HYUGA-DON / Tsukumi City

Hoto Jima is an island in the Bungo Channel, about 14 km from Tsukumi Port in Tsukumi City. The island flourished as a base for long–distance fishing and this led to the invention of the Hyuga–don (red tuna rice bowl) to provide fishermen with a quick source of nourishment during gruelling fishing expeditions. It is a simple dish made up of red tuna marinated in a special sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, sake, sesame seeds and egg yolks, and served over warm rice.

There are several theories as to the origin of the name of this dish. One theory suggests that the name derives from the onomatopoeic term hyu–hyu, mimicking the sound of the wind, because the tuna can be eaten on board without fire, even in strong winds; while another claims that the tuna catching ships from Hoto Jima learned how to cook this dish whilst calling at the Hyuga Port in Miyazaki Prefecture.

The dish is served at restaurants on Hoto Jima and in the city, and the umami of the tuna combined with the slightly sweet soy sauce is very moreish. While in Oita we recommend you give this dish a go! It’s a great opportunity to experience the cuisine of a local fishing town, and has its own unique flair compared to an ordinary kaisen–don (seafood rice bowl).