MATSUURA (JAPAN), Aug 12 – Matsuura City, located in the northern part of Nagasaki prefecture, is expected to export the popular Japanese fried horse mackerel or aji fish to Malaysia soon.
Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Nagasaki chief director Jun Takahashi said there is now keen interest shown from a leading retailer in Malaysia for the product.
Takahashi said one of the key features of Matsuura’s aji fry product is its freshness, which is preserved through a “one-frozen” process — the fish is processed immediately after being landed and frozen only once before reaching consumers.
He said the product is expected to be exported by sea using reefer (refrigerated) containers to maintain its freshness.
“Frozen aji fry from Matsuura city has also been exported to the United States (US) and Mongolia,” he told Bernama during a visit to Matsuura city, which was organised by Jetro Nagasaki and Kuala Lumpur.
Takahashi noted that the US tariff on Japanese processed aji fry has no impact on demand, as the tariff is minimal in view of US consumers’ preference for its premium and aesthetic values.
Matsuura city’s culture and tourism division chief Takahiro Tashiro said Matsuura city boosts half of Japan’s aji fish and saba in terms of volume.
“Aji fish is rich in nutrients for beautiful hair, skin and anti-ageing properties,” Tashiro said.
In Matsuura city, he noted that there are about 35 restaurants offering the aji fry dish, exceeding the number of convenience stores.
Tashiro noted that the Kiraku restaurant is one of the best here, as the owner goes to catch the fish every morning, ensuring the fish is fresh.
“The aji fish can be enjoyed in various ways, fried or raw like sashimi, the favourite Japanese cuisine,” he added.
He said many people visit Matsuura city, located about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Fukuoka city, especially for the aji fry dish, which is extremely popular not only among Japanese but also among international visitors to Japan.
