The amazingly wide variety of seafood species in each season
Lying North and South , Japan is rich in marine resources aswarm currents meet cold currents in its exclusive economic zone, and because there are distinct, changing seasons.
Rich fishing grounds are formed where warm currents meet cold currents in the world’s 6th largest fishing ground
An extensive exclusive economic zone
Composed of over six thousand islands, many of which spread far and wide, Japan enjoys an extensive exclusive economic zone (EEZ) relative to its land area. The northwest waters of the Pacific Ocean, which includes Japan’s EEZ, are the most product waters, representing 24% of the world’s annual catch.
Rich fishing grounds are formed where warm currents meet cold
Cold-water and warm-water fish abound as warm and cold current meet near Japan. The tide patterns formed b the collision of two sea currents attack numerous fish as large quantities of plankton live in the tide.
Fish from season to season
Some fish move actively in warmer seasons, and others store fat in their bodies in cold seasons. Seafood change in taste according to the season. Thus, you can appreciate the best taste when fish are in season. Some Japanese words specifying certain types of fish contain a part of a Chinese character representing the season. This indicates how important it is for Japanese to eat seafood in their season.
Spring
Katsuo (Bonito):
Hatsuo-Gatsuo, caught in spring and early summer, is valaued as a seasonal fish.
Hotate (scallop):
Most delicious in winter and spring before the spawning season, especially, around March.
Summer
Kanpachi(amberjack):
Summer fish living in warm water in the main island and the south sea.
Aji (horsemackerel):
Fatty and tasty in summer, popularly enjoyed in Japanese homes.
Autumn
Saba (mackerel):
Mackerel caught in autumn is fattier, and loved nationwide because of its great taste. Sashimi (raw slices) of “Just harvested” fresh mackerel is a delicacy too.
Sake (chum salmon):
Young salmon migrate to the sea where they mature, and return to the rivers in autumn to spawn.
Winter
Hirame (flounder):
In particular, winter season flounder, so-called “Kanbirame” in January and February, is rich in fat with light and exquisite taste.
Buri (yellowtail):
Gains weight with firm meat in preparation for the spawning time in spring, and has a special taste in winter.
