Toshikoshi-soba refers to soba noodles served at the end of the year. It is a popular winter tradition in Japan that became established among the general households in the mid-Edo period.
Not only was soba cultivated as an emergency crop, but it was frequently served on honored occasions as a bringer of good luck. Other than the toshikoshi-soba, togakushi-soba, yamagata-soba, and wacko-soba are all dishes that are traditionally offered on honored days. Further, according to literature written in the mid-Edo Period, soba was also widely recognized as a healthful dish, which is why soba is served at the turn of the seasons or the end of the month, such as the misoka-soba and the setsubun-soba.
Toshikoshi-soba in specific is served in Japanese households on New Year’s Eve. The long and thin dish is thought to extend one’s life-span and enhance the fortunes of a family, and since soba is easy to cut, it is served to sever the hardship and disaster one has experienced during the year before the new year as well. It is also thought to bring economic fortune since soba was traditionally used by goldsmiths to collect the scattered gold dust. For these reasons, toshikoshi-soba is eaten before the Joya no Kane, the bell ringing out the old year, starts ringing.
Toshikoshi-soba differs according to the region. For instance, Hokkaido and Kyoto prefectures serve soba with herring, while toshikoshi-soba in Fukui prefecture comes with grated hot white radish. Toshikoshi-soba in Iwate prefecture is divided into small dishes and cut into long pieces so that one could eat a lot.
If you are interested in toshikoshi-soba and the many other types of “auspicious” soba, you may have a look at bowls for soba that are available at Shokunin.com. Appi Urushi Studio’s Owan is authentic Japanese lacquerware that is high in quality, stable, and easy to hold. The beautiful tableware that comes in two colors and three sizes could contain more volume than it looks and it is really useful. Sonobe Sangyo’s Meibokuwan are heartwarming bowls that are made of various trees, including cherry, zelkova, beech, chestnut, walnut, and oak. Please have a look at our homepage and enjoy your toshikoshi-soba with these beautiful products.
Appi Urushi Studio’s Owan
https://www.shokunin.com/en/appi/wan.html
Sonobe Sangyo’s Meibokuwan
https://www.shokunin.com/en/sonobe/wan.html
References:
https://www.jalan.net/news/article/482725/
https://www.nikkoku.co.jp/entertainment/glossary/post-38.php
https://www.ielove.co.jp/column/contents/01082/
