Fish heads, anyone?, a photo from Osaka, Kinki

Photographer's Note

This is the wedding party of some friends of mine. (The woman on the left in the kimono is the bride.) When I arrived at the party there were 2 huge metal drums positioned above a fire. I was told they were for cooking the tuna. When they removed them I was a little shocked to see 4 big fish heads just sitting there. However, what was even more surprising was the excitement of all the Japanese there who rushed over with their plates and chopsticks. I thought the contrast was kind of funny - all these dressed up people (more so the women) squatting beside the fire picking at fish heads with their chopsticks.

SoupDragon, Catli has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

SoupDragon (652) 2005-08-21 22:53

In all my years here, I've never seen anything quite like this. From your note, I can imagine the atmosphere, as I know how much people enjoy the delicacy of a fish head (normally on a smaller scale though). Good to see the bride getting stuck in, as in many cases, brides never eat at weddings!
As an image, it captures the spirit well, and if there were "bizarre" points, it'd be top of the league!

Catli (550) 2005-08-21 23:52

This is a very funny picture and reading your note makes it even more funny! You captured very well the festive atmosphere and the excitement that you describe. Did you ask if it is a tradition to have fish heads for weddings?! Thanks for sharing.

annagrace (2469) 2005-08-28 23:02

Wow, that's different for a wedding entree! You have to tell, did you try it? Did it taste like chicken? LOL!!!

Thanks for sharing this tradition.

Alli