The Japanese smelt (Hypomesus nipponensis), also known as wakasagi, is a small, silvery fish native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and parts of China and Russia. Renowned for its delicate flavor, it is a popular target for both commercial and recreational fisheries, especially during winter ice fishing season in Japan. Japan is the leading country in harvesting Japanese smelt, with the species being both wild-caught and widely farmed in lakes and reservoirs across the country. South Korea and China also have significant fisheries for this species, particularly in freshwater lakes and rivers. The fishing industry for Japanese smelt is characterized by traditional methods, such as netting and ice fishing, and supports local economies through direct sales, tourism, and culinary traditions. The species has also been introduced to other regions, such as Taiwan and parts of North America, but Japan remains the primary hub for both production and consumption.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 675 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.