Iwanai Town, facing the Sea of Japan, is the birthplace of Alaska pollock longline fishing in Hokkaido. Kaneta Yoshida Kamaboko Store uses only Alaska pollock and creates a series of unique kamaboko with original ideas. It is said that not only locals but also tourists visit the place in search of a unique taste. Let's find out what kind of kamaboko it is. As soon as I entered the store, I could tell it was attractive. The products displayed in the display case, which looks like a Japanese sweets display case, will overturn your preconceptions and make you wonder, "Is this really kamaboko?" They come in all sorts of shapes, and just looking at them will make your heart flutter.

(Photo courtesy of Namara Iwanai)

And best of all, they all look delicious. From the "Stick Kamaboko" (220 yen including tax) to the eye-catching pumpkin-shaped "Kabocha-san" (130 yen including tax), and the "Tako Roll" (165 yen including tax) with fresh octopus mixed into the dough, you'll want to buy them all, as you'll be curious to try them all. Kaneta Yoshida Kamaboko, which produces such innovative kamaboko, was founded in 1899... in fact, it is a long-established store with a history of over 120 years. The first generation owner, who made a living by processing cod roe, started making kamaboko in collaboration with a nearby restaurant, and this tradition is still carried on today as their signature product, "Kakuyaki" (373 yen including tax). By the way, this kakuyaki is delicious when stewed in oden or other dishes, but it is also delicious when thinly sliced and eaten with wasabi soy sauce. Regulars also enjoy it in their own way, such as eating the mountain of "Dangoten" (10 pieces, 275 yen including tax) shown in the top photo as a snack. If you have a chance to visit Iwanai Town, this is a shop you should definitely stop by. You will definitely be tempted. Kaneta Yoshida Kamaboko Shop Address: 1-5 Misaki, Iwanai-cho, Iwanai-gun, Hokkaido Phone: 0135-62-0245 Official website: https://www.kanetayoshidakamabokoten.com/