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INATORI, Shizuoka Prefecture: Kinmedai, which literally means gold eyed fish, is highly sought for by fishermen on Japan's pacific coast, particularly along the Izu Peninsula.
Shimoda City, at the tip of Izu Peninsula, prides itself on having the biggest catch in Japan. Fishing boats from as far as Kyushu in southern Japan travel hundreds of kilometres for the fish.
The fish can be enjoyed in several ways. It is most commonly simmered in Mirin and Sake, making the flesh soft and juicy.
Inatori Fishing Port is one of the famous areas in Izu for Kinmedai or Splendid Alfonsino. But it is only in recent years the fish has been consumed as sashimi.
It is possible to serve the fish as sashimi here, because it can be caught close to the port.
Tokuzomaru Restaurant by the port came up with another way to serve the fish - fresh Shabu-Shabu style.
Yuka Kikuchi, manager, Tokuzomaru Restaurant said: "Kinmedai is in season from December until March. It is during the cold period. It is especially fatty and good."
Kinmedai fishing is believed to have quite a recent history - thanks to the development of deepwater fishing. However, this season has not been a good one for the local fishermen.
Tsutomu Okazaki, member of Inatori Fisheries Cooperative said: "The speed of the current could be too fast. The current too muddy or too clear would have an impact, I think".
On an average, the fish fetches about US$90 a kilogramme. But this year, the price has tripled - making it a headache for local restaurants and hotels.
With the economy not out of the woods yet, customers are cautious about ordering the pricey delicacy.
- CNA/sc
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