Hyogo Goodwill Envoy News December 2012

Nimenhao, Goodwill Envoys!  Chinese CIR Lu Zan from Guangdong here.  Seven months have already passed since I started working in Hyogo – how fast time flies!  As my term will expire in April, I am feeling somewhat lonely at the end of the year.  But I must serve the rest of my term in good spirits.

What is the weather like in your country?  Kobe is pretty chilly.  In Guangdong, it is still comfortable with an average temperature of 15℃, but in Kobe, we need to put the heating on.  As the cold climate stimulates our appetite, this is a season, especially for girls, of a conflict between appetite and dieting.  I don’t care and eat a lot, and recommend that you also enjoy the delicacies of winter to the fullest.

I will introduce a place in Kobe, which is very familiar to me.  Many of you will have also visited there at least once – Nankinmachi.  As Kobe Buta-man Summit took place from November 10 through 12, I visited there with a Chinese CIR in Nara (who has never visited Kobe before), and a Korean friend of mine.

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Nankinmachi

Nankinmachi is one of the three greatest Chinatowns in Japan, together with those of Yokohama and Nagasaki.  Being a gourmet and shopping spot that represents Kobe, about 100 shops and restaurants line the streets – Chinese restaurants, Buta-man (steamed pork bun) specialty shops, Chinese dumplings and roast pork, grocers that sell Chinese spices and seasonings, tea shops and variety stores.  Food stalls stand in front of those shops, selling dim sum, sweets and other goods.

Nankinmachi is located between Motomachi Street and Sakaemachi Street in Chuo-ku, Kobe, a 5 minute walk to the south from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station.  The Changan Gate stands at the eastern end, which faces Daimaru Department Store.  The Xian Gate stands at the western end, and the Nanlou Gate at the southern end.  The northern end is connected to the Motomachi shopping street.

This is a square at the crossing point of the cruciform Nankinmachi.  Here at the Azumaya, Chinese New Year Festival and mid-autumn festival take place. 

Go to Buta-man Summit

The Buta-man Summit started last year.  Limited edition Buta-man are sold at Buta-man master’s shops, so I couldn’t miss this opportunity as a Buta-man lover.

 In addition to the main festival period, the pre-event took place on the 9^th.  On this day, the Buta-man girl contest was held.  The winner appears at the opening ceremony on the 10^th, and participates in PR activities at Buta-man shops during the festival.  So even if you miss the pre-event, you can see the year’s Buta-man girl on the 10^th.

Soon after the ceremony, I headed for the Buta-man shop I was looking for, but a long line had already formed there.  Wondering how tasty the Buta-man would be after such a long waiting time, I joined the line in front of a Buta-man shop called Roushouki, which sold Buta-man for the first time in Japan.

This is what I had expected from Roushouki!  This limited edition Buta-man contains portini mushrooms and truffles, and has an excellent aroma of mushroom.
Can you imagine that portini mushrooms and truffles are added to the already tasty Buta-man from Roushouki?   The dough was soft enough, and I felt very happy as I tasted real Chinese Buta-man.

　

　　

This is the limited set of Buta-man, only available at the Summit.  With this, I was able to taste Buta-man from three master’s shops at one time.  Otherwise there were black Buta-man and pretty pig-shaped Buta-man, and I enjoyed the taste of my hometown with a full belly. 

Epilogue

Not only perfect Buta-man with juicy fillings and soft dough, but also other delicious Chinese food is always served at Nankinmachi, attracting a large number of tourists.  I truly recommend that you visit Nankinmachi in Kobe, and fully enjoy Chinese food culture.

☆　Hyogo Events Information　★　

As the New Year is approaching, there will be many events and festivals held throughout Hyogo.  Come and experience them at New Year’s holidays.

1. Saitansai (New Year’s Festival)

Venue: Izanagi Shrine

Phone: 0799-80-5001

Enshrining the god, Izanagi, and the goddess, Izanami, the shrine is one of the most prestigious in the nation.  On January 1, the annual New Year’s Festival takes place.  Shinto music is dedicated to the shrine on the day.

2. First visit to the Tajima Great Buddha

Venue: Choraku-ji Temple

Phone: 0796-95-1270

On the New Year’s Day, the gate opens at 0:00 a.m. and no entrance fee is required.  The first 800 visitors will receive a small gift, and children can enjoy a lottery (Jan. 1-3).  This is a good place to pray for good luck in the New Year.  (Charms, first prayer service and prayers against bad luck are also available.)

3. Kite-flying Festival

Venue: Ichinomiya Health and Welfare Center

Phone: 0790-72-8787 (Shiso City Council of Social Welfare)

This is an annual festival held on the New Year’s Day.  Applications will be accepted between 13:00-14:00 with a participation fee of 300 yen.  In addition to the prize for participation, special prizes are offered to excellent works.

For other information about the New Year’s visit to shrines, refer to: http://www.hyogo-tourism.jp