yamamoto-cho.
Kansendo from Natori City, whose factory was damaged, continues its motto of “Ichika Isshin” (one confection, one heart) with their renowned Zunda Mochi and new products. Zunda Mochi, a traditional sweet made from sweetened mashed edamame, offers a unique textural and flavor experience.
Honda Suisan from Ishinomaki City, whose factory and oyster farms were also affected, showcases the bounty of their re-established aquaculture.
Making its debut, Menya Waninaru from Sendai City offers a chemical-free ramen crafted by a dashi sommelier and registered dietitian couple. Their ramen features “Miyagi Aoba Jidori,” a local free-range chicken born in 2024 from Minamisanriku’s Tokura district.
From Kesennuma City, Kani Monogatari Kanedai shares its story, having started in a temporary shopping street’s reconstruction village. Their representative products, bisque and crab cakes, were born from trials in an employee’s home kitchen.
Also from Kesennuma City, Fukahire Ishiwata, whose factory was damaged, continues to create shark fin dishes using local Sanriku shark, contributing to sustainable fishing practices.
A Feast for the Senses: Gourmet and Crafts Galore
The exhibition promises to fill your “hara kuttsui”—a delightful Miyagi dialect phrase meaning “full belly”—with an abundance of local flavors. Miyagi Rice Ambassador Hikari Kaga will be present on March 19th from 10 AM to 4 PM, assisting at “Baaba’s Onigiri Shop” and promoting Miyagi’s Sasanishiki rice through delicious onigiri, including:
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Sanriku Oyster Butter Soy Sauce (1 pc) ¥594
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Perilla Leaf and Sendai Miso (1 pc) ¥378
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Salmon and Sujiko Luxurious Oyako Musubi (1 pc) ¥594
Two highly sought-after sweets will also be available for limited sale, with numbered tickets distributed daily from 10 AM:
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Maison Coelacanth / Coelacanth Monaka (simple box of 6, ¥2,351): Available on March 20th (300 boxes), 23rd, 24th, 27th, and 28th (250 boxes each day). Limit of 5 boxes per person. This unique monaka, often a social media sensation, combines traditional Japanese wafer with a modern filling.
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Kujukuhonpo Tamazawa / Shimobashira (1 can, ¥4,320): Available on March 25th at the Miyagi Furusato Plaza corner. Limited to 50 cans, one per person. Shimobashira is a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth hard candy, famous for its intricate production process that mimics frost patterns.
Other popular vendors include Zunda Saryo with their iconic Zunda Shake, Tanya Zenjiro offering delectable grilled beef tongue, and Miyagi Furusato Plaza featuring Kikufuku, a sweet daifuku that gained fame from a popular manga.
Beyond culinary delights, the exhibition also showcases Miyagi’s rich tradition of folk crafts. Making its first appearance, the Shiroishi City Yajiro Kokeshi Village / KIBOKO brings beautifully handcrafted Kokeshi dolls, traditional wooden figures known for their simple, charming designs.
Festive Atmosphere and Beloved Characters
Adding to the festive atmosphere, beloved local mascots will make special appearances:
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Musubimaru, the Sendai-Miyagi Tourism PR character, will greet visitors on March 21st at 1 PM and 3 PM.
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Dokuganryu Nekomasamune, a feline samurai-inspired character, will appear on March 28th at 1 PM and 3 PM.
“This exhibition is more than just a marketplace; it’s a testament to Miyagi’s resilience and a warm invitation to explore its vibrant culture and flavors,” shared one excited visitor. “It truly makes you want to visit Miyagi and experience it firsthand!”
The “Miyagi Reconstruction Travel” panel exhibition provides detailed travel plans, encouraging visitors to journey to the revitalized areas and witness the progress firsthand.
This event serves as a wonderful opportunity to support Miyagi Prefecture and its people, offering a direct connection to their culture and recovery efforts. For more details on Sogo Chiba store hours and location, visit their official website: https://www.sogo-seibu.jp/chiba/
