Etsu Fish


It is a type of anchovy that lives in brackish water. Etsu dishes are eaten in the towns at the lower reaches of the Chikugo River only in May, June, and July. It has a light taste without a fishy smell. 

A Story about Etsu

Long ago, a traveling monk stood alone at the boat landing by the river. He was dressed poorly and looked miserable. He wanted to cross the river but had no money, so all the boatmen ignored him.

However, one boatman decided to help the monk standing there in distress.
"Get on my boat, please," he said.

The monk wanted to repay his kindness. He picked a leaf of a reed from the bank and threw it into the water. Then, a miracle happened. The floating leaf instantly transformed into a beautiful silver object.

The boatman, surprised, took a closer look and saw that it was a real fish.

The monk said, "If you have a hard time making a living, catch this fish." This fish was the Etsu, and the monk was Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi.
Etsu Taishi Do