Romen Day (Rōmen no Hi)

What Is Romen Day?

June 4th is "Romen Day." The date comes from a wordplay where "Ro" (6), "o" (0), and "men" (4) combine to sound like "romen." This anniversary was established to introduce more people to romen, a local specialty noodle dish from Ina City in Nagano Prefecture. Romen has long been a beloved local dish throughout the Ina Valley region centered on Ina City.

The Basics of Romen

Romen is a noodle dish made by combining steamed Chinese-style noodles with mutton (or pork) and vegetables such as cabbage and onion, finished with a distinctive seasoning. It has a different cooking method and food culture from typical ramen or yakisoba.

• Noodles: Steamed Chinese-style noodles
• Ingredients: Mutton or pork, along with various vegetables
• Characteristics: Made with very little broth, with seasonings added to taste

The Origins of Romen

Romen became a fixture of the local food culture in the Ina region after World War II. It first became popular at local diners before spreading as a home-cooked dish as well. The use of mutton is particularly distinctive among Japanese noodle dishes.

• Took root in the Ina City area after the war
• Developed alongside the local restaurant culture
• Passed down as a unique regional food tradition

Connection to Mutton-Eating Culture

The Ina Valley had a tradition of eating mutton. Romen emerged against this cultural backdrop, making it a dish that strongly reflects the character of the region.

How Romen Is Eaten

One distinctive feature of romen is that diners adjust the seasoning to their own taste after it's served.

• Vinegar, chili pepper, and garlic are often added to adjust the flavor
• It's mixed and eaten rather than served as a soup-based dish
• The flavor varies from restaurant to restaurant, and from household to household

Romen as a Local Specialty

Romen is rarely found outside the region, but for visitors to Ina City, it offers a window into the area's unique character. It's often featured in regional promotion and efforts to introduce local food culture to outsiders.

A Thoughtful Way to Enjoy Romen Day

• Compare romen with other local noodle dishes from around Japan
• Learn about how mutton-eating culture took root in this region
• Explore the relationship between Japan's post-war dining culture and regional specialty dishes
• Consider how the geography and industry of the Ina Valley shaped its food culture

A Bowl of Noodles That Tells a Region's History

Romen Day on June 4th is an opportunity to learn about a region's history and way of life through a single noodle dish. Romen has been passed down alongside the landscape and history of the Ina Valley. Taking an interest in local specialty dishes can open a window onto the rich variety of food cultures found across Japan.