Kumamoto seafood is coming to Saitama for a weekend of fish shopping. Kakujou Gyorui (角上魚類) will hold its Kumamoto Fair (熊本フェア) at the Koshigaya store (越谷店) on October 17–18, 2026. Expect Kumamoto-sourced seafood across the fresh-fish counter and prepared-food sections, including sushi and sashimi made especially for the fair.
The store will open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on both days. You can choose something ready to eat or ask for help preparing a whole fish to cook at home.
Dates, location and opening hours
Koshigaya will host the first fair of the season. Kakujou Gyorui plans to bring the initiative to other stores in turn, but their dates have not been announced in the supplied information.
| Fair | Kumamoto Fair |
|---|---|
| Dates | Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Kakujou Gyorui, Koshigaya store |
| Address | 17 Otake, Koshigaya, Saitama 埼玉県越谷市大竹17番地 |
| Weekend opening hours | 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m. |
| Organizer | Kakujou Gyorui Holdings Co., Ltd., working with Kumamoto Prefecture |
| Product prices | Not stated in the announcement; check at the store. |
Use the official Koshigaya store page to check access information before setting out.
What will be on sale?
The fair extends beyond the fresh-fish counter. Kumamoto seafood will also feature in sushi, sashimi, prepared dishes and dried fish. Fair-exclusive sushi and sashimi are planned, although specific combinations and prices have not been listed.
If you prefer a ready-to-eat meal, look through the sushi, sashimi and prepared-food sections. If you want to cook, start at the staffed fish counter and ask what has arrived that day.
The announcement gives the following examples of Kumamoto seafood. These are examples of the region’s catch, not confirmed stock for October 17–18.
| Seafood group | Examples mentioned |
|---|---|
| Fish | Red sea bream, yellowtail, cutlassfish, black sea bream, rockfish, barracuda and mahi-mahi |
| Shellfish and other seafood | Kuruma prawns, swimming crabs and cuttlefish |
Seafood from three different seas
Kumamoto’s seafood comes from contrasting fishing grounds: the tidal flats of the Ariake Sea, the indented coastline of the Yatsushiro Sea, and the stronger offshore currents of Amakusa-nada. The announcement also describes how groundwater from the Aso region feeds into these marine environments.
The fair aims to introduce this variety to shoppers while supporting Kumamoto’s fisheries and seafood industry through sales opportunities. If you are also considering a trip to the region, our guide to JAL’s Kyushu recovery-support travel offer covers a separate travel initiative; check its conditions and availability independently.
Help choosing and preparing fish
Not sure what to do with an unfamiliar fish? Kakujou Gyorui has fish advisers called shinsetsu-gakari (親切係) at all stores. Look for their yellow hats and ask about the fish, suitable cooking methods or preparation.
Fish preparation at the staffed counter is free. Explain how you plan to cook your purchase and ask which preparation is suitable. The announcement does not specify English-language assistance.
What to check before you go
Choose the weekend for the fair rather than assuming the same selection will be available on a later visit. Some fish may not arrive because of landing conditions, and product contents or packaging can change. Items may also sell out.
- Check the official store page for access and any updated notices.
- Confirm prices and the day’s selection at the store.
- Ask the fish counter about preparation before ordering.
- Do not assume other branches are holding the fair on the same dates.
For a separate outing before or after your shopping trip, browse our Asoview attraction-campaign guide and check the location and booking conditions of each option. For another food update, see our guide to KFC Japan’s new Original Chicken Burgers.
Source: Kakujou Gyorui Holdings’ official announcement, issued October 13, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
- When is the Kumamoto Fair in Koshigaya?
- The fair is scheduled for October 17–18, 2026, at Kakujou Gyorui’s Koshigaya store. Opening hours on both days are 9:00 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Are all the pictured fish guaranteed to be available?
- No. The photos are illustrative, and arrivals depend on landing conditions. Products may differ from the photos or sell out.
- Can the store prepare fish for me?
- Yes. Fish preparation at the staffed counter is free. Ask the staff about suitable preparation and cooking methods.