Eel (Unagi)

 

1. Today's Japanese words

## Eel (Unagi)

* **Unagi (ウナギ)**: This is the general word for freshwater eel, particularly the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica).

* **Nihon Unagi (日本鰻)**: Literally translates to "Japanese eel". 

* **Kabayaki (蒲焼)**: This refers to the specific preparation method of grilling eels after coating them in a sweet soy sauce glaze.

* **Anago (穴子)**: This word refers to saltwater eels, distinct from unagi.

1. **Iwashi (鰯)** - Pronounced "ee-wah-shi," this is a very common fish in Japan, known as the Pacific sardine.

2. **Sanma (さんま)** - Pronounced "san-ma," this refers to the Pacific saury, a popular autumn fish in Japan.

3. **Katsuo (鰹)** - Pronounced "kat-su-o," this is skipjack tuna, a key ingredient in making dashi, a fundamental Japanese broth.

4. **Aji (鯵)** - Pronounced "ah-ji" this translates to horse mackerel, a small schooling fish often eaten grilled or fried whole.

## Animals in Ocean and River (Romaji Included)

**Mammals:**

* **Iruka(イルイ - Iruka):** Dolphin

* **Kujira (鯨 - Kujira):** Whale

* **Kawauसो (カワウソ - Kawau-so):** Otter (mostly found in rivers)

**Fish:**

* **Maguro (マグロ - Maguro):** Tuna

* **Sake (鮭 - Sake):** Salmon

* **Saba (鯖 - Saba):** Mackerel

* **Iwashi (鰯 - Iwashi):** Sardine

* **Tai (鯛 - Tai):** Sea bream

* **Ayu(鮎 - Ayu):** Sweetfish (found in rivers)

**Crustaceans:**

* **Ebi (海老 - Ebi):** Shrimp

* **Kani (蟹 - Kani):** Crab

* **Shako (蝦蛄 - Shako):** Mantis shrimp

**Mollusks:**

* **Ika (烏賊 - Ika):** Squid

* **Tako (蛸 - Tako):** Octopus

* **Hamaguri (蛤 - Hamaguri):** Clam (often found in tidal flats)

* **Kaki (牡蠣 - Kaki):** Oyster

**Other:**

* **Kame (亀 - Kame):** Turtle (some species live in both saltwater and freshwater)

* **Hebi (蛇 - Hebi):** Snake (mostly land-dwelling, but some sea snakes exist)

* **Same (鮫 - Same):** Shark

* **Iruka (イルカ - Iruka):** Dolphin (alternative term to Irui)

2. Today's topic

Eels have a long and fascinating history in Japanese culture and cuisine. Here's a breakdown of their significance:

**A Culinary Staple for Millennia:**

* Evidence suggests eel consumption dates back over 4,000 years, with eel bones found in Jomon period shell mounds. 

* The popular "kabayaki" method of grilling eels with a sweet soy sauce glaze emerged around the Kamakura period (784-1333).

**Symbol of Strength and Stamina:**

* Eels were seen as a nutritious and energizing food, perfect for the hot and humid summers in Japan. 

* This led to the tradition of "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" (Day of the Ox), specific days in summer when people consume eel dishes to combat the summer heat and gain stamina. 

**Eel Lore and Traditions:**

* Folklore depicts eels as powerful creatures, with some stories featuring the "Unagi Hime" (Eel Princess), a guardian spirit of lakes and ponds.

* The Edo period (1603-1868) saw a surge in eel consumption, with theories suggesting a special method of splitting the eel (sebiraki) developed in Edo to avoid resembling the samurai's seppuku suicide ritual.

**Modern Day Eel Consumption:**

* Japan is the world's biggest consumer and producer of eels, with aquaculture playing a significant role due to the dwindling wild eel population.

* Unagi (eel) dishes remain a delicacy, enjoyed at specialized restaurants and celebrated during Doyo no Ushi no Hi. 

3- Today’s news

Breakthrough in eel farming raises prospect of cheap eel dishes

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15333922

Japan’s annual eel consumption is estimated at around 100 million, and agency officials said they are just one step away from artificial hatching on a commercial scale.

SOCCER/ Japanese to face Saudi Arabia, Australia in third phase of World Cup qualifiers

https://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/15322757

Four-times Asian champions Japan have been drawn to take on Australia, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, China and Indonesia in Group C of the third round of Asia’s qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.