Mehikari is a deep-sea fish that lives at depths of approximately 100 to 300 meters. Although eating deep-sea fish may sound unusual to some visitors, it has long been enjoyed as a traditional fishermen’s dish in Nobeoka City, Miyazaki Prefecture.
The fish has delicate white flesh, soft bones, and a moderate amount of fat. Its flavor is mild and refined, with a pleasant richness that makes it suitable for a variety of preparations.
Mehikari can be enjoyed in several ways, including as sashimi, lightly dried fish, fried fish, and salt-grilled fish. Among these preparations, deep-frying is particularly popular.
When fried, the outside becomes crisp while the flesh inside remains tender and moist. Its soft bones also make the fish easy to enjoy, and the natural richness of the meat gives it a satisfying flavor.
Mehikari was originally a familiar part of everyday fishermen’s cooking in Nobeoka. Its appeal is often described as the kind of delicious flavor that fishermen could enjoy every day without getting tired of it.
The fish gained wider attention after it was introduced on television as “Nobeoka’s Mehikari.” This exposure helped spark a boom in its popularity, and the local specialty has since become well known throughout Japan.
When visiting Nobeoka, try freshly prepared deep-fried Mehikari and experience the delicate flavor of this locally cherished deep-sea fish.