I think it is so famous that Japanese summer is too hot. Perhaps you might have experienced watching Japanese TV in Japan. And you had realized many Japanese people dislike such a hot season.
By the way, do you know the reason why Japanese people can work in such a hot environment?
I think there are many reasons. But in this article, I want to introduce eating Unagi.
Unagi is a very popular food in Japan. However, many people might not know about the culture of eating Unagi. So I want you to know about eating Unagi. Then, I will explain.
1．What is an Unagi
First of all, I will introduce Unagi.
1-1． Unagi is Japanese eel
Unagi is Japanese eel.
I heard there are 19 kinds of eels. But the kinds that are possible to eat are 4 kinds. So Unagi is one of them.
Unagi caught in rivers or lakes. But almost all of Unagi is aquaculture.
By the way, in old generations, basically Unagi was domestic. But recently, imported Unagi is increasing. So if you see Unagi in Japanese supermarkets, you should recognize that they are imported.
1-2．Advantages of Unagi
Unagi is so useful to keep health conditions good.
Unagi contains good protein and minerals. So, if you feel so tired, Unagi is so good. You can refresh.
In summer, Japanese people might have gone through a hot summer by eating Unagi.
2．History of the Unagi culture
Japanese people have eaten Unagi for a long period. So I will explain about the history.
2-1．In old generations
According to Japanese history, the first people that ate Unagi were over 5000 years before. The old born of Unagi is able to be seen in ancient remains.
And in older generations, there is not the menu like recent dishes.
For example, ancient people used to eat the Unagi seasoning with salt.
2-2．In Edo period
In the Edo period about 300 years ago, the first kabayaki that was similar to nowadays one had been made.
It was seasoned with a special sauce based on soy sauce. And the people who lived in Edo loved the dishes.
Before the Unagi seasoned soy sauce was made, the Unagi had been seasoned with western area's soy sauce. The soy sauce was different eastern to western. So the taste of Unagi was also different.
2-3．Unadon and Unaju
I guess that the popular dishes are Unadon and Unaju. Both dishes are very similar. Big Unagi kabayaki is put on hot rice. And a good-smelling sauce is poured.
By the way, the first Unadon was made in the Meiji period. The Unagi lover man ordered the Unagi restaurant by putting kabayaki on the rice.
And Unaju was made in the Showa period. The dishes were put in the jubako, which is Japanese traditional box. It was so luxurious that many people loved Unaju.
3．Unagi menu
There are many Unagi dishes in Japan. Because many people love Unagi. Then many dishes have developed.
However, in this section, I will introduce some popular dishes in Japan.
3-1．Kabayaki
Kabayaki is the basic menu of Unagi. I think you can buy kabayaki in the supermarkets.
Kabayaki is made by fillet of Unagi with grilling. The seasoning sauce is made basically of soy sauce, sugar, etc.
3-2．Unadon
Unadon is a very popular dish. Making Unadon is very simple. Put the kabayaki on the hot rice and pour the sauce on it.
3-3．Unaju
Unaju is similar to Unadon. The difference is tableware. In cooking Unaju Donburi is not used, but jubako.
3-4． Hitsumabushi
Hitsumabushi is a different to Unadon. Hitsumabushi is made by mixing chopped kabayaki and rice.
3-5．Shiro-yaki
Shiro-yaki is only grilled Unagi fillet. It is so simple.
You can eat it with salt, soy sauce, etc.
4．Recommend areas
In Japan, there are many areas where you can eat good Unagi.
However, the best area is Unagi. I will introduce it.
4-1．Shizuoka prefecture
Do you know Shizuoka prefecture?
The prefecture is almost 1 hour away by bullet train from Tokyo. And the prefecture is famous for Unagi.
Hamanako lake would be the best spot. And there are onsen hotels. So I recommend you to go to Shizuoka and have a good holiday.
4-2．How to go
Shizuoka is not so far from Tokyo. But I recommend you to use the bullet train.
Actually, it is interesting to use local lines. But it takes a long time.
By the way, using Japanese train is useful when using the Japan rail pass. It is possible to use the bullet train.
Anyway, Unagi is such good food to have health and good time. And the Japanese Unagi dishes are so original. I think that even if you would not like eating fish, you would be surprised at the good taste of Unagi. It is so recommended Japanese food culture. Enjoy!
