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ITOSHIMA N W

From Russia With Love!

We never ceased to be amazed at the diversity of passionate and talented people in Itoshima. Yoshiko Misaka is another example. While living in St. Petersburg as an exchange student, she loved to explore her surroundings and taste the local delicacies, including sweets. After moving back to Fukuoka, however, those treats were nowhere to be found. So she began to make her own. However, without the same ingredients, even the flour is different, it wasn’t easy. But she didn’t give up, and with encouragement and guidance from Russian and Ukrainian friends in Japan, she achieved authenticity, and her hobby became a business. Three days a week, she sells a bevy of Russian sweets, cakes, and of course, fresh out of the oven, piroshki. But don’t arrive late, she sells out fast. • Russian Sweets Solntse 319-2 Kafuri, Itoshima City. • Open: 11am ~ 5pm (or until sold out), Thu., Fri., Sat., (check Insta or Facebook for schedule updates). • Tel: 080-2721-3229

Several kinds of piroshki available: Mince Meat, Mashed Potato & Mushroom, Cabbage & Boiled Egg, Cottage Cheese & Raisin, Apple, and more.

Good Time Memories

Itoshima is a popular destination for urbanites to stretch their bodies and refresh their minds. Images of its coastline, rice fields, and mountains should last for days, but for those who want to keep those precious moments longer, Natsuko might have something for you. Inside her hiply designed container, she makes silver and gold accessories using gem and birthstones. Her background includes studying glassmaking in Oregon and jewelry making in Okinawa; so, setting up shop along the coast of Itoshima seems like a natural fit. Her best-known line is her aroma accessories, pierced earrings, and necklaces with refillable essential oils (heated by your body) in glass designs. Handmade crafts by other local artists are also on display. So before or after a walk on the beach, drop by for a browse and memorialize your special time. • Jewelry & Glass Re Sara In front of Gohanyaohana Restaurant (Shima-Nogita, Itoshima) on Route 54 • Open: Noon-sunset. Closed: Irregular • Instagram: resaranatsu 30 | Fukuoka Now | #255 | March 2020