Trade Goods (Timber, Soybeans, Shikon, Copper) Trade goods from Aomori were timber, soybeans, Shikon and copper. The Kitamae Ships transported soybeans, as well as kelp. Shiro-Miso (white and sweet miso) used in the Kansai area was supposedly made from soybeans from the southern area. Sakata, Toyama, Kanazawa, and Tsuruga, which used to be calling ports for the Kitamae Ships, still have a lot of miso makers and soy sauce makers. Purple is regarded as a noble color. Its colorant is Shikon, and the Shikon was carried from the southern part of Japan to Kyoto and Osaka. Copper from Osarizawa Copper Mine was shipped from Noheji to Osaka. The copper went through Osaka, and was exported to foreign countries from Nagasaki. Gion Festival Music Gion Festival Music in Kyoto widely spread throughout Aomori Prefecture by the Kitamae Ships. Gorgeous parade floats and the fascinating music of the Tanabe Festival, Noheji Gion Festival, and Hakone Mori Hachimangu Festival, all have long histories. Tanabu Festival Noheji Gion Festival