A small island lies still in the waters between Shōdoshima and Teshima Islands. This is Ode Island. It has a population of around 10 people. It has no hospitals, supermarkets, or even any vending machines. However, it still plays a special part in supporting the Inland Sea’s gastronomy.

Ode’s greatest characteristic is its beef.
Cows greatly outnumber the humans here. Two households herd 400 cattle between them, which they then turn into “Ode Island Olive Beef” and sell nationwide.

Strained Ode olive lees are mixed into the cow feed.
Cattle are raised on this fragrant mix, imbuing their meat with a tender quality that earned it renown as a Seto Inland Sea brand.
And as the name implies, most of the brand’s products are made right here in Ode Island.

The cows’ manure is also used to fertilize kitchen gardens, resulting in shockingly robust vegetables. Even without supermarkets, these gardens are the only pantry needed. This quiet and cozy lifestyle of man, cattle and nature continues to this day.

It is not an easy island for tourists to reach; only one ferry passes through per day. Still, if you spot a ship bearing a special “Cow mark,” it might be transporting cattle from Ode Island.

14 cows quietly ferried across the blue. The sight speaks of the “Beef Island” of Ode.