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- Last Updated: Thursday, 14 May 2020 22:26
- Written by John Holland
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Koshigaya-Negi
Allium fistulosum is a type of onion that has a long white stalk that connects an elongate bulb, not much thicker than the stalk, to long, hollow, tube-like leaves. Allium fistulosum are called Negi in Japanese, and are known by a number of names in English. These include Welsh Onion and Japanese Bunching Onion. Allium fistulosum grown in Koshigaya are called Koshigaya-Negi, and are known for having a strong stalk that does not break into pieces during cooking. Although it is unknown exactly when such high-quality Negi were first cultivated in the Koshigaya area, there is documentation suggesting that it was during the Edo Period (1603 - 1867). Koshigaya City’s administration has encouraged the cultivation of Koshigaya-Negi in Mashimori, Nakajima and other areas of the city, where there is farmland surrounded by natural embankments, and much farmland in these areas has been converted into Negi fields. Koshigaya City is now well known for its Negi, and ranks with Fukaya City as a famous Negi-producing area.
In Japan an early Spring is expected this year. Any mention of Spring reminds me of Cherry Blossom time in Koshigaya. It also brings back memories of our ‘homestay’ with Mr. and Mrs. Kobayashi-san at the Hisaizu Shrine residence on the Sister City (Adult) visit in 2000. One of the simple pleasures at that time was walking through the tunnel formed by the 200 years old plus Wisteria. The old plant grows over wide trellises by a pond (full of turtles).
Daishoji Temple was built in 750, and is located in the Koshigaya City's Osagami area. It is widely known as “Osagami Fudo.” The temple's gate is about 200 years old, and displays a tablet that was handwritten by Sadanobu Matsudaira, a senior official in the Tokugawa Shogunate