Flying Fish (tobi-ou)
Appearing at markets around May and disappearing just two months later, tobi-ou are a fleeing seasonal treat, an early sign that summer is finally on the way. The fish have long, large pectoral fins resembling aircraft wings that reportedly enable them to glide up to 400m across the ocean surface. School of tobi-ou occasionally land on boats, fisherman these ‘flown-in’ fish the these ‘flown-in’ fish the tastiest by far. Slightly soft in consistency, with a mild but not watery flavor, they make a refreshing antidote to scorching summer temperatures, whether as sashimi, dried or broiled. They are not however generally used in Edo-mae sushi.