His Majesty Loves Curried Rice in Japan
Ask Japanese kids what they love to eat, and you are sure to get "curried rice" for the answer. They just love it, at home and school. Next comes hamburger, perhaps, but on the top of the list ranks curried rice for sure.
Curried rice or often called "rice curry" originates in India and was first brought into Japan by no other than Subhas Chandra Bose, a leader in the Indian independence movement who fled to Japan during the World War II. Upon arrival and thereinafter, curried rice has gone through a long process of localization, and today, it's one of the most popular, well-loved foods in Japan. Even His Majesty the Emperor of Japan loves it.
Yes, His Majesty is so fond of curried rice that every time he travels out into local areas, the Imperial Household Agency advises "whom it may concern" that His Majesty "loves curried rice". Immediately after the end of the war, crates of curry powder were dedicated to the Crown Prince Palace, bares the imperial journalist Yoshiya Matsuzaki.
Matsuzaki reiterates, "His Majesty is fond of curried rice. When Their Majesties visited India after the royal marriage, Empress Michiko bought genuine Indian curry powder for souvenir." Indian chefs have been invited to the palace to arrange parties, it was reported. In the event of the Winter National Sports Festival in January 1974, His Majesty enjoyed curried rice in Fujiya Hotel's restaurant menu.
The news spread fast and the "imperial curried rice" suddenly became a specialty menu and people would line up to try it.
Another anecdote goes like this:
In April, 2011, right after the megaquake in Northeastern Japan, Their Majesties choppered over to Miyagi. His Majesty suggested to his attendant, "Arrange curried rice for lunch, at the base".
The last anecdote rings a lingering bell. His Majesty may be a great fun of curried rice, but is that the only reason why he Insists on curried rice at all times? It could very well be that His Majesty constantly has his subjects in mind: "Never to burden my people".