Mie prefecture boasts the largest catch of spiny lobsters in Japan, and they are so deeply rooted in the region that they have been chosen as the "fish of Mie prefecture." Their crimson bodies and rich flavor continue to fascinate many people.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Ise lobster.

Characteristics of spiny lobster

Ise shrimp are in season from October to April. If you want to enjoy their fresh taste, we recommend eating them as sashimi. The translucent flesh is firm and chewy, and the more you chew it, the more the refined sweetness spreads. You can also enjoy them in a variety of other ways, such as in miso soup, which allows you to fully enjoy the flavor of Ise shrimp, or grilled over an open flame, where the fragrant aroma will whet your appetite.

Ise lobsters live in the shallow reefs of the Kumano Sea. The abundant nutrients flowing in from the rivers and the Kuroshio Current from offshore bring a wealth of food to these waters, helping to give the lobsters their plump, chewy, sweet flesh.

The life cycle of spiny lobsters is also fascinating. Eggs laid in early summer hatch into phyllosoma larvae that look nothing like their parents. These larvae drift in the ocean for about a year, after which they transform into transparent puerulus larvae. They molt several times and become shrimp with a body length of about 2cm, eventually reaching a maximum of 30cm. They hide in the shade of rocks during the day, and grow by eating sea urchins and shellfish, making use of their nocturnal habits.

The History of Spiny Lobster

It is said that shrimp have been eaten in Japan since the Jomon period, and there is a description of shrimp in the document "Izumo Fudoki" from the 5th year of Tenpyo (733).

It was from the Muromachi period onwards that spiny lobsters began to attract attention in particular. Around this time, spiny lobsters became an indispensable part of samurai weddings and other celebratory occasions, and their long whiskers and curved waists came to be valued as symbols of longevity. Coupled with their crimson body, spiny lobsters established their status as lucky charms. However, spiny lobsters at the time were very expensive, making them unattainable for the common people.

During the Edo period, kuruma shrimp and shiba shrimp began to be caught in Edomae (Tokyo Bay), and shrimp began to be used in dishes such as sushi and tempura, making them available to the common people. However, spiny lobster continued to be a special food, positioned as a luxury ingredient to add color to celebratory banquets.

There are various theories about the origin of the name Ise shrimp. In the ancient Edo period book "Yamato Honsho," it is written that "this shrimp comes from Ise, and is therefore called Ise shrimp." The basis for the theory that it comes from the place name is that many products were once transported from the Ise region to Kyoto.

In addition, there is a theory that the spiny lobster's shell resembles a samurai's armor, which is why it was named "violent shrimp." Another theory is that "isoebi" is a corrupted version of "isoebi" (shore shrimp) because they are often seen on rocky shores during spawning season.

Mie Prefecture's efforts to support spiny lobster

Mie Prefecture has implemented strict conservation regulations and is aiming for a sustainable spiny lobster fishing industry. Fishing is prohibited from May to September, and shrimp that are smaller than a certain size are released into the sea. Furthermore, the efforts of the fishermen support a stable catch, with over 20,000 young spiny lobsters being released into the sea each year.

Spiny lobster fishing requires skilled techniques and careful attention to detail. When using gillnet fishing, each lobster is carefully handled and removed from the net without being damaged. In addition, Mie Prefecture's Fisheries Cooperative attaches "Mie brand" tags to the lobsters' antennae to guarantee their quality and place of origin, so you can buy them with peace of mind.

Spiny lobsters, which have a limited migration range and are expensive, are expected to be a target for aquaculture. Mie Prefecture became the first in the world to successfully artificially raise spiny lobsters from eggs to juvenile shrimp in 1988. This achievement was the fruition of a challenge to artificially raise juvenile shrimp that began in 1899, and was the culmination of approximately 91 years of effort. Small-scale rearing techniques have now been established, and in the future, the aim is to produce juvenile shrimp on a larger scale.

Ise lobster is also deeply connected to local culture. In Hamajimacho, Shima City, the "Ise Lobster Festival" has been held every June since 1961 and is popular with locals and tourists. In Wagu, Shima City, an initiative called the "Ise Lobster Gill Net Owner System" is also underway. Participants become the owner of the net and can enjoy fishing and harvesting. It is a rare event where local residents and tourists can interact through Ise lobster.

Tourist spots in Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture, where you can enjoy spiny lobster, has a variety of tourist spots. This time, we will introduce three particularly popular spots.

Ise Shrine

"Ise Grand Shrine" is a collective name for 125 shrines, centered around the "Naiku" (Inner Shrine), which enshrines Amaterasu Omikami, the chief deity of the Japanese people, and the "Geku" (Outer Shrine), which enshrines Toyouke Omikami, the guardian deity of food, clothing, and shelter. It has a history of about 2000 years and is affectionately known as "Oise-san."

Once you cross the Uji Bridge at the entrance, you will find yourself enveloped in a sacred atmosphere as you enter the vast 55 million square meter sacred grounds. Since ancient times, it has been the custom to worship at the Outer Shrine, followed by the Inner Shrine, and you can receive a red seal at each shrine. By touring the prestigious architecture, auxiliary shrines, and auxiliary shrines, you can experience the profound history and culture of Ise Grand Shrine.

Okage Yokocho

Located in the middle of Oharaimachi, the town in front of the Inner Shrine of Ise, Okage Yokocho is a tourist spot that recreates the streetscape of the Iseji route from the Edo to Meiji periods. Approximately 50 stores are lined up on a site of about 13,000 m2, where you can enjoy gourmet food unique to Ise. The large maneki-neko (beckoning cat) that greets you at the entrance and the cats that serve as mascots for the stores will warm your heart with their friendly behavior. The decorative roof tiles are also a highlight.

In addition, at the "Okageza Myth House," you can experience the world of Japanese mythology through video and washi dolls. "Okage Yokocho," with its festival-like liveliness every day and its nostalgic retro atmosphere, is a popular tourist spot.

Nabana no Sato

Nabana no Sato, located in Mie Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest flower and green theme parks. In its vast area of approximately 300,000 m2, flowers bloom in every season, allowing you to enjoy different beauty in each season. The winter illuminations are particularly noteworthy. The lighting effects, created without projection mapping and using only LED bulbs, are a spectacular sight, and the large-scale works, which change the theme every year, make you feel like you are experiencing light art.

You can also enjoy the beautiful flowers in the large greenhouse "Begonia Garden" all year round. The garden also has a restaurant and hot spring, making it a relaxing spot to spend some time with family and friends.

How to access Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture, which is attractive for its gourmet food and sightseeing, has various ways to access it. It is conveniently located near the three largest cities in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

From Tokyo, it takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to Nagoya by Shinkansen, and from Nagoya, it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to Ise City or Matsusaka by Kintetsu Limited Express or JR. If you are traveling by plane, you can access the area by train or bus from Chubu Centrair International Airport.

From Osaka, it is convenient to take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka Namba to Ise City, which takes about 2 hours. If you are driving, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes via the Meishin Expressway or the Nishi-Meihan Expressway.

It is particularly close to Nagoya, about 1 hour 20 minutes to Ise city on the Kintetsu Limited Express or Rapid Mie trains, or about 1 hour 30 minutes by car using the Tomei-Osaka Expressway.

We also recommend taking a leisurely drive to Mie Prefecture. Find the best way to get there.

summary

Ise shrimp is not only delicious, but is also a fascinating ingredient that is packed with the nature and history of Mie Prefecture and the efforts of the local people. With a long history and deep roots in the region, Ise shrimp continues to be loved by many people even today.

If you visit Mie Prefecture, be sure to try some spiny lobster.

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