Fugu (Tessa)

About Fugu (Tessa)

In Yamaguchi Prefecture, blowfish is referred to as "fuku," a name imbued with good fortune. Historically, due to the risk of blowfish poisoning, it was nicknamed "teppo" (gun), and its sashimi is called "tessa," while the hotpot dish is known as "tecchiri."

Although fugu (ふく) is now enjoyed nationwide in Japan, Yamaguchi's association with this prized fish runs deep. This connection dates back to 1888 when Hirobumi Ito, Japan's first Prime Minister — born in Yamaguchi — accidentally sampled fugu in the region. At the time, consuming blowfish was prohibited due to safety concerns, a ban in place since the Edo period. Moved by its taste, Ito advocated lifting the restriction, leading Yamaguchi to become the first area in Japan to allow blowfish to be legally consumed. With its proximity to abundant fishing grounds, Yamaguchi has remained synonymous with this luxurious delicacy ever since.

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