2025 Volume 21 Pages 13-25
Noriman is a special Japanese sweet served at Buddhist ceremonies in the Central region of Nagano Prefecture. This study clarifies the characteristics and current status of Noriman through literature reviews, telephone surveys, and interviews, and identifies the challenges of passing this food tradition onto future generations. Noriman usually consists of three to seven steamed buns filled with red bean paste and wrapped in nori seaweed. The dish has traditionally been served at funerals and memorial services in the Azumino region, which extends from Omachi City to Shiojiri City. For over 100 years, Noriman has been served in homes and at Buddhist services, typically ordered from Japanese sweet shops. A serious challenge in passing on the Noriman tradition in the Azumino region is the declining demand caused by the simplification of funerals and memorial services. The solution to this problem involves deliberate action to preserve the tradition of serving Noriman at funerals and memorial services.
