Waseda WeeklyWaseda Weekly

The "Waseda Hometown Ambassadors" program brings together students from across Japan and around the world to introduce their hometowns. This time, Shigematsu, originally from Ehime Prefecture, will share the charms of her region.

A town where you can experience the scenery and atmosphere unique to a port town.

Chihiro Shigematsu, 2nd year student, School of Political Science and Economics

A photo taken during a visit to Dogo Onsen, which is about a 25-minute drive from JR Matsuyama Station.

I'm from, Ehime Prefecture, which has a mild climate and friendly people. Every place is charming, but this time I'd like to introduce Mitsuhama, the town where I was born and raised, located in western Matsuyama City, close to the city center and the airport. Mitsuhama is a region facing the Seto Inland Sea and once prospered from fishing and commerce. As a result, storehouses and old buildings used in those days still remain, allowing you to see the old-fashioned townscape. Some of the storehouses that are no longer in use are being repurposed as manga libraries by local residents.

The Mitsuhama Shopping Street, which stretches straight from Mitsu Station (Iyo Railway), is now a quiet place with many shuttered shops, but it still has a calm and peaceful atmosphere. The shutters of the shops are decorated with paintings, and fireworks are painted on the walls of the buildings, making a stroll through the street enjoyable. Furthermore, there are many cats in the shopping street, making it an attractive spot for cat lovers!

Photo on the left: A well that was once in use remains in the Mitsuhama shopping district.
Photo on the right: The mural art is the work of Nanako Uemura, a painter from Kochi Prefecture.

After passing through the Mitsuhama shopping street, you'll find a boat affectionately known as "Mitsu no Watashi" (Mitsu Ferry) by locals. Taking this boat, you can travel across the long, winding bay to Minatoyama, a district on the opposite shore, while enjoying views of the sea of Mitsu. Also, every August, Mitsuhama hosts the "Matsuyama Port Festival Mitsuhama Fireworks Display," one of the largest fireworks displays in the prefecture. Every year, 8,000 to 10,000 fireworks are launched, attracting 200,000 people to watch. The venue is lined with stalls and is bustling with activity. Local junior high school student volunteers are involved in the operation, working together with the local community to support the fireworks display.

The "Mitsu Ferry" operates year-round and there is no charge for boarding.

Furthermore, Mitsuhama has a unique local dish called "Mitsuhama-yaki." Mitsuhama-yaki consists of seasoned noodles placed on a crepe-like batter, which is then folded into a crescent shape. Unlike Osaka-style okonomiyaki or Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, you can enjoy the soft texture of the batter and the sweet and savory flavor from the generous amount of sauce.

Apparently, many people eat it with mayonnaise.

Mitsuhama is a retro port town where you can feel the scenery and atmosphere unique to a former port town. Please visit it at least once!

◎About Ehime Prefecture ◎

Ehime Prefecture is located in the northwestern part of Shikoku, bordering Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima Prefectures. It has a population of approximately 1.25 million (as of April 2026) and an area of approximately 5,676 square kilometers. The prefecture enjoys a mild climate with many sunny days throughout the year, well-drained soil, and rich nutrients, making it ideal for the production of citrus fruits such as Satsuma mandarins. Matsuyama City, the prefectural capital, is located in the northern part of the prefecture and is home to Matsuyama Castle, a designated Important Cultural Property.