When you think of traveling in Japan, you probably think of the bullet train. Traveling by bullet train promises a safe, fast, and comfortable journey, and affords beautiful vistas of the Japanese countryside. Passengers who disembark at Mizusawa-Esashi Station in Oshu City, Iwate, will be greeted by an attractive tourist information center. Here at the Southern Iwate Exchange Plaza, are displays on Oshu’s special products, tourist attractions, and points of historic interest.

ILC (International Linear Collider)

On your right as you enter the Southern Iwate Exchange Plaza is an introduction to the

International Linear Collider, or ILC.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　The Plaza’s ILC corner.

Panel displays and pamphlets explain, in easy-to-understand language, how the ILC works, what it might do, and the impact it will have on both our local community and global scientific knowledge.

The pamphlets, which visitors may freely take with them, and panels about the region.

　　　　　　More panels, explaining about the plan for the proposed ILC.

Readers of the Kitakami Times may already know this information, but please feel free to reacquaint yourself.

Eiichi Ohtaki

Eiichi Ohtaki was a musician from Yanagawa Village, Esashi, which is now part of Oshu City. He is famous for his contributions to the city pop genre that was popular in the 1970s and ‘80s.

　　　　　　　　A small handful of the albums he produced.

Ohtaki’s best-known records, including A Long Vacation, which features Kimi wa Tennenshoku.

In this display, visitors can learn about Otaki’s upbringing as well as lyrics from some of his songs, both those he recorded himself and those written for other artists.

By city residents’ request, for the 35th anniversary of the opening of Mizusawa-Esashi Station, his signature song “Kimi wa Tennenshoku” was adapted for use as this station’s train departure melody in 2020. While you wait on the station platform, please enjoy this upbeat tune!

Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani, star of Los Angeles Angels, hails from Oshu City. Here you can see Ohtani’s autographed ball, as well as memorabilia from when he played for a Japanese baseball team.

　　　　　　　　Part of the display of Shohei Ohtani memorabilia.

You can also see newspaper articles celebrating his recent accomplishments.

　　　　　　　　Panel display of articles featuring Shohei Ohtani.

The citizens of Oshu are very proud of Ohtani and look forward to his success next season.

Hayashi Floats at the Hitaka-Hibuse Festival

The Hitaka-Hibuse Festival is a fire prevention prayer festival with a history of 300 years. You can enjoy gorgeous hayashi festival floats and traditional music, as well as the tune Hibuse Matsuri no Yatai-Bayashi, which has been designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Iwate Prefecture. This festival is held on the last Saturday of April every year, but has been canceled for the third consecutive year due to measures to prevent the spread of COVID. However, next year (2023), it may be held again, albeit on a smaller scale, and Oshu residents are very much looking forward to it. For those who cannot attend in person, Minami Iwate Exchange Plaza holds a model of the children’s floats on display, reproducing the splendid appearance of the festival.

　　　　　　　　　A small uchihayashi float.

　　　　A larger float, with models of flute, shamisen, and taiko drum players.

Specialty Goods

At the Southern Iwate Exchange Plaza, you can enjoy viewing products such as Maesawa beef and Hitomebore rice, as well as traditional crafts such as Iwayado tansu lacquerware chests and nambu-tekki ironware.

　　A poster featuring melt-in-your-mouth wagyu from Oshu.

Iwayado tansu – lacquerware chests of drawers with metal fixtures – seen behind glass.

　　Nambu-tekki iron kettles, in a range of sizes and styles.

While these wares are not available for purchase in the station, you are welcome to take pictures and learn about these products as you wait.

With all these interesting and informative things to see, why not plan to take a break at the South Iwate Exchange Plaza during your trip?