Japan is renowned for its deep connection with the sea, and its cuisine reflects this rich maritime culture. From sushi and sashimi to grilled and simmered dishes, seafood plays a crucial role in Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re dining at a sushi bar, exploring a fish market, or simply curious about the Japanese seafood names, this guide will introduce you to the most common (and some unusual) seafood terms in Japan.
Knowing these Japanese seafood names will not only enhance your dining experience but also help you better understand Japan’s culinary traditions. Whether you are a seafood lover, a traveler, or a Japanese language learner, this guide will serve as a valuable resource.
The Importance of Seafood in Japanese Cuisine
Japan’s geographical location and abundant coastline make seafood a staple of its diet. Traditional dishes such as sashimi (刺身, thinly sliced raw fish), unagi (うなぎ, grilled eel), and kaisendon (海鮮丼, seafood rice bowl) showcase the diversity of Japanese seafood.
Many Japanese seafood names are deeply rooted in culture and history. For example, maguro (まぐろ, tuna) is one of the most sought-after fish in Japan, while uni (うに, sea urchin) is considered a delicacy. Let’s explore the vast world of Japanese seafood and its fascinating names.
Common Japanese Seafood Names
Below is a list of the most common seafood names in Japanese, along with their English translations.
1. Fish (魚, Sakana) and Large Marine Creatures
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 魚 | sakana | Fish |
| まぐろ | maguro | Tuna |
| さけ / サーモン | sake / saamon | Salmon |
| 鯛 | tai | Sea bream |
| いわし | iwashi | Sardine |
| 鯖 | saba | Mackerel |
| かつお | katsuo | Bonito |
| さめ | same | Shark |
| 鯨 | kujira | Whale |
| いるか | iruka | Dolphin |
| 飛び魚 | tobiuo | Flying fish |
Example Sentence
🐟 マグロの刺身はとても美味しいです。
Maguro no sashimi wa totemo oishii desu.
(Tuna sashimi is very delicious.)
2. Shellfish and Crustaceans
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 海老 | ebi | Shrimp / Prawn |
| 車海老 | kuruma ebi | Japanese tiger prawn |
| 小エビ | ko-ebi | Small shrimp |
| ロブスター | robusutā | Lobster |
| 牡蠣 | kaki | Oyster |
| 蛤 | hamaguri | Clam |
| 蟹 | kani | Crab |
| 赤貝 | akagai | Ark shell |
| あわび | awabi | Abalone |
Example Sentence
🦐 エビの天ぷらが大好きです！
Ebi no tempura ga daisuki desu!
(I love shrimp tempura!)
3. Cephalopods (Squid & Octopus)
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| 烏賊 | ika | Squid |
| スルメ | surume | Dried squid |
| 蛸 | tako | Octopus |
Example Sentence
🐙 たこのお刺身を食べたことがありますか？
Tako no osashimi o tabeta koto ga arimasu ka?
(Have you ever tried octopus sashimi?)
4. Unique and Exotic Seafood
| Japanese | Romaji | English |
|---|---|---|
| ウニ | uni | Sea urchin |
| ナマコ | namako | Sea cucumber |
| くらげ | kurage | Jellyfish |
| ほたて | hotate | Scallop |
| 真珠 | shinju | Pearl |
| ヒトデ | hitode | Starfish |
| 海蛇 | umihebi | Sea snake |
| 海馬 | tatsuno-otoshigo | Seahorse |
| 海ぶどう | umi budou | Sea grapes (green caviar) |
Example Sentence
🌊 沖縄の海ぶどうはとても新鮮です。
Okinawa no umi budou wa totemo shinsen desu.
(The sea grapes in Okinawa are very fresh.)
How to Use Japanese Seafood Names When Ordering
When visiting a sushi restaurant or a fish market in Japan, knowing the Japanese seafood names will help you communicate better. Here are some useful phrases:
- これは何の魚ですか？
Kore wa nan no sakana desu ka?
(What kind of fish is this?) - マグロの握りをお願いします。
Maguro no nigiri o onegaishimasu.
(I’d like tuna sushi, please.) - 焼き牡蠣はありますか？
Yaki kaki wa arimasu ka?
(Do you have grilled oysters?) - このエビは生で食べられますか？
Kono ebi wa nama de taberaremasu ka?
(Can this shrimp be eaten raw?)
Interesting Facts About Japanese Seafood
- Tuna Auctions in Tsukiji – The most expensive tuna ever sold at auction in Japan was a bluefin tuna (本マグロ, honmaguro) that fetched 333.6 million yen ($3.1 million) at Toyosu Market in 2019.
- Fugu (ふぐ, Pufferfish) is Deadly – This delicacy contains a lethal toxin and must be prepared by certified chefs.
- Eel (Unagi) is an Energy Booster – Traditionally eaten in summer, unagi (うなぎ, eel) is believed to increase stamina.
- Sea Grapes (Umi Budou) – A type of edible seaweed unique to Okinawa, also known as “green caviar.”
- Whale Meat – Although controversial, kujira (鯨, whale meat) has been consumed in Japan for centuries.
Conclusion
Understanding Japanese seafood names can greatly enhance your experience when dining in Japan, shopping at a local fish market, or even studying the language. From everyday fish like sake (salmon) and ebi (shrimp) to more exotic items like umi budou (sea grapes) and uni (sea urchin), Japanese seafood offers a wide variety of flavors and textures.
Next time you’re in Japan, impress the locals by confidently ordering your favorite seafood in Japanese! 🇯🇵🍣🐟
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