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

(Inagi Newsletter October 15, 2013 issue)

The other day, we were interviewed by Tama Television for a program themed around pears from Inagi. This time, Inagi was featured as part of the "TDN Presents" program, which will be broadcast by cable television stations across the country that are members of the Tokyo Digital Network (TDN).
The subtitle of the program is as stated in the title, and it was truly an invaluable opportunity to introduce Inagi. It is scheduled to be broadcast from October 20, 2013 (Sunday) to November 2, 2013 (Saturday) to 1 million households across 9 stations, mainly in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Kanto.
The content is... it would be rude to announce it before the broadcast, so please enjoy it when you watch. The story involves the host and talents touring the city and solving quizzes presented at various locations. I will be appearing in the role of announcing one of the quiz answers and promoting Inagi's pears.
The pear cultivation in Inagi has a long history. According to tradition, it began about 300 years ago during the Genroku era when two officials, Masuoka Heiemon from Naganuma Village and Kawashima Sajiemon, went on official business to Yamashiro Province (now the southeastern part of Kyoto Prefecture) and brought back seedlings of a variety called "Awayuki" to plant on their return.
It has already accumulated 130 years of history since the establishment of full-scale commercial cultivation in the mid-Meiji period.
The production of pears exceeds 1,000 tons annually, with 20 different cultivated varieties. The once mainstream varieties "Chojuro" and "Nijisseiki" have decreased, and currently, the four varieties of "Inagi, Shinko, Toyosui, and Kosui" account for 90% of the total.
In the past, pears grown along the Tamagawa River were sold under the brand name "Tamagawa Pears." To differentiate from other cities and enhance brand power, in 2006, they were registered as a regional brand under the name "Inagi Pears" by the Patent Office.
By the way, the city's official image character, "Inagi Nashinosuke," was created by Mr. Kunio Okawara, inspired by the history and the passion of the citizens for pears.
The "Yuru-Chara Grand Prix" is being held again this year, and we are continuing our entry from last year. Voting is open until Friday, November 8, 2013. We appreciate your daily support and votes to help us achieve a higher ranking.