Japanese whiting (shirokisu)
Shirokisu peak from early spring when water temperatures deign to rise, to around incubation. They also feed ravenously from late autumn through winter, making this another prime season for flavor, the time for ochikisu (falling whiting) who move to deeper waters where the temperature is more constant. Japanese whiting has a sleek, refined appearance but is never eaten raw. Its thick flesh is not particularly rich in flavor but imparts a smooth, sweet taste. The skin is softened by marinating lightly in a mixture of salt and vinegar. The flesh is then lightly firmed between sheets of kombu, the flavor-enhancing properties of the kelp act subtly to create a new kind of richness.