[For Seniors] Oita Prefecture Local Quiz: Learning Its Unique Culture Through Specialty Products, History, and Traditional Cooking Methods

cute

In the Oita dialect, “erashii” means “cute” or “adorable.” It’s used for small children, animals, or cute things, as in “erashii naa.” Because it sounds similar to the word for “great” (erai), people from other prefectures may misunderstand it to mean “high-and-mighty” or “smart,” but in fact it’s a very warm, affectionate expression.

kabosu

Oita Prefecture ranks first in Japan for kabosu production. Farmed yellowtail raised on feed mixed with this local specialty kabosu are called “Kabosu Buri.” Thanks to the antioxidant properties in kabosu, discoloration of the fish’s dark meat is suppressed, helping maintain freshness for an extended period. It also reduces the fishy odor unique to seafood, yielding a clean, refreshing flavor that is highly regarded for its delicious taste. As a new flagship branded fish representing Oita Prefecture, it is gaining nationwide popularity.

Ryūkyū

Ryukyu is a representative local dish of Oita Prefecture, consisting of fresh fish slices marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, sesame, ginger, and more. It is said to have originated as a staff meal created by fishermen to preserve freshly caught fish and make it delicious to eat.

tunnel

Because Oita Prefecture has a very mountainous terrain, many tunnels piercing through the mountains were built when improving roads to enhance transportation. As a result, the number of road tunnels in Oita is the highest in Japan. When you travel by car within the prefecture or go for a drive, you pass through one tunnel after another, and you can truly feel how many there are. You can sense the history of our predecessors, who used their wisdom and labor to carve out roads to enrich people’s lives amid a rugged natural environment.

karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken)

Nakatsu City in Oita Prefecture is nationally famous as the holy land of karaage (Japanese fried chicken). Numerous specialty karaage shops are scattered throughout the city, each offering its own distinctive flavor, meticulously crafted with secret marinades and frying methods. A hallmark of the local style is marinating the chicken thoroughly in a special sauce based on soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before frying. The result is a crispy exterior and juicy interior, a taste beloved by a wide range of people, from the elderly to children.

Moon over the Ruined Castle

“Moon over the Ruined Castle” is a representative masterpiece of Japan, composed by Rentarō Taki with lyrics by Bansui Doi. Rentarō Taki spent part of his childhood in Taketa City, Ōita Prefecture, and it is said that he composed this beautiful melody inspired by the ruins of Oka Castle, where he was known to often play. Even today, a bronze statue of Rentarō Taki stands at the Oka Castle ruins, conveying a sense of the era to visitors.

Hell Steaming

Jigoku-mushi is a traditional cooking method passed down since the Edo period in Beppu Onsen, Oita Prefecture, especially in areas like Kannawa Onsen. It uses steam erupting from hot springs at around 100°C to quickly steam vegetables, seafood, meat, and more. The minerals in the hot spring water permeate the ingredients and lock in their natural umami, resulting in an exceptionally delicious finish.