Shin-Tora Market, which began a new expansion on July 5th, is holding a "Traveling Store" event, selling local specialties from Murakami, Tsubame, Sanjo, Nagaoka, and Tokamachi, under the theme of its 2017 summer chapter, "A Tale of a Summer Gale: Touring Echigo Festivals by Local Train."



The "Traveling Store" features booths from the featured cities of Echigo: Murakami, Tsubame, Sanjo, Nagaoka, and Tokamachi, showcasing famous products and local specialties curated by buyers from Isetan Mitsukoshi. "Murakami Woodcarving Suishu" is a lacquerware craft that has been carved into wood and then coated with layers of lacquer since the Edo period in Murakami City. Accessories such as sushi brooches (8,640 yen, tax included) and necklaces (10,800 yen, tax included) will be on display and for sale. From Tsubame City, "Migakiya Syndicate," a company known for its advanced metal polishing techniques, will be offering tumblers (starting from 4,320 yen, tax included). Enjoy the creamy foam of beer with these, making them a perfect gift this time of year. From Sanjo City, we have octagonal chopsticks and cutlery from Marunao, showcasing the pinnacle of woodworking (starting from 3,780 yen, tax included). From Tokamachi City, we have tenugui towels (1,296 yen, tax included) from dyeing and weaving studio Kihadaya. From Nagaoka City, we have paper knives (4,104 yen, tax included) and makeup boxes (14,040 yen, tax included) from Adachi Shiki, made from processed paper. Each booth also features panels showcasing festivals like the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival and the Tokamachi Earth Art Triennale, so taking a look at them will really get you in the summer spirit.








In addition, the "Traveling Shintora Market 2017 Summer Chapter" will host workshops and events offering a variety of local experiences. On the 8th and 9th, many participants attended the events "Making Tochio Temari Mari (Nagaoka City)," "Tokamachi City Handkerchief Dyeing Using Barrel Shibori," "Tsubame City Miso Preparation Experience," "Sanjo City Knife Sharpening Experience," and "Sanjo City Paperweight Making and Blacksmithing Experience Using 5-inch Nails."

This weekend, on the 15th and 16th, "Food Studio Yuko," which produces and sells Niigata's famous "Sasamochi" using traditional handmade techniques, will be holding a "Sasamochi Wrapping Experience" workshop. This varied program will provide a great opportunity to experience the skills of local artisans.