京夏終空
As expected, the popular "ebisen" from Bankaku is always well received. It is often purchased for gifts and personal consumption. When given as a gift, it never fails to bring joy. The "Natsu Sarasara" (¥5,400) is a limited edition summer assortment. It includes 24 pieces of Yukari, 10 pieces of sweet shrimp, 5 pieces of sprouted brown rice, 5 pieces of summer flowers, and 5 packs of plum seaweed. The Yukari is the highlight of this assortment, with a delightful taste. The sweet shrimp, shaped like shrimp swimming in the box, adds a fun touch. The plum seaweed and summer flowers also contribute to the refreshing summer vibe. But above all, the Yukari stands out with its delicious flavor. It is a perfect gift that is sure to please. Oh, and surprisingly, Yukari goes well with iced coffee. I highly recommend trying it out. (By Kyo Natsushuukuu, July 23, 2015)
Bankaku's "Yukari" has been enjoyed for over 40 years. As a child, I associated "ebisen" with both "Kappa Ebisen" and "Yukari." Kappa Ebisen was the one you could buy at supermarkets, while Yukari was the one you received as a gift. I remember a time when there were two types of assortments, similar to the current Kiso Hi, with a black can featuring a drawing of bamboo and the words "Bankaku Sogo Honpo" in gold or silver lettering. It is a well-known souvenir from the Nagoya area. You can often find it in souvenir shops at Nagoya Station. Yukari is an ebisen with a light texture filled with the rich taste and aroma of shrimp. It may seem powdery to those unfamiliar with it, but it is packed with the essence of shrimp. It is a product with a long history and significance, often purchased in large quantities for gifts. "Tokyo Tenpura" is a limited edition product sold only in the Tokyo area. It enhances the sweetness and flavor of Shibae shrimp with Edo-style tempura. When you savor it, you can notice a different shrimp aroma compared to Yukari, almost like a fried snack rather than a powdered treat. "Tenmari Hotate" is a seasonal limited edition product that I obtained about 10 days ago, but it is currently not available in stores. It is a lighter version of ebisen than Yukari, allowing you to enjoy the taste and aroma of both shrimp and scallops. Each ebisen is enjoyed in the same way, by slightly puffing up your mouth while eating, inhaling, and then slowly exhaling through your nose. This method allows you to savor the lingering shrimp flavor in your mouth and nose. While our generation also loves "Kappa Ebisen," it's worth trying the slightly more luxurious Yukari from time to time. You may find that the flavor of one Yukari chip equals that of one bag of Kappa Ebisen, and you can appreciate the difference between regular shrimp and Ise shrimp. (Oh, Calbee, I'm not trying to start a fight. I also like Kappa Ebisen. Just to be clear.) For me, Bankaku's Yukari ranks among the top 3 best gifts to buy in bulk at Tobu Ikebukuro along with Toraya's Yokan for descendants of the Imperial Family and Fukusaya's Castella for commoners. Each brand is used for different occasions, with Toraya for descendants of the Imperial Family, Bankaku for descendants of the Tokugawa family, and Fukusaya for the common people. (Laughs)

