Wakasa Karei
The prized flatfish of Fukui, presented annually to the Imperial Court

About Wakasa Karei

Wakasa Karei (若狭がれい) refers to dried willow flounder fish (Yanagimushi Garei) caught in the nutrient-rich waters of Wakasa Bay.

Located where warm and cold ocean currents meet, Wakasa Bay is a fertile fishing ground teeming with marine life. The rich environment lends itself to the flavorful and fatty Wakasa Karei, harvested in Fukui Prefecture during bottom trawl fishing seasons from September to the following May.

The fish is processed locally into Ichiyaboshi, a delicately dried delicacy. "Quickly drying it in cold winds is the key. On some days, it just takes half a day. Warm winds don’t produce good flavor," say seasoned local artisans who blend tradition and experience to craft premium-quality dried fish.

December marks the peak of its shipment season, coinciding with both holiday gifting traditions and its presentation to the Imperial Court. Among connoisseurs, the most coveted variety is the child-bearing karei, featuring translucent flesh and delicate pink roe. Lightly grilled to enhance its fatty, umami-rich flavor, this rare treat is a culinary delight. It even received high praise in the late-Edo period text *Nihon Sankai Meisan Zue*, which described it as "unmatched, a true jewel of the seas."

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