Available FRESH or frozen, from Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan!

  • Nordic Catch whole Japanese red sea bream fish package on crushed ice background
  • Red sea bream nigiri sushi held with wooden chopsticks over Nordic Catch branded white plate with dipping sauce and additional sushi in background
  • Japanese red sea bream sashimi over rice in striped porcelain bowl with scallions, ginger, daikon, and sesame seeds on Nordic Catch branded wooden tray with wooden chopsticks
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Nordic Catch

Japanese Red Sea Bream (Madai) - Kagoshima Tai Fillet (1.25 LBS)

Japanese Red Sea Bream (Madai) - Kagoshima Tai Fillet (1.25 LBS)

Our Farmed Kagoshima Madai fillet is authentic Japanese red sea bream, prized for its clean, delicate flavor and firm, refined texture. Raised in the pristine waters of Kagoshima, this sushi-grade fish is a staple in top Japanese kitchens.
$65.00
$65.00
$2.36 oz
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Shipping calculated at checkout.
  • Sushi-Grade seafood, perfect for sashimi or poke!
  • Highly sustainable option, see product description!
  • Available FRESH! May freeze when shipped based on other items in your order.

Our Farmed Kagoshima Madai Fillet features true Japanese red sea bream (Pagrus major), commonly known as madai. In Japan, madai is regarded as the highest-quality sea bream and is valued for its purity of flavor, refined texture, and versatility.

Raised in the carefully managed waters of Kagoshima, this fish benefits from strict aquaculture standards that prioritize water quality, feed control, and slow, balanced growth. The result is a fillet with a clean, lightly sweet profile and firm flesh that holds beautifully when sliced raw or gently cooked.

Often referred to simply as tai in culinary settings, madai is the precise species name used in professional seafood trade and sushi bars to distinguish true Japanese red sea bream from other “snapper” or sea bream varieties.

Why Kagoshima Madai?

Kagoshima is one of Japan’s most respected regions for premium fish farming, known for:

  • Clean coastal waters
  • Rigorous farming standards
  • Consistent, sushi-grade quality
  • Fish raised for texture and flavor—not speed

Madai from Kagoshima is trusted by chefs for its reliability and elegance.

How to Enjoy

Slice thin for sashimi or nigiri

Excellent lightly cured or crudo-style

Performs beautifully steamed or gently pan-seared

Season minimally to highlight its natural sweetness

Product Details

Species: Japanese Red Sea Bream (Madai, Pagrus major)

Also Known As: Tai

Origin: Kagoshima, Japan

Harvest Method: Farmed

Cut: Fillet

Grade: Sushi / Sashimi handling

Condition: Fresh or frozen depending on availability

Packaging: Vacuum sealed

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate or freeze immediately upon arrival

If frozen, thaw slowly under refrigeration

Consume promptly after thawing for best quality

Portion per pack

This Japanese Sea Bream fillet usually weighs 1.3-1.8 LBS

Cooking tips

Skin-On Versatility
This madai fillet is delivered skin-on. The skin can be removed for raw preparations or left on for cooked dishes, depending on how you plan to use it.

For Sashimi & Sushi

Remove the skin before slicing

Use a sharp knife and slice against the grain

Best served chilled with minimal seasoning

Ideal for sashimi, nigiri, and crudo-style preparations

Madai’s firm texture and clean flavor shine when enjoyed raw.

For Pan-Searing (Skin-On)

Pat the skin completely dry

Season lightly with salt

Sear skin-side down in a hot pan with a neutral oil

Press gently to ensure even contact

Cook until the skin is crisp, then finish briefly on the flesh side

Crisped skin adds texture and enhances the fish’s natural sweetness.

For Gentle Cooking

Excellent steamed, poached, or lightly roasted

Cook at moderate heat to preserve moisture

Finish with butter, citrus, or light broth

Avoid overcooking—madai is best when just opaque.

Chef Tip

If you plan to serve both raw and cooked preparations, you can portion the fillet, removing the skin from one section for sashimi and leaving it on the other for searing.

Species Name

Pagrus major

View full details

Japanese Tai for Sushi

FAQ - Japanese Sea Bream (Madai)

What is madai?

Madai is the Japanese term for true red sea bream (Pagrus major), prized for sushi and sashimi.

Is madai the same as tai?

Yes. “Tai” is the general culinary term, while “madai” is the precise species name for true Japanese red sea bream.

