#Japan #Maratan #Yamato Toki #Uda City

Uda City and Itadaki Maratan

In a significant collaboration, Uda City, renowned as the 'herb town' of Nara Prefecture, has joined forces with Itadaki Maratan, a subsidiary of Nexter Inc., to introduce a new culinary delight called 'Yamato Toki Maratan'. This innovative dish will be officially launched during the Uda Production Festival 2025, which takes place on October 25-26, 2025. This event aims to showcase the rich agricultural produce and cultural heritage of Uda City.

About Itadaki Maratan

Itadaki Maratan operates based on successfully offering a unique Japanese-style, herb-infused spicy soup known as 'Maratan'. This brand focuses on providing delicious, healthy meals through both direct-to-consumer (D2C) and business-to-business (B2B) channels. They run the popular 'Ouchi de Maratan' brand, which allows customers to enjoy authentic Maratan comfort food at home, reinforcing their mission to embed Japanese-style Maratan as a new pillar of Japanese food culture.

Uda City: The Herb Capital

Uda City is nestled in the eastern part of Nara Prefecture, celebrated for its rich history and cultivation of medicinal herbs, particularly 'Yamato Toki'. Long before the modern era, this city has been associated with herbal medicine, dating back to the Asuka period when herb-gathering was recorded as part of court ceremonies. Today's Uda continues this legacy by driving initiatives that promote local agriculture and health-focused tourism, blending tradition with an innovative approach to health and wellness.

Yamato Toki: A Unique Herb

The hero ingredient of this collaboration, 'Yamato Toki', is not only integral to the local ecosystem but also offers various health benefits. Used traditionally in Japanese herbal medicine, it plays a key role in improving well-being and promoting blood circulation. Simultaneously, Maratan is a beloved dish known for its spicy, flavorful soup, and it encapsulates the philosophy of 'Ishokukyu', where food and medicine share a common foundation.

Co-creating 'Yamato Toki Maratan'

The partnership between Uda City and Itadaki Maratan aims to create a delicious, health-centric dish that embodies local ingredients and community spirit. The 'Yamato Toki Maratan' promises to offer a rich, spicy flavor infused with the essence of Uda's natural resources. With the aim of promoting both health and locality, this dish is set to redefine the dining experience and establish itself as a staple in the modern Japanese culinary landscape.

Uda Production Festival 2025

The Uda Production Festival is an annual event organized by a committee focused on celebrating local industry and promoting Uda’s specialties. Expected to attract numerous visitors, the festival will feature sales of local agricultural products, herbal goods, gourmet delights, as well as engaging stage performances. The event marks Uda City's 20th anniversary, promising a lively atmosphere filled with activities designed for families.

Sustainability and Community Engagement

In line with global sustainability goals, Itadaki Maratan is committed to reducing food waste through its innovative use of leftover ingredients in its products. The company aims to educate consumers about responsible consumption while delivering delightful, nutritious meals. Their effort aligns with local objectives to propel community welfare and economic development in Uda.

Conclusion

As Uda City continues to cultivate its identity as a hub for herbal medicine and sustainable living, the introduction of 'Yamato Toki Maratan' stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition, health, and culinary innovation. Don’t miss the launch at the Uda Production Festival 2025, an event set to highlight the best of Uda’s agricultural and culinary heritage.