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

In snowy regions, it is difficult to obtain fresh fish during the winter, so people would grill the fish that arrived with the spring thaw and enjoy the joys of spring while drinking sake

The remnants of this tradition have been passed down even now, when distribution has improved, and many people enjoy the Kado Yaki Festival along with cherry blossom viewing

So, what is fresh fish kado?

This article will introduce in detail what kind of fish Kado is, also known as the spring herald fish, and what the Kado Yaki Festival is, as well as the event schedule

Please read to the end.

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What is the spring herald fish, Kado?

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

During the time when herring fishing was popular, it is said that the herring that surged ashore to spawn in the coastal areas of Hokkaido and Tohoku were so numerous that they could be caught at a gate (kadokuchi), and that this is why herring came to be called kadokuchi or kado

In the past, there was no way to preserve fish (freezing technology), and it was difficult to obtain fresh fish in the winter in snowy areas such as Shinjo. Therefore, with the arrival of spring, people would share the joy of grilling and eating whole kado (herring) in a grand manner. This is the origin of the Kado Yaki Festival.

Kado-yaki is a representative spring event in the Mogami region, where people grill large, plump, fatty kado caught in the Sea of ​​Japan over a charcoal fire, enjoy local sake, and revel in the spring, sharing the joy of having survived winter. It is like a joyous festival

It seems that it is becoming more difficult to prepare large corners every year, but efforts are being made to secure the necessary amount by asking various sources

In addition, charcoal for burning the kado is also prepared in advance of the winter in preparation for the festival

Each fish is skewered and slowly grilled over charcoal, first on the front and back, then the belly and back, which removes excess fat and results in exceptionally tasty kado-yaki. Just imagining it gets your appetite going!

Shinjo Kado Yaki Festival <Information>

• Name: Shinjo Kado Yaki Festival
• Event period: Late April to early May
• Venue: Special venue in Mogami Park
• Address: 6-86 Horibatacho, Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture, 996-0085
• URL: Shinjo City Official Website

Google Maps

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Is Kadoyaki, a pastime enjoyed by the common people, spreading throughout Yamagata Prefecture?

Kado is also known as the spring herald fish and is a fish that represents spring

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

They may actually grill it right in front of you, but some places also sell the kado that they have grilled in the kitchen. Grilling fatty kado produces a lot of smoke, so it seems that tourist spots tend to refrain from grilling it outside

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

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Everyone enjoyed the local delicacies that herald the arrival of spring!

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

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However, since it was difficult to obtain fresh fish throughout Yamagata Prefecture, which is known for its heavy snowfall, once the abundant catch of kado (herring) began to arrive, the culture of eating it in early spring quickly spread to each city, town, and village

It is said that many residents of the prefecture have come to enjoy the dish, as it coincides with the cherry blossom festival

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summary

Due to the snow-covered area and the limited distribution of goods, the "Kado-yaki" event, which can be said to be unique to Yamagata Prefecture, where people are more eager to wait for spring than in other regions, has begun

Kado-yaki, which takes place in the Mogami region, is a spectacular and delicious event, and has recently become popular with people from outside the prefecture

There are also reports of people whose hometown is Yamagata returning home to celebrate Kado-yaki

If you have the opportunity, why not visit and try the delicious spring fish, "Kadoyaki"?

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