🍚 Sasazushi (Bamboo Sushi)
"Sasazushi" is a regional dish passed down in the city of Iiyama and the Joetsu region of Niigata Prefecture. It consists of vinegar rice spread on bamboo leaves, with various ingredients placed on top. The history of Sasazushi is ancient, dating back to the battles in the 22nd year of the Tenbun era (1553) during the Kawanakajima conflict, which lasted for 12 years. The Tomikura Pass, located on the border between Shinshu (present-day Nagano Prefecture) and Echigo (present-day Niigata Prefecture), became a crucial military route during the battles. It is said that Sasazushi originated when it was offered to Uesugi Kenshin's forces during this period, and there are several other theories surrounding its origin. Bamboo leaves have sterilizing and preservative effects, and it is said that Uesugi Kenshin carried Sasazushi as preserved food during wartime. Due to this historical background, in Iiyama City, Sasazushi is also referred to as "Kenshin Sushi". On the vinegar rice, ingredients such as bracken, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and walnuts, primarily featuring mountain delicacies, are arranged. The dish is garnished with shredded omelette and pickled red ginger for added color. The choice of ingredients varies between regions and households. Some households mix glutinous rice into the vinegar rice, while others may top it with hijiki seaweed or miso-pickled vegetables. In the past, Sasazushi was made by each household during celebrations and festivals. Recognized as a local dish cherished in Iiyama City, especially during festive occasions, Sasazushi was designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Nagano Prefecture in the year 2007. There is also a theory that Sasazushi originated when villagers from the Tomikura region used bamboo leaves instead of dishes to serve rice topped with mountain vegetables to Uesugi Kenshin and his entourage.