Abstract
There are reports about the custom of eating rice gruel made with tea in mainly western Japan.But details are not clear.In order to clarify the reason and origin of it, the range and distribution of this custom in Saga prefecture in2000is investigated by a questionnaire distributed to dietitians (age20-70) living in the area.
1) The custom of eating rice gruel made with tea is more practiced especially the regions under the rule of Nabeshima and Hasuike clans for economic and scarcity reasons.
2) 41%of people in Saga prefecture have this custom, however it is on the decrease.
3) Rice gruel made with tea is called Tyagayu or Tyagai rather than Okaisan.
4) The common ingredients added to rice gruel made with tea in Saga are sweet potato and rice cake.
