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.

Classification

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

Used in (typical product categories)

Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.

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

What it is

Arctoscopus japonicus sailfin sandfish, Akita symbol fish.

Typical uses in Japanese products

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.

Example products

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.

References

  1. MEXT 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.