Large shipments of eels from Taiwan began arriving Wednesday to meet a surge in demand created by a centuries-old custom of eating eel at the height of summer, Narita airport officials said.
According to Japan Asia Airways, an affiliate of Japan Airlines, which operates special cargoes of eels from Taiwan between June and August, 5,000 tons of eel -- an estimated 30 million -- are expected to be imported. That's about 50 percent more than last year.
Importers said prices are likely to be cheaper than last year.
The eels imported from Taiwan are packaged to be prepared in the usual "kabayaki" method, in which they are charcoal broiled and flavored with teriyaki sauce.
Eels are traditionally eaten in Japan during an 18-day period at the height of summer.