Distribution of Traditional Seafood Dishes and Their Background in Miyazaki Prefecture, South Japan

Abstract

In this article we clarify the spread of traditional seafood dishes in Miyazaki Prefecture, South Japan. We then discuss local factors that support these traditional dishes. The results of the research can be summarized as follows: for analysis of data obtained from an interview survey conducted throughout the entire prefecture, nine types of distribution patterns of seafood dishes can be discerned: (A) prefecture-wide consumption, (B) coast-wide consumption, (C) wide consumption in coastal and mountainous areas, (D) wide consumption in mountainous areas, (E) other prefecture-wide consumption, (F) consumption in specific coastal areas, (G) consumption in specific coastal and mountainous areas, (H) consumption in specific mountainous areas, and (I) other specific area consumption. Looking at the background of the distribution patterns, we find that traditional dishes consumed prefecture-wide are dishes familiar in the prefecture in terms of both ingredients and methods of preparation. Many dishes consumed in coastal areas use locally produced ingredients. Dishes consumed in mountainous areas use ingredients that come from over-mountain routes from neighboring prefectures. These distribution routes are connected on a countrywide scale, resulting in dishes like bodara, which originated in Hokkaido and were brought to Miyazaki Prefecture.