Pat's Blog

Much has changed in Takamatsu since the big push to save the shopping arcades by the inner city’s business community. The laws of economics are very simple; no customers = no profits. Or not much at least, and was the norm for many businesses in the arcades. The out-of-town shopping malls such as Aeon and YouMe Town have affected the inner city’s business area for quite a few years.




So it was time to do something and as the old saying goes; ‘If Mohammed cannot go to the mountain then the mountain must come to Mohammed.’ Something like that I think. So what to do? Build a very nice expanded shopping area in the heart of the city and build apartments in together with them.




And the people have come back indeed. The place was packed on the last Sunday when I went to take pictures for this blog. I lost the photos due to my worrying in-expertise with all things digital. Poof … all gone with a careless click, so I went back today for a look at it without the crowds.




The effect is great with tasteful combinations of the predictable chrome and steel stuff everywhere, yet with some elements of traditional culture (thank heavens for that) including a Shinto shrine.



The shops are diverse but not quite as diverse as one may have hoped for. Given the severity of these ongoing economic times, I’ve long felt customers needed something a bit more unusual to spend money on.




The good news for me was to see how well they’ve planned for the notorious problem of the bicycles in the arcades.




People riding bicycles have become quite a problem and with numerous accidents, usually due to kids tearing along listening to headphones and careening into pedestrians. The problem for the arcades was the businesses there needed customers and therefore the bicyclists were grudgingly tolerated.


Not anymore, as the laws have tightened up and as with that dreadful habit of smoking, riding in this arcade at least, has been banned. And that now incudes me I suppose.

Not to worry, as there is now a very large underground bicycle parking area and it’s free.


So please do go and take a look at this very airy, spacious and interesting new shopping area named Marugamemachi Green (East & West).

There’s heaps to see, great restaurants, shops catering for organic products, relaxation therapies etc.
http://www.mgreen.jp

I suppose Marugame Machi’s poorer cousin Minamishin Machi also running north-south and on the other side of the road will respond in time with a similar makeover.

I’ll be back soon so keep all those cards ‘n letters coming in.