first bonito of the season
Refers to the early-season bonito, prized for its lean, firm flesh and considered a seasonal delicacy in early summer.
This year's first bonito is rich and delicious.
When the first bonito appears in markets, I feel the arrival of early summer.
Refers to bonito caught in autumn when it returns south, known for its higher fat content, contrasting with the leaner early-season 初鰹.
Standard kanji spelling.
Search-only katakana form.
Uncommon variant using 松魚 for かつお.
Compound of 初 (hatsu, 'first') and 鰹 (katsuo, 'bonito'), referring to the first bonito catch of the season.