Unique Event Featuring Fermented Food, Jewelry Draws Total of 30,000 Visitors

The Yomiuri Shimbun

11:26 JST, March 25, 2026

KOFU — A unique event featuring fermented foods and jewelry was held in Kofu on March 7.

A record 123 businesses from inside and outside the prefecture had booths at Kofu Hakkou Marche, the eighth such event, drawing a lively crowd of about 30,000 visitors.

The words “fermentation” and “luminescence” are both pronounced “hakko” in Japanese, and the event showcased the appeal of fermented food and shiny jewels. Visitors tasted wines and cheeses sold at stalls and tried their hands at cracking rocks containing crystals with a special tool pieces home.

“I never imagined there were so many different kinds of fermented foods. It’s a fun event unique to Kofu,” said a prefectural government employee from the city.