Japan Is Making a Bid to Be a Caviar World Power
- After decades of research, first exports set as market expands
- Can take 8 years to raise sturgeon for roe valued at $30,000
japan caviar
Photographer: Akio Kon/BloombergAmid the volcanic peaks and hot springs of southern Japan, something fishy is happening: caviar.
And not just any caviar. This roe -- kilogram upon kilogram of it -- is the result of an aquaculture experiment that began with sturgeon imported from the Soviet Union three decades ago. Now, for the first time, the eggs prized as a delicacy around the world are about to be shipped overseas to compete with the Russian and Iranian caviar that dominate the high-end market.