"Arashi Sea Solidarity Ceremony" Held Arashi Sea Scallops Ship First Crop
The "Iwate Noda Village Araumi Solidarity Ceremony" (hosted by the Araumi Dan Project) was held on July 7th at Noda Port in Noda Village, Iwate Prefecture.
The village's fishing industry suffered devastating damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake, but production facilities have gradually been restored. Ahead of the full-scale shipment of scallops, the Noda Village Fisheries Cooperative, Noda Gyoyu Association, Nodamura Co., Ltd., and Noda Village Office spearheaded the launch of the "Aramai-dan Project." Named for the local fishermen's dedication to fishing in the village's rough seas without yielding to harsh conditions, the formation of the "Iwate Noda Village Rough Seas Group" coincided with the launch of the "Iwate Noda Village Rough Seas Scallops" brand. This initiative aims to promote the deliciousness and value of the village's seafood products.
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The ceremony opened with a powerful performance of original taiko drumming by students from Noda Junior High School. |
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Mr. Kazuaki Igarashi, Director of the Fisheries Promotion Division at the Iwate Prefecture Northern Regional Development Bureau, read a congratulatory message from Mr. Sadao Takahashi, Director of the Fisheries Department: "The Araumi-dan is a project worthy of being a model for recovery. We wish to cooperate in establishing its brand." |
Mayor Yuji Oda of Noda Village highlighted the deliciousness of Noda's scallops, stating, "After the Great East Japan Earthquake, we reexamined Noda's marine products and rediscovered their appeal. Noda scallops are cultivated in the open sea, where the strong currents and abundant plankton result in thick, meaty scallops with a rich umami flavor." He also expressed his hopes for the project's contribution to recovery. |
At the subsequent appointment ceremony for honorary members of the Araumi-dan (Rough Seas Group), Shigeo Ono, Chairman of the Noda Village Fisheries Cooperative and representative of the Araumi-dan, appointed former Japanese national soccer team member Tokuo Komura. Komura offered encouragement, stating, "I want to promote the Araumi-dan nationwide. I hope that in four years, both Japanese soccer and the Araumi-dan will be thriving." |
Next, 15 members of the Araumi-dan appeared. Mr. Ono expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "The Araumi-dan embodies our aspirations, our cherished brand, and the future of fisheries. We also want it to be an opportunity for children to join our ranks." Mr. Naoki Sotate, Chairman of the Gyokai Fisheries Association, declared his strong resolve: "We fishermen will strive to deliver delicious products to everyone, holding onto the bond of hope that is the Araumi-dan."
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At the Araumi Scallop Shipment Ceremony, following the ribbon-cutting, the first shipment truck departed amid the resounding, spirited celebratory performance by the village's Namomi Taiko drum group.
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From left: Sotoda, Ono, Komura, Noda, Igarashi, Oda,
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Following the ceremony, the event "Noda Village: Food Assets That Bring Smiles" was held as an opportunity to view locally produced ingredients as culinary "assets" that generate many smiles. Dishes featuring local ingredients such as Araumi scallops, wakame seaweed, and tofu were served. Guests and participating children and students enjoyed various local flavors, including freshly grilled scallops, scallop soup, and tofu dishes.
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Details can be viewed on the group's website. http://araumidan.jp/
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