Jizakana Bank is an ongoing project in Itoshima to ensure that everyone in society can continue enjoying fresh, delicious local fish. (Jizakana means local fish in Japanese.)
In order to learn more about local fish and increase their value, local businesspeople, including fishermen and culinary researchers from Itoshima, have been working with Takashi Mabuchi, the President of Itoshi no Itoshima Co., Ltd., to carry out a variety of activities since 2018.
Individuals who agree with the project’s objectives or who are interested in local fish from Itoshima can become members of Jizakana Bank. As members, they can interact with local fishermen and other members and access workshops and other services funded with membership fees (¥1,100/month). The project aims to bring people to Itoshima to understand the value of local fish through hands-on experiences, so it offers participatory events like village tours and fish cutting workshops.
Details of activities are available on the Jizakana Bank Facebook group.
Jizakana Bank
Operated by: Itoshi no Itoshima Co., Ltd.
https://www.zizakanabank.com/company/
Membership fee: ¥1,100/month
Member benefits:
1. One Itoshima seafood bowl (or simmered fish meal) at Shima no Kaisendonya or local sashimi platter at Ekimae no Bar.
2. Priority for participation in hands-on events
3. Right to join in Jizakana Bank activities (e.g., planning and development of products using local fish, development of menus for local eateries) as a member
▷ Membership Registration: https://www.zizakanabank.com/memberform
Eateries run by Itoshi no Itoshima Co., Ltd.;
Shima no Kaisendonya
Seafood bowl specialty shop located inside JF Itoshima Shima no Shiki. Opened in 2011, this is Mabuchi’s first shop. It offers local fish from Itoshima based on the concept of only using fish from Itoshima and refusing to negotiate lower prices with the fishermen. It is a popular shop that starts forming lines early in the morning.
• 33-1 Shima-tsuwazaki, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-327-4033 (reservations not accepted)
• Open: 11:00~14:00 (ends as soon as they run out)
• Close: Wed.
• https://www.instagram.com/shimanokaisendon/
Ekimae no Sakanayasan
This shop specializes in take-out. Here you can choose from a range of menu items made with local seafood, like the local sashimi platter and takoyaki made with local octopus, as well as prepared foods made with Itoshima vegetables. Be sure to check the shop’s Instagram page for the day’s menu.
Itoshima Now report: https://www.fukuoka-now.com/en/itoshimanow/ekimae-no-sakanaya-san/
• 2-1-1 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 070-3983-4384
• Open: 16:00~19:00
• Close：Wed.
• https://www.instagram.com/ekimaeno.sakanayasan/
Ekimae no Bar
One-minute walk from JR Chikuzen-Maebaru Station. A bar that serves fresh Itoshima seafood and dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
• 2-1-21 Maebaru-chuo, Itoshima City, Fukuoka
• 092-324-1022
• Open: 18:00~22:30 (open only Thu., Fri., Sat.)
• Close: Sun. to Wed.
• https://www.instagram.com/ekimaenobaru/
