【製品名(商品名)】
石下西瓜
【種類】
Citrullus lanatus
【生産地】
茨城県常総市石下地区（茨城石下西瓜出荷組合）
【名前の由来】
The impression is that it is small and the skin is thin, but it is not only because it is “small”, but also because it was cultivated in the ISHIGE area because it seems to be derived from the breeding improvement around the same time as 1964 when the Tokaido Shinkansen “Kodama” opened.
【主な特徴】
Former Ishige Town is a town that once existed in Yuki District, Ibaraki Prefecture. It was merged into Mitsukaido City on January 1, 2006, and Mitsukaido City changed its name to Joso City at the same time. The area is about 43.84 km2. Former Ishige Town was established on October 1, 1954. This area used to be called Ishige, but it was changed to Ishige, and then to Ishige at the time of the Ina land survey in 1629. It is said. Also, the name of Ishige pongee, which was a special product, seems to have been known as far as the Keihan region since the Genroku era. The name of the new town is Ishige, which has history and tradition. In other words, Ishige, known for Ishige Tsumugi, was used as the name of the new town. Related towns and villages are rich in products such as rice, horticulture, greens, cocoons, etc. In the past, goods were collected and distributed mainly in Ishige Town by the Joso-Tsukuba Railway or trucks along the Kinugawa River. In particular, the textile industry, which is a special product of the former Ishishitamachi and former Tamamura, experienced a period of prosperity. As mentioned above, the related towns and villages share not only industry and transportation, but also humanity, customs, and customs, and are closely and inseparably related. It seems to be. The former Tama Village is long in the north-south direction, bordering the former Ishige Town in the south and the former Sodo Village in the north. As it progressed, it became clear that the intentions of the villagers were divided between those who wanted the southern part and those who wanted the northern part, so the villages were divided and incorporated into the former Ishige town and the former Sodo village, respectively rice field. In mid-April 2022, the van-dwelling facility “Huge Village RV Park” with a dog run opened in Joso City. The Japan RV Association (JRVA: Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture) has set up a van-dwelling facility “RV Park” in 2012 as a “place where you can stay comfortably and comfortably in the car” at hot springs, inns, and roadside stations nationwide. It is being promoted at stations, amusement parks, etc., and this “Huge Village RV Park” is the 253rd place. The Hugge Village RV Park has three dog runs divided into large dogs and small and medium-sized dogs on the site of 4000 units of land measurement (about 13223.14 m2). Besides, it seems that it is a space where you can spend time with your dog without hesitation, such as a dog cafe, a dessert shop, a succulent plant / miscellaneous goods store, a day trip BBQ, a trimming salon, a dog goods shop, etc. “Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture” : Located in the southwestern part of the prefecture, within 55 km from the city center. Tsukuba City / Tsukubamirai City is adjacent to the east, and Bando City is adjacent to the west. The north borders Yachiyo Town and Shimotsuma City, respectively. It extends about 20 km from north to south and about 10 km from east to west. I heard that the area is 123.64 km2. The altitude is about 5 to 24 m, and it has a Pacific climate. In addition, it is a calm and comfortable environment to live in throughout the four seasons. The Kinugawa River, a first-class river, runs almost in the center of the city. The lowlands in the east are vast paddy fields and the west is hiliy areas. Villages and fields, flatland forests spread out. Residential parks, industrial parks, golf courses, etc. have also been created. Urban functions are being strengthened as a suburban maintenance zone. Road system ; National highway 294 is maintained north and south of the city, and national highway 354 is maintained east and west. There are also