Have you ever tasted fugu the infamous pufferfish? In Osaka fugu is more than just a delicacy it’s a legend. Right here in Osaka you are standing near the heart of fugu culture. Osaka is called the kitchen of the world. It has been a culinary center since the Edo period. Shimonoseki is known for fugu fishing today. But in the mid-20th century Osaka became the center for fugu. Most fugu landed in Japan ended up here. The Kuromon Market was particularly famous for handling this delicate and dangerous fish. Imagine bicycles piled high with fugu. That was the scene back then. Even now a large percentage of the fugu catch ends up in Osaka. Fugu sounds like fuku meaning happiness or good luck. It’s an auspicious fish despite its deadly poison. The ovaries and liver contain potent neurotoxins. Only licensed chefs can prepare it. Despite this precaution people still die from eating fugu each year. The saying Honey is sweet but the bee stings perfectly describes the risk. In Osaka fugu is also called tessa which in the local dialect means gun. Eating fugu is like playing with a gun. Many Kabuki actors died from eating fugu in the Edo period only wealthy people could afford it. One popular fugu restaurant chain is Zuboraya. You can find its distinctive fugu signs hanging outside. They use the whole fish not just the meat. The skin is served as sashimi. The fins go in sake. They even make fugu ice cream. Prices range from a few thousand yen to over eight thousand yen for a full fugu meal. So next time you are in Osaka remember the thrilling story of fugu. Remember the risks the rewards and the rich history that surrounds this legendary fish. Enjoy your meal.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It