Hokushin area (Iiyama City)

Potatoes

Imo-Namasu" is a local dish using potatoes in the Iiyama City area. In Japan, "Namasu" is a dish made by dressing ingredients with vinegar, and is used as a New Year's osechi dish. In the Hokushin region, known as one of the heaviest snowfall areas in Japan, it has been difficult to obtain fresh vegetables in winter due to the heavy snowfall. For this reason, people in the Iiyama area made namasu with potatoes, which can be stored for a long time. Potato dishes are said to have taken root in Japan after the Meiji period, but in the Iiyama area, potato dishes have been eaten since the Edo period.
In 2007, it was designated as an Intangible folk cultural asset by Iiyama City.

Imojimasu was prepared for daily tea receptions, as vegetarian food at temples, and on occasions when many people gather together, such as weddings and funerals. It was especially served on a large platter for celebratory occasions. Sometimes carrots are added to add color, but not on Buddhist occasions.

Imo-Namasu, characterized by its crispy texture, is a dish made by taking time and effort to remove the starch that potatoes naturally have. By adding vinegar when starting to fry the potatoes, the texture of the potatoes can be preserved. Recently, curry powder is sometimes added, or yams are used in place of potatoes.

It is still made by families in Iiyama City and passed down from parents to children. Some local restaurants serve it and it is readily available.