🍲 Kajiya Nabe

Miki City, known as the birthplace of metalworking in Japan, has its origins dating back approximately 1,500 years. The town has produced skilled craftsmen alongside the development of blacksmithing. "Kajiya-nabe" (blacksmith's hot pot) is said to have been favored by blacksmiths to boost their energy during the summer. During the Meiji and Taisho eras, it originated when itinerant merchants came to the village, selling octopus caught off the coast of Akashi and eggplants in season, which were then simmered in dashi and soy sauce. It was appreciated for cooling the overheated bodies of the artisans who worked with fire. While it fell out of favor for a time, around 1990, it was reevaluated as a regional specialty and became available for consumption in the city, although it is not currently offered in restaurants.