Why source from Japan
Akashi-dai wild-harvest is recognised as global premium madai standard; Ehime aquaculture provides traceable export volume.
Key spec
Lipid 5-10%; protein 19-21%; characteristic taurine 800-1,200 mg/100g; Akashi-dai eating-quality benchmark.
Typical end-product
Premium sashimi for celebratory cuisine, tai-meshi retail, ceremonial-meal export.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- 1 supplier
- Typical MOQ
- 10–100 kg fresh-frozen; 5–25 kg sashimi-grade
- Typical lead time
- 4–8 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Ehime (~50% aquaculture), Kumamoto, Hyogo (Akashi Strait)
- Category
- Food ingredients
- Harvest season
- Year-round aquaculture; wild peak December – April
- Japan regulatory status
- Food product; phytosanitary for fresh; aquaculture-grade
- Japanese name
- 真鯛
- Romaji
- 真鯛
About this ingredient
Japanese red sea bream (Pagrus major) — the ceremonial 'tai' fish central to celebratory Japanese cuisine (weddings, New Year). Aquaculture in Ehime (~50% of national production) and Kumamoto produces the principal commercial supply; wild-harvest in Akashi Strait and Setouchi adds smaller premium volumes. The 'Akashi-dai' wild brand commands the highest pricing. Used in sashimi, grilled, in dashi (tai-meshi), and increasingly in fine-dining-positioned ready-meals. Distinct from existing seafood entries.
Regulatory status
| Japan | Food product; phytosanitary for fresh; aquaculture-grade |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; fish-allergen labelling |
| 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
Madai (Japanese Sea Bream) 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
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Japanese suppliers
Disclaimer
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Last updated: 2026-05-05