E-mail Newsletter "HIGHLIGHTING Japan"
https://www.gov-online.go.jp/hlj/en/


VOL. 209 (NOVEMBER 2025)

◆Enjoying Japan’s Markets◆

There are markets held across Japan where visitors can purchase fresh
agricultural and marine products, handicrafts, and much more, directly from
producers. These markets, which are said to have existed since ancient times, are both the origins of trade and the pattern for urban development. In this
issue of HIGHLIGHTING Japan, we feature an interview with folklorist YAMAMOTO Shino about the history, development, and appeal of Japan’s unique
markets. We also introduce various markets in Japan, including regular and
permanent markets that showcase strong regional character and are deeply
rooted in people’s daily lives and culture; markets that deal in good luck
charms; and a market that sells only glassware.


● The Development and Appeal of Japan’s Markets
(An Interview with Professor YAMAMOTO Shino of Kanagawa University)

● Odate Amekko-Ichi: A Winter Festival for Health and Good Fortune
(Introducing the Odate Amekko Ichi, a rare candy market taken place every
February in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, where colorful candies fill the
stalls)

● Nanakusa Taisai Daruma Market at the Temple where the Lucky Daruma
Began
(Introducing the bustling Nanakusa Taisai Daruma Market, a traditional
event held each year at Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple in Takasaki City,
Gunma Prefecture, which combines prayers for the stars with wishes tied to
lucky Daruma dolls)

● Experiencing Tokyo’s Traditional Crafts at the Sumida Glass Market
(Introducing the Sumida Glass Market, which is held twice a year in Sumida
City, Tokyo, and features only glassware products, from traditional
handcrafted pieces by skilled artisans to everyday glassware)

● Wajima Morning Market: A Hub of Revival
(Introducing the Wajima Morning Market in Wajima City, Ishikawa
Prefecture, which was heavily damaged in the 2024 Noto Peninsula
earthquake and is now undergoing restoring work)

● Sanpachi Market: A Morning Market at the Shopping District with a Long
History
(Introducing the more than 100-year-old Sanpachi Market, a morning
market held on days of the month that include the numbers 3 and 8 in the
Teramachi-dori Shopping Street in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture)

● Historic Street Markets Rooted in and Passed Down Through Life in Kochi
(Introducing the historic gairoichi (street markets) in Kochi City, Kochi
Prefecture, where street markets are so deeply rooted in daily life that the
city is often called Ichi no machi (City of Markets))

● Naha City First Makishi Public Market supports people’s everyday lives while
passing down Okinawan food culture
(Introducing the Naha City First Makishi Public Market, Okinawa Prefecture’s
largest market, where fresh seafood and a variety of souvenirs delight
visitors)


■POLICY-RELATED NEWS
(Act on Promotion of Research and Development, and Utilization of Artificial
Intelligence-related Technology Now in Full Effect)

■ SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY — THE NEXT GENERATION OF YOUNG LEADERS
(Understanding Changes in Marine Ecosystems to Promote Coexistence with
Nature)

■DISCOVERING JAPAN THROUGH THE EYES OF JAPANESE INFLUENCERS
(Shodo Goes Worldwide)

■INTRODUCING PRECIOUS TRADITIONAL JAPANESE CULTURE TO THE
WORLD
(Karatsu-yaki: Charm That Grows with Everyday Use)

■BACK COVER
NATIVE CREATURES OF JAPAN
(Japanese Badger)

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