Pix4Japan

2024-04-09

Pokémon and Ito En

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Vending Machines: From Pokémon Collaborations to Disaster Preparedness

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:45・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

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Japan boasts an impressive array of vending machines, numbering around 2.6 million as of December 2023. In the span of the last four decades, I've witnessed significant shifts in this vending landscape. Notably, there has been a decline in machines vending alcohol and cigarettes, paralleled by a rise in machines offering both hot and cold beverages from a single unit. Among these innovations, my personal favorite is the advent of machines equipped with QR code scanning capabilities, allowing seamless payment through an app on my smartphone.

In my photo, two distinct elements immediately captured my eye: the presence of a Pokémon character adorning the vending machine, and upon closer inspection, the machine's disaster response capabilities.

Firstly, the Pokémon character quickly attracts passersby, drawing attention to a collaboration between Ito En, a prominent Japanese beverage company, and the Pokémon Go game.

Secondly, a conspicuous label on the machine reveals its designation as a “disaster response vending machine.” This designation indicates that in the event of a severe earthquake or other natural calamities surpassing a predetermined threshold, the machine can dispense drinks free of charge, even in the absence of electrical power. Additionally, I've come across information that some machines are even equipped with electronic bulletin boards to transmit disaster alerts and essential evacuation instructions.

While I sincerely hope to never have to utilize the services of a disaster response vending machine, it's reassuring to know that some large corporations are stepping up to make their services and products accessible to society during times of crisis. It underscores a sense of corporate responsibility and solidarity in supporting communities when they need it most.

Glossary:

災害救援・saigai kyūen: disaster relief
自動販売機・jidō hanbaiki: vending machine
災害救援自販機・saigai kyūen jihanki: a vending machine that can be operated manually to disperse products inside the vending machine in the event of a power outage due to a disaster.

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Hamadaya Kimono

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Three Generations of Tradition: Hamadaya Kimono Care Shop

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:41・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

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Hamadaya, a kimono tailor and cleaning specialty shop, has a rich history dating back to the 1920s when it began as a dyeing workshop. Today, they specialize in the meticulous care and maintenance of kimono garments. Their services include professional cleaning, stain removal, tailoring to fit your body measurements, and various alterations.

With access to a wide range of silk materials, Hamadaya offers not only traditional kimono but also a variety of Japanese-style clothing items reminiscent of kimonos, along with tenugui towels and unique furoshiki cloths. Additionally, they provide a selection of souvenir silk items highly sought after by overseas tourists.

As a family-run establishment, Hamadaya is currently led by its third-generation owner, ensuring a legacy of craftsmanship and dedication to preserving the art of kimono.

Glossary:

手ぬぐい・tengui: A traditional Japanese towel, typically measuring about 90 cm (2.9 feet) x 35 cm (1.1 feet). It is made of flat-woven cotton and often dyed with plain colors or patterns. Tenugui have hemmed long sides and unhemmed short sides, facilitating faster drying through fraying. They are versatile, used for cleaning, drying hands, and for protective or decorative wrapping. During festivals, tenugui are worn as headwear, belts, or used as props.
風呂敷・furoshiki: A traditional Japanese wrapping cloth primarily used for transporting goods such as sake bottles, bento lunch boxes, and gifts of various sizes and shapes. Furoshiki may have hemmed edges and can be crafted from a variety of materials, including silk or cotton for traditional versions, and synthetic materials like rayon, nylon, or polyester for modern adaptations.

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Peko-chan and Fujiya

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From Papier-mâché to Pop Culture Icon: The Enduring Story of Peko-chan and Fujiya Corporation

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:39・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

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② ISO 800 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2

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Fujiya Corporation, a century-old family business based in Tokyo, is renowned for its delectable confectioneries and iconic life-size mascot dolls known as Peko-chan, which proudly stand in front of Fujiya chain confectionery stores nationwide.

The company's founder embarked on a pivotal journey to the United States to study Western confectionery techniques and manufacturing processes. Upon his return to Japan the following year, he established a second shop, styled after a soda fountain, where he not only served coffee but also showcased his confectionery creations.

