Visitors enjoying flowing somen in beautiful yukata, casual summer kimono (in Asakusa, Tokyo)
Kotaro Yamada
Visitors at Asakusa Shrine had an opportunity to enjoy “flowing fine white noodles” at a fun event cosponsored by Japan Federation of Dry Noodle Manufacturers Associations. The noodles prepared by as many as 15 prefectures nationwide including Akita and Kagawa Prefectures were served to 500 visitors a day for free from July 1 to 7 to call an attention to the Somen Day on July 7 and encourage people to have more somen this year to survive the hot summer.
The event was held for the first time, targeting shrine visitors who come to drive away ill luck during the first six months of the year and wish for good luck for the rest of the year. A long flume of bamboo placed in the shrine carries clear, ice-cold water. Then somen are put in the water flowing along the canal for the visitor to pluck them out with their chopsticks, dip them in tsuyu dipping sauce and eat.
A visitor from Edogawa-ku, Tokyo, Saki Inui, 28, said, “Somen tastes even better when served in this traditional style. It made me feel that I want to enjoy somen at home this year.”
Takahisa Ando, head of the Associations, emphasized, “Somen is perfect meal for those who lost their appetite in the heat. I hope many to enjoy this Japanese traditional food.”
(July 4, 2014)