No.24 Search for the 'Phantom Pear' in Inagi City, Tokyo!

(Inagi Newsletter October 15, 2013 issue)

Recently, I was interviewed by Tama Television for a program themed around Inagi pears. This time, Inagi was featured as part of the "TDN Presents" program, which will be broadcasted by cable television stations across the country that are members of the Tokyo Digital Network (TDN).
The subtitle of the program is as stated, and it was truly an opportunity that could not be missed for introducing Inagi. It is scheduled to be broadcast from Sunday, October 20, 2013, to Saturday, November 2, 2013, to 1 million households across 9 stations, mainly in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto.
As for the content... it would be rude to reveal it before the broadcast, so please look forward to it, but the story involves the host and talents touring the city and solving quizzes presented at various locations. I will appear in the role of announcing one of the quiz answers and promoting Inagi pears.
The history of pear cultivation in Inagi is long, and according to tradition, it is said to have begun about 300 years ago during the Genroku era when two officials, Masuoka Heibei and Kawashima Sajiemon, went on official business to Yamashiro Province (now the southeastern part of Kyoto Prefecture) and brought back and planted seedlings of a variety called "Awayuki".
Since the establishment of full-scale commercial cultivation in the mid-Meiji period, it has already accumulated a history of 130 years.
The annual production of pears exceeds 1,000 tons, and there are about 20 cultivated varieties. The once mainstream varieties "Nagajuro" and "Nijyuseiki" have decreased, and currently, 90% of the total is made up of four varieties: "Inagi, Shinko, Toyosui, and Kousui".
In the past, pears cultivated along the Tamagawa River were sold under the brand name "Tamagawa Pears." To differentiate from other cities and enhance brand power, in 2006, "Inagi Pears" was registered as a regional brand by the Patent Office.
By the way, the city's official image character, Inagi Nashinosuke, was created by Mr. Kunio Okawara, inspired by this history and the passion of the citizens for pears.
This year, the "Yuru-Chara Grand Prix" is ongoing, and we are entering again following last year, with voting available until Friday, November 8, 2013. We appreciate your daily support and votes to help us achieve a higher ranking.