KANAZAWA (Kyodo) -- A six-pack of shiitake mushrooms from the disaster-hit Noto region fetched a record 350,000 yen ($2,200) at the year's first auction on Thursday in central Japan.

The sale of the "Nototemari" shiitake drew cheers and applause from participants in Kanazawa, capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, as the prefecture's Noto Peninsula continues efforts to recover from two natural disasters last year -- a powerful New Year's Day earthquake and record torrential rains the following September.

According to a body formed by local producers, mushrooms from four municipalities in the region including hard-hit Wajima must meet the criteria of having a cap of at least 8 centimeters in width and 3 cm in thickness to be shipped as Nototemari.

They are characterized by their aroma and pleasant chewy texture.

Speaking to reporters, chairman of the organization Yoshikatsu Hinoshita, 79, said, "I want people to consider that such a fine product was produced despite the hardships as they eat these mushrooms."