🍚 Nanatoko Zushi (Japanese Rice Soup with Seven Vegetables)

"Nanatoko zushi" is a traditional dish from the Miyakonojo region dating back to the Satsuma Domain when the Shimazu clan was in rule. Although the name of the dish is referred to as a sushi, in this region, sushi means "zosui" (=Japanese rice soup) and the seventh day of the New Year is called "nanatoko san no hi." January 7th of each year is a day to celebrate the health and growth of children that are seven years old. In the past, these children would dress up and visit seven different houses in the neighborhood to collect the "zosui/zushi" made with seven vegetables from each neighbor. This is how "nanatoko zushi" got its name. The meaning of the dish is different from "nanakusa gayu" (=seven herb rice porridge) and is made with daikon radish, carrot, gobou (=burdock root), napa cabbage, bean sprouts, seri (=Japanese parsley), shiitake mushrooms, round rice cakes, and rice. Back in the day, January 7th was a big celebration, almost as big as weddings. Nowadays, the tradition of visiting seven homes in the neighborhood is no longer practiced as often but many people still visit shrines to experience purification. "Nanatoko zushi" from seven different homes is gathered at a local shrine or temple and the event is celebrated there. On this day, many local children visit shrines and temples wearing traditional kimonos.