Chanko

Of course, you know about Japan’s national sport, sumo. If not, then here are a few ways to familiarize yourself with this original form of wrestling. You might ask yourself, how do those guys gain all that weight, but still maintain their stamina and flexibility? Despite what you might think, sumo wrestlers are well known for their strict adherence to traditions in their lifestyle and training, so of course, when dieting, they also include a mix of new and old recipes to maintain their strength and health. This is evident in their food of choice, chankonabe (ちゃんこ鍋), a stew filled with meat, tofu, and veggies designed to help pack on the weight when eaten in large quantities. Usually prepared by the younger members of a sumo training stable, it’s everything, but the kitchen sink in terms of its ingredients. But it’s also a darn good way to stave off winter’s coldness by us regular folk as well as yet another way to put another tick on your Authentic Japanese Food I’ve Eaten checklist. Kappo Yoshiba If you want the whole experience and feel of being at the sumo matches along with your dining experience, then look no further than Kappo Yoshiba.…