A 60-Year-Old Souvenir Shop
Standing Right in front of, and Living Alongside,
Showa-Shinzan Volcano
Owner, Mt Showa-Shinzan Souvenir Shop Darumaya
Showa-Era Retro
Still Standing After Two Eruptions
Mt Showa-Shinzan, formed between 1943 and 1945 when wheat fields suddenly rose from the ground, is one of the most striking features of the Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark. Even today, it emits faint volcanic smoke, offering a close-up view of the Earth’s dynamic forces.
Right beside this living volcano stands Darumaya, a local souvenir shop with a history spanning over 60 years. Inoue Kanjyo is the second-generation owner of the shop. Having lived through two major eruptions—in the Showa era (1978) and the Heisei era (2000)—he runs the shop while coexisting with the volcano.
Catchy Modern Geopark Polos and Retro Pennants
Step inside the nostalgic shop and you’ll spot colourful Geopark polo shirts—sold in support of the NPO Geopark Friends. “Geopark activities are a local effort, so I wanted to support them in my own way,” says Inoue.
Another eye-catching item is a vintage Showa-Shinzan pennant, originally stocked decades ago. It recently regained attention after being featured on a local TV programme in Hokkaido.
The Many Faces of Showa-Shinzan
“I’ll Continue Living Here, Side by Side with the Volcano”
Inoue’s favourite geosite is, of course, Mt Showa-Shinzan. “It changes with the seasons, even from the same viewpoint. Each moment is special in its own way—quiet in the evening, beautiful in the snow, vibrant and green in June. The view from the ropeway’s summit station is absolutely stunning.”
After surviving two eruptions, Inoue shares a deep bond with the volcano. He is determined to keep working and living here in harmony with the volcano for years to come.
