和歌山県·特産品
Kushigaki (Skewered Persimmons)
As autumn deepens in the Shigo district of Katsuragi Town, strings of persimmons sway under the eaves like amber beads, dyeing the satoyama landscape in hues of gold. This is a seasonal hallmark of the village of kushigaki, an auspicious decoration that brightens the New Year. A single skewer holds ten persimmons: two at each end and six in the middle. This arrangement embodies a traditional mnemonic for family happiness: 'Itsumo nikoniko (two and two), nakamutsu majiku (middle six),' which translates to 'Always smiling, closely bonded.' While it serves as a decoration to welcome the New Year alongside kagami mochi, it is also, of course, delicious to eat. When gently removed from the skewer and bitten into, a thick, intense sweetness spreads across the palate. Because they are dried with such care and time, the flavor is highly concentrated. It is a dish that is beautiful to behold and joyful to eat—a way to savor the very essence of celebration.
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