major local roads and general prefectural roads that connect with surrounding municipalities. In addition, the KEN-O EXPRESSWAY has opened in the central part of the city. The development of a wide-area road network is underway. Railroad ; The north-south Kanto Railway Joso Line runs. Toride and Shimotsuma / Chikusei-Connect with Tsukuba Express in Moriya. The commuting area is expanding due to the shortening of the time required to reach central Tokyo. City trees, flowers, birds : Quercus glauca, Laurel forest, which has grown a lot as a virgin forest since ancient times. It is an evergreen, beautiful and powerful foliage, and is deeply rooted in the region. It is also planted as a hedge for wind and fire protection. Even, hard and sticky materials are often used for materials such as agricultural equipment. Since ancient times, he has been closely associated with daily life and has supported everyone. Cerasus Mill., It is a representative of Japanese flowers and is popular because of the beauty of the flowers. In particular, Cerasus jamasakura, which grows naturally on the plateau, is regarded as a symbol of agriculture. Since ancient times, it has been cherished with a deep connection to the lives of farmers. Cherry tree of Hachimanbori (Prunus yedoensis) : Sakura, which was familiar to the citizens, has disappeared, and there are many voices of its resurrection. We hope that the city will become a famous place for Cherry Blossoms again. Horornis diphone, A beautiful cry that conveys early spring. It is a familiar bird that has been called poetry since ancient times. The natural environment is good, and it seems that the cry is often heard even in urban areas. It is suitable for a city aiming for a natural city that is in harmony with such a beautiful environment. Joso Kinugawa River Fireworks Festival : It has been popular with the citizens for many years as a summer tradition. Since 2008, the name has been changed to the current name and the event has been held. The ten thousand fireworks are a masterpiece, and I have visited them several times. Toyoda Castle（region exchange center）: The Mr. Kanmu-Heishi（Taira clan）who ruled the region from the end of the Heian period to the Sengoku period. Mr. Toyoda, It is named after the historical fact that the castle was built on the banks of the Kokai River that flows to the east. Mt. Jugizan-Tenjuin Gugyoji Temple ; Pure Land sect (of Buddhism): It prospered as a central temple（Jodo sect）in the Kanto region during the Muromachi period. Founded in 1414 by Tanyo Richo-saint. The Princess Sen（Ieyasu’s Tokugawa granddaughter）: There is a tomb containing sacred bones. Many beloved items, including the portal, are carefully preserved in the temple. A famous place for Sakura and Lycoris radiata. Every April, the “Tenju Festival” is held on the same day as the “Mitsukaido Princess Sen Festival.” A Sutra-copying party is also held on the 4th Saturday of every month. Concerts that match the flowering time of cluster amaryllis have also been well received. Mitsukaido Climate Museum / Sakano Family Residence, Main house and Front gate (Yakui-mon) are designated as national important cultural properties. The drawing room（Gepparou）, which was built as a detachment, is valuable as a modern japanese architecture of Taisho era. It seems that it has been open to the public since 2001. Birthplace of Takashi Nagatsuka, A representative poet of the Araragi school, a student of SHIKI Masaoka. The author of the immortal work novel “Bauernliteratur ; soil, 1910.” Related to Soseki Natsume and Asahi Shimbun. It is designated as a historic site in the prefecture, and only the drawing room can be visited. Local brew, At that time, there were three ‘sake breweries. ’YAMANAKA Sake Brewery has been in business for over 200 years. Sake name “Only daughter” : Sake made with sincerity to raise an important only daughter. NOMURA Brewery was founded in 1897. “Tsumugi beauty”, A gem that maximizes the taste of rice without additives. In addition, it brings out a rich and rich taste. TAKEMURA Sake Brewery is a