How Japan Has Strong Association with Fish
Thinking about Japanese foods? It is common that we associate those foods with fish, as we see Japanese eat raw fish in their meals. Ranging from simple raw fish, to famous fresh sushi and sash
How Japan Has Strong Association with Fish
Thinking about Japanese foods? It is common that we associate those foods with fish, as we see Japanese eat raw fish in their meals. Ranging from simple raw fish, to famous fresh sushi and sashimi.
The traditional Japanese diet consists of rice, pickled vegetables and fish or meat. It seems like fish is at the heart of the country’s diet and culture. Indeed, fish has been the staple food of the Japanese diet for centuries.
Fish and seafood is an integral part of Japanese culture and cuisine. Japanese people love fish so much, and that is not just a myth.
Japan is an archipelago with 6,582 islands
The country consumes about six percent of the world’s fish harvest, then imports more seafood than any other country. No wonder, Japan consumes much more fish than any other Asian country, with fish provides 40 percent of the protein in Japanese menu
Raw fish has been a significant part of the Japanese diet for centuries
It is a well-established tradition in traditional Japanese cuisine since back to the period of the Jomon four to five thousand years ago. Japanese chefs are often able to prepare raw fish with a variety of side dishes.
Japan is home to the world’s largest wholesale fish and seafood market
First, Japan is famous for its traditional Tsukiji Market. However, in October 2018, Japan opened Toyosu Market on the man-made island of Toyosu in the Bay of Tokyo.
Toyosu Market has three main buildings: two buildings dedicated to seafood and one for fruits and vegetables. All buildings are connected with each other and Shijo-mae Station through walkways. The fish market has more modern premises compared to Tsukiji Market with a viewing deck and dine-in restaurants. Tourists are able to observe the market through the windows. There are auctions and wholesale halls for tuna, other seafood and produce.
Fun fact: The world’s most expensive tuna was caught in Japan
It was the first market auction of the year at Toyosu Market in Koto, Tokyo, Japan on 5 January 2019. There is a bluefin tuna caught in Oma, Aomori, Japan, and it weighed 278 kg (612 lb 14.24 oz) that became the most expensive tuna fish!
The most expensive tuna fish sold at a price of 333,600,000 Yen ($3,082,610) to Sushizanmai of Kiyomura Corporation (Japan). The CEO of Kiyomura served the tuna after the action. Although the tuna was the most expensive tuna fish, the price for one piece of sushi was set to the regular price.