| Beppin Mochi from
Tokuan |
| A shop that manufactures and sells
"Beppin Mochi" is located in Tokuan shopping street near JR Tokuan
Station. This old-established shop has been here for four generations.
"Beppin Mochi" used to be a popular coming-home present for the
people who worshipped Nozaki Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) or visited
Sumiyoshi Festival. The word "Beppin" can mean both "beautiful lady"
and "special goods" in Japanese. Carefully and precisely prepared
soybean paste from soaked soybeans is put on rice cake. It reminds
us of old taste. These skewered small dumplings look very cute. |
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Kawachi Lotus Root |
In Tsurumi Ward, Kawachi lotus roots
have been commonly grown as one of the important products of the
area. Until about 10 years ago, there were large lotus root fields
in Hama and Yakeno area. In the middle of August, entire fields
were filled with green lotus leaves.
However, since around 1990, these fields have been replaced with
residential buildings and now, we can see only a few lotus root
fields in Tsurumi Ward.
Lotus roots grow deep in mud, so farmers have to work in mud up
to their waist to harvest them. They say good lotus roots grow in
good mud, and it is reassuring to know that there are still some
farmers who use traditional methods to keep on producing traditional
agricultural products. |
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The Highest Point in Osaka/Tsurumi Shinzan (Tsurumi Ryokuchi) |
Tsurumi Shinzan is also called "Tsurumi
Fuji." This is the highest point in Osaka City, approximately 40
meters above sea level. Toward the summit, there is a beautiful
line of cherry trees. Amazingly, this mountain is an artificial
creation. The content of the mountain is garbage and soil. One of
the biggest problems in the contemporary world is garbage, but people
in Osaka started to deal with it about 30 years ago by making this
mountain. Although garbage has a negative image, it was transformed
into a beautiful mountain with attractive greenery, thanks to the
wisdom of our predecessors.
It was formally named "Tsurumi Shinzan" in 1983. We may say it became
Mt. Fuji in Osaka in reality. When the Flower and Greenery Exposition
was held in Tsurumi Ryokuchi in 1990, many people stood on the summit
of this mountain and enjoyed the view, but most of them probably
didn't know that it was the highest place in Osaka. |
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