The origin of Nikujaga, a beloved Japanese dish, remains a mystery with no definitive theory. However, a fascinating tale dating back to the 19th century in Portsmouth, England may shed some light on its beginnings. In this story, a Japanese student living in Portsmouth frequently savored the flavors of English beef stew. Upon returning to Japan, he requested a chef recreate the dish. The chef, unfamiliar with beef stew, had to rely on the student's description of its taste and improvise using locally available ingredients, such as soy sauce and mirin. While the resulting dish didn't quite resemble the taste of traditional English beef stew, it eventually evolved into its own unique creation, now known as Nikujaga. Some skeptics argue that this story is purely fictional, leaving the true origin of Nikujaga uncertain. However, as a Japanese person who lived in England, I find this intriguing connection between the two cultures to be quite captivating!