Founded in 1910 in Motomachi, Yokohama, Fujiya began as a modest venture that steadily expanded its reach. By the mid-20th century, it had established over eight new stores across Yokohama and Tokyo, signaling its growing prominence in the confectionery market.

In 1963, Fujiya experienced a significant leap forward with the implementation of franchising, a move that fueled its expansion even further. Notably, in 2010, the company proudly celebrated its centennial anniversary, marking a century of excellence in crafting delightful treats.

Peko-chan, the beloved mascot of Fujiya, made her debut in the 1950s as a papier-mâché doll adorned in traditional Japanese attire—a reflection of post-war cultural norms.

Her endearing expression, characterized by a playful tongue sticking out and a swaying head, captivated the hearts of many. However, her popularity led to frequent handling by fans, resulting in damage to her delicate papier-mâché structure. Incremental repairs became unsustainable, prompting a transition to more durable materials.

Over the years, Peko-chan evolved not only in material but also in her roles. Initially dressed in handmade clothes reflecting contemporary fashion trends, she eventually expanded her presence beyond the confines of Fujiya stores. From corporate ambassadorships to appearances in TV commercials and fashion magazines, Peko-chan became an enduring cultural icon.

In the 1950s, more robust models with wobbling heads were introduced, delighting children with interactive features. Subsequent iterations saw subtle changes, such as blue eyes, inspired by diverse cultural influences.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and Peko-chan's legacy endures. The “Peko-chan Exhibition” at the Hiratsuka Art Museum in Kanagawa Prefecture showcased her nostalgic charm, while the modern mascot—a hardened plastic and enamel rendition—remains a ubiquitous marketing symbol in Japan. Adorned in her trademark yellow T-shirt and red overalls, life-sized Peko-chan dolls continue to greet customers outside Fujiya stores nationwide.

For over 45 years, the Gumyoji branch of Fujiya has been a cherished fixture in the community. If you find yourself in the vicinity, I highly recommend paying a visit to sample their renowned strawberry sponge cake—an exquisite treat that epitomizes Fujiya's commitment to culinary excellence.

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Vintage Signage

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Signs of the Times: Vintage Signage Along Gumyoji Shotengai

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:35・2024/04/09

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As I continued strolling down the Gumyoji Shotengai shopping street during my photo shoot, I was captivated by the charm of a yakitori restaurant. Its exterior was designed to evoke the nostalgic ambiance of 1950s Japan, complete with a collection of vintage signs adorning one of its walls.

The first sign, situated in the upper-left corner, advertises Kanko Shirts, a company established in 1854. Originally specializing in the production and sale of cotton yarn, Kanko Shirts transitioned to mass-manufacturing school and work uniforms in 1923. By 1928, the company rebranded as Kanko and launched a nationwide PR campaign, prominently featuring billboards and signboards like the one captured in my photograph. Today, Kanko remains a leading manufacturer of Japanese school uniforms.

In the upper-right corner, the second sign showcases Kakui Cotton, tracing its origins back to 1881 as a cotton wholesaler. Rebranded as Kakui Co., Ltd. in 1971, the company has since diversified its offerings. Today, Kakui is renowned for producing consumer-use cotton puffs, pharmaceutical-grade gauze, and petrochemical absorbents.

Moving on to the third sign, located in the lower-left corner, we encounter White Ball Sauce. Originating in 1899, this sauce was first crafted by the Nomura Food Manufacturing Company, based in the Kanto region of Japan where Tokyo is situated. Inspired by Worcestershire sauce during a visit to the U.K., the company's founder returned to Japan and developed White Ball Sauce to complement the newly introduced Western foods gaining popularity during the Meiji Era (1868–1912). This innovative sauce quickly found its place in Japanese cuisine, catering to the evolving palate of the time.

