NHK is set to showcase the vibrant flavors of Gifu Prefecture this New Year’s Day through its special broadcast dedicated to local culinary treasures. On January 1, 2025, the program titled "想ひメシ" (Omoi-Meshi), which translates to "food from the heart," will take viewers on a delicious exploration of dishes deeply rooted in regional culture, including the beloved salt-boiled potatoes from Motosu City.
The segment will feature NHK announcer Ootani Maika, who will connect with the heart and soul of Gifu’s residents as she investigates their cherished culinary practices. This unique dish has become emblematic of love and tradition within the local community, hinting at flavors tied to family and hometown pride.
According to NHK, the program is particularly aimed at providing information to various demographics, including children, the elderly, and foreign nationals, ensuring everyone is catered for. "We aim to provide easy-to-understand information for everyone," stated NHK, outlining their commitment to delivering content that's accessible to all.
Among the featured recipes is the ever-popular salt-boiled potato, known as "じゃがいもの塩煮" (Jagaimo no Shio-ni). Ootani visited the Nogoya district of Motosu City to speak with local chef Kumie Haneda, who explained the deep connection the community feels for this dish. She enthusiastically described how this simple, nourishing meal has been passed down through generations.
What makes the salt-boiled potatoes especially interesting is the way they are prepared. Rather than using conventional kitchen appliances, the dish is prepared outdoors with firewood for authenticity. Local potatoes are carefully washed and simmered until cooked to perfection. The communal effort strengthens not just the flavors but also the ties among the community members.
Haneda reminisced about childhood memories associated with cooking and dining on these potatoes—moments filled with laughter and love shared among family. Such sentiments highlight the importance of food as not just sustenance but also as life-affirming memories and family legacies.
With this heartfelt presentation, NHK hopes to inspire viewers to appreciate the simple yet powerful stories behind local cuisine. The New Year's program, airing at 9 PM, will also be available on NHK Plus until January 8, making it accessible for those who may wish to revisit the culinary wonders presented.
This initiative is not only about food; it reflects NHK’s broader mission to support local communities and promote their cultural heritage through diverse storylines. With such initiatives, the broadcaster continues to play its role as not just a news provider but as a custodian of cultural narratives.
On the news front, NHK has also launched new broadcasts to deliver news segments using simpler language, making them more relatable. Announcers Ueda Sanae and Hatakeyama Tomoyuki will lead these programs aimed at helping various audiences understand news easily.
The upcoming broadcast format is set to deliver information at a slower pace and will focus on delivering necessary information for safe and secure living, ensuring everyone can stay informed regardless of their background or age.
Complementing the local flavors and cultural stories, the New Year’s broadcast will also include insights from Gifu's vibrant community, reinforcing how cuisine serves as both nourishment and connection—nurturing relationships and preserving histories through shared meals.
NHK invites everyone to kick off the New Year with this immersive culinary experience, showcasing the best of Gifu Prefecture alongside heartfelt stories from its residents.
Don't miss the opportunity to join Ootani Maika as she brings the taste of Gifu home to your screen, reminding us all of the flavors, stories, and warmth our local cuisines carry.
The program, set against the backdrop of new beginnings, promises to be as fulfilling as the dishes it highlights.
