Seigetsusha Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Masaru Mochizuki) will publish the book "Supermarkets Are Tourist Spots" on Monday, July 6, 2026.

About This Book

When you think of Osaka, you think of takoyaki; when you think of Okinawa, you think of soki soba. Throughout Japan, there are "specialty" gourmet foods and classic souvenirs, which are widely available at shops in major stations and airports in those regions.

However, it's not immediately clear whether these gourmet foods are eaten daily by local people or if they are a "displayed tradition" for tourists.

Therefore, author Eiri Shimomura, who has completed a trip around Japan three times, defines supermarkets as "tourist spots" – spaces where one can authentically experience the daily life of the towns they visit.

This book is a collection that discusses the significance of visiting places in person and the experiences gained through travel, through "authentic" specialty gourmet foods such as unique local dishes and regional limited-edition sweets, along with knowledge of the local culture, history, and geography.

Highlights of This Book

○ You Can See the Town by Going to the Supermarket

The 40 gourmet items introduced in this book include not only the author's impressions from actually eating them on-site but also explanations of the historical and geographical factors that have made them beloved by local people.

Why are Ise udon noodles in Mie Prefecture thick and soft? Why has chicken rice been widely eaten in Oita Prefecture?

By not only enjoying gourmet food with your five senses but also by constantly asking "Why is this loved in this town?", you can savor gourmet food and the town in a more three-dimensional way.

◯ A Journey to Question the "Obvious"

The author, who has observed towns all over Japan, states that when touring supermarkets as "tourist spots," it is important to adopt an attitude of trying to discover differences from one's own region.

By paying attention to unfamiliar dialects written on product POP displays, the selection of items on the shelves, and the tempo and pauses in the voices felt from in-store announcements and surrounding conversations, you realize that what you have believed to be "obvious" or "everyday" is not so for someone living elsewhere.

The author argues that these experiences cultivate the traveler's rich inner world and lead to personal growth.

Book Information

Title: "Supermarkets Are Tourist Spots" Author: Eiri Shimomura Format: Standard size (W128mm × H188mm) Specifications: 160 pages / full color Publisher: Seigetsusha ISBN: 978-4-8109-1372-9 Price: ¥1700 (excluding tax)

★ Available at bookstores nationwide and on Amazon https://amzn.asia/d/0iDukDQL

Publisher Information

Company Name: Seigetsusha Co., Ltd. Location: Kyodo Building 8F, 3-2-1 Iwamotocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0032 Representative: Masaru Mochizuki, President and Representative Director Founded: August 2005 URL: https://seigetsusha.co.jp/

From the "Introduction"

FACT BOX

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