Food · Fermented foods

Sakura-masu (Cherry Salmon)

さくらます (Sakura-masu)

Also known as: Sakura-masu, Cherry salmon, Masu salmon, Oncorhynchus masou, 桜鱒

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At a glance

CategoryFood
Japanese labeling nameさくらます
Common Japanese notationsさくらます, 桜鱒, サクラマス, Yamame (river-form)
OriginCherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou); native Japanese salmon species; both wild and farmed; principal regions Hokkaido, Toyama (Masu-no-zushi heritage), Iwate; sea-form (sakura-masu) and river-form (yamame) are same species
Typical functionsToyama Masu-no-zushi (Toyama pressed salmon sushi) — premium gift retail signature, Spring seasonal premium foodservice
Regulatory status in JapanStandard food labeling. Toyama Masu-no-zushi regional brand. **Salmon is JAS-recommended-disclosure allergen.**

Sakura-masu (さくらます / 桜鱒) — cherry salmon (Oncorhynchus masou) — is a native Japanese salmon species. Spring seasonal premium foodservice. Toyama's Masu-no-zushi (pressed sakura-masu sushi) is the iconic regional gift retail product.

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 sakura-masu (spring seasonal)
  • Toyama Masu-no-zushi premium gift retail

What it is

Oncorhynchus masou cherry salmon. Sea-form sakura-masu and river-form yamame are same species.

Typical uses in Japanese products

Toyama Masu-no-zushi — defining premium product.

Spring foodservice premium.

For OEM: Toyama Masu-no-zushi production OEM.

Regulatory classification in Japan

Standard food labeling. Toyama regional brand. Salmon allergen recommended.

Regulatory classification in other markets

EUNiche specialty positioning. Salmon allergen mandatory.
USANiche specialty positioning. Salmon allergen mandatory.
ChinaNiche specialty positioning.
KoreaNiche specialty positioning.

Example products

Example finished products will be added after verification of Toyama or other 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.

Related ingredients

References

  1. MEXT Standard Tables of Food Composition — さくらます

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

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