This might be the first time that a fish is getting acupuncture. Japanese tunas are given samba-dancing lessons, their choicest beef herds are treated to daily massages and now, in an effort to produce the most delicious sushi in the world, Japanese tunas are to be given acupuncture. It is said that the company in Osaka that patented the technique claimed that calm tuna thrashed about less in their death throes. Once the fish have received the brief treatment the blood becomes purer and the flesh has a better flavour.
Toshiro Urabe, the president of the Osakana Planning Company, said that the tuna do not need to be dosed with chemicals to keep them tasting fresh during transportation. He added that the acupuncture can be used on bream and the company plans to begin testing it on salmon. According to Urabe the acupuncture would give Japanese fishermen a chance to compete in the markets and their catch an added value.
It was first exhibited at the International Japan Seafood Show but where the needles are inserted remains a secret. As the demand for sushi has increased so the fishing of tunas and the markets have become more stiff and competitive. The touch of acupuncture is just a market gimmick to ahead with an edge.
