THE TOMBO
Oita’s English Newsletter
October, November, December 2018

Issue 92

On Dango-jiru
The summer in Oita is lovely, in the sense that one canalways see a never-ending panorama of lush greeneryand aquamarine skies; it is at the same time, however,insufferable, in the sense that you are constantly steamed
and pickled in your own perspiration. My appetite wasmassively reduced by the scorching humidity, and I wasdesperate to eat something with a lot of dietary fibre. Itwas therefore very timely when my director invited me to ameal of dango-jiru, a dumpling dish cooked in a light brothand plenty of vegetables.
Before I ramble on, I should give the dango-jiru its due honour by presenting you with a proper introduction. The
dango-jiru is a dish that features a ribbon shaped, wheat-flour-based dango (a sort of dumpling), simmered in a misobroth and an assortment of seasonal vegetables. According to the Oita Prefectural Library, the dish was a staple forthe people of Oita from the mid-50s to the mid-60s1 , and is nowadays seen as a symbolic comfort food that initiatesa sense of nostalgic sentimentality from Oita expatriates.
While most would agree that the dish was most likely born before the Edo era, its exact origins are unclear, as foodconsumed by the common people in the time period tend not to be well-recorded. Again, according to what’s written
on the Oita Prefectural Library, the two most popular legends concerning the birth of the dango-jiru, also known as
hocho, are as follows:
Legend one goes like this – following the accounts recorded in the Saiyu-zakki (Miscellaneous Notes on the Journeyto the West) by the late-Edo traveller and geographer Furukawa Koshoken after he visited the Bungo Province,
legend has it that the famed feudal lord O tomo Yoshishige (also known as Otomo Sorin) loved the taste of abalone
intestines. Abalone, however, was difficult to get hold of, so dango was used in its stead. Due to the fact that these
two ingredients tasted amazingly similar – according to Otomo Yoshishige, at least, riddle me on that – the dish waschristened ‘abalone-intestines’, or hocho in Japanese.
Moving onto legend two, which also concerns Otomo Yoshishige, this time recorded in Inshoku keizu (Genealogyof Food and Drinks) by Higashiyama Ogih. This account recalls the tale of the time when Otomo Yoshishige held a1 Original text states ‘the 30s on the Showa calendar’.

2THE TOMBO

October, November, December 2018

warming party for the Kikuchi clan. While Otomo Yoshishige had meant to treat his guests to a meal of hamaguri
clams, more people came than he had anticipated, and there simply wasn’t enough to be split evenly amongeveryone. A flat udon noodle was used to replace the clams, and Otomo Oshishige told his guests that the noodle was
the intestines of ho (i.e. the name of a shellfish, or an alternate name for hamaguri clams, the same kanji character
that makes up the ho in hocho).
If you are unfamiliar with the founding stories of the dango-jiru prior to this, then we are on the same page.
Nevertheless, I have known of the dish way before I came to Oita – my first acquaintance with dango-jiru was from theinternet, also during the midst of summer, while I was still at home in Western Australia. Bathing in the remnant heatof the Aussie sun radiating straight into the evening air and right into my room, I sat on my bed in a daze and opened
up one of my favourite YouTube channels, Cooking with Dog. The quirky channel features Chef, a mysterious lady whoworks magic in the kitchen, and Francis, the French Poodle host who narrates homely Japanese recipes in the mostcalming voice possible. It so happens that they were making dango-jiru that day, and I have been tempted to try it out
ever since. Alas, three years flew by, Francis has left us for doggie-heaven, and I have arrived Oita, the birthplace ofdango-jiru itself – it was about time that I made the dish.
If you’re also interested in making dango-jiru, then read on for a recipe by Cooking with Dog. I attempted it on aweekend, and wondered why I didn’t do so sooner, because the result was absolutely delicious. After all, a hearty,
healthy dish that comes with entertaining backstories is pretty hard to beat.
ngredients

