Last week, in the "Iwai Masakado Festival" story, I introduced Ibaraki mascot "Hustle Kamon." Tokyo residents who took a liking need not go to Ibaraki—they can get goods nearby. Ibaraki's antenna shop "Kamon Marche" (website: "http://www.ibarakishop.com/") = photo above = sits on the first floor of Ginza TS Building (former Ginza Toshiba Building) near Sukiyabashi Crossing. From Palaceside Building in Takebashi, a short subway ride brings you to Ginza Station or JR Yurakucho Station. Incidentally, the Hibiya–Yurakucho–Higashi-Ginza area hosts prefectural "antenna shops": Hokkaido, Iwate, Yamagata, Gunma, Ishikawa, Oita, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and more.
"Kamon Marche" bears the subname "Ibaraki Farm," centering on Ibaraki delicacies: fresh vegetables and fruit, natto, umeboshi, pickles, ice cream, jam, sweets, branded beef, pork, and chicken. Little known perhaps, but Ibaraki ranks second nationwide in agricultural output after Hokkaido. Brand power lags somewhat—melons, Japan's top producer, are not as famous as Yubari melons, but taste is comparable (sorry, Ibaraki farmers—the trade-off is lower prices).
Hustle Kamon goods here include: keychains and strap charms ¥420 each; phone mascot straps ¥680; stuffed toys (~20 cm) ¥2,000; four-color ballpoint pens ¥600; tote bags ¥2,800; Kasama-yaki figures ¥1,200; paperweights ¥800; small plates ¥400, and more. A large stuffed toy over 50 cm greets you at the entrance—not for sale = photo below =.
Not as hard hit as the three Tohoku prefectures, Ibaraki still suffered greatly in the earthquake. Buying local specialties supports recovery too.
