【Reading】くじら

【English Name】Whale (Kujira)

A whale (kujira) is a collective term for mammals classified in the infraorder Cetacea, of which about 80 living species are known. They are divided into two groups: toothed whales (Odontoceti), which have teeth, and baleen whales (Mysticeti), which filter-feed using baleen. Among toothed whales, small species of about 5 m or less in total length are called dolphins, but this is not a distinction based on academic classification - merely a customary way of naming.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis has revealed that they form a lineage sharing an ancestor with the hippopotamus. It is presumed that relatives of Pakicetus, which lived on land in South Asia at the start of the Eocene, correspond to the origin of cetaceans.

In Japan there has been a tradition of eating whale since ancient times, and the name "isana" (brave fish) appears in the Manyoshu. Regarding the etymology, Kaibara Ekken, in his 1700 work, presented the theory that it is a corruption of the combination of "ku" (black) and "shira" (white).

As sushi toppings, the red meat and the tail meat (o-no-mi) are used, but distribution volume is limited due to factors such as regulation by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Since few shops serve it as well, it is a fine delicacy to be sure to savor whenever one encounters it.