Gaido Japan

Shibushi Summer Soba Festival
2023-06-30 - 2023-08-31
Summer Soba in Shibushi is an annual event held in Shibushi City, Kagoshima, Japan, where soba noodles are celebrated and enjoyed during the warmer months. As the temperature rises and humidity increases, soba noodles become a popular choice for a refreshing and light meal that provides nourishment while helping to combat the summer heat.
Shibushi City, located in a region of Japan with a suitable climate, allows for the cultivation of buckwheat. The buckwheat used to make the soba noodles is sown in late March and harvested from late June to early July. The local water used in the noodle-making process is renowned for its high quality, adding to the overall excellence of the dish.
To participate in the Summer Soba in Shibushi event, you can visit any of the over a dozen businesses listed on the official website. Although the website is in Japanese, you can use Google Translate in your browser to translate the page to English for easier understanding. It’s important to note that the event dates are simply listed as starting from June 30th and lasting until late August, with availability dependent on stock.
If you’re looking to enjoy the deliciousness of soba noodles while experiencing the unique flavors of Shibushi City, the Summer Soba in Shibushi event is an excellent opportunity to do so.

Edamame Speed Eating Championships
2023-07-16 10:00 - 16:30 (Asia/Tokyo)
The Edamame Speed Eating Championships in Nagaoka, Japan, have become a popular event for edamame enthusiasts. The snack itself is not only delicious but also offers various nutritional benefits, making it an ideal choice for this kind of competition. Edamame beans are known for being a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and various vitamins and minerals like Vitamin K.
The competition revolves around how fast participants can consume 650 grams of edamame. The event is currently in its sixth year and features both individual and group categories. However, there are some ground rules that participants must follow. One of the main rules is that competitors must bring the edamame pods to their mouths and cannot pop the beans out beforehand to eat in bulk. This rule ensures a fair and equal playing field for all participants, as it prevents any potential advantages that could be gained by pre-shelling the beans.
The challenge of the competition lies not only in the sheer quantity of edamame that must be eaten but also in the skill and technique required to consume the beans efficiently and quickly. As a result, the Edamame Speed Eating Championships have likely gained attention and participation from both local and international edamame fans who relish the chance to showcase their eating prowess and share their love for this beloved Japanese snack.
