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“New Year's Market” in Katsuyama which we have introduced in our previous staff blog,

they sold many products such as local foods, handmade products which they made with things from their farms, kitchen appliances, and so on.

This is one of the farmer’s markets. They are making buckwheat noodle (Soba in Japanese).

Did you know that buckwheat noodle was made as emergency food at first?

One of the local specialties in Fukui, buckwheat noodle, the beginning of it was during the Warring State Period in Japan.

Because it was in the middle of that, people at that time needed any food that can be grown and cooked very easily.

Buckwheat can be grown anywhere even in wastelands.

Therefore, Asakura Takakage 10th family head in Echizen (the old name ot Fukui),

he gave an order for farmers to grow buckwheat.

After that, “Echizen Oroshisoba” (Oroshisoba is the one served with grated Japansese radish on top) which Emperor Showa really liked and named,

“Tempura soba” ( One served with deep-fried vegetables and or shrimp) which is a big meal,

“Kake soba” (The one that is simply served in soup) and so on have been loved by many people since it’s beginning.

 

T.F

I visited “Salsa Lab” in Fukui City.

It is located in the central part of Fukui city,

about 10mins walk from JR Fukui station.

 

It was established in 1999. This is the only and the best salsa studio in Fukui.

Not only Japanese people come, but many foreigners also visit here as well.

The owner of this studio can speak English so everyone can relax and enjoy

without worrying about not being able to communicate.

 

Besides the dance lessons and salsa parties,

there are music live shows, dance performances and so on.

At almost every weekend, he has salsa parties

and salsa dance lessons which are taught by many great experienced instructors.

 

Moreover, in every summer, there is a party at the beach on a large scale

and many people from all over Japan come.

Therefore Salsa Lab now, represents not only the salsa of Fukui

but it also represents the salsa of Hokuriku region.

 

 

Salsa Lab is also definately taking an important role in salsa culture in Japan as well.

It is becoming well known more and more every year.

Because of the owner's personality which is kind, friendly and fun,

and the steady effort of his supporters,

many top salsa dancers have come to Fukui and performed in last 16 years,

from all over the world including Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka, New York City, Australia and so on.

 

Ms. Kaku is one of them. She performs all over in Japan.

She is now becoming a Japan’s favorite salsa dancer.

I got to take her lesson, a video and interviewed her.

 

 

My first impressions about her were charming, beautiful, pretty and stylish.

 

Lesson for the day, she taught us “shines”

in which dancers use fancy footwork and body actions, and dance in separation.

 

As soon as the lesson began, everyone’s concentration went up.

The atmosphere became tense but yet full of excitement.

It was similar to the feeling that you are about get into a ride in the amusement park.

 

Shortly after 3 hours of teaching dance lessons, her solo dance shoot was started.

Even though she had just taught many students for 3 hours in a row,

she was still being energetic. She danced beautifully.

 

 

I could never imagine how energetic and powerful she can be, with her pretty appearance.

Stay tuned for her lesson and solo movies.

 

Please see below for more informaion.

<Salsa Lab>

Address: 2-24-2 Toyoshima, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, Japan

Salsa Lab
Salsa Lab Facebook

 

<Kaku>

Kaku E-Mail

Kaku Facebook

 

 

T.F