long-established store for about 260 years. Brews and sells sake “Kyo no Yume, Fujiryu, and Ruri.” Rice crackers, : There are many rice cracker shops, so it’s fun. The SAKURAI rice cracker shop carefully bake sun-dried dough. It is a simple dish with an irresistible aroma of soy sauce. MOTOHASHI rice crackers are a long-established store that has been dedicated to senbei for 80 years. We carry out everything from rice purchase to flour milling, dough making, and baking. Carefully bake one by one at the storefront over charcoal. The taste is different depending on the shop, so immerse yourself in the afterglow from each taste. 常総市教育委員会 2007 “菅生城址（水海道栄町）” 常総市埋蔵文化財発掘調査報告 : 県営畑地帯総合整備事業（担い手支援型）菅生地区に伴う埋蔵文化財発掘調査報告書巻次, 集落, 城館, 平安, 竪穴建物2, 土師器, 灰釉陶器, 鉄滓, Investigation of the ruins of a castle in the 16th century, which is said to be the residence of Mr. Soma / Mr. Yokose. 主郭部を除いてほぼ全面調査を行い, 船着場の可能性がある深掘と後北条氏の影響下で増強された畝堀, 角馬出, 横矢掛けの虎口等が検出. 集落, 城館, 中世 (細分不明) 時代, 堀8, 土塁3, 地下式壙2, 井戸5, 土坑（木橋基礎）3, 土坑（土坑列含む）15, 掘立柱建物2, 竪穴1, かわらけ小皿, 内耳鍋, 擂鉢, 瀬戸美濃, 常滑, 銭貨, 鉄砲玉, 鉄滓, 石臼, 茶臼, 硯, 砥石. Designated cultural property : 建造物国, 坂野家住宅（主家 / 表門）, 大生郷町, 昭和43年4月25日, 絵画県 : 絹本着色御廟天神画, 大生郷町, 大生郷天満宮, 昭和35年12月21日, 絵画県 : 絹本着色神酒天神画, 大生郷町, 大生郷天満宮, 昭和35年12月21日, 絵画県 : 紙本着色北野天神縁起絵巻, 大生郷町, 大生郷天満宮, 昭和35年12月21日, 絵画県 : 紙本着色三十六歌仙絵, 大生郷町, 大生郷天満宮, 昭和35年12月21日, 工芸品県 : 阿弥陀如来懸仏, 水海道諏訪町, 個人, 昭和35年12月21日, 史跡県 : 長塚節生家, 国生, 個人, 昭和30年6月25日, 彫刻県 : 木造如意輪観音坐像附紙本墨書書状2通, 豊岡町乙, 法性寺, 平成7年1月23日, 彫刻県 : 木造聖徳太子立像, 附修理銘札3枚, 彩色奉加帳2冊, 菅生町, 無量寺, 平成19年11月16日, 無形民俗文化財県 : 大塚戸の綱火, 大塚戸町, 大塚戸芸能保存会, 平成11年11月25日, 絵画市 : 千姫姿絵, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 絵画市 : 絹本著色十一面観音像, 大生郷町, 大生郷天満宮, 昭和59年3月15日, 絵画市 : 絹本著色了誉聖冏像, 豊岡町乙, 法性寺, 昭和62年10月1日, 絵画市 : 渡辺備前守元義肖像画, 古間木, 個人, 平成2年1月8日, 絵画市 : 菅公天神縁起絵巻, 馬場, 天満社, 平成2年1月8日, 絵画市 : 絹本著色嘆誉良肇上人像, 豊岡町乙, 安養寺, 平成25年 2月21日. 建造物市 : 弘経寺鐘楼, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和58年 3月1日, 建造物市 : 弘経寺経蔵（八角輪蔵）, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和58年3月1日, 建造物市 : 一言主神社本殿, 大塚戸町, 一言主神社, 昭和59年3月15日, 建造物市 : 八幡神社本殿, 水海道橋本町, 八幡神社, 昭和59年3月15日, 建造物市 : 水海道天神社本殿, 水海道天満町, 水海道天神社, 昭和59年3月15日, 建造物市 : 日枝神社本殿, 菅生町, 氏子総代会長, 昭和63年9月19日, 建造物市 : 別雷神社本殿, 菅生町, 氏子総代会長, 昭和63年9月19日, 建造物市 : 高札台 鴻野山, 個人, 平成2年1月8日, 建造物市 : 高札台 崎房, 個人, 平成2年1月8日, 建造物市 : 旧報徳銀行, 水海道支店水海道, 宝町, 常総市, 平成18年12月22日, 建造物市 : 坂野家住宅書院, 大生郷町, 常総市, 平成18年12月22日, 工芸品市 : 紫龍石の硯, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 工芸品市 : 弘経寺 扁額, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 工芸品市 : 鉄切付盛上黒塗碁石頭縹糸素掛威（二枚胴具足 (てつきりつけもりあげくろうるしごいしがしらはなだいとすがけおどし）, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 考古資料市 : のろ流出孔栓, 内守谷町, 個人, 昭和58年 3月1日, 考古資料市 : 羽口, 内守谷町, 個人, 昭和58年 3月1日, 考古資料市 : 金剛界大日三尊像板碑, 中妻町, 個人, 昭和58年 3月1日, 考古資料市 : 蔵持建長銘板碑, 蔵持, 蔵持自治会, 平成17年12月22日, 考古資料市 : 西福寺の建長銘板碑, 新石下, 西福寺, 平成17年12月22日, 史跡市 : 千姫の墓, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 史跡市 : 累の墓, 羽生町, 法蔵寺, 昭和59年 3月15日, 史跡市 : 六所塚, 蔵持, 香取神社, 平成2年1月8日, 史跡市 : “菅生城址”, 菅生町, 常総市ほか, 個人3名, 平成21年10月23日, 書籍市 : 紺紙金泥阿弥陀経, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 彫刻市 : 金銅阿弥陀如来立像, 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 彫刻市 : 木造如来立像, 曲田, 曲田公民館, 平成13年12月1日, 彫刻市 : 木造如来立像及び二脇侍立像, 豊田, 宗心院, 平成13年12月1日, 彫刻市 : 木造正観音菩薩立像, 豊田, 長楽寺, 平成13年12月1日, 彫刻市 : 木造阿弥陀如来坐像, 本石下, 川端自治会, 平成13年12月1日, 彫刻市 : 木造薬師如来坐像, 大房, 東弘寺, 平成13年12月1日, 天然記念物市 : 弘経寺のスギ (来迎杉), 豊岡町甲, 弘経寺, 昭和56年12月10日, 天然記念物市 : 大塚戸のムクノキ, 大塚戸町, 一言主神社, 昭和56年12月10日, 天然記念物市 : 鹿小路のタブノキ, 内守谷町, 個人, 昭和62年10月1日, 天然記念物市 : 諏訪神社のケヤキ, 水海道諏訪町, 諏訪町町内会, 平成14年4月1日, 天然記念物市 : 大日塚大ケヤキ, 鴻野山, 香取神社, 平成2年1月4日, 天然記念物市 : 峯薬師様大椎, 篠山, 峯薬師堂, 平成2年1月8日, 天然記念物市 : 稲荷神社大ケヤキ, 新石下, 稲荷神社, 平成2年1月8日, 天然記念物市 : 菅生沼タチスミレ群落, 菅生町, 常総市, 平成28年12月23日, 工芸技術市 : 石下結城紬, 工芸技術, 新石下, いしげ結城紬工芸技術保存会, 昭和56年12月7日, 工芸技術市 : 木版画, 新石下, 個人, 平成17年 3月1日, 工芸技術市 : 木版画, 本石下, 個人, 平成17年 3月1日, 無形民俗文化財市 : 内守谷本郷馬鹿囃子, 内守谷町, 内守谷本郷芸能保存会, 昭和59年 3月15日, 無形民俗文化財市 : 長ノ入の獅子舞 (馬鹿囃子), 内守谷町, 長ノ入鬼怒囃子保存会, 平成元年12月10日, 無形民俗文化財市 : 水海道神楽, 水海道栄町, 水海道神楽保存会, 楽々会, 平成11年4月14日, 無形民俗文化財市 : 石下天神ばやし, 原宿, 石下天神ばやし保存会, 平成2年1月8日, 無形民俗文化財市 : 石下飴屋踊り, 本石下, 石下郷土芸能保存会, 平成17年 3月1日, 無形民俗文化財市 : とんだやばやし (神田囃子) , 新石下, とんだやばやし保存会, 平成21年10月23日. Ibaraki Ishige Watermelon Shipping Association : Environmentally friendly farmer (as recognized by law) is a farmer certified by the Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture, who plans to introduce a highly sustainable agricultural production method based on the Ibaraki Prefecture Sustainable Agricultural Production Method Introduction Guidelines. It seems that the eco-farmer mark is attached to the agricultural products based on the certification plan. I heard that a procedure is required to use the mark. In addition, Ibaraki Prefecture is promoting environment-friendly farming activities (including organic farming) such as reducing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. The watermelon, known as something characteristic of a particular season in summer, begins to grow seedlings in December of the previous year and is planted in late February while checking the growth every day. Until the time of harvest, it is carefully maintained by devising the weather and temperature every day. And shipping seems to start in late May. Watermelon is said to have originated in the savanna region of tropical Africa and is said to have roots in very hot regions. So even in the cold midwinter outside, it seems necessary to set the temperature of the place where the seeds are planted and raised to a high temperature. Farmers seem to grow in tunnels to keep the heat. Row cultivation means that the tunnel-shaped frame is covered with vinyl to keep it warm, and the crops are cultivated in it. It seems to be cultivated while keeping the heat firmly with a triple structure. The key to making delicious watermelon is to make soil. It seems that it is important not to damage the soil when growing both greenhouses and open fields. I’ve heard that what you should pay attention to when growing crops is the malnutrition of the soil and the disorder of continuous cropping that occur when you continue to grow the same crop. In the case of watermelon, it seems that they are trying to prevent it at the time of seedlings. It is called grafting, and it is an important work that strengthens the tree itself by grafting the lower half of the stem to seedlings of another crop that is resistant to diseases, and at the same time prevents continuous cropping disorders. Before planting, the roots are soaked in water containing fertilizer, “small ball watermelon dipping (after planting seedlings, soak thoroughly in water before planting so as not to run out of water)”. It seems that they will be planted in the field with sufficient sucking. It seems that if it grows smoothly, the stems will gradually grow thicker and become trees. Even though it is a tree, it does not grow straight up, but grows horizontally. Ibaraki Prefecture’s “brand promotion production area” is one of the production areas that is enthusiastic about efforts to meet the needs of consumers by producing agricultural and livestock products that are comparable in quality and quantity to any part of the country. It is the production area designated as. Watermelons in Joso City and Shimotsuma City have been designated as brand promotion production areas since the time of the former Chiyokawa Village and former Ishige district before the merger, and seem to be highly evaluated in the market. It will be distributed not only in Ibaraki prefecture, but also in the markets in Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures, as well as in the Tohoku region. Joso and Shimotsuma are beginning to spread throughout Japan as watermelon producing areas. It seems that not all things are decided by human judgment, such as when to plant seedlings and when to sprinkle fertilizer. I also heard that there are many factors that determine the taste and growth of watermelon, such as the timing of flowering and pollination, temperature, weather, and amount of rain. Bees come into play around the end of March when the flowers bloom. It grows into a delicious watermelon with the help of bees to pollinate. If the temperature inside the greenhouse is too high or the humidity inside the hive is not enough, the bees will be stressed and