Natto is a traditional Washoku fermented food.
Many people in Japan eat it for breakfast, and it appears on tables every day.
For many Japanese people, natto is normal daily food.
Many foreigners describe it as
“smelly beans with sticky strings.”
Even so, many Japanese people eat natto regularly
because they believe it supports good health.
- What is natto made from?
- Why is natto sticky?
- Why does natto smell so strong?
- How do Japanese people usually eat natto?
- Why is natto often eaten in the morning?
- Is natto eaten everywhere in Japan?
- Why is natto shocking for many foreigners?
- Natto is a food people either love or hate
- Conclusion (What Japan perspective)
What is natto made from?
Natto is made from soybeans.
Steamed soybeans are fermented with natto bacteria
(Bacillus subtilis).
The ingredients are very simple:
- soybeans
- natto bacteria
That is basically all.
Why is natto sticky?
The strong stickiness and long strings
are the most famous features of natto.
This stickiness is created during fermentation.
It is not a sign of rot.
In Japan, people often say
“the more you mix it, the better it tastes.”
Why does natto smell so strong?
Natto has a very unique smell from fermentation.
People’s reactions are very different.
Even in Japan, some people dislike the smell.
Others, who grew up eating it,
find the smell appetizing.
How do Japanese people usually eat natto?
The most common way is very simple:
- mix the soybeans with the included sauce and mustard
- put it on rice and eat it
Some people also add:
- raw egg
- green onions
- seaweed
There is no single correct way.
Each household eats it a little differently.
Why is natto often eaten in the morning?
Natto is:
- easy to prepare
- nutritious
- inexpensive
Because of this, it is perfect for busy mornings.
In Japan, fermented foods are often seen as healthy,
so eating natto at the start of the day is common.
Is natto eaten everywhere in Japan?
Today, natto is eaten all over Japan.
However, Mito City in Ibaraki Prefecture is especially famous.
In Mito, you can find:
- natto specialty shops
- natto set meals
The city is often called “the home of natto.”
Why is natto shocking for many foreigners?
For many visitors, natto is surprising because of:
- its appearance
- its smell
- its stickiness
At the same time, for Japanese people,
it is just a normal breakfast.
This gap is one reason why natto is often talked about.
Natto is a food people either love or hate
Even among Japanese people,
not everyone likes natto.
Some people never eat it.
Others say they cannot start the day without it.
Natto is a good example of everyday Japanese food
that shows how different food cultures can be.
Conclusion (What Japan perspective)
Natto is not a special dish in Japan.
It is ordinary food.
Because it is so ordinary,
asking “why do Japanese people eat this?”
can help us understand Japanese food culture a little better.
Natto tastes mild and savory, although the smell feels strong at first.
However, when mixed with sauce and mustard, the flavor feels softer
and the sticky texture feels more noticeable than the taste.
The smell comes from fermentation, and it can feel sharp in the nose.
However, the smell often feels weaker after mixing,
and the air around the bowl feels less intense over time.
Natto is quick to prepare, and people often eat it in the morning
when the body feels low on energy.
Because it feels light in the stomach, many say it causes less fatigue after eating.
The slimy strings come from fermentation and feel sticky between the chopsticks.
At first, the texture can feel uncomfortable in the mouth,
but after a few bites, many people say it feels easier to swallow.
