🍱 Okiagari

Sakura shrimp are only caught in the Suruga Bay , at Yui Port in Shizuoka City and Yaizu City's Oigawa Port. The shrimp were first fished in 1894, when they were coincidentally caught when pulling in horse mackerel. For purposes of conservation, the fishing season for sakura shrimp is limited to twice a year: in spring from mid-March to early June, and in fall from late October to late December. Okiagari is a hot pot dish where fresh sakura shrimp are simmered with tofu and spring onions in sukiyaki-style seasoning. The fishermen who caught the shrimp from the open sea would eat it as a accompaniment with drinks, while contemplating their fishing. Source: Yui Port Fisherman's Cooperative Association