Article by: Kakefuda Ouka

Japanese culture, autumn of appetite

Edo Period, First Boom

When most Japanese people think of autumn, they think of sweet potatoes. During this time of year, food manufacturers sell snacks made with sweet potatoes, which are only available during the fall season, in dedicated sections. In addition to being used in snacks, sweet potatoes are also being introduced into many sweet menus at restaurants and other establishments.

In addition to sweets and sweets made from sweet potatoes, "yaki-imo" itself is also popular. It is simply a sweet potato baked whole. Although simple, the sweetness of the sweet potato's original flavor is what makes it so appealing.

Sweet potatoes were first cultivated in Satsuma, in what is now Kagoshima Prefecture, in the 17th century. Sugar was precious at that time, so sweet foods that could be easily cultivated and cooked must have been valued. Sweet potatoes also saved many people from severe food shortages after the end of the Pacific War. From ancient times to the present day, sweet potatoes have been loved by many people.