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

At this time of year, the Tohoku region is in the midst of excitement with imoni parties, where people gather on the riverbanks to deepen their friendships. This is a typical autumn event in the Tohoku region

However, in Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, the imoni season is not a happy and harmonious one. Every year, a fierce imoni war breaks out between the two prefectures!

This time, we will introduce the Imoni war between Miyagi and Yamagata

What is the difference between the imoni kai events in Miyagi and Yamagata?

In late September, you can see a unique culture in Miyagi and Yamagata: firewood is sold at convenience stores, and pots can be rented for free at supermarkets.

In autumn, everything starts moving towards the Imoni Party

So far, Miyagi and Yamagata are the same
, but there are fundamental differences between the two prefectures.

That's where the food is different!

Even though it's called an Imoni-kai, the food eaten varies in each region of Tohoku.
In Aomori Prefecture, "senbei soup," in Akita Prefecture, "kiritanpo hotpot," and in Iwate Prefecture, " imonoko soup . "
In both Miyagi and Yamagata "imoni," but although the name is the same, the ingredients are completely different!

Yamagata's nationally famous potato stew

Yamagata's Imoni is famous throughout the country .
It is a dish made by simmering taro, beef, konjac, and green onions in a soy sauce-flavored soup.
In some regions, mushrooms, carrots, and daikon radishes are also added.

Yamagata's imoni is characterized by its soy sauce and beef flavor.
Simple and powerful, yet full of depth and flavor, it has attracted many followers.

As a Miyagi resident, I would say, "It's delicious, but I wouldn't call it imoni! It's more like sukiyaki!" However, nationwide, this is far more famous than Miyagi's imoni.
The reason for this is Japan's number one imoni festival.

Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival

The "Japan's No. 1 Imoni Festival" is
a festival where Yamagata-style imoni is made in a pot with a diameter of 6 meters The ingredients are overwhelming.
At the 29th festival in 2017, about 30,000 servings were made using ingredients that are hard to believe are used for cooking: 3 tons of taro, 1.2 tons of beef, 3,500 pieces of konjac, 700 liters of soy sauce, and 50 sho of sake.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

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

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/1147

What comes to mind when you hear the word "imoni"? As the name suggests, imoni is "boiled potatoes." In the Tohoku region, imoni is so beloved that it's often referred to as the season for cherry blossom viewing in spring and the season for imoni in autumn. While it may look similar to pork soup at first glance, imoni, which contains taro, offers a different flavor. In the fall, imoni parties are popular in Tohoku, not only with friends but also at school and company events, and riversides and campsites are bustling with people. While imoni is beloved by Tohoku residents, did you know that Yamagata Prefecture, even within the Tohoku region, has a unique flavor?.

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The tools used for cooking are also out of the ordinary.
Have you ever thought about cooking using heavy machinery?

actually made using a backhoe.

Of course, since they are used for cooking, new ones are purchased every year.
Furthermore, butter and margarine are used as lubricants for the joints, and the utmost care is taken to ensure hygiene.

It's a spectacular sight to see the waste being divided into small pots from the backhoe, so why not go and see it for yourself?

Link: Japan's No. 1 Imonikai Festival Official Website

Imoni is eaten in many areas in Miyagi

Imoni, a dish eaten in Miyagi Prefecture,
is a colorful dish made by

As you can see, Miyagi's imoni is characterized by its miso flavor and pork.
People from Yamagata Prefecture might say, "Miyagi's imoni? Oh, that's right, it's not imoni, it's pork soup," but I insist that my version is imoni.

This is because Miyagi is not the only region where miso and pork stew is eaten

Miso-flavored potato stew, eaten throughout the Tohoku region

Miso-flavored and pork potato stew is also eaten in Fukushima Prefecture.
Unlike Miyagi, Fukushima uses mirin, which gives it a sweet taste.

Also, although it has a different name, imonokojiru, which is eaten in Iwate Prefecture, is a miso-flavored pork dish

The ingredients are roughly the same as those in Miyagi Prefecture, so it's no exaggeration to say that miso and pork make a classic imoni

If soy sauce and beef are the nationally famous imoni, then miso and pork are the orthodox Tohoku dish.
Miyagi, as the representative of this region, will once again be competing against the mighty Yamagata this year.

summary

So far, I've written about the imoni war, but in the end, both are delicious.
As a writer from Miyagi Prefecture, I recommend miso-flavored imoni, but I actually quite like Yamagata's imoni as well.

Imoni parties are a part of Tohoku culture, so if you're visiting Miyagi or Yamagata, give it a try.
You'll have a great time deepening your friendships with your friends!

Chimon

A writer with thinning hair who loves traveling and laughter.
A nice guy who hides his thinning hair by shaving!
He travels from north to south to bring smiles to Tohoku with his writing!

sbtimon.hatenablog.com/