Why not Enjoy Hanami in Kochi this Spring?

   Hanami, or flower viewing, is a popular spring pastime in Japan. From the end of March to mid-April, people gather under the sakura blossoms to eat bento lunches and drink. In Kochi, people are known to start doing hanami even before the sakura bloom. There are also yozakura (night sakura) viewings, where sakura are lit up against the night sky creating a beautiful view. Sakura only bloom for a short period of time, so everyone plans their hanami to try to coincide with when they are in full bloom.
   Hanami have been held by the general public since the Heian period (794 to 1185). It is said that the origin of the modern hanami comes from how people would gather together during this period to drink, eat, and pray for good harvest.
   In this edition we will introduce beer, vital to hanami, and spring-themed wagashi (Japanese sweets). Why not grab something delicious this spring and head out to view the flowers?

Have some Wagashi to end Hanami on a Sweet Note

Adi Kerta Rahayu (Ayu) (Kochi City CIR)

In front of the store

   Spring calls to mind hanami (flower viewing) and sakura blossoms. The weather starts to warm and color returns to the city scenery. It has been five years since I last experienced spring in Japan, so I was very much looking forward to sakura and hanami.
   This spring, I tried my hand at making wagashi (Japanese sweets), together with Minda; an experience just right for the season. We attended the wagashi making workshop at Shingetsu, a Japanese confectionery store established in 1953, located just a two-minute walk away from Ohashidori station. The third-generation owner Nishimura Daisuke taught us how to make wagashi, as we tried our best to follow!

Brew Happiness! Craft Beer TOSACO

Kochi Prefecture CIR Minda Dettman

Hanami with TOSACO♪

Beer is the key to Hanami!
   A good drink is vital to a good hanami. With craft beer gaining popularity in many countries including the United States (and as I personally am fond of it), we decided to feature Kochi’s first craft brewery, Kochi Campagne Brewery, in today's edition. The founder, Mr. Setoguchi, kindly introduced us to the company, which is located in Tosayamada, Kami City. Why not bring Kochi Campagne Brewery’s TOSACO beer to your hanami this spring, and enjoy it’s subtle flavors created using Kochi products like yuzu and sansho pepper?

Living in Kochi Q&A : What do you do when you need to throw away large items or buy used items? (Kochi City Edition)

   Spring is moving season! People tend to throw away things and buy things around this time. We talked to the Kochi City Hall Environmental Policy Division about trash disposal in Kochi City.

How to dispose of large items

（＊If you live somewhere other than Kochi City, trash disposal is different!）

①Large burnables (large wooden objects(beds, shelves, etc.), plastic storage cases, futons, etc.)

②Home appliances (microwaves, printers, hair dryers, etc.)

↓

Free of charge
Take out to the “recyclables and incombustibles station” on the designated day of the month.
or

Requires money
Take to a Kochi City facility on your own (Kochi City Nagahama for ①, Kochi City Ike for ②)

or

Have a company come pick it up.

③Items included in the Home Appliance Recycling Law (TVs, refrigerators, freezers, laundry machines, clothes dryers, air conditioners)

↓

These items cannot be disposed of at the “recyclables and incombustibles stations” or at Kochi City facilities.

↓

Requires money
Purchase a “home appliance recycle ticket” at the post office, and take to a designated facility.

or

Have a “Home Appliance Recycle Promotion Program Cooperating Store” come and take it.

④Computers

Have the manufacturer take it. (cannot be disposed at “recyclables and incombustibles stations” or Kochi City facilities. )

※ Details can be found on the “Kochi City household trash disposal” flyer. (Kochi City also has flyers in English and Chinese.)

   Trash disposal rules are complicated! They differ depending on the city you live in as well. If you don’t understand how to dispose of trash, make sure to ask your neighbors, or consult with your local government office. Please ask KIA if you require an interpreter.

Buying used home electric appliances and furniture
   We will introduce recycle shops in Kochi that sell used home appliances and furniture. You can buy for cheap when you want to save money. You can also sell items that you no longer need. These are our recommendations!

【BJ Recycle-Kan】Address：〒780-0084  7-29 Minamigoza, Kochi City

【Recycle Shop Horidashiya】Adress：〒781-5106  993-5 Kera Otsu, Kochi City