Japan Diversifies Seafood Export Destinations

In response to China's ban on imports of Japanese marine products triggered by concerns over treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, Japan's fisheries industry is broadening its export horizons to reduce reliance on China, as reported by Sux Xincheng for Kyodo News.

Tokyo's Toyosu fish market I Photo: 江戸村のとくぞう

Yasuhiro Yamazaki, president of wholesaler Yamaharu Co. at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, is among those significantly impacted by the ban. Yamazaki, facing a drastic reduction in sales, has embarked on a quest to find new buyers.

"Our sales were slashed by half," Yamazaki stated, noting the ban compelled them to explore alternative markets.

His efforts have taken him across the globe, from Hawaii's beaches and the cities of Los Angeles and Houston to marketplaces in Singapore and Malaysia.

In each destination, Yamazaki has personally introduced premium seafood such as splendid alfonsino, blackthroat seaperch, and prized parts of bluefin tuna, once destined for China, hoping to attract new partners.

The response has been positive. "To our surprise, many countries were ready to embrace our seafood and grateful for being introduced to such exquisite flavors," Yamazaki remarked, noting that sales have not only recovered but have also seen significant increases.

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