will not work well, so be careful. By paying attention not only to the growth but also to the condition of the bees, the blessings of nature are packed. Agriculture, which is the core of Joso City, is actively carried out in the suburbs of the city, where vegetables such as rice, white vegetables, watermelon, melon, spinach, and green onions are shipped to large consumption areas by making use of the flat and wide agricultural land. Among them, the cucumbers in the Ishishita area are under the brand of “Sengoku cucumber”, which was designated as a brand production area in 1987, and the paddy rice is also produced by the Azuma Town special rice cultivation association “Megumi-chan Rice” in 2005. It has been certified by the prefecture’s special cultivation certification system since the year, and seems to be gaining popularity as a regional original rice. The Ishige Agricultural Products Direct Sales Office in Shinishige seems to have opened in 1995 mainly by the Agricultural Products Processing Group within the Ishige Life Improvement Group in the former Ishige Town. Through group activities, it seems that they also sell processed products that have been commercialized, centering on locally produced fresh vegetables. The location is on the south side of “Toyoda Castle,” which is a landmark of Joso City. In the store, we carefully introduce recommended items for each season, how to eat and how to cook. Seasonal vegetables such as melons, corn and tomatoes in the summer and Chinese cabbage, lettuce and carrots in the winter are lined up in stores. The fresh vegetables produced by the members are very popular, and it seems that they will be sold out in the morning. They also sell miso, jiuqu, pickles, wheat sweet buns, side dishes and other handmade products made by members. In particular, miso is a historic handmade miso that we have been working on since 1982, 13 years before the establishment of the direct sales office. It has become an authentic miso, and it seems that this is also gaining popularity. In addition, it holds a customer appreciation day every December, and seems to offer a lottery and a free service of kenchinjiru / rice boiled with red beans. For fresh vegetables, handmade processed products, commemorative events and heartwarming shopping at Ishishita Agricultural Products Direct Sales Office!
In terms of agriculture, urban and suburban farming is thriving, where vegetables such as rice, Chinese cabbage, watermelons, melons, spinach, and green onions are shipped to large consumption areas, taking advantage of flat and spacious farmland. In 1987, the cucumbers grown in the Ishige area were designated as a brand production area by the prefecture, under the brand name of “Sengoku cucumbers.” Megumi-chan Rice : Thanks to the fertile soil of the Kogai River and the preparation of the soil, it marks a high taste value every year. Careful water management and weeding work. Succeeded in reducing the amount of pesticides through cultivation management that makes use of many years of experience. 2005 It has been certified by the prefecture’s special cultivation certification system since the fiscal year, and seems to be gaining popularity as a local original rice.
Watermelon, which is known as a symbol of summer, seems to start growing seedlings in December of the previous year and plant them in late February while checking the growth every day. Until the time of harvest, it is carefully cared for while watching the weather and temperature. And shipping will start in late May. In addition, it is designated as an important intangible cultural property of Japan and is produced by members of the Ishige Yuki Tsumugi (Ibaraki Prefecture Yuki District Textile Cooperative Association), which descends from authentic Yuki Tsumugi, which was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.) contributes to the region as a major industry in Joso City.
Beware of thieves who will heartily steal your cherished watermelon. Farmers, please strengthen crime prevention measures to protect watermelons that have been carefully grown.