Consumers are increasingly shunning high-priced fish and opting for lower-priced fare and imported fish as deflation hits the sluggish economy. Japan was once the world's top catcher of fish but has been overtaken by China because catches of popular fish such as sardines and mackerel have decreased due to international fishing regulations and overfishing.
In addition, yellowtail and other expensive fish varieties are coming down in price amid a drop in demand from Japanese-style and specialized restaurants.
Japan caught 12.8 million tons of fish in 1984 but the amount has since fallen, totaling 6.35 million tons last year. Imported fishery products came to 3.54 million tons, making them a common sight on Japanese tables.