January 30 2009 Hachinohe Fish Market!
Obviously a big step back in time....This was on our tour of the area that was part of our introduction to life in Japan.

The fish market is a very smelly place, to say the least. It was recommended that if we didn't think we could keep our stomach contents down, then don't go in....It took a few minutes, but we got used to the smell.

Some of the vendor would hand out free samples. Shane tried some raw squid soaked in some kind of sauce. After watching his eyebrow shoot up into his hairline....I declined to try any. It must have been bad as he didn't incourage Andi or I to give it a try.

Displays of seafood everywhere!



Below: April 19 2009

Arrived at the Misawa Fishery Port for cleanup day at the port. The fisherman had already brought in some of the days haul. Fresh crab getting ready for their final destinations.

Fishing boats in the harbor at Misawa. The weird things on the seawall are additional protection from Tsunamis.

Fishing boats.

String of lights on one of the boats.

Local fisherman.





Below: March 15 2009

Misawa Fishery Port. March 15 was a celebration day. It was the opening of the clam season. There is a specific type of clam that is harvested. The port sponsors a big "cookout" and opprotunity to get your clams. No, we didn't get any....I don't know how to cook them.

Clam meat being "cooked". The meat is put on a stick, then browned. I watched others eating theirs....the outside is browned, but the inside looks pretty darn pink to me. We thought it best to wait to try this til we are a little more used to the cooking styles.

Bins of clams, and lots of people...

Clams getting shucked. It is a common sight to see the workers with a cigarette dangling out of their mouths. Maybe it disguises the smell of the clams.

The man made seawall creates the safe harbor for the fishing boats.

Misawa Fishery Port. I don't think it usually looks like this. Just on festival days are the banners out.