This a style of eating soba (buckwheat) noodles that is traditional to the cities of Morioka and Hanamaki. The noodles are served in small lacquered bowls (wan-ko), in portions not much bigger than than a mouthful, which you season with a little soy sauce and some zesty condiments. The server will keep refilling your bowl and urging you to eat more. Every year, contests are held to see who can eat the most servings of wan-ko soba in a fixed time.