In January, during an event held at Nijikichi,
I had the opportunity to work directly with fish from their place of origin.
Harvested in the waters of Imabari, Ehime,
carefully dispatched and temperature-controlled,
these fish carried a tension that could be felt through the knife.
The firmness of the flesh.
The clean fibers that release no excess moisture.
The honest response to heat.
This goes beyond mere “freshness.”
It reflects the accumulated work of sea and people.
While fish from other countries have their own beauty,
I was once again reminded of the unique potential
nurtured by Japanese waters.
To stand in the field,
to handle the fish firsthand—
is to quietly renew oneself as a chef.