The origins of the fourth sign (lower-right) trace back to Lion Mosquito Coils, a product manufactured by Lion Chemical Co., Ltd., established in 1885. Lion Chemical Co., Ltd. utilizes dried pyrethrum flowers, which naturally contain insecticidal properties. These flowers are processed into a fine powder and molded into hardened coils. When lit, the coils emit a pleasant incense-like fragrance (aromatic substances) that effectively repels mosquitoes. Over the years, Lion Chemical Co., Ltd. has expanded its product line to encompass a wide array of industrial and household chemical solutions.

With the increasing prevalence of modern electronic screens replacing traditional signboards, I worry that future generations may miss out on the nostalgic charm I've experienced from the signage of my parents’ and grandparents’ eras. The transition to digital displays not only changes the visual landscape and exacerbates light pollution in our cities but also prompts questions about preserving cultural heritage and the enduring significance of physical signage in an increasingly digital world. As technology advances, the once-familiar sights of printed or painted signs may become relics of the past, making current vintage signs even more precious and irreplaceable.

Glossary:

白玉ソース・Shiratama Sōsu: White Ball Sauce. A brand of sauce
菅公シャツ・Kanko Shyatsu: Kanko Shirts—a brand of shirts manufactured by a Japanese school uniform manufacturer.
カクイわた・kakui-wata: Kakei Cotton fabrics
ライオンかとりせんこう・Raion Katori Senko: Lion Mosquito Coils

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Yoroi-Bari Cladding and Gacha-Gacha

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Nostalgic Delights: Yoroi-bari Cladding and Gacha-Gacha Machines in Japan

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:30・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

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Two blocks west of the east entrance of the Gumyoji Shotengai shopping arcade lies a charcoal-grilled yakiniku shop. Its interior and exterior are meticulously designed to evoke a retro ambiance reminiscent of a Japanese house from the 1950s.

This quaint restaurant has garnered numerous positive reviews for its charming interior, menu offerings, and attentive service. Yet, it's not the restaurant itself that captivated my attention. What truly intrigued me was the striking contrast between the dark, classic traditional wooden “yoroi-bari” cladding and the shiny, late Showa era, gacha-gacha toy capsule machines.

Old wooden houses adorned with yoroi-bari cladding can still be spotted today, both in urban and rural areas. Many of these structures date back to the Showa period (1926–1989), while some have been meticulously restored from the earlier Meiji period (1868–1912) and are showcased in open-air museums.

Yoroi-bari cladding is characterized by grooves cut into the upper and lower portions of each plank, allowing them to interlock with the joints of adjacent planks. This ingenious design not only fortifies the walls against winds, rain, and temperature fluctuations but also provides flexibility during small to moderate earthquakes, allowing the structure to better withstand seismic stresses.

While gacha-gacha toy capsule machines were initially marketed towards children, they have evolved to be cherished by individuals of all ages, including adults, for nostalgic reasons. These machines have gained popularity even among adult tourists from abroad, many of whom were likely introduced to the machines through Japanese anime and manga.

Glossary:

鎧張り・yoroi-bari: A type of traditional cladding, often wooden, found on the exteriors of Japanese houses or other small structures. The term “yoroi” originates from the traditional Japanese armor worn by samurai warriors, consisting of numerous small metal plates laced together with silk or leather cords to provide flexibility and strength. Similarly, yoroi-bari cladding achieves these advantages by overlapping panels using interlocking joints.
ガチャガチャ・gacha-gacha: The term “gacha-gacha” is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound produced by the toy vending machine during the action of hand-cranking the handle to retrieve a toy encased in a plastic capsule.

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Fujikata Tofu Shop

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Tofu Delights: A Taste of Tradition, Innovation, and Community

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:18・2024/04/09

Fujikata Tofu Shop

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

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Nestled in the eastern end of the Gumyoji Shotengai, this charming mom-and-pop tofu shop boasts a delightful tradition: crafting fresh tofu onsite each morning. Upon approaching the shop, I was greeted by an array of tofu varieties, each promising a unique blend of flavors and textures, all at pocket-friendly prices.

