Fu-nu-Iyu Picture book : Calligraphy by Nansen / Illustrations by Yukabon

Maintaining culinary culture is never easy, but it is crucial to raise public awareness of both its significance and the risks tied to it. In light of this, we have decided to produce “Fu-nu-Iyu of Ginama” , a picture book, as a part of Slow Food Nippon’s “Ark of Taste Series” picture book project. Celebrating the sun-dried dolphinefish known as “Fu-nu-Iyu” from Ginama, Kunigami Village, was listed on “Ark of Taste” in 2021. 

The 4 picture books issued in 2022 focus on seafood from Akita, Shizuoka, Nagasaki, and Okinawa. Also, a successful crowdfunding campaign was run and supported by over 350 people.

Along with the strong and graceful calligraphy, the picture book effectively captures the magnificence of the Fu-nu-Iyu by showcasing the wide and colorful seascape as well as the wisdom and mindset of our ancestors, who lived in peace with nature and expressed gratitude for its abundance.

In February 2022, we took part in the “Wee Feed The Planet 2022” event, co-organized by Slow Food Nippon and Kobe City, to release the Ark of Taste Picture book series with the people of Ginama. 

We had the opportunity to express the attraction of Fu-nu-Iyu as well as the message included in the picture book to the audience that attended the event by introducing the meals prepared with it and reading the picture book to them.