kazunoko Archives

Can Japan sustain the rebound of its ‘phantom fish’?

by Katherine Rose | Oct 4, 2024 | Japan Reporting Series, Local News

While the rebound in Japanese herring is the result of government investment, management of the fisheries is largely unregulated -- except by the fishermen themselves. Is this sustainable? Many don't think so. Part 5 of "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring fishery." Read More

As Japan’s consumer tastes change, marketers hope to create the next hot herring product

by Katherine Rose | Oct 3, 2024 | Japan Reporting Series, Local News

While Japan's obsession with seafood may never change, it's tastes are evolving. Alaskan herring roe -- kazunoko -- is finding its way snack foods, and other non-traditional products. But there is strong competition from domestic herring, too. This is Part 4 of "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring industry." Read More

While local herring are more affordable and accessible in Japan, some still look to Alaska for eggs

by Katherine Rose | Oct 2, 2024 | Japan Reporting Series, Local News

Japanese consumers are readily adjusting to the improved size and quantity of domestically-produced herring. But Alaska herring has niche in sushi -- and an alluring wild "brand" that still sells. Part 3 of KCAW's "Phantom Fish: The return of Japan's vanished herring industry." Read More

Two minutes in Tsukiji Outer Market

by Katherine Rose | Mar 11, 2024 | Local News, Syndicated

KCAW’s Katherine Rose continues her assignment in Japan this week, where she’s looking into the industry and culture of herring. Rose recently visited the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyoand met with a vendor who sells sac roe from Alaska. Read More

In Japan, marketers spawn new strategies to sell herring eggs

by Katherine Rose | Jun 22, 2022 | Local News, Syndicated

Herring season wrapped up earlier this spring in Sitka Sound with the largest commercial harvest in the history of the sac roe fishery. Herring management nevertheless continues to be controversial, and – many would argue – weighted heavily toward market demand in Asia. But what exactly is that market? Earlier this year, KCAW spoke with a Japanese anthropologist studying the history of herring in his home country, and how the market is changing along with the tastes and habits of the Japanese themselves. Read More