Tokuji Yamanoimo Yam (Yamaguchi): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

Shipped from November to around March, peaking at the end of the year.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Tokuji Yamanoimo yam is characterized by its excellent viscosity when grated. Typical shapes include the short-necked, broad-shouldered tsukune or "fist-shaped" type with wavy or indented edges. The outer skin is smooth, and edible parts have very few root hair.

Link with the production area

High-quality yields of this type of yam require land with low groundwater levels that do not dry during growth periods. Tokuji district has made itself capable of consistent production of high quality yam by adopting it as a rotational crop for rice, selecting short-necked tubers for planting to ensure sufficient levels of humidity are maintained even in rice paddy fields with shallow soil depths.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s100.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

Some shop links on this page are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

It is offered as a Yamaguchi City furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) gift.

FAQ

A ginkgo-leaf-shaped yam (ichoimo) grown in rotation with rice in paddy fields in the Tokuji district of Yamaguchi City. Shaped like a palm or fist with a short neck and broad shoulders, it has smooth skin with few root hairs and becomes very sticky when grated.

Tokuji Yamanoimo Yam is produced in Former Tokuji Town, Saba County, as of September 30, 2005 (now the Tokuji District of Yamaguchi City), Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Tokuji Yamanoimo Yam is in season (harvested or shipped) in Nov–Mar. Shipped from November to around March, peaking at the end of the year.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation). Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Tokuji Yamanoimo Yam was registered as a Geographical Indication on November 18, 2020 (Registration No. 100). The registered producer group is Yamaguchi Prefecture Agricultural Cooperative.