The Hakata Umakamon Market, a collection of tasty fare from around Fukuoka, kicks off at Iwataya on Jan. 23 and runs through Jan. 29. This year’s theme is “Delicious Hakata!”, and for the first time, the market will feature special dishes made with local fugu blowfish. Umakamon Market has been held every year since it was launched by the Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce in 1982 to showcase local foods and nurture regional specialties. 73 companies will participate in this year’s market and offer around 5,000 items, including sweets, seafood and liquor. This year’s main attraction is a new tasting area where students from Nakamura Culinary School (Chuo Ward) will offer a curry set based on an early Showa Era recipe (1/26~1/27) and local fugu restaurant, Hakata Izumi, will offer a fugu rice bowl chock full of vegetables (1/27~1/29). Other delights include daily boxed lunches from local high-end restaurateurs (1/23~1/27) and mille feuille made with Amaou strawberries from Itoshima. Events scheduled while the market is in session include a traditional dance by the geisha from Hakata Kenban (1/23) and several eat-and-walk tours (1/24, 1/28, 1/29). For more information, call the Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce (092-441-1118, weekdays 9:00 ~ 17:00). Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, Jan. 21.
• 1/23~29
• Iwataya
• 092-441-1118
• 2-5-35 Tenjin, Chuo Ward
• http://www.fukunet.or.jp/umakamon/lineup/index.html