Hidekichi・Chinese Dumplings・Japan & China

Name： Kawano Hidemi (Hidekichi)

Faculty/Year : Faculty of law, 2nd year

Hometown： Japan & China

Club Activities: Korean Cultural Research Club

Hobbies and Interests: Interested in a video game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons which is developed by Nintendo

Q: How would you describe China as a country？

A: China has a huge territory and a large population.

My dad is Japanese and my mom is Chinese. I have lived in the Fujian Province of China for 10 years, hence I can speak basic Chinese. Compared with Japan, I feel that China is very huge and there are many people. Moreover, electronic payment in China is very developed. People usually pay with a QR code when they go shopping.

Q: What's your memory about Chinese dumplings?

A: It's the favourite dish of my family.

I often made dumplings with my mom when I was young. Because she was very good at making dumplings, I learned a few tricks of making dumplings from her. I remembered she had a lot of cabbage in the dumplings, and the flavour was a little bit light.

Q: Could you share with us the history of Chinese dumplings?

A: Dumplings are eaten during celebrations in China.

Dumplings are mostly eaten at activities or celebratory parties before and after the Chinese Spring Festival. One reason is that the shape of dumplings is similar to the “horseshoe silver”(Yuan Bao) formerly used as money until the Qing Dynasty. Hence, it has implied that people who eat dumplings could be blessed with wealth. It is said that the tradition of eating dumplings during the Chinese Spring Festival began in the Ming Dynasty. There are also people who wrap small coins, silver coins, and gemstones in dumplings. There's a saying that the person who eats special dumplings with small little things wrapped inside means he could be lucky all year long. Lastly, dumplings in Chinese are pronounced similar to Chinese words of “give birth to a child”, hence eating dumplings also symbolizes the wish to be blessed with children in China.

Q: Where would you go if you want to eat dumplings in Japan?

A: My family could cook it for me, or I can go to a friend's Chinese restaurant!

People usually go to Chinatown in Yokohama or “Gyoza no Ohsho”(A famous Japanese franchise Chinese restaurant) to eat dumplings, but I think the taste is not very authentic. I always go to a Chinese restaurant run by my friend’s family called “Da Zhen Restaurant” (大珍饭店). If you want to try authentic Chinese dumplings, please go to Da Zhen Restaurant. Besides, since I live in Hachioji, Japan with my family, I could enjoy dumplings made by my mom at home.

Q: Would you like to share something with readers of our recipe book?

A: Chinese people are very kind, please try to be friends with more Chinese people!

From the Japanese point of view, some Chinese people may be a little difficult to get along with, but most Chinese are kind-hearted. All Chinese who decided to come to Japan because they love Japan! So please try to get to know more Chinese people.

Again, I would like to emphasize the fact that if you want to taste the authentic Chinese flavour, please definitely go to the Da Zhen Restaurant that I had just introduced!