Japan's Kanpachi aka Greater Amberjack fish, Big Game In Little Kagoshima!

The Greater amberjack, also known as the Kanpachi is one of the most luxurious big-game fishes in Japan and is largely harvested in Kagoshima. With Kanpachi being delicate, sweet and soft texture, it is no wonder that the fish is so popular throughout Japan! The properties of the Kanpachi provide a perfect meal for anytime of the day.

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Kagoshima, the hot spot for Kanpachi fish

Kagoshima prefecture is located in the south of Japan’s Kyushu Island and is voted as Japan’s most friendly city. Kagoshima is often compared with it’s Italian sister city of Naples due to it’s bay location, a similarly mild climate, palm tree-lined streets and an active volcano called Sakurajima. Kagoshima is also famous for their aquaculture and fisheries, with many local businesses cultivating various types of fishes. One of the fishes cultivated and harvested is the Kanpachi, big-game, fish. The city of Taramizu, Kagoshima contributes to about 60% of the nationwide production of Kanpachi and so the fish is considered as Kagoshima’s special brand of fish. Kanpachi fishes are relatively big, spindle-shaped, fishes with an average length of 1.8m and an average weight of 80kg. Compared to the Yellowtail amberjack or Japanese amberjack, the production amount of Kanpachi is relatively low, which makes Kanpachi a special breed of fish in Japan.

Taste of Kanpachi and Japanese Kanpachi dishes

Kanpachi is considered a luxury and delicacy for the Japanese people, as it is very tender and sweet. The fish itself is very healthy and rich in nutrients, such as omega-3 and fatty acids. This fish is also not too oily comparing it with wild Kanpachi, farm Kanpachi fishes do not have a strong fishy smell. The meat itself is transparent and is white or pink in colour. Kanpachi is widely consumed as Japanese traditional sushi, as well as sashimi, especially during the summer time! But sushi and sashimi are not the only way to enjoy this beautiful fish. At various seafood restaurants in Kagoshima you could try dishes such as seared Kanpachi, pickled Kanpachi, sweet and spicy stew of Kanpachi and more. You could also try cooking the fish at home by grilling or frying the fish with salt or teriyaki sauce. Deep frying the crumbed fillet of Kanpachi is another way to enjoy this beautiful fish. You can also make poke bowl by mixing the dice of raw Kanpachi pieces with sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin and spring onion. A sweet-flavoured stew dish with Japanese daikon is another traditional way to eat this fish. So Kanpachi fish can be enjoyed in many ways and it's a must-have food if you are visiting the Kyushu island.

Fish the Kanpachi fishes yourself

fishing If you enjoy fishing, you can bring your own fishing tools to catch the fish. Kagoshima is, surrounded by nutrient rich waters and is a popular fishing destination for many locals. With a small fee, you can buy or rent the finishing equipment from local fishing stores and enjoy the fishing in Kanpachi.

How to visit?

Kagoshima is two hours plane ride from Tokyo. Once you get to Kagoshima, Kanpachi dishes should be available at any seafood restaurants, especially around the bay area of Kagoshima prefecture and Taramizu city.