島根県·郷土料理
Wani Cuisine
When people say 'wani' in Shimane, they aren't referring to reptiles, but to sharks. It is a somewhat unexpected seafood that appears on dining tables deep in the mountains. In the mountainous areas of the Chugoku region, sharks have been called 'wani' since ancient times. Because shark meat stays fresh longer due to its ammonia content, it served as a precious delicacy that could be eaten raw even in the mountain villages of the Iwami region, far from the sea, during eras when refrigeration technology did not exist. It is said that as shark fishing intensified in Iwami during the Meiji era, fishermen from the San'in region traveled inland to sell it, spreading the custom. It has been cherished as sashimi for special occasions such as New Year's and festivals. The mild, slightly sweet, and lean white meat is enjoyed refreshingly with wasabi soy sauce. Even today, it remains an indispensable traditional flavor of the San'in region during the New Year period.
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