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[Hidden Wonders of Japan] Valentine's Day Brings Out Heart Shaped Kamaboko Fish Cakes

Tired of chocolates or avoiding sweets? This store in Osaka ー Niyodogawa ー has an unusual twist on Valentine's Day treats.

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In time for Valentine's Day on February 14, Wadahachi Kamaboko Manufacturing Co, Ltd is busy producing deep-fried heart shaped fish cakes at its factory in Osaka's Nishiyodogawa Ward.

Wadahachi, which boasts more than 80 years of history, started producing these heart-shaped savories about 30 years ago as an alternative for people who wanted to avoid eating sweets for Valentine's Day.

This year, it has produced about 4,000 to 5,000 pink, white and toast colored kamaboko hearts. They are made from fried mashed white fish like sea bream. Coming in a compact 9 cm by 10 cm size, the special fish cakes are sold at shops directly managed by the company and at department stores in Western Japan

The cost? Only ¥216 JPY ($1.68 USD) each at a shop, or online for ¥648 JPY ($5 USD) for a set of three. 

Valentine's Day 製造がピークを迎えているバレンタインデー向けのハート形のあげかまぼこ=1日午後、大阪市西淀川区(須谷友郁撮影)
A worker is checking each heart-shaped kamaboko for Valentine's Day. (© Sankei by Yui Sutani)

Valentine's Day 製造がピークを迎えているバレンタインデー向けのハート形のあげかまぼこ=1日午後、大阪市西淀川区(須谷友郁撮影)
This set of different colored heart-shaped kamaboko is ready for Valentine's Day (© Sankei by Yui Sutani)

Valentine's Day 製造がピークを迎えているバレンタインデー向けのハート形のあげかまぼこ=1日午後、大阪市西淀川区(須谷友郁撮影)
Heart-shaped kamaboko in three colors for Valentine's Day. (© Sankei by Yui Sutani)

What is your hidden wonder of Japan? Tell us in the comment section below!

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(Read the article in Japanese)

Author: The Sankei Shimbun

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