How does extreme weather in Japan affect sea urchin availability and pricing in the US?
Record-high ocean temperatures, typhoons, and earthquake activity can simultaneously disrupt Japan's coastal sea urchin harvest. When divers can't safely work and urchins retreat to deeper water, supply contracts sharply and prices spike across all quality tiers. Sashimi DC sources through Toyosu Market relationships that help secure limited stock even in turbulent conditions.
Market Transparency: Severe Weather Impacting Uni
Japan is facing an unprecedented trifecta of natural events: record-high ocean temperatures, a powerful typhoon, and recent earthquake activity. These have severely disrupted the coastal waters and made it incredibly dangerous for the divers who hand-harvest wild sea urchins.
What this means for our sourcing:
- Pricing & Availability: The market price for Uni is expected to remain elevated for the foreseeable future due to extreme shortages
- Small Boxes: We have successfully secured a limited number of small boxes for the display case this week
- Large Boxes: Until the situation eases, we will only be importing large, high-grade boxes of Uni by pre-order only
The Silver Lining: Pristine Fresh Catch
While the Uni market is turbulent, the rest of our sourcing remains incredibly strong.
Kanpachi (Greater Amberjack): A true hallmark of the late summer season. Kanpachi offers a beautifully firm, crisp texture with a remarkably clean, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor profile. A favorite among sushi purists — pairs beautifully with a dab of fresh Wasabi.
Tokishirazu Salmon: The highly coveted "Time-ignorant Salmon." Because this wild-caught young salmon is harvested out of season, it retains all of its energy and fat, resulting in a luxurious, buttery texture that melts on the palate.
Kinmedai (Splendid Alfonsino): A brilliant balance of rich fat and delicate sweetness. We highly recommend lightly searing the skin (aburi style) to release its savory aromatic oils.
Hokkaido Scallops: Plump, sweet, and perfectly tender.