Eel has been chosen as Japan’s ‘Dish of the Year’ for 2024, reflecting its growing appeal among inbound tourists and innovations in sustainability amid declining catches, according to Gurunavi Inc., a restaurant search website operator.
The dish’s rise in popularity is partly due to advancements in processing technology, which have made eel more accessible in everyday meals, including onigiri rice balls. Gurunavi noted that eel, traditionally reserved for special occasions, is now a more frequent part of the Japanese diet.
Japan is also making strides in eel sustainability. Researchers are working to develop a complete aquaculture process, where eels are raised from eggs and artificially inseminated to produce the next generation.
“We want people to enjoy eels in various forms in daily life, while being aware of the importance of natural eels as a resource,” a Gurunavi official said in early December.
Japanese craft gin took second place in the rankings. The global recognition of domestically distilled gin is growing, with regions across Japan developing unique flavors. Gurunavi pointed out that these gins are gaining increasing international attention.
Meanwhile, premium ramen noodles earned the “Inbound Award,” reflecting their rising popularity among international visitors. The recent depreciation of the yen has made ramen an affordable yet high-quality dining option for tourists. Many ramen shops are distinguishing themselves by enhancing ingredients, noodles, and broths, with some offering reservations or priority entry, Gurunavi added.
The company selects its “Dish of the Year” based on search data from its website and survey results.