William A unique feature of Japan is that every city has its own department store. Tokyo = Seibu; Kyoto = Takashimaya; Osaka = Daimaru; and Kumamoto = Tsuruya, which opened in 1952. Kumanichi reports on its 70th anniversary. Tsuruya is named after a samurai residence once nearby called “Tsuruyashiki.” A symbol of Kumamoto’s reconstruction after the war, it opened with 3 floors above ground and 1 floor below. It gradually expanded thereafter, adding its famous “look-in escalator,” a first in Japan, in 1973. When first opened, its employees numbered 285; currently, about 2,700 people work there, employed directly or by contractors. Its roof once hosted a popular amusement park; now, it is a children’s playground and a beer garden in summer. Kumamoto Pro Note: When giving an obligatory gift to a neighbor, it is de riguer to encase it in a Tsuruya paper bag even if you did not buy the gift there. Link to Kumanichi article: https://kumanichi.com/articles/679560 Photos: Tsuruya at opening; opening of famous escalator; current rooftop (hint: good place for dads to hang out with kids while mom shops); rooftop beer garden.