Hokkaido Seafood Company Packs Kazunoko Salted Herring Roe, A Popular Item in Osechi New Year’s Meals

The Yomiuri Shimbun

14:00 JST, November 18, 2025

Kazunoko salted herring roe is being sorted at Ihara & Co., a seafood processing company in Rumoi, Hokkaido. With the end of the year approaching, it is now the peak production period for kazunoko, a popular item in osechi New Year’s meals and symbolizes the hope for many descendants. More than 80% is shipped to the Kansai region. “It has a good shape and a satisfying texture,” said a deputy manager in the sales department. “We want people to enjoy the flavor of the ingredients.”