India, Sept. 15 -- Norwegian mackerel has returned to Japan as the first catch of the 2026 season arrives in Tokyo, coinciding with the Norway Seafood Festival. The 'Saba Nouveau' mackerel was flown fresh from Norway to Japan on September 11, marking the sixth year of the seasonal seafood tradition.

Inspired by the French Beaujolais Nouveau tradition of celebrating the first wines of a new vintage, Saba Nouveau highlights the arrival of Norway's premium mackerel at the start of its peak season. The initiative is supported by Japan Airlines and JALUX, which facilitate the fresh delivery to Tokyo.

The seasonal mackerel is harvested between August and November, when Atlantic mackerel migrate into Norwegian waters after months of feeding. D...