Food · Fermented foods

Konoshiro (Dotted Gizzard Shad)

このしろ (Konoshiro)

Also known as: Konoshiro, Dotted gizzard shad, Konosirus punctatus, 鮗, Kohada (immature stage), Shinko (juvenile)

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameこのしろ
Common Japanese notationsこのしろ, 鮗, コノシロ, コハダ, シンコ
OriginDotted gizzard shad (Konosirus punctatus); known by different names at different growth stages — shinko (juvenile, smallest), kohada (immature, sushi standard), nakasumi (intermediate), konoshiro (mature)
Typical functionsPremium Edomae sushi — kohada is iconic vinegar-cured topping, Shinko ultra-premium summer sushi (briefly available, very premium)
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Stage disclosure (shinko / kohada / konoshiro) for premium positioning. Fish allergen recommended.

Konoshiro (このしろ / 鮗) — dotted gizzard shad — is famous for its name changes at different growth stages: shinko (juvenile, ultra-premium summer sushi), kohada (immature, iconic Edomae sushi), nakasumi, konoshiro (mature). Kohada is the iconic Edomae vinegar-cured sushi topping.

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.

  • Vinegar-cured kohada for sushi production

What it is

Konosirus punctatus dotted gizzard shad. Stage names shinko/kohada/nakasumi/konoshiro.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Kohada Edomae sushi (vinegar-cured).

Shinko ultra-premium summer sushi.

For OEM: vinegar-cured kohada sushi supply.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Stage name disclosure for premium positioning. Fish allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty in Japanese sushi channels.
USANiche specialty in Japanese sushi channels.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification of stage and 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 — このしろ

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

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