Iriabu Island fishery coop showcases katsuodon during World Cup hype

The fishery cooperative on Okinawa's Iriabu Island operates a restaurant serving fresh katsuodon, highlighted as Japan’s national team advances in the World Cup. The article notes player Ritsu Doan’s family ties to the island and describes the local "payao" floating reef that attracts tuna, enabling early‑morning catch and same‑day preparation for diners.

It also discusses declining octopus stocks nationwide, ongoing research at the Fisheries Research and Education Agency’s Hyakujima facility on breeding juvenile octopus, and broader efforts to certify and label island‑sourced seafood across Japan. The Japan Islands Center, marking its 60th anniversary, promotes island development through events like the "Ilander" gathering and publishes data on island economies.