First visit in March 2021 (No.2511). Originally, I was planning to buy "ohagi" from a Kyoto shop that was participating in an event at Nihonbashi Takashimaya and then head home. However, there was a line of elderly people at the shop, so I gave up and decided to replenish my stock here instead. I have received this product as a gift several times before, so most people probably already know about it. This shop was founded in Nagoya in 1889 (Meiji 22), so it has quite a long history. The product named "Yukari" in 1966 (Showa 41) is probably mainly used for gifts, as it is meant to cherish connections. I purchased the Yukari (16 pieces) for 692 yen. On the day of my visit, they were selling a smaller size in a spring-themed package that I had not seen before, but I chose the above product. It is filled with plenty of shrimp flavor and is a delicious rice cracker that can be enjoyed with tea or as a snack with alcohol. As always, it was delicious. Thank you for the meal.

When it comes to souvenirs from Nagoya, the classic choice is the original shrimp senbei from Sakakado's "Yukari". It's so popular that it's even sold in department stores nationwide, making it easily accessible even if you don't visit Nagoya. This snack is a great source of calcium for us. There is a local version of Yukari from Sakakado, and the ultimate version is the limited edition "Ebi-Su" exclusive to Takashimaya, with 10 pieces for around 1080 yen. This snack brings out the umami and sweetness of domestic grass shrimp and natural shrimp, enhanced by the dashi broth made with bonito flakes from the long-established store "Ninben" in Nihonbashi. It is made with domestic rice oil for a light and crispy tempura-like texture, with a flavorful deliciousness. It exudes a sense of luxury even more than Yukari, and personally, I love it. It's a wonderful Tokyo souvenir thanks to the collaboration between Sakakado and Takashimaya. The packaging is also auspicious, with Ebisu holding a shrimp and smiling on the front, and "Mouthful of happiness" written on the back, making it a fitting snack for celebratory occasions in Tokyo Nihonbashi.

"En" and "Yukari" are both nice words, aren't they? They are also delicious. They are cheap, so I use them as souvenirs or gifts. On this day, it seems like someone from somewhere brought in some treats to the office, and they ended up in our department where we have no connection to "En" or "Yukari". I am grateful. Oh? There is something unfamiliar too... "Tokyo Tenpora"? This is also delicious. You can taste the sweetness and flavor of the Shibae shrimp. It has a fragrant and addictive taste. I looked it up and found out it costs 50 yen per sheet. It's cheaper than "Yukari" (although it's smaller). The packaging is also stylish in red (I think?). Of course, it seems like it can be used as a souvenir, and I have a feeling I will be hooked for a while. I wonder if it has been around for a while? When I looked at the website again, there are various items. It's amazing that it's a long-established store.

For those who love both fish and sweets, seafood snacks are a paradise. A valuable food that pairs well with this is shrimp senbei, a type of baked confectionery that has developed uniquely in Japan. Among them, the leading producer of authentic shrimp senbei made from shrimp as the main ingredient is Sakakado Sohonpo in Aichi Prefecture, which can be found in department store basements and station buildings nationwide. Founded in the 22nd year of the Meiji era, this long-standing establishment has been in business for 125 years. The original concept was a dish enjoyed by fishermen in the Chita Peninsula, where they grilled shrimp paste and presented it as a gift to the Owari clan lord. To preserve it, they shaped the shrimp paste into a senbei (rice cracker) and fully baked it, creating the shrimp senbei. Unlike typical senbei snacks that simply add shrimp flavor to the rice cracker dough, shrimp senbei is made by shaping shrimp paste into a senbei and baking it twice. The richness of the ingredients and the baking process contribute to the deliciousness of shrimp senbei. The proof of this is the ingredient list, where shrimp is listed as the primary ingredient in Sakakado's main products. Unlike other snacks like "ebisen" which mainly use wheat flour or starch, shrimp senbei uses shrimp as the primary ingredient. The popular "Yukari" snack, on the other hand, is made by shaping shrimp paste with wheat flour and starch, then baking it twice until it becomes crispy. This snack does not contain any vegetable oil, as it is made using a simple recipe that focuses on the natural flavor of the ingredients. When eaten, the intense umami of the shrimp spreads in the mouth with each crispy bite. The snack has a satisfying umami flavor that is derived mainly from the ingredients, without the use of soy sauce, resulting in a natural aftertaste. However, some may find "Yukari" to be too intense in shrimp flavor and too hard in texture, which may not suit those who prefer a lighter flavor. To cater to different preferences, Sakakado also offers "Tenmari" and "Sakusaku Nikki," which are made by frying the shrimp paste in vegetable oil. This frying process removes moisture, leaving a light and fragrant texture that complements the rich shrimp flavor. Shrimp senbei is a timeless snack that appeals to those who dislike sweet treats, as well as those who enjoy them. It has a long shelf life despite its rich umami flavor, making it a convenient gift option. However, it is important to note that individuals with shrimp allergies should avoid consuming this snack.

In the Tokai area and the Greater Tokyo area, there are too many stores, so the value of unique souvenirs is low. However, in Kyushu and Tohoku, where the number of stores is low, rare sweets are highly valued as souvenirs. Lately, I often purchase a 68-piece large box of 5000 yen as a gift for the president of a business partner who I am grateful to. These shrimp-flavored senbei have a good shelf life and are loved by people of all ages. When I give them as a gift, I receive grateful responses like "This is the most delicious senbei I've ever had," which boosts my reputation.

Nihonbashi Takashimaya has a store on the B1F, and there are many branches in Tokyo. In Sendai, where I live, they are located in Sendai Mitsukoshi and Fujisaki. There have been times when they were sold out during the holiday season. [Items purchased] The "Yukari" shrimp crackers are a staple of this store. They have a lingering aroma and are very delicious with a crispy texture. While younger people may find them lacking in sweetness and lightness, most people enjoy their simple and unassuming taste. The black packaging gives off a sophisticated vibe, making it a great gift for occasions like Ochugen. Personally, I prefer "Hachigaku" over "Yukari". It contains small crackers in eight flavors (sakura shrimp, seaweed, small shrimp, seaweed, purple sweet potato, black beans, matcha, black sesame, and Hime Yukari). It offers a variety of flavors and is very tasty. The packaging has a soft and casual feel, making it suitable for casual souvenirs.

There is a store in the basement of Takashimaya. I often buy boxed "Yukari" as a gift. It is well received even by people who don't like sweet Japanese sweets, so it is very convenient as a safe gift.