Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Minato, a town that shows a calm appearance along the river of the Sumida River. ・・ ・ As you can see from the name, there were many docks from the Edo period to the early Meiji period. After that, the sea gradually moved offshore, and now there is no rough atmosphere where sailors walked around, but the nostalgic scent of the streets continue. This time, we visited Mr. Hiroshi Hibi (Representative Director of Asahi Shodo Co., Ltd.) of [Minato Union Shoeikai], whose business area is Minato 1-3 chome, and heard various stories.

What is the current situation of the store association?

Hibi (Chairman) "The number of member stores, which had 56,57 before the bubble, has now decreased to 11. Although it may not be called a "shopping street", we are still working to strengthen our bonds and contribute to the community. In summer and at the end of the year, we plan a "large sale" and tie up with a tourist association to hold a "planting and flower market" in autumn, and devise ways to enliven the area." 

A correspondent, "Is consumer purchasing behavior changed?" 

"That's right. I think the number of condominiums has increased, and the number of people shopping at large retail shops and convenience stores has increased. Now, in order to show the existence of a local store as much as possible, we are working to appeal by creating flyers with illustrations." 

Correspondent "It's a pretty illustration. Who was depicted?" 

Chairman: "Actually, my granddaughter who lives nearby drew me. On the contrary, I think it's better than a professional.'

Correspondent "I think it's a very friendly and wonderful picture. Isn't it perfect for this store association?"

Could you tell me about your work?

Chairman: "Our ancestors seem to have moved from Aichi Prefecture to Tokyo in the late Edo period. He quit the fisherman and became a ship carpenter, and eventually made use of his technology to manufacture tubs and barrels. It was delivered to a sugar factory in Tsukishima, but the demand eventually disappeared with the passage of the times, and the father, who was the owner at that time, started a confectionery shop in association with [things related to sugar] . After that, I changed the store name to [Meyur] based on the advice of a Western painter. It's up to the present. We used to manufacture bread, but now we specialize only in sales."

※Writer Note: Meilleur is English "good". The French word meaning "better".

Correspondent "It's a bread and Western confectionery shop closely related to the local area. When I was looking at the storefront earlier, side dish breads were lined up deliciously. What products are popular now?"

Chairman: "Of course, bread, I started selling lunch boxes a while ago, but now it is popular. It's not as cheap as a combination, but I'm confident in the taste because I'm handmade and carefully crafted from the morning."

Correspondent "Surely more and more people value health management and taste, and they began to seek "real taste." It will be a hint for the future of shopping streets. By the way, is the chairman standing in the store?"

Chairman: "I always go to the store every day, morning, noon, evening and busy hours."

Correspondent "There are surely many customers who come to the store to look forward to the unchanging smile of the chairman. I ask you to show me as much as possible."

Did you originally have a lot of shops around here?

Chairman: "In the past, goods such as sake, soy sauce and charcoal from the top were landed in this area by boat. So many people came from different countries. In addition, although the location is different from the current gunpowder Inari Shrine, there is a shrine near the waterside, and many visitors came from far away. Many merchants lined up on both sides of the road where such various people walked, and it was lively. (* The author's note photo shows the current state.) In addition, there were many private-owned shops and cottage industry houses in this area. In addition, there is a path called "Fun-dori" next to the current Chuo Elementary School, and stalls lined up several times a month. I was looking forward to it when I was a child."

Correspondent "Surely many people work, shop, stroll in this area, and it's a cozy town for a long time."

Chairman: "There were movie theaters and dance halls around Hatchobori, and it was a little downtown area. Also, we often saw the merchants who came along with the selling every season."

Correspondent "I would like you to pass on such a tasteful history to future generations."

"That's right. I would like to keep the history of the town. And I would like to continue to take care of the good atmosphere of the old days."

By the way, this house has a taste again.

  "I'm nearly 90 years old. It was made by my father with an elaborate design, so it should have been quite eye-catching at that time. Let me show you the second floor."

※After this, see the room in Shoin-zukuri Architecture on the second floor.

Correspondent "This is another fine Japanese-style room. You can see that the pillars, columns, and tokonoma are all made of good materials. The exterior also blends into this street. It's a valuable asset now, so I hope you value it. "

What are your goals for the future?

Chairman: "There is a plan for urban redevelopment near here. I would like to work hard on what to do for the development of the local community when it takes shape a few years ahead."

Correspondent "If possible, I hope that new shops will increase and contribute to the bustle of the town. I hope that the shopping association will play a central role in creating a new town by gathering the opinions of the younger generation."

Interview Postscript

Mr. Hibi, who said he was over 80 years old, was young in voice and attitude, and spoke with a rich story based on clear memories and experiences. I felt the pride cultivated through my long-term efforts and efforts as well as familiarity with the appearance of treating me carefully for the first time.

An old-fashioned shopping association that loves the local area and values the connection between people. I hope that it will continue to grow for a long time.

Thank you very much for your valuable opportunity.