[For Elementary School Students] Miyagi Prefecture Local Quiz! A Fun Workbook That Adults Can Enjoy Learning With Too

Osaki City

It is a traditional craft born in the Naruko Onsen area of Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. Made by turning wood on a lathe, it is characterized by a distinctive sound produced when the body is rotated. Its simple, warm expression and floral painted designs are part of its charm, and it has long been cherished as a souvenir. With a long history, it is also highly popular among kokeshi enthusiasts across Japan.

edamame

Zunda mochi is a signature local dish of Miyagi Prefecture: boiled edamame are peeled, then mashed in a mortar and mixed with sugar to make “zunda bean paste,” which is coated onto mochi. It features a vibrant green color, the aroma of edamame, and a gentle sweetness, and has long been enjoyed for celebrations, seasonal events, and as a snack. In recent years, it has been widely adapted into dumplings, confections, and other sweets.

Sendai City

Sendai City is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture and is known as the largest city in the Tohoku region. It developed as a castle town founded by Date Masamune and today serves as a political, economic, and cultural center. With many tree-lined streets, it offers a comfortable living environment where urban functions and nature are in harmony. Transportation and commerce are well developed, and it plays an important role as a hub for tourism and academia.

Matsushima

Matsushima is a scenic area in Miyagi Prefecture and is counted among Japan’s three most celebrated views for its beautiful scenery of more than 260 large and small islands scattered across the bay. The landscape woven by the pine-covered islets and the tranquil sea has long captivated many people. Sightseeing cruises around the bay and views from observation points are also popular, making it a destination where visitors can enjoy nature in every season.

kokeshi (traditional Japanese wooden doll)

In Miyagi Prefecture, large kokeshi dolls are placed in various locations. Kokeshi are traditional wooden toys from Miyagi, and they are displayed so that locals and visitors can learn about Miyagi’s culture. During festivals and special events, even bigger giant kokeshi sometimes make an appearance, delighting those who come to see them. It’s one of Miyagi’s uniquely interesting traditions.

a shape like bamboo leaves

A specialty of Miyagi Prefecture, centered around Sendai, this traditional fish cake is made by shaping minced white fish into the form of a bamboo leaf. Lightly searing the surface adds a toasty aroma, and you can enjoy its fluffy texture and the flavor of the fish. It can be eaten as is, lightly grilled, or used as an ingredient in various dishes, and it is also a popular souvenir.

udon

In the Miyagi dialect, “pero” refers to udon, somen, or suiton (flour dumpling soup). It’s used in everyday conversation and is familiar to locals. For example, if someone says, “Kyō no yūhan wa, pero-jiru da yo,” it means, “Tonight’s dinner is suiton.” During the colder seasons, warm pero-jiru often appears on family tables, and the term is passed down as an affectionate local word.