The Filial Eel — a folk tale of Ise told at Unagi Kitaya The Tale of Filial Eel

The Filial Eel is a folk tale told in Ise for generations. A son, hoping to restore the strength of his ailing mother, went down to the river to catch an eel for her. The story is often given as the reason eel came to be eaten here as a restorative food. That impulse — care for another person, made edible — is where Kitaya's hospitality begins.

The Beginning

About 140 years ago, in a town near Ise Jingu Geku, lived a young man named Yakichi.
Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by a kind neighboring couple.
Yakichi grew up to be a gentle and dutiful son, always working hard to help his aging parents.

Father's Illness

When Yakichi was 15, his father fell ill. Days passed, but his condition did not improve.
Worried, Yakichi searched everywhere for a medicine or food that could help his father recover.

The Legend of Eel

A merchant returning from Edo told him, "Grilled eel is famous for restoring energy."
Yakichi immediately got an eel and grilled it with care.
His father ate it and said, "It's delicious! I feel strength returning." Hearing this, Yakichi decided to feed his father eel every day.

Providing More Eels

To afford eels every day, Yakichi had an idea.
"I'll grill lots of eels and sell them!"

Yakichi the Eel Vendor

After his plastering work, he walked around town selling grilled eels.
"Kabayaki~, fresh Kabayaki~!"
Even in rain or wind, he continued, happy to share his day with his parents every night.

Great Success

People were touched by the taste and Yakichi's diligence.
His eels became famous as "Filial Eel" (Koukou Unagi).

A Legend Passed Down

His story reached the magistrate, and he was rewarded.
Yakichi eventually opened an eel restaurant, which became the origin of "Kitaya".
We continue to preserve the taste and heart of the "Filial Eel" today.