#Japan #Tokyo #Katsu #Kesennuma #Sakana Bacca

Experience the Kesennuma Katsu Festival in Tokyo!

Kicking off from September 12 to October 11, 2026, the Kesennuma Katsu Festival is set to showcase the unparalleled freshness of sashimi-grade katsu from Kesennuma City. This festival is organized by Foodison Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Kesennuma City Digital Fisheries Promotion Council, featuring 43 participating stores and eateries around Tokyo.

Background of the Festival

In the first edition of the katsu festival, consumer feedback revealed that while many associate katsu with traditional regions like Tosa, the link between Kesennuma and sashimi still requires strengthening. With a history of 28 consecutive years as the leading port for katsu in Japan, Kesennuma faced a setback last year due to a poor haul. This year, however, the entire region is determined to reclaim its title.

The festival aims to remind everyone why "katsu equals Kesennuma" and "katsu equals sashimi." Tasting fresh return katsu sashimi during the festival is an opportunity for many to rediscover the true flavor of this exceptional fish.

Why is Kesennuma Katsu So Delicious?

Katsu is notorious for losing freshness quickly, making it essential to maintain its quality to serve it as sashimi. The katsu caught at Kesennuma Harbor is carefully handled to ensure it remains ice-cold during the auction and subsequent shipping process, ensuring that its freshness is preserved until it arrives in Tokyo.

During the festival, Foodison will enhance the experience by implementing same-day transport via the "Hako-Byun" service. This unique service is operated by the East Japan Railway Company and allows for rapid and punctual delivery. Fresh katsu caught that same day will be shipped directly to food retailers in Tokyo, doubling the number of fish transported from the previous year.

Festival Details

• - Dates: September 12 - October 11, 2026 (Participating stores may vary in their specific dates)
• - Locations:

- Sakana Bacca: nine shops across Tokyo
- Nakajima Suisan: six stores in Takashimaya department stores
- Yamasuke: two shops in Ginza and Asakusa
- Various restaurants: 26 locations (full list available online)

For more details: Participating Stores

Expert Opinions

The representative of the Kesennuma Fisheries Cooperative, Mr. Saito, expressed optimism regarding the festival's potential to elevate Kesennuma katsu's brand and share the region's rich flavors. He emphasized that this festival not only represents the hard work of local fishermen but is also an occasion to appreciate the collaborative effort involved in preserving freshness from catch to consumer.

Kumi Yamamoto, Foodison's project manager, reiterated the commitment to highlight the unique qualities of Kesennuma's katsu. With this year's expanded participation from both retailers and restaurants, consumers can experience the unmatched delicacy of sashimi from Kesennuma.

This year, the festival presents a unique opportunity for all to engage with and enjoy authentic, culturally rich katsu. The festival promises to deliver high-quality experiences, re-establishing Kesennuma katsu as a prominent brand in the sashimi category.

About Sakana Bacca

Sakana Bacca aims to modernize the traditional fish market experience in Tokyo, providing access to unique fish species and high-quality seafood directly from the producers. This effort is part of a larger initiative to encourage more people to appreciate and engage with Japan's rich culinary fisheries culture.

For any inquiries, please visit the websites of Foodison or Sakana Bacca.

Join the celebration and savor the extraordinary taste of Kesennuma katsu at this year’s festival!