Deep-Fried Mehikari
A fish with emerald-green eyes that shine in the deep sea—so delicious, fishermen never tire of it!

About Deep-Fried Mehikari

Deep-Fried Mehikari (めひかりの唐揚げ, Mehikari no karaage) features Mehikari, a small fish measuring 5 to 15 cm, caught at depths of around 300 meters off the coast of Nobeoka City in Hyuga-nada Sea. Its name, “Mehikari,” meaning “shining eyes,” comes from its large, shimmering blue-green eyes. The fish is also known by its Japanese name, “Aome-eso.”

Originally considered a bycatch during deep-sea shrimp trawling, Mehikari was mostly used as bait or as food for the fishermen themselves. However, a local Japanese restaurant in Nobeoka City created various recipes to highlight its mild, flaky white flesh and delicate texture. After gaining attention through media coverage, the unique appeal of Mehikari began to shine.

While Mehikari isn’t exclusive to Miyazaki Prefecture, it’s also commonly caught off the coast of Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, where it has become a specialty of Onahama Port. A historical connection exists between the two regions: in 1747, the Naito family moved from Iwakidaira Domain to Nobeoka Domain, and in recognition of this bond, Nobeoka and Iwaki became sister cities in 1997. This relationship has influenced the shared tradition of enjoying Mehikari in both areas.

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