In Tomamae, a town facing the Sea of Japan in northwestern Hokkaido, Koichi Ogasawara, the representative of INAKA BLUE, is a fisherman challenging the norms by creating a "sixth-sector" business. He processes and sells the giant Pacific octopus he catches himself, continuing his work to connect the blessings of the local sea to the future. Here are three of Mr. Ogasawara's personal favorite finds in Tomamae.

Perfectly Cooked with Exquisite Tenderness!

Local Gem #1: ReTAKO

The authentic flavor of giant Pacific octopus, with a gentle saltiness that fills your mouth. We deliver a whole leg from a giant Pacific octopus weighing around 10kg, caught off the coast of Tomamae, Hokkaido. The freshly caught octopus is boiled to a soft, semi-raw state, the skin is carefully removed for easy home cooking, and then it is flash-frozen. Simply thaw it slowly in the refrigerator to enjoy fresh octopus.

An Addictive, Crunchy Cartilage Texture!

Local Gem #2: Skate Bacon

"Skate Bacon" can be enjoyed at the renowned restaurant Nomikuidokoro Sanko in the Kotanbetsu area of Tomamae. Skate is a type of ray commonly eaten in Hokkaido. This unique dish, which is hard to find elsewhere, is made by smoking the skate until it's tender. You can choose between two flavors: a spicy and umami-packed Sansho-zuke (a type of pickle) or a refreshing marinade.

It's Pure Pumpkin Goodness!

Local Gem #3: Pumpkin Pudding

This "Pumpkin Pudding" lavishly uses prized pumpkins carefully grown with low pesticides by "Ueda Farm," a farm that insists on safety and security, starting from soil preparation. The flavor is so rich, smooth, and finely textured that you might think you're eating the pumpkin itself. With even the caramel sauce made from pumpkin, this all-pumpkin treat is perfect as a souvenir!

Koichi Ogasawara on the Charms of Tomamae

Tomamae is a nature-rich town in northwestern Hokkaido with thriving agriculture and fishing industries. The biggest draw of such a town of primary industries is, of course, its fresh seafood and just-picked vegetables. The roadside station features the hot spring facility "Tomamae Onsen Fuwatto," and there are other tourist spots scattered around, such as the restoration site of the historic "Sankebetsu brown bear incident" and a local museum displaying ancient artifacts.