【Reading】あまくちしょうゆ

【English Name】Sweet Soy Sauce

Amakuchi shoyu (sweet soy sauce), prized for its mellow sweetness, is a seasoning born in Kyushu and western Japan, made by combining koikuchi (dark) soy sauce with mirin and sugar. "Amakuchi sashimi shoyu," prepared for use with sashimi, has become especially established within the Kyushu region and is deeply woven into the local dining table.

Fundokin Shoyu, headquartered in Usuki City, Oita Prefecture, boasts one of the largest production scales in Kyushu and turns out a varied lineup of sweet dark soy sauces.

The major conveyor-belt sushi chain Hama Sushi installs "Kansai-style sweet soy sauce" at its stores across western Japan. "Kyushu amakuchi sashimi shoyu" is placed on the table at all stores nationwide, without regional difference. Paired with the gentle savoriness of white-fleshed fish or squid, the sweetness of the ingredient is brought out all the more, making it well suited as a sushi seasoning.

In the Kanto region, where koikuchi soy sauce is central, the penetration of sweet soy sauce is low. However, as a result of its introduction by nationwide chains, the opportunities to taste it are steadily increasing.