A Treasure Trove of Local Ingredients
Surrounded by the rich waters of the East China Sea and blessed with fertile land, Kumejima is a treasure trove of local ingredients.
The island is home to many agricultural and seafood products, including several ingredients that rank among Japan’s top producers. From fresh seafood to vegetables, fruits, and other locally grown products, Kumejima’s natural environment provides an incredible variety of flavors.
Discover the ingredients that make Kumejima’s food culture unique.
Kumejima’s Local Specialties
Taste the island’s unique ingredients.
Kuruma Prawns
Raised in the island's pure, mineral-rich deep-sea water without antibiotics, they are famous for their plump, bouncy texture and natural sweetness.
Sea Grape
Known as umibudou, sea grapes are a popular Okinawan delicacy. Their small green beads pop gently in your mouth, giving them a unique texture and a subtle taste of the sea. Kumejima is one of Okinawa’s important production areas for sea grapes.
Sweet Potato
Beniimo, or purple sweet potato, is one of Okinawa’s well-known crops. Its vibrant purple color and gentle sweetness make it a popular ingredient in sweets and local products.
Mozuku
Mozuku is a type of seaweed that grows in the warm waters around Okinawa. Kumejima is one of Japan’s leading production areas for mozuku. The island’s clean coastal waters provide an ideal environment for growing this nutritious sea vegetable.
Awamori
Awamori is a traditional distilled spirit from Okinawa and is said to be the root of Japanese shochu. Made from Thai Indica rice and black koji, it has been produced in Okinawa for more than 600 years.
Kumejima Red Chicken
Kumejima Red Chicken is a local chicken known for its firm, juicy texture and rich flavor. Raised in Kumejima’s natural surroundings, it is fed with Okinawan ingredients, including awamori lees, turmeric, and shell ginger.
From the Island to Your Table
Kumejima’s ingredients are shaped by the island’s land, water, climate, and the people who produce them.
When you taste local food on Kumejima, you are not just enjoying a meal — you are experiencing a part of the island itself.
Discover the ingredients, flavors, and food culture that make Kumejima unique.