Cultures usually mark important anniversaries with a ceremony. In Japan they produce special food… in a can.
2015 is the fourth centenary of the death of Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first Shogun and whose rise to power signalled in the start of the stable Edo Period. To celebrate, Hagoromo Foods, probably most famous for their “sea chicken”, has created two special canned dishes with ingredients related to Ieyasu.
The “meat sauce” cans feature either eggplant or haccho miso, which is a specialty of Aichi Prefecture.
Priced ¥800, the cans are being sold only in Shizuoka and Aichi prefectures from January 16th.
Each can is 250 calories and serves 2-4 people.
The eggplant might sound a bit random but it’s associated with the idea of hatsuyume — the first dream of the year. Apparently the first Tokugawa ruled was fond of eggplant, along with Mt Fuji and falconry. So if in your first dream of the new year you see all three, then you are in for an auspicious twelve months.
Canned food in Japan can be pretty awesome, even the stuff sold at the convenience store. You can also spot some pretty original canned offerings at vending machines, including soups and desserts.
