Local food specialties highlighted in Niigata and Okinawa

Two distinct Japanese culinary traditions are being showcased through local establishments. In Niigata City, Akiba Ward, the 50-year-old soba shop Masudaya continues to serve large portions of soba and sushi sets. The shop owner, Masato Sakagami, maintains his predecessor's philosophy of ensuring customers leave full by offering large servings and using traditional production methods, including machines used since the shop's founding.

In Nanjo City, Okinawa, Tsukishiro Yaki Saba Sushi offers a specialized takeout menu focused solely on grilled mackerel sushi. The shop is operated by Hitomi Matsui, who brings traditional Shiga Prefecture recipes to Okinawa. Using Norwegian mackerel and rice from her own fields in Shiga, Matsui prepares the sushi in a style evolved from Edo-period traditions. The shop also utilizes rice bran from her milling process to create homemade pickles.