Product Summary (Registration No.174)

Registration No.174 南関素麺

Registered name (Transcription) : 南関素麺（Nankan Somen）
Reference information : Nankan Somen（Dried Noodles）

Category of product

Class 5 : Processed agricultural product（Dried Noodles)

Production Area

Nankan Town, Tamana County, Kumamoto Prefecture

Registered Group

Nankanmachi Seki Somen Manufacturing Association

Characteristics

Nankan Somen has a history of production dating back to the Edo period. It is made using the traditional methods of hand-kneading and hand-stretching, without the use of any machinery, a practice that is rare even in Japan. Because of its rarity, it has earned the nickname “the elusive somen.” Its smoothness when swallowed and its distinctly firm, resilient texture are highly regarded by consumers. Despite its limited production volume, it is so highly prized that producers receive numerous orders from across Japan.

Link with the Production Area

The production area lies in a basin surrounded by mountains. Its low winter temperatures and dry air provide climatic conditions suitable for making somen. High-quality wheat, salt, and other ingredients have long been produced in the surrounding area, making it easy to procure the principal ingredients for somen. Consequently, farmers have produced somen as a secondary occupation during the winter. Performing the entire production process by hand, without the use of any machinery, gives Nankan Somen its distinctive texture, and producers have steadfastly preserved this traditional production method over many years.