Akita Prefecture
Natto jiru

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Image provided by : "Akita Gouji Fudoki" (Akita Prefecture Council of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Village Life Research Groups)
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Image provided by : Yokote City Hall, Agriculture and Forestry Department, Food and Agriculture Promotion Division
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Image provided by : Akita Prefecture Tourism Federation
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- Main lore areas
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Inland areas in the southern part of the prefecture, Nakanaone area in Yurihonjo City
- Main ingredients used
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Natto (fermented soybeans), taro, deep-fried tofu, mushrooms, bracken, tofu
- History/origin/related events
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Natto soup is a miso soup mixed with carefully ground natto, and is a local dish of the southern region of Akita Prefecture. Natto soup is a local dish from the southern region of Akita Prefecture. Natto originated in various parts of Japan, and today Yokote City is one of them. During the military campaign of 1083-1087, which took place in Yokote City, farmers delivered boiled beans wrapped in straw to Minamoto no Yoshie's side, which was struggling with the supply of goods. The farmers tried it and found it tasty. This legend led to the erection of a monument in Kanazawa Park in Yokote City.
Mushrooms and wild vegetables, which are the main ingredients, are picked in spring or fall, stored in salted storage, and used after removing the salt when making natto soup. Because of the time-consuming nature of this dish, it has taken root as a dish for ceremonial occasions such as weddings and funerals.
In the inland areas of the southern part of the prefecture, natto soup is popular among men and women of all ages, and many people look forward to eating it in the winter.
- Opportunities and times of eating habits
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Zoni is a New Year's dish, and natto soup is a staple in the inland areas of the southern region of Akita Prefecture. The custom of making it in a large pot and reheating it for the three days of the New Year is still practiced. It is also said that natto is added to the soup to compensate for the lack of vegetables due to the severe cold of Akita's winters.
- How to eat
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Boil taro and fried bean curd in broth made from dried sardines, add mushrooms, bracken and tofu, and season with miso. Add mashed natto (fermented soybeans) and top with green onions and mustard greens. Many wild vegetables that can be stored for a long time are used as ingredients. The flavor from all the ingredients is well combined with natto and miso, the king of fermented foods.
- Efforts for Preservation and Succession
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(Overview of the tradition, preservation groups, use of SNS, modern efforts such as commercialization, etc.)
In 2008, the Omagari Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Omagari, Daisen City, took the lead in an effort to revitalize the city by making natto soup a representative dish of the region, and now more than a dozen restaurants in Omagari City are certified to serve it. Some restaurants offer original menus and ramen noodles that take advantage of the natto soup's characteristics. As a result of these efforts, supermarkets now have a corner in winter featuring natto soup ingredients.