Come to Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival in Yamagata City! [Yamagata Prefecture]

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As the name suggests, imoni is "boiled potatoes." In the Tohoku region, imoni is so popular that it is said to be the season for cherry blossom viewing in spring and imoni in autumn

At first glance, it looks similar to pork miso soup, but imoni, which contains taro, is a dish that offers a different flavor. In autumn in Tohoku, imoni parties are popular not only among friends but also at school and company events, and riversides and campsites become bustling with people

Imoni is a dish that is loved by people from Tohoku, but did you know that Yamagata Prefecture is the only place in Tohoku where it is seasoned differently?

What is Yamagata-style Imoni?

In the Tohoku region, Miyagi and Iwate prefectures use taro and other vegetables as ingredients

Imoni is a dish made with pork seasoned with miso. Miyagi Prefecture is also famous for its Sendai miso. It is also called "tonjiru-style imoni" because it is similar to tonjiru

However, in the inland areas of Yamagata Prefecture, while the ingredients are the same
—taro and vegetables—they eat a version of imoni that uses beef and is seasoned with soy sauce! Because it uses beef and soy sauce, it is also called "sukiyaki-style imoni."

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

A writer from Miyagi explains the Imoni Wars! [Miyagi/Yamagata]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/3022

At this time of year, the Tohoku region is in the midst of excitement with imoni (sweet potato stew) parties. Friends gather on riverbanks to deepen their friendships. It's a Tohoku autumn tradition. However, in Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, the imoni season isn't exactly harmonious. Every year, a fierce imoni battle rages between the two! This time, we'll be looking at the Miyagi vs. Yamagata imoni battle. What's the difference between Miyagi and Yamagata imoni parties? In late September, you can see the unique cultures of Miyagi and Yamagata. Convenience stores sell firewood, and supermarkets offer free pot rentals. With free pot rentals available, autumn is all about imoni parties...

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It's surprising how the seasonings differ even within the same Tohoku region!
Looking into it further, it turns out that in the Shonai Plain area of ​​Yamagata Prefecture, known for its rice production, a "pork soup-style imoni" is popular, similar to what's found in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures.

Why are there differences even within Yamagata Prefecture?

The origins of imoni are said to date back to the Edo period, when records of it being a soup made with taro remain

The current style of using beef was established in the early Meiji period, and is thought to be related to Japanese agriculture and rice cultivation

Cows were used to till the soil in the fields, and were readily available. When the cows grew old and could no longer be used for farming, they were used for food, and this is how beef culture took root. In times of scarcity, it became common to use beef, which was readily available, and it is said that it began to be used in imoni (simmered potatoes)

At the time, taro was an important source of nutrition and was widely eaten in Yamagata Prefecture, which is why it became a staple dish known as imoni and was a beloved food among the common people

A truly impressive event! Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival!

In Yamagata Prefecture,the "Japan's Best Imoni Festival"is held every year around September. It's a very popular event that attracts many people from both within and outside the prefecture.

The main dish, Imoni, is made in a custom-made large pot measuring 6 meters in diameter, and is cooked using large heavy machinery!

The amount of ingredients is also extraordinary! 3 tons of taro, 1.2 tons of beef, 3,500 pieces of konjac, and the seasonings used are 700 liters of soy sauce, 50 sho of sake, and 6 tons of water!

We will use this large amount of ingredients to make Imoni! All of these ingredients are locally produced, so it tastes exceptionally delicious!

On the day, numbered tickets will be distributed and you can enjoy imoni cooked in a large pot. Many stalls will be set up on the riverbank where the event is held, making it a very lively and festive atmosphere

Many Yamagata specialty foods and souvenirs are also sold here

The Imoni Festival is a hugely popular event in Yamagata Prefecture, attracting people of all ages from both inside and outside the prefecture to experience the spectacular and delicious taste of imoni. With approximately 30,000 servings of imoni, it's sure to sell out, so we recommend arriving early! Why not give it a go this fall?

Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival <Information>

• Name: Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival
• Venue: 4-14-57 Midoricho, Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture, 990-0041
• Phone number: 023-622-0141 (Japan's No. 1 Imonikai Festival Council Secretariat)
• Official URL:https://imoni-fes.jp/

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