Japanese companies seek new uses for shark meat and skin

Japanese companies are working to increase the visibility and utility of shark meat and skin, moving beyond the traditional focus on shark fins. While shark fins are highly valued in Chinese cuisine, much of the meat is currently processed into surimi paste for products like hanpen fish cakes, often without consumers realizing its origin.

To promote direct consumption, Tokyo-based wholesaler Chuka Takahashi Inc. has introduced ‘Peach Shark’ products, offering meat blocks and sticks for cooking. In Mie Prefecture, snack maker Oyatsu Company Ltd. is marketing deep-fried salmon shark snacks in a spicy karaage style. Additionally, audio equipment manufacturer Audio-Technica has released a portable record player named ‘Shark Burger’ that incorporates blue shark skin into its handle.

These commercial efforts face challenges, including environmental criticism of shark fishing and the influence of pop culture, such as the ‘Baby Shark’ phenomenon.