Less sea urchin, more tuna: Change comes for Japan's seafood bowls

Falling Hokkaido fisheries production makes traditional favorites too expensive

Traditional ingredients in bowls of raw seafood over rice are being replaced by others with more price and supply stability. (Photo by Takumi Sasaki)

TAKUMI SASAKI

August 23, 2026 09:44 JST

ASAHIKAWA, Japan — Some of Japan’s staples for kaisendon — bowls of raw seafood over rice — are being replaced on the northern island of Hokkaido as shrinking supplies drive up prices.

Less sea urchin, more tuna: Change comes for Japan’s seafood bowls