Hokkaido Ranked Top Sashimi Prefecture by Western and Southern Japan Residents

A survey conducted by VoiceNote and published by Netorabo on August 12, 2026, revealed that 12.4 percent of respondents in the Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa regions selected Hokkaido as the prefecture with the most delicious sashimi.

Regional Preferences Highlight Hokkaido Fisheries

The survey gathered 225 valid votes from residents living across western and southern Japan to evaluate public opinion on raw fish quality. Hokkaido secured the top position in the polling results, outperforming prefectures traditionally recognized for local marine catches. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Japan, and the Okhotsk Sea, Hokkaido benefits from complex underwater terrain and the mixing of warm and cold currents that sustain major fisheries. Production from the region accounts for roughly 30 percent of Japan’s total commercial fishing and aquaculture output, according to Netorabo.

Fukuoka Secures Second Place in Survey

Fukuoka Prefecture finished second in the regional survey with 6.2 percent of the vote. Bordered by the Genkai Sea, Hibiki-nada, Suo-nada, and the Ariake Sea, Fukuoka offers access to fresh marine products distributed through local port morning markets. October catches in the area include juvenile yellowtail known as yazu, flounder, flatfish, and filefish, as reported by Netorabo.

Social Media Reactions to Northern Seafood

Consumers on social media emphasized the distinct appeal of northern seafood markets. Netorabo highlighted user comments describing the quality of regional catches, including supermarkets and fish markets offer a level of transparency and crunchy suction cup textures that are a luxury unique to being there, alongside praise for the potential of local octopus and seafood bowls at Hakodate Morning Market.