Experience the Sea’s Blessings in Minamisanriku

Located in northeastern Japan’s Tohoku region, Miyagi is Tohoku’s smallest prefecture in size but largest in population.

Known for its mountainous west and oceanside east, Miyagi Prefecture is blessed with a diverse range of nature. In fact, Matsushima Bay, just northeast of Miyagi’s capital city Sendai, is ranked as one of Japan’s three most scenic views and features a little over 260 pine-covered islets against the sea. The prefecture is also famous for its historical and cultural sites, hot springs, and delectable seafood. Although Miyagi was hit the hardest by the Great East Japan Earthquake and following tsunami in 2011, it has risen above the tragedy, thriving as a place of strength and remembrance.

Minamisanriku is a town in northeastern Miyagi that hugs the Pacific Ocean. Here, you can admire remarkable ocean vistas and rugged coastlines, enjoy meaningful shopping experiences, visit memorials dedicated to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and much more. The town’s seaside presence also makes it an excellent place to savor some top-notch Japanese seafood.

For this article, let’s take a closer look at Oishin, a company renowned for its high-quality seaweed products—most notably wakame and mekabu.

What are wakame and mekabu?

Wakame is one of the three main types of edible seaweed in Japan, with kombu and nori being the other two. Wakame is characterized by its deep green color, slightly chewy and slippery texture, and mild flavor. Mekabu is the part of wakame seaweed that sits just above the root. It has a briny and mildly sweet flavor with a slimy, yet crunchy texture. Both wakame and mekabu are most often enjoyed in soups (especially miso soup), salads, and various side dishes.

When it comes to wakame and mekabu, Sanriku’s output is renowned in Japan. Sanriku—a region in northeastern Japan that includes Miyagi, Iwate, and Aomori—is one of the world’s three largest fishing grounds and produces 70% of Japan’s wakame. This region’s waters are filled with minerals, making it a prime environment for quality seaweed.

Wakame and mekabu are super foods!

Wakame is rich in minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and iodine. It also contains nutrients like vitamins A, C, E, and K. Given its cocktail of beneficial components, wakame is said to support thyroid function, reduce blood pressure, benefit heart health, and decrease blood sugar.

Since it is a part of the same plant, mekabu contains similar minerals and nutrients. However, it has higher contents of alginic acid and fucoidan, which are water-soluble dietary fibers that can help absorb and expel lipids, sugars, and sodium, as well as support intestinal regulation.

Given their host of beneficial elements, both seaweeds make for great additions to your diet!

Think “Oishin” for Sanriku-sourced seafood products

Established in 1989, Oishin is a business that specializes in the processing and manufacturing of seafood products from Sanriku, namely seaweed, sea urchins, and oysters. The company primarily sources its products from local areas, and although it focuses on local production for local consumption, it also distributes goods across Japan. Instead of drying, Oishin favors preserving its products with salt so consumers can best appreciate the freshness, quality, flavor, and texture of locally sourced seaweed.

Initially, Oishin prioritized Business-to-Business connections—selling its products to supermarkets and other commercial businesses. However, within the past four to five years, the company has shifted its focus to the end consumer by expanding its online shop and e-commerce presence. By doing so, Oishin hopes to better showcase the quality of its products and its unique offerings.

In alignment with its consistent pursuit of excellence, Oishin has obtained numerous certificates related to quality and food safety, such as FSSC 22000, MSC, ASC, and CoC certifications.

Although Oishin was heavily impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake—losing multiple factories—it rebounded stronger than ever before, being one of the first businesses to rebuild in the area. The earthquake also marked the start of the company’s mekabu product line, which has grown to be its most popular.

Where can you enjoy Oishin’s products?

There is no better place to try seaweed than by the sea!

To directly purchase Oishin’s products, visit its small direct sales shop located at the entrance of its office. Here, you can peruse an array of delicious products for takeaway, including wakame, mekabu, and other seasonal seafood offerings.

We highly recommend trying Oishin’s conveniently packaged mekabu, which is divided into single-serving packs and comes equipped with soy sauce packets. You can eat the mekabu as is or use it as a topping for rice. The accompanying soy sauce adds a touch of umami that elevates the mekabu’s briny notes. It serves as a healthy snack for your sightseeing adventures!

