【Encounter】
When An was young, Amazake wasn’t her favorite. As a high school student without a clear direction, she thought maybe culinary school would be a good fit since she loved eating.
Around the same time, a local lady invited her over for dinner and served a meal using ingredients from Tatsuno, her hometown in Nagano.
And for dessert, she served yogurt topped with Amazake.
Photo by A. Yamagishi
【2 types of Amazake】
Back then, since she didn’t like Amazake, she thought, “Of course, my least favorite dish comes out last!” Even though everything was delicious, she was torn between being honest and saying “I don’t like it” or pretending to enjoy it.
Opting for honesty, she told her beforehand, “I might not be able to eat the Amazake…” The lady encouraged her to try it anyway, asking, “do you know there are two types of Amazake?” She further explained, “there’s Amazake made with Rice Koji and another made with sake lees. You’ve probably only tried the one made with sake lees. Try the Rice Koji one; even babies can eat it.”
After a bite, it was so delicious that An couldn’t help but smile. She thought, “I didn’t know Amazake could be this good. What had I been drinking until now?”
【Decision】
Despite wanting to move to a bigger city as a high schooler, realizing such delicious dishes could be made with local Tatsuno ingredients changed her perspective.
The lady taught her, “The word ‘eat’ in Japanese is written with characters that mean ‘to make someone good.’” Inspired by this, she decided to attend culinary school.
My grandmother also ran a traditional Japanese confectionery shop in Nagoya for about 100 years. Inspired by her, I wanted to open my own shop someday, and Amazake, which had become a turning point, seemed perfect.
【A message from An】
I believe many young people feel their hometowns lack something special, just like I did. After leaving and returning home, I realized there are so many wonderful things in Nagano. I want young people to discover delicious local foods and appreciate their hometowns more.
I aim to create an Amazake shop where even children can enjoy it. I believe getting familiarized in the taste at younger age are more effective in passing down traditions than those you’re told to preserve.
I think young people are crucial for preserving Japanese treasures. That’s why I decided to start a unique Amazake shop that children can enjoy.
Photo by A. Yamagishi
【Postscript: Reflecting on An’s Dedication to Amazake and Tradition】
An is a straightforward person whose passion for Amazake and her hometown shines through. Traveling to promote healthy foods, she preserves Japan’s traditional culinary culture. This dedication to heritage is incredibly inspiring, especially knowing how challenging starting and running a business can be.
I hope this blog can help share An’s heartfelt mission with the world, showcasing her commitment to preserving and sharing her cultural roots.
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