Toyohashi Fude
(Toyohashi Brushes for Calligraphy)
 Calligraphy
brush crafting is said to have been first introduced to Toyohashi by
a craftsman who had formerly produced calligraphy brushes for the imperial
family in Kyoto. The craftsman was invited to Yoshida Han in 1804. At
that time in the Toyohashi region, good quality materials were easily
available, and the production of brushes got underway, continuing to
the present day. The production of calligraphy brushes is a traditional
craft, as designated by the national government.
Chikuwa, Kamaboko
(Fish paste products)
 The
production of chikuwa (a fish paste product) is said to date back to
around 1830. Abundant fish from the region was made into chikuwa and
salted, and then shipped to inland areas as a preservable food. This
food became popular and became the present day chikuwa after being refined
over the years.
Sashiko and Mikawa Cotton
 The
thick white cotton textile produced in the Mikawa area is called Mikawa
Cotton. The textile is still used for Happi jackets and Noren curtains.
Sashiko is a kind of running stitch pattern for improved insulation
and for making the cloth stronger. Those who are engaged in hard labor
wear them. Firemen's coats are also made of Sashiko cloth.
Nameshi Dengaku
(Rice mixed with greens from the rape plant, and baked bean curd with
bean paste)
 Dengaku
is a traditional local dish of tofu (bean curd) on a stick that is baked
and coated with miso (bean paste). The dish was named Dengaku because
the shape and color of the food resembled the dancing costumes used in
the Dengaku festival. Dengaku is a dance dedicated to the gods of the
rice fields for a good yield of rice.
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