If you are looking to dive into some quality Minamisanriku seafood alongside Oishin’s seaweed, consider a visit to Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village. This outdoor shopping complex houses 28 shops with five of them being seafood restaurants. Choose your favorite one, and enjoy fluffy Japanese rice topped with exceedingly fresh seafood. Since Oishin is a supplier for some of these shops, you may receive a side of mekabu with your seafood bowl—making the shopping complex a great place to try a plethora of the ocean’s delicacies.

Sightseeing in Minamisanriku

As mentioned previously, Miyagi was severely impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. To commemorate this tragedy, Minamisanriku established multiple sites dedicated to remembrance, recovery, and hope. It has become a meaningful destination where you can experience joy for the present and respect for the past.

Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village

Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village opened in 2017 as a place where companies affected by the tsunami could relocate and reopen. The complex is home to an eclectic mix of shops, from restaurants and souvenir stores to an osteopathic clinic and Buddhist altar goods store.

Today, the open-air shopping area attracts residents and tourists alike with its charming wooden appearance and diverse offerings. Hop from shop to shop and browse special souvenirs like wooden wares, mugs, teapots, Japanese tea, and stationery, as well as Minamisanriku-specific goods. Keep an eye out for merch with the town’s adorable mascot Octopus-kun!

Since the complex also has no shortage of flavorful eats, we recommend that you arrive with an empty stomach. The indoor and outdoor seating options allow you to comfortably savor cafe sweets, octopus quiches (sold exclusively at Yamasei Confectionery), ice cream, souvenir cookies, and of course, plenty of seafood. Everyone can find something they enjoy.

As its name suggests, Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village aspires to be a place that nurtures smiles and shines like the sun. Stop by, and experience this meaningful shopping street for yourself.

Minamisanriku Earthquake Disaster Memorial Park

Minamisanriku Earthquake Disaster Memorial Park, adjacent to Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village, is a 6.3-hectare green space and memorial for the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. From its eastern entrance, Nakahashi Bridge connects the shopping area to the park. This eye-catching bridge was designed by famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and is composed of iron and Minamisanriku cedar.

One of the main focal points of the park is the preserved steel frame of the Former Disaster Prevention Countermeasures Office, which has been maintained as a reminder of the tsunami’s impact. The building’s hollow and twisted appearance juxtaposed against the quiet tranquility of the park is incredibly impactful, embodying both past devastation and present/future recovery.

Past the ruins, is an artificial 20-meter high hill called Prayer Hill with a stone monument on its summit. Just below the monument is a walking path at 16.5 meters which reflects the average height of the tsunami that hit the area—allowing you to truly understand its massive height.

Despite the heavy presence of past events, the park is lush and calm. Tree saplings and flowers give the area a sense of rebirth, and the encircled mountains add to the picturesque scenery.

Cape Kamiwarizaki

Located in southeastern Minamisanriku and jutting out into the Pacific Ocean, Cape Kamiwarizaki is a captivating display of nature. Here, rugged cliff sides adorned with vegetation and trees meet the ocean in an epic fashion. One of the most intriguing elements of this cape are the two large rock formations separated by a slim crevice. According to a local legend, angry gods split the rock formation in two.

From the rocky shoreline, embrace the sea’s fragrance, and watch the waves as they crash through the jagged crevice, spilling put in a frothy rush of water. The back-and-forth sway of the ocean is exhilarating, and as the rough outcroppings break the waves, the dispersal of water grants you powerful ocean melodies that softly recede.

Discover Minamisanriku, Miyagi

Your trip to Minamisanriku starts at Sendai Station, which is about two hours from Tokyo Station via the Tohoku Shinkansen. From Sendai Station, you can take the Miyakoh Bus directly to Shizugawa Station, which is located roughly in the center of Minamisanriku. The bus ride is approximately one hour and 45 minutes.

Once you arrive, grab a bite of Oishin’s Sanriku-sourced seaweed and immerse yourself in the town’s inspiring destinations and landscapes.

Looking for more Tohoku seafood?

Oishin’s wakame and mekabu are only parts of Tohoku’s diverse seafood culture.Visit our Seafood Journey feature page to dive into northeastern Japan's culinary delicacies and discover more passionate seafood and marine product processors.