Located between Tokyo and Osaka, Nagoya has developed independently in various aspects such as economy, culture, and tourism. In 2023, "Nagoya" was selected as one of the "Most Wonderful Places in the World" by the American "Time" magazine!

Therefore, we would like to introduce Nagoya's unique culture.

History of Nagoya

Nagoya is said to have its origins in Nagoya Castle, which was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa in 1610. Nagoya Castle was built by Ieyasu Tokugawa, a vassal of Nobunaga Oda, a hero of the Sengoku period, under orders from Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

After Ieyasu Tokugawa built Nagoya Castle, Nagoya prospered as the center of the Owari domain. As a feudal lord serving the Edo shogunate, the Owari domain developed Nagoya as its political and economic base.

As the land of the three heroes of the Sengoku period -  Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, Ieyasu Tokugawa, there are still many places related to them.

Since the Meiji period, Nagoya has experienced remarkable industrial development, especially the textile and automobile industries. Nagoya is still one of the centers of the automobile industry, with Toyota Motor Corporation having its headquarters in Nagoya.

During World War II, Nagoya suffered air raids from the U.S. military, and many townscapes and historical buildings were damaged. Due to the post-war reconstruction, Nagoya has developed again and is building its appearance as a modern metropolis.

Language and Culture of Nagoya

There are three dialects in Nagoya: Uwamachi Kotoba, Shimono Kotoba, and Buke Kotoba. "Uwamachi" (uptown) refers to the boarded-up area north of Hirokoji-dori, while "Shimono" (downtown) refers to the area south of Hirokoji-dori, around Osu and Tachibana.

Uwamachi Kotoba 

Uwamachi language is the language used in and around Nagoya Castle. This name comes from the prosperity of Uwamachi, the castle town of Nagoya Castle, during the Edo period. Uwamachi language uses a lot of polite language and is characterized by expressions that show respect for the other person. Also, since it was used by the samurai class in the past, it is recognized as a formal word.

Shimono Kotoba

Shimono Kotoba were more widely used among the common people than those in Uwamachi, even within the castle town of Nagoya. It is more casual than Uwamachi Kotoba and may contain somewhat rough expressions. Some of the words and intonations commonly known as the Nagoya dialect are also derived from these words.

Buke Kotoba

Buke Kotoba is a language used by the samurai class of Nagoya Castle, similar to Uwamachi Kotoba, but with more formal and rigid expressions. It was characterized by the use of words to indicate samurai family lineage and social status.

Manufacturing in Nagoya

Aichi Prefecture is known as a manufacturing kingdom, with Toyota Motor Corporation  leading the way. The history of craftsmanship goes back over 400 years, and traditional manufacturing industries such as pottery and textiles are very thriving.

Arimatsu and Narumi Shibori

​Arimatsu and Narumi Shibori has a long history of about 400 years. This tie-dyeing technique originated in the Arimatsu/Narumi district of Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Today, a variety of products such as kimonos, obis, accessories, and interior goods are produced while preserving the traditional production method. It is highly regarded for its unique technique and beautiful patterns, and is recognized as a traditional Japanese craft.

【Nagoya】Stroll around Arimatsu and Find Out its History and Culture!

Arimatsu Arimatsu is a retro town known for Narumi Shibori. The old townscape of the old Tokaido remains, and it is also designated as a Nagoya City Townscape Preservation District. The townscape is full of charm and makes you feel as if you've slipped back in time to the Edo period. This time, we will introduce a recommended course where you can enjoy the history and culture of Arimatsu...

2018.11.27

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Nagoya Yuzen

Nagoya Yuzen is one of the traditional Yuzen dyeing techniques that are created using unique techniques from around Nagoya. The practical design that can be worn casually as everyday wear and the use of feminine colors such as pink and purple are supported by many people as one of the traditional cultures even today.

Owari Shippou-yaki  (cloisonne ware)

During the Tenpo era (1830-1844) of the Edo period, a man named Tsunekichi Kaji learned the technique from Dutch cloisonné and perfected it. It is decorated with gorgeous patterns such as landscapes and flowers, birds and moons, and is named "Shippou" (seven treasures) because it is beautiful as if the seven treasures described in Buddhist scriptures are scattered.

[Ama City] Learn about the Cloisonne Enamel Ware at "SHIPPO ART VILLAGE"

Cloisonne enamel ware is a traditional craft representative of Ama City, Aichi Prefecture. Cloisonne enamel ware is a piece of metal that is coated with a colorful glass glaze and then fired. SHIPPO ART VILLAGE that we will be introducing this time is a facility where you can see, touch, and learn about Cloisonne enamel ware Cloisonne enamel ware and enjoy it as a whole. Service...

2019.07.03

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Nagoya Sensu 

Nagoya is one of the two major production areas of sensu (fans) along with Kyoto. Kyoto sensu are mainly for high-class women, but Nagoya sensu have a masculine functional beauty and have a strong presence in celebrations and ceremonies.

Noritake tableware

Noritake is one of Japan's leading tableware manufacturers and a world-famous brand. Founded in Nagoya in 1884, it provides high quality and beautiful tableware.

Noritake tableware is known for its sophisticated design and reliable quality, and is loved by many people not only in Japan but around the world.

Vermicular

"Vermicular" is the pride of Japanese casting technology. All Vermicular production is done at their own factory in Nagoya City, and is handled by the long-established casting manufacturer "Aichi Dobby".

Nagoya's Food Culture "Nagoya Meshi"

"Nagoya Meshi" (Nagoya food) is a unique regional menu that is loved in Nagoya City and the surrounding areas, such as Miso-katsu, Tebasaki, and Hitsumabushi. It has a unique flavor and is popular not only with locals but also with tourists.

Hitsumabushi

One of Nagoya's local delicacies, Hitsumabushi is a local dish consisting of finely chopped broiled eel mixed with rice. To eat Hitsumabushi, you divide the rice from the rice bowl and eat the first bowl as it is, the second bowl with condiments such as spring onions and wasabi, and the third bowl with tea or dashi broth.

Miso-kats

Pork cutlet topped with sweet miso sauce is a typical local delicacy from Nagoya. The juicy pork cutlet and Nagoya's unique miso sauce are a perfect match.

Ankake Spa

One of Nagoya's specialties, spaghetti is topped with a thick starchy sauce. There are also variations topped with meat sauce or omelette rice, and it is characterized by its rich, thick flavor.

Kishimen

Unlike normal udon, it has a flat shape. It has been loved by locals for a long time because of its smooth texture.

Taiwan ramen

Taiwan ramen is a spicy noodle dish made by stir-frying minced meat, garlic, chives, chili peppers, etc., and adding it to soy sauce ramen. The moment you put it in your mouth, the intense spiciness hits you.

Complete Guide of Misen: Various Taiwan Ramen, Store Specials and Recommended Menus!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || ).push({});Each "Misen" by five brothersThe unknown history of Misen, which has its main store in Chikusa ward, Nagoya City, is directly managed by Misen. A very popular Taiwanese restaurant with more than 10 stores in Aichi Prefecture, including stores and affiliated stores. Its popularity remains only in Aichi...

2023.03.29

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6 Recommended "Taiwan ramen" restaurants, Nagoya's local gourmet

Aichi/Nagoya's local gourmet "Taiwan ramen". Taiwan ramen is a noodle dish in which ground pork, Chinese chives, bean sprouts, and other ingredients are seasoned with hot peppers, fried, and served in a soy sauce-based soup. It also features plenty of garlic. Although it is called "Taiwan ramen", it originated in "Taiwan"...

2021.11.29

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Ogura Toast

After toasting thickly sliced bread, it is spread with margarine or butter and topped with red bean paste. You can get it at many coffee shops in Nagoya city.

Tebasaki fried chicken wings

Deep-fried chicken wings are coated with a sweet and spicy sauce and seasoned with sesame and pepper for a spicy flavor. The origin of this dish is ``Ganso Tebasaki Fried Chicken Wings Furaibo'', which was founded in Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City in 1963, and since then, chicken wings have been offered at various restaurants.

Koro Udon

Koro is cold udon noodles and kishimen noodles eaten in Aichi and Gifu prefectures. The difference from 'bukkake' is that the udon is not cold and is as close to room temperature as possible. Because it is not too cold, the noodles are both chewy and springy.

10 recommended places to eat "Nagoya food" when you come to Nagoya! 

One of the fun things to do when sightseeing in Nagoya is Nagoya food! "Nagoya food" represents Nagoya's unique food culture. A large gathering of gourmet foods unique to Nagoya, such as Hitsumabushi, Miso Nikomi Udon udon, chicken wings, kishimen, and Taiwan ramen! Not only is it a gourmet dish that originated in Nagoya, but it is loved in Nagoya and its surrounding areas...

2023.02.28

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Nagoya's Soul Food "Red Miso"

Many different types of miso are made throughout Japan, but the essential ingredient in Nagoya, located in the Tokai region, is aka-miso (red miso). In addition to miso soup, dote-ni, miso katsu, Miso Nikomi Udon and other specialties, red miso (soybean miso) is used in oden, somen noodles, nabe dishes, and just about everything else.

[Okazaki city] Learn about the History and Miso Production on a Tour of the "Maruya Hatcho miso" brewery!

Hatcho miso is popular not only for health but also as a beauty food. Since the Edo period, traditional manufacturing methods have been used to preserve the taste and techniques, and have been passed down from generation to generation. There are only two breweries in Yacho-cho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture that have inherited this traditional technique. This time, we will talk about the history of one of them, ``Maruya Hatcho miso''...

2020.12.15

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Customs of Nagoya

Unique customs have been rooted in Nagoya for a long time. We will pick up 5 of the many customs and introduce them.

Morning breakfast culture rooted in Nagoya

In Nagoya, there is a morning breakfast culture of eating breakfast at a coffee shop. If you order a drink at a coffee shop, it comes with toast and eggs for free. There are also shops where you can have morning breakfast all day long.

Also, many coffee shops in Aichi Prefecture serve nuts and beans when you order coffee, not just in the morning breakfast.

10 Coffee shops that boasts morning breakfast in Nagoya! 

Nagoya's long-established coffee shops "Konparu Osu Main Store" and "Konparu Osu" are long-established coffee shops that are also hotly supported by celebrities. More than 20 types of sandwiches, including the famous fried shrimp sandwich, are authentic and full of volume. It is also popular as a souvenir. Stores are Osu main store, Sunroad store, Eisai store...

2023.05.31

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Nagoya people who are good at saving money in Japan

Nagoya people are famous for being stingy and showy, but the average savings is 14 million yen. It is said that they hate debt, so they don't drink using credit card. Instead, they spend the most money in the country on coffee shop fees, and the amount is seven times that of Aomori Prefecture.

They value communication at the coffee shop over "nominication" (communication with alcohol drinks).

Nagoya-tobashi 

The term "Nagoya-bashi" (skip Nagoya)  is a slang term used to describe events held in Japan that are not held in Nagoya, and was popularized in the 1980s when singers Madonna and Michael Jackson visited Japan and other major events and concerts were not held in Nagoya until then. 

In fact, Nagoya is really often skipped over.

Nagoya people who indicate the place by "direction"

People in Nagoya have a habit of indicating places in terms of direction. When you ask people for directions or when meeting someone, they reply, "North side of the building," or "I'll be on the south side of the clock." This is especially true of older people.

If you don't have sense of direction, you'll have trouble understanding.

There are actually many No. 1s.!

Nagoya is often ridiculed as an unattractive city, but there are actually many No. 1s.

・Toyota has the world's largest sales volume
・National Treasure No. 1 "Nagoya Castle" (burnt down in 1945 air raids.)
・The world's largest planetarium "Nagoya City Science Museum"
・"Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens" has the largest number of exhibits in Japan
・Subway that runs the latest in Japan (arrives at Hoshigaoka Station, the last stop, operates until 1:15 the next day)
・ Tokugawa Art Museum has the largest number of swords in Japan
・Japan's largest shipment value of manufactured goods

This time, we introduce you to Nagoya.
Please use it as a reference.