Oritoori - Ishigaki City Official Tourism Information Website
Yaeyama kamaboko, a processed fish product made from white fish, has a unique manufacturing and cooking method specific to the Yaeyama Islands and is a beloved specialty of Ishigaki Island. It is used in a variety of dishes in daily life, from snacks to accompaniments to beer and awamori (Okinawan liquor), to children's snacks and celebratory occasions, and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Founded in 1934, Kamiyaki-gwa is a specialty shop in Ishigaki Island that sells Yaeyama kamaboko, a famous local product of the island. It has won the top prize, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, at the National Kamaboko Competition.
The first founder, Ms. Kamado, would carry the fish her fisherman husband, Kamiju, caught in the sea in a basket on her head and sell them. To ensure that the remaining fish were used without waste and enjoyed to the fullest, Ms. Kamado began making kamaboko (fish cake) through trial and error.
At that time, many people who had come to Ishigaki Island from Okinawa Island, Miyako Island, and other places, including pioneers, were poor and suffering. Mr. Kamado, a kind and compassionate man, would share his kamaboko (fish cake) with those who were hungry.
"Those with money should pay for it, and those in need should give it away."
Including customers who were once helped by Mr. Kamado, the people who used to come to the shop back then—those who were adults have grown older, and those who were children have grown up—still come to the shop to buy kamaboko (fish cakes).
Ms. Kamado raised eight children and chose her second daughter, Toshiko, to be her successor. Toshiko had been helping out at the shop since she was 10 years old, but Ms. Kamado never taught her how to make kamaboko (fish cake). This was because Ms. Kamado believed that Toshiko should "determine the taste and learn the method on her own." Toshiko learned the method while helping out, and relied on her own palate to carry on Ms. Kamado's taste, which has now been passed down to her children.
Locally harvested sea lettuce (Aosa) is kneaded into the kamaboko dough.
Mr. Fumihiro Oshiro, Mr. Kamado's grandson and Ms. Toshiko's son, gave us a tour of the factory. (Mr. Fumihiro is the manager of the "Kamiyaki-ko" shop.)
The morning starts early at the kamaboko (fish cake) shop, with work beginning at 2 a.m. By around 6 a.m., the kamaboko is ready and preparations for delivery begin.
The appeal of Ishigaki Island's kamaboko (fish cake) lies in its deep-frying method. This process locks in the delicious flavor and aroma of the white fish, resulting in a juicy and smooth texture. It offers a different taste experience compared to steamed kamaboko.
Put the minced white fish in a blender, add the seasonings and other ingredients, and mix well.
The minced fish paste, which has been thoroughly mixed with seasonings and ingredients in a blender, is divided into pieces small enough to hold in one hand, and the person in charge of frying tears off pieces in their hand and drops them into the oil.
The kamaboko, torn into pieces and dropped into the oil, passes through the fryer about three times before being slowly cooled in a cooling machine.
Yaeyama soba is a soul food of Ishigaki Island. The soup, made with pork bones and bonito flakes, is topped with kamaboko (fish cake), pork, and chopped green onions. Yaeyama kamaboko, with its charmingly simple, old-fashioned flavor, is an essential topping for Yaeyama soba.
"Basically, our goal is to create products using local island ingredients that are loved by the people of the island. At the same time, we want to share what we've cultivated in this land for nearly 90 years with people all over Japan and the world, and convey the best of Ishigaki Island."
profile
Fumihiro Oshiro
Born on April 25, 1965, in Ishigaki Island.
I've been exposed to Yaeyama kamaboko since I was born.
In 1988, after graduating from university, I started working at Kamiyaki Elementary School.
Expand your network and perspective through activities such as the Chamber of Commerce Youth Division and street association activities.
I always want to help make our customers smile.
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