Society

Japanese treat themselves on annual eel-eating day

Jul 26 (Japan Times) - Tuesday was eel-eating day, when many in Japan treat themselves to the grilled delicacy -this year likely to make a smaller dent on the wallet with prices down.

Eel, typically prepared with sweet soy sauce and grilled, is enjoyed on set days following an old custom that says eating the dish on the midsummer Day of the Ox helps in coping with the heat. The Day of the Ox occurs several times a year, and during midsummer this year it fell on Tuesday with another occurrence on Aug. 6.

The domestic catch of juvenile eels rose early this year for the first time in three seasons, leading to a fall in their price for cultivation.

While the average consumer may regard eel as a midsummer luxury, conservationist might be concerned about other costs.

Amid heightened overfishing concerns, some local governments have introduced regulations to protect adult eels that have yet to spawn eggs.

According to the Fisheries Agency, the domestic catch of glass eels for cultivation from November 2016 to May increased 1.8 tons from the previous year to 15.4 tons, with wholesale prices coming to Â¥1 million per kilogram, about 40 percent lower than the previous two seasons.

But the level of Japan's catch has fallen significantly compared with the early 1980s, when it totaled around 30 tons per season.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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