Food · Fermented foods

Kawahagi (Filefish)

かわはぎ (Kawahagi)

Also known as: Kawahagi, Filefish, Stephanolepis cirrhifer, 皮剥

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameかわはぎ
Common Japanese notationsかわはぎ, 皮剥, カワハギ
OriginFilefish (Stephanolepis cirrhifer); harvested in Japanese coastal waters; autumn-winter peak; the liver (kimo) is a particularly prized delicacy
Typical functionsPremium kaiseki sashimi — kawahagi-no-kimo-ae (sashimi dressed with chopped liver) is a signature dish, Premium foodservice signature
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended disclosure.

Kawahagi (かわはぎ / 皮剥) is filefish (Stephanolepis cirrhifer), a premium kaiseki fish whose liver (kimo) is a particularly prized delicacy used in kawahagi-no-kimo-ae (sashimi dressed with chopped liver). Autumn-winter peak.

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Classification

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Common OEM product categories

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

  • Fresh whole kawahagi (premium foodservice)

Ingredient profile

Stephanolepis cirrhifer filefish, premium kaiseki specialty.

OEM applications

Premium kaiseki sashimi with kimo-ae dressing.

For OEM: foodservice supply.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning.
USANiche specialty positioning.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaKorea has its own jugekki tradition.

Market reference formulations

Example finished products will be added after verification.

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Seasonality & supply calendar

Harvest months
October – February (peak liver)
Peak supply
November – January (premium for 肝醤油 sashimi preparation)
Off-season
March – September (lower-grade meat)

Source: 水産庁. Eastern Japan (Chiba, Kanagawa, Shizuoka) and Setouchi inland sea are primary landings.

Quick answers

What is Kawahagi (Filefish)?
Kawahagi (かわはぎ / 皮剥) is filefish (Stephanolepis cirrhifer), a premium kaiseki fish whose liver (kimo) is a particularly prized delicacy used in kawahagi-no-kimo-ae (sashimi dressed with chopped liver). Autumn-winter peak.
What is the regulatory status of Kawahagi (Filefish) in Japan?
Standard food labeling. Fish allergen recommended disclosure.
What products typically use Kawahagi (Filefish)?
Fresh whole kawahagi (premium foodservice)
Where does Kawahagi (Filefish) come from?
Filefish (Stephanolepis cirrhifer); harvested in Japanese coastal waters; autumn-winter peak; the liver (kimo) is a particularly prized delicacy
What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Kawahagi (Filefish)?
JSCI: かわはぎ

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References

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

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

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