SAKANA & JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025 (Fish Japan Fest) in Osaka, Ogimachi Park (March 20th (Thursday, National Holiday) – 23rd (Sunday))
The largest seafood gourmet festival in Japan, "SAKANA&JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025 (Fish Japan Fest)," will be held in Osaka’s Ogimachi Park for the fourth time, running for four days – as it did last year. For those interested in supporting recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the concurrent "Discovery! Fukushima Fish Festival" offers an opportunity to enjoy dishes prepared using seafood products from Fukushima Prefecture, such as flounder, conger eel, whitebait, saury, and anglerfish, collectively known as "Joban-mono."
Considering the impact on Japanese seafood products resulting from import restrictions by certain countries and regions, the event will also feature an "Eat and Support! Japan’s Blessings" area. This section will showcase Hokkaido and Tohoku scallop dishes, alongside a booth dedicated to "Noto oysters," a specialty of Ishikawa Prefecture, which experienced significant damage during the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
Admission to the festival is free, with food and drink costs being separate. This arrangement allows attendees to directly support the featured regions by enjoying their culinary offerings.
Event Period: March 20th (Thursday/Holiday) – March 23rd (Sunday), 2025
Event Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last day until 6:00 PM)
Venue: Ogimachi Park (1-1 Ogimachi, Kita-ku, Osaka City)
Fee: Free Admission (Food and drink costs are separate)
Contact: 03-6811-1135 (Weekdays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Website: https://37sakana.jp/sjfesosaka/
What is SAKANA in Japanese Cuisine?
In Japanese cuisine, "sakana" means fish, a fundamental element of the nation’s culinary tradition. Fish is a staple ingredient, reflecting Japan’s maritime culture and history. The Japanese have developed various methods of preparing fish, including raw dishes like sashimi and sushi, as well as cooked options such as grilled, simmered, or deep-fried. The focus is on freshness and quality, aiming to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. This approach has made Japanese fish dishes well-regarded globally, featuring prominently in both everyday meals and special occasions. At the SAKANA & JAPAN FESTIVAL 2025 in Osaka, visitors can explore the diverse ways sakana is integrated into Japanese cuisine, while also learning about the country’s fisheries and sustainable seafood practices.
