Narezushi (Fermented Sushi)

An acidic seasoning made by first fermenting raw materials (rice, fruits, etc.) into alcohol, then converting to acetic acid through acetic acid bacteria. Includes rice vinegar, black vinegar, fruit vinegars, and more.

A Shiga Prefecture specialty, one of Japan's oldest narezushi, made by fermenting Lake Biwa's nigorobuna (round crucian carp) with salt and rice for 1-3+ years. A delicacy with distinctive sourness and strong fermentation aroma.

A traditional Japanese delicacy made by salt-curing the flesh and viscera of squid, bonito, or shrimp, fermenting with autolytic enzymes and lactic acid bacteria. Enduringly popular as a drinking snack.

Traditional preserved food from Fukui and northern Kyoto. Mackerel or sardines are salt-cured, then pickled in rice bran for 1-2 years. Eaten grilled as-is or as sashimi after removing the bran.

A winter specialty of Ishikawa Prefecture. Salt-pickled turnips sandwiching yellowtail slices, packed in rice koji for lactic acid fermentation. A type of narezushi unique for using koji. Cherished as a New Year dish.

The quintessential Japanese cuisine combining vinegared rice with raw fish and other toppings. Modern nigiri-zushi originated from 'Edomae-zushi' in the late Edo period. Multiple fermented seasonings — vinegar, soy sauce, miso, mirin — support sushi culture.

A Shiga Prefecture specialty, one of Japan's oldest narezushi, made by fermenting Lake Biwa's nigorobuna (round crucian carp) with salt and rice for 1-3+ years. A delicacy with distinctive sourness and strong fermentation aroma.

A traditional Japanese delicacy made by salt-curing the flesh and viscera of squid, bonito, or shrimp, fermenting with autolytic enzymes and lactic acid bacteria. Enduringly popular as a drinking snack.

A traditional Kochi delicacy made from salt-cured and fermented bonito viscera (stomach and intestines), aged 1+ years. Named 'shuto' (sake thief) because it pairs so well with sake that 'you'd steal sake to drink with it.'

Traditional dried fish from the Izu Islands. Flying fish or horse mackerel is soaked in 'kusaya liquid' (a fermentation brine used for hundreds of years) and sun-dried. Known for its intense smell, but when grilled, delivers concentrated umami flavor.

A traditional fish sauce from the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa. Made by salt-curing squid viscera (ishiri) or sardines/mackerel (ishiru) and fermenting for 1-3 years. One of Japan's three great fish sauces.

A traditional fish sauce from Akita Prefecture. Made primarily from sandfish (hatahata), salt-cured and fermented for 1-3 years. 'Shottsuru nabe' (hot pot) is a famous Akita winter dish. One of Japan's three great fish sauces.