Did you know?: Bonito fish harbinger of summertime

(Illustration by Yukiyo Oda/Stripes Okinawa)

For many in Japan the harbinger of summertime is the sight of the first freshly caught bonito fish at the market. In May, chances are you’ll see many locals asking for the fish at markets and restaurants. It‘s eaten as sushi, sashimi or “tataki” (lightly seared but still raw) with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, wasabi or green onion.

(Illustration by Stripes Okinawa)

Japanese

Shoji Kudaka

Shoji Kudaka is a writer based in Okinawa. Kudaka covers travel, food and culture for Stars and Stripes Okinawa. When he is not exploring the stunning local beaches or going on treks through jungles and caves, you can find him trying out new recipes he shares online and in the paper.