On March 12th, Aomori City began distributing the guide map ``AOMORI Manufacturing MAP.''

This booklet lists general stores and craft stores within a 30-minute walk from Aomori Station. It introduces comments from four store managers of handicraft supplies stores, leather goods stores, etc., as well as information on 20 stores, using illustrated maps. Saki Isono, who planned it, said, ``We devised a way to make it enjoyable not only for people from outside the prefecture, but also for local residents.We want people to hold it in their hands and take a stroll around it as if they were taking a walk.''

Mr. Isono is a member of the regional revitalization cooperation team in the division, and is in charge of migration promotion work. We are mainly working on attracting handmade artists. Regarding the booklet, he says, ``There are many shops around the station that would be of interest to people who make things, so I thought that having an at-a-glance map would help better convey the atmosphere of Aomori,'' he says. The categories of stores listed include miscellaneous goods, indigo products, souvenir shops with local products, and stores that sell Nanbu Sakiori and Koginzashi.

The illustration map was created by Chie Toyokawa, an illustrator who lives in Aomori and works at the Toyokawa Illustration Laboratory. Mr. Isono said, ``Mr. Toyokawa's works are full of love for Aomori.I also love my hometown of Aomori, so I asked Mr. Toyokawa to create a booklet with a taste that would allow you to feel the warmth of handicrafts.'' talk.

The initial circulation is 500 copies. A6 size. free. They will be installed at listed stores and Aomori City Hall.