Foraging at Mount Yaedake
Foragers are invited to experience the warmth and wisdom of Yusuda Mikiko-San, a radiant 68-year-old who has called the enchanting island of Okinawa home since the day she was born. With every word, she embodies a deep connection to the plants, flowers, and herbs that fill her world. Her life has been surrounded by nature from her childhood in a nursery, nurturing green life and learning to lose herself in the embrace of the forest. When she speaks of her beloved nature, her eyes sparkle with an undeniable joy, reflecting a soul truly alive.
My ascent of Mount Yaedake was truly magical, even as the rain gently enveloped us. With Yasuda by my side, I followed the hill track, embracing the drizzle without an umbrella or raincoat for the first time. This newfound sense of freedom was a welcome relief from the worries I often carried in Singapore. Surrounded by nature’s beauty and Yasuda’s delightful company, my concerns about health faded away.
At 453.4 meters, Yaedake stands as the second highest mountain on Okinawa’s main island. As we walked, Yasuda pointed out the cherry blossom trees that lined our path. This stunning locale is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the vibrant scarlet cherry blossoms that burst into bloom each January, captivating visitors from near and far. I can easily envision the striking contrast between the lush, ancient green forest and the vivid red cherry blooms, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing this breathtaking spectacle myself one day!
As we began our ascent, we strolled past quaint houses, soon leaving behind the familiar sights for a world rich with flora and herbs. Yasuda’s excitement was infectious as she chatted animatedly, sharing her passion for the plants around us. Yet, her nurturing spirit came to the fore as she cautioned me to watch my step whenever she spotted a stone or stick in our path.
Yasuda would bend down to reveal delicate flower buds, leaves, or plants, sharing her wisdom about why it was vital to collect them at this particular stage for the best flavor—insights honed from her years of foraging. As we strolled alongside a gently flowing stream, we stumbled upon a lush patch of kogomi fiddleheads, their tender spirals emerging from the soil. Yasuda reminded us to only take what we needed, emphasizing the importance of preserving their delicate existence. The Japanese believe the culinary appeal of kogomi lies in its slightly bitter taste, which awakens dormant winter taste buds and boosts metabolism. As a chef, I appreciate that fiddleheads are nutritional powerhouses, packed with antioxidants and bioflavonoids, and they provide an excellent source of vitamins A and C, niacin, magnesium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus. It can be challenging to find fiddleheads, as they are seasonal.
We also came across a fragrant patch of yomogi (mugwort). This wild edible leaf is usually available in spring and is often enjoyed boiled and seasoned or transformed into crispy tempura. Its strong chlorophyll aroma and slight bitterness made it clear why this plant holds a special place in regional cuisine. During my trip to Okinawa, I noticed a recurring theme: bitter vegetables are a staple in their diet.
As we concluded our hike, we arrived at the unused garage of Yasuda’s home, where she excitedly unveiled a treasure trove of dried herbs, seeds, and flowers she had foraged over the years. Each item she presented was a reflection of her passion and dedication to the wonders of the natural world.
Foraging, an activity with deep roots in Japanese culture, invites adventure seekers to uncover vibrant, edible plants hidden among Japan’s landscapes. So whether wandering through verdant forests or along coastal shores, the Okinawa beckons with the promise of fresh, natural meals waiting to be discovered. Yasuda’s enthusiasm for foraging illuminated my experience, reminding me of the joy found in nature’s bounty and the deep connections we can forge through shared passions.
I am deeply grateful to the Okinawa Prefectural Government Singapore Representative Office for the opportunity to meet such a magnificent spirit. Although Yusuda does not speak English, the insights I gained through our interpreter in just a few hours were profound. There was an undeniable pull towards her—perhaps it was our shared journey through life’s sixth decade or our mutual passion for nature, expressed in our own unique ways. In that moment, the connection was so strong that I felt compelled to wrap her in a heartfelt embrace before saying goodbye.
If you would like to go on foraging walks the next time you are in Okinawa, please enquire from
Tomoyuki Tonaki at [email protected]