Instructions

Dango preparation:1.
Add a pinch of salt to the flour and mix with chopsticks; add water alittle at a time and mix in the four.
2.
Press with hand to combine. Knead for 5 minutes until glossy. In Japan,
the ideal softness is often described as ‘like your earlobe.’
3.
Roll dough into cylindrical shape, cut into 8 equal pieces, shape each
Other ingredientspiece into an oval; cover with dampened towel and sit for 30 minutes at■ Chicken thighs, skinless, cut into bite-sizeroom temperature.
pieces…120g■ Daikon radish, sliced…80g
Cooking the dashi broth, other ingredients, and dango:■ Carrots, sliced…35g
1.
Remove heads and stomachs of baby sardines and soak in water for
more than 30 minutes■ Taros sliced, net weight…100g
2.
Make shallow cuts around the burdock root lengthwise, shave with a■ Gobo (burdock root)…30g
knife while gradually rotating.
■ Aburaage (thin deep-fried tofu)…1/2 slice
Trim off root and stem ends of taro, peel skin lengthwise, slice into
■ Shimeji mushroom, or substitute with 3.
7mm slices. Likewise, slice daikon radish and carrot into 7mm slices.
shiitake or maitake…70g
Parboil vegetables, cook for 1 minute, then remove with a mesh
■ 1 hakusai cabbage (napa/Chinese cabbage) 4.
strainer.
leaf
5.
Turn off burner and place chicken thigh into the same pot of water.
■ 1 naga-negi (long green onion), chopped
Remove when it turns slightly white.
thinly6.
Pour water into a pot along with niboshi baby sardines, bring to a boil
and remove foam; reduce heat to low and simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
Broth
Uncover lid slightly to prevent stock from developing fishy odours.
■ Water…700ml7.
Turn off the burner. Remove the niboshi with a mesh strainer and thedashi stock is ready.
■ Niboshi dried baby sardines, head and8.
Heat the stock in a pot and add parboiled vegetable; gradually pull thestomach removed…20gedges of each dango dough piece and stretch both ends, gently shaking■ Miso approx. …30g
to form a wide and flat noodle shape.
9.
Add half of the miso to broth. Dissolve miso in a small mesh strainer toToppings to taste
help remove any lumps. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the■ Yuzukosho
vegetables and the dango soften.
■ Shichimi Chili Pepper
10. Add chicken, aburaage (thin deep-fried tofu), and shimeji mushrooms.
11. Add napa cabbage. Cover again and cook with mushrooms for 2~3
Optional additional ingredientminutes; dissolve rest of miso.
■ Konjac
12. Add chopped long green onion and cook until lightly wilted. Top the dishwith toppings and condiments to your liking before serving.
Dango■ All-purpose flour…100g■ Water…60mL■ Salt…1 pinch▲ Adapted version of recipe by Cooking with Dog, used with author’s granted permission. For a the original recipe as well as avideo version, please visit: < https://cookingwithdog.com/recipe/dango-jiru/>

THE TOMBO

3October, November, December 2018

EXHIBITIONS & SCREENINGS
Date
Sep. 28th~

Description

Place

Cost

Contact #Oct 21st

The Essence of Modern Japan Art – The National
Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥800☎ 097-533-4500

Oct. 2nd~Nov. 25th

Future of Sea and Space

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)

Free☎ 097-533-4500

Oct 2nd~Nov. 25th

MEGASTAR (Planetarium) -Towards 13.8 Billion LightYears and Beyond-

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥500☎ 097-533-4500

Oct 2nd~Nov. 25th

Oita Art Promenade by OPAM & Toyo no kuni

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥500☎ 097-533-4500

Nov 2nd~Nov. 25th

National Treasure: Highlights of Japanese Aesthetics

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥800 (600)☎ 097-533-4500

Dec. 8th ~Jan 20th2019

Treasure Box of Modern Art – Toshioka Collection

Oita Prefectural Art
Museum (OPAM)¥300 (250)☎ 097-533-4500***Most Museums and Centers are closed on Monday, or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday. Student admissions vary, highest cost shown.***STAGE & MUSIC EVENTS
DateTime

