Fugu Memorial in Usuki, Japan: A Cultural Tribute to the Pufferfish

Usuki Fugu: A Gift from the Bungo Channel

Image of fugu multi-course meal

Usuki City is located along the Bungo Channel, blessed with the rich gifts of the sea. The pufferfish raised in this region, known as "Usuki Fugu," are highly acclaimed nationwide for their exquisite taste and superior quality. The Bungo Channel is abundant with the food of pufferfish, and its swift Kuroshio currents enhance the firmness and flavor of pufferfish.

For residents and visitors who love fugu, the numerous restaurants offering fresh fugu dishes are a true delight, forming an essential part of this region's culture and tourism.

Find out more about Fugu cuisine here

Honoring Life: The Fugu Memorial Service

Image of fugu fish

Every year, a unique and heartfelt ceremony called the Fugu Memorial Service is held in Usuki City to honor the lives of fugu, one of Usuki’s most iconic ingredients, and a delicacy deeply associated with the region’s culinary culture, and to pray for bountiful catches in the future.

Image of Fugu Memorial Service

In this traditional ceremony, local chefs, fishmongers, restaurant representatives and community members gather to express gratitude and respect for the pufferfish, which are sacrificed for human consumption. A symbolic ritual is performed, often at a temple or port, where offerings and prayers are made to console the spirits of the fish and to acknowledge the preciousness of all life.

This ceremony reflects the Japanese cultural value of “mottainai”, a deep sense of appreciation for resources and life itself. It also demonstrates the strong spiritual connection between food, nature, and mindfulness in everyday living.

A Sacred Farewell: Releasing Fugu Back to the Sea

Release Fugu back to the sea

At the conclusion of the ceremony, dozens of large fugu, each weighing over 2 kilograms, are released into the waters of Usuki Port as a symbolic gesture of respect and renewal.

The Fugu Memorial Service in Usuki is not only a rare and moving cultural event, but also a powerful reminder of the deep respect for life embedded in Japanese tradition—even for the ingredients on our plates.