There are the reports the custom of eating rice gruel made with tea mainly on Western Japan. But its details are not clarified. In order to clarify the eaten reason and origin of it, the range of its custom and distribution in Kyoto, Osaka, Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefecture in 1999 is investigated by Questionnaire. The Questionnaire was distributed to dietitians (age20-70) living in each area.
1) The custom of eating rice gruel made with tea is distributed especially on the border of the prefectures, and also in the seaside districts of Wakayama and Osaka prefectures.
2) Next to Wakayama prefecture, Nara prefecture has the most rice gruel made with tea, however this custom in all of them is on the decrease.
3) Rice gruel made with tea is called Tyagayu rather than Okaisan by Osaka and Mie prefectures, but called Okaisan by Wakayama prefecture.
4) The common materials added to rice gruel made with tea in the five areas are sweet potato, rice cake, and adzuki beans.
5) The reason that the custom of eating rice gruel made with tea remains today is that it tastes good.
