Ozu Imotaki
Ozu imotaki simmers taro grown around the Hiji River with chicken, fried tofu, konnyaku, and dried shiitake in a soy-based broth. The autumn riverside gathering where people share the pot is...
At a glance
| Name | Ozu Imotaki (Imotaki) |
|---|---|
| Prefecture | Ehime |
| Region | Shikoku |
| Type | Ozu taro and chicken hot pot |
What is it?
Ozu imotaki simmers taro grown around the Hiji River with chicken, fried tofu, konnyaku, and dried shiitake in a soy-based broth. The autumn riverside gathering where people share the pot is also called imotaki.
It resembles other Japanese taro hot pots, but Ozu's representative combination is taro, chicken, fried tofu, and a mildly sweet soy broth. Ehime localities still vary in ingredients and seasoning.
History and local context
Ozu traces the custom to spring and autumn okomori community gatherings, when residents brought the new taro crop to the Hiji riverbank. The long-standing social practice became an organized tourism event in 1966.
Ayu broth is remembered in older riverside pots, while current official recipes and shops may use chicken or dried-fish stock. Ayu is historical context, not a mandatory modern ingredient.
How to enjoy it
Break open a taro first to taste its creamy center and sweet broth, then combine it with chicken, tofu, and konnyaku. Udon or rice can finish the broth. Use serving chopsticks, cook chicken fully, and manage food temperature carefully outdoors.
Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ozu Imotaki from?
It is associated with Ehime, in the Shikoku region of Japan.
What kind of food is Ozu Imotaki?
This guide classifies it as ozu taro and chicken hot pot. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.
Can I order Ozu Imotaki 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.
This section contains an advertising affiliate link to Rakuten Japan.