Akita's winter symbol "Hatahata"

The divine fish "Hatahata"

The kanji for "fish" and "god" are written together to form the name "Hatahata."

"Hatahata," a symbol of winter in Akita and its soul food, is the name of a fish caught off the coast of the Sea of ​​Japan

The sandfish is a fish that is about 15cm long and features a large head, round eyes, and large pectoral fins, and its golden body is truly the "fish of the gods ." As it is a deep-sea fish, it has no scales and few small bones, making it easy to eat and suitable for eating.

It has a mild taste typical of white fish, and is oilier than cod. In ordinary households, it is often grilled with salt or boiled, but male sandfish have a creamy, slightly peculiar, but deep flavored soft roe. Female sandfish "buriko" , and many fans boast that without the soft roe and buriko, sandfish has no value.

The people of Akita Prefecture are divided into two camps when it comes to eating sandfish: males and females. It's a "battle of the sexes." Will the day ever come when the decision is made?

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The sandfish was once feared to be on the verge of extinction

Every year from November to December, the sandfish swarms off the coast of Akita Prefecture to spawn. At one time, fishing of the species was completely banned due to concerns that it was endangered, but thanks to efforts such as fishing restrictions and ecological research, the ecosystem seems to have returned to its former state in recent years

During this time of year, are also known as
"Thunderfish" because " when thunder roars and the sea becomes rough, sandfish can be caught " Sandfish fishing, which takes place in rough seas, is a deeply rooted culture in Akita that has continued since before the Edo period, despite the dangers. In winter, at Iwaki Roadside Station and Shimashiki Fishing Port Park, one of the fishing grounds, anglers line the coastal embankments in their search for sandfish, and the sight of anglers flocking to the quay to enjoy fishing for sandfish has become a seasonal winter sight in Akita.

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Sandfish from Akita to the whole country

The most basic way to eat sandfish is to remove the head and innards and grill it with salt. If you break the tail before eating, the troublesome spine will slip out from the head side and you can eat it as is. This ease of eating is probably the secret to its popularity

Additionally, companies in Akita Prefecture are working hard to utilize local specialties to develop more attractive products that can be promoted nationwide

- Shottsuru, a fish sauce made from matured sandfish ;
Sandfish rice bowl
topped with fried sandfish - with fried sandfish .

One of the charms of sandfish is that it can be eaten in a variety of ways, such as pickling sandfish roe in salt or soy sauce, or using the soft roe as a seasoning

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