Curry rice is now a standard menu item in Japan, but did you know that it actually originated as a naval meal?

Yokosuka Navy Curry, which has its roots in Yokosuka City, which has a deep connection with the navy, has become popular nationwide. It is still loved by a wide range of generations regardless of the season, and is a local B-class gourmet dish unique to Kanagawa.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Yokosuka Navy Curry.

Characteristics of Yokosuka Navy Curry

Because "Yokosuka Navy Curry" is a registered trademark, in order to use the name, approval must be obtained from the "Yokosuka Curry Town Business Association Executive Committee."

Yokosuka Navy Curry is based on the "Navy Cooking Reference Book" published in 1908. This recipe is a restoration of a curry recipe made by the Japanese Navy with the nutritional needs of soldiers in mind.

To summarize the Navy Cooking Reference Book, the ingredients are meat (beef or chicken), carrots, onions, potatoes, salt, curry powder, flour, and rice. To make it, cut the meat, onions, carrots, and potatoes into small cubes and fry them. Then, add beef fat to a frying pan and fry the flour until golden brown. Then add the curry powder, soup, meat, and vegetables, simmer over low heat, and season with salt. Pour over rice and add chutney to finish.

The rule for "Yokosuka Navy Curry" is that it must be served in a three-item set consisting of the finished curry rice, milk, and salad. This rule is in keeping with the tradition of prioritizing nutritional balance, following the example of the menus of the former navy.

Each certified store in Yokosuka uses this basic recipe as a base, but adds its own unique touches to the dish.

The History of Yokosuka Navy Curry

The history of "Yokosuka Navy Curry" dates back to the Meiji period. At the time, the Japanese Navy was facing serious health issues, as beriberi caused by a lack of vitamin B1 due to a diet centered on white rice. To solve this problem, naval surgeon Takagi Kanehiro noticed the British Navy's curry-flavored stew as a nutritious menu item, and created a Japanese version of curry rice.

Back then, there was no curry roux, so curry was made by hand using beef fat and flour. Although the taste was similar to modern curry, it was said to have a light, nostalgic flavor without using pork. The curry was simple yet well-balanced in nutrition.

The curry was thickened with wheat flour to prevent spillage while at sea. The combination of curry and rice suited the Japanese palate, improved nutritional deficiencies, and contributed to a dramatic reduction in beriberi.

Retired military personnel spread this navy curry all over the country, and curry eventually became a staple of home cooking. Yokosuka, which has a deep historical connection to the navy, declared itself a "Curry Town" in 1999 and has made Yokosuka Navy Curry the centerpiece of its regional revitalization efforts, passing on its history and flavor to the present day. In addition, a "Curry Festival" is also held, where you can enjoy comparing different types of curry.

Friday is curry day

By the way, in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, it is customary to eat curry every Friday. When serving at sea or on long ocean voyages, crew members lose track of the days of the week due to the unchanging ocean scenery and irregular work schedules.

So, to restore the sense of the days of the week and boost morale among the crew, curry was started to be served as a special menu on Fridays. This custom spread to all departments, not just those on board, and now curry is eaten every Friday as a common event in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

And in Yokosuka City, the "city of curry," eating curry on Fridays is encouraged, and certified restaurants offer special services such as large portions and discounts, much to the delight of local curry fans. By eating "Yokosuka Navy Curry" on Fridays, you can experience the historic naval culture while also enjoying the pleasure of welcoming the start of a new weekend with curry.

Sightseeing spots around Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa, where you can enjoy Yokosuka Navy Curry, has many tourist attractions. This time, we will introduce three popular tourist spots in Yokosuka City.

Mikasa Park

Mikasa Park in Yokosuka is an attractive spot where history and nature coexist in harmony. The park has been selected as one of the "Top 100 City Parks in Japan" and "Top 100 Historical Parks in Japan." The Mikasa, one of the world's three largest memorial ships that played an active role in the Russo-Japanese War, is preserved here, and visitors can board the ship and take a tour.

The park features a fountain where water dances to music, a dynamic wall fountain, and a fantastic light-up at dusk. Another attraction is the statue of Togo Heihachiro, Tokyo Bay, and the magnificent view of Sarushima Island. This is a representative tourist spot in Yokosuka where you can enjoy history and art.

Monkey Island

Sarushima is the only natural island in Tokyo Bay, and was once a fortress island where gun batteries and munitions stores were placed to protect Tokyo Bay. French-style brick buildings, barracks, and tunnels still remain, and you can see this precious heritage up close.

Currently, the island is uninhabited, but you can freely explore it. The island is rich in nature, making it the perfect place for family hiking and forest bathing. There are also plenty of activities to enjoy in the sea breeze and sun, such as playing on the rocks, fishing, and barbecues.

Soleil Hill

Soleil Hill is a vast agricultural experience park themed on the Provence region of France. The vast grounds are filled with seasonal flowers such as rape blossoms and cosmos, allowing you to enjoy beautiful scenery. There are plenty of hands-on activities to enjoy, such as interacting with animals, harvesting seasonal vegetables, and making bread and pizza.

There are also adventures such as zip lines, Ferris wheels, and large athletic facilities, so you can have fun while enjoying nature. After enjoying the barbecue and rural buffet, you can relax in the open-air bath. The whole family can enjoy it all day long.

How to get to Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Kanagawa, an attractive prefecture for both gourmet food and sightseeing, is located in an easily accessible location.

From Tokyo, you can reach Yokohama in about 30 minutes on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. If you are heading to Yokosuka City, you can also take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station and arrive in about an hour.

It takes about an hour and a half to get from Nagoya to Yokohama using the Tokaido Shinkansen "Nozomi." There are also express buses in service, so you can take the long way and travel more affordably.

From Osaka, you can reach Kanagawa in about two hours by Shinkansen. If you use the "Nozomi" or "Hikari" trains, you can smoothly reach major cities such as Yokohama and Kawasaki.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Kanagawa. Find the best way to get there.

Location of Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture

summary

Yokosuka Navy Curry has a nostalgic, retro taste and adheres to the unique rules of Navy Curry, but has also been arranged in a modern style, making it loved by people of all ages.

If you visit Kanagawa, be sure to try Yokosuka Navy Curry.

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