One of the joys of traveling is souvenirs. By communicating through souvenirs, not only can you share memories of your travels, but the recipient can also reminisce about places they have never been to.

The history of souvenirs dates back to the Edo period. Roads were improved through the alternate attendance system, and common people began to travel under the pretext of visiting shrines and temples. At that time, traditional local crafts and folk art were said to be typical souvenirs. Nowadays, food is probably what most people think of when they think of souvenirs.

Nagasaki Prefecture has developed as a trading hub since ancient times, and souvenirs brought over from overseas are still popular with many people today.

A companion to Sasebo for 30 years

Located at the back of the Saihi Bus Center, which is bustling with tourists and businessmen, is a souvenir shop called "Kyushu Meika." It has been a popular souvenir shop for the people of Sasebo for over 30 years.

Kyushu Meika is operated by Saihi Bus Co., Ltd., a bus company based in Sasebo. Currently, they operate three stores: this one in front of Sasebo Station, the Sasebo Fifth Avenue store, and the Shimase store.

"Because we're located inside the bus center, not only do people buy souvenirs for their trips, but local residents and businessmen also come here to quickly pick up bread or rice balls before getting on the bus. It's very convenient," says Yamaguchi Miyu, who is in charge of business negotiations and purchasing. Yamaguchi says she also searches for good souvenirs for her personal use.

"Kyushu Meika" does not only carry souvenirs from Nagasaki, but also products from other Kyushu prefectures such as Saga and Kumamoto. For this reason, it is not uncommon for customers to return and purchase souvenirs from other prefectures they have visited in the past.

The most popular souvenir is, of course, "castella." However, many businessmen who have visited multiple times and tourists who are particular about their souvenirs seem to be unsure of what else to buy besides castella. "Which sweets are from Sasebo?" is a question I am often asked while serving customers.

As the starting point for the souvenir baton

"We have some repeat customers who say, 'The souvenir I received was so delicious that I came back to buy some myself.' It seems that the castella you buy in Nagasaki is something different. Some people also buy in bulk online for funerals, so we handle the shipping. It's like passing on the souvenir baton."

So says Manami Kanegae, who is in charge of ordering products and customer service. She says that through customer service she realizes that customers are experiencing a broader communication experience through souvenirs.

The store is bustling with customers looking at souvenirs and asking questions like, "Will this fit in my suitcase?" and "Cookies tend to break, so these are better."

Not only can souvenirs bring back memories, but they also allow the giver to think back to a place they have never known before. The baton of memories continues to spread from Kyushu's famous sweets to the rest of Japan and the world.

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Kyushu Famous Sweets Sasebo Station Store

電話：0956-25-0503  
住所：佐世保市白南風町8番17号（佐世保バスセンター内1F） 
アクセス：JR「佐世保駅」より徒歩1分 
HP：https://www.bus.saihigroup.co.jp/gift-shop/4335.html 

*For details on business hours and holidays, please check the link above.