Discover the many uniquely Japanese ways to enjoy chicken6＜Yamaguchi＞

Yamaguchi Edition — Another Side of the Region’s Diverse Food Culture

Japan offers an incredible variety of chicken dishes, and thanks to strong regional traditions, they never get boring.

Introduction

In this series, we explore regional chicken dishes across Japan, highlighting how each area brings its own culinary traditions and characteristics.

Yamaguchi Prefecture is often associated with fugu (pufferfish), one of Japan’s most well-known delicacies.
While that reputation is well deserved, there is another aspect of the region’s food culture that is often overlooked.

That is its wide variety of chicken dishes.

From branded chickens to local comfort foods, chicken in Yamaguchi is prepared and enjoyed in many different ways.
In this article, we look at both the ingredients and the dishes that define this lesser-known side of the region.

Yamaguchi’s Signature Branded Chickens

Yamaguchi is known for two main types of branded chicken: Choshu Dori and Choshu Kurokashiwa.

Choshu Dori is raised on feed blended with five types of herbs and without the use of antibiotics or synthetic antimicrobial agents. It is known for its clean taste, tender texture, and juiciness.

Choshu Kurokashiwa, on the other hand, is a locally developed jidori breed based on the protected Kurokashiwa chicken. It offers a balanced texture—firm yet tender—along with a rich flavor and a subtle sweetness in its fat.

In Nagato City, where seafood processing has historically been a major industry, fish scraps produced during processing were used as chicken feed. This practice contributed to the development of poultry farming in the area.

Local Chicken Dishes in Yamaguchi

Chicken and Burdock Stir-Fry (“Chicken Chicken Gobo”)

“Chicken Chicken Gobo” is a dish that originated in Yamaguchi, made by deep-frying chicken and burdock root, then coating them in a sweet and savory sauce.

It first became popular through school lunches and has since spread into home cooking and restaurants. Its simple preparation and satisfying flavor make it widely appealing.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries "Our Local Cuisine"

Nagato Yakitori — A Regional Style of Skewered Chicken

Nagato City is known as a “yakitori town,” with a well-established local culture around grilled chicken skewers.

The standard way to enjoy yakitori here is with salt, allowing the natural flavor of the ingredients to stand out. Many restaurants also provide garlic powder and chili spices, which can be added to taste.

Unlike the more common use of green onions in skewers elsewhere in Japan, Nagato-style yakitori often uses onions. Because onions contain more moisture, they help prevent the meat from burning and contribute to a better overall texture.
It is also typical for yakitori to be served with fresh cabbage on the side.

And There’s More… Unique Chicken Dishes in Yamaguchi

Sanzoku-yaki
“Sanzoku-yaki” is a charcoal-grilled chicken dish served on skewers, known as a popular menu item at the restaurant “Irori Sanzoku.” It is typically enjoyed by eating it directly, highlighting its juicy texture and bold presentation.

Chicken Hero
“Chicken Hero” is a fried dish made from mid-joint chicken wings, lightly seasoned with a mild spiciness. It is a popular product from the Fukagawa Poultry Agricultural Cooperative and is commonly enjoyed at home.

Choshu Chicken Steak
Made using Choshu Dori or Choshu Kurokashiwa, this dish is a newer local specialty in Yamaguchi. Preparation styles, cuts, sauces, and side dishes vary by restaurant, making it possible to compare different versions.

Conclusion

The appeal of chicken dishes in Yamaguchi lies in their variety.

From approachable, everyday meals to dishes that highlight the natural qualities of the ingredients, as well as more unique local creations, there is a wide range of ways to enjoy chicken in the region.

While Yamaguchi is widely known for its seafood, particularly fugu, its chicken cuisine offers another perspective on the region’s food culture.

When visiting Yamaguchi, taking the time to explore these dishes can provide a deeper understanding of its culinary diversity.