Good Crucian Carp Day (Ii Funa no Hi)
Food DaysWhat Is Good Crucian Carp Day?
November 27 is "Good Crucian Carp Day" (Ii Funa no Hi). The date comes from a play on numbers: "ii (11) fu (2) na (7)" sounds like "ii funa," meaning "good crucian carp." The crucian carp (funa) is one of Japan's most iconic freshwater fish, long valued both as food and as a target for anglers. This day is dedicated to rediscovering the cultural and culinary value of this humble fish.
Types and Habits of Crucian Carp
- Ginbuna: The most common type of crucian carp, found widely in ponds, rivers, and rice paddies
- Gengorobuna (Herabuna): Hugely popular among anglers practicing "herabuna fishing." Native to Lake Biwa
- Kinbuna: A small variety common in the Kanto region
- Nigorobuna: A species unique to Lake Biwa, prized as the key ingredient in funazushi
Funazushi - Japan's Oldest Form of Sushi
Shiga Prefecture's "funazushi" is made by salting nigorobuna and then fermenting it with rice for a long period, producing a type of "narezushi" (fermented sushi) believed to be the ancestor of all sushi in Japan. It has a distinctively pungent aroma and tangy flavor - a traditional Shiga delicacy that's unforgettable once tasted, and a popular souvenir from the Omi region.
The Culture of Herabuna Fishing
Herabuna fishing is often called the "royal road of fishing" and is enjoyed at managed fishing ponds, wild ponds, and reservoirs all across Japan. Its charm lies in the use of the distinctively slender "hera rod" and the delicate skill needed to sense even the faintest bite through gentle, precise movements - a hobby with a devoted following, especially among middle-aged and older anglers.