On January 5th, 2023, the Chikumagawa Town Market kicked off the New Year with its annual "Hatsuburi" event, drawing visitors eager to celebrate the arrival of the new year with local delicacies and fresh seafood. The festive atmosphere was palpable, as about 170 shops bustled with activity, their owners greeting tourists and locals alike with lively calls of "Irasshaimase" (welcome).
This tradition not only marks the beginning of the new year but also revitalizes the market after the chill of winter. Tourists were particularly enthusiastic about local seafood offerings, including fish catch from areas like Noto, which recently faced setbacks due to earthquake damage. Fishmongers showed off their catches, including yellowtail (kan-buri), sweet shrimp (amaebi), and snow crab (zuwai-gani), all fresh from the sea.
One visitor, a 58-year-old man from Shiga Prefecture, shared his excitement after purchasing seasonal kan-buri. "I bought seasonal kan-buri to make sashimi and buri-dakko (yellowtail with daikon). I want to support the recovery by purchasing fish from Noto," he stated, embodying the sentiment of many who chose to shop at the market this year.
This year’s first sale was particularly significant following last year’s subdued event, impacted by insufficient stock from Noto's fisheries due to those earthquake-related troubles. Yuu Araki, Executive Vice President of one of the fish stores, remarked, "Since morning, many tourists are buying crabs. Last year, due to the earthquake, Noto's fish couldn't enter the market and it was not lively. This year we have been able to showcase many products, and we want to continue to promote Noto's fish." The optimism surrounding this year's event was evident, as vendors had worked tirelessly to stock their stalls with abundant and diverse offerings.
Local government officials and market organizers expressed great satisfaction with the turnout and sales, highlighting how events like this one are integral to the local economy. By celebrating the culinary diversity of Kanazawa and reaffirming connections to local fisheries, they also aimed to spark greater interest among both tourists and residents alike, encouraging them to enjoy the unique flavors of the region.
The Chikumagawa Town Market, known for its rich array of seafood and local produce, serves as not just a shopping destination but also as cultural ground zero for food enthusiasts. With each year, it weaves stories and traditions, connecting past generations to the present—a genuine reflection of community spirit and resilience.
Overall, the excitement surrounding the New Year’s first sale event at Chikumagawa has demonstrated the market's capacity to recover and adapt, ensuring the continued support of local fisheries as well as local entrepreneurship. Looking forward, the market aims to strengthen its offerings and potentially expand to accommodate more visitors, all the time maintaining its commitment to quality and community engagement.