The history of Unagi Kitaya — founded 1910, birthplace of Yukio Nishimura History & Tradition

Unagi Kitaya was founded in 1910, in Honmachi, the town that grew up before the gates of Ise Jingu Geku. It has kept the eel traditions of Ise alive ever since. The building is also the birthplace of Yukio Nishimura, one of the defining pitchers of Japanese baseball before the war. Nishimura joined the Osaka Tigers — now the Hanshin Tigers — in 1937, and helped beat the Giants of Eiji Sawamura to back-to-back championships. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.

The Tradition of Eel in Ise

Eel culture was brought to Ise from Edo long ago.
It is still handed down in Ise as the legend of the "Filial Eel".
Eel came to Ise in the Tenpo era (1842). Kitaya has carried that tradition on since its founding in 1910.

Founded 1910

Kitaya was born in Honmachi, Ise City, in 1910.
At that time, the area in front of Ise Jingu Geku was bustling with activity.
We continue to convey the taste and heart of Ise's "Filial Eel" to those visiting Ise Jingu.

The Legend: Yukio Nishimura

Kitaya is the birthplace of the late Yukio Nishimura.
He joined the Hanshin Tigers in 1937 and was an ace pitcher. He led the team to consecutive championships, defeating the Giants led by Eiji Sawamura.

Known for his powerful fastball and sharp breaking balls, he was a representative pitcher of pre-war professional baseball.
He died in the war in the Philippines in 1945. In 1977, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.