Sakura-ebi is a tiny shrimp found only in Suruga Bay at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The shrimp, which has been called "the ruby of the sea", is just 4 centimeters long but packed with umami and a sweet fragrance, and is a spring treat in Japan. Join us and discover how fishermen and conservationists work to fish sakura-ebi sustainably, and how it is eaten in a variety of delicious springtime recipes.

Think of the word "sardine", and your first association is likely an unappetizing can of preserved fish. But in Japan, the sardine is eaten fresh and used in a variety of delicious sashimi and sushi dishes. In this episode of Trails to Tsukiji, we'll discover how the sardine is enjoyed in both local fishing towns and upscale Japanese restaurants. Plus, we'll hop on a ship and take a first-hand look at the dynamic process of sardine fishing.

This time, we put the spotlight on the Japanese spice sansho. The intense spiciness of sansho is enough to numb one's tongue, but unlike normal pepper, it actually comes from a citrus fruit. The refreshing aroma of the spice has made it a popular ingredient for desserts in recent years. Join us as we learn the best ways to incorporate this unique Japanese spice into a meal directly from sansho producers.