Harusame

Cellophane (Glass) Noodles or Spring Rain Noodles

A samurai named Tsukigata Hampeita said to a geisha holding an umbrella over him, “It’s Harusame (a spring drizzle). Let it drizzle on us”. It’s a very famous line from an old samurai drama and strangely encourages poor souls without an umbrella to go their way through a light spring rain. I mean when it starts drizzling in spring and you don’t have an umbrella with you, you can just say “It’s Harusame, I’ll take it! Why don’t I let it just spring-rain on me!” Anyway, for its poetic connotations of the Japanese name, I’d rather call this noodle “Spring Rain Noodle” instead of the established English name “cellophane or glass noodle” (cellophane and glass are not for eating, to begin with). Its slipping feel and smooth throat-through experience make a lovely ingredient for Sukiyaki and other Nabe (pot) cuisines, as well as various sautés and vinegar salads.

Compared to spring rain.	A salad with Harusame.

Compared to spring rain.. A salad with Harusame.