Is this suitable for raw consumption?

Yes. This madai is handled specifically for sushi and sashimi preparation.

How does madai compare to snapper?

Madai is firmer, cleaner-tasting, and more refined than most fish sold as “snapper” in the U.S.

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Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 38 reviews.

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Decided it was a good time for Hamachi and looked online to find it here. Overnighted, unfrozen and beautiful. Got both cuts and everybody was loving it. Added some Serrano and kumquat to a few different ponzu sauces. 4 pounds over fed about 8-10 people

American E. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

This hamachi was a standout! It arrived beautifully fresh and had the perfect firm yet buttery texture. We served it simply with soy sauce, fresh wasabi, and a little citrus, and every bite was incredible. I’ll definitely be ordering more!

Amy L. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

First time customer here. Fish was almost 2 yrs old. Max time frozen should be 6mo. Even under one year would have made a huge difference in quality. Edible but had to sear it and it still was old tasting. Very disappointing as I bought for sashimi. I guess I’m still looking for an online supplier for sashimi grade fish.

Lance C. 2/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I have been looking for a good supplier of sashimi grade Salmon and Hamachi. This is the best I have found. I live in a small town, so it is an all-day affair going to eat at a sushi joint. This stuff is off the chart good, no waste, no fishy smell. Will be buying again.

Karl B. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Customer photo review of Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I saw that no one had reviewed this item yet, so I figured, why not? This is the highest quality Japanese yellowtail I’ve ever had, compared most sushi restaurants that I’ve visited! (Not to mention a whole lot cheaper, and I get to meal-prep.) The loins arrived without the bones, so I only had to take the skin off, which was easy. I highly recommend it!

Evelyn K. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

First of all, I have to say the communication was outstanding. From the moment I made the purchase I knew exactly what was going on and when I was getting my fish. I have ordered from other fish companies that have great product but the communication and shipping are poor. Now for the star of the show...the yellowtail. I got both cuts. OMFG!! The fish quality was A+, the weight was correct, I couldn't have been any happier with this purchase. I portioned it out for two nights in a row of sushi and sashimi and vac packed the rest of the portions to the deep freezer. I will certainly be a repeat customer. I wish you guys carried tobiko or masago. I tried adding a picture but it didn't appear to attach.

Calvin S. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

The hamachi was amazing. 4 pounds mare about 8 of us very happy. I would buy again. The $200 cost seems high until you figure what this would cost at a real place.

American E. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I ordered frozen option as I needed to use it several weeks later. Instead, I received fresh and the quality was not near as good and forced me to eat it right away. Also, I had to forgo my plans. They need to bring back the skinned frozen option which is 10x better.

Al O. 3/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Ot arrived very cold, as it was surrounded by sealed ice packs. I did taste it a bit, and oh my its simply divine. I will be reordering it for sure. Make sure you keep them in the freezer as recommended. I give it for freshness 10/10, flavor 10/10, packaging 10/10, delivery 10/10.

Michelle S. 5/5 Verified

Wild Hokkaido Shoyu Ikura (Soy Sauce Marinated Salmon Roe) - 3.5oz tub

This was my first time trying Hamachi and it won't be my last. The texture and the butter rich flavor was exceptional. It was a big hit and I'm glad the piece was a good size, because my guest just loved it. Thanks, Pete.

Peter W. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Ordered both the fresh and frozen. Fresh was about as fresh as it coud be between getting to a market and shipped and was amazing . Was very impressed and the frozen as well, had to be frozen while extremley fresh the bloodline had zero color change for frozen was insanely good for frozen fish. Very pleased with both fresh and frozen yellowtail. Thanks for offering a great product!

George R. 5/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

I put in an order and asked for it to come no later than Thursday as I was going out for the weekend. It did not come in by Thursday It came on Friday and had to sit there all weekend because we were out of town. I was told that they were going to contact Fedex and let us know, still waiting.

Dayan S. 2/5 Verified

Japanese Yellowtail (Hamachi) - Sushi Grade

Store owner replied: Hi Dayan! I’m glad we’ve touched base about your delivery experience. Just to clarify things: Per your email on March 10, you stated “I am in no hurry for the order… Friday delivery would be fine with me”…. Then suddenly you mentioned you were out of town Friday and could not receive the delivery. Delays are an unfortunate event we cannot control. We hope you can try the product as intended and it earns a positive review next time. Cheers, Nordic Catch