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SOUTH IZU, Shizuoka Prefecture: In Japan, there are many types of seafood, which can be had only at this time of the year. These include Iseebi or spiny lobsters, which are regarded as a seasonal luxury.
Iseebi can be eaten raw, by simply dipping it in soy sauce with a tinge of wasabi - sashimi style.
Junichi Endo, manager, Kyukamura Minami-Izu said: "Such fresh spiny lobsters can be eaten only here, so many are satisfied. They say they wish to return next year for more. With that hope, they go home."
At one hotel, a one-night stay with two meals costs about US$180.
Spiny lobsters can be caught very close to the coast in the south of the Izu peninsula. Just before dawn, fishing boats start pulling their nets. And back on land, the fishermen take special precaution to untangle them.
Kiyoyuki Kikuchi, a fisherman, said: "It is to not damage the lobster. Without this leg, this hind leg, its market value will go down."
A kilogramme of the spiny lobster this season can fetch about US$66.
It is believed that the spiny lobster has been caught and consumed in Japan since ancient times. And Izu Peninsula, especially, has a long tradition. During the past three years, spiny lobster catch has been very good here.
Mr Kikuchi said: "I think it is due to warmer waters of the Izu Peninsula. The southern tip is 1.5 times more. It is 1.5 times more than last year due to the water temperature."
This is good news for consumers, who can indulge in the luxury at a reasonable price.
- CNA/sc
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