Artist/EventVenue

Cost

Contact #Oct.28th

13:00‘Giuseppe Verdi: Aida’, in cooperation with the iichiko Grand
Grand Opera
Theatre¥3,000-¥11,000☎ 097-533-4004

Oct. 31st,Nov. 1st

18:30

Musical My Fair Lady

iichiiko Grand
TheatreSold Out☎ 097-533-4004

Nov. 4th

13:00

Orchestra and Choral Festival

iichiko Grand
Theatre¥1,000-¥2,000☎ 097-533-4004

Dec. 3rd

18:30

iichiko presents: KOBAYASHI MICHIO Cembalo iichiko Oto-noRecital, Chapter 2, French Suites (Bach)izumi¥1,500-¥3,000☎ 097-533-4004**Ticket prices range from student to most expensive general admission. Prices shown otherwise indicate price for purchase on the day of the event, they may be cheaper if purchasedin advance. “w/ drink” prices include a drink, “+drink” prices require the additional purchase of a drink. Times shown indicate start times, doors usually open 30 minutes beforehand.

VENUES
Cantaloop II =3-2-30 Miyako-Machi
Nakayama Dai 5 Building 6F Oita City
iichiko Oto-no-Izumi=Oasis Tower 1F Oita City

iichiko Grand Theatre=Oasis Tower 1F Oita City
T.O.P.S BittsHall.=Ikushi 5-783, Oita City

Greetings from the new editor:
Good day all, I am Xin Lan XIE, the new editor-in-chief who will be inheriting Sheridan’swork for the Tombo. The weather has cooled down significantly, which means it’ll be easierfor me to partake in two of my favourite pastimes – eating good food and taking a stroll in
the neighbourhood. I will be going all around the prefecture for the Tombo in the future, soplease keep your eyes peeled!

THE TOMBO

4October, November, December 2018

Festivals and Events
Date

Event DescriptionLocation2018
Sep. 2nd ~ Kunisaki Odayaka Exposition
thDec. 15th Running for the 29 time this year, this hands-on event offers insights Kunisaki CityContact #☎ 0978-73-0962

to the way of hospitality and everyday day life.

rdth
Oct. 6th ~ The 33 Japanese National Cultural Festival, Oita 2018 & The 18Japanese
ArtsandCulturalFestivalforCitizens
withDisabilities
Oita Prefecture
Nov. 25th☎ 097-529-6283

Come and visit the biggest festival held in the nation.

Oct. 8thYufuin Beef-eating and Yelling Party
CityAfter consuming local Bungo Yufuin beef, participants have the Yufuin
Yufuin-cho,opportunity to yell to their hearts’ content in a competition to see who Namiyanagi Farmboasts the loudest voice.

Oct. 13th

Saiki City
Saiki Onyujima Island Sweets Olle Trek 2018, the Tastes of Autumn
Want to spend some leisurely time on an island with beautiful scenery Onyujima Island, ☎ 0972-22-3942
and scrumptious food? Local cuisines other than sweets are also on Kangaroo Squareoffer. Ticket costs 1500 yen per participant.
(kangaruu-hiroba)

Oct. 13th~14th

Oct. 14thOct. 14th

Oct. 17th~18th☎ 0977-85-4464

Oita City, Oita
Lord Sorin FestivalCelebrating the life and legend of the feudal lord Otomo Sorin, the Station
day offers a gourmet corner featuring local delicacies with Western Oita Station Funai ☎ 097-537-7043
Chuo Gate Squareinfluences and stage plays depicting the golden age of Oita.
The surrounding
Yufuin Kemuri Marathon Tournament for HealthofA major event where you can enjoy the beautiful nature of Kagurameko areas
Kagurameko Lake ☎ 0977-21-6161
Lake and Shidakako Lake.
and Shidakako Lake
Sumiyoshi Shrine Reitaisai Celebration
HijiCome to the Sumiyoshi Shrine, which stands on top of a hill in Hayami-gun,machi,Sumiyoshi☎ 0977-73-3158
Ogafukae, and witness the shinkosai ceremony and performances of Sharine
kagura on the day.
Kitsuki CityDoburoku (Raw Sake) Festival
A unique festival that does Oita proud. Visitors are given the chance to Shirahigetawara
Shrineget a taste of free doburoku.

