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Showing posts from October, 2022

Geigi of Furumachi

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  Geigi and fashion were once a large part of the towns appeal Geigi numbers have dwindled remarkably as modern Japan has gone more modern with less restrictions, entertainment venues have changed, and it supports the idea of traditional Japan and for the Geigi Traditional Niigata. The world of traditions of Japan and Niigata are fading with people thinking less about its value as it becomes less appealing to the modern world of the everyday person with varying financial earnings creating different customer-bases: (a.) ultra-rich income [mysteriously rare-performers], (b.) rich-income [rare-performers], (c.) higher-income [uncommon-performers], (d.) middle-income [standard-performers], and (e.) office-income [practicing-performers]. Traditional Geigi Culture came about from the establishments of places like Kyoto where Geiko [geisha] had served the wealthy and in Niigata Geigi would follow, but change over time with its own differences. This was different from Oiran of the High-ran...

Shirone Shibori 白根絞り

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Shirone Shibori (白根絞り) is a tie-dye method of the Shirone area of Minami in Niigata City region. It is an intangible cultural property that was produced in the Shirone area in the late Edo period. The fabric was seen as one of great value and of high class due to its techniques and methods used for its distinctive appearance as there are an assortment of Shirone Shibori that can be separated by ones distinct focus in the process itself to reveal a unique approach and charm to the fabric. It takes a Shirone artisan to create a fine piece of work of Shibori that is pleasant to the eyes of those who view it.  Shirane Town prospered on rice in the Meiji era and gradually declined as chemical fibers came into use before the war. After World War II, production of "Shirane squeezing" with a beautiful bright indigo color would not be done as much, but it remains one of the treasures of the area. It had been reconstructed by a local club (circle), since 1990 by local housewives. Histo...

Echigo Miso

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Description: Echigo Miso (越後味噌) is a traditional miso variety from Niigata Prefecture, historically known as Echigo Province. This miso reflects the region's rich culinary heritage, shaped by its unique climate and cultural practices.​ Echigo Miso's origins trace back to the Sengoku period. In 1565, Uesugi Kenshin reportedly introduced miso-making techniques from the Noda region to Echigo. By the early Edo period, miso production was established in castle towns like Nagaoka and Murakami, often under the patronage of feudal lords. This support helped develop a strong local miso industry, with family-run breweries preserving traditional methods over generations. In December 2020, "Echigo Miso" was registered as a regional collective trademark by the Japan Patent Office. This designation acknowledges its cultural significance and aims to protect and promote the brand nationally. Characteristics: Texture and Flavor: Echigo Miso is known for its smooth, moist texture and ...