The more you learn, the more interesting it becomes: Nagasaki Grouper in Spring
I'm from outside the prefecture, and I first started living in Nagasaki when I was a student. I remember being surprised when I saw a grouper in the park when I first entered university. I was looking at the grouper from afar, but when I looked closer I could see that it was handmade. And I was surprised that it was easier to make than I thought! I became even more interested in grouper when I learned that it is actually deeply connected to the history of hidden Christians!
<Citizens' voices> An office lady tries making grouper for the first time at Omoriya, a place she had been curious about on her way to work
You can also experience making a grouper! You can also find a grouper with your favorite design and take it home as a souvenir!
At Omoriya, a shop specializing in Nagasaki Hata, a traditional craft of Nagasaki run by Mr. Okubo, who has been playing with Hata since he was a child, you can experience making Hata. He will carefully teach you not only how to make Hata, but also talk about the legends, history and stories surrounding Hata, such as why the vertical and horizontal bones form a cross, why red, blue and white are the basic colors, an explanation of the pattern itself, and how it is designed to be well-balanced. As you can see when you actually touch it, all the patterns and letters are made by cutting and pasting dyed handmade washi paper. The store has a wide selection of lucky Hata, from large ones that you can actually fly in the air to small ones, so you can take home a souvenir along with your learning.
1. You can easily experience this as they provide pre-assembled vertical and horizontal bones and pre-cut washi paper. This time, the size is about 45cm and the pattern is the Dutch flag. Red, white and blue washi paper is glued together.
2. First, apply glue to the vertical bones while thinly spreading it. The yoma (hemp thread) used to make hata is called hariyoma.
3. While carefully checking the position on the turned-over washi paper, press it lightly and then gently trace along the vertical ridges with the pads of your fingers from the front.
4. Glue both ends of the bottom of the washi paper so that it sandwiches the yoma (hemp thread) between them.
5. The owner, Mr. Okubo, will help you so you can relax. Up to 6 people can participate in the workshop.
6. Finally, glue both ends of the top part together, wrapping the horizontal springs around them.
7. Instead of attaching a horizontal bone, attach a flying tail to the top of the spear to help balance it in the air. Then it's complete.
8. This magnificent grouper was made in less than 30 minutes!
9. The grouper has a hook at the top of the vertical bone, which is useful for displaying. When deep-frying grouper, it is said to be broken by turning it upside down and tapping it lightly on the ground.
10. Omoriya is located along the Nakajima River, right next to Meganebashi Bridge. The owner, Mr. Okubo, is a genuine grouper lover.
[Grouper-making experience]
About 30 minutes / 30cm 2500 yen ~
Date for 2025 to be determined (usually held in early April)
[Inquiries and reservations] Omoriya
〒850-0851 4-2 Furukawacho, Nagasaki City
095-824-2618 Shintori, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka City
Email: yurikookiruy@gmail.com
*For in-store experiences of up to 6 people, reservations must be made one week in advance.
* As of 2024 year
Take a stroll around the stone bridges, including Meganebashi Bridge, along the Nakajima River that runs in front of the store.
