葛

kudzu; arrowroot

Kanji 1974

Learn about a vine that has enhanced Japanese life. People use its root to thicken dishes, particularly desserts that turn out to be healthy, and to help cure fevers, hangovers, colds, and more. The fiber of the 葛 vine goes into fusuma screens and scrolls, and a word including 葛 plays a role in a famous folktale. There’s much more to tell you, but doing so would give away three quiz answers! 

Revision history:

Dec. 20, 2024: p. 3: Fixed a broken link.

Aug. 30, 2021:

• p. 6: Clarified the longest paragraph a bit.
• p. 9 sidebar: Added that the wicker hamper was made from Chinese moonseed vines.

Aug. 6, 2021: Originally published.