From the nutty richness of sesame seed paste-infused tofu to the wholesome simplicity of edamame-infused creations, the shop offered a tantalizing selection. Yet, it is their prized silken tofu that steals the show. Renowned for its velvety smoothness and versatility, this delicacy requires minimal preparation and pairs seamlessly with any meal of the day.

Not to be outdone, cotton tofu stood ready for grilling, frying, or simmering, while the savory allure of grilled tofu hinted at its potential in myriad dishes, from sukiyaki to stir-fries.

During a brief chat with the owner's wife, I discovered the rich history behind the shop, which first opened its doors over 60 years ago in Showa Year 37 (1962). As she graciously offered me a sample of their signature silken tofu, I couldn't help but marvel at its delicate balance of lightness and flavor.

Despite its roots in traditional Japanese cuisine, the shop embraces diversity, catering to the tastes of its Korean and Malaysian clientele with popular toppings and accompaniments.

One visit wasn't enough to satisfy my curiosity—or my appetite. Intrigued by whispers of tofu donuts, I found myself drawn back to the shop, eager to indulge. With each bite, I savored the dense, moist texture and subtle sweetness, feeling a surge of energy that propelled me through the rest of my day's photo shoot.

Glossary:

枝豆・edamame: Green soybeans boiled or steamed while in their pods.
絹豆腐 / 絹漉し豆腐・kinudōfu / kinugoshidōfu: Referred to as silken tofu, this type of tofu that is formed without pressing, resulting in a delicate, silky texture., and helps to retain higher levels of vitamin B and potassium content, and served cold with a simple garnish and soy sauce.
木綿豆腐・momendōfu: Referred to as cotton tofu, this type of tofu is broken down and pressed to remove excess water, before re-setting, a process that results in a firmer texture compared to silken tofu, produces a tofu with a higher protein, calcium, and iron content.

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Homareyashuho Wine and Liquor Shop

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Sip the Essence of Spring: Discovering Gumyoji Sakura Beer at Homareyashuho

Location: Gumyoji, Minami Ward, Yokohama, Japan

Timestamp: 17:16・2024/04/09

Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter

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The Homareyashuho Wine & Liquor Shop, established in 1932, is renowned for its signature Gumyoji Sakura Beer. Brewed locally since 2010, this unfiltered beer derives its distinctive flavor from yeast sourced from cherry blossoms grown in the nearby Gumyoji Temple grounds. Known for its fruity and robust flavor, the Sakura Beer continues to captivate beer enthusiasts to this day.

As depicted in my photo, the shop's décor mirrors the vibrant ambiance of Japan's cherry blossom festivals, featuring pink displays and lantern shades that celebrate the famous Sakura Beer. These decorations, reminiscent of those found across Japan during the cherry blossom viewing season, contribute to the shop's quaint charm.

In addition to the Sakura Beer, the shop boasts a diverse selection of locally sourced sake, authentic shochu, and awamori. Visitors can indulge in a variety of flavors, all sourced directly from breweries spanning the breadth of Japan. The shop also offers unique non-alcoholic flavored cider drinks for other customers including children.

Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a visit to Homareyashuho Wine & Liquor Shop promises a delightful experience steeped in Japanese tradition and flavor.

Glossary:

桜・sakura: This term typically refers to cherry blossoms (flowers) but can also refer to the actual cherry trees. In Japanese culture, sakura holds deep symbolic meaning, representing the beauty and transient nature of life.
酒・sake: This term can refer to all alcoholic drinks in general, but in the above context, it specifically refers to Japanese rice wine, which is brewed through a fermentation process using rice, water, yeast, and koji mold.
焼酎・shochu: Shochu is a Japanese liquor distilled from various ingredients such as sweet potatoes, barley, or rice. It typically has a higher alcohol content than sake and is enjoyed in various ways, including straight, on the rocks, or mixed with water or other beverages.
泡盛・awamori: Awamori is a type of shochu that is a specialty of Okinawa, a region in Japan. It is made from Thai-style indica rice and is aged in traditional clay pots. Awamori has a unique flavor profile and is often consumed as a straight drink or mixed with water or ice.