☎ 0978-52-2222

Kitsuki City, area
Oct 20th ~ Kangetsusai (Moon-viewing Festival)
near the foot of the ☎ 0978-63-0100
Gaze
uponthebamboolightslitupbylocal
citizens
andstrolldown
st21castle
Usuki City
Nov. 3rd ~ Usuki Takeyoi Bamboo Lantern Festival
Surrounding areas ☎ 0972-63-1111
Takedelightin
thetraditional
streetsofUsukiastheyarebathedinthe5th
Nioza andluminescence of bonbori lanterns and other bamboo-crafted objects. of
Machihatcho
streets enchantingly illuminated by moonlight and gentle flames.

Nov. 9th,
Nov 11th

Millennium Lights
City
Around 30,000 bamboo lanterns will transform the Kagetsugawa River Hita
surrounding
and the conserved groups of traditional buildings in the Mameda- AreaMameda-machi
machi into a dream-like space.

Nov. 10th~11thOnokawa Battle Royale FestivalRiverWith the theme being ‘Battle of Hetsugigawa’, processions of warriors Ohnogawa
riverbed
andwill enact scenes of the battlefield with formations of cavalry, gun corps surrounding areas ☎ 0973-22-2036
and archers.

Nov. 11th

Usa City
Autumn Leaves Walk
Savour every bit of the flamboyant autumn leaves with your own eyes Area surrounding
Mameda-machi
while taking a walk through the Takkirikeikoku Ravine.

Nov. 17thAdmission-free Day at Mt Takasaki
Meet and greet the monkeys at Mt Takasaki, free of charge.

Nov. 18th

The 38th Oita International Wheelchair Marathon
Come down and cheer for the competitors as they race on their Oita Citywheelchairs at lightning speed.

☎ 097-533-6006

Dec. 23rd~ 24thBeppu Christmas HANABI Fantasia
Beppu City
Get enthralled on this special day by showy fireworks booming through Kitamatogahamacho
the winter night whilst listening to children sing.

☎ 0977-24-2828

Oita City
Takasakiyama
Natural Zoo☎ 097-537-7043☎ 0978-42-6195☎ 097-537-7043

THE TOMBO
What’s Going On?

5October, November, December 2018

From the Plaza
Free Legal Consultations for International Residents
The Oita International Plaza is holding free legal
consultations for foreign residents on the third
Wednesday of every month.
●When:Oct. 7th, October 17th, November 4th, November
21st, December 2nd, December 19th
●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Sei Ito (Administrative Solicitor)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)
Free Tagalog Consultations
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Tagalog.
●When:October 10 th , October 16 th , November 3 rd ,November 20th, December 1st, December 18th
●Time: 13:00-16:00●Consultant: Rhodora Yoshitake (President of the Oita
Philippines Friendship Association)●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)
Free Chinese Consultations
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultationsin Mandarin.
●When: Every Thursday 10:00-13:00 (except December27th)●Time: 10:00-13:00●Consultant: Kodama Uenyu●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)(*Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact the Oita
International Plaza before coming.) TEL: 097-533-4021

Free Consultations Regarding Immigration,
Residency, and Citizenship
The Oita International Plaza is holding free consultations
regarding immigration, residency, and citizenship on thefirst Sunday of each month.
●When: July 1st , August 5th , September 2nd●Time: 13:00-16:00●Languages available: Japanese and English●Interpretation into languages other than Japanese andEnglish may be available with a reservation (there areno guarantees). The reservation must be made 2 days
prior to the consultation day.
●Venue: Oita International Plaza (iichiko Culture Center,B1F)

International Event Notifications
The Oita International Plaza will be announcing
some international events that take place within Oita
Prefecture on our social media pages in order to support
organizations proactively fostering international relations.
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/oitaplaza
Twitter - http://twitter.com/oitaplaza
If you are interested in relaying information about an
even, please send e-mail at the Plaza.
Mail: kobayashi-ikuyo@emo.or.jp

Japanese Lessons
Himawari Japanese Volunteers
Support for people learning Japanese in order to help themenjoy their lives in Oita, now at three different locations.
Wasada Public Hall Wed. 10:00-11:30
Meiji Akeno Public Hall Wed. 14:00-15:30
Tsurusaki Public Hall Sat. 10:00-11:30
For more information contact Ms. Fukata TEL: 097-527-2614
E-MAIL: nihongo_himawari_oita@yahoo.co.jp
Nihongo Rakuraku-talk
Beppu City Hall offers free Japanese lessons every Monday
from 14:00-15:30. For more information contact the Beppu
International Affairs Division
TEL: 0977-21-6133 E-MAIL: int-ma@city.beppu.oita.jp
Sakura Japanese Class
Come study Japanese with friendly volunteers and teachers
in a pleasant atmosphere. Sakura Japanese Class is held
every Monday from 10:15-12:00 at the Oita University
International House in Nishiki-Machi, Oita City. Classes arefree of charge. For more information call Ms. Ohashi
CELL: 090-7866-2486
AIUEO Japanese Lessons
Volunteers offer free Japanese lessons on Tuesday andFriday from 10:20-11:50 at I-NESS near Oasis Tower as wellas Thursday nights at Compal Hall from 18:30-20:30. Lessons
are also offered in Beppu at the Beppu Foreign Tourist
Information Office on Tuesday mornings from 10:00-12:00.
For more information contact:
Ms. Miyase CELL: 090-8353-2485 (day lessons)
Ms. Kato TEL: 097-532-5940 (night lessons)THE TOMBO

6October, November, December 2018

The season of harvest has arrived, bringing us fruits and veggiess high in sugar content and fish that are nicely fattened up. Since we’reon the topic of food, let’s check out what’s in season:
Vegetables

Fruits & Nuts

Fish & Sea Produces

Satoimo yams

Figs

Mackerel (saba)

Aotogarashi geen chillis

PersimmonsPacific Saury (sanma)

Eggplants

Chestnuts

Sardines (iwashi)

Burdock roots

Pears

Horsehair Crab (kegani)

Maitake mushrooms

Tangerines

Pufferfish

Autumn, of course, has more in stall than what’s listed above. Befriend your local grocer for more delicious surprises.

おおいた国際交流プラザ

公益財団法人 大分県芸術文化スポーツ振興財団
大分市高砂町 2−33 OASIS ひろば 21（B1F）☎ 097-533-4021 FAX:097-533-4052

Oita International Plaza

Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion Foundation

OASIS Hiroba21（B1F）2-33 Takasago-Machi, Oita-Shi 870-0029

THANK

YOU ! !

A special thanks to all those who co-operated with us for

The International Plaza is located on the basement floor of OASIS
Hiroba 21（iichiko Culture Center）.

this issue. Your help was very much appreciated.
THE TOMBO is produced by:

Oita International Plaza
Oita Prefecture Arts, Culture & Sports
Promotion Foundation
2-33 Takasago-Machi
Oita-Shi Oita-Ken 〒 870-0029☎097(533)4021

Fax 097(533)4052
E-MAIL: in@emo.or.jp
http://www.oitaplaza.jp/english/
HOURS: Monday-Friday

9:30am-6:00pm(closed weekends and the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. We
are open on the Saturdays before these Mondays)
Closed national holidays & Dec 29th - Jan 3rd

大分県立美術館 OPAM
Oita Prefectural Art Museum