Haiku · Meiji Period · ca. 1895

Poet's Fish Fight: Akashi vs Hometown, 1895

明石鯛旨しといへど我が故郷伊予の鯛こそまさりたりけれ

Akashi-dai / umashi to iedo / waga furusato / Iyo no tai koso / masaritari kere

They praise Akashi's famed sea bream— Yet nothing surpasses the taste Of my beloved Iyo home.

— Masaoka Shiki (正岡子規)

About the Poet

Masaoka Shiki (1867-1902) was born in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture (old Iyo Province), and became one of Japan's most influential poets, revolutionizing both haiku and tanka for the modern age. Despite suffering from tuberculosis that confined him to bed for his final years, Shiki produced an extraordinary body of work and critical essays that transformed Japanese poetry. He advocated for 'shasei' (sketching from life), bringing fresh realism to traditional forms. His connection to various regions of Japan, including the Hyogo area, came through his travels before illness confined him. This playful poem reveals his deep attachment to his Shikoku hometown. Shiki's legacy extends beyond poetry—he also reformed haiku journalism and mentored future masters. Visitors to Matsuyama can explore the Shiki Memorial Museum, while his influence permeates Japanese literary culture nationwide. His honest, sometimes humorous voice continues to resonate with readers seeking authentic Japanese sensibilities.

Akashi, Hyogo, Hyogo

Akashi sits along Hyogo Prefecture's stunning Seto Inland Sea coast, famous for its swift tidal currents that produce exceptionally firm, flavorful sea bream (tai). The iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge—the world's longest suspension bridge—connects Honshu to Awaji Island, offering spectacular views. Visit Uontana shopping street for fresh seafood and famous akashiyaki (octopus dumplings). The historic Akashi Castle ruins provide panoramic sea vistas, while the Akashi Municipal Planetarium marks Japan's Standard Time Meridian. Spring brings cherry blossoms to castle grounds; summer offers beach activities and fireworks. The relaxed fishing-town atmosphere contrasts with nearby urban Kobe. Pro tip: arrive early morning at the fish market for the freshest tai sashimi experience.

Understanding the Poem

This tanka showcases Shiki's characteristic directness and gentle humor. Rather than abstract beauty, he engages with a culinary debate—Akashi's famous sea bream versus his hometown Iyo's version. The poem structure creates a pivot: acknowledging Akashi tai's reputation before asserting hometown pride. This reflects 'furusato' (hometown) nostalgia, a powerful Japanese sentiment. Shiki subverts poetic expectations by choosing fish over cherry blossoms, demonstrating his 'shasei' philosophy of honest, life-based poetry. The emotional core reveals universal homesickness—taste memories connecting us to origins. For travelers, it illuminates how regional food pride runs deep in Japanese culture, where local specialties carry profound identity meaning beyond mere flavor.