Big in Japan: Japanese farmers raise poison-free blowfish

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5-08-2008 @ 9:34PM

Shane said...

Nice piece, Matthew. I've been reading up on this lately and the whole issue with fugu livers being deemed an "irrelevant" issue by the leaders of two fugu groups is a great example of Japanese bureaucracy and politics at work. It seems to me that a non-poisonous liver would be very relevant to them but then it would take away the cache that comes with saying "I ate fugu, aren't I brave?" which wouldn't be good for business.

Have you tried fugu? Friends that have tell me it's not that great..

Shane Sakata
The Tokyo Traveler
http://www.thetokyotraveler.com

5-08-2008 @ 9:39PM

Matthew Firestone said...

Thanks for the comment Shane - it is indeed a frustrating example of Japanese bureaucracy and politics at work. My understanding of the whole issue is that the two fugu groups are really concerned about losing their grip on the industry since they profit mainly from the cleaning and distribution of the fish. So, if a modest fish farmer in Kyushu could produce fugu without poison, then he could sell it locally instead of having to rely on the big conglomerate. Needless to say, the Japanese aren't keen on change, especially when it cuts into profits...

As for fugu itself, it's actually tasteless, though the ponzu sauce you dip into can be quite nice, and it's really the fine texture that you're supposed to savor!

Best wishes, and keep up your own blogging!
Matt

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