09.02.2009 February 11 - State Establishment Day (Kenkoku kinenbi)
State establishment day was introduced in Japan in honor of history and to breed patriotism.
During World War 2 this state holiday was called Empire establishment day (kigensetsu). Establishment of Japan is connected according to legends with the first emperor Tenno Dzimmu (660-585 BC). The oldest record Kodziki says: "On four islands there lived isolated people. It was a great deal to unite them and establish the state of Japan. And this great thing was done by Dzimmu. The state of Japan started its history after his enthronement in Kashiwara capital on the first day of the Rooster of Cock of the 12-years cycle". This date corresponds to February 11 of the modern calendar. This day was declared State establishment day. On this day tonyu nabe (soy milk soup) is prepared symbolizing returning back to old times.
TONYU NABE
Ingredients (4 servings): 1 l of soy milk 1 l of dashi 1 pack of tofu 1/4 head of hokusai 500 g of sliced pork 2 bunches of enoki mushrooms 1 bunch of shimezi mushrooms (or honey fungus) 2 leeks Wild orange juice - to your taste
Preparation: 1. Cut tofu on 8 pieces. Cut hokusai into large pieces. Cut mushrooms' stems off. Devide mushrooms into small bunches. Cut leek cornerwise into small pieces. 2. Pour dashi and soy milk into pan and warm up. When liquid boils add vegetables, mushrooms and pork. Boil till color of meat changes. 3. We advise you to eat tonyunabe with wild orange juice.
Ingredients (4 servings):
