[Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture] Is Kadoyaki...a delicious fish that heralds spring in Yamagata?

In snowy regions, fresh fish is hard to come by during the winter, so people would grill the fish brought in with the thaw in spring and enjoy the joy of spring while sharing drinks.

The remnants of this tradition continue to be passed down even today, when distribution has improved, and many people enjoy it as part of the Kadoyaki Festival along with cherry blossom viewing.

So, what is fresh fish kado?

In this article, we will discuss what kind of fish is Kado, which is also known as the fish that heralds spring, and what is the Kado Yaki Festival? We also provide detailed information such as the schedule of events.

Please read to the end.

What is Kado, the spring-telling fish?

Kado is the name for herring, and is said to be a dialect of the Tohoku region.

In the days when herring fishing was popular, it is said that in the coastal areas of Hokkaido and Tohoku, the herring that rushed to the shore to spawn were so powerful that you could almost catch them at a gate (kadokuchi). It is said that it came to be called Kadokuchi = Kado.

In the past, there was no way to preserve fish (freezing technology), and it was difficult to obtain fresh fish in winter in snowy areas such as Shinjo, so we shared the joy of grilling whole herrings that were brought in with the arrival of spring. This is the origin of the Kadoyaki Festival.

Kado-yaki is also an event that represents spring in the Mogami region, where you can enjoy spring by grilling plump, fat, and large kado caught in the Sea of ​​Japan over charcoal, enjoying local sake, and the joy of surviving the winter. It's like a happy festival to share.

It seems that it is becoming more difficult to prepare large kado every year, but they are making efforts to secure the necessary amount by asking various places.

It is also said that the charcoal for grilling the kado is prepared for the festival by arranging it during the winter.

By skewering each fish and slowly grilling the front and back, then the belly and back over charcoal, the excess fat is removed, resulting in a special-tasting Kado-yaki. Just thinking about it makes me hungry!

Shinjo Kadoyaki Festival＜Information＞

• Name: Shinjo Kadoyaki Festival
• Event period: Late April to early May
• Venue: Special venue in Mogami Park
• Address: 6-86 Horibata-cho, Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture 996-0085
• URL: Shinjo City official website

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Is kadoyaki, a pastime of the common people, spread throughout Yamagata Prefecture?

Kado, also known as the spring fish, is a fish that represents spring.

Speaking of spring, it's cherry blossoms! Kadoyaki is enjoyed along with cherry blossom viewing, and Kadoyaki is held not only in Shinjo City but also at cherry blossom festivals throughout the prefecture.

Sometimes they actually grill it right in front of you, but there are also places that sell the kado that are baked in the kitchen. Grilling fatty curds creates a lot of smoke, so it seems people are refraining from grilling them outside in tourist areas.

There are no regional barriers when it comes to delicious food!

Everyone rejoices at the local gourmet food that heralds the arrival of spring!

It is said that Kadoyaki became popular among the common people in the Mogami region.

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However, as the whole of Yamagata Prefecture is known for its heavy snowfall, it was difficult to obtain fresh fish in the winter, so when the abundant catch of kado (herring) was brought in, the culture of eating it in early spring quickly changed. It seems to have spread to every city, town, and village.

It is said that many residents of the prefecture have come to enjoy it because it coincides with the cherry blossom festival seasonally.

summary

Due to the snow-covered area and the inconvenience of distribution, ``Kadoyaki'', an event unique to Yamagata Prefecture, has begun to be held, where the longing for spring is stronger than in other regions.

Kado-yaki, which is held in the Mogami region, is both dynamic and delicious! Recently, it has been well received by people from outside the prefecture.

We also hear that people whose hometown is Yamagata return home for Kadoyaki.

If you have a chance, why not come and try the delicious spring-heralding fish "Kado-yaki"?