Kanpyō

Kanpyō refers to dried shavings of calabash gourd. Originally, it was grown in the Osaka area, but now it's a specialty of Tochigi Prefecture. These gourd shavings are usually used as an ingredient in sushi, stewed nimono, and marinated aemono foods.

When it's used for sushi, kanpyō is boiled to soften, then flavored with sugar, mirin, soy sauce, or dashi broth, depending on the recipe. Due to its mild flavor, kanpyō is sometimes used in Western-style salads.