Nishiki Market is affectionately known as \u201cKyoto\u2019s Kitchen.\u201d In December 2019, \u201cInoue Tsukudani,\u201d a renowned obanzai shop that had been beloved for 135 years in this shopping district with a history of approximately 400 years, closed its doors to much regret. Did you know that since then, the flavors have been carried on at \u201cFriend Foods Shimogamo,\u201d a popular grocery store in Shimogamo, Sakyo Ward, where you can still purchase these items today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll introduce the history of Inoue Tsukudani Shop, the story behind its revival, and information on where you can actually buy their products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\u25a0What Is \u201cInoue Tsukudani Shop,\u201d a Store Beloved for 135 Years at Nishiki Market?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25a0\u201cHow We Managed to Make a Comeback | The Super CEO\u2019s Persuasion and Business Succession<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25a0Where to Buy \"Inoue Tsukudani Shop\" Products | Friend Foods Shimogamo<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25a0summary <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Nishiki Market, located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, is one of Kyoto\u2019s oldest shopping districts. Lined with shops selling ingredients unique to Kyoto\u2014such as yuba, Kyoto vegetables, and Kyoto pickles\u2014this area is affectionately known locally as \u201cKyoto\u2019s Kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Located in that corner was \u201cInoue Tsukudani,\u201d a specialty shop for obanzai founded in Meiji 17 (1884). It offered a wide range of products, from classic side dishes like dried baby sardines with sansho pepper and Manganji chili peppers with kelp to seasonal obanzai. Its traditional style of selling by weight and face-to-face service was beloved by both locals and tourists alike, and it was a renowned shop with many fans who said, \u201cI always stop by when I visit Kyoto.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, due to changes in the business environment and a shortage of successors, the company decided to close its doors in December 2019, bringing an end to its 135-year history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Amid a wave of expressions of regret over the closure of Inoue Tsukudani Shop, Shun Fujita, president of \u201cFriend Foods,\u201d a supermarket in Sakyo Ward, has launched an initiative to ensure the shop\u2019s flavors live on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friend Foods and Inoue Tsukudani Shop have had a relationship spanning 30 years through their business dealings, including the sale of Osechi dishes. Driven by the desire to \u201cpreserve the authentic flavor of this \u201dreal deal\u2019 for both locals and tourists,\u201d Mr. Fujita spent more than half a year persuading Mr. Takeshi Umemura, the owner of Inoue Tsukudani Shop. Ultimately, the business was taken over with Mr. Umemura and three members of his family joining Friend Foods as employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although many of the recipes had been discarded, the production of prepared foods resumed in Friend Foods\u2019 kitchen based on the flavors and techniques etched in Mr. Umemura\u2019s memory. On October 30 and 31, 2020, the \u201cInoue Tsukudani Shop Revival Festival\u201d was held, and reports indicate it was bustling with fans who had come from as far away as Tokyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nowadays,<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dozens of prepared dishes\u2014including classic favorites once beloved at Nishiki Market\u2014are displayed in the store alongside a sign reading \u201cEstablished in Meiji 17: Nishikikoji Inoue.\u201d Among these, the \u201cManganji Chili Peppers with Kelp\u201d is renowned as a masterpiece that won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, while the \u201cDried Sardines with Sansho Pepper\u201d won the Grand Prix in the \u201cLocal Supermarket Souvenirs\u201d category at the \u201cLocal Supermarket Grand Prix 2022,\u201d earning high praise from both within and outside Kyoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Inoue Tsukudani Shop\u2019s prepared foods are currently available in the deli section of \u201cFriend Foods Shimogamo,\u201d a supermarket located in Shimogamo, Sakyo Ward. Founded in 1977, Friend Foods is a grocery store with a single location in Shimogamo. Guided by the philosophy of \u201cdelivering only authentic, delicious, and wholesome products,\u201d it is a popular store that attracts customers not only from the local area but also from farther afield by offering ingredients carefully selected for their origin and quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The store features rare vegetables and fruits, as well as high-quality processed foods. In the prepared foods section, you can purchase dishes by weight prepared by Mr. Umemura, who carries on the tradition of Inoue Tsukudani Shop (prepared foods start at 194 yen per 100g; tsukudani starts at 260 yen per 100g. Prices vary depending on the season and product). These items are not only great for adding a new dish to your daily meals but are also popular as souvenirs from Kyoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n\u25a0What Is \u201cInoue Tsukudani Shop,\u201d a Store Beloved for 135 Years at Nishiki Market?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u25a0How We Managed to Make a Comeback | The Super CEO\u2019s Persuasion and Business Succession<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u25a0Where to Buy \"Inoue Tsukudani Shop\" Products | Friend Foods Shimogamo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Basic Information<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n