Jam in Japan

Today, and April 20th annually, is Jam Day ジャムの日 in Japan. The anniversary was established in 2015 by the Japan Jam Industry Association. The purpose: to celebrate the sweetness, history and craftmanship behind the beloved preserves.

The date of the anniversary reportedly comes from a moment in 1910 when Shiokawa Ichiro, of Nagano's Matsuoka Village, presented his handmade strawberry jam to the Meiji Emperor. This imperial recognition symbolized a turning point for jam in Japan. Jam, once a niche Western-style product, was acknowledged as a refined, high-quality food worthy of national pride. 

Japan's relationship with jam stretches back even further though. In 1877, the Kanno Bureau in Shinjuku sold experimental batches of strawberry jam, marking the earliest known domestic production. Today, Jam Day encourages people to rediscover jam, not only as a spread, but as a small piece of culinary heritage shaped by regional fruit, careful cooking and the desire to preserve seasonal flavor?

Have you ever made your own jam? Do you have a favorite jam flavor?