There are several unique customs at weddings and funerals in Hokkaido, and one of them is "kokuhan" (black rice). What exactly is this black rice that is often served at funerals and memorial services? Let us find out more.

Kuro-Meshi" is a type of rice served at funerals and memorial services.

Kuro-meshi is rice with black beans in it. It is widely eaten throughout Hokkaido, but similar customs also exist in other regions, such as parts of the Tohoku region, Ishikawa Prefecture, and Chiba Prefecture. In Hokkaido, glutinous rice is generally used for the rice part, but in other parts of Hokkaido, rice is used instead of glutinous rice, and there are subtle differences such as the use of black beans without or with flavor.

There are various theories as to why black rice is served at funerals and memorial services in Hokkaido, but the reason is not clear. One theory is that it did not originate in Hokkaido, but that the culture was brought to Hokkaido during the Meiji period (1868-1912) from among the regions of Japan that moved to Hokkaido, and then spread to all the provinces.

It is commonly served with the same salty flavor as sekihan (red rice)

Kuro-meshi (black rice) has the same salty taste as azuki red rice, and unlike the black beans eaten during the New Year's holiday, the black beans are generally not sweet and have a slightly hard texture. When eaten, it is sprinkled with sesame salt. The folded rice may also contain thin slices of bright red red ginger, which is another part that makes it different from regular okowa.

To purchase, order at a caterer or bento shop.

Kuro-meshi is not usually available in the bento section of supermarkets or convenience stores, and must be ordered from a caterer or bento shop. There is also a way to make it yourself if you want to eat it. If you have dry packs of black beans, simply put the dry packs in after the glutinous rice is cooked.

Is black rice a surprise to you?

Black rice eaten at funerals and legal ceremonies can be considered a cultural counterpart to sekihan (red rice), which is eaten when there is something to celebrate. Since it is not a dish that appears on everyday tables, many people may not know that it is a widespread food culture in Hokkaido. This is a good opportunity for you to learn more about Hokkaido's unique culture.

Check it out as well!