Tagonoura Shirasu (Shizuoka): season, origin and where to buy

Seasonal calendar

The fishing season runs from late March to mid-January; fishing is closed from January 15 to March 20.

Timing shifts with the weather and conditions in each region.

Official registration details (MAFF)

The registered description as published by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

Characteristics

Tagonoura Shirasu is a whitebait and it is characterized by its transparent color and elastic texture. The operators catch them carefully without scratching the surface and strive to maintain the freshness. The whitebait retains the texture and the color even if it is frozen. When it is cooked in a boiling water, the taste and the texture become even richer.

Link with the production area

The melting water from the Mount Fuji and nourishments from the Akaishi Mountains are poured into the producing area. The fishing grounds are close to the port which helps keep the freshness of whitebaits. The fishing has been conducted by using only one vessel. It allows to attain whitebaits without damages and maintain the quality.

Characteristics and link with the area: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website (https://www.maff.go.jp/e/policies/intel/gi_act/register/s36.html)

Where to buy

As a rule, only products that meet the registered standard may use a GI name (with exceptions such as prior use). Check for the GI mark and the place of origin to tell it apart from ordinary products with similar names.

Find on furusato nozei (opens in a new tab)Find online (opens in a new tab)

These links go to Japanese-language shops; check whether they ship overseas.

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It can be bought and enjoyed at the fishery cooperative's direct-sales shop and cafeteria.

FAQ

Tagonoura Shirasu are whitebait caught off Tagonoura (off Fuji and Numazu cities) in Shizuoka Prefecture. A fishing method that avoids damaging the fish and icing them on board mean they land fresh and intact. They are translucent and plump, and when boiled (kama-age) they curl into a full “shi” shape.

Tagonoura Shirasu is produced in Offshore of Tagonoura (off Fuji City and Numazu City), Shizuoka Prefecture.

Tagonoura Shirasu is in season (harvested or shipped) in Mar–Jan. The fishing season runs from late March to mid-January; fishing is closed from January 15 to March 20.

Look for it via furusato nozei (hometown tax donation) and online shops. Check the GI mark and the place of origin before you buy.

Tagonoura Shirasu was registered as a Geographical Indication on June 23, 2017 (Registration No. 36). The registered producer group is Tagonoura Fisheries Cooperative.