Food · Fermented foods

Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish)

はたはた (Hatahata)

Also known as: Hatahata, Sailfin sandfish, Arctoscopus japonicus, 鰰, Akita Hatahata

Looking for a Japanese supplier of Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish)? Tell us

At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameはたはた
Common Japanese notationsはたはた, 鰰, ハタハタ, 秋田はたはた
OriginSailfin sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus); winter spawning fish in Sea of Japan; principal Japanese landing region Akita (Akita prefecture symbol fish), with Yamagata and Tottori secondary; brief winter season
Typical functionsAkita regional cuisine — shottsuru (fish sauce), shottsuru-nabe, hatahata-zushi (fermented sushi), Premium gift retail (Akita hatahata)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Akita prefecture symbol fish. Fish allergen recommended.

Hatahata (はたはた / 鰰) — sailfin sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus) — is the Akita prefecture symbol fish with winter spawning season. Heritage Akita regional cuisine: shottsuru (fish sauce), shottsuru-nabe, hatahata-zushi (fermented sushi). Premium gift retail.

Find OEM manufacturers

Browse Japanese OEM manufacturers that build products in this category. Filter by small lot, certifications, prefecture.

Classification

Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.

Common OEM product categories

Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.

  • Fresh hatahata (winter Akita seasonal)
  • Shottsuru fish sauce retail
  • Hatahata-zushi traditional retail

Ingredient profile

Arctoscopus japonicus sailfin sandfish, Akita symbol fish.

OEM applications

Shottsuru fish sauce production.

Shottsuru-nabe Akita regional.

Hatahata-zushi fermented sushi.

Premium Akita gift retail.

For OEM: regional Akita gift retail, shottsuru production OEM.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Akita regional brand. Fish allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning.
USANiche specialty positioning.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaKorea has its own dorumuk (도루묵) tradition.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification of Akita origin.

All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.

Seasonality & supply calendar

Harvest months
November – January (spawning run on coast)
Peak supply
December (peak roe — ぶりこ)
Off-season
February – October

Source: 水産庁 / 秋田県漁連. Akita is the historic center (魚醤しょっつる base); peak roe-bearing hatahata is highly seasonal.

Quick answers

What is Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish)?
Hatahata (はたはた / 鰰) — sailfin sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus) — is the Akita prefecture symbol fish with winter spawning season. Heritage Akita regional cuisine: shottsuru (fish sauce), shottsuru-nabe, hatahata-zushi (fermented sushi). Premium gift retail.
What is the regulatory status of Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. Akita prefecture symbol fish. Fish allergen recommended.
What products typically use Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish)?
Fresh hatahata (winter Akita seasonal) / Shottsuru fish sauce retail / Hatahata-zushi traditional retail
Where does Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish) come from?
Sailfin sandfish (Arctoscopus japonicus); winter spawning fish in Sea of Japan; principal Japanese landing region Akita (Akita prefecture symbol fish), with Yamagata and Tottori secondary; brief winter season
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Hatahata (Sailfin Sandfish)?
JSCI: はたはた

Search the academic literature

Pre-filled queries for the major research databases. Opens in a new tab.

Official regulatory databases

External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.

References

  1. 文部科学省 (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Standard Tables of Food Composition — はたはた

Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.

Explore more Japan-market resources

Related tools for overseas buyers, formulators, and sourcing teams.