While the city lost 15% of its population in 30 years, the number of foreigners has increased to reach 5,000 that accounts for 3.4% of the city’s total population. Among various ethnic groups, the rising star is Sri Lankan. As the city is home to more than 100 temples, it has long-term relationship with Sri Lanka where 70% of population is Buddhist.
I found an interesting tableware shop run by old couple. The shop has been at the same place since Showa-era run by a same family, having witnessed all rise and fall of Japanese economy. This spacious shop is full of dead stocks from 1960s to 1970s, including a big figure of an “beckoning cat” (maneki-neko), which business owners in Showa era often bought and displayed as a symbol of inviting luck or money. Recently some young people find a fresh value in those Showa-style design and even replicas are created and sold as “fashionable” goods. This shop could be a gold mine for those young generation. The owner of the […]