Japan Airlines (JAL), JALUX, and the Royal Norwegian Embassy’s Seafood Section air-shipped Norwegian mackerel branded “Saba Nouveau” to Japan.
First imported in September 2021, this year marks the fifth season. These in-season Norwegian mackerel are nutrient-dense, with a fat content of about 30% and weighing 500 grams or more.
The initial shipment arrived on September 19 on flight JL42 from London/Heathrow to Tokyo/Haneda. To coincide with the arrival, the “Norwegian Seafood Fest 2025” will be held at Tokyo Solamachi from September 19 to 21, offering 1,800 free servings of “Norwegian Salmon BBQ Skewers” and “Norwegian Salmon Sushi,” and 3,200 free servings of “Saba Nouveau Charcoal Grill” and “Saba Nouveau Sushi.” Furthermore, “Kamakura Saba Nouveau Week 2025,” with participation from 25 mass retailers and restaurants in Kamakura, will take place from September 27 to October 13.
In addition, Saba Nouveau will be sold and served at mass retailers such as Summit, York Foods, Ito-Yokado, Motomachi Union, Keikyu Store, and Tsuruya Foodie One, as well as restaurants such as SABAR and Uoriki. Thanks to ultra-rapid freezing technology, “Saba Nouveau Sushi” suitable for raw consumption will also be available.
On JAL’s domestic First Class, “Miso Yūan-style Grilled Mackerel” will be served as a breakfast entrée on Tokyo/Haneda arrival flights from September 21 to 30. Applicable routes are Tokyo/Haneda arrivals (with some exceptions) and the Osaka/Itami–Okinawa/Naha route.
This year, for the first time, JAL’s international Business Class will also serve “Grilled Mackerel with Wakayama Mikan Pepper” from October 1 through November 30. Applicable routes are departures from Osaka/Kansai to Bangkok and Los Angeles.
