A Long Tradition of Hospitality

Michiko Sugi
(Sugi Footwear & Souvenirs)

Since I was born and raised in Katsuyama, my feelings for this town cannot be compared with those for any other place. I love the beautiful old houses along the street and the family-like community, in which children grow up being watched over by many people. I feel this bond especially during the traditional Hina Doll Festival in spring and the Kenka Danjiri Festival in autumn. Some people regularly return to Katsuyama for these festivals, saying "I've been looking forward to this all year!" I have been too! I get a chance to talk to visitors all the time as a shopkeeper and whenever they say, "what a beautiful town," it makes me feel very proud.