Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe Day
Food DaysWhat Is Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe Day?
December 19th is "Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe Day" in Japan, established by the "Delicious Shinshu Food — Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe Development Project Team," formed to promote a hot pot dish made with abundant local produce from Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The date comes from a pun reading "19" as "shoku" (food), and is observed on the 19th of December, January, and February — the three months when hot pot tastes best in winter.
A Hot Pot Born From Industry, Academia, and Government Working Together
The project team was formed through a partnership between Matsumoto City, Matsumoto University, JA Matsumoto Highland, and JA Matsumoto City.
- The goal: to create a signature regional hot pot dish using Matsumoto's local produce
- A collaborative structure: a joint effort bringing together local government, a university, and agricultural cooperatives
- Three anniversaries: the 19th of December, January, and February — the heart of winter, when hot pot is at its best — were all designated as anniversary dates
What Makes "Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe" Special
Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe makes generous use of fresh produce grown in the Matsumoto Basin, and is distinctively served with a ponzu sauce blended with grated apple. It's a local hot pot that lets the appeal of Matsumoto's regional ingredients truly shine.
Tips for Marking This Day
- Try making Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe yourself, or look for a restaurant that serves it
- Try the region's distinctive grated-apple ponzu sauce
- Learn about the produce and food culture of Matsumoto City in Nagano Prefecture
- Invite family or friends over for a warm evening around a shared hot pot
The Bounty of the Matsumoto Basin, Brightened by Grated Apple
Shinshu Matsumoto Nabe, a dish born from collaboration between industry, academia, and government, blends local produce with a grated-apple sauce that Matsumoto takes real pride in. Let December 19th be an invitation to gather around a pot filled with regional bounty — exactly the kind of comfort the harshest part of winter calls for.