Undokai: Japanese Sports Day

Climate change has been altering our daily activities. When I grew up in Tokyo, Japan had a distinctive five-season cycle. Tender spring with varieties of flowers, followed by a cool and a bit annoying rainy season, hot and humid summer, gorgeous autumn with colored leaves, and mild winter.

Traditionally, mid-October marks a drop in humidity and temperature, making it the best and most beautiful time to travel across Japan, provided we avoid powerful typhoons, one to four of which are expected to hit Japan this year. 

We call October's blue sky Akibare 秋晴れ, which means a clear autumn sky—a solid, deep blue without clouds. Taking advantage of excellent, clear weather, elementary and junior high schools organize Undokai 運動会, also known as Sports Day. 

Today, hotter days linger into October, and several typhoon threats are causing many schools to move their Undokai from autumn to the spring. 

There are many fun activities, including relay races, big ball rolling, exercise dancing, tamaire (ball toss), obstacle races, kibasen (mock cavalry races), and tsunahiki (tug-of-war).

Kid-Friendly Recipes

The recipes for this month are kid-friendly varieties: Authentic Japanese teriyaki chicken, pan-fried gyoza potstickers, and Chinese cabbage pickles.

I learned how to fold gyoza from my mother. First, place the pork stuffing in the center of the wrapper. Then, fold the wrapper in half by placing the dry edge over the wet edge.

While sealing the dumpling, make six to eight pleats on the top. Invite your kids to help you make potstickers. It is a fun project that produces lots of laughter, conversations, and memories.

Pan-Fried Gyoza Potstickers

Matsutake Mushrooms in the Autumn

October is Shokuyoku no Aki. The direct translation of Shokuyoku no Aki is ‘Autumn, the increased appetite’.

At this time, the waters, fields, and mountains are abundant with autumn delicacies, such as Matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, sweet potatoes, Chum salmon, Hairy crab, Red snow crab, and sea bream.

Let me delve a bit deeper into my favorite Matsutake mushroom, known as the King of mushrooms, renowned for its most aromatic characteristics. In Japan, the highest quality mushrooms fetch an astronomically high price – $800/lb! This type of mushroom is often served in high-end restaurants.

The best matsutake mushrooms come from the Tanba region in Kyoto Prefecture. The price of mushrooms, however, varies significantly based on quality, harvesting time, and location.

I cannot pass October without making a dobin-bushi, a soup prepared and served in an individual teapot.

The Month of Kiku-mi: Chrysanthemum Flower Viewing

Lastly, it is the month of Kiku-mi (菊)- chrysanthemum flower viewing. Gardens, temples, and shrines showcase chrysanthemum exhibitions across the nation.

The chrysanthemum is the crest of the Japanese Imperial Family. Why did the chrysanthemum become the Imperial crest?

The Emperor Go-Toba, 82nd Emperor who ascended to the throne in 1185 and abdicated in 1198 in favor of his son, used it as a personal symbol of power. The flower is associated with longevity, nobility, and strength, making it a suitable representation of the imperial family.

After the Kiku-mi, go to one of the Depachika (department store food courts) or supermarkets. You will find both fresh and dried edible chrysanthemum flowers and petals in purple or yellow colors.

We blanch them in hot water, drain them, and mix them in the salad or use them as a garnish. Edible chrysanthemum flowers aid liver health and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Food is medicine.

See you in November! Please share my website so your family, friends, and colleagues can enjoy the monthly newsletters as well.

— Hiroko