Nagasaki Kunchi is a major autumn event that colors Nagasaki. For three days from October 7th to 9th every year, the entire city is filled with energy and excitement. The charm of this festival goes beyond the dynamic votive dances. Through the festival, you can deeply experience the unique history of Nagasaki, especially its unique food culture that has been nurtured through exchanges with other countries.

When talking about Nagasaki Kunchi, one thing that is essential to mention is its diversity. Although it is a traditional Japanese festival, it also incorporates the cultures of various countries, including China and the Netherlands. This is the history of Nagasaki itself, which flourished as Japan's only gateway to the outside world during the Edo period. It is a festival where you can experience a mysterious sensation throughout the festival.

Enjoy the exotic atmosphere with a votive dance

The highlight of Nagasaki Kunchi is the dedication dances , which are performances offered by each town in the city. Many of these performances strongly reflect foreign cultures, such as the dragon dance that was introduced from China and gorgeous floats modeled after Dutch ships. One of the highlights of Nagasaki Kunchi is touring the food stalls in between these dedication dances and enjoying a variety of foreign cuisine.

Traveling Dining: Chinese Cuisine in Nagasaki

The food stalls will not only sell the takoyaki and yakisoba commonly seen at Japanese festivals, but will also feature many dishes that represent Nagasaki's unique food culture. Of particular note are the many dishes that are said to have been introduced from China.

Nagasaki is known as one of Japan's three largest Chinatowns, alongside Yokohama and Kobe. It has a long history, with active trade with China since the Edo period. As a result, Chinese food culture is deeply rooted in Nagasaki.

At the Nagasaki Kunchi festival food stalls, be sure to try the Kakuni Manju . This dish is made with melt-in-your-mouth braised pork cubes sandwiched between fluffy dough. The sweet and spicy sauce and the delicious flavor of the pork fill your mouth, making you feel happy. It is said to have its roots in Dongpo Pork (Tongpo Lou) from China. It has been adapted to suit Japanese tastes, creating a uniquely Nagasaki flavor.

Also, don't miss the hatoshi , a deep-fried dish made by sandwiching shrimp paste between slices of bread. The crispy texture and the flavor of the shrimp are an exquisite match. Hatoshi is said to have been introduced to Nagasaki by chefs from the Qing dynasty (present-day China), and is now a beloved soul food in Nagasaki homes. It's easy to eat, so it's the perfect accompaniment to your festival stroll.

Furthermore, representative Chinese dishes such as champon and sara udon can be enjoyed not only at food stalls but also at many Chinese restaurants in Nagasaki City.

It is said that champon and sara udon originated when Chinese people living in Nagasaki were nostalgic for the flavors of their homeland. Champon is a nutritious bowl of noodles with a rich pork bone-based soup and plenty of vegetables and seafood. Sara udon is crispy thin noodles topped with a thick sauce, and the harmony of the textures of the noodles and sauce is irresistible. Both are truly Nagasaki soul foods, born from the fusion of foreign cultures with Nagasaki ingredients.

green lion garden

Suishitei Chanponhttps: //tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/65698b86bc6d5

Castella cake with a Dutch feel

Nagasaki is so famous that it is often referred to as castella , but castella has its roots in a Nanban sweet that was introduced from Portugal, which was adapted and developed in Nagasaki. Now it is known as a souvenir that represents Nagasaki.

During the Nagasaki Kunchi festival, many castella shops are bustling with activity. We recommend taking a break at a castella specialty shop's cafe during the festival. The refined sweetness and moist texture will gently soothe your tired body after walking.

Nagasaki castella is not just sweet, but is also characterized by the presence of granulated sugar at the bottom, which adds a crunchy texture. This is said to be a remnant of the preciousness of sugar at the time. Although made with simple ingredients, it is a masterpiece that shows off the skill of the artisan.

Fusion with Japanese cuisine: Turkish rice and takubuku cuisine

The fascinating thing about Nagasaki's food culture is that it not only incorporates Chinese and Dutch culture, but also beautifully blends them with Japanese culture. Turkey rice is a prime example of this.

The name "Toruko Rice" might make you think of Turkish cuisine, but it's actually an original dish that originated in Nagasaki. Pilaf, spaghetti, and pork cutlet are served on one plate, all topped with a generous amount of demi-glace sauce. At first glance, this combination may seem strange. However, there is a theory that pilaf symbolizes the "East," spaghetti the "West," and pork cutlet the "Japan," making it a dish that truly expresses the history of Nagasaki. It's recommended for when you're hungry after a festival or want a hearty meal.

And when talking about Nagasaki's food culture, one thing that cannot be left out is takubuku ryori (table cooking) . This is a banquet cuisine that was introduced from China, where Japanese, Chinese, and Western dishes are enjoyed around a round table. During the Nagasaki Kunchi festival, restaurants that serve takubuku ryori sometimes also prepare special menus.

The takubuku cuisine features a variety of Japanese, Western and Chinese dishes, including braised pork belly, pigeon roe, sashimi and tempura. Everyone gathers around a round table, sharing food from a large platter, creating a warmth that makes it feel like you're dining with family and friends. Packed with the spirit of "omotenashi" (hospitality) and the history of cross-cultural exchange that Nagasaki has cultivated, it truly is the culmination of Nagasaki's food culture.

The excitement of the festival and the excitement of the food

Nagasaki Kunchi is a special festival where you can experience the food cultures of many different countries all at once, while being overwhelmed by the power of the dedication dances and immersed in the excitement of the city. Dishes that were introduced from China, sweets that were introduced from Portugal and developed uniquely in Nagasaki, and the unique dishes that were born from the fusion of these. All of these tell the story of Nagasaki's history and culture.

During the festival, the town is bustling with people, and lively voices can be heard from all over. Watch the dedication dances, eat at the food stalls when you get hungry, and take a break at a cafe when you're tired. In this way, you can enjoy the atmosphere of Nagasaki Kunchi with all your senses and take a leisurely journey through Nagasaki's food culture.