Kamapan & Friends <Natural Products Hall> , run by Monosasu Shokuken, is a small store that gathers additive-free products. The motto is "Friends' Products, Friends' Food - Grow with Friends, Eat with Friends". It is not just a store to shop, but we aim to be a place where makers and eaters can come together side by side, and we operate it every day.
When we opened our store in Ginza at the end of November 2020, what surprised us was that the fresh vegetables we receive directly from farmers are selling like hotcakes every day!
We thought it would be a good opportunity for people to meet the people who produce these vegetables and food, so we decided to hold an open-air market in Ginza once a month.
The first event was held on the last Sunday of March, and was entitled " Farmers and Makers of Japan ." Farmers, cheese makers, baked goods makers and other makers associated with Kamapan & Friends Natural Products Center gathered at Ginza Sony Park .
We will be introducing the events of the day with photos taken by photographer Kazue Kawase !
*We asked participants to remove their masks when taking photos.
The weather forecast for the day was cloudy with occasional rain.
Ten yellow tents were lined up in front of the Sukiyabashi intersection.
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As you enter from the intersection, Mr. Hiramatsu from Sakanotsuchi will be waiting to greet you at the first tent.
They collect vegetables grown without the use of pesticides from all over the country, and will also introduce you to some rare vegetables.
Mr. Kobori from Ishizaka Organic Farm came to visit us from Iruma, Saitama.
Among the many things they brought, including vegetables, bread, and eggs, the most popular item was pure white udo. Many people were seen walking around Ginza with udo in their bags instead of green onions.
Farm Vegico is a farmer in Haruno, Kochi. Taking advantage of the warm climate with an average annual temperature of 16.7℃, they grow healthy vegetables.
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Mr. Ooba from Bar Cacoi in Higashi Ginza turned Farm Vegiko's cucumbers into cocktails. He also used fruits, ketchup, coffee, and other ingredients from the craftspeople at the venue to create some fun drinks.
The people at ÉCRU. GINZA run a space on the ground floor of Ginza Sony Park where you can enjoy wine and coffee.
It seems like the makers enjoyed shopping together as well!
GEN GEN AN Gen , a Japanese tea shop that also runs at Ginza Sony Park , also helped liven up the open-air market!
The booth of Kama Pan & Friends <Natural Products Hall> , which has a store on the third basement floor. There are also regular customers who come to check out the store.
Suzuki-san from BOCCO came all the way from Karuizawa, Nagano on this day.
Apparently, someone who purchased BOCCO's baked goods, which are usually available at Kamapan & Friends' Natural Products Store, approached them directly and said, "I always eat their cookies!"
Mr. Fujikawa of SHIBUYA CHEESE STAND makes fresh cheese using freshly squeezed milk from Tokyo.
Freshly made mozzarella cheese made by the chef in his spare time. It was chewier than chilled mozzarella and was very satisfying to eat!
Filling the venue with delicious smells was the food truck by the Blind Donkey .
They cooked delicious meals using fruits and cheeses from the producers at the stalls.
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A fun event: a tour of the local product center led by local product center enthusiasts. Members of Kamapan & Friends' Natural Product Center will guide you through the mecca of local product centers, Tokyo Transportation Center.
The participants were so passionate about the souvenir shops that they could be called professionals in their field. The conversations between the enthusiasts were lively and we all had a very satisfying time finding some bargains.
Mr. Ota from Ome Farm came all the way from Ome, Tokyo, and brought us a lot of raw honey this month.
They start by preparing the soil, grow vegetables using the power of nature, and build a cyclical relationship with trusted consumers. They also participated in the talk session held at the venue.
As a greeting to say "Nice to meet you!", the first 300 customers received a gift of irregular carrots from Tsunagu Farm in Kamiyama, Tokushima.
Many people are interested in our carrots and ask, "Where are they from? How were they grown?" which makes me very happy!
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The Ginza Friends Open-Air Market, which was attended by many people despite the rain, is scheduled to be held on the last Sunday of every month until the end of September 2021.
The next event will be held on Sunday, April 25th, and will feature "Town Bread, Cheese, and Wine." The creators will gather together to talk about the kind of people who make these foods and how they make them. Please come and talk to them directly, with a piece of bread in hand!
*The event has been postponed to Sunday, May 30th.
Ginza Friends Open-Air Market April Town Bread, Cheese, Wine & Levain
Date and Time: Sunday, April 25 11:00-17:00
The event has been postponed to Sunday, May 30th.
Location: Ginza Sony Park, ground floor
NAKAJIMA Kimi
Freelance, living in Ryukazaki, Ibaraki. I first encountered Monosus through an interview with “Nihon Shigoto Hyakka” and am now involved in several things, a bit outside of Monosus.