Shitaameya

Shitaameya's roots are in a house that ran agriculture in Iwaizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture. In 1832 (Tenpo 3) — starting malt from barley grown in their own fields and starting to make and sell mizuame — that was the start as a confectionery shop. From starting in the place called "Shimojuku" — where the shop still stands — they came to be called "Shitaameya" (Lower Candy Shop).

Eventually, beyond just candy — they also came to make various sweets including "dagashi" — snacks familiar to common people since the Edo period. Homemade candy, karinto, ikigo bread — snacks connected to regional culture and life — even today remain existences supporting Shitaameya's roots.

Entering Meiji, not only the factory but also opening a storefront — as a confectionery shop handling "all things sweet" — wagashi, yogashi, bread — accompanying town life. With every major turning point of the era — the Meiji Restoration, the great wars, high-growth economy, the bubble, IT-ization — while being affected — the shop continued, supported by the bustle of the tourist site "Ryusendo Cave" and the support of local people.

Currently, Shitaameya handmakes a wide range of lineup — "dagashi," "wagashi," "yogashi," "cake," "bread." Using the clear water of Ryusendo Cave spring water springing from the limestone area — while blending wisdom learned from history with new sensibilities — at a corner of Iwaizumi's small shopping street "Ureira Shotengai" — continuing to bake confections unchanged even today.

Founded in 1832 — a confectionery continuing from the post-town of Iwaizumi

Founded in 1832 (Tenpo 3) in the post-town of Iwaizumi Town in Sanriku Iwate. The house — starting from farming — operated a candy shop in the area called Shimojuku, becoming known as "Shitaameya" (literally "Lower Candy Shop") — watching the sweet memories of the region from Edo to Reiwa.

Candy and dagashi making — starting from self-cultivated barley

At founding, starting from making mizuame (rice syrup) from malt of barley grown in the fields. From there, also handling sweets beyond candy — continuing to make "dagashi" — familiar to common people since the Edo period — as a local flavor even today.

Sanriku-unique karinto and the tanuki cake "Tanuki-san"

Karinto with the Sanriku area's unique shape, and the tanuki-shaped buttercream cake "Tanuki-san" with Showa-era atmosphere — symbolic existences of Shitaameya. As long-sellers loved across generations — they've become the standard for Iwaizumi souvenirs.

All handmade — protecting old-style methods

Without holding mass production machinery and without using preservatives — manufacturing all products by hand. While cherishing the manufacturing methods inherited since Tenpo 3 — also blending new sensibilities — continuing confectionery making of "learning from the old and applying it new — unchanging principles, evolving practices."