Planting of "Tanba Kuro," a Specialty Product Indispensable for Osechi Ryori, Begins in Tanba Sasayama City

One of the representative specialty products of Tanba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture, is "black soybeans." "Tanba Kuro," a variety of black soybean originating in Tanba Sasayama City, is said to have the world's largest beans, and because it requires more effort than regular black soybeans, producers also call it "trouble beans." It is characterized by its unique sweetness and richness, and is a delicacy with many fans nationwide. In the city, the planting of black soybeans has reached its peak.

Black Soybeans of Tanba Sasayama City

Tanba Sasayama City has been producing the native black soybean variety "Tanba Kuro" for over 300 years. "Tanba Kuro" is an extremely late-maturing variety, characterized by its large bean size, unique sweetness, and richness. It is popular as a New Year's dish of simmered black beans because the skin does not easily break when simmered, it swells well, has a jet-black luster, a spreading aroma, and a chewy texture.

Furthermore, "Kuro Edamame," harvested only in October before full maturity, is a precious specialty product that can only be eaten for a short period of three weeks. It is also called "phantom edamame" because reservations flood in before its release. It differs from regular edamame, with large beans and a unique deep sweetness and richness, and every October, many people come from outside the city to buy it.

Cultivation of Tanba Sasayama Black Soybeans

"Tanba Kuro" has a longer cultivation period than regular black soybeans. The branches spread widely, and there are many tasks such as earthing up and watering during the summer. Furthermore, harvesting and drying also require effort, making it a specialty product that requires more skill, effort, and time compared to general black soybeans.

The cultivation of black soybeans in Tanba Sasayama City began over 300 years ago. Through the wisdom and efforts of our predecessors, we have refined our techniques to grow large, high-quality seeds and produce good beans even in areas with low rainfall. This traditional agricultural system has been recognized by the country as a "GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System)".

About GIAHS

Producer Comments

Hideshi and Masako Hosomi, who produce black soybeans in the city.

"This year, the germination rate is good, and they have grown well so far. From now until harvest, we will have busy days with tasks such as earthing up, heat countermeasures, and measures against diseases and animal damage, but we hope they will grow large. We will do our best to grow black soybeans that are worthy of the name Tanba Sasayama, so that consumers can enjoy them deliciously at the end of the year."

Although extreme heat is expected in fiscal year 2026, with regular rainfall since the start of the rainy season, we anticipate average yields and quality.

Early reservations are now open for Furusato Nozei (hometown tax donation), so please reserve and enjoy the taste of Tanba Sasayama, "Tanba Kuro Daizu."

Furusato Nozei here

About Tanba Sasayama City, Hyogo Prefecture

Tanba Sasayama City, a town surrounded by mountains in the central-eastern part of Hyogo Prefecture, prospered in ancient times as a transportation hub from the western provinces to Kyoto. The influence of Kyoto culture is still strongly evident in the townscape and festivals, such as the procession of floats. In addition, the unique climate and environment, such as the temperature difference between day and night peculiar to the basin and the "Tanba Fog" that occurs from autumn to winter, nurture many agricultural products, including the nationally famous "Tanba Kuro," allowing visitors to enjoy the flavors of the four seasons.