Fukui

Fukui consists of the Reihoku and Reinan regions facing the Sea of Japan, and inland mountainous areas. The complex ria coastline of Wakasa Bay nurtures rich fishing grounds and is known as a source of marine resources such as Wakasa fugu (pufferfish), Echizen gani (snow crab), and Wakasa mackerel. Echizen gani is landed during the fishing season from November to March and shipped from the ports of Echizen, Mikuni, Tsuruga, and Obama. The Wakasa region (Reinan) is relatively warm with little snowfall, and has deep historical ties with the food culture of Kyoto. The distribution route between Wakasa and Kyoto called the Saba Kaido (Mackerel Highway) connected the food cultures of both regions through the distribution of mackerel, and it still lives on in regional foods as saba zushi (mackerel sushi) and heshiko (mackerel pickled in rice bran). In agriculture, Koshi no Ruby (fruit tomato) is cultivated in the suburbs of Fukui City, and is highly evaluated in the market for its high sugar content and vivid color. High-quality rice such as Ichihomare (rice) and Koshihikari (rice) is produced in the paddy fields of the plains, and Fukui is also the birthplace of Koshihikari. In the mountainous areas, root vegetables such as Taro and Chinese yam, as well as soba (buckwheat) are cultivated, and Echizen soba (buckwheat noodles) is established as a food culture representing the prefecture.

Source: MAFF Crop Statistics (Reiwa 5 / 2023), JMA historical weather data

The structural characteristic of Fukui's agriculture and fisheries is that its two strengths, marine products and rice quality, coexist while being geographically divided. Reinan (the Wakasa region) has a warm climate and the rich fishing grounds of Wakasa Bay, and has a long history as a manufacturing area for processed marine products. On the other hand, the plains of Reihoku are a production area for high-quality rice, with a history of involvement in the breeding of Koshihikari. This diversity of products also functions in terms of tourism, and the economic effect of many tourists visiting the prefecture in winter for Echizen gani is large. One reason why Fukui has been difficult to recognize as a food prefecture is that the distribution volume to the Tokyo metropolitan area is limited. High-priced Echizen gani is consumed through direct delivery from the production area and at high-end Japanese restaurants (ryotei), making it difficult to appear in general retail. However, in recent years, direct distribution from production areas to consumers has increased due to the spread of online shopping, and the recognition of brand agricultural products such as Koshi no Ruby is also rising. While the declining birthrate and population outflow continue, it can be said that the prefecture is seeking the sustainability of its production areas while maintaining a high-quality, high-unit-price route.