Chiba

A Pacific-coast prefecture east of Tokyo whose port of Choshi is one of Japan's most important fishing harbours and a historic canning base, home to more than a dozen canneries at its peak. Tawara Kanzume, founded in Choshi in 1929, is credited with originating canned sanma kabayaki and still packs the local catch under its Choushita label. Choshi's saury, sardine, and mackerel define the regional pack.