Sanma availability fluctuates in Japan due to poor catches

Due to ongoing poor catches, the availability and preparation of Pacific saury (sanma) have seen notable changes in Japan. At the annual Meguro Sanma Festival, organizers provided frozen saury caught the previous year instead of the usual fresh arrivals from Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture. Despite the shift from fresh to frozen, attendees reported high satisfaction with the quality of the fish.

In the consumer sector, high prices driven by low yields have led to an increased interest in automated cooking solutions. The Siroca ‘Ouchi Chef Cooker’ is being highlighted as a way to prepare the seasonal fish efficiently, using high-pressure technology to ensure flavor absorption and ease of use, addressing consumer concerns regarding smoke, odor, and cleaning during home cooking.