Kochi 鯒

Although this fish can be seen all year round, it is especially prized in summer. It has firm white flesh and a light, delicate taste; as you chew, a refined sweetness spreads through your mouth.

There is also an old story that kochi are devoted to their mates: when one is hooked, the other may follow it toward the surface, so people say they are caught as a pair. If your marriage ever hits the rocks, a kochi nigiri will not solve it - but borrowing a little of that couple's-bond legend cannot hurt the mood.

There is a similar-looking fish called megochi, but it is entirely different from kochi, also called magochi. By the way, megochi is famous as a classic fish for Edomae-style tempura.

Origin: Southern Japan Season: Summer