Wednesday marks the midsummer Day of the Ox, when eating eel is traditionally believed to help people maintain their stamina in the summer heat.
Kagoshima Prefecture in southwest Japan is the nation’s top producer of farmed eel.
People in Kagoshima City flocked to a grilled eel restaurant in the downtown Tenmonkan district that has been in business since 1932.
The restaurant opened 10 minutes earlier than the usual time of 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday as a long line of customers formed outside.
The restaurant said it had secured about double the usual number of local eels for the Day of the Ox and began preparing the delicacy from around 5 a.m.
Eel fillets were dipped in a sauce and grilled over a charcoal fire before being served to diners, who were awaiting their treat as an appetizing smell filled the restaurant.
A counter was set up in front of the restaurant for those who want to buy takeout.
A Tokyo resident who had returned to his hometown on vacation with his wife said he felt lucky to visit the city this time of year. He said he enjoyed the dish, which helps him weather the heat.
A woman in her 60s, who has been a regular customer for about 30 years, said she enjoyed the soft eel fillets.
Noting that the summer is forecast to be extremely hot, the owner of the restaurant said he hopes people will enjoy the local specialty and beat the summer heat.