Jojo-giri (Irago Shiruko)

Jojo-giri is an Atsumi Peninsula dish of short, flat handmade wheat noodles in sweet azuki soup, also called Irago shiruko. The noodles are about 3 millimeters thick, 4 centimeters long and...

Jojo-giri (Irago Shiruko)
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameJojo-giri (Irago Shiruko) (Jojo-giri)
PrefectureAichi
RegionChubu
TypeShort wheat noodles in sweet azuki soup

What is it?

Jojo-giri is an Atsumi Peninsula dish of short, flat handmade wheat noodles in sweet azuki soup, also called Irago shiruko. The noodles are about 3 millimeters thick, 4 centimeters long and 1 centimeter wide.

Jojo means loach in the local dialect; the name refers to the noodle shape, not an ingredient. A savory soy-seasoned version with root vegetables also survives.

History and local context

Farm households used wheat and sweet potatoes in everyday food. The sweet version became a snack and a dish marking the end of farm work.

It belongs to Japan's wider family of flour-based noodles, but sweet azuki soup and very short strips distinguish it from hoto and ordinary udon.

How to enjoy it

Spoon up azuki soup and one flat strip together. The wheat has more bite and less stretch than mochi or shiratama.

It is now more often found in food-education programs and local events than on permanent menus.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Jojo-giri (Irago Shiruko) from?

It is associated with Aichi, in the Chubu region of Japan.

What kind of food is Jojo-giri (Irago Shiruko)?

This guide classifies it as short wheat noodles in sweet azuki soup. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Jojo-giri (Irago Shiruko) online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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