The rigor of Iwate’s winters and its abundant nature long nurtured the mastery of the “Nambu Toji” (master brewers). Today, this tradition flourishes as a new miracle of fermentation in the coastal city of Rikuzentakata.
We explore how the techniques of communicating with microorganisms—refined through centuries of sake brewing—overcame the hardships of the Great East Japan Earthquake to create a “miracle soy sauce” that astonished the world. Join us as we trace the path of fermentation that touches the very depths of flavor.
Title: Inheriting the Soul of Iwate: From the Silence of Hayachine to the Dynamism of Otsuchi
Iwate Prefecture is a land defined by the dramatic contrast between its towering mountains and the rugged Sanriku coastline. Amidst this harsh yet bountiful nature, people have prayed, danced, and preserved their lives since ancient times.
In this article, we focus on two performing arts that symbolize the spirit of Iwate: “Hayachine Kagura” and “Otsuchi Toramai” (Tiger Dance). From the footsteps of gods echoing through silent mountains to the leaps of tigers braving the rough waves—understanding these two contrasting arts is nothing less than filling in the missing pieces of the grand puzzle of Iwate’s history.
Sculptor Kotaro Takamura and the Prehistoric Kuji: A Journey into Iwate’s Eternal Time
Iwate is more than just a place of scenic beauty. It is a land where the “form of truth” pursued by the poet and sculptor Kotaro Takamura coexists with the “fragments of life” presented by the land of Kuji across tens of millions of years.
Art created by human hands and history carved by the Earth itself—by moving between these two perspectives, a journey through Iwate transcends mere sightseeing and transforms into deep contemplation, traveling through time and space.
The Pulse of the Beast and the Memory of the Mountains: From Shishi-odori to the Matagi and the Tales of Tono
Iwate Prefecture is not merely a tourist destination; it is a place where the “awe of nature” and “coexistence with spirits”—elements often forgotten by modern society—still breathe with vivid intensity.
There is the Shishi-odori (Deer Dance), where dancers clutch drums to their chests and dance as if possessed by the souls of beasts. There are the hunting traditions of the Matagi, who transformed the life-and-death struggle in the rugged mountains into a sacred ritual. And then, there are the yokai (supernatural beings) dwelling on the threshold of reality, as immortalized in Kunio Yanagita’s “The Tales of Tono.” These are not isolated pieces of folklore, but fragments of a single, grand epic woven over centuries by the mountains of Iwate.
To discuss the food culture of Iwate Prefecture, one cannot overlook the history of livestock farming, which has long existed in harmony with the land. From the sheep culture exemplified by Tono’s Genghis Khan to the lineage of modern dairy farming pioneered at Koiwai Farm in Shizukuishi, these are not merely tourist spots or local delicacies. They are stories that serve as a microcosm of Japan’s modernization since the Meiji era. Let us unravel the history of how Iwate’s rich land was transformed into a thriving industry, connecting the dots of its past.
遠野の羊文化とジンギスカンの歴史
The Sheep Culture of Tono and the History of Genghis Khan
Tono Genghis Khan: A Flavorful Legacy of Industry and Passion
“Tono Genghis Khan,” a beloved dish in Tono City, is far more than just a local specialty. It is a flavorful legacy of Japan’s national history, tracing back to the sheep farming initiatives of the Taisho and early Showa eras.
During that period, Japan sought to achieve self-sufficiency in wool production, and Tono’s cool climate proved ideal for sheep, transforming the region into a major hub for the industry. Over time, the custom of eating the meat—not just harvesting the wool—became deeply rooted in the community. This gave rise to the unique culinary culture of “Tono Genghis Khan,” celebrated for its signature sauce and tender lamb. To savor this dish is to experience the enduring passion of the people who once strove to build Japan’s industrial foundation.
Miracles of Spring in the Iwate Peaks: Alpine Flora of Hayachine and the Dragon Eye of Hachimantai
Iwate Prefecture is a treasure trove of mountains, defined by the massive spine of the Kitakami Mountains. From the delicate alpine flora clinging to the jagged rocks of Mt. Hayachine to the mystical “Dragon Eye” that appears in Hachimantai with the arrival of spring, these are more than just breathtaking views; they are works of art sketched by Iwate’s harsh nature and the cycle of seasons. Connecting these two spots is a journey to understand the geological diversity of the Kitakami land and the remarkable resilience of the life that dwells within it.
The Sacred Grounds of Brewing: The Aesthetic of Fermentation in Iwate through Tono’s Hops and Nanbu Toji
Iwate Prefecture is one of the regions in Japan that most profoundly benefits from the culture of fermentation. The harsh winters and abundant clear streams of the Kitakami Mountains have long fostered an environment for deepening the dialogue with microorganisms. In this article, we visit two sacred sites: “Tono,” Japan’s leading producer of hops, and “Shiwa,” the home base of the “Nanbu Toji”—the legendary guild of master sake brewers. Join us as we explore the depths of the “liquid art” that is the pride of Iwate.
From Stillness to Motion: The Earth’s Heartbeat at Goishi Coast, Ofunato
Traveling east from Tono and crossing the mountains to Ofunato City, you are greeted by a completely different world of “motion.” Located within the Sanriku Fukko (Reconstruction) National Park, the “Goishi Coast” is a masterpiece of natural art, carved by the rough waves of the Pacific Ocean over tens of thousands of years. The name “Goishi” (Go stones) comes from the black pebbles covering the shore, which were once used as materials for the traditional board game Go.
The raw power of the “Kaminari-iwa” (Thunder Rock), which echoes with a roaring sound every time a wave strikes, and the “Anatoshi-iso,” a colossal rock formation with three massive holes, is intense enough to make you feel the very heartbeat of the Earth. From quiet rivers to the life-filled sea—this dramatic contrast is the essential key to understanding the true nature of Iwate.
From Denshoen to Goshono: An Odyssey Through Iwate’s Timeless Landscapes
Traveling through Iwate is more than just sightseeing; it is an archaeological experience that delves into layers of time. From the warmth of the Magariya (L-shaped farmhouse) at Tono’s Denshoen to the ancient breath of the Jomon period at the Goshono Site in Ichinohe, these two locations are connected by the memory of “daily life” (kurashi) lived by the people of Iwate who survived alongside a harsh yet beautiful nature. Join us as we trace the original landscapes of Japan and rediscover the profound meaning of “settlement” that modern society has long forgotten.
Ancient Memories in Amber and the Prayers of Oshirasama: The Eternal Story Spun in Kuji
Kuji City in Iwate Prefecture holds a deep, mystical story where the breath of the Earth from 85 million years ago, captured in “amber,” intersects with the unique folk belief of “Oshirasama” found in Northern Tohoku. The golden brilliance excavated from the geological layers and the silkworm deity cherished in rural villages may seem like two distinct elements at first glance, but they are bound together by a shared lineage as “gifts from nature” bestowed upon this land.
