Why source from Japan
Nagara River cormorant-fishing (1,300+ year tradition) and Shimanto River clear-water harvest produce ayu uniquely tied to Japanese river systems.
Key spec
Protein 19-22%; characteristic algae-derived aroma; fat varies by river / season.
Typical end-product
Fine-dining salt-grilled ayu, hospitality summer cuisine, traditional-craft retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 10–50 kg fresh; 5–25 kg salt-cured / dried
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Gifu (Nagara), Wakayama (Kumano), Shimane, Kochi (Shimanto)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- June – October (river fishing)
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; freshwater-fish quota; cooperative-managed
- Japanese name
- 鮎 / アユ
- Romaji
- 鮎 / アユ
About this ingredient
Japanese sweetfish (Plecoglossus altivelis) — a freshwater amphidromous species harvested from clear river systems. Gifu (Nagara River), Wakayama (Kumano River), Shimane, and Kochi (Shimanto River) host the principal harvest. Iconic 'shio-yaki ayu' (salt-grilled ayu) is a summer fine-dining classic. The fish carries its own characteristic 'sweet' aroma (sugar-fern-like) from its diet of river-bottom algae. Distinct from existing ocean-fish entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; freshwater-fish quota; cooperative-managed |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; fish-allergen labelling; phytosanitary |
| United States | GRAS; FDA Prior Notice; fish-allergen labelling |
| China | GACC; phytosanitary |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Ayu (Japanese Sweetfish) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sansho Pepper
山椒
Zanthoxylum piperitum source; INCI Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract; MOQ from 1–10 kg (dried peppercorn); 100 g – 5 kg (powder).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Wasabi Powder
山葵粉末
Wasabia japonica (Eutrema japonicum) source; INCI Wasabia Japonica Root Powder; MOQ from 1–10 kg (powder); 100 kg+ (bulk paste).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Shio Koji
塩麹
MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Disclaimer
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Last updated: 2026-05-05