The domestic supply of fish and fishery products in Japan amounted to 9,820,000 tons, with 75%, or 7,358,000 tons, destined for human consumption.
Given this huge consumption, it's easy to see the unconditional love the Japanese have for their premium fish—loaded with essential, healthy proteins and rich in omega-3 fatty acids that preserve heart health and boost brain power. This might even help explain their record-high life expectancy!
Curious? Let's dive into the rich Japanese seafood culture and guide you on how to join the tasty and healthy fish fan club too!
A Fish Story
Surrounded by oceans and teeming with freshwater streams, Japan's reliance on fish as a primary protein source is hardly surprising.
For centuries, fish dominated the Japanese diet, with meat consumption being exceptionally rare due to a longstanding 1,200-year ban. This all changed in 1872, the fifth year of the Meiji Emperor's reign, when he publicly broke this ancient prohibition by indulging in meat to ring in the New Year.
The emperor's bold choice marked a significant shift and inspired citizens across all social classes to explore meat as a part of their diets. Quite a surprising turn of events!
Seeking Blessings by the Shore
In Japan, shrines dot the landscape, each dedicated to different deities including those governing war and the sea. Fishermen particularly hold the water god, Watatsumi, in high esteem.
They frequent Watatsumi shrines across the nation, offering fish to gain favor and ensure good fortune in their catches.
This practice reflects the profound connection between the Japanese people, their sustenance, and the spiritual realm, linking everyday life with divine influences.
Celebrating Baby's First Symbolic Meal
Okuizome is a charming Japanese ritual that celebrates a newborn's first meal—well, symbolically, since it occurs long before the baby has any teeth!
The tradition of Okuizome, or a baby's first meal, marks an important milestone about 100 days after a baby's birth in Japan. This ritual (akin to a baby shower but celebrated post-birth) involves serving a full-course meal where the oldest same-gender family member symbolically feeds the baby fish.
Although the baby is too young for solid food, this act celebrates new life, family unity, and the cultural significance of fish in bringing people together.
5 Must-Try Japanese Fish Dishes
Japan's rich fish culture naturally brings to the table (literally) a delightful assortment of fish-centered dishes that are as tasty as they are varied!
- Sushi - Perhaps the most iconic Japanese dish, sushi involves vinegared rice paired with various ingredients, primarily fish. Classic choices include tuna (maguro), salmon (sake), and yellowtail (hamachi).
- Sashimi - This is raw fish, expertly sliced and served without rice. It's often enjoyed with soy sauce and wasabi. Common fish used in sashimi include tuna, salmon, and mackerel.
- Tempura - While not exclusively a fish dish, tempura often features seafood, including shrimp and white fish, coated in a light batter and deep-fried to perfection.
- Onigiri - Also known as rice balls, is a popular Japanese snack made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in nori (seaweed) and frequently features fish as a filling.
- Miso Soup with Fish - A common variation of the classic miso soup that includes pieces of fish, providing a rich umami flavor.
6 Must-Have Japanese Fish Sauces and Condiments
If you're into fish, there are numerous must-have Japanese sauces and condiments that incorporate fish or pair well with fish dishes, adding a much-needed umami kick to the food.
- Soy Sauce (Shoyu) - While not exclusively a fish sauce, soy sauce is a staple in Japanese cooking and pairs excellently with fish, enhancing its natural flavors.
- Ponzu Sauce - A citrus-based sauce that combines soy sauce, lemon juice, orange juice, and sometimes vinegar. It’s often used as a dressing or dipping sauce for fish dishes.
- Wasabi - Often served with sushi and sashimi, wasabi is a sharp, pungent condiment that complements the taste of raw fish.
- Teriyaki Sauce - Made from soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar, teriyaki sauce is used to marinate and glaze fish, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
- Dashi - A fundamental broth in Japanese cooking, made from seaweed (kombu) and dried bonito fish flakes (katsuobushi). It serves as a base for soups and sauces and is essential for authentic Japanese flavor.
- Tartar Sauce - In Japan, tartar sauce is commonly used with fried seafood and includes finely chopped pickles or cucumber, which adds a refreshing touch.
Shopping for Fish?
Japan, renowned for its exceptional quality of fish and seafood, is now reaching global markets more extensively.
Over 3,000 local Japanese retailers have partnered with the massive online platform, ZenPlus, providing international shoppers access to a staggering selection of over 5 million Japanese items.
This vast assortment includes essential fish products and other culinary staples needed to craft authentic Japanese meals right from your own house!
To enhance the dining experience, don't forget to set your table with genuine Japanese tableware (it's sure to make your guests eager for a repeat visit!)
Begin your journey into Japanese cuisine by browsing ZenPlus. Load up your cart, place your order, and let their team of professionals ensure that a delightful and fresh surprise arrives at your doorstep!
About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
