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Japan Today

Try some of Japan's summer foods

By PIXTA/ マハロ Anyone who has lived in Japan has noticed the sharp contrast in seasons and the celebration of those distinctions. One of the many Japanese words related to seasons, 旬 (shun), describes the peak period of produce, fish and other food in Japan. Each food has its own 'shun,' so certain dishes are more prevalent during a particular season. Since summer is in full swing, we'll take a look at some of the 夏の旬 (natsu no shun) or Japan's summer foods. Summer Vegetables Goya Chanpuru is an Okinawan specialty. Maximize the most out of the vegetables in season by making some traditional summer dishes. Goya chanpuru (ゴーヤチャンプルー), for example, is a famous dish from Okinawa which is a combination of goya (bitter melon), luncheon meat and other vegetables. While summer in Japan may be sweltering, one of the most exciting events of the season would be attending summer festivals in the different cities around the country. Roasted corn on the cob slathered in butter is popular at many festivals in Japan. For a more refreshing dish, try pairing your order of cold soba noodles with freshly fried eggplant tempura. If you find yourself at an izakaya or feel like drinking at home, boil some edamame and sprinkle it with salt to complement your drink of choice. Summer Fruit Satisfy your sweet tooth with a plate filled with the different seasonal fruit that is as sweet as candy. During the summer, a handful of Japanese people begin to prepare their plum liquor or 梅酒 (umeshu) by steeping plum inside a glass jar, filling it with sugar and some white liquor. Bringing a whole watermelon (スイカ) to the beach is also a common practice in the summer. Suikawari (Watermelon Splitting) is a traditional Japanese game seen at beaches and school festivals. The objective of the game is to slice the watermelon while blindfolded. Aside from enjoying the fruit on its own, many cafes and ice cream brands also release limited summer flavors for each of their products. Some can come in the form of yogurt drinks, shakes and candy. Summer Seafood Click here to read more. Unadon is thought to fight summer fatigue. Umeshu, a refreshing drink made in summer and enjoyed in winter. External Link © GaijinPot