Basic Information About Japanese Yellowtail (BURI, HAMACHI)

One of the most popular Japanese fish around the world, Yellowtail (also known as BURI, HAMACHI), is among the top-selling export items we offer. This species is native to the coastal waters of Japan and is known for its stable availability throughout the year due to both wild catches and well-established aquaculture practices.

English Name: Yellowtail, Japanese amberjack
Scientific Name: Seriola quinqueradiata

A unique feature of yellowtail in Japan is that its name changes as it grows. This custom often causes confusion for people outside Japan. Adding to the complexity, the fish is called differently in eastern and western Japan.
What’s commonly exported and globally recognized as yellowtail is a fully grown fish measuring around 80cm or more, typically referred to as BURI or HAMACHI in Japan.

Thanks to advanced aquaculture systems in Japan, Yellowtail is available year-round.
In winter, the colder sea temperatures are said to make Yellowtail fattier and richer in flavor, which is especially prized in the domestic market. However, for export, most products are farm-raised, ensuring consistent quality and supply.

For size, the most popular choice is fillets that are over 2kg in weight.
However, due to the increasing global demand for yellowtail, maintaining a steady supply of this size has become challenging. As a result, the majority of available products for export fall within the 1.5kg range, which still offers excellent quality and taste.

If you’re looking for high-quality yellowtail at a great price, feel free to contact us.