Food · Fermented foods
Karafuto Shishamo (Capelin / Substitute Shishamo)
からふとししゃも (Karafuto Shishamo)
Also known as: Karafuto shishamo, Capelin, Mallotus villosus, 樺太柳葉魚
Looking for a Japanese supplier of Karafuto Shishamo (Capelin / Substitute Shishamo)? Tell usAt a glance
| Category | Food |
|---|---|
| Japanese labeling name | からふとししゃも |
| Common Japanese notations | からふとししゃも, 樺太柳葉魚, カラフトシシャモ |
| Origin | Capelin (Mallotus villosus); imported from northern Atlantic and northern Pacific (Iceland, Norway, Canada); volume substitute for true shishamo (which is a different species — Spirinchus lanceolatus, native Hokkaido); much of the 'shishamo' sold in Japanese retail is karafuto-shishamo capelin |
| Typical functions | Volume retail shioyaki shishamo (especially with eggs — komochi-shishamo) |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Standard food labeling. **Important**: 'shishamo' labeling without distinction allows confusion between true shishamo (Hokkaido native) and capelin. Many products clarify 'shishamo' (capelin) origin. Fish allergen recommended. |
Karafuto shishamo (からふとししゃも) is capelin (Mallotus villosus), imported as a volume substitute for true shishamo (Spirinchus lanceolatus, native Hokkaido). Most 'shishamo' in Japanese retail is actually capelin. The OEM positioning is volume retail komochi-shishamo (egg-bearing for shioyaki).
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Frozen karafuto-shishamo retail (egg-bearing komochi format dominant)
What it is
Mallotus villosus capelin from northern Atlantic/Pacific.
Distinct from true shishamo (Spirinchus lanceolatus) — Japanese consumer confusion is well-known.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Volume retail shioyaki shishamo (komochi).
For OEM: frozen retail OEM.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Standard food labeling. Distinction from true Japanese shishamo recommended for premium positioning. Fish allergen recommended.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Major established global capelin trade. |
|---|---|
| USA | Established US capelin / smelt market. |
| China | Established global trade. |
| Korea | Established trade. |
Example products
Example finished products will be added after verification.
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.
Explore related ingredients
Used in similar product applications
Other ingredients commonly used in the same finished-product families.
Abura-age (Fried Thin Tofu)
油揚げ
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Agemaki (Jackknife Clam)
あげまき
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ago Dashi (Flying Fish Stock)
あごだし
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Ahiru-niku (Domestic Duck)
あひる 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Aigamo-niku (Hybrid Duck)
かも あいがも 肉
Seasonings & saucesFermented foods
Sharing similar functions
Ingredients that overlap on functional benefit tags.
From the same origin
Other ingredients that share an origin classification.
References
- MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — からふとししゃも 生干し
Last updated: 2026-04-28. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.