Kiritanpo Day (Kiritanpo no Hi)

What Is "Kiritanpo Day" on November 11?

Kiritanpo Day was established by the "Kazuno Kiritanpo Club" in Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, and has since been taken over by the "Kazuno Kiritanpo Council, Birthplace of Kiritanpo." Four tanpo rice skewers grilling upright by an irori hearth look like the numbers "1111" — hence the date, November 11. The aim is to revitalize the town through kiritanpo. Kiritanpo is one of Akita's signature regional dishes, best known as the star ingredient of "kiritanpo nabe," a hot pot simmered in broth made from Hinai-jidori chicken. Around Kazuno and Odate, people have long held "tanpo-kai" gatherings to cook kiritanpo nabe with the season's new rice.

What Is Kiritanpo, and How Is It Made?

Kiritanpo is made by pounding cooked rice until it's partly mashed, wrapping it around a cedar skewer, and grilling it over an open flame. There are several theories about the origin of the name "tanpo," but a well-known one says the skewered shape resembles a "tanpo yari" — a practice spear whose tip is padded with cotton wrapped in cloth. Another theory traces it to "tanpo," a local Kazuno word for cattail spikes. The grilled "tanpo" is slid off the skewer and cut into pieces, which are called "kiritanpo" ("kiri" meaning cut). The outside develops a lightly toasted, fragrant crust, while the inside stays soft and chewy. A simple version called "miso tanpo," where the rice is grilled and topped with miso, is also popular.

The Basics of Kiritanpo Nabe

Authentic kiritanpo nabe relies on broth made from Hinai-jidori, a prized Akita chicken breed known for its deep, rich flavor. Classic vegetables include burdock root, mizuna (Japanese parsley), maitake mushrooms, Chinese cabbage, and long green onion. Pieces of kiritanpo are added near the end so they can soak up plenty of the flavorful broth.

Kazuno City and Kiritanpo Culture

Kazuno City in Akita Prefecture proudly calls itself the "birthplace of kiritanpo" and actively promotes the dish as part of its regional revitalization efforts. Events such as the "Kiritanpo Birthplace Festival" in November help share this local food culture. Neighboring Odate City also holds its own "Honba Odate Kiritanpo Festival," and the dish is cherished throughout northern Akita.

How to Enjoy Kiritanpo Day

• Buy ready-made kiritanpo and Hinai-jidori chicken soup from the supermarket and make a hot pot at home
• Go for the authentic version by seeking out seasonal Akita ingredients like mizuna and maitake mushrooms
• Try the simple "miso tanpo" style — grilled rice skewers topped with miso
• Plan a trip to Akita to experience the real thing in its hometown