Cactus

2022/03/14

Takanori Fukuda

Green House Co., Ltd. Group Executive Officer, Director of Office of Communications and Public Relations; 1987 Economics

Edible cactus! This is not about edible cacti like the Mexican nopal, but rather the tonkatsu brand. The name originates from the desire to be loved and familiar to people for a long time, just like the cactus plant known to people all over the world, which produces cute flowers and possesses a resilient vitality that allows it to survive even with little water.

In December 1966, shortly before the dawn of the restaurant industry, the first restaurant was born as part of the Shinjuku Subcenter development project. In the 55 years since, "Saboten" has become a taste of Japan loved even at approximately 100 overseas locations, and is increasingly referred to as a "long-established" establishment. Having experienced economic and social changes and ups and downs during this time, Saboten, which continues to welcome customers every day in the Reiwa era, is exactly as its name suggests from my perspective today. Whether by chance or necessity, some of the pork currently used for Saboten's "katsu" is specially produced and processed in Mexico.

If one aspect of the "kotodama" (spirit of words) concept is that "what is said comes true exactly as it is," then Saboten should continue to bloom flowers that are loved. With that wish, I'm doing another tasting today!

Ayako Matsumura

Associate Professor, College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University; Kasugai Public Relations Ambassador; 2019 Graduate School of Media Design PhD

Kasugai Cactus is a specialty of Kasugai City, Aichi Prefecture. The production of seedling cacti for ornamental use began in 1953 and has a history of nearly 70 years. Furthermore, for about 20 years, cacti have been "eaten" in Kasugai, becoming a part of the culture. Because cacti are highly nutritious and pair well with various ingredients, over 30 products including sweets, bread, ramen, gyoza, and pasta are sold in the city, and they are even served in school lunches. Their uses are diverse, including being used in shampoo. Research has shown that edible "prickly pear cactus" can be expected to have a wide variety of functions, such as dieting, intestinal regulation, prevention of cancer, high cholesterol, and arteriosclerosis, anti-allergic effects, recovery from fatigue, and mental stability. From the perspectives of health maintenance and the SDGs, "edible cactus" is gaining global attention. Taking this opportunity, we are promoting it alongside the cactus character trio—Haruyo, Himaru, and Inosuke—with an eye toward national and global expansion. Please try the "eating," "using," and "healthy" Kasugai Cactus for yourself.

Ryohei Tomizuka

Part-time Lecturer, Faculty of Letters, Keio University; 2009 Letters, 2021 Letters PhD

John Landis's "Three Amigos!" (1986) is a Western comedy film set in Mexico. A village girl mistakes the "Three Amigos" trio she happens to see in a movie at a church for real heroes of justice and asks them to defeat the bandits attacking her village. When they visit the village under the misunderstanding that a film shoot is taking place, the bandits arrive...

The gags utilizing the trio's gestures are still reasonably funny today. However, it is difficult to laugh now at gags predicated on the low intelligence of Mexicans. For example, compared to recent works that show more respect for Mexican culture, such as "Coco" (2017), which reflects the growth of the Hispanic population and influence in the United States, the outdatedness of the gaze directed at Mexico in this film is undeniable. The cactus has withered.

That said, of course, not all of Landis's sensibilities have become obsolete. The destructive humor of "Animal House" (1978) and "The Blues Brothers" (1980) will surely continue to be passed down.

Yuko Honya

In Mexican supermarkets and outdoor markets, cacti shaped like sandals (locally called nopal) are sold as food ingredients. People in Mexico love dishes made with this cactus. However, before cooking, the spines must be removed with tweezers or a peeler. This extra step is extremely important for eating nopal deliciously and safely.

Nopal is commonly sautéed with beef or chicken and wrapped in tortillas (the Mexican staple: corn crepes), but the ways to enjoy it are infinite depending on the cooking method and ingredients—such as making an omelet with onions and Oaxaca cheese (a stringy cheese that is delicious when melted), or making a salad by adding onions and cottage cheese to chopped and blanched nopal with a squeeze of lime, or using it as an ingredient in a rich soup. Nopal has a strong stickiness like natto, a texture like stem wakame seaweed, and a slight acidity that becomes addictive. If you encounter a cactus dish, please try its flavor. VIVA MEXICO, cactus is delicious!

ノパルは、牛肉や鶏肉などと炒めてトルティージャ（メキシコの主食：トウモロコシのクレープ）に巻いて食べるのが一般的だが、玉ねぎやオアハカチーズ（割けるチーズ、溶けたものが美味）とともにオムレツにしたり、刻んで湯通ししたものに玉ねぎとカッテージチーズを加えライムを搾ってサラダにしたり、濃厚なスープの具材にしたりと、調理法と合わせる食材次第で愉しみ方が無限に広がる。ノパルは納豆のような強い粘り気と茎わかめのような食感、かすかな酸味が癖になる。サボテン料理に出会ったら、ぜひその味を試してみてほしい。VIVA MEXICO（メキシコ万歳）、